stages of industrialization and transform her agro-based economy into a service, information-rich and knowledge-based one that is globally competitive. In 1998, the Rwandan ICT for Development (ICT4D) policy was adopted to implement policies and plans that would address Rwanda’s developmental challenges in the information and technology age, in order to accelerate the country’s socio-economic development. In 2000 GoR begun implementing the ICT4D policy, commonly known as NICI, and subsequently developed and implemented NICI I (NICI-2005 Plan), the first of the four five-year rolling plans. Emphasis in NICI I was placed on creating a conducing environment by establishing the institutional, legal and regulatory framework for ICT development, putting in place the necessary mechanisms, liberalization of the telecoms market, reduction of entry barriers to the telecom market as well as an effective implementation and coordination mechanism. The just concluded second plan NICI II (NICI-2010 Plan) focused on providing world-class communications infrastructure as a backbone for current and future communications requirements. Several projects ranging from increased nationwide coverage of telecommunications networks, versatile and high capacity national optic fiber backbone network, national data center as well as a centralized monitoring and operations center were among the accomplishments of NICI II. The third plan NICI III (NICI-2015 Plan) will build on the two previous phases and propel Rwanda to the fourth and final phase of the NICI process. In this phase, emphasis will be placed on services development across five focus areas identified to fuel continued growth. This plan is more flexible than previous ones in that it allows for easy adaptation to emerging technologies and sectoral changes. This approach ensures coherence and continuity throughout implementation of NICI III. As such, projects will be implemented annually or biennially compared to the previous plans in which projects had 5-year life cycles to ensure easy adaptation to emerging technologies and changing national priorities. Figure 2 below illustrates the NICI process to date. NICI I and II provided the foundation for Rwanda’s ICT development. The third level illustrates the NICI III framework, which focuses on five key areas defined as focus areas. The fourth level denotes the fourth plan NICI IV (NICI2020 Plan), which will complete the NICI process by consolidating the country’s ICT transformation. Page 14 of 85   © No part of this document can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise - without the permission of Rwanda Ministry in charge of ICT in the Office of the President.