EFFECT OF THE ICTs UTILIZATION ON SOCIO−ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RWANDA A CASE STUDY OF LIQUID TELECOM IN GISOZI SECTOR

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the effects of Internet and ICTs on socio-economic Development in Rwanda. A case of Liquid Telecom in Gisozi Sector(2018-2023).To achieve this, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine the effect of ICT and Internet Users on Socio-Economic Development in Gisozi Sector; to find out challenges facing the Internet . The study employed qualitative design, which was used to collect primary data from the respondents, and documentation was used to cover the secondary data that was not covered by views of the respondents. Questionnaire, interview were major tools that were applied to collect data. Qualitative analysis was applied to reveal major findings. Respondents under the study were Internet and ICT users, the sample was 30 representing Internet and ICTs users in City of Kigali selected purposively. The final result found that 30.0% of the respondents confirmed that the situation of education payment of school fees was moderate and difficult before ICTs and Internet Utilization but 60% confirmed paying school fees was easily after utilizing Internet and ICT. Research indicated that 63.3% of respondents confirmed that their situation in the shelter was challenging,36.6% confirmed moderate, compared to the situation after 66.6% of respondents confirmed easily compared to the situation after ICTs and Internet Utilization, the respondents confirmed that the shelter and Equipment changed positively at it was moderate at 30.0%. Research mentioned that most respondents confirmed that their income per month increased from 0% to 10% was between 25,000-50,000rwf, while their income increased from 0% to 16.6% were above 100 000 rwf and their income per month after using Internet and ICTs in City of Kigali.16.6% with ≤ 5,000, while 5,000 ≤ 15,000 was increased from 0% to 16.6% of respondent’s level of savings was more significant. The final results showed that 80.0% of the majority of the respondents emphasized that they faced a digital divide. Besides, 33.3% of respondents said digital literacy. Furthermore, 76.6% of respondents argued cybersecurity as one of the challenges faced by the Internet and ICTs while utilizing in Gisozi Sector while 50% of respondents mentioned privacy concerns same as infrastructure limitations.The research found that 100.0% of the majority of the respondents emphasized that infrastructure development, affordable access, digital literacy.This study recommends to enhance digital infrastructure, strengthen digital literacy and education , enhance cybersecurity and data protection can be made to enhance their impact on socio-economic development.