Celebrating Our Partners in Rwanda’s Digital Journey
Last week, as we joined the world in celebrating Customer Service Week, RICTA took the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the institutions that have played a key role in building and strengthening Rwanda’s Internet infrastructure.
The journey began in 2002, when Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Rwanda recognized the need for a national Internet Exchange Point (IXP). By mid-2003, this vision became a reality thanks to the efforts of two independent ISPs and a dedicated team of IT volunteers who worked tirelessly to establish and maintain the country’s first Internet exchange infrastructure, a contribution we deeply value.
After a year of preparation, the Rwanda Internet Exchange Point (RINEX) was officially launched in mid-2004 by the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA), with support from SIDA (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden. BSC (former Artel), Liquid Telecom (former Rwandatel), and the University of Rwanda were the first institutions to join and support this groundbreaking platform.
In 2014, following a public consultation with key local stakeholders, RICTA and the Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority (RURA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) granting RICTA the mandate to manage RINEX.
Today, RINEX stands as a successful and well-established Internet Exchange Point in Rwanda, bringing together 21 members. It serves as a vital hub for Internet traffic exchange, enabling fast, efficient, and secure data transfer among Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and other major players including financial institutions, Government agencies, and universities.
During Customer Service Week, we took the opportunity to appreciate the pioneering institutions that laid the foundation for Rwanda’s Internet Exchange — BSC, Liquid Telecom, and the University of Rwanda, and to express our heartfelt gratitude for their continued partnership and contribution to Rwanda’s digital growth.