Dr. Nsengiyumva made the remarks on September 21 while addressing the Global Africa Business Initiative’s high-level event, Unstoppable Africa 2026, in New York, as leaders and business executives gathered alongside the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Artificial intelligence is often described as Africa’s great opportunity. That is true. But in most of our countries, it is being used at a small fraction of its potential,” he said.
He said Africa should focus on building, adapting and deploying AI at scale while ensuring that the value generated by the technology remains on the continent.
Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted Rwanda’s investments in digital infrastructure, including a national fibre-optic backbone, broad 4G coverage and ongoing 5G pilots. He said the country has also digitised more than 250 government services and established a national digital payment platform.
Rwanda adopted a National AI Policy in 2023 and has a data protection law supported by a dedicated Data Protection Office. Nsengiyumva also noted that Rwanda’s Cabinet approved the establishment of a National AI Agency in June to drive strategy, research, development and adoption of AI.
He said Rwanda’s approach is based on connectivity, digital services and trusted rules, while identifying affordable computing capacity and energy as major constraints.
On AI sovereignty, Nsengiyumva said it should not mean self-sufficiency, noting that Rwanda welcomes global companies and partnerships. Instead, he said, attention should be given to where decisions are made and where value is recorded.
He also stressed the importance of developing African talent, saying Rwanda is investing in AI engineers through institutions including Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences.
“We are not asking to be included in someone else’s AI economy. We are building our own, safely, equitably, and responsive to our own needs and opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Nsengiyumva is in New York representing President Paul Kagame during UNGA 81, where he is scheduled to deliver Rwanda’s national statement on September 23. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28.
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