Tag: irembo

21-year-old duo wins Frw 5M prize in Irembo’s inaugural AI hackathon

The 21-year-old software engineers’ AI project, dubbed Bwenge, was ranked first among 18 projects reviewed by judges in the 48-hour competition on Sunday, September 29, 2024, securing them Frw 5 million in cash prizes and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025.

Bwenge is an AI-powered chatbot that allows any citizen with a phone, even without internet access, to make a call and access digital government services. The bot has been integrated with IremboPay, a payment solution for Rwanda’s one-stop shop for government services, to ensure seamless payments.

“You can ask the bot how to do things, for example, how to start a business in Rwanda, and it will provide you with a detailed guide,” Izabayo explained.

“You can also request an SMS on how to pay for an application, and it will send you a direct text. You can then call, and the system will prompt you to make a payment through mobile money (MOMO).”

Another interesting feature of the chatbot is its telephone agent, which allows two people who speak different languages to have a conversation on a call, with the bot translating for each of them.

Izabayo and Clarence are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy and work at Pivot Access and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), respectively. The two young software developers could not contain their excitement after winning the top prize on their very first attempt at such a competition.

“This journey was really interesting; it showed us what we can accomplish in less than 48 hours. We were thinking about what we could do to provide value to the whole Rwandan society, especially for those who don’t have access to the internet,” Clarence beamed, adding that ironically they were among the last groups to apply for the hackathon, just a few hours before the application deadline.

The duo is open to collaborating with other partners to implement and explore other ideas leveraging artificial intelligence.

“We have the ability to do more things. Now we are using a phone, but one can use WhatsApp to send requests. The possibilities are endless,” Izabayo concluded.

Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, said the project has the potential to revolutionize access to information, especially for persons with limited internet access.

“The project can have a huge impact in Rwanda because the way it’s deployed allows people without internet to access information by just calling a phone number. It can have a huge impact in urban and rural areas,” Djomga stated, emphasizing that the pioneering event was organised to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in Rwanda.

The second place went to a team of four developers with a technology titled Immersive AI. It’s a platform that enables businesses and individuals to create their own AI workflow agents to automate processes and improve productivity. The project developers included Dirac Murairi, Landelin Gihozo, Julien Barezi and Kevin Nkusi.

Somatek AI clinched the third place. The project was also undertaken by group of four young software developers, who built an AI-powered browser extension that simplifies complex technical documentation. The team, comprising Janvier Ntwali, Laura Celine Ishimwe, Dean Daryl Murenzi, and Leny Pascal Ihirwe, developed the extension to assist the government in its recently rolled-out scheme to train one million coders under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by 2029.

“Given that most Rwandan youth are low-proficient English speakers, we decided to create a solution for them to transcribe technical documentation to their level for better understanding and learning experiences,” the team explained.

The two teams won Frw 2 million and Frw 1 million, respectively.

In developing practical AI solutions, the participants leveraged large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies. Teams had the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, also provided access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI models for voice-enabled applications.

Twenty teams comprising 63 individuals were initially selected to participate in the competition from a pool of more than 130 teams, but only 18 teams made it to the final stage and had their projects reviewed by a panel of eminent judges from Irembo, C4IR, and RSSB, among other partners.

Esther Kunda, the Director General of Innovation & Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation in Rwanda and Alain Ndayishimiye, Project Lead for AI/ML at C4IR Rwanda, were among the judges.

Ndayishimiye commended the dedication of all the teams in the competition, highlighting the creativity in their projects.

“Over the past 48 hours, we have witnessed remarkable technical ingenuity, creativity, and collaboration, turning many ideas into real MVPs that address some of the country’s most pressing challenges,” he remarked.

He emphasized that every participant, irrespective of the contest’s outcome, should take pride in their accomplishments and push themselves to achieve even more.

“Regardless of the results, you should be proud of your achievements. We look forward to more initiatives like this, aligned with the AI policy, to support local talent and foster meaningful change,” he added.

September 30, 2024
20 teams battle it out in Irembo’s 48-hour inaugural AI Connect hackathon

The teams comprise 63 young software engineers from diverse backgrounds who will be working in groups of two to four, with strong determination to leave their mark in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the hackathon at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama, Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, said the 48-hour competition aims to identify talent and create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in society.

“We want to increase the capability of having doers in the IT ecosystem—not only people who can come and talk about AI, but people who can build things that have a real impact in the community,” Djomga stated.

Djomga noted that the 20 teams participating in the contest were selected from a pool of more than 130 teams who expressed interest in the competition.

In under 48 hours, participants, hosted at two Irembo campuses, are expected to harness the power of artificial intelligence and build functional, AI-driven applications to create innovative solutions for public services, healthcare, education, customer service, agriculture, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity, among other fields.

In developing practical AI solutions, the participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies. Teams will also have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI models for voice-enabled applications.

Coding for the project kicked off at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and is expected to close at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday when the participants will submit their projects. Thereafter, presentations of the solutions to a panel of distinguished judges will commence and conclude by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the unveiling of the top innovators.

According to the organizers, the judging criteria for the AI Connect Hackathon will focus on four key areas:

First, impact —judges will assess the project’s long-term potential for growth and its ability to improve people’s lives. Second, creativity —the originality and innovation of the AI application will be evaluated. Third, technical implementation —the quality of the technology’s execution will be taken into account. Finally, presentation —the team’s final pitch will be judged on how compelling and clear it is.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of RWF 5 million and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025. Second- and third-place teams will receive RWF 2 million and RWF 1 million, respectively.

Besides the cash rewards, all participants will benefit from invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and potential internships with event sponsors like the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).

Patrick Rusimbi, a fourth-year Information Technology (IT) student at Adventist University Central Africa, expressed his excitement, stating that the facilities and resources provided by partners, including Groq API, will help him bring his long-harboured idea to life and possibly secure funding and other assistance to scale it up to have a worldwide impact.

“I have had my idea for the last six months. I have been yearning for an opportunity to bring it to life. When I saw this hackathon, I saw an opportunity to build something that no one has seen before,” Rusimbi told IGIHE.

September 28, 2024
Irembo to host 3-day AI Connect hackathon to tackle Rwanda’s most pressing challenges

In a statement, the technology company said the pioneering event will bring together some of the brightest minds in AI and technology to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in Rwanda.

The AI Connect Hackathon will unite 20 teams of AI developers, data scientists, and problem-solvers, challenging them to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for public services, healthcare, education, customer service, agriculture, financial inclusion, education, and cybersecurity.

In under 48 hours, participants will work to build functional, AI-driven applications that address critical issues affecting Rwandan society.

“This hackathon goes beyond coding prototypes; it’s about unlocking the transformative power of AI to ignite real change where it’s needed most,” said Patrick Ndjientcheu, Irembo’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer.

“We are committed to leveraging AI’s boundless potential to address critical societal challenges, empower communities, and spark innovations that leave a lasting, meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

Throughout the three-day event, participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies to develop practical AI solutions.

Teams will have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will also provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI model for voice-enabled applications.

Irembo AI experts will guide participants, helping them refine their ideas and push the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

On the final day, teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of distinguished judges, with the top innovations receiving prestigious recognition.

The judging criteria for the AI Connect Hackathon will focus on four key areas:

First, impact—judges will assess the project’s long-term potential for growth and its ability to improve people’s lives. Second, creativity—the originality and innovation of the AI application will be evaluated. Third, technical implementation—the quality of the technology’s execution will be taken into account. Finally, presentation—the team’s final pitch will be judged on how compelling and clear it is.

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The team that secures first place will receive RWF 5 million and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025. The second-place team will be awarded RWF 2 million, while the third-place team will receive RWF 1 million.

In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will gain invaluable exposure and recognition for their contributions in using AI for social good.

The event is co-organized with C4IR and supported by several other sponsors, including Pindo, GIZ, Andela, and QT Global Software. Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) will also offer internships to the winning teams, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to apply their solutions in real-world scenarios.

September 27, 2024
Irembo sets sights on private sector in expanded service offerings

Speaking during a media engagement in Kigali on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Irembo’s Chief Operations Officer, Patrick Gategabondo, said the expansion strategy aligns with the company’s vision of providing a unified platform for all types of services.

Irembo, established in 2014, is renowned for developing and maintaining IremboGov, a one-stop portal for e-governance services and the gateway to Rwandan government services. Some of the new services on the platform include applications for import permits, business operator licenses, premises registration services, the legalization of public documents from Rwanda to be used abroad (Apostille), and ID replacement for diaspora residents, among others.

As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has obtained a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the Central Bank, which enables the company to offer secure and efficient digital payment solutions through its platform, Irembopay.

“We’ve seen how our collaboration with the government has effectively addressed challenges in government-to-citizen and government-to-business services. We believe this approach will be even more impactful in solving business-to-citizen and business-to-business needs,” Gategabondo stated.

As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has also set its sights on markets beyond Rwanda’s borders, aiming to forge broader partnerships and extend its influence regionally and internationally, particularly the Global South.

“Irembo was a brainchild of the new Rwanda, but when it began being developed, we immediately understood that there was no way we could build a solution that does not extend beyond just Rwanda. So, one of the absolute plans and dreams we have is to build something so intelligent that it will actually help build other continents,” Gategabondo explained

Considering that there are more or less similar issues in terms of access and reaching out to citizens this development seeks to replicate the model available in Rwanda in other places including Central, Western, Southern, Eastern Africa, and beyond.

“We have a strong belief that we are on the right path, and hopefully, if we can move forward soon enough, we’ll be able to reach the next level,” Gategabondo said, emphasizing the company’s future plans.

IremboPay is a digital payment gateway that allows companies and other organizations to receive digital payments. It supports various payment options and is integrated with telcos, mobile money, and credit or debit cards.

Kevin Kabera, the Business Development Manager at Irembo, told IGIHE that the service, which has primarily been operational for government institutions, has now begun expanding into the private sector.

“Now that we’ve secured the license from the Central Bank, we are currently engaging different private companies to start supporting them with digital payment collections,” Kabera revealed, adding, “Irembopay is fully integrated with Momo, Airtel Money, different banks and cards.”

The recent certification from the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) allows Irembo to compete with other payment gateways in the market.

In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.

According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.

September 4, 2024
What you need to know about Irembo’s new online services for document legalization

Launched last month, these services mark a significant advancement in the ease and efficiency with which individuals abroad can manage their legal documentation processes, reflecting a broader commitment to digital governance.

According to the management of Irembo, the first of these services focuses on the legalization of public documents originating from abroad, intended for use within Rwanda.
This service simplifies the complex process of legalizing foreign documents, particularly for users from countries not part of the Apostille Convention.

For these countries, applicants must first secure legalization from their home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before proceeding with the IremboGov platform.

Conversely, documents from countries within the Apostille Convention only require Apostille certification from the relevant local authorities. This service effectively bridges the gap between different legal frameworks, ensuring that documents meet Rwanda’s legal standards efficiently.

The second service pertains to the legalization of Powers of Attorney specifically related to property transfers. Traditionally a cumbersome and time-consuming process, this new online service provides a streamlined solution, allowing users to validate such legal instruments from anywhere in the world.

By digitizing this process, Irembo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seek to ensure that property transactions are both legally compliant and more accessible to all parties involved.

These services come with several advantages which collectively enhance the user experience in several ways. Firstly, they drastically reduce the time and effort required to legalize documents and validate Powers of Attorney. This newfound efficiency not only expedites property transactions but also smoothens the broader process of document legalization, offering a more seamless experience for users.

Secondly, the services reinforce legal compliance, ensuring that all transactions and documents intended for use in Rwanda adhere to the required legal standards.

Additionally, the government’s ability to oversee and process these transactions is significantly improved, promoting greater transparency and accuracy in public service delivery.

As per a statement from Irembo, this initiative represents a major milestone in the mission to enhance user convenience and operational efficiency.

Previously, navigating the legalization process involved multiple in-person visits to various offices, often leading to delays and frustrations. The introduction of these online services eliminates these barriers, allowing users to complete their transactions from the comfort of their homes or offices, no matter no matter the location.

More so, Irembo’s integration of these services is a testament to Rwanda’s vision of becoming a leading digital hub in Africa. By aligning with the government’s broader goals of improving public service delivery and promoting transparency.

Irembo is not only enhancing the user experience but also supporting the country’s ambitious digital transformation agenda.

To access these new services, users simply need to visit the IremboGov platform and select the appropriate service under the Foreign Affairs Consular Services category. From there, they can fill out the necessary forms, submit their applications, and receive their certificates in an electronic format, which is both easily storable and accessible for future use.

Additionally, the platform offers a convenient tracking feature, allowing users to monitor the status of their applications directly from their IremboGov dashboard.

As Irembo continues to lead the way in digital government services, these new innovations are a clear reflection of the platform’s dedication to reducing bureaucracy, enhancing accessibility, and providing a seamless experience for users.

This collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation underscores a shared commitment to more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly public service delivery in Rwanda.

August 19, 2024
Rwanda Expo 2024: Showcasing innovation and creating opportunities for the youth

For nearly five hours, ever since he opened the stall at around 10:00 a.m., he has been tirelessly welcoming customers. And the genuine smile on his face reveals just how much he enjoys his work, finding joy in every interaction.

Twenty-four-year-old Mugisha Djuma is among the hundreds of youths helping various traders showcase and sell their products at the 27th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF 2024). A substantial number of such youths are working with foreign traders, some of whom are showcasing their products in Rwanda for the first time.

Djuma tells me that he met his current employer on the first day of the expo, just as the Ugandan trader was about to stock her stall.

“We met on the first day at the main gate. We talked briefly, and she said she needed someone to help sell her products. I told her I was available, and that’s how she hired me,” Djuma explains.

Although IGIHE arrived after the trader had left to attend to other business engagements, Djuma told us that it was her second time at the trade fair.

“From my conversations with her, she enjoys coming to Rwanda,” Djuma shared.
Next to Djuma’s stall is Muhammad Saleem, a businessman from Pakistan who is selling kitchen accessories.

Saleem, trading under Omar Trading Company, is showcasing and selling saucepans and pots. The unique kitchen items can prepare rice, meat and other foods within 20 minutes without using any oil or butter.

He reveals that the pots, which use steam to prepare delicious food, can help people ‘shed excess weight without dieting.’ As he explains how the technology works, a young lady and man are busy attending to other customers who are eager to try the pots.

“It’s truly a gift for people concerned about weight and those with cardiovascular conditions,” he explains.

At the end of his three-minute demonstration, Saleem confirms that the two young women are locals whom he hired when the expo started.

As I tour the expo further, I learn that tens of other young people have benefitted from similar job opportunities at the trade fair.

Enatha Uwase, 20, helps an Egyptian national sell luxurious perfumes at the expo, while another young man, who only identified himself as Nestor, sells leather shoes for another Egyptian family at an adjacent stall.

The businessmen prefer to hire locally to overcome language barriers and ensure a deeper understanding of the local market dynamics and consumer preferences.

The young people I spoke to said that, besides providing them with a source of income, the expo also offers an opportunity to learn invaluable entrepreneurship skills from established business people.

I quickly learn that some of the vendors showcasing their products in Rwanda for the first time are interested in establishing local businesses. This presents the young people an opportunity to be retained even after the three-week expo closes on Thursday, August 15.

Organized annually by the Private Sector Federation (PSF), the expo draws participants from different countries. This year’s expo brought together more than 700 exhibitors from Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, among other countries across the globe.

The expo provides a platform for businesses, professionals, and potential partners to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. This networking can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities.

Mozambique government official Adeline Balate observed that the expo offers the country excellent brand exposure for its products.

“We are here to expose the potential of our country in order to attract new investors to invest in different sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure and mining,” he stated.

“We are also seeking to enter into partnerships with local companies who wish to import our products and supply the local markets,” he added.

Mozambique produces various food crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and groundnuts.

Besides the exposure, participants in such events can learn about the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging innovations.

Egyptian national Adel Kamel, who sells gold-plated jewellery, has attended numerous expos in Rwanda over the past seven years. The 49-year-old has visited six other countries in Africa, but his experience in Rwanda remains unique.

“I love this country and its people. It is very safe and very clean. You have a kind President. I would like to do business here,” he revealed adding that he comes to Rwanda three times a year.

Some of the local companies that showcased their innovations at Expo 2024 include Irembo, which is responsible for building and maintaining the government’s one-stop service portal.

Irembo showcased its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.

Irembo has in the recent past established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.

August 12, 2024
Irembo eyes new markets as it showcases innovations at Expo 2024

Irembo is showcasing its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.

The company is also presenting its impressive achievements in business growth, strategic partnerships, and exciting future plans at the expo, which is scheduled to close on August 15, 2024.

In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.

According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.

“Irembo’s partnerships, like the one with Old Mutual Rwanda, are crucial in our mission to expand and diversify our services,” said Noella Dushime, Director of Business Development at Irembo.

“These collaborations allow us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our users, aligning with our vision of a digitally inclusive Rwanda.”

The company is renowned for building and maintaining the Rwandan government’s one-stop service portal.

By digitising essential services, Irembo supports the government’s goals of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience for citizens. The platform’s easy access to a wide range of services helps create a more efficient and inclusive society.

Looking ahead, Irembo plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to further improve service delivery. These advancements aim to provide users with more streamlined, effective, and secure access to services, solidifying Irembo’s position as a leader in digital transformation.

As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo is exploring opportunities to enter neighbouring countries, introducing its innovative solutions to new markets and contributing to regional growth.

At Expo 2024, the company will be connecting with other exhibitors to demonstrate how IremboPay works and to onboard new clients.

August 7, 2024
Irembo partners with RCA to nurture young engineers

Irembo, in a recent statement, indicated that the partnership aims at empowering local talent thereby propelling Rwanda to the forefront of digital innovation.

The two institutions are collaborating on an ongoing internship program that comprises 28 interns, 16 of whom are from the prestigious coding academy.

Irembo, responsible for building and maintaining the government’s one-stop service portal, said that the cohort of interns who joined the company in March 2024 is the largest so far.

The company praised the interns for the significant strides made over the last several months, which include building and testing more than 100 services on top of the IremboGov technology portal.

“Their efforts have substantially accelerated the delivery cadence of new services and further positioned IremboGov as the one-stop portal for government services,” the statement reads in part.

Irembo noted that the interns have also contributed to advancing the company’s AI initiatives through successful experimentations. These include chatbots to answer questions about IremboGov services, assistants to improve developer productivity, and natural language processing for analytics.

“The interns are cultivating valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment under the mentorship of Irembo’s seasoned engineers,” said the statement.

According to the company, the talent and skills shown by the interns reflect the high-quality education and training provided by RCA and the diverse expertise brought in through the professional internship program.

“Their work drives significant progress in Irembo’s projects, demonstrating the powerful synergy between academic learning, professional growth, and real-world application. This collaboration creates a dynamic and productive atmosphere, fostering innovation and excellence in all our initiatives,” Irembo noted.

Patrick Ndjientcheu, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Irembo, affirmed that the ongoing partnership reflects shared vision to nurture the next generation of African tech peers.

“The interns’ achievements showcase their hard work, dedication, and the innovative spirit that drives us all. We are excited to continue this partnership, creating more opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, we are building a digitally empowered Rwanda,” Ndjientche stated.

Dr Papias Niyigena, Principal of Rwanda Coding Academy, also lauded the students’ contributions to Irembo’s Innovative projects.

He said the partnership highlights the strength of the institution’s curriculum and showcases students’ exceptional talent and potential.

“By collaborating with Irembo, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for our students to excel and drive technological advancements, ultimately contributing to Rwanda’s growth as a tech hub in Africa,” he said.

August 5, 2024