President Paul Kagame met with Estonian President Alar Karis on the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, where the two leaders held discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest. Their meeting underscored the growing partnership between Rwanda and Estonia, particularly in digital innovation, e-governance, and the use of technology to accelerate sustainable development.
According to the Office of the President at Village Urugwiro, the meeting followed President Kagame’s participation in the AI for Good Global Summit on July 8, 2026, an international gathering that brought together world leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address global challenges and improve lives.
During their discussions, Presidents Kagame and Karis explored practical ways to deepen collaboration between Rwanda and Estonia by building on their shared commitment to digital transformation. The leaders highlighted opportunities to strengthen cooperation in technological innovation, digital public services, and modern governance systems that leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Both countries have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to embracing digital solutions as key drivers of economic growth, institutional development, and improved public services.
Estonia, a Northern European nation covering approximately 45,336 square kilometers with a population of more than 1.3 million people, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most digitally advanced societies. The country has pioneered e-governance and digital public services, making technology an integral part of government operations, business, education, and everyday life. Rwanda has likewise earned global recognition for its ambitious digital transformation agenda, making cooperation between the two countries increasingly valuable as they continue exchanging knowledge and best practices.
President Alar Karis assumed office in 2021, succeeding President Kersti Kaljulaid, who led Estonia from 2016. Relations between Rwanda and Estonia have continued to grow over the years through regular high-level engagements and a shared vision for innovation-led development. President Kagame has met Estonian leaders on several occasions to advance bilateral cooperation and identify new areas for partnership.
One notable milestone in the relationship came in 2018 when President Kagame met then-President Kersti Kaljulaid during the Munich Security Conference in Germany, following her official visit to Rwanda. Earlier, on November 16, 2017, President Kaljulaid became the first Estonian head of state to make an official visit to Rwanda and her first visit to Africa since taking office. Her visit reflected Estonia’s growing interest in strengthening cooperation with African nations, particularly in digital innovation, governance, and sustainable development.
Rwanda and Estonia continue to share common priorities in promoting technology-driven solutions to national development challenges. Their partnership offers significant opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, e-government, smart public administration, entrepreneurship, education, and other sectors where technology can enhance economic growth and improve the quality of public services.
During her 2017 visit to Rwanda, President Kaljulaid also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi. In the memorial’s visitors’ book, she conveyed Estonia’s solidarity with the people of Rwanda, expressing sympathy to survivors and the families of the victims while acknowledging that although physical wounds may heal over time, the emotional scars of such a tragedy endure for generations.
The latest meeting between Presidents Kagame and Karis reflects the continued commitment of both countries to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation in areas that foster innovation, strengthen governance, and support inclusive, technology-driven development for the benefit of their people.
