Paul Barera

Paul BARERA is the Founder and Executive Director of Rwanda Telecentre Network (RTN). He is widely recognized as a champion in expanding ICT access to rural and underprivileged communities in Rwanda. Paul's journey in ICT for Development (ICT4D) began in 2004 with a USAID-funded project, where he played a key role in implementing Rwanda’s first community telecentre—Nyamata Telecentre. Since then, he has been dedicated to ensuring equitable access to ICT and digital services. Building on this vision, he founded RTN as a network of digital service agents, bridging the digital divide for individuals facing barriers such as limited skills, lack of digital devices, or other constraints. Over the past eight years, RTN has grown into a nationwide network of more than 3,000 agents. In addition to RTN, Paul launched Iteme, an aggregator platform designed to enhance access to digital and financial services. Iteme aims to provide these services in a more efficient, accessible, and scalable manner, further strengthening Rwanda’s digital and financial inclusion efforts.