In a groundbreaking move to enhance digital inclusion and empower Rwandans, Airtel Africa, operating in 14 African nations, has introduced the Rwanda 4G smartphone in collaboration with the Rwandan Government. This initiative is a crucial part of the ConnectRwanda 2.0 program, aimed at equipping more than a million Rwandans with advanced high-speed LTE smartphones by the year 2024.
Group CEO of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, expressed his pride in being part of this transformative initiative. He emphasized that this effort promises to reshape Rwanda’s digitization landscape, offering new possibilities in education, commerce, and connectivity, ultimately fostering economic development and creativity.
The most striking aspect of this initiative is the affordability of the smartphone. Priced at just 20,000 Rwandan Francs, which is equivalent to a mere US$16.5, it opens up new avenues for individuals who previously had limited access to advanced technology. Additionally, there’s a modest monthly charge of 1,000 Rwandan Francs (approximately US$0.8), equivalent to Ksh2,300, which provides subscribers with 1GB of daily data and unrestricted calls to any network in Rwanda. This affordable pricing structure significantly enhances connectivity, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, underlined the government’s commitment to digitizing its activities by 2024. The introduction of the 4G smartphone is aligned with this ambitious target, ensuring that more Rwandans can participate in the digital transformation of the country.
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Airtel’s Vision for Rwanda’s Digital Transformation
Airtel Africa, with its presence in 14 African nations, has always been at the forefront of empowering communities through innovative telecommunication solutions. The Rwanda 4G smartphone represents a powerful collaboration between Airtel and the Rwandan Government, aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and empowering the people of Rwanda. The goal of this initiative is clear: to equip over a million Rwandans with advanced high-speed LTE smartphones by 2024.
Leadership Paving the Way
The Group CEO of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, shared his enthusiasm about this transformative initiative. He stated, “We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that promises to rewrite Rwanda’s digitization story and give more Rwandans a reason to imagine.” Mr. Ogunsanya recognizes the potential of this endeavor, highlighting its ability to open new doors in education, commerce, and connectivity. He anticipates that the initiative will foster economic development and creativity among the Rwandan population.
Affordability: The Game-Changer
One of the most striking aspects of the Rwanda 4G smartphone is its affordability. Priced at a mere 20,000 Rwandan Francs, equivalent to just US$16.5, this smartphone breaks down the barriers that have limited access to advanced technology for many. Additionally, the monthly charge is set at a modest 1,000 Rwandan Francs, approximately US$0.8, which translates to Ksh2,300. In return for this affordable pricing, subscribers receive 1GB of daily data and unrestricted calls to any network in Rwanda. This pricing structure not only makes the smartphone accessible to a wider audience but also enhances connectivity, ensuring that more Rwandans can participate in the digital revolution.
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Rwanda’s Digital Vision: Government’s Commitment
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, has expressed the government’s commitment to digitizing its activities by the year 2024. She emphasized that this initiative aligns perfectly with their ambitious target, aiming to enable more Rwandans to actively participate in the digital transformation of the country. Mr. Gordon Kalema, Director General of Digital Transformation in the Ministry, represented Minister Ingabire at the launch and commended Airtel Africa for their role in realizing the government’s digitalization vision.