When the news of the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs broke out, it sent shock waves not only across the United States where the technology guru was born but also among the users of his popular gadgets around the globe.

Steve Jobs, the transcendent Silicon Valley entrepreneur who reinvented the world's computing, music and mobile phone industries and changed the daily habits of millions around the globe, died on Thursday morning aged 56.

His death after a year-long battle with cancer sparked an immediate outpouring of tributes as world leaders, business rivals and fans including Rwandans, lamented the tragedy of his premature passing and celebrated his monumental achievements.

Dr Ignace Gatare the Minister in the President's Office in charge of ICT.

The death of Steve Jobs is a big loss for the global ICT sector. The world has lost a brilliant innovator and entrepreneur. His innovative ideas have been extended to Rwanda and it has transformed the world including Rwandans.

Eric Bright, ICT expert FERWAFA

When I heard news that Steve had died, I was so shocked! We have lost somebody special. But I have learnt a lesson that we can work hard and be innovative to emulate him. Let us begin from where he has ended to change the world as young people. We shall never forget Steve, especially we, in the ICT sector. May his soul rest in peace.

Diego Camberos, acting CEO, TIGO Rwanda

He has been my hero…it’s quite absurd for such a person to die. As a company, we shall never forget him because we are selling the products that he invented like IPads. I think it’s really sad news for us. He has been a visionary especially in changing the world technologically. Therefore, we still need more Steve Jobs to continue from where he has ended.

Tom Close, a local musician

I did not know him so much; but according to the news I have heard, it’s the man who invented IPods that I normally use. But as a human being, if someone dies, of course, it will be bad news; it’s a big loss to the electronic world because I think there is nobody that doesn’t use his gadgets.

Julliet Busingye, Sustainable Health Enterprise

We have lost our mentor in the ICT sector. Steve’s death is a big loss, especially younger people who are friendly to IPods, IPads and others. Whenever am driving, I always listen to music using his gadgets.

Lillian Tumushabe

I did not know him much but when I read on the internet today, I was shocked to discover he is the founder of the IPods. I would not have loved him to go. It is awful news. May his soul rest in peace. God should help us to get more innovative people like Steve Jobs. We should try to imitate and be innovative to change not only our country but the world as Steve has been doing.

Bill Gates, co founder microsoft

"The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honour."

Barack Obama, US President

Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

He transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

"The world has lost a visionary.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder

Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.

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