Economic Development & Poverty Reduction Strategy 2008-2012 (EDPRS) is the mediumterm framework for achieving Vision2020. It follows Millennium Development Goals (MDG) benchmarks and targets, organised in 3 flagship programmes: 1) Sustainable growth for jobs and exports 2) Vision 2020 Umurenge – a pro-poor, rural development programme for poverty reduction 3) Governance Vision 2020 Umurenge is a highly decentralised integrated rural development programme designed to accelerate extreme poverty reduction in Rwanda. It is currently being piloted in 30 of the poorest sectors, “imirenge” around the country. The Governance Programme underpins two flagship programmes that provide an anchor for pro-poor growth by building on Rwanda’s reputation as a country with a low incidence of corruption and a regional comparative advantage in “soft infrastructure”. The capacity of local government and accountability are strengthened, and a business-friendly, risk-free environment promoted.9 The most recent Government 7-year plan (2010-2017) focuses on private sector development and job creation; good governance and zero-tolerance of corruption; economic growth combined with poverty reduction; capacity building in all sectors, and transformation of the agriculture sector – especially increasing the use of technology and thus productivity. In line with Vision 2020, GoR integrated ICT as a key driver for socio-economic development by adopting the Rwanda ICT for Development (ICT4D) policy, commonly known as the National Information and Communication Infrastructure Plan (NICI). The NICI plan, which started in 2001, aims at fast tracking Rwanda’s transformation to a knowledge-based society. Its objectives are to: • • • • • • • • Transform Rwanda into an IT-literate nation Promote and encourage the deployment and utilization of ICTs within the society Improve the civil and public service efficiency Develop the information and communications infrastructure of Rwanda Make Rwanda a regional ICT hub Transform the educational system using ICTs with the aim of improving accessibility, quality and relevance to the developmental needs of Rwanda Empower Rwandans by developing a human resource base that adapts to changing demands of the economy Develop the legal, institutional and regulatory framework and structures required to support the deployment and utilization of ICT These objectives have been the guiding principles of the NICI process to-date.   1.3. Rwanda ICT4D (NICI) Process In order to transform Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy, GoR integrated ICT in the Vision 2020 and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) to enable Rwanda leap-frog the key                         ��                                                                                       9  OECD 2008: 524; GoR 2007: 86-87   Page 13 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.