Liquid Telecommunications Rwanda Limited, trading as Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, a leading African tech company, marked the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda with a US$100,000 (approximately Rwf130.7 million) contribution towards the preservation of memory of the Genocide.
The contibution, which was part of the exisisting partnership between the tech firm and Imbuto Foundation, was handed over on Monday, September 16.
Through the ten-year US$1 million partnership, Liquid made a commitment of $1 million to the foundation, which was founded by First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.
The funds will be used to digitise and preserve Rwanda’s Genocide memorials, ensuring that future Rwandans and visitors can access and remember the country’s tragic past through advanced digital platforms. This project is a tripartite undertaking that also involves the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
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"The documentation and preservation of the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a key priority for Rwanda. Liquid has pledged long-term support to the Government of Rwanda, providing the technology needed for national memorials to preserve evidence, and artifacts, funding for documentation, research, and infrastructure improvements.
"As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed not only to Africa’s digital transformation but also to supporting the communities where we operate. Liquid is honoured to play a role in memorialising Rwanda’s history,” said Sam Nkusi, Executive Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda.
Nkusi further emphasised Liquid’s broader mission: "We fully support the integration of information online to ensure these atrocities never happen again. Our partnership with the government began when we were just a telecom operator, but now we bring so much more to the table—cybersecurity, cloud hosting, and a dedicated tech team, all contributing to this vital journey of preservation and education.”
"The donation plays a critical role in preserving Genocide memories and ensuring historical accuracy. Through the Imbuto Foundation’s ‘Igihango cy’urungano’ initiative, we have begun educating the youth. Over 28,000 individuals have participated in these dialogues, either in person or virtually. The youth are key to bridging the knowledge gap, as most were not born during the Genocide and they make up a significant portion of the population—65.3 per cent are under 30, according to the latest census.
"Digitising the memorials is the next step in this ongoing effort,” said Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement.
He added, "Of the eight national memorials—Gisozi, Rebero, Nyamata, Ntarama, Nyarubuye, Nyange, Bisesero, and Murambi—only one, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, is fully digitised. The rest lack audio-visual content to guide visitors, who rely solely on guides for information. Ntarama was the first to be upgraded, and we aim to open it around October. Nyange and Murambi are next, with Murambi also set to feature a dedicated memorial garden.”
When asked about the digitisation process, Bizimana explained: "It involves gathering available information like testimonials, vintage photographs, and footage, as well as first-hand accounts that are significant to each location’s history. Every memorial tells a unique story about how events unfolded, so no two are alike. We are also developing electronic access options that will allow visitors to experience the memorials without needing a guide or even visiting in person—a virtual tour option to accommodate those from afar.
"Technology has made it easier for misinformation to spread, with Genocide denialists and perpetrators leading conversations and spreading falsehoods. To this day, many Rwandans don’t visit memorials as often as they should.
"We started by making it mandatory for schools to teach and learn from the memorials near their locations, but some people still ask, ‘Why visit a Genocide memorial when I already know about the Genocide?’ To them, I would say: you don’t truly know the Genocide. Every memorial tells a different story—how it was planned, how it unfolded—there is always something new to learn,” he emphasised.
Elodie Shami, Director-General of the Imbuto Foundation, added: "The Imbuto Foundation’s youth empowerment programme is designed to inspire Rwandan youth to become productive and engaged citizens. Our partnership with Liquid to digitise the Genocide memorials will allow young people to use technology to educate themselves about the country’s past.”
Beyond supporting the preservation of Rwanda’s history, Liquid also provides free public internet at several locations across the country, empowering students, the public, and entrepreneurs with access to the web. This digital access aligns with the company’s vision of a connected Rwanda that leaves no one behind.
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, is a leading pan-African technology group with operations in over 25 countries across the continent. Liquid has cemented its position as the premier provider of digital infrastructure in Africa, boasting a 110,000 km fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that delivers high-speed internet access across even the most remote regions.
Leveraging its extensive network, Liquid offers advanced cloud and cybersecurity solutions through strategic partnerships with global leaders. As a comprehensive technology solutions provider, Liquid delivers tailored digital services to enterprises, SMEs, and public sector clients across Africa. For more information, visit https://www.liquid.tech.