After successful launches in Nyagatare, Burera, Nyamasheke, and Nyanza Districts, Airtel Rwanda, on December 15, took the second phase of the ConnectRwanda campaign, known as ConnectRwanda 2.0, to Rubavu District.
As part of this initiative, residents who attended the event at Umuganda Stadium were able to obtain smartphones for just Rwf 20,000.
ALSO READ: Airtel Rwanda unveils affordable 4G smartphones
The overarching goal of ConnectRwanda 2.0 is to narrow the digital divide by providing affordable 4G smartphones to over a million Rwandans across the country.
According to Emmanuel Hamez, the CEO of Airtel Rwanda, so far, 52,000 smartphones have been distributed, with 3,000 brought specifically to Rubavu District for the event.
"The smartphones are now accessible at all Airtel Rwanda service centres," he noted, adding that Rubavu residents could also obtain smartphones at the ongoing PSF expo in the District until December 29.
Hamez said the phones operate on 4G with 32GB memory, offering 1GB internet per day for a month at Rwf1,000.
He thanked President Paul Kagame, as well as partners including the Ministry of ICT and the co-founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings, for supporting the initiative.
ALSO READ: Airtel Rwanda takes second phase of ConnectRwanda to Nyanza
Innocent Bagamba Muhizi, the CEO of Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), noted that each smartphone, valued at over Rwf70,000, had a significant portion covered by partners, allowing people to acquire it for only Rwf20,000.
"This smartphone serves multiple purposes, offering timely information and access to both public and private services. It will assist you in your daily tasks," he added.
Muhizi urged recipients not to sell the smartphones, emphasizing the importance of taking good care of them. He expressed gratitude to partners, including President Kagame, Hastings, and Airtel Rwanda, for their support.
ALSO READ: Airtel launches new campaign to boost access to affordable 4G smartphones in Nyamasheke District
Prosper Mulindwa, the Mayor of Rubavu District, emphasised the significant role smartphones will play in enhancing trade, particularly with neighbouring DR Congo.
"They will enable timely access to information and allow the people of Rubavu to stay informed about global events and prosper," he said.
He expressed gratitude to Airtel Rwanda and its partners for launching the initiative.
Mediatrice Musabyimana, a cross-border trader in Mugerero Sector, Rubavu District, was happy seeing that the smartphone will boost her work and earnings.
"I will use it to access timely information about the goods at the market and other information related to my business," she said, noting that she will also connect with other traders, locally and internationally, through platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp.
She also extended her appreciation to President Kagame and Airtel Rwanda for spearheading the initiative.