Kigali, Rwanda – The Ministry of Youth and ICT in Partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) yesterday unveiled “The Digital Ambassador Programme (DAP)” or “Intore mu Ikoranabuhanga (e-Ntore)” in Kinyarwanda.

Under the programme, 5000 young Rwandans will be trained as Digital Ambassadors to serve as digital skill trainers to 5 million Rwandans who have low or no experience of using the internet. DAP will provide a more in-depth training to ordinary citizens on how to use e-government services.

The Minister for Youth and ICT, Nsengimana Jean Philbert said, “DAP is a great initiative to achieve Rwanda’s Digital Talent Policy objectives. We strongly believe that digital literacy combined with internet access for all will accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation towards a smart Nation. The Government of Rwanda would like to thank all partners of the DAP and extends an invitation for others to join. This is an important step in a long journey of building a Smart Africa”.

“Young Digital ambassadors will receive essential ICT, Facilitation and soft skills and will spend time in communities getting to understand the needs and challenges of community members while providing digital solutions and training, Said Janet Longmore, founder and CEO of DOT. “DAP is an innovative and youth-led approach to economic development and digital inclusion – we are inspired by commitment of MYICT and our network of partners in Rwanda to making this a highly impactful initiative that will create new opportunities and transform communities”.

The World Economic Forum’s internet for all initiative aims to create millions of internet users in the Northern corridor, Argentina and India. The World Economic Forum’s Northern Corridor Internet for all project has set an ambitious objective of adding 25 million new internet users to the region by 2019.

Alex Wong, WEF Internet for all steering member said, “The Rwanda Digital Ambassadors Programme is an example of the innovation and collaboration between government, civil society, and other key stakeholders that will mark a significant step forward to achieve our project goals and more importantly, position Rwanda with the ICT and internet skills, awareness, and content necessary to embrace and benefit from the 4^th industrial revolution. We congratulate Minister Jean Philbert Nsengimana and Janet Longmore for their leadership in launching this important programme”.