Kigali, October 13, 2025:  Rwanda reaffirmed its leadership in using Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to advance connected and inclusive healthcare systems during the Africa HealthTech Summit 2025, held in Kigali from October 13 to 15. 

The high-level panel session, themed “Leadership in Enabling Digital Public Infrastructure to Transform Health,” brought together policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to discuss how DPI can enable sustainable, data-driven healthcare delivery and accelerate progress toward universal health care across Africa.

Mr. Antoine Sebera, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), shared Rwanda’s experience and lessons in developing interoperable digital systems that power the health sector and other areas of governance. “Digital Public Infrastructure should not be seen as an isolated approach, it is a collaborative journey,” said Sebera. 

Mr. Sebera highlighted the establishment of Rwanda’s National Health Intelligence Centre, which serves as a cornerstone for improving data collection, coordination, and analysis in the health sector. He explained that Rwanda’s approach to digital transformation begins with building reliable data systems before expanding to full digitization of services.

“You cannot digitize an entire health system overnight. It starts with data collection and integration,” he said. “As partners contribute datasets, our systems become richer, more intelligent, and more effective in supporting better decision making and healthcare delivery.” He added.

He further outlined how Rwanda’s broader digital ecosystem supports DPI through investments in infrastructure, innovation, and regulatory frameworks. The government has created an enabling environment for startups through physical innovation hubs, agile regulation frameworks, and policies that promote responsible data sharing and protection.

“We have put in place a Data Protection Law and a Data Sharing Policy to ensure that organizations can exchange information securely and ethically,” Mr. Sebera added. “We call upon the private sector to collaborate with government in developing scalable digital health infrastructures that empower communities and accelerate progress toward universal health care.”

Speakers at the Summit emphasized that much of Africa’s health data remains paper-based, underscoring the urgent need for investment in data systems. As Dr. Ahmed, a keynote speaker, noted, “Most of our continent’s health data is still on paper. Nobody else will fix these issues for us; we must do it ourselves.”

The discussion also explored how private sector engagement can catalyze DPI implementation. Ruchika Singhal, President of Medtronic LABS, highlighted the critical role of private organizations in driving innovation and supporting connected health systems.

Mr. Sebera emphasized Rwanda’s continued commitment to engaging the private sector and startups to promote interoperability across systems. These efforts include investments in digital infrastructure, development of innovation friendly policies such as those supporting drone technologies, and community - based initiatives like Connect Rwanda and the Digital Ambassador Program, which extend access and literacy to underserved populations.

He concluded with a call to collective action: “DPI is not something one institution can deliver alone. It is about collaboration, inclusion, and shared progress. Together, we can build a future where digital health systems truly serve every Rwandan and African.”

The Africa HealthTech Summit 2025 provided a platform for sharing best practices and success stories from across the continent, focusing on how digital innovation, policy leadership, and strategic partnerships can drive equitable access to quality healthcare. Rwanda’s participation showcased its steadfast commitment to using technology to strengthen health systems and improve lives.