Young voices seek a greater role in shaping Rwanda’s digital future

By Elias Hakizimana.

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life—from classrooms to workplaces—the question of who shapes the rules governing the internet is becoming increasingly important.

For many participants at the Rwanda Youth Internet Governance Forum (RWYIGF) 2026, which has been conducted on July 27, 2026 in Kigali, the answer is simple: young people should be part of the conversation.

The forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, policymakers and technology stakeholders to discuss internet governance in the age of artificial intelligence.

Beyond debates about technology, participants focused on practical issues such as digital inclusion, online safety, responsible AI use and ensuring that internet policies reflect the experiences of those who use digital technologies every day.

For Blessing Johnette, a student at the University of Kigali’s Musanze campus, the forum offered an opportunity to better understand internet governance and the shared responsibility behind it.

“Internet governance is about the shared responsibility of governments, the private sector, technical communities, civil society and students in shaping how the internet is managed and used,” she said. “Collaboration among these different groups is essential to building a better digital future.”

Johnette said artificial intelligence has already changed how she studies by making information easier to find and understand. At the same time, she believes users have a responsibility to think carefully about the information they share online, particularly when using AI-powered tools.

“We need to be careful about the information we share with AI systems,” she said. “Protecting our privacy and maintaining data security should always be a priority.”

While AI is expanding opportunities for learning, participants noted that unequal internet access remains a challenge.

Johnette pointed to rural communities where limited connectivity and a lack of smartphones continue to prevent many people from accessing online education and digital services.

She believes that awareness campaigns, together with improved digital infrastructure, could help narrow that gap and make the internet more accessible.

The conversation also explored how young people use the internet once they are connected.

Sylvere Udahemuka, founder and CEO of TechScholars, argued that the challenge is no longer only about access but also about ensuring that digital platforms are used in ways that create opportunities.

“Many young people spend time online consuming content that does not contribute to their personal or professional growth,” he said. “We should encourage them to use the internet for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and career development.”

Through TechScholars, an AI-powered education and workforce platform, Udahemuka said young people are learning how to use artificial intelligence to improve writing, prepare for job interviews and solve practical problems.

He also called for stronger digital literacy programmes and age-appropriate online protections to help young users navigate the digital space safely.

 

For organizers of the Rwanda Internet Governance Forum, these discussions are intended to influence conversations that extend beyond a single event.

Robert Ford, Chairman of the Rwanda Internet Governance Forum Committee, described internet governance as a multistakeholder process that depends on participation from government, academia, the private sector, civil society and individual internet users.

“The internet has become a public good,” Ford said. “Everyone uses it, and everyone should have a voice in how it is governed.”

He said the forum plans to maintain engagement throughout the year through webinars, workshops and other activities designed to keep young people involved in discussions on digital policy.
Plans are also underway to establish an Internet Governance Secretariat to support research, policy development and public engagement.

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