The type-approval procedure is presently suspended in Rwanda because the regulatory authority would like to bring changes to its pricing. These pricing changes will concern national and international telecom consultants. Changes could therefore be observed at the level of the costs linked to the practice of type-approval. In the meantime, an important part of type approval applications is suspended. Consul IT! went through this realty and initiated exchanges on that issue with the regulator.

Rwanda is a leading African country in terms of telecommunications. In this small country where 60% of the population is under 25 years old, technological innovation is regarded as key sector of development. Besides “mobile banking”, public transportations will soon be equipped with wi-fi connections. Besides, the services of the Public Administration are going to be digitalized. The aim of the authorities is to position the country as a leading international hub for technologies in Africa. An important tech company has recently partnered with Rwanda in order to support this ambition. With its expertise, this company will help build several ICT infrastructures including:

• Regional data centers
• The regional broadband network, a smart electricity grid named “smart grid”
• Introducing ICT tool in education in order to raise the learning bar in the country

The president of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagamé said « I am convinced that this new partnership will help the country develop expertise in the area of ICT.

The country’s dynamism in ICT development deserves praise. That is the reason why the president of the World Bank Jim Yong Kim paid a two-visit day to Rwanda. He was then able to appreciate the innovations and progress made in the domain of telecommunications. Mr. Jim Yong Kim expressed satisfaction with the way Rwanda is using technology in every sector, mainly in the health sector. He also visited the economic special zone in Kigali named “Klab”. It is an ICT innovation center. Many countries are taking their inspiration from Rwanda’s model in the domain of technology. Despite its small area and population, Rwanda succeeded in imposing itself as a leader in the domain of telecommunication in the continent.

Besides, the regulatory authority of Niger also suspended the practice of type approval three years ago. Our telecoms consulting service was therefore suspended too.  In anticipation of expected resumption of activities in the country, our teams are working to get information concerning the new coming provisions.

The suspension of type approval activities in Rwanda and Niger will temporarily impede the deployment of ICT equipment on the market. Nevertheless, this action will allow regulators in both countries to deeply think about the good practices to apply in the domain of approval in order to comply with people’s different expectations. Equipment manufacturers, applications providers and telecoms consultants like Consult IT! are looking forward to seeing the resumption of the activities of regulatory authorities in Chad and Niger. This period of reflection taken by these authorities will provide new bases for cooperation. Each player will be able to consolidate its role to reposition the various markets.