The government has exported public finance management and digital service delivery projects to Chad, Eswatini, and Guinea-Conakry according to Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI). Established in 2018 and operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, RCI is dedicated to sharing Rwanda’s experience and expertise with partner countries in the Global South and beyond The export of digital projects is part of several Memoranda of Understanding signed with African countries to share best practices. Below are five digital projects which Rwanda has exported to three West African countries. 1. Integrated Financial Management Information System in Chad Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) contributes to Rwanda's financial accountability and efficient service delivery. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning partnered with its counterpart in Chad through an MoU to facilitate this exchange. The project, coordinated by RCI, has been deployed in 63 ministries, 23 regions, and the treasury in Chad, training 1,441 users in the process. It supports human resource management, payroll management, planning and budgeting management, and treasury and payment management, accounting and reporting management. ALSO READ: Rwanda targets $200mn in new financial technology investments 2. eTax System Since 2015, Rwanda has mandated electronic tax filing and payments, leading to a streamlined and digitized economy. Between 2022 and 2024, the government implemented an integrated tax management system in Chad, including taxpayer registration, electronic filing, and payments, as well as tax control, audits, and appeals management. This system, integrated with IFMIS, customs systems, and Electronic Billing Machines (EBMs), was further connected to eight banks and two telecom providers. The initiative trained 1,201 users and enhanced tax reporting and analytics capabilities. ALSO READ: Understanding centralised taxes in Rwanda We integrated e-tax with IFMIS, EBM, and customs systems. We also integrated it with eight banks and two telecoms. We trained and supported 1,201 users, noted Jean de Dieu Rurangirwa, an entrepreneur, implementing the project on behalf of the government. 3. Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system The Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system was also piloted in Chad. It included EBM registration, items management, sales management, refund management, as well as stock management. ALSO READ: RRA launches nationwide campaign to promote EBM usage The EBM was integrated with the e-tax system and has been piloted in 61 companies. Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) was launched in Rwanda in 2013 to respond to challenges in fiscal issues and revenue collection, believing to have an increase in taxes and improving services rendered to the taxpayers. 4. E-procurement system in Guinea-Conakry In 2014, the Rwandan government created its own e-procurement system, and began the process of becoming the first nation in Africa to experience the benefits of using technology to cut costs and improve transparency The E-procurement system was introduced in Guinea-Conakry under the support of Rwanda. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Rwanda, Guinea sign 12 cooperation agreements The system was designed to modernize and digitize public procurement processes. The project is part of the desire to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in Guinean public procurement while strengthening local capacities through close cooperation between Rwanda and Guinea. ALSO READ: E-procurement system cuts malpractices in public tenders 5. IFMIS in Eswatini In 2023, The Kingdom of Eswatini decided to undergo a digital transformation in its public finance management and procurement system with the support of Rwanda. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and customization of two digital systems: an Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and an electronic Government Procurement System (eGP). The Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) was named “UMSEBE.” UMSEBE is a Siswati term symbolizing a new dawn, and it embodies the vision of a modern, efficient, and transparent financial management system aimed at fortifying public financial management, enhancing accountability, and streamlining processes. The IFMIS integrates budgetary, accounting, treasury, and public debt management processes, as well as generating corresponding reporting documents, mainly the financial statements.
