Since 2000 GoR has established institutions and mechanisms to create an enabling environment for ICT development, deployed critical world-class infrastructure and is continuously developing a skilled human resource base in its quest to become a knowledge-based society and regional ICT hub. Today, the existence of a conducing legal and regulatory framework, availability of good infrastructure and a growing and innovative human resource base are further positioning Rwanda as a regional ICT hub. NICI III aims to accelerate “services development” by running efficient government services and increasing private sector productivity and in turn Rwanda’s competitiveness. Rwanda strives to leverage ICTs in all sectors of the economy and is registering tremendous progress. In 2010, Rwanda was the top global reformer in the World Bank Doing Business report and second global reformer out of 183 countries in 2011. Rwanda is also the 9th easiest place to start a business in the world and the 6th most competitive economy in Sub-Saharan Africa according to the 2010 World Economic Forum global competitiveness report. This has largely been a result of several reforms including online business registration, aimed at making the business environment more conducive. Rwanda’s real GDP growth increased from 2.2% in 2003 to 7.2% in 2010 with a peak growth of 11.5% in 2008, and an overall average GDP of 7%. These achievements are a result of the long-term economic development plan, Vision 2020, its medium-term strategy, the Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), and the NICI Plan, which all give a clear direction on how Rwanda will transition from poverty to a middle-income, knowledge-based economy. In 2007, Rwanda took a key step toward its long-term goal when it became the 1st East African country and the 3rd in Africa to adopt the “One Laptop Per Child” program. This initiative aims to provide pupils with laptops in order to bridge the global digital divide. With the abovementioned achievements among many more, Rwanda is now on track to achieving MDG and Vision 2020 goals. 1.1.1. ICT Trends   Internet: In just a few decades, Internet is transforming the way we live, work, socialize and the way countries develop and grow. Its impact on economic wealth includes the creation of jobs, improved standards of living, and contribution to real growth. The United Nations in its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) lists Internet penetration as a key metric in efforts to reduce poverty and encourage rational development. According to a 2011 McKinsey report, more than 2 billion people now use Internet in every country, in every sector, in most companies, and almost $8 trillion exchange hands each year though e-commerce and these numbers are still growing. 3 E-commerce websites such as Amazon, iTunes, and Google Checkout are transforming global business transactions. Voice communication over the Internet (VoIP), blogging, Internet radio, Internet television, social networking sites, cloud computing, and Internet-based user applications are all contributing immensely to the rise in popularity and acceptance of the Internet as the primary communication method for many.4 In 2008, an estimated 300 Cybercafés were operational of which 65% were within Kigali. However, due to computer affordability, mobile phone penetration and easy connectivity to Internet (Hotspots, 3G modems), that number decreased to                                                                                                                 3 4  McKinsey Global Institute, May 2011 Report: Internet matters: The Net’s sweeping impact on growth, jobs and prosperity UNESCAP, January 2010 Briefing Note: ICT Trends for Government Leaders Page 10 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.