Rwanda: Cabinet approved National Data Sharing Policy

On 26 May 2025, the Rwandan Cabinet approved the National Data Sharing Policy. The policy outlines a framework for secure and governed data sharing between government entities to enhance decision-making, collaboration, and service delivery. It is structured around 4 core components: institutional oversight by the Data Governance Unit (DGU) and a Technical Subcommittee (TSC), adoption of standardised data classification, quality and interoperability guidelines, regulatory compliance with applicable legislation including the Data Protection and Privacy Law (Law No. 058/2021), and the deployment of a national Data Sharing Platform (DSP) based on API architecture. The policy requires government entities to implement privacy and risk management procedures, adopt cybersecurity controls and formalise data sharing through standardised agreements. The platform will support monitoring, auditing and reporting functions to ensure traceability and accountability. Finally, the framework references international best practices for lawful, secure and interoperable public sector data exchange. Implementation will occur in phases through 2029, beginning with the establishment of institutional oversight bodies, development of data standards, deployment of the Data Sharing Platform, and capacity-building measures across government entities.