The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) today officially inaugurated the ICT Innovation Center that will foster the development of the ICT and audio-visual sectors in Rwanda by building the capacities of job seekers and start-ups.

Constructed under the joint Rwanda – South Korea “Enhancing ICT Innovation Capacity in Rwanda” project, the new state of the art ICT Innovation Center is located in Kicukiro, Kigali.

It has equipment designed to provide high quality training to individuals seeking to enhance their skills in multimedia and mobile applications development.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi said:

“The Government of Rwanda is actively driving the ICT industry through various initiatives, such as the Kigali Innovation City project and the Smart Rwanda Masterplan. However, capacity building and skilled human resource development programs have been in short supply in the sector. This ICT Innovation Center established by KOICA and RDB is expected to bridge the gaps in capacity building and contribute to the development of the ICT sector.”

The KOICA Vice President for Projects and Regional Coordination in Africa, Middle East and South America, Baek Sook Hee said:

“We hope that Rwandan youths will be able to transform their ideas into innovative ICT products through services from the ICT Innovation Center that have the potential to vitalize the African economy beyond Rwanda. KOICA will continue to support the economic development of Rwanda by focusing on job creation and business development in the ICT sector in alignment with the Government of Rwanda’s strategies and policies.”