MTN Rwanda officially launched its 5G network on Tuesday, with 51 active sites initially available across Kigali. The telco aims to accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation, with a focus on industrial sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Backed by a recent infrastructure upgrade with Ericsson, the launch follows a successful pilot in May. With Kigali as the starting point, MTN’s 5G rollout marks a major step toward faster, smarter connectivity across Rwanda.
5G network rollout begins in Kigali’s strategic locations
MTN Rwanda kicked off its 5G journey with a pilot at Kigali Heights in May. The network is now live at key locations, including the Kigali Convention Centre, KABC, and Kigali Heights.
The initial phase spans areas in Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, and Kamonyi, with further expansion planned across the capital.
According to Monzer Ali, the rollout is not just about faster internet, but about building an ecosystem that fosters economic development and tech innovation.
“5G is a catalyst for national digital transformation,” Ali said during a press briefing at MTN’s headquarters.
He emphasised the potential of 5G to empower startups, drive smart agriculture, enable remote healthcare, and support virtual education.
Ali also revealed that the current rollout is just the beginning. “We’re committed to expanding this network across the country, ensuring that all Rwandans, regardless of location, can benefit from the transformative power of 5G.”
MTN’s 5G strategy focuses on industrial use and inclusive growth
MTN’s 5G business model is focused on enterprise applications, rather than just consumer internet access. Sectors like remote healthcare, education, smart farming, and residential fixed wireless access (FWA) are at the core of the telco’s strategy.
The network is also designed to support ultra-low latency services, which are essential for emerging technologies.
Issa Nkusi, Head of Network Operations, clarified that 5G will enhance MTN’s existing 4G and fibre infrastructure.
“With compatibility already live on supported iPhones and Transition devices, and more to come, we’re laying the groundwork for a future-ready, secure, and scalable network,” he said.
Despite Rwanda’s relatively low smartphone ownership rate, only 34 percent of households own one, according to a government report from April 2025.
MTN is confident that demand for 5G will grow steadily as more people upgrade their devices and digital services expand.
Ericsson-powered modernisation enables Rwanda’s first 5G service
The 5G launch builds on MTN Rwanda’s network modernisation, completed in late 2024 in partnership with Ericsson.
The upgrade equipped the operator with multi-band radios and energy-efficient systems, laying the foundation for today’s 5G infrastructure.
General Manager of MTN’s Enterprise Business Unit, Didas Ndoli, said the company’s SMART capex approach helped minimise costs while maximising coverage.
He noted that the long-term economic impact will be positive as businesses begin leveraging the new technology.
With over 7.6 million subscribers, MTN Rwanda leads the market, but the adoption of faster networks remains a challenge. As of Q1 2025, only 15 percent of MTN customers were using 4G, while most still relied on 3G and 2G.
With its bold 5G launch in Kigali, MTN Rwanda is signalling a new era of connectivity that goes beyond speed to foster economic inclusion, innovation, and national growth. As expansion moves beyond the capital, the focus remains on Rwanda’s digital future.