• Rwanda unveiled a three-year National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) for 2025–2027 to ensure communication continuity during disasters.

• The plan introduces a national emergency communication center, satellite integration for remote areas, and a unified early warning system.

• The initiative aligns with the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” program and aims to make Rwanda a regional leader in digital resilience.

Rwanda has launched a three-year strategy to secure its telecommunications infrastructure against natural disasters and ensure uninterrupted communications during emergencies. The government aims to make digital technology a core tool in crisis management as climate-related risks intensify in East Africa.

The government unveiled the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) on October 20, outlining measures to sustain communication networks during floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and pandemics.

Rwanda has launched its first National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP), providing a comprehensive framework to ensure resilient communication systems during disasters.

The plan was developed with contributions from national institutions under the ICT Emergency Cluster,… pic.twitter.com/Dzba2aPLFK

— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) October 20, 2025

The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) jointly developed the plan. It provides a comprehensive framework to maintain essential telecom services under extreme conditions.

The NETP rests on four pillars—prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. It includes the creation of a National Emergency Communication Center, the integration of satellite networks to connect remote regions, and a unified early warning system to deliver real-time alerts to the public. Training programs and simulation exercises will also enhance emergency response capacity.

The initiative supports Rwanda’s commitments under international frameworks, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030). It also aligns with the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All” initiative, which seeks to equip every country with effective disaster alert systems.

By adopting the NETP, Rwanda aims not only to guarantee the continuity of communications during crises but also to position itself as a regional model in digital resilience. The strategy could accelerate the nation’s transformation into a technology hub capable of protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring access to reliable information, even under emergency conditions.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum