Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda’s steady investment in digital transformation has earned the country one of the highest global honours in public-sector innovation that transitions into efficient, accessible and citizen-centred government services.
On February 4, 2026, Rwanda was recognized at the GovTech Prize 2026, announced during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The award singled out IremboGov, Rwanda’s national digital government platform, as the Best Government Service in the World, a distinction that places the country alongside the most advanced digital states globally.
The World Government Summit, held from February 3 to 5, brought together heads of state, policymakers, technology leaders and private-sector actors from more than 150 countries to showcase innovative governance solutions.
Rwanda’s recognition was announced during the Government Services Forum, with the award presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, underscoring the international stature of the prize.
IremboGov is a single digital gateway that allows citizens and residents to access public services from multiple government institutions through one platform.
Launched in 2015, IremboGov currently hosts more than 240 services, ranging from civil registration and driving permits to business licensing and health-related applications.
By integrating digital payments and e-wallet systems, the platform has significantly reduced the need for physical visits to government offices, a shift that has particularly benefited rural communities, people with disabilities, and citizens with limited time or mobility.
Figures shared at the summit show that IremboGov processes nearly half a million service requests every month, with about 80 percent of transactions completed entirely online, from application to payment and approval.
Since its roll out, the platform has saved more than 1.5 billion working hours for citizens and public institutions combined, reduced service delivery times from days to as little as two hours in some cases.
The platform has also enabled over 7,000 digital entrepreneurs who act as access points and innovation drivers across the country.
The award was received on behalf of the Government of Rwanda by Ambassador John Mirenge, Rwanda’s envoy to the UAE, alongside Estelle Kayitesi, Director General for Policy and Partnerships at Irembo.
Officials described the recognition as a validation of Rwanda’s belief that technology should serve people first, improving trust, accountability and transparency in public administration.
Others honored at the GovTech Prize 2026 included Germany, recognized for Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government Services through its Infrastructure Permits Platform, and Denmark, awarded for Best Simplification in Government Services via its National Digital Post system.
The GovTech prize, organized by the Emirates Government Service Excellence Program under the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, recognizes government platforms that use technology to solve real-world problems and respond to modern governance challenges.
Over the past decade, the awards have attracted thousands of applications from institutions across 126 countries, making Rwanda’s recognition particularly notable.
Beyond the platform itself, Rwanda’s achievement reflects broader national investments in digital infrastructure. By 2024, at least 680 government services were available through digital channels.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicate that more than 12 million people own and use mobile phones in the country, while approximately nine million are internet users, creating a strong foundation for digital public services.
For Rwanda, the global recognition of IremboGov indicates that a small country, through deliberate policy choices and inclusive innovation, can leapfrog traditional bureaucratic systems and set a global benchmark for digital governance.
