Rwanda aims to attract more than US$1 billion in digital foreign direct investment (DFI) by 2035 as it accelerates plans to build a competitive, innovation-driven economy, according to a new report launched this week.
The country secured about US$819 million in digital DFI between 2013 and 2023, but officials say deeper reforms and stronger investor engagement will be key to surpassing the US$1 billion mark.
The roadmap the Digital Rwanda FDI Report was unveiled at the 9th Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh. It was produced by the Rwandan government in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the World Economic Forum.
According to the DCO, the plan outlines reforms to attract more digital-sector investment, including streamlined regulations, improved investor facilitation, and mechanisms to finance startups and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. It also prioritises aligning digital skills with market demand and linking investors with emerging opportunities.
“Rwanda’s vision is anchored in digital transformation accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, expanding exports and building an inclusive, knowledge-based economy,” ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said.
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The report, she added, charts a path to deepen trust in data governance, enhance the business environment and scale digital skills, while reinforcing collaboration with the DCO and WEF.
DCO Secretary General Deemah Alyahya said Rwanda’s approach shows digital investment is driven not only by capital but by “courage, collaboration and conviction”, calling digital FDI “a bridge between vision and impact”.
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