As online shopping grows in Rwanda through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Amazon, reports of fraud are increasing. Customers often pay for items that never arrive, receive fake products, or find themselves blocked by sellers after sending money.
To tackle these issues, the Rwandan government plans to implement a digital trade policy aimed at creating a secure online business environment. Prudence Sebahizi, the Minister of Trade and Industry, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of online fraud.
“The challenges we face stem from a lack of structured solutions,” Sebahizi explained. “Just like a country without borders struggles to manage illegal migration, we need a regulated framework for digital trade.”
The upcoming policy will establish a legal framework that allows businesses to operate safely. The minister noted that Rwanda’s strategy will focus on more than just policing individual scams; it aims to build a safe digital economy through laws, secure technologies, and public awareness.
Key to this effort is the implementation of Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, which help verify the identities of buyers and sellers. Sebahizi acknowledged that building public trust in online trading will take time but assured that the government is committed to fostering a secure ecosystem.
In addition to updating laws on e-commerce and cybercrime, the government plans to promote secure digital identities and establish a national cybersecurity operations center. They will also integrate encrypted payment systems, such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), to enhance security in online transactions.
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