The central Role of the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)

Established under the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwanda Information Society Authority “RISA” is a public institution established in 2017, governed by the Presidential Order N° 077/01 of 09/12/2022. RISA derives from the former IT Department of Rwanda Development Board, RDB. Currently, it is an affiliated institution to the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.

RISA plays a critical role in the development of Rwanda's ICT sector and is focused on promoting the use of ICTs to drive socio-economic development and improve the lives of Rwandans.

RISA has been put in place to be at the forefront of all ICT projects’ implementation and streamline research, infrastructures, and innovation within the ICT sector. Furthermore, RISA oversees the implementation of Smart Rwanda Master Plan initiatives.

RISA has the mission of digitising the Rwandan society through increased usage of Information and Communication Technologies and innovation technology as a cross-cutting enabler for the development of the other sectors spearheading Rwanda’s digital and social economic transformation.

Rwanda Information Society Authority is mandated to coordinate the implementation of projects that deliver information and communication technology services, this is done through supporting government institutions to deliver their ICT initiatives to be accessed by the institution workers and the citizens. RISA is also in charge of digitising government services and ensures that they are easily accessed by the citizens.

Rwanda Information Society Authority is headed by the Chief Executive Officer and two deputies: Government Chief Information Officer and Government Chief Innovation Officer.

RISA’s responsibilities include:

(a) to participate in initiating and implementing national Information and Communication Technologies policies and programs in order to fast-track socio-economic growth;

(b) to implement strategies which expand the access and affordability of Information and Communication Technologies infrastructures and services;

(c) to accelerate community development through mainstreaming Information and Communication Technologies in national socio-economic sectors;

(d) to prepare and coordinate programs that increase the required skills in the field of Information and Communication Technology in order to achieve a knowledge based economy;

(e) to establish and strengthen innovation programs in Information and Communication Technology;

(f) to coordinate the implementation of projects and digitization initiatives that deliver Information and Communication Technology services;

(g) to cooperate and collaborate with national, regional and international institutions with a similar mission;

(h) to coordinate national Information and Communication Technology procurement for commonly procured Information and Communication Technology goods and services;

(i) to advise Government on all activities which can fast track the development of Information and Communication Technology;

(j) to provide technical assistance related to Information and Communication Technology as needed in public institutions;

(k) to promote use of public key Infrastructure based technology in order to ensure authenticity, data integrity, confidentiality and accountability;

(l) to promote and enhance general Information and Communication Technology knowledge, sensitization and awareness and Emerging Technologies;

(m) to establish necessary Information and Communication Technology guidelines and Blueprints based on national, regional and international principles and monitor their implementation;

(n) to recruit and deploy Information and Communication Technology Staff in public organs;

(o) to perform any other responsibility, which is not contrary to its mission, as may be assigned by law or by competent organs.