To promote digital inclusiveness, Airtel introduces cheaper 4G smartphones in Africa in Rwanda

As part of the ConnectRwanda 2.0 program, Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 African countries, unveiled the Rwanda 4G smartphone in cooperation with the Rwandan government. By 2024, Airtel Africa’s digital inclusion and empowerment initiative—which collaborates closely with the Rwandan government—aims to provide over a million Rwandans with cutting-edge, fast LTE cellphones.

At the 2023 Mobile World Congress, Segun Ogunsanya, Group CEO of Airtel Africa, declared, “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.”

According to Mr. Ogunsanya, the release of this reasonably priced smartphone would open up new opportunities for connectivity, commerce, and education, which would promote innovation and economic growth.

The price of the smartphone is 20,000 Rwandan Francs (about US$16.5), with a monthly payment of 1,000 Rwandan Francs (about US$0.8), or Ksh2,300. Additionally, 1GB of daily data and unlimited calls to any Rwandan network will be provided to customers, making connectivity easier than before.

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, stated, “All government agencies have a target of 2024 to digitize their activities.” Gordon Kalema, the Director General of Digital Transformation in the Ministry, represented Ingabire. Thus, the goal of this project is to make that lofty goal attainable.

He congratulated Airtel Africa on the launch of the 4G smartphone partnership and praised their belief in Rwanda and the government’s digitization agenda. Additionally, he thanked Mr. Reed Hastings, the Chairman and co-founder of Netflix, for his kind assistance, which was crucial in bringing the idea to fruition.

Rwandan and Airtel-led public-private collaborations are fueled by technology

Globally, public-private partnerships, or PPPs, are becoming the main engine behind innovative technology-driven projects. The partnership between Airtel Africa and the Rwandan government to introduce an inexpensive 4G smartphone is a notable illustration of this. This creative strategy emphasizes how important these collaborations are to the advancement of technology and digital inclusion.

PPPs are an amalgam of resources from the public and innovative aspects of the private sector. The combination of Airtel Africa and Rwanda has made cutting-edge technologies more widely available. Through the utilization of a private enterprise’s resources and experience, the government can increase its ability to effect significant change. This collaboration acknowledges that technology is limitless and has the power to spur widespread progress.

The capacity to access internet information and services is a basic necessity in today’s linked environment. Initiatives backed by technology, such as the one in Rwanda, seek to close the digital gap. These programs are diverse in that they provide users with cell phones together with data plans and connectivity so they may take part in the digital economy, access essential resources, and complete online education.

PPPs have an impact on the tech industry beyond just improving accessibility. Collaborations like the one in Rwanda show how these alliances might promote economic expansion. Solutions that address urgent concerns and stimulate economic activity can be created when public-sector dedication and private-sector creativity are combined.

The advantages go beyond only financial profits. These collaborations frequently result in the development of a technology ecosystem that promotes local skill development and entrepreneurship. Opportunities for digital literacy, the creation of jobs, and the expansion of Rwanda’s tech community may arise from it.

Author

Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

View all posts

Author

Airtel, MTN and others record more than N53billion in profit from sms