I recently had an opportunity to be invited to a brainstorming session on how to make Internet to all a reality.  At one point I suggested eGovernance would be a key driver, but one of the participants shot it down quickly, saying she was tired of the eGovernment song, and went to ask, “where are the killer apps?” In my head, I was thinking, apps to do what exactly? Most of our people don’t care about apps and they won’t care, unless they are simplifying their lives.  To my surprise, I chose not to respond in the heat of the moment, a pat on my back worthy achievement because I typically have an answer during these moments:-).  Upon reflecting, I settled on this “Build and they will come!” It has been done successfully before, and we if we dare to dream, think big and most importantly ACT swiftly to make Internet enticing, people will want it and find ways to use it.

Rwanda has proven time and again “build and they will come” indeed works.  There’re few examples of projects such as, Serena Hotel, connectivity, Rwandair to mention a few, which were vehemently opposed by naysayers telling our visionary President they wouldn’t work because there was no market for them.   Thankfully, he believed and stuck to his guns believing if we build, the market will come.  No sooner had they been established, than the demand came, and stayed! Serena has hosted countless meetings/conferences/events/weddings etc. Our fiber optic backbone has connected all our districts, inspired www.irembo.gov.rw where we shall soon be all accessing and paying for government services, and now over 35% of our population has access to internet up from under 1% in 2009.  Rwandair, a favorite for many, is one of the fastest growing airlines in Africa, often adding new destinations soaring to new heights everyday.  They say proof of the pudding is in the eating and many of us have certainly enjoyed the yummy benefits of the above mentioned initiatives. I therefore believe, when we bring services online and provide affordable access online or through mobile, we shall bring many of our people to the wealth of information on internet.

Our governments should lead by example as the biggest service provider. For starters, all services should be brought online as quickly as possible, and accessible through mobile applications to do everything from paying taxes to obtaining birth certificates without needing to travel anywhere. Furthermore, any payments to and from government should be made electronically as well for those who chose to save time and money not going to line up at the bank to bring back a receipt. I can guarantee, many of us will choose the simplest option, getting online or using mobile application to get the services we need. Additionally, some businesses will be inspired to bring the same simplicity to their business for greater operational efficiency and most importantly brings more opportunities as customers can easily get plus pay for goods and services.

As we strive to simplify service delivery to citizens and improve trade opportunities, let us aggressively pursue digitization of services to bring about cost effective ways to serve citizens and/or our customers. When we do, there will be greater demand for data/financial services, only then shall we create demand for and ensure Internet FOR ALL.