The Executive Vice President of Korea Telecom (KT) Kim Hansuk yesterday pledged his company’s support for the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Rwanda.

Speaking shortly after paying a visit to President Paul Kagame at State House, Kiyovu, Kim  said; "There is government leadership showcasing a project and we are honoured to be trusted to push the project forward”.

The KT vice president was in the country since Thursday and left yesterday. During his visit, he signed a US$38 million (Frw21 billion) deal with the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) to build a fiber optic backbone across the country.

Speaking about his meeting with Kagame, Kim  said that the President indicated greater interest in the project and the KT/Rwanda partnership going forward to elevate ICT in the country. He added that KT is willing to provide assistance in any way possible.

"It is our duty to live up to the expectations,” he stated.

Kim revealed that his visit to the country aimed to nourish KT’s partnership with the Rwandan government with the view of developing the ICT industry.

He further expressed his company’s willingness to explore more opportunities in Rwanda and the region: "We look forward to additional opportunities here and in sub-Saharan Africa”.

The Minister in the office of the President in Charge of ICT, Professor Romain Murenzi who also attended the meeting, said that KT will be required to provide technology, equipment and training to Rwandans to manage the fibre optic network. 

Murenzi revealed that the project is expected to transform ICT in the country. He said that fibre optic network will to cover 2,300 kilometres across the country and will be completed within a year.

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