Rwanda highlights AI policy progress as COMESA seeks regional framework

By Prince Boris Cyubahiro.

KIGALI, Rwanda – August 3, 2026 — Rwanda has highlighted progress in implementing its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy as COMESA moves to develop a regional framework to guide the responsible adoption of AI technologies across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Speaking to the media in Kigali during COMESA AI consultations, Esther Kunda, Director General in charge of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, said Rwanda has made significant progress in advancing AI initiatives through the implementation of its national policy.

Kunda said the consultations provide an opportunity for COMESA member states to exchange experiences, discuss achievements and challenges, and learn from each other as they build stronger AI ecosystems.

“Rwanda will share lessons from implementing AI initiatives while also drawing insights from the experiences of other member states to strengthen its own AI ecosystem,” she said.

***Esther Kunda, Director General in charge of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, speaks to the media during COMESA AI consultations in Kigali.***

The consultations, held under the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme and coordinated by COMESA, brought together representatives from governments, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance in the region.

Leonard Chitundu, Telecommunications Officer at the COMESA Secretariat, said the consultations are aimed at assessing the readiness of member states in terms of AI development, digital inclusion and existing policy frameworks.

Chitundu said COMESA has already conducted similar engagements in countries including Kenya and Zambia, where it observed progress in digital transformation and AI adoption, although gaps remain due to the emerging nature of the technology.

“In Kenya, for example, they are doing work in terms of digital inclusion and AI, but there are still gaps because this is a new area,” he said.

Leonard Chitundu, Telecommunications Officer at the COMESA Secretariat, speaks during AI consultations in Kigali aimed at assessing member states’ readiness for AI adoption and digital transformation.

He added that Zambia has developed an AI strategy and is working on additional frameworks and initiatives to support implementation.

According to Chitundu, the country consultations are also helping COMESA assess the readiness of member states and compare progress levels to identify areas requiring more support.

“We want to learn and understand the status of AI advancement and the frameworks that countries have put in place. This will help us develop a study that will guide the development of regional frameworks and strategies,” he said.

He noted that effective AI adoption requires strong safeguards, including measures addressing data protection, social security, financial security and cybersecurity concerns.

Participants follow discussions during COMESA AI consultations in Kigali, which brought together stakeholders to discuss regional AI policy, digital inclusion and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

“Adopting AI also requires safeguards. There are issues related to social security, financial security and the ability of countries to manage these technologies, so these areas have to move together,” Chitundu said.

The COMESA official explained that the initiative is currently at the consultation stage, where member states are being engaged through physical and virtual meetings to gather feedback that will inform a regional study.

The findings from the study will provide recommendations that will support the development of a Regional AI Strategy, Model Policy Guidelines and Model Regulatory Frameworks for COMESA countries.

Chitundu said that after the frameworks are developed, member states will undergo further processes to understand, domesticate and adopt the guidelines in line with their national contexts.

**Participants pose for a group photo during COMESA AI consultations in Kigali, where stakeholders discussed regional AI policy, digital inclusion and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.**

The IDEA Programme seeks to reduce digital divides across Eastern and Southern Africa by expanding digital access, strengthening digital public infrastructure and promoting inclusive digital transformation.

Its AI and Emerging Technologies initiative focuses on supporting responsible AI adoption while addressing key issues such as data governance, cybersecurity, ethics, consumer protection and digital skills development.

Organisers said the recommendations from the Kigali consultations will contribute to evidence-based regional AI policies that align with national priorities and promote coordinated digital development across COMESA member states.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com