Author: IGIHE

Amazon to buy stake of $ 2 billion in Airtel

Talks to buy Bharti Airtel’s shares are not far off, but analysts say the move by both sides will boost India’s technology economy.

The agreement between the two companies is expected to give a 5% of Bharti Airtel stake to Amazon Inc. based on the state of the market these days.

Bharti Airtel is ranked third in India’s telecommunications services industry with a strong rivalry with Reliance Jio.

Some people told Reuters that the method Reliance Jio used to lead other telecommunications companies in India and Bharti Airtel could.

Initially, Amazon had wanted to buy between 8-10% of Bharti Airtel shares. Just because the talks are still at the beginning […] the agreement may change or terminated.

Amazon plans to immediately look at other money transfer options that will help Bharti Airtel customers get their products cheaply.

An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, as the agency he represents does not disclose information about what they will or will not do in the future.

Only a statement from Bharti Airtel says it is already working with various technology companies that want to deliver their products and services to customers.

Shares of Bharti Airtel in the financial and stock markets rose 6% on Thursday, June 4, after the publication of a talk show between them and Amazon.

In the last six weeks, Jio company competing with Bharti raised $ 10 billion from investors including Facebook.

Google’s Alphabet Inc. is also looking for ways to invest in India’s second Vodafone Idea in providing telecommunications services.

Amazon is booming in the Indian tech market due to its rapid expansion as the country’s population is growing, reaching 1.3 billion.

Amazon plans to invest $ 6.5 billion in online business and will make it easier to use Bharti’s Internet at a lower cost as long as the two companies reached an agreement.

It was in December 2017 that Bharti Airtel, a subsidiary of Airtel Rwanda, bought all the shares of Tigo Rwanda, a subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular SA. The purchase agreement, signed in New Delhi, India, gave Airtel Rwanda a 100% stake in all Tigo Rwanda shares.

Bharti Airtel is the world’s largest telecommunications company with more than 403 million customers in 18 African and Asian countries.

June 5, 2020
MTN Rwanda Introduces ‘Connected Home’, Fixed Broadband Internet for Homes

The Connected Home solution will be delivered to customers via a fixed wireless point to point connection through an antenna installed at their houses. The antenna is pointed to a Fibre Optic network without necessarily having to bring a physical fibre optic cable to the home. This solution removes any accessibility obstacles, ultimately enabling direct internet access into the home with the same fiber-like speeds.

“We are pleased to announce that MTN has ventured into providing fixed broadband internet to homes. With more people working and learning at home, we saw it important for our solutions to evolve to meet the demands of this new normal. We previously only provided fixed connectivity solutions to corporate institutions such as banks but have now invested and extended the solution into residential areas,” said Didas Ndoli, Senior Manager of MTN’s Enterprise Business Unit.

Customers have 4 (four) broadband internet packages to choose from with speeds ranging from 5Mbps to 25Mbps depending on their particular needs.

Key features of MTN Business’s Fixed Home Broadband Internet are:
• Unlimited usage and high Internet speeds with the most reliable internet connectivity
• Installation and connection of a home within 48 hours upon subscribing for the service within Kigali (72 hours outside Kigali)
• 24/7 customer service and dedicated technical support
• Payment options via MTN MoMoPay by dialling *182*8*1*800000#

The service is currently available across Kigali covering over 90% of the city’s key residential areas.

“We have noted an increase in internet traffic, almost doubling in residential areas due to the Covid-19 situation. Good internet connectivity when working from home is no longer a luxury but has become the new normal. By providing affordable broadband Internet to homes, we are helping customers during this challenging time by addressing their real-world and business needs,” concluded Ndoli.

Customers who would like to have this new service installed at their homes can contact the MTN Sales team on a toll free line 3111 or send an email to Sales.RW@mtn.com.

June 5, 2020
Police urges motorists on compliance

The Cabinet meeting, on Tuesday, okayed the resumption of interprovincial movements, movements between provinces and City of Kigali as well as taxi-moto services, effective today June 3.

However, public and private transport to and from the districts of Rusizi and Rubavu is closed. Public transport in the two districts is also prohibited. Only goods and cargo trucks transiting or destined to these isolated districts will be allowed, but under the set safety guidelines, with only two people aboard, including the driver.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the resumption transport operations and movements doesn’t mean leaning back or loosening on the directives and guidelines to combat COVID-19.

“This is rather a time to win the fight while observing all the safety measures against the pandemic such as hygiene, washing hands regularly, wearing face mask, social distancing and the curfew,” CP Kabera said.

Movements are prohibited between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Motorcyclists, he said, must abide by the directives issued by Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) including having hand sanitizer, a fabric to wear inside the helmet, wear face mask, use a meter and cashless payment and leave enough distance in their parking lots.

Equally, passengers using motorcycles should also respect everything required of them like compulsory wearing of face mask, cashless payment of fares and sanitizing their hands before boarding.

To transporters that were already in their operation, CP Kabera said, nothing has changed on the safety directives; “continue to exercise maximum compliance.”

“As movements resume in most parts of the country, which comes with increased traffic flow and movement of people; we inform you that we have also resumed the road safety awareness–Gerayo Amahoro–to prevent road accidents.”

The year-long Gerayo Amahoro campaign was put to halt in its 46th week. RNP, therefore, reminds road users on the following:

DRIVERS

Avoid using a phone when driving
Don’t drink and drive
Regulate your speed; respect the speed limit.
Wear a seatbelt at all times
Respect traffic control signposts and pedestrian rights

MOTORCYCLISTS

When you drink don’t ride
Wear a helmet at all times. This applies to your passenger as well.
Avoid using a phone when riding
Avoid bad maneuvers
Respect traffic control signposts and pedestrian rights

PASSENGER

Your safety is your responsibility; report bad driving/riding
When on a motorcycle, stay focused, don’t be distracted by phone
Avoid putting the motorcyclist under pressure to speed for personal reasons

PEDESTRIAN

Walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic
Use pedestrian crosswalks where they exist and avoid using a phone or earphones when crossing.
Walk fast but don’t run when crossing the road

CHILDREN

Avoid going or using the road without the company of a responsible person
A responsible person; when in company of a child, hold their hand and walk from the left side of the road.

Don’t loiter or play in the road
When in the vehicle, children occupy the back seat and wear seatbelt
When driving, ensure children are not playing/jumping in the car or with their head, arms out

CP Kabera said: “Rwanda National Police thanks all partners and citizens of Rwanda in general for their role in this period to combat COVID-19 as well as Gerayo Amahoro campaign. Your continued partnership is paramount.

To every citizen of Rwanda, the slogan is now #RwanyaCovid19, #GereyoAmahoro until we win the fight against the pandemic and make road safety our culture for the safety of everyone on the road.”

June 4, 2020
Safety Measures Strengthened to Protect Peacekeepers

Rwanda National Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that despite the death of one of the Rwandan Police peacekeeper of COVID-19, who was serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan, measures are being strengthened to protect the peacekeepers.

“RNP is saddened with the death of PC Mbabazi Enid, who was part of Rwanda FPU-1 contingent deployed in Malakal, South Sudan. We condole with the bereaved family. We honour PC Mbabazi for her selfless service is ensuring safety and security for her country and restoring peace in other countries. She died in the name of security and peace,” said CP Kabera.

“We have jointly stepped up measures to further guarantee the safety of peacekeepers including educating them on the spread of the pandemic and effective protection,” CP Kabera said.

In her condolence message, UNMISS Police Commissioner, Unaisi L. Vuniwaqa said:

“It is with deep regret that the news of the sudden demise of our dear colleague Enid MBABAZI is received. The entire UNPOL Component grieve the contingent as well as her dear family back at home. We honour her contribution to the mission and the people of South Sudan.

On behalf of the Component,we wish to convey our profound condolences and pray that her soul rests in peace. May the blessings of the Almighty be with her family and all Rwanda FPU members here in South Sudan.”

UNMISS FPU Coordinator, Lt. Col. Mikhail Bychikhin also said: “… we convey to your personnel our deepest words of sympathy and condolences for the loss of your comrade.”

The Special Representative of the Secretary General to UNMISS David Shearer, in his guidelines against COVID-19 to protect peacekeepers issued back in April, among others, urges those feeling sick and experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulty to stay in their accommodation, call the supervisor and the UNMISS medical clinic.

Supervisors are also required to consider whether some staff can work from their accommodation instead of the office. Where necessary to maintain a physical presence in the workplace, the team may take turns at working from home and the office to minimize unnecessary contact.

The SRSG also emphasized the WHO safety guidelines; when you are at work, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, not to shake hands with others; social distancing, to sanitize their equipment regularly; avoiding holding meetings or where deemed necessary to ensure the meeting room is large enough for participants to sit at least one meter apart.

June 4, 2020
Over two tons of minerals intercepted from illegal traders

Those arrested are Adrien Iradukunda, 27, the driver of the vehicle they which was intercepted transporting the minerals and Gilbert Ndiroreye, 48, the owner of the minerals.

The vehicle plate number RAB 876F carrying the minerals was intercepted in Kinihira Sector, Gitinda Cell.

The police spokesperson for the Southern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro said the suspects collected the minerals from different illegal miners.

“We received information that Ndiroreye and Iradukunda are buying and collecting minerals in the area. We traced and caught them in possession of 2, 800kgs, which they were transporting in the vehicle plate RAB 876F. Ndiroreye was the owner while Iradukunda is the driver,” CIP Twajamahoro said.

The spokesperson said that those minerals were mainly excavated in closed mining concessions.

“Mining concessions in Kabagari and Kinihira sectors, where the minerals were mined, closed for safety and legal reasons. Anyone who conducts mining activities in these closed sites, therefore, breaks the law put also exposes themselves to risks because of the status of these concessions,” said CIP Twajamahoro.

Article 3 of the ministerial regulations on fighting smuggling in mineral trading, forbids “importation of minerals into Rwanda without proper documents indicating their origin and the weight at origin, given by the right authorities.”

These minerals have to be with required trade documents, and to be certified and tagged by competent authorities.

Equally, article 4 provides that transportation of minerals outside mining licensed areas—concessions and permits perimeters—is only allowed, when the consignment shows the source mine, its value and when it has the right tag.

Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.”

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a licence.

June 3, 2020
Smuggler intercepted in Huye

Uyisenga was at the time smuggling 10 rolls of electric cables and 10 weighing scales, among others, Police said.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that the vehicle, which the suspect had hired to transport the goods, was also impounded.

He added that the driver of the cab managed to escape the arrest. “He parked and abandoned the car, and run away after seeing Police officers, leaving his client and her goods in the vehicle.”

The goods had been smuggled into the country from a neighbouring country, through a porous border post, said CIP Twajamahoro.

“We had received information about the vehicle carrying smuggled brought into the country through illegal routes. Police mounted a checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle in Huye Cell, Ngoma Sector, although the driver managed to flee.”

Uyisenga argued that he got the goods from Nyaruguru District and intended to sell them in Huye District.

CIP Twajamahoro thanked a resident, who reported the smuggling and evasion of tax.

“These are acts of illegal trade and tax evasion, with impact on the country’s economy and development,” he observed.

The penalties for smuggling include impounding the vehicle used and the goods, which are auctioned off.

Besides this, drivers involved in the smuggling activities are fined $5000 and also prosecuted in accordance to the law.

June 3, 2020
MTN Extends Digital Inclusion to Motorists with MoMoPay Payment Channel

This backs up the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (RURA) communique of 27th May 2020, whereby all motorists are expected to settle all transport payments using digital channels only.

Through MoMoPay, commuters will be able to pay for all their transport fees in the safest and convenient way, while motorists receive all their payments in real time. The user will dial *182*8*1# enter the Motorist MoMoPay Code and amount to be paid.

Speaking about the use of MoMoPay for motorists, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Business and Corporate Affairs Officer Chantal Kagame said, “We are pleased to welcome back and support motorists to receive payments via MoMoPay. As we align our interventions with those of the Government of Rwanda to contain and mitigate the spread of Covid-19, we remain committed in driving the country’s cashless agenda.”

In addition, for motorists and moto users to embrace digital payments, we will be awarding many prizes to the most unique payments made bi-weekly ranging from motorcycles, helmets to protect themselves, fuel discount in selected petrol stations and many others. As a welcome token to motorists, we will be supporting them with face masks that will be given across the partner petrol stations in Kigali.

In partnership with NCBA, MTN has committed to provide a loan relief to customers as they navigate through this difficult period. Motorists will be able to access short and medium loans through the MoKash platform that will facilitate them to continue their business smoothly.

Customers who are not able to pay their MoKash loans within 30 days of taking the loan will not be charged a late repayment fee. The late repayment penalty has been extended by 30 days.

Customers who fail to repay their loans by 60 and 90 days thereafter will not have their loan limits reduced or cancelled respectively. An additional 30 days have been granted before a customer’s loan limit is reduced or cancelled.

Accessible via MTN Mobile Money (by dialling *182*5#), MoKash is a loan product offered by NCBA and MTN. MoKash provides 30-day term loans at 9% interest. Through MoKash, customers can also open savings accounts with interest of up to 7% per annum.

MTN Rwanda’s innovative cashless payment solutions to the public reiterates the company’s commitment in contributing to the national economic strategy on enhancing cashless transactions that offer convenience and security to all Rwandans.

June 3, 2020
25 Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs selected for BK Urumuri 4th Edition

The selected 25 include women entrepreneurs from Rwanda’s fast-growing sectors: Light Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Fashion, Hospitality / Tourism, Professional Services, Healthcare, Handicrafts, Media & Advertising Construction, Publishing, and software development.

This year’s BK Urumuri launch was done virtually due to the covid-19 pandemic, but participants were assured of the efficiency of the services they will receive even in these unusual circumstances.

In her congratulatory message to the selected entrepreneurs, Bank of Kigali’s CEO, Diane Karusisi mentioned that this year, BK chose to focus on unleashing the economic power of women because women contribute significantly to the economic development of the country.

She also encouraged the selected women to use this opportunity for recovering their businesses from the covid-19 pandemic, because even in crises there are also opportunities.

“Our partnership with Inkomoko this year will focus on helping businesses to recover. So, to all the women who are starting this journey with BK Urumuri, we want to tell you that it’s time to strengthen your businesses because we believe that in periods of a crisis, there are also opportunities. Work with us, work with Inkomoko, learn, don’t give up; I know it can be tempting to give up in these periods, but work hard and know that we will succeed together”, says Diane, CEO, Bank of Kigali.

In her welcome message, Inkomoko Managing Director, Nathalie Niyonzima assured entrepreneurs of Inkomoko’s commitment to offering them quality services during the program through a team of experts assigned to them.

“We’re pleased to partner with BK again to bring these Urumuri resources to women in all districts of Rwanda. Even if we are operating in unusual circumstances, at Inkomoko we are committed to providing quality services. The learning that you will get from this accelerator program will not only support you to seek Bank of Kigali’s 0% interest loan but will also prepare you for seeking investment from other sources of finance”, says Nathalie.

Inkomoko has been offering business skills and consulting services to more than 5000 entrepreneurs in Rwanda for over 7 years, and among them are 100 BK Urumuri winners of the past three editions who have commended the program for having contributed tremendously to their business growth.

These include the famous House of Tayo, Moshions, Murukali Smart, Yummy and Fresh, Mudacumura, Karisimbi wines, Ki-pepeo Kids, Ishyo Foods, and many more.

“I’ve had the opportunity to witness the past entrepreneurs’ growth first hand, and we expect this year’s Urumuri participants to push even beyond what we have seen possible”, says Nathalie.

THE 25 SELECTED WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES:

1. Exalto Engineering and Supply Solutions Ltd
2. Uzi Collections
3. Vakman Ltd
4. Slice and Cakes
5. Nova Leather Ltd
6. ABCD Great Life Ltd
7. Farmia Group Ltd
8. Bee Light Ltd
9. DM Bricola Ltd
10. La Fotolia Ltd
11. Huza Press Ltd.
12. WEYA Creations Ltd.
13. Jotete Investment Ltd
14. Feed The World Company Ltd
15. Gukora no Gucuruza Inkweto
16. SHARAMA Events & Tours
17. The Gold World Company Ltd
18. Savior Civil Engineers Ltd
19. Work Roselyne Ltd
20. Berwa Crochet Ltd
21. Endless Trading Company
22. Data Systems Ltd
23. Mugisha Timber Hub
24. Bellavitae Medical Clinic
25. Iwacu Poultry Ltd

June 2, 2020
Police calls for compliance on new measures

“As we wait for the new guidelines on the way forward, we call for the usual compliance on any restricted movements and practices, and maximum observance of safety and health guidelines until further notice,” RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera emphasized.

“These measures are in the interest of the health and safety of all people living in Rwanda against the pandemic of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).”

He commended the high level of compliance over the past months and called for the continued spirit of observing guidelines and reporting violators, who may hamper the government efforts against the virus.

“Our responsiveness to the directives and strong partnership is inevitable to win this fight against the pandemic.”

He emphasized the importance of respecting traffic rules and regulations to prevent accidents and operate while observing recommended guidelines against COVID-19, including sanitizing, washing hands before boarding, wearing face masks and distancing in the public service vehicles.

June 1, 2020
Workshop to help youth build personal development & leadership skills

Cope Consulting Ltd also has experience in organizing youth training aimed at building personal capacity, increasing leadership skills, competing for jobs, and entrepreneurship (job readiness & entrepreneurship).

All of these training are provided by experts with international expertise.
Especially today, where schools have been given a long holiday until September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cope Consulting has found it best to provide training to young people to help them build and improve their Personal Development & Leadership through communication-based on Online training.

They believe that through this training, these holidays, due to their longevity, could put our young people in a bad habit, we can turn it into a great opportunity to rebuild and benefit from advanced skills in a unique and lasting way. In this regard, two training programs are planned for June and July for girls and boys between the ages of 16 and 27, as follows:

• Personal Development Module, from 8-29 / 6/2020
• Leadership Development Module, 1-22 / 7/2020

The training will be held once a week, during the month. Only before and after that day trainees will be given homework. The finalist will be awarded a Certificate from Cope Consulting Ltd. This training is only for young men and women in the age group of 16 to 19 and 20 to 27 years.

About payments

Each module costs $ 50 or 47000 Rwf. Accounts are: No. 401469788810149 (paid in Rwandan francs) and 401469788810227 (paid in dollars) to the Banque Populaire du Rwanda, bpr Atlasmara, Kigali-Rwanda is open on behalf of Cope Consulting Ltd.

The deadline for payment for the Personal development module is 5/6/2020 and the Leadership development module is 25/6/2020. Once you have paid the bank slip to confirm your payment, on the profile form (See the form/registration form at www.cope-consult.com) and send both to E-mail: copeconsult@gmail.com or WhatsApp 0784075525.

Need for more information one can use the following;

Tel: 250 784075525, 250788506146
Email: copeconsult@gmail.com
E-mail: training@cope-consult.com
Twitter: @copeconsultingltd
Facebook page: Cope Consulting Ltd
Instagram: Cope.consulting
www.cope-consult.com
Kigali-Rwanda

As a parent, your child should not miss out on this special opportunity, especially during these long vacations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sign up before the deadline.

June 1, 2020