As part of its information technology reforms, Rwanda’s government is set to replace the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) with the National Information Communication Technology (NICT) to oversee the Information Communication Technology plan from 2006 to 2010.

The President’s ICT Advisor, Pius Ndayambaje said the new body would manage the implementation of the second phase of the ICT plan that focuses on the creation of an e-government system.

"The Rwanda Information Technology Authority was started in 2001 but during its five years of existence achieved only 26% of its plan, which was against government's expectations," Ndayambaje said.

He said NICT would supervise RITA and other institutions and attempt to strengthen them. He said that the NICT is to supervise ministries whereas RITA’s authority is less than that of ministries. Ndayambaje also added that besides enhancing communications, e-government is a way of improving the government's administrative efficiency, effectiveness and productivity as well as information provision and service delivery to the public.

"E-Government is intended to improve the social and economic development of the society and that is why there should be a supervisory body (NICT) to coordinate the system where ministers will also play a big role," Ndayambaje said.

It is Ndayambaje’s belief that the first phase of the national ICT plan failed due to a lack of information and human resources. He expressed optimism that the second phase would show better results as there is strong political will and expertise.

Source: The New Times