Rwanda Moves to Offer All Public Services Online, Reports KT Press

KIGALI, Rwanda, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rwanda has partnered with a local investor, Rwanda Online Platform Limited, to offer public services electronically. Public services will thus be accessible via internet and mobile devices.

The company, with a 25-year contract, will build and operate a platform, after which it will be transferred back to the government.

The Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) agreement aims to bridge the access to information gap, as well as improve public service delivery through digitalization of services.

The first phase of three years, signed effective August 20th, 2014, has 100 pre-selected services from 6 institutions.

Ten services are expected to be offered by April 2015. Services to be automated in the first phase include: National ID card application, Application for birth certificate, Registration for theory driving test, Application for Visa Permits, Application for Criminal Clearance certificate (extrait du casier judiciaire), Application for building permits, Transfer of land title, Application for ordinary passport, Issuance of trading license and Land registration.

According to Rosemary Mbabazi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and ICT, the platform will serve as single service delivery portal for all Government ministries and agencies.

She said it will provide citizens and businesses with a streamlined and efficient experience at reduced operational costs.

Francis Gatare, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board said the initiative is the beginning of harvesting the fruits of Rwanda's investment into ICT infrastructure.

He said this is the reflection of Rwanda's ambition to transform the lives of Rwandans and make the Rwandan business environment even more attractive and competitive.

"We are looking forward to seeing the first ten services online, as a success story in public service delivery in Africa," he said.

He said services will be accessible 24 hours/7 days via Internet and mobile devices. "We acknowledge the importance of a quick-win within the first phase of implementation."

Partnering with a local company, Gatare explained, is because they are better placed to develop innovative, homegrown solutions that address local challenges.

Irene Ndikumwenayo, Ag. CEO of Rwanda Online Ltd said: "The platform will help reduce the amount of time spent waiting in line, streamlining requirements for the application process, and increasing accountability on the Government."

"We are making Rwanda a model for the rest of the continent," she added.

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SOURCE KT Press