Government to deliver services online

The government and Ngali Holdings, a Rwandan company, have entered into an agreement to implement “RwandaOnline” – a platform that will make government services accessible on the internet and mobile devices.

Thursday, April 24, 2014
People at Amahoro National Stadium waiting to sit for driving permits exams. (File)

The government and Ngali Holdings, a Rwandan company, have entered into an agreement to implement "RwandaOnline” – a platform that will make government services accessible on the internet and mobile devices.

The project will bridge the gap of access to information for both the public and businesses, as well as improve public service delivery through the digitalisation of services, according to a statement from Rwanda Development Board.

"This platform will be the single service delivery portal for all government ministries and agencies, providing citizens and businesses with efficient services. The digitalisation of services allows for transparent service delivery, decreased cycle times through elimination of non-value adding processes and reduced operational costs through elimination of manual processes,” Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Minister for Youth and ICT said.

"For our country to transform into a knowledge-based economy, technology continues to be an important driver of growth and productivity. Rwanda Online will improve efficiency in service delivery.”

The minister said the project will help transform Rwanda into a digital economy and increase its competitiveness.

"This will increase the accountability of the Government while delivering services but, most importantly, queuing for services and all other hurdles citizens and businesses encounter while applying for a service will soon become history,” the minister added.

More than 100 services commonly sought by citizens will be accessed online, including birth, marriage and death certificates, driving licenses, land registration, trading licenses, application for replacement of national identification card, registration of citizens among others, according to the ministry.

Andrew Nyamvumba, the Chief Executive Officer of Ngali Holdings, said: "As a Rwandan company, we are thrilled to lead an IT project that will transform the way citizens and businesses interact with the government.”

"The opportunities this platform will bring to the private sector are endless – extending from software development to IT infrastructure to digital services in rural areas. We could not be more proud of this partnership with Government,” Nyamvumba added.

The partnership is a an expression of government’s commitment to developing partnerships with local companies since they are better placed to develop innovative, homegrown solutions that address local challenges, according to minister Nsengimana.