Rwanda and India Call for AI for Public Good

Rwanda and India have called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence to improve public services and address social challenges. The call was made during the recent AI for Impact Global South Forum held in Kigali in January 2026.

Both nations emphasised that AI should be used to benefit society and support development goals, especially in emerging economies.

Focus on Public Service Delivery

Officials from Rwanda and India stressed that AI should help solve real problems rather than widen inequality or exclude vulnerable communities. Discussions highlighted how AI can support governments in delivering better public services across key areas, including:

• Healthcare: Enhancing diagnostics and medical supply chain management.
• Education: Personalized learning and automated assessment tools.
• Agriculture: AI-driven advisory for climate-smart farming.
• Digital governance: Streamlining administrative workflows through mandatory civil servant AI training.

The two countries agreed that AI tools should improve access to services, reduce costs, and support better decision-making using data.

Ethical and Inclusive Use of AI

Rwanda and India also highlighted the importance of ethical and inclusive AI development. As AI systems become more advanced, governments must ensure they are transparent, fair, and accountable.

Key concerns raised included:

• Data privacy and sovereignty.
• Bias in algorithms that may impact marginalized groups.
• The need for strong regulatory frameworks to guide AI development and use.

Both countries called for stronger international cooperation to develop shared standards for responsible AI adoption.

Rwanda’s Growing Role in Digital Policy

Rwanda has positioned itself as an active voice in digital policy and emerging technologies in Africa. The country has invested in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policies that support innovation, notably through the launch of the Africa AI Scaling Hub in Kigali.

Through partnerships with countries like India, Rwanda aims to learn from global experiences while shaping technology policies that reflect local needs and priorities. More details on these initiatives can be found on the official Rwanda-IndiaAI partnership page.

Why This Matters

The joint call for AI for public good reflects how governments approach emerging technologies. Rather than focusing only on commercial use, Rwanda and India are promoting AI that supports development and improves everyday life.

As AI adoption grows across Africa and Asia, such collaborations could help ensure technology is used responsibly, ethically, and inclusively.