4G LTE broadband network set to launch in Rwanda

Rwanda is set to launch a high speed (4G LTE) broadband network on 11 November. The network, has been established through an agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the KT Corporation, will cover 95% of the population by 2017.

Rwanda has been in the news lately, thanks in part to an ambitious plan to turn the country into a cashless economy and achieve 80% financial inclusion by 2017. These kinds of initiative are often attributed to Rwandan president Paul Kagame, who describes himself as a “digital president”, and who has a substantial Twitter following.

With the introduction of the 4G LTE network, Rwanda will have unprecedented access to fast mobile internet. With a population of 11.78-million people, Rwanda’s mobile penetration currently stands at 71.6% with internet penetration currently at 25%.

Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT, stated that:

“The usage of 4G LTE will boost job creation in Rwanda and provide new opportunities to deliver better services across the country.”

He went on to further say that:

“The rapid deployment of high-speed broadband network in Rwanda will accelerate the Rwanda’s economic growth, create jobs, as well as help facilitate social and economic progress,”

The launch of the 4G LTE network coincides with GLOCAL Innovation Convention on 11th-13th November 2014. GLOCAL is an African Business & Innovation Startup convention whose purpose is to encourage content development with global marketability among Africa’s budding technology entrepreneurs.