AI regulation in Rwanda (2026)

The Cabinet approved the National AI Policy on 20 April 2023. It sets a mission to leverage AI for economic growth and positions Rwanda as a 'Responsible AI Champion' in Africa, with six focus pillars: AI literacy, infrastructure, data strategy, public-sector adoption, private-sector adoption, and ethical implementation.

As of 2026, Rwanda has not enacted any statute specifically governing AI development or deployment. The National AI Policy is a strategic, non-binding framework; enforcement mechanisms and binding rules have not yet been legislated.

The policy mandated the creation of a Responsible AI Office (RAI Office) within MINICT in its first year. By June 2024 the Ministry confirmed the AI office was operational, with a remit to coordinate cross-sector AI policy implementation, monitoring, and participation in global AI governance fora (OECD, ITU, UNESCO, GPAI).

The policy establishes 'Guidelines on the Ethical Development and Implementation of AI,' updated every three years via annual participatory consultation forums. A Presidential Council on AI — composed of academic and industry leaders — is mandated to advise on governance and strategy.

Law No. 058/2021 of 13 October 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy provides the only binding legal framework touching AI-relevant data processing, embedding principles of lawfulness, purpose limitation, and transparency applicable to AI systems that process personal data.

Rwanda launched a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) strategy in March 2025, explicitly positioning DPI as the foundation for future AI adoption. The government targets AI contributing up to 6% of GDP, with RISA leading implementation through initiatives such as the Data Hub and Hanga Hubs innovation centers.