Paula Musoni, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, met with Japan’s newly appointed ambassador to Kigali, Nakajo Kazuya, to discuss strengthening digital cooperation between the two nations, the Rwandan ICT Ministry announced on X on February 14, 2026.
The talks focused on expanding existing partnerships and exploring new avenues, particularly in human capital development and strategic sectors such as data science and artificial intelligence (AI). These areas are central to Rwanda’s national digital transformation strategy, aimed at positioning Kigali as a leading innovation hub in East Africa.
Rwanda is leveraging technology to enhance economic competitiveness, attract investment, and modernize public services. Between 2013 and 2023, the country attracted nearly $820 million in foreign direct investment, bolstered by partnerships with global tech companies including Oracle, Starlink, and Cisco.
For Japan, the engagement aligns with its broader economic and technological diplomacy in Africa, highlighting expertise in robotics, AI, and digital engineering. The collaboration could lead to new training programs, knowledge transfers, and academic or industrial partnerships, further supporting Rwanda’s smart city and industrial transformation goals.
