For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In a communiqué dated 20 April 2023, the Cabinet of Rwanda approved the national AI policy (the “AI Policy”).1
The AI Policy references the ‘Guidelines on the Ethical Development and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence’, developed by RURA and published in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) (the “AI Guidelines”).
Following the release of the AI Policy, MINICT worked with partners to develop the ‘AI Readiness and Maturity Framework for Rwanda’.2
Definitions of AI
While the country has made strides in AI governance, including by launching the AI Policy, it has yet to establish a formal definition of AI.
The Rwanda Fintech Strategy 2022-20273 cites IBM’s definition of AI as follows:
At its simplest form, artificial intelligence is a field, which combines computer science and robust datasets, to enable problem-solving. It also encompasses sub-fields of machine learning and deep learning, which are frequently mentioned in conjunction with artificial intelligence. These disciplines are comprised of AI algorithms which seek to create expert systems which make predictions or classifications based on input data.
Core Principles
While the country has made strides in AI governance, we have not identified any formal statement of AI principles based on a review of publicly available documentation. In particular, we have not accessed the AI Guidelines.
Public Consultations
It is reported that development of the AI Policy involved workshops with participation of over 120 stakeholders, including the private and public sectors, academia, and civil society.4
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Rwanda5
- Vision 20506
- National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) 2017-20247
- ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2018-2024)8
- Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, dated 20209
- Smart Rwanda 2020 Master Plan10
- Smart City Rwanda Masterplan11
- National Data Revolution Policy, dated April 201712
- The National Broadband Policy and Strategy, dated October 202213
- National Cyber Security Policy, dated March 201514
- National Cyber Security Strategic Plan, dated March 201515
- Rwanda Fintech Strategy 2022-202716
- ICT Hub Strategy 202417
- National Digital Talent Policy, dated June 201618
- Competition and Consumer Protection Policy19
- Rwanda Child Online Protection Policy, dated June 201920
- Information and Communication Technologies Law (Law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016)21
- Electronic Messages, Electronic Signatures and Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 18/2010 of 12/05/2010)22
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 058/2021 of 13/10/2021)23
- Cybercrimes Law (Law 60/2018 of 22/08/2018)24
- Cybersecurity Regulation (Regulation No. 010/R/CRCSI/RURA/020 of 29/05/2020)25
- Competition and Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 36/2012 of 21/09/2012)26
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Rwanda has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Rwanda includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.27 Article 23 guarantees the right to privacy (protection from interference with privacy of the person and their family, home or correspondence; inviolability of the home; and confidentiality of correspondence and communication). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 12), equality (Article 15), non-discrimination (Article 16), education (Article 20), health (Article 21), employment (Article 30), and freedom of expression (Article 38). Rwanda has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Rwanda has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT)28
- National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)29
- Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)30
- Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA)31
- Data Protection Office (DPO)32
- National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA)33
- Rwanda Standards Board (RSB)34
- Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA)35
- National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)36
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
Multi-stakeholder initiatives in Rwanda have driven many of the strides in furtherance of AI governance. Notable examples include development of the AI Policy by MINICT and RURA in collaboration with GIZ FAIR Forward, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda (C4IR Rwanda) and The Future Society (TFS).37 In addition, MINICT, C4IR Rwanda, and GIZ Fair Forward collaborated again to develop the AI Readiness and Maturity Framework, which aims to evaluate Rwanda's readiness for implementing the AI Policy.38
The Transformative Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Lab (TAIRI Lab) at University of Rwanda is a beneficiary of Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D), a partnership funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.39
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
