In this year’s Global Cybersecurity Index report, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has ranked Rwanda in the first tier in Global Cybersecurity, with the country scoring 95-100 per cent.

Rwanda is grouped with 45 other countries, a category reserved for "Role Model” nations that demonstrate the ideals of all five cybersecurity pillars, according to ITU.

Five of the 46 are African countries namely; Rwanda, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. They are ranked in the same tier as global leaders such as Japan, the United States, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

"The Global Cybersecurity Index is a trusted benchmark that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level,” ITU said in a statement on Thursday, September 12.

Rwanda’s placement in the first tier is a testament to the government’s dedication to building a secure and safe cyberspace, according to analysts. "Cybersecurity is crucial for a country’s development and economic prosperity, providing protection from dangers in today’s digital world," said one Kigali-based techonology expert.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke on the importance of ensuring security in the digital world in an earlier statement, noting that "the progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus our efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cybersecurity threats in today's increasingly complex digital landscape."

Eraste Rurangwa, of Rwanda's National Cyber Security Authority, reiterated the importance of the milestone.

He said that, while the development "reflects the government’s commitment to building a secure cyberspace, there is a need to remain vigilant , cognisant of the complex and evolving nature of today cyber threats."

" All must stay vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated challenges, particularly in the age of threats powered by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence," Rurangwa said.

The ranking is a reflection of Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing digital security challenges and its commitment to fostering a secure cyberspace for its citizens and businesses, he added.

As Rwanda continues to advance its digital transformation agenda, he noted, "this recognition serves as both a milestone and a reminder of the ongoing need for robust cybersecurity measures."