Category: Business

Tigo Rwanda launches the ‘Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture’ to improve farmers’ lives

Yesterday, Tigo Rwanda officially launched the ‘Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture’ platform that has increased the financial and digital inclusion of over 10,000 tea farmers in two tea plantations located in Mulindi and Rusizi District.

The Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture was created to provide mobile solutions for the agricultural sector in order to improve the communication and payment streams for local farmers. The platform, created in partnership with Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), the Wood Foundation, TRAC Fund and local area Saccos, has improved the lives of the farmers working at the Mulindi and Shagasha tea factories in Gicumbi and Rusizi District respectively.

How the Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture works

When the Mulindi and Shagasha tea factories pay the farmers’ salaries in their Sacco accounts, due to the technical integration between Sacco banking platform and Tigo Cash platform, the farmers are able to receive their monies on their TigoCash wallets on their handsets. After an SMS notification is sent to a farmer’s handsets informing them that money has reached their Sacco account, they can then go to their local Tigo Cash agent and receive their payment.

With this platform, farmers no longer need to travel to their local Saccos and queue in line to receive their payment.

Explaining how the platform has changed her life, Evangeline Bikorimana, a tea farmer from Gicumbi District, said;

“Before Tigo launched this platform, we would wake up extremely early to head to our local Sacco. In fact, we would sometimes sleep in our clothes so that we could leave our homes before daybreak so that we could arrive at the Sacco before others.

However, despite our best efforts, we would usually find a huge number of farmers waiting to receive their salaries. We would often have to go home and return the next day. Today that is no longer the case and it’s because of Tigo.”

In order for the project to be successful, Tigo facilitated the bulk purchase of affordable handsets for over 7,000 farmers who could not afford handsets.
Commenting on the success of the project and the lessons learnt, Judith Aguga Acon, Technical Director of AFR said;

“This project has enabled AFR to understand and appreciate SACCOs operations as well as the need for more innovations in the mobile financial services sector in order to enhance access to financial services by smallholder farmers and therefore improve their incomes and livelihoods. The lessons from this project should result in increased AFR investment in supporting agricultural finance. Most importantly, this project has shown that success can only be achieved in partnership with strategic partners like Tigo Rwanda as well as value-chain actors like Wood Foundation among others”

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Tigo Rwanda, Philip Amoateng, this platform is the latest in the line of innovations that Tigo has brought to the market.
“We are proud to have provided a medium for farmers to access their money in a seamless way using Tigo Cash. The platform that we are launching today is only the latest innovation that we have introduced in order to ease the lives of Rwandans while increasing digital and financial inclusion countrywide.

With the rapid growth in mobile phone penetration, mobile solutions can reach remote farmers in a way that no other form of communication can, helping them to improve productivity and increase efficiency throughout the agricultural chain.

Tigo believes that the agricultural sector is key to unlocking the economic power of mobile finance in rural communities. The success of this project can be replicated into a sustainable business model that will allow penetration of other value chains besides agriculture”.

Speaking at the launch as the Guest of Honor, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Minister of Youth and ICT, reiterated the fact that ICT innovations and platforms such as the Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture have the power to provide solutions to Rwanda’s challenges.

“Tigo Payment Solution for Agriculture platform is one of the best examples of how ICT can change lives. Currently, about 80% of Rwandans live in rural areas; so while we can talk of ‘Smart Cities’, we also cannot forget to talk about ‘Smart Villages’ as well. This platform is an example of what the Smart Village concept is all about. In fact, we need to deliver this platform much faster and to a wider user base.

This platform is a win-win. It is economically feasible as well as effective. Such initiatives need partnerships. We thank Tigo, AFR as well as the Wood Foundation for partnering. Let us keep innovating because the needs of the country are pressing“, Minister Nsengimana said in conclusion.

July 13, 2016
Call Rwanda offers 100 SMS and 20% SMS discount to clients opening accounts

Call Rwanda encourages people, institutions and churches to open accounts in Call Rwanda to use and sell SMS services generating benefits.

Call Rwanda wishes to increase its branches and number of agents across all districts of the country as a bid to promote communication.

To encourage and facilitate Call Rwanda clients, it has offered a surplus of 100 SMS for whoever buys or sends an SMS in call Rwanda.

A person interested to open an account can visit www.5000rwanda.com navigate through BULK SMS and SUBSCRIBE. Basic requirements to open the account are to have the email and mobile phone and call 0789533616/0788302371 or Call center at 5000 to full details.

Services go beyond since they have

• Wedding meetings
• Announcements
• Advertizing people
• Institutions in need of API (Bank, Insurance, Hospitals, Supermarkets, Petroleum stations etc…)

All people in need of SMS services have been accorded 20% discount while those in need of API integration can be assisted free of charge.

For more details you can call 0788302371/0789533616 and call center “5000” or email: anet@call-rwanda.com and info@call-rwanda.com

Call Rwanda is the company able to informing whereabouts different services is offered in Rwanda by dialing 5000 to be connected with a particular institution.

The Mobile application of Call Rwanda is found at Google Playstore.

Here are some services available at Call Rwanda

Telephone numbers of all institutions operating in Rwanda
• Airway companies and hotels
• Banks and insurance companies
• Public and luggage transport companies
• Hospitals, Pharmacies and Doctors
• Appreciating or lodging a complaint
• Entertainment services
• Districts’ services
• Job delivery services

When a person calls he is responded by call Rwanda employees who assist to obtain needed service. Call Rwanda has completed preparations of all necessities to assist and guide participants of the upcoming 27th African Union Summit expected from 10th to 18th July, 2016.

July 12, 2016
DUTERIMBERE makes Rwf84 million in profits

DUTERIMBERE-IMF LTD a microfinance company has revealed to its stakeholders that it attained 2015 set goals at 80%.

This was revealed last week during the 12th general assembly of DUTERIMBERE –IMF LTD with shareholders where they outlined priorities of 2016 activities and elected the chairperson board of governors Madam Bazigaga Gloriose.

The general assembly brought together 94 shareholders who were informed the MFI made a profit of Rwf 84 million in 2015.

Increasing the number of new clients and bank loans, recovering misappropriated money and prioritizing women among targeted beneficiaries of DUTERIMBERE IMF LTD loans are among planned activities in 2016.

The DUTERIMBERE-IMF Ltd general assembly is held annually to review and plan ahead.

July 11, 2016
Tigo Rwanda lowers data roaming fees by 80% for Northern Corridor countries

From today, Tigo customers roaming in Uganda and Kenya will see the cost of data drastically fall following a One Area Network (ONA) arrangement with partner telecom operators.Tigo customers and roaming visitors on the Tigo network are set to browse at 90 frw/MB down from 440 frw as of 1st July 2016.

Philip Amoateng, Chief Executive Officer, Tigo Rwanda commenting on ONA data launch said: “We understand that accessing the Internet and staying online at all times is paramount to our customers.The addition of data services on the ONA arrangement eases the cost of doing business for our customers”.

“Tigo is, and will continue to be, an enabler for individuals and businesses as they access different digital services online thanks to our stable and affordably prived internet services. “ Amoateng added.

July 1, 2016
EABC in fresh push for EPA deal

The East African Business Council (EABC) has underscored the importance for the East African Community (EAC) partner states to fast track the signing of a new trade regime with the European Union (EU).

Though EAC partner states have proposed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signing ceremony to be in the first week of the August, this year, the EABC recommends18th July, 2016 to take advantage of the EU Commissioner for Trade who will be in Nairobi attending UNCTAD XIV Conference.

The EABC expectations are that ministers for trade from all EAC member states will also attend the UNCTAD Conference and therefore could be able to sign the EAC-EU-EPA on the same date in order to project the region as a functional Customs Union.

The EABC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lilian Awinja, says further delay in signing the pact will hamper exports from EAC partner states to the EU market.

“Failure to meet EU deadline on ratification will force EAC exports to EU attract import duty especially for Kenya which is considered as developing country while other four countries Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi which are considered Least Developed Countries (LDCs) may force to opt for Everything But Army (EBA) trade arrangement which has more complicated rules of origin,” Ms Awinja explains. According to EABC boss, the July 18th signing will give EAC Partner States ample time to ratify the Agreement, before 1st October, 2016 the deadline set unilaterally by EU.

To make the matter worse, come 1st January 2017 Kenya will be removed from the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSPs) trade regime for live plants and floriculture products, hence attracting even more duties under the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) rates. This means Kenyan exporters would be subjected to import duties of between 5 per cent and 8.5 per cent.

“The economic and social loss to Kenya will be catastrophic, worsening the consequences of missing the deadline for EACEU EPA ratification,” Ms Awinja stressed. Interacting with EABC delegation in Brussels, the Director General of Business Europe, the formidable business lobby agency, Mr Markus Beyrer said that On 20 June 2016, the Council authorised, on behalf of the EU, the signature and provisional application of the EPA between the EU and the EAC comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

The EPA intends to enhance regional integration and economic development in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. The agreement based on the principle of asymmetrical market opening, meaning that it provides a better access to the EU market for ACP partners. EPA notably offers unprecedented market opportunities for agricultural and fisheries products.

EPAs replace the previous market access regime of unilateral preferences for ACP countries. EABC is currently petitioning the EAC partner states to sign the deal. Kenya is facing a tough choice as the clock ticks towards the October 1 deadline for the ratifying of the EPA with EU.

It is not clear whether it possible for Kenya to ratify it alone so that its exporters can benefit from duty free exports to the EU market or must be ratified collectively with other EAC partner states. Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania have option to rely on the EBA trade regime where they have duty-free market access to the EU.

But, Kenya, the biggest economy and the only non-Least Developed Country (LDC) in the EA region, heavily relies on the EU – which represents 30 per cent of its export market – for selling its cut flowers, tea, vegetables and fish. For instance, Kenya earned $495 million in sales of roses exported to Europe 2014, which is equivalent to 30 per cent of the total exports to Holland, Britain, Germany, France and Switzerland.

This was among the key trade issues featured prominently during the EABC engagement with the Kenya’s deputy President William Ruto in Nairobi last week.

After hot deliberations, it was decided that the EABC should also engage all the EAC partner states to enlighten them on the importance of ratifying the comprehensive EPA. “The EABC will write a letter to EAC partner states respective trade and industry ministers to underline the urgency of signing the deal, well before 18th of July,” Ms Awinja said.

June 30, 2016
Muhire wins Swiss entrepreneurship award

Muhire Louis Antoine, 32, has outperformed ten contestants at the international competition of young entrepreneurs held in Zurich, Switzerland earning him Rwf 19 million as the fist contestant.

Muhire, the CEO of Market Merger Ltd, made an IT application dubbed MERGIMS which helps Rwandans living abroad to pay bills for services to relatives in Rwanda like electricity ,technology tools ,airtime and school fees using a mobile phone technology.

The award handed to Muhire yesterday followed a two-day retreat held in Zurich, Switzerland that brought together young entrepreneurs from across the World.

The company of Muhire ‘Mergins’ was in competition with ten others; Veezoo, James, CrowdProcess), Sureify, Gatechain, ZOA, Lenditapp, Nivaura (vormals Crowdaura), Surong 360 and BreadWallet belonging to entrepreneurs from across the world.
Participants in the competition received various business tips from experts in economy and investment, senior teachers and experts in the development of industries.

The outstanding perfomance accorded Muhire a chance to participate in the competition of World’s potential entrepreneurs dubbed Kickstart Accelerator that will be held in Zurich,Switzerland on 22nd August,2016 to be concluded with an exhibition of various projects to be attended by investors ,big sponsors and the media.

Muhire Antoine was born in Bugesera district. At age 12, he went to Canada where he attended secondary school.

From 2005 to 2008 he studied at Otawa University where he got a diploma in arts and technology and later obtained two PhD degrees from the same university in 2011 in economics and publicity.

After completing his studies, Louis-Antoine Muhire stayed in Canada where he worked in the department of police spokesperson in Montréal for three years.

He returned to Rwanda in 2014 to launch Market Merger Ltd Company.

June 29, 2016
Airtel Rwanda introduces 500% bonus airtime promo

Kigali, Rwanda. July, 2016 – Airtel Rwanda has introduced unprecedented bonus offer that will give all its prepaid customers instant 500 per cent bonus airtime on all top-ups or recharges made through their Airtel Money platform.For instance if a subscriber buys airtime worth Rwf 1000 using Airtel money platform, he or she will be rewarded with Rwf 5000 bonus Airtime.

Announcing the offer, Airtel Commercial Director Indrajeet Singh said, “We are thrilled to launch this exceptional offer for all subscribers on our network, At Airtel, we are obsessed with providing un-matched product and service offerings to delight our customers – providing them with truly differentiated offerings to meet their every telecom and lifestyle needs”.

Before the 500% bonus offer, Airtel subscribers enjoyed 100% Airtime bonus each time they topped up their account using Airtel Money platform. The bonus airtime offer can only be utilized for Airtel to Airtel calls and the bonus validity expires the following day midnight.

Undoubtedly the most rewarding offer in the telecom industry, the 500 per cent bonus promo is also a way of thanking Airtel Subscribers for using our network, emphasized Commercial Director Indrajeet Singh

“500 per cent bonus is yet another testimony to the commitment of the company to empower, delight and excite its esteemed customers with innovative and exclusive offerings” added Indrajeet Singh.

June 27, 2016
Duterimbere IMF mobilizes Muhanga residents on saving

Duterimbere IMF Ltd has conducted a three-day awareness campaign in Muhanga district explaining its products and services to attract new customers, with a call on residents to open accounts and save for the future.

The campaign involved public rallies and door-to-door visits as Duterimbere employees explained to residents about their services.

Muhoracyeye Hyacinthe, one of employees of Duterimbere who participated in the mobilization said that they wanted to show Muhanga residents the benefits of transacting business with financial institutions and the importance of opening accounts with Duterimbere IMF Ltd.

She explained that some residents instantly opened accounts while others committed to doing so in the near future.

June 20, 2016
Tanzania:NTBs on reduction plan to promote EA trade

The government has taken initiatives to encourage Tanzanian traders to tap the existing potentials in the East African Community (EAC) market by facilitating communications between businessmen and respective authorities in case they encounter Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) within the trading bloc.

Head of Government Communication Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation Ms Mindi Kasiga told journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the move will ensure smooth businesses among traders of the partner states.

“We call upon traders and citizens to communicate with my ministry in case they encounter any non tariff barrier in their businesses within the regional bloc”, Ms Kasiga said. She said traders can lodge their complaints related to NTBs through short text messages by sending the word ‘NTB’ to 15593 or through www.tradebarriers.org.

Ms Kasiga further noted that for track drivers travelling within the regional bloc can communicate directly to the Police Force through mobile number 0713631780. She, however, reminded traders to observe the required procedures for cross border trade within the EAC market to avoid inconveniences such as loss of goods.

“Tanzanian businessmen can conduct trade within the EAC bloc without paying customs duty if they have fulfilled all the requirements approved by the partner states,” she observed.

Ms Kasiga further outlined steps to be observed by small scale traders while conducting business in EAC market among them securing Simplified Certificate of Origin (SCO) which is provided for free at the customs border offices. SCO allows customs officials in the destination country not to charge import duty on consignment with the value not exceeding USD 2000.

“The simplified certificate of origin is meant for small-scale traders whose goods do not exceed 2,000 US Dollars and they are not required to use clearing agents because all the process to secure the certificate will be done at the customs border offices,” Ms Kasiga noted.

She said that small-scale traders will also be required to observe procedures required by other institutions such as Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) and Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS) for importing and exporting goods.

Ms Kasiga, however, noted that Tanzanian traders cannot utilise business opportunities available in South Sudan as a new member to the EAC because it is yet to return the membership certificates (instruments) to acquire full membership. The EAC is formed by six countries namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Director of Trade, Investment and Productive Sectors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation, Mr Geoffrey Mwambe said that most of Tanzanian traders were yet to utilise the existing opportunities in the trading bloc thus why the government has taken initiative to sensitise people about the regional market.

“Tanzanian traders should fully utilise the potentials because it is their right and part of the implementation of the EAC objectives, which have been stipulated in the protocol for the formation of the EAC where member states established the East African Customs Union,” Mr Mwambe said.

June 17, 2016
BBOXX Rwanda electrifying over 100 homes per day

On 8th June 2016, BBOXX signed up over 108 customers to their solar home system products. In comparison, the national grid connects on average 250 homes per day, a total BBOXX promises to beat before the end of the year.

Solar off-grid solutions, such as those provided by BBOXX, are proving to be key contributors towards Rwanda’s 2017 electrification target. BBOXX solar home systems provide a wide range of functionality from lighting, to phone charging and television connectivity.

Justus Mucyo, the Managing Director of BBOXX Rwanda says that, “We are very proud to provide clean, reliable electricity to over 100 new families in Rwanda on a daily basis. Our technicians leave each one of those families with big smiles on their faces. In the last 12 months we have doubled our operations and now have shops open nationwide, allowing us to provide an on-grid experience to all off-grid households. We will continue to expand our operations over the next 12 months to have full coverage of the country. We have an amazing local team of over 200 staff committed to this cause, which should help us to sign up over 250 customers each day by the end of this year.

BBOXX is a UK venture-backed company leading the solar revolution in emerging markets with over 400 staff working across three continents. Over the past five years, starting from the engineering labs of Imperial College London, BBOXX has deployed over 70,000 solar home systems across Africa and south-east Asia.

June 11, 2016