Category: Business

Kigali, Rwanda. June, 2016 – In line with its commitment to deliver value to customers by offering convenient plans and affordable tariffs, Airtel Rwanda, has launched a product tagged Unlimi-Net, which addresses the communication needs of customers under one plan.

Unlimi-Net product,which is the first of its kind in Rwanda for Airtel subscribers, is a data and social bundle that offers customers access to chat on Facebook and Twitter at an affordable cost and unlimited WhatsApp.

Speaking at the launch, Indrajeet Singh Commercial director said “Internet is an essential part of our everyday life. As a user, one wants constant and affordable supply of internet so as to remain connected to loved ones, study and work efficiently and get updated with local and international news and events. Airtel Unlimi-Net is designed to enable Airtel customers remain connected to their social and professional networks all day without worrying about data running out”

Unlimi-Net offers data and unlimited whatsapp for as low as 30 RWF, while the weekly plan offer is at 150 RWF and a monthly plan at 500 RWF.

It will enable Airtel pre-paid customers on a daily plan to enjoy 3 mb data and unlimited messaging on WhatsApp. Additionally, customers on a weekly plan will enjoy 10 mb data/dayfor facebook and twitter and unlimited messaging on WhatsApp.

Furthermore subscribers on monthly will get 15mb data/dayfor facebook and twitter and unlimited messaging on WhatsApp.

Indrajeet Singhalso added that “The Unlimi-Net bundle plans are based on emerging consumer insights and trends that show a substantial increase of data usage for both social and business needs and are aimed at promoting cost efficiency for data services growth on the network and redefine customers’ conversations depending on their varying needs”

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimi-Net bundles by simple dialing *222# or *222* [number]*30# for daily plan, *222* [number]*150# for Weekly plan and *222* [number]*500# for monthly plan.

Nairobi, Kenya, May 31st, 2015 – Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Africa and Asia, in collaboration with Nokia, has won the Global Telecommunication Business (GTB) award for a digital backbone that is driving mobile economy in Africa.

Airtel also emerged the winner in Voice over internet Protocol (VoiP) App within the Exceptional Emerging Market category.The awards celebrate the collaboration and partnership between operators and vendors whilst recognizing the industry’s commitment to deliver exciting and innovative services to its customers worldwide.

They were given out in London and in attendance were 300 telecoms leaders from across the globe.

“Airtel Africa wants to fully utilize the advantages of IP/MPLS technology to economically and effectively handle high volumes of a variety of mobile broadband data and video services. The new network implementation and management not only provides a substantially improved quality of service for our existing customers; it also continues to do an excellent job of enabling us capture expansion opportunities with a wide range of intelligent services across our markets” said Christian de Faria, Executive Chairman, Airtel Africa.

Airtel’s digital backbone, enabled by Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) allows businesses to transmit and access data quickly, economically and securely between local and international locations. This eliminates complex architecture in data-carriage.

“Nokia’s Managed Services solution enables Airtel to focus on the development of new service offerings and the quality of experience Airtel delivers to its customers in a highly competitive environment. A specific benefit is an accelerated time-to-market for new revenue-generating services, especially toward business customers interested in seizing emerging business opportunities across the African continent” said Daniel Jaeger, Nokia’s Market Unit Head Central, East& West Africa.

In a multi-year engagement which started in 2013, Nokia is working with Airtel to build and operate a critical pan-African IP backbone. This backbone is essential to provide a reliable digital network with significant socio-economic benefits for the continent, realizing the human possibilities of technology.

COGEBANQUE in Rubavu district branch adoption of mobile banking services has saved time of clients who would spend long seeking information of their accounts’ transactions, the bank’s deputy director Sebasore has said.

“Our clients have lauded improved services through the introduction of mobile banking system since they no longer have to travel long distances to the bank to get information on their accounts. Through the mobile banking platform they can clear bills; it is like traveling with the bank in one’s hands,” he said.

The client of COGEBANQUE is freely helped to be integrated in mobile banking and use his/her mobile phone to check the account’s balance, request for a cheque book, send money, buy electricity, buy airtime or settle water bills among others.

COGEBANQUE clients are facilitated to access services through using E-Tax while holders of computers can use Online Banking.

COGEBANQUE branch in Rubavu district was opened in 2006 and, being a border branch, attracts clients from Goma.

Sebasore says that clients from Goma in DRC often use the bank transferring money to foreign countries where they have business concerns, using the fast SWIFT system.

Sebasore noted that clients in Rubavu mostly use the account ‘IYUBAKIRE’ as a developing town and other accounts like SHOBORA and TEGANYA.

COGEBANQUE is a bank of Rwandan investors, launched in 1999. It has branches in Tyazo, Karongi, Kamembe and Rubavu districts all in Western province.

LAGOS, Nigeria, May 11, 2016/ — GE (NYSE: GE) (www.GE.com) and Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship have announced a partnership that focuses on training and mentoring social entrepreneurs working on maternal and child health innovations in sub-Saharan Africa. The program enables more women to experience better health by improving the quality, accessibility, and affordability of care.

The healthymagination Mother & Child program aims to help social enterprises addressing maternal and/or child health strengthen their business models, refine business plans, reinforce organizational development, manage talent, and learn how to scale sustainably. Enterprises that provide infrastructure services or facilities associated with needs from pregnancy to pediatric care are also eligible to apply. The program is being offered to 15-to-20 selected participants.

Selected social entrepreneurs from Nigeria Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, South Africa and Angola will be taken through a detailed training programme. Other countries where the social entrepreneurs who apply will be screened include Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Senegal. Participants will learn business fundamentals and how to improve strategic thinking. If selected they are expected to articulate a business plan that demonstrates impact, growth, and long-term financial sustainability.

The programme includes 6-month’s of online training during which participants will be matched with a Silicon Valley leader who will guide them on how to develop a scalable enterprise. The programme begins in July with an in-person event in Nairobi; and ends with an investor showcase in February 2017, also in Nairobi.

To be considered for the program, qualified leaders of social enterprises need to apply by May 18, 2016. Selected finalists will be announced after a formal review and interview process by a panel of judges from GE and Miller Center.

“This program supports GE’s long track record in developing innovations for emerging markets while increasing positive health outcomes,” said Sue Siegel, CEO, GE Ventures and healthymagination. “We are excited to join Miller Center to accelerate the growth of social enterprises and commercialize innovative ideas while serving as a resource for entrepreneurs working to improve access, affordability and quality of maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa.”

“We share GE’s healthy magination vision for innovating new ways to address global health challenges,” said Dr Thane Kreiner, Executive Director, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. “The partnership between GE and Miller Center highlights the potential for social entrepreneurship to improve maternal and child health in a region of the world that has limited access to skilled health care providers.”

One of the characteristics for every prosperous industry is clients’ fulfillment. Customers’ perception always counts when it comes to assessing the overall performance of a business.In this month’s edition, we approached UZURI K&Y clients and brought to you an insight into their outlook on the products they have been purchasing. The customers expressed unbiased thoughts about the experience they had with UZURI K&Y shoes, their service as well as advices directed towards the company.

Nibagwire Didacienne, a devoted client of UZURI K&Y says she was lured by the colors and their combination. “What made me fall for UZURI K&Y shoes in the first place is the colors and how they combine them.The attractive Kitenge patterns and how comfortable the shoes was a plus for me.” She praised as well the enthusiastic customer services at UTC shop where she bought all her pairs. Her opinion is that UZURI K&Y shoes reached the edge of perfection and can now compete on an international level. “I believe for a general and satisfying standard what they are doing is already perfect.”

With remarkable fervor, Daniella Stieghorst described UZURI K&Y shoes as the most contemporary and stylish brand in Rwanda. She mentioned she was positively surprised by the affordability of the shoes despite the fact that they are handmade. Daniella was amazed by the heartily welcoming service she received at UZURI K&Y workshop. “They are always friendly and really make you feel like a queen. I know it might sound a bit exaggerated but try it! It’s true.”

Malik Lizinde Shaffy bought UZURI K&Y shoes because of its unique brand compared to local products. “The home sandals they make are different, attractive and comfortable.” Malik pointed out the client’s consideration typical of UZURI K&Y customer service. “They have this system of taking measurements allowing you to purchase fitting shoes” Malik said he would like to see UZURI K&Y grow beyond borders and he brought up the point that the only way to achieve that was by making their products more accessible by enlarging the market and creating branches.

In an amused tone, Boris said “I was excited to buy from young entrepreneurs who ventured in something new and impressive. I like that this brand is made in Rwanda, long lasting and affordable.” He claimed that it would be awesome if UZURI K&Y kept on trying new styles and innovating to give comfort to the customer. He outlined the above reproach customer service of UZURI K&Y and their receptivity to clients’ views.

UZURI K&Y customers described the products they purchase with explicit richness and detail. They outlined the style and comfort characteristic of UZURI K&Y shoes and praised the wonderful job the young magnates are doing. These statements are the undeniable proof that clients’ satisfaction is the pay-off for a hard work. UZURI K&Y reveals a high level of creativity coupled up with the kind of professionalism and expertise that every company should aspire to. All this qualify UZURI K&Y as the ultimate business to purchase from.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, May 11, 2016 — UAE-based satellite operator, Yahsat (http://www.Yahsat.com), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tele10 Group, the regional broadcast and internet service provider, to discuss collaborations for improving internet connectivity in Rwanda, Burundi and East Democratic Republic of the Congo. The MoU comes ahead of Yahsat taking delivery of its third satellite, Al Yah 3.

The launch of Yahsat’s upcoming satellite will see the roll out of YahClick, the company’s cost-effective satellite broadband service, to 19 new markets in Africa during the first half of 2017. YahClick, delivered through a modem and small satellite dish, is currently the number one satellite broadband service in Africa, providing subscribers access to uninterrupted, high-speed internet anywhere in the coverage area with in-country technical, operational, and customer care services. As Yahsat works towards expanding its coverage area across the African continent, the company is in talks with local service providers to reinforce the presence of YahClick and strengthen its customer care.

Commenting on the MoU, David Murphy, Yahsat’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our cutting edge satellite technology connects individuals and businesses across Africa, regardless of the level of telecommunications infrastructure present in each country. At Yahsat, we are dedicated to serving underserved and remote areas by providing better connectivity to new and existing internet users. To further our commitment to the region, we have entered an MoU with Tele10 to discuss the provision of high-speed connectivity to three of Africa’s fast-emerging markets, Rwanda, Burundi and East Democratic Republic of the Congo. We look forward to working together and providing unparalleled broadband services to our customers across our expanding footprint.”

Tele10 has been serving the East African region for 20 years, by providing diverse solutions including pay-TV, radio broadcasting, and ICT services. In 2017, the company will grow its portfolio to offer the YahClick broadband products, services and value-added solutions to its existing customer base as well as new customers. New markets will be served using the latest Ka-band technology, which is highly reliable in all weather conditions.

Tele10 Group’s CEO said, “In this era of digital migration across the African continent, where several technologies such as 3/4G, hotspots, fibre and others are struggling to win the market, we are confident that YahClick will definitely give us a serious competitive advantage against other players in the region and make us lead the Internet industry.”

Murphy concluded: “Today, internet plays a crucial role in socio-economic development as it facilitates education, trade, commerce, and agricultural activities. By providing the YahClick service to growing economies, we ensure the delivery of unmatched connectivity to support knowledge transfer and consequently, regional development.”

Uwingabire Clementine, 36, of Kiruhura village, Kigali cell of Kigali sector, has been doing hairdressing for some time now, from which she earns enough to fend for her family. Talking to IGIHE, she has unveiled that she can earn from Rwf 3,000 to 5,000 per day from her business.

“I have done this job for five years and I feel no job is better than mine. With the earnings I get from hairdressing, I can ably pay house rent of Rwf 30,000, I feed and satisfy some other needs.I never failed to get school fees for my son untill he completed university education .That is why I can’t abandon my job,” says Uwingabire.

She says more women that are jobless should take to the trade of hairdressing and plaiting. “It is an easy trade to learn and sustain.”

Uwingabire says that she paid Rwf 20,000 per trimester to learn hairdressing. She has now saved more than Rwf 500,000 which she expects to buy land on which she can construct own house.

“Hairdressing earns me enough money even though I don’t have a particular permanent place where I run my business from. Most of the time I walk with my materials so that whenever I find a client even on street I serve her.I have a dream of building a beautiful house and a hair dressing saloon,” said Uwingabire.

She says that some people undermine her work saying it is for jobless and low income generating but never gets discouraged as she knows the hidden secret.

“When some people hear that you depend on hairdressing, they tend to despise you yet people earning Rwf 5,000 per day in Kigali are few,” she said.

Uwingabire says that some people are call her for appointment to do their hair thanks to her longstanding experience in hairdressing.