Sustainability Spotlight: Helping Rwanda Become Africa's IT Hub

By Eileen Brewer, Manager, Program Management Team, for Symantec’s product engineering group
Apr 25, 2014 2:05 PM ET

Sustainability Spotlight: Helping Rwanda Become Africa's IT Hub

While many associate Rwanda with a civil war and genocide that plagued the country in the 90’s, I see a different side. For example, it might surprise you that in 2008, Rwanda became the first country in the world to have a majority of women in Parliament. Today, Rwanda’s parliament is 64 percent female and women are encouraged to complete college educations and participate in the economy. They do not tolerate any corruption or bribery in business transactions. Rwandans are optimistic about their current leadership and the direction of their country. And the people themselves are wonderful - a very shy, polite society where I’ve felt safe at all times when I’ve visited.  The streets are clean of litter and there is no smoking allowed in any public setting. And most importantly there is now a culture of unity, without an emphasis on classes or ethnicity, and a focus on all being Rwandan.

Additionally, there is a huge focus on education in Rwanda and the country is working very hard on developing its infrastructure. They want to become the IT hub of Africa and are inviting companies to open offices in Kagili to manufacture and/or sell their products into the African continent from one central point.

This is what I see, a beautiful country that has recovered significantly over the past 20 years, and is full of opportunity for its people. 

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