Rwanda and Israel on Friday, November 27, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which seeks to boost Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and innovation sector.
According to Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, the partnership will enable both countries to learn from each other different solution-oriented tech-based practices.
She said: "The leading innovations that Israel has are in the areas of health, agriculture and many others, and we look forward to borrowing some of these innovations that transform our country and citizens.”
"Israel is also known for its quality skills in the technology and innovation sector, and under this agreement we will build the much-needed skills in this sector,” she added.
Some of the specific areas that the MoU will advance include telecommunication, cybersecurity, space technology and artificial intelligence.
However, according to Minister Ingabire, with time, the accord will promote other areas as well.
"This is the beginning of the many other partnerships that we are going to see happening between Israel and Rwanda. As we get into this partnership, we will continue to scope out some of the capabilities that are needed within our industry and find ways that we can strengthen and build them further,” she highlighted.
Yoaz Hendel, Israel’s Minister of Communication noted that Israel is delighted to share best technological practices with Rwanda.
He said: "Israel is glad and ready to share advanced technologies with Rwanda. This MoU deals with subjects that we in Israel deal with daily; optic fibres, 5G network, IoT (Internet of Things) and many others.”
"The best part of our new agreement is that it will ensure that citizens of both countries get new opportunities and share ideas to reach their full potentials,” he added.
Key events to the growing partnership
One of the key events that fostered the good relationship that was already existing between Rwanda and Israel include the historic visit of Israel’s Prime Minister to Rwanda in 2016.
During the same year, both countries signed three bilateral agreements in areas of innovation, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, and joint declaration in the field of agriculture, as ground for future partnerships.
A year later, President Paul Kagame also visited the middle-eastern country.
In April 2019, Israel officially launched its embassy in Kigali, with the aim to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Two months later, the national carrier RwandAir inaugurated direct flights from Kigali to Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic and technology hub.
Another milestone in the relationship between the two countries was witnessed on Thursday, November 26, when Israeli private airline company, Israir, made its maiden flight to Rwanda, at the Kigali International Airport.
Other key sectors of cooperation between both countries include security, agriculture, and education among others.