Over 450 exhibitors from 25 countries are expected at the 22nd Rwanda International Trade Fair that opens next Monday.

According to the Private Sector Federation (PSF), the three-week exhibition is expected to attract an estimated 400,000 visitors who will buy tickets via mobile money to encourage cashless payments.

To ensure the feasibility, local telecommunication firm MTN Rwanda has set up MTN m-Ticket, a digital user-friendly ticketing solution, which will be accessible anywhere, at any time and with any cell phone device.

Travellers during last year’s International Expo. This year, the exhibition will attract over 400,000 people. Sam Ngendahimana.

In a press briefing, Theoneste Ntagengerwa, the federation’s spokesperson told the media that the new technology will be introduced to ensure smooth entrance for visitors

"We want to address queues of people who take time buying tickets from different agents.  But, with the new system, people can buy tickets anytime and wherever and we hope the system is convenient and can save time. We encourage people to buy tickets before instead of purchasing them at the entrance to avoid queues,” he said.

MTN Chief Executive Bart Hofker said the new move will be introduced to encourage cashless economy at the exhibition.

 "With this special partnership between us (MTN-PSF), we hope to achieve an extra push towards realizing the vision of a cashless economy for Rwanda and financial inclusion for all Rwandans,” he said assuring that the system is safe and secure for MTN subscribers.

People can purchase entrance tickets either using Short Message Service by typing ‘EXPO’ leave space, then write the number of tickets you want to order and sent to 7799  and confirm the purchase of the ticket on MTN Mobile Money with a password.

Or, use USSD option by dialing *779# and follow prompts. A ticket is Rwf 500 as usual.

After the process, the system gives you a notification message which the client uses during the system checkpoints at the entrance.

Agents will also be around to assist those who do not use MTN Mobile Money.

China, Madagascar, Indonesia and Ivory Coast are the latest to register for the trade fair.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com