Samsung signs deal with Rwanda Government
The partnership between the Rwanda Government and Samsung Electronics is expected to play a key role in bridging the country's digital divide in the fast growing country while boosting its Vision 2020 long term economic and social development plan.
First for Africa
With the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Samsung and the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Youth and Information Communication and Technology, Rwanda, becomes the first African state to make a concrete commitment and step forward in adopting Samsung e-Government solutions to aid in efficient service delivery.
Among the MoU highlights will be efforts to collaborate in education and job creation development, youth leadership, consumer electronic devices and mobile applications development programmes featuring the Samsung Smart Government Solutions. The MoU may also see Rwanda adopting customised Samsung solutions such as a Solar Powered Internet School (SPIS).
Exploring avenues
Speaking in Kigali, during the signing ceremony which was preceded by a stakeholders workshop comprising of all stakeholders in the country's ICT sector which include Education, Health and Justice among other government Institutions, Rwanda's Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana who presided over the workshop confirmed that the government of Rwanda is exploring feasible avenues to guide its e-Government solutions rollout.
The signing of the agreement, Nsengimana explained is, but the first step, towards ensuring that the Rwanda government is well positioned to adopt Samsung's patented solutions on the Education, Healthcare, Security, and e-Governance.
"The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Ministry of Youth and ICT and Samsung Electronics is aimed at enhancing productivity, reducing costs and allowing ministries in the Rwandan government to deliver new and better services to citizens," Nsengimana explained.
Delivering new and better services
He added: "We are looking forward to working with Samsung Electronics in achieving Rwanda's Vision 2020 of transforming the country into a middle income country and more specifically to develop access to ICT down to the administrative sector level."
According to the latest report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Rwanda is among the most dynamic developing countries in terms of ICT.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Samsung Electronics East Africa managing director, Jong Oh Lee said, "This strategic ICT partnership with the Rwandan Government will ensure a continued multiplier effect on economic growth as Samsung has gained extensive understanding and insight in all areas of government service."
He added that, Samsung is able to bring in its support to realise this vision, by provision of information and technology solutions that will not only keep to a minimum the implementation costs, but also assist in streamlining the day-to-day operational procedures.