The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in partnership with volunteers from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), yesterday, launched a digital library to be used in all the 30 business development centres, countrywide.

Physical libraries at telecentres will be equipped with Samsung Galaxy Tablet computers which enhance a suitable way of accessing information.

Patrick Nyirishema, the Head of ICT at RDB said that e-library is one of the projects the government has earmarked for implementation this financial year.

"We shall build on this support from Korea by setting up a better digital library that will be a repository of  books, papers, theses, images, sound files and videos  for educational institutions and the general public,” he added.

The e-library information will be accessed on the internet domain www.elibraryrwanda.org  managed by RDB and KOICA volunteers.

According to Lee Sangan,  the Volunteers’ Program Manager at Rwanda’s KOICA office, his agency chose the digital library because the country is focused on Information Communication Technology (ICT).

"This e-library project will be one of the model collaborations on ICT with KOICA and RDB. We want to computerise Rwanda’s rural areas with a high level of ICT development,” he said.

Sangan stated that they would equip each telecentre with 30 tablet PCs so as to create an environment for developing digital contents.

Clare Akamanzi, RDB’s Chief Operating Officer hailed KOICA volunteers for their support towards making the e-library website a success.

"This will facilitate other areas such as promotion of online businesses and tourism,” Akamanzi noted.

The digital library project is expected to impact the development of a knowledge based economy in the country.

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