has been designed to solve these issues and is more flexible, with clear outcomes that ensure alignment with overall NICI III goals. Annual/biennial project cycles will allow for easy adaptation to socio-economic changes and emerging technologies. A strong institutional and implementation framework has been created for NICI III and will require full participation of all stakeholders as they each have complementary roles. Stakeholders include:  National ICT Steering Committee, chaired by MINICT, will provide strategic direction for Rwanda’s ICT sector and be the guardian of NICI III implementation, providing leadership and oversight.  RDB, the designated coordination and implementing agency of all GoR ICT initiatives, in partnership with project implementers and the private sector, will continue to implement and oversee the implementation of the NICI III initiatives. Further, the focus area working groups (FWGs) that we were very instrumental in the NICI III formulation process will continue to support RDB ensuring effective project implementation.  Project Implementer will be executing specific NICI III projects in partnership with RDB.  On-going monitoring and periodic external evaluation will objectively verify project implementation and overall NICI III progress. The next five years will be most critical to Rwanda’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy as NICI III aims to accelerate services development and advance the country’s development agenda.         Page 8 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.