Good data exchange can confer an array of benefits, from improving the operational efficiency of governments and driving economic growth, to enabling access to essential services for people and building trust.
The factors that make up good data exchange are relatively well established and include effective laws and regulations, technology architecture, and accountability and oversight mechanisms. Far less research has been conducted on how these factors function in the real world as governments navigate their unique contexts to build, implement, and ensure buy-in and usage of their national data exchange efforts.
We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to national data exchange systems. Each country’s progression and timeline are unique, and the process is seldom linear. Their trajectory is greatly influenced by the motivating drivers for establishing national data exchange systems and the methods by which they go about doing so.
The Digital Impact Alliance conducted research into these unique drivers and considerations to inform a greater understanding of how integrated national data exchange systems are being developed, and the ensuing implications for governments, the private sector, and people.
Through its digitization efforts, Rwanda has expanded public service access for millions of citizens. Here's what we can learn from its approach.
As part of our research into integrated national data exchange systems, we analyzed Rwanda’s approach, highlighting Irembo, the government’s national citizen e-portal. Today, Irembo offers over 100 digital services across government institutions – ranging from immigration to education. Since its launch in 2015, the platform has increased efficiency and benefitted citizens, as average service delivery time has decreased from 5 days to 24 hours.
In this paper, we delve into the Irembo model, documenting key insights into the successes and challenges of Rwanda’s approach. Here’s what we learned:
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Putting in place the right funding model is critical, not only for long-term sustainability, but also for adoption and continued usage of data exchange efforts.
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Considering and responding to the needs of diverse populations is essential, especially vulnerable, marginalized and / or excluded populations.
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Gaining longer-term trust and buy-in within the government takes concerted effort, often more than anticipated.
By highlighting Rwanda’s data exchange model – and the key learnings it provides – we aim to support policymakers and government technology leaders as they work to implement and advance their own national data exchange systems.
To learn more about the importance of integrated national data exchange systems for positive digital transformation, take a look at our National Data Exchange Systems Insights Paper.
