Open data is information made available by governments, businesses and other groups for anyone to read, use and share.
In an information and knowledge-based economy that Rwanda is increasingly turning into, Open Data is a precious national resource and a strategic asset of the Government of Rwanda.
The two day workshop was organized by the Ministry of Youth and ICT in partnership with World Bank and other stakeholders; the retreat brings together experts from various institutions that will champion the policy, data-holding/producing institutions and institutions that stand to benefit from an Open Data initiative.
Minister Nsengimana stressed that “As we think about open data policy we should also think on demand side, as data to be discovered, on demand side, think on the big miners who are youth.”
Rwanda’s commitment to transforming from an agrarian society and economy to one that is based on information and knowledge is enshrined in its Vision 2020. This vision is translated into action through its mid-term implementation framework, the EDPRS and the SMART Rwanda Master Plan 2014-2018.
Information and Communication Technologies particularly Open Data, has got enormous potential to spur innovation and creativity, increase the proliferation of high skilled jobs, contribute to economic growth, and create a more accountable, efficient, responsive, and effective government.
Easy access to data allows individuals and organizations to develop new insights and innovations that can improve the lives of others and help to improve the flow of information.
