President Paul Kagame, was this week presented with the ‘Committed to Connecting the World Awards’, at the 2008 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council High level segment, meeting, held in Geneva, in recognition of his support for ICT development in Rwanda. 

Burkina Faso’s President, Blaise Compoare, also received the same award. According to ITU secretary general Hamadoun Toure, Kagame and Compoare have devoted enormous time and resources to help extend ICT access within their nations and have promoted the benefits of these technologies to leaders and decision-makers around the world.

We recognise from Kagame’s award that the commitment of any country’s leadership is the most important step in its road-map towards transformation.

By committing much of his efforts towards the development of ICT in Rwanda, Kagame is clearly determined to see his people achieve social –economic transformation, through information technology.

All in line with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a continental IT hub. Already, internet connections around the country are moving fast and soon every village will be connected to the country’s cities and towns.

Going further, the One Laptop per Child scheme, means high IT literacy among primary and secondary school going children. Without doubt, this symbolises a visionary leader who seeks practical solutions for his peoples needs.

A leader who supports the development of ICT is in effect developing the human resource base of his country. It is widely acknowledged that the greatest resource of any country is its human resources.

Hence in seeking to transform Rwanda’s human resource base, Kagame is doing what has eluded many – make them IT literate.

And in this, Rwandans are challenged to take advantage of this vision, become IT literate, and compete with the rest of the fast connected globalised world.

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