• Rwanda held strategic discussions on cybersecurity, AI computing infrastructure, and digital sovereignty at the 2026 World Economic Forum.
• The government explored potential partnerships with Cisco and data-and-AI firm Amini.
• Authorities prioritized targeted partnerships to accelerate digital infrastructure while retaining control over national data.

The World Economic Forum took place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23. Rwandan authorities used the event to conduct strategic engagements.

On the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum, Rwanda intensified exchanges with international technology players to strengthen its digital transformation strategy. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Paula Ingabire, led several discussions focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence computing infrastructure, and digital sovereignty, which authorities now rank as core priorities of the national digital agenda.

Among these exchanges, Rwanda met with Cisco executives to explore cooperation on cybersecurity and AI infrastructure. The discussions highlighted Rwanda’s Cyberhub, which the government designed as a center of expertise and innovation in cybersecurity. The talks also underscored talent development efforts through a national cyber academy.

The discussions also referenced Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program as a potential framework to support Rwanda’s digital transformation.

On the margins of #WEF26, Minister @MusoniPaula met with @guydiedrich, SVP & Global Innovation Officer, and @adeletrombetta1, SVP & GM Customer Experience (CX) EMEA at Cisco, to explore cooperation on cybersecurity, AI compute infrastructure, and digital sovereignty. Discussions… pic.twitter.com/4lwnD3WBbv

— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) January 20, 2026

Rwanda also held discussions with Amini, a company specializing in data and artificial intelligence, on faster and more pragmatic infrastructure solutions. The talks focused on deploying micro data centers, accessing computing capacity through graphics processing units, and using technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins to improve spectrum management and national connectivity.

On the margins of #WEF26, Minister @MusoniPaula met with @guydiedrich, SVP & Global Innovation Officer, and @adeletrombetta1, SVP & GM Customer Experience (CX) EMEA at Cisco, to explore cooperation on cybersecurity, AI compute infrastructure, and digital sovereignty. Discussions… pic.twitter.com/4lwnD3WBbv

— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) January 20, 2026

By favoring targeted partnerships over centralized projects, Kigali aims to accelerate the deployment of critical infrastructure while retaining stronger control over national data. At this stage, the discussions remain exploratory. However, they reflect the government’s intention to consolidate digital technology as a lever for economic development and national sovereignty.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum