PART 2: NICI III Focus areas This section highlights the methodology employed in NICI III formulation and provides the rationale, description, mission and objectives for each of the five focus areas. 2.1. Methodology NICI III focus areas, objectives and projects were generated through a wide-range of consultations to ensure ownership of the NICI III formulation process and implementation. The formulation process began by setting up the necessary structure and identification of the following NICI III objectives. 1. 2. 3. 4. ICT to contribute significantly to GDP Growth ICT to run efficient government services ICT to improve business efficiency and productivity ICT to be the foundation for long term and sustainable economic competitiveness (service economy) This was followed by the identification of challenges hindering the achievement of the abovementioned objectives and five focus areas that would address the identified challenges. Stakeholders validated the above objectives and articulated the mission, objectives, goals, and projects for all focus areas. A detailed description of the stakeholders is elaborated in Appendix 3. 2.2. Focus Area Rationale and Description NICI III focuses on five key areas that capture crosscutting national challenges and provides mechanisms through which Rwanda’s ICT vision will be attained. NICI III focus areas are the following:      Skills Development [SD] Private Sector Development [PSD] Community Development [CD] E-Government [e-GOV] Cyber Security [CS] 2.2.1. Skills Development [SD] Rwanda has a shortage both in terms of the quality and quantity of skilled personnel to drive ICT development as well as achieve EDPRS targets to develop required skills for a knowledge-based society. Skills development is a national priority and also a foundation for the achievement of NICI III. This focus area aims to build ICT professional skills and leverage ICTs in education in order to accelerate skills development. The scope of the skills development is two fold; first, build ICT professional skills that will increase innovation in the ICT industry and enable all sectors of the economy and second to leverage ICTs in education. Page 21 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.