Digital trade: an assessment of regulations and practices in Rwanda and Uganda

This report analyses the regulatory environment for cross-border digital trade in Rwanda and Uganda using the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) framework, covering 65 indicators across areas such as tariffs, data governance, telecom infrastructure, and online transactions. Evidence was drawn from legal and secondary sources, complemented by interviews, surveys, and focus groups with over over 80 local stakeholders. Findings show that both countries recognise digital trade as key to economic transformation. Rwanda emphasizes regulatory innovation through streamlined procedures, sandboxes, and incentives, while Uganda has advanced regulatory alignment with international standards and implemented several enabling policies. Yet, challenges persist: Rwanda faces restrictive data transfer rules and compliance burdens for startups; Uganda grapples with weak institutional coordination, limited transparency, and content restrictions. Shared barriers include small markets, skills gaps, and limited regional integration. The report highlights the need for coherent, well-implemented regulatory reforms, stronger institutional coordination, and sustained public–private dialogue. Regional cooperation, particularly within the EAC and AfCFTA, will be vital to harmonize policies in areas like data governance and customs.