Signing of MoU between RITA and Private Sector Federation

A meeting on signing of a Memorandum of understanding ( MoU) was organized on 9th august 2007 at Telecom House. This MoU was between Rwanda Information Technology Authority ( RITA) and Private Sector Federation ( PSF). This MoU aims at establishing mechanisms where PSF and RITA can work together to realise the implementation of Private Sector Related Projects within the NICI II. This will also include other Private Sector initiatives that relate to the Development of ICTs in the Private Sector.

This meeting was graced by the speeches of the heads of the two institutions. Mr Nkubito Bakuramutsa the RITA Executive Director who informed the participants that RITA has embarked on a mission to make the Rwandan vision of transforming its economy from an agro to a knowledge based economy a reality. He further emphasized that to achieve this mission; the Private sector will play a role in the participation and development of the ICT and service sectors by facilitating the development of a competitive ICT industry.

According to Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, the Secretary General of PSF, they have a responsibility of promoting and representing the interests of the Rwandan business community through lobbying and advocacy. They also provide timely and relevant business development services that lead to sustainable private sector led economic growth and development. He advised that the ICT industry like other fields, should join their forces in order to be able to compete with other regional companies in ICT. This will also enable exporting Rwandan knowledge in ICT.

The MoU which was signed in the presence of delegates from the two parties is a framework of partnership between RITA and PSF to exchange their respective expertise to partner in undertaking projects, programmes and activities aimed at achieving their respective missions regarding the promotion of the development of the private sector in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Also the two parties committed to jointly identify, encourage and support private investors to invest and develop the ICT sector especially in the underserved rural community. The modalities to realize this shall be identified and agreed upon by both parties. PSF and RITA agreed to exchange information on private sector development matters that are relevant to the development of the ICT private sector as well as the adoption and usage of ICT by private sector companies especially small and medium enterprises.

The initiator of this noble partnership was the eRwanda Project which will also facilitate the penetration of ICTs in rural areas by providing mobile internet vans which will deliver ICT services forexemple internet, telephone, fax, photocopying etc to even the most remote areas.