Airtel Africa, operating in 14 African nations, has introduced the Rwanda 4G smartphone through a collaborative effort with the Rwandan Government as part of the ConnectRwanda 2.0 program. Working hand in hand with the Rwandan government, Airtel Africa’s digital inclusion and empowerment initiative has set the goal of equipping more than a million Rwandans with advanced high-speed LTE smartphones by the year 2024.
“We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that promises to rewrite Rwanda’s digitization story and give more Rwandans a reason to imagine,” Group CEO of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya said ahead of the 2023 Mobile World Congress.
Mr. Ogunsanya expressed that with the introduction of this cost-effective smartphone, new prospects for education, commerce, and connectivity would arise, fostering economic development and creativity.
The smartphone can be purchased at 20,000 Rwandan Francs (equivalent to US$16.5) alongside a monthly charge of 1,000 Rwandan Francs (approximately US$0.8), which equals Ksh2,300. Furthermore, subscribers will benefit from 1GB of daily data and unrestricted calls to any network in Rwanda, making connectivity more convenient than ever.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, represented by the Director General of Digital Transformation in the Ministry, Mr Gordon Kalema, added, “All government agencies have a target of 2024 to digitize their activities. So, this initiative is aimed at enabling the realization of that ambitious target”.
He extended his congratulations to Airtel Africa for the introduction of the 4G smartphone deal, commending their faith in Rwanda and the government’s digitalization vision. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Reed Hastings, the co-founder and Chairman of Netflix, for his generous support, which played an important role in making the initiative a reality.
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Airtel and Rwanda fueling tech-driven public-private partnerships
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a driving force behind transformative tech-driven initiatives across the globe. One striking example of this is the collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Rwandan government in launching an affordable 4G smartphone. This innovative approach underscores the significance of such partnerships in advancing technology and digital inclusion.
PPPs represent a blend of public-sector resources and private-sector innovation. In the case of Airtel Africa and Rwanda, this union has paved the way for increased accessibility to advanced technology. By leveraging the expertise and resources of a private enterprise, the government can amplify its capacity to bring about meaningful change. This partnership recognizes that technology knows no bounds and can catalyze broad-based development.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to access information and services online is a fundamental requirement. Tech-driven initiatives, like the one in Rwanda, aim to bridge the digital divide. These initiatives are multifaceted, offering not only smartphones but also data plans and connectivity that enable users to access vital resources, engage in online education, and participate in the digital economy.
The impact of PPPs in the tech sector is not limited to accessibility alone. The collaboration in Rwanda demonstrates that these partnerships have the potential to foster economic growth. By combining public sector commitment and private sector ingenuity, we can witness the creation of solutions that address pressing issues while simultaneously spurring economic activity.
The benefits extend beyond mere economic gains. Such partnerships often lead to the creation of a technology ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and local skills development. It can create opportunities for digital literacy, job creation, and the growth of a tech community in Rwanda.
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