The success of #Umushyikirano2024 in digital dialogue for national development during the 19th National Dialogue Council, underscored the nation's adept use of digital platforms.

Umushyikirano, a homegrown initiative, emphasized the exchange of ideas and experiences among Rwandans and friends of Rwanda. #Umushyikirano2024 witnessed an unprecedented surge in digital engagement, with diverse content shared on multiple platforms. The forum addressed critical national issues, focusing on development, unity, and youth empowerment, providing a platform for Rwandans to discuss matters of national importance.

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Participants from overseas and rural locations played a crucial role in the dynamic discussions of Umushyikirano, using a diverse array of communication channels such as social media, SMS, live television, and radio broadcasts. Notably, the digital footprint of this year's forum, fueled by the active engagement of the youth, reached remarkable levels.

Brand24 metrics measured the impact, revealing that the official hashtag #Umushyikirano2024 garnered significant attention with a staggering 13,024 mentions across various platforms. This digital conversation resonated with an estimated 1,051,174 individuals from January 23 to 24, showcasing an extraordinary surge of +32857% in social media reach.

This substantial increase in social media reach underscores the effectiveness of #Umushyikirano2024 in creating a meaningful and expansive online presence. The statistics not only reflect the wide-ranging influence of the forum but also highlight the considerable resonance it achieved among diverse audiences. The active participation of the youth, who emerged as key contributors to the digital dialogue, played an essential role in uplifting Umushyikirano to new heights of engagement and visibility.

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The diversity of communication channels employed by remote participants underscores the inclusivity of Umushyikirano, accommodating various preferences and technological access points. The comprehensive approach, encompassing both traditional and modern communication methods, facilitated a widespread and inclusive dialogue on critical national issues.

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In essence, the Brand24 metrics illuminate the profound impact of Umushyikirano 2024 in leveraging digital platforms to amplify its message. The statistics not only quantify the extent of the online engagement but also signify the forum's ability to resonate with a diverse and widespread audience. The surge in social media reach, particularly driven by the energetic involvement of the youth, attests to Umushyikirano's success in fostering a vibrant and inclusive digital dialogue on matters of national importance.

The enthusiastic participation in the digital dialogue exemplifies the influential role of social media in fostering inclusive discussions on national matters. According to Brand24, platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube emerged as key channels for sharing Umushyikirano-related content, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of the digital conversation.

According to the fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census in 2022, 64% of the population aged 10 and above access the internet. The majority accessed it at home, with variations across provinces.

The positive influence of social media in nurturing dialogue and involving a broad audience in discussions of national significance cannot be emphasized enough. The digital discourse surrounding Umushyikirano 2024 vividly illustrates the inherent potential of digital platforms to function as inclusive spaces for dialogue and engagement, especially among the dynamic and vibrant youth demographic.

By leveraging social media, Rwanda tapped into a powerful tool for promoting national development and progress. The digital engagement surrounding Umushyikirano 2024 highlights the transformative potential of social media in sharing perspectives and driving meaningful conversations on critical national issues, ultimately contributing to Rwanda's development and progress.

Rwanda's surging internet landscape

In Rwanda, mobile cellular telephones and the Internet have become the predominant methods of communication. With over 80% of the population having access to a mobile phone, this significant increase in mobile phone penetration over the past decade has had a profound impact on communication and connectivity within the country.

The widespread use of mobile phones permitted more efficient communication, bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas. This has improved overall access to communication and information, contributing to a positive impact on the country's development.

In addition to mobile phones, the use of the internet has seen significant growth in Rwanda. Government efforts to improve internet infrastructure and accessibility led to increased internet penetration, providing greater access to information, education, entertainment, and opportunities for e-commerce and online communication.

The level of use of mobile phones and the internet in Rwanda is a crucial indicator of the country's progress in technological advancement and digital inclusion. This widespread adoption contributed to an enhanced level of awareness and connectivity among the general population, empowering individuals and communities to stay informed, connected, and engaged in the digital world.

The widespread use of mobile phones and the internet in Rwanda had a positive impact on communication, connectivity, and access to information, contributing significantly to the country's development and progress in the digital age.

The writer is a digital strategist.