Telecommunications giant Airtel Rwanda on November 21 launched the ambitious 'ConnectRwanda 2.0' campaign in Nyamasheke District, Western Province. The initiative's second phase aims to bridge the digital divide by providing over a million Rwandans with affordable 4G smartphones nationwide.
The event drew a diverse crowd from four sectors—Kanjongo, Kirimbi, Kagano, and Gacuba—eager to embrace the transformative power of connectivity. The campaign seeks to grant citizens access to various government services, fostering connectivity in an increasingly digital world.
This follows similar initiatives on October 16 in Kabarondo sector, Kayonza District, and Butaro sector in Burera District earlier this month.
The primary objective of the campaign is to distribute over a million affordable 4G smartphones, a collaborative effort between the Rwandan government and Airtel. This move aims to revolutionize access to digital resources for Rwandans across the country. A total of 2305 beneficiaries received smartphones, each equipped with impressive features, including dual cameras, 4G capability, 32 gigabytes of ROM, 2 gigabytes of RAM, and a 5-inch screen.
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Emmanuel Hamez, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, joined by Hon. Lambert Dushimimana, the Governor of the Western Province, Richard Kubana, Director General in the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Gordon Kalema, the Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of ICT, Innovation (MINICT), Joseph Desire Muhayeyezu, the Mayor of Nyamasheke District, and the Chairman of Airtel, graced the event.
Addressing the press, Hamez emphasised the significance of the smartphones, highlighting that for an upfront payment of just Rwf20,000, nearly a year of service, including unlimited calls, is made available.
Hamez further said, "We aim to distribute over 1 million handsets in six months. They are being distributed at the event and are also available in over 47 service centers countrywide.”
He added, "Furthermore, we have more than 170 Airtel money agents dispatched all over the country to serve our customers easily. This means you can find all these handsets in all these points of service.”
"We are happy to participate in the digitization of the country and are collaborating with Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) to have ambassadors available to educate people on how to use the handsets,” Hamez said.
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Joseph Desire Muhayeyezu, the Mayor of Nyamasheke District, expressed gratitude, stating, "It is of great value that the government of Rwanda and Airtel thought that this program of ConnectRwanda phase 2 starts in our region. The move means a lot to us.”
He urged citizens to embrace the initiative, emphasising the potential for effective and convenient access to government services through digital literacy.
Among the beneficiaries, attendees expressed gratitude and excitement at being part of this transformative programme. They anticipate utilising these devices to enhance their lives, access educational resources, connect with loved ones, and explore new opportunities in the digital era.
Christophe Uwabakurikiza, a pastor at the Methodist church, said, "We anticipate this phone will provide advanced technology, making it easier for us to access various government services through Irembo.”
He continued, "Most of us faced a big challenge in accessing such services, but it is now a reliable way to fulfill these services promptly.”
Godance Uwamahoro expressed, "I am thrilled to receive this phone. It will connect me to various government service providers. I will be able to pay water bills, electricity, and community medical insurance (Mutuelle de Sante). I am now a smart citizen.”
She added, "One of my duties as a citizen is timely information sharing where needed. This will be possible since I have a smartphone.”