Rwanda emerges as Africa’s first AI scaling hub with $17.5 million funding boost

The initiative, which kicks off next year, is designed to drive AI innovation across key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, with an emphasis on local solutions for African challenges.

The announcement was made by Yves Iradukunda, Minister of State in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, during a briefing with senators in Kigali last week.

He revealed that the new funding represents more than double the initial $7.5 million commitment announced earlier this year by the Gates Foundation.

“This is a project that will continue to grow, and its budget will increase over time. We appreciate the partnership with the Gates Foundation,” Iradukunda said.

Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), under the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, was selected to host the first.

The Hub’s mission is to accelerate the development and responsible deployment of AI technologies that address real-world challenges, particularly for underserved communities.

Rwanda’s projects will span everything from AI-powered ultrasound imaging and telemedicine to smart agriculture and digital learning.

Among the flagship initiatives:

AI-Powered Telemedicine: In partnership with Irembo, Rwanda will deploy an AI-driven remote health platform accessible through SMS, chat, and voice. It will allow patients, especially those in rural areas, to consult doctors and receive digital prescriptions in Kinyarwanda. The system’s AI triage tool will analyse symptoms and guide users to appropriate care.

AI-Enabled Ultrasound Imaging: Nurses and midwives will use AI-assisted ultrasound tools to detect early pregnancy complications within minutes, improving maternal health outcomes in rural regions.

AI-Powered Agriculture Advisory: Smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, will receive real-time farming guidance on crop health, soil nutrition, and pest control through WhatsApp, SMS, and voice channels. The goal is to enhance productivity and climate-smart agriculture.

“AI can help bridge the teacher-student gap by offering personalised learning support, especially in overcrowded classrooms,” Iradukunda added.

Beyond technology, the AI Scaling Hub will act as a platform for innovation, supporting local startups from prototype to scale with funding, mentorship, and access to computing resources. It will also advise on policies to ensure ethical and inclusive AI use across Rwanda’s public and private sectors.

By anchoring the continent’s first AI Scaling Hub, Rwanda isn’t just building a national tech infrastructure, it’s positioning itself as a pan-African leader in responsible AI development.

As global attention turns to how Africa can harness AI for development, Rwanda’s bold move offers a glimpse of a future where technology serves the continent’s most pressing needs, from classrooms and clinics to farms and communities.