What began as a simple habit of asking for electronic invoices for purchases has turned into a life-changing moment for Christophe Nshimiyimana, a 45-year-old from Kayonza District, who has walked away with a brand-new car worth Rwf17 million after winning in TengaPromo. TengaPromo is a lottery linked to a programme called Tengamara, backed by Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) to encourage Rwandans to request electronic billing machine (EBM) receipts for every purchase they make. It was launched in July 2025 by RRA in partnership with AMBITECH, a techmology company implementing it. Fifth car winner since launch The car Nshimiyimana won is the fifth to be awarded since the TengaPromo car giveaways began in October 2025. He was handed the vehicle on March 27, 2026, during a ceremony held in Musanze District. The car given is a KIA Sorento TLX, following four others that have already been awarded, according to the lottery organisers. A dream fueled by consistency Nshimiyimana said that regularly requesting EBM receipts and using the associated points for winning a car is what helped him get it, saying the vehicle will support his daily life. “I became very committed and always remembered to request EBM receipts because it cost me nothing and helps develop the country. This is the first time I have won a prize in a lottery. I played many times, which increased my chances, as I have requested receipts for over Rwf30 million. I was building my house and paying a lot of money, while also consistently requesting EBM receipts,” he said Encouraging trust in the programme Nshimiyimana went on to say that owning a car had always been his dream, but it once seemed like something out of reach. “People should believe that TengaPromo is real. I had been participating in TengaPromo for nearly six months, as well as in the Tengamara programme by RRA, where you receive 10 per cent of the 18 per cent [VAT] the government collects from what I paid during the quarter,” he said. Incentivising a culture of tax compliance The marketing manager at AMBITECH, Doreen Mutesi, reminded those attending the ceremony where Nshimiyimana was handed his prize that the lottery is not only meant for giving out rewards, but also for promoting the culture of requesting receipts, adding that this will contribute to building the country. She said: “The programme was designed to encourage Rwandans to develop the habit of requesting EBM receipts. RRA also rewards you when you register, giving you 10 per cent of the [VAT] tax on the receipts you have requested over a three-month period.” More prizes still up for grabs Mutesi further explained that after awarding the fifth car, the activities are still ongoing, as cars will continue to be given out every month. Cash prizes and motorcycles are also still available, all aimed at encouraging Rwandans across the country to continue requesting receipts. Taxes driving local development The director in charge of corporate services in Musanze District, Munyaneza Jean Maurice, reminded those attending the ceremony that taxes in the district are a key pillar of infrastructure development. He said: “In this 2025/26 performance year, we have set a target for the district’s own revenue to reach Rwf4.6 billion, up from Rwf3 billion in 2023/24... So far, we have reached 75 per cent [of the current year target]. That is why you are encouraged to request receipts...” About TengaPromo works and how to join it The TengaPromo is an initiative that encourages final consumers to register, consistently request EBM invoices, and stand a chance to enter monthly draws and win various prizes. By requesting EBM invoices, you not only get rewarded but also contribute to national development, according to RRA. TengaPromo is designed for final consumers who request EBM invoices (with VAT or not), to voluntarily participate in the lottery and stand a chance to win cash prizes. The VAT Reward allows final consumers to get a 10 percent reward of the VAT on the invoice. To register for TengaPromo, you dial *562# and follow the instructions, and you are automatically enrolled in the Tengamara programme if you were not already a member. After registering for both Tengamara and TengaPromo, a customer who requests an EBM receipt is immediately awarded points in TengaPromo, giving them a chance to win prizes ranging from 50,000 Rwandan francs to Rwf1 million, as well as motorcycles and cars.
