MTN Rwanda and the GSMA announced their strategic partnership to address usage gap and accelerate digital literacy in Rwanda under the GSMA’s “WeCare” campaign during this year’s MWC Africa conference hosted in Kigali, Rwanda from 17-19 October 2023. This collaboration will empower Rwandans with essential digital skills, promoting a digitally inclusive society.
According to GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2023 the mobile internet usage gap is 69% in Sub-Saharan Africa. The key barriers preventing this population from coming online and benefitting from mobile internet are affordability, particularly of internet-enabled devices, and lack of literacy and skills, this partnership is centered around addressing these key barriers.
The partnership will focus on implementing a series of digital literacy initiatives designed to equip Rwandans with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. These initiatives include providing extensive training on fundamental digital skills, encompassing internet usage, social media engagement, and mobile application utilization. To date, 1.4 million people in Rwanda have been reached through MTN’s Data Smart training, the intent is to build & expand on this further.
To address the affordability barrier to digital inclusion, the partnership will facilitate access to smartphones through Macye Macye, MTN’s innovative installment payment plan that includes complimentary data, voice, and SMS bundles. Since its launch in 2022, customers in Rwanda have bought over 100,000 devices.
“MTN Rwanda is steadfastly committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Rwandans have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy,” said Saint Hilary Doe-Tamakloe MTN Rwanda Chief Consumer and Digital Officer. “Our partnership with the GSMA will amplify our reach, enabling us to empower more individuals with essential digital skills training and awareness campaigns, fostering their success in the digital age.”
“The GSMA is thrilled to partner with MTN Rwanda to promote digital literacy and inclusion in Rwanda,” remarked Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. “The ‘WeCare’ campaign serves as a powerful platform for mobile operators to make a positive impact in their communities, and we are confident that this collaboration will significantly contribute to the achievement of the ‘85% digital literate penetration of adult population’ target as outlined in the Rwanda National Broadband Policy and Strategy.”
This partnership between MTN Rwanda and the GSMA reaffirms their shared commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to harness the power of technology to enhance their lives.
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