How local innovation facilitated logistics for WEF delegates in Kigali

During the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, which saw Rwanda host over 1,500 delegates, a fortnight ago, one of the most complex tasks was to facilitate the logistics of all the guests arriving in the country. A local tech firm, AC Group, developed an innovative solution that enabled organisers to not only plan logistics but also track locations of the delegates to ensure they did not miss out on sessions. The solution relied on ‘Tap and Go’ cards launched by AC Group and already in operation with Kigali Bus Services and Royal Express firms. The company took the system a step further by issuing cards to WEF delegates upon arrival at the airport which guaranteed them access to the designated delegates’ buses. Eden Benimana, AC Group’s project manager, explains that the system was put in place to aid WEF transport providers to monitor, track and receive real time data to be able to serve the delegates’ transport needs better. “The delegates just had to tap their cards on the installed bus validator and the transport team would receive real time report including the number of guests in transit, the number of those who had reached their hotels, registration sites or the other forum sites.” he said. “We had over 40 coasters which were all supposed to be sending constant live data. They all provided information on the number of people who had already boarded, their location and which hotel the bus was coming from and where it was headed. On our map the buses where color coded to identify a particular vehicle and exactly where it was headed, the number of people aboard, the speed at which it was moving and it’s number plate,” he added. Benimana cited some of the challenges the system faced as inconsistency in the internet connection and availability in the city. “The quality of the internet slowed down the flow of the real time data at times and it seized to be automatic. Other challenges revolved around having the delegates understand the significance of the system in easing their transport through the real time data they were providing.” he said. Patrick Buchana, CEO of AC Group, said the solution they have is already working with City of Kigali public transport buses but with this new system they have extended a unique platform to high profile forums. “The system ensures that all participants using the shuttles have convenient and seamless transport, organizers get real time data that helps them make decisions as well as guarantee safety and immediate action should any shuttle have any problem.” he said. “All delegates that have traveled long distances don’t have much time on their hands and waiting for a shuttle to get to them should not be one of the areas of delay. We try to ensure that the information collected in real time makes the bus scheduling very seamless for them,” he added. The system was previously used during Transform Africa Summit and further upgraded for WEF. Buchana said they are looking to expand this service to the region. “We are definitely developing it as a Rwandan smart transport product for forums but soon we will export it for forums and conferences outside Rwanda.” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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How local innovation facilitated logistics for WEF delegates in Kigali