Rwanda is seeking South Korean investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres, offering companies a platform to test digital services before expanding into other African markets, Minister of State for ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda has said.
Rwanda sees opportunities for Korean firms to develop solutions for healthcare, agriculture, education and financial technology, sectors where the government hopes to expand the use of digital technologies.
“We think Rwanda is a good entry point for Korean companies,” Iradukunda said in an interview with The Korea Herald during his first visit to South Korea. “The goal is for those companies to expand into other African markets.”
Iradukunda met South Korea’s Vice Minister of Science and ICT, Ryu Je-myung, on Wednesday to discuss artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and smart cities. He also held discussions with digital healthcare companies about their technologies and possible investments in Rwanda.
Healthcare is among Rwanda’s priorities for AI adoption. The Ministry of Health is testing maternal care tools, including an application designed to assess fetal development during pregnancy, while other applications could help medical professionals determine whether patients need further medical attention, Iradukunda said.
Rwanda is also establishing a National Artificial Intelligence Agency to coordinate the implementation of its national AI policy, following Cabinet approval of the institution in June 2026.
The agency is intended to bring together initiatives previously spread across several institutions and strengthen cooperation with private companies. Its planned technical unit, known as the AI Factory, will support the development and testing of AI applications.
“The AI agency will be a one-stop center for cooperation with private-sector companies,” Iradukunda said.
The government is also seeking Korean investment in data centres and has proposed regional cooperation to build infrastructure that can serve multiple African markets.
“We have an opportunity to cooperate as regional blocs to create data center capabilities that can serve the continent’s needs,” he said.
Rwanda offers investors assistance with access to land, electricity and other services, while the Rwanda Development Board supports business registration and regulatory procedures.
The push comes as South Korea seeks deeper digital cooperation with African countries. At the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul on Oct. 19-22, governments, development partners and businesses discussed how AI and digital technologies could support job creation, productivity and access to services.
Iradukunda said Rwanda was open to Korean investment and could work with both the South Korean government and private companies to develop technologies suited to African markets.
“Korean companies and the Korean government can find a true partner in the government of Rwanda and our private sector,” he said.
