Kigali, Rwanda — Rwanda has launched its first-ever National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP), a landmark framework designed to ensure resilient communication systems during disasters and emergencies.

Developed jointly by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), the plan marks a major step toward strengthening national preparedness and coordination in crisis response.

The NETP was created with technical and strategic support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), alongside contributions from national institutions under Rwanda’s ICT Emergency Cluster.

According to the document, the NETP aims to:

• Ensure reliable communication systems before, during, and after disasters.
• Integrate early warning systems and improve real-time information sharing.
• Enhance coordination among government agencies, first responders, and humanitarian actors.
• Strengthen national capacities through training, simulation exercises, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Leverage satellite, broadband, and mobile networks to maintain uninterrupted connectivity during emergencies.

READ FULL NETP DOCUMENT HERE

The plan aligns with Rwanda’s National Disaster Risk Management Policy and international frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and the UN’s Early Warnings for All Initiative.

Speaking at the launch, officials emphasized that reliable communication is the backbone of effective emergency management. “The NETP reinforces our vision of using ICT as a tool to save lives, coordinate relief efforts, and support national resilience,” the statement read.

Rwanda has faced recurrent natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and droughts, that have underscored the urgent need for a coordinated emergency communication system. The new plan provides an implementation roadmap supported by monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

The National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP) represents a critical milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey, ensuring that when disaster strikes, communication networks remain active, responsive, and ready to serve the nation.