{"id":58790,"date":"2023-11-23T15:24:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T15:24:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/airtel-launches-new-campaign-to-boost-access-to-affordable-4g-smartphones-in-nyamasheke-district"},"modified":"2023-11-23T16:27:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T16:27:03","slug":"airtel-launches-new-campaign-to-boost-access-to-affordable-4g-smartphones-in-nyamasheke-district","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/economy\/airtel-launches-new-campaign-to-boost-access-to-affordable-4g-smartphones-in-nyamasheke-district","title":{"rendered":"Airtel launches new campaign to boost access to affordable 4G smartphones in Nyamasheke District"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Telecommunications giant Airtel Rwanda on November 21 launched the ambitious ‘ConnectRwanda 2.0’ campaign in Nyamasheke District, Western Province. The initiative’s second phase aims to bridge the digital divide by providing over a million Rwandans with affordable 4G smartphones nationwide.<\/p>\n

The event drew a diverse crowd from four sectors\u2014Kanjongo, Kirimbi, Kagano, and Gacuba\u2014eager to embrace the transformative power of connectivity. The campaign seeks to grant citizens access to various government services, fostering connectivity in an increasingly digital world.<\/p>\n

This follows similar initiatives on October 16 in Kabarondo sector, Kayonza District, and Butaro sector in Burera District earlier this month.<\/p>\n

A total of 2305 beneficiaries received these smartphones after paying only Rwf20,000<\/p>\n

The primary objective of the campaign is to distribute over a million affordable 4G smartphones, a collaborative effort between the Rwandan government and Airtel. This move aims to revolutionize access to digital resources for Rwandans across the country.<\/p>\n

A total of 2305 beneficiaries received smartphones, each equipped with impressive features, including dual cameras, 4G capability, 32 gigabytes of ROM, 2 gigabytes of RAM, and a 5-inch screen.<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Hamez, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, joined by Hon. Lambert Dushimimana, the Governor of the Western Province, Richard Kubana, Director General in the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Gordon Kalema, the Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of ICT, Innovation (MINICT), Joseph Desire Muhayeyezu, the Mayor of Nyamasheke District, and the Chairman of Airtel, graced the event.<\/p>\n

Addressing the press, Hamez emphasised the significance of the smartphones, highlighting that for an upfront payment of just Rwf20,000, nearly a year of service, including unlimited calls, is made available.<\/p>\n

Hamez further said, \u201cWe aim to distribute over 1 million handsets in six months. They are being distributed at the event and are also available in over 47 service centers countrywide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Airtel team distributing 4G smartphone to the citizens.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cFurthermore, we have more than 170 Airtel money agents dispatched all over the country to serve our customers easily. This means you can find all these handsets in all these points of service.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are happy to participate in the digitization of the country and are collaborating with Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) to have ambassadors available to educate people on how to use the handsets,\u201d Hamez said.<\/p>\n

Joseph Desire Muhayeyezu, the Mayor of Nyamasheke District, expressed gratitude, stating, \u201cIt is of great value that the government of Rwanda and Airtel thought that this program of ConnectRwanda phase 2 starts in our region. The move means a lot to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

He urged citizens to embrace the initiative, emphasising the potential for effective and convenient access to government services through digital literacy.<\/p>\n

Among the beneficiaries, attendees expressed gratitude and excitement at being part of this transformative programme. They anticipate utilising these devices to enhance their lives, access educational resources, connect with loved ones, and explore new opportunities in the digital era.<\/p>\n

Christophe Uwabakurikiza, a pastor at the Methodist church, said, \u201cWe anticipate this phone will provide advanced technology, making it easier for us to access various government services through Irembo.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cMost of us faced a big challenge in accessing such services, but it is now a reliable way to fulfill these services promptly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Hamez, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director addressing 4G smartphones beneficiaries and part of 5 millions Airtel users countrywide. All photos by Emmanuel Dushimimana<\/p>\n

Godance Uwamahoro expressed, \u201cI am thrilled to receive this phone. It will connect me to various government service providers. I will be able to pay water bills, electricity, and community medical insurance (Mutuelle de Sante). I am now a smart citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added, \u201cOne of my duties as a citizen is timely information sharing where needed. This will be possible since I have a smartphone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gordon Kalema, the Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of ICT, Innovation (MINICT)<\/p>\n

Hon. Lambert Dushimimana, the Governor of Western province<\/p>\n

Joseph Desire Muhayeyezu, the Mayor of Nyamasheke district<\/p>\n

Singer Eric Senderi performing songs like ‘Ibidakwiriye nzabivuga’, and ‘Iyo twicaranye’ during the event that took place in Kanjongo sector, Nyamasheke district which was attended by thousands of local citizens.<\/p>\n

The event, held in Kanjongo sector, saw a multitude of attendees from four sectors Kanjongo, Kirimbi, Kagano, and Gacuba.<\/p>\n\r\n