President Kagame Marks 15 Years of the Global Broadband Commission
President Paul Kagame on Sunday joined fellow global leaders in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, a milestone event honoring over a decade of efforts to expand universal broadband access across the world.
Kagame, who co-chairs the Broadband Commission alongside Mexican billionaire and philanthropist Carlos Slim, participated in an online session led by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The session brought together global stakeholders to reflect on 15 years of meaningful progress in digital inclusion, especially in underserved and developing regions.
A Vision Rooted in Digital Equity
The Broadband Commission was launched in 2010 by ITU and UNESCO with a vision to make broadband connectivity a driver of sustainable development. As a founding co-chair, President Kagame has consistently advocated for inclusive digital transformation, particularly for Africa and the Global South.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, was also present at the event, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging technology to advance socio-economic growth.
A Public-Private Coalition for Global Good
The Commission unites over 50 influential leaders from various sectors—including CEOs, government ministers, UN agencies, academic experts, and civil society—to accelerate broadband adoption worldwide. Their work aligns directly with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, positioning broadband as an essential infrastructure for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the years, the Commission has championed affordable and secure internet access, supported national broadband policy frameworks, and tackled pressing issues such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, and gender equity in tech.
Impact Through Research and Policy
Among its key contributions are its annual flagship report—The State of Broadband—and a series of policy recommendations that have shaped both global conversations and national strategies. The Commission’s work has been especially influential in supporting countries from the Global South to expand access, reduce costs, and ensure the safe use of digital technologies.
President Kagame’s involvement underscores Rwanda’s growing leadership in the ICT space, as the country continues to pioneer initiatives in digital finance, e-government, and smart infrastructure.
“Broadband access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” Kagame has previously stated. “It is essential for education, health, governance, and economic competitiveness.”