"Smart Kigali"

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda among the east African countries which was the first to launch a free wireless Networks under his initiatives.”Smart Kigali” is the initiative in Rwanda launched on the 20^th September 2013, which emphasizes the process of launching the wireless network by joining some digital cities such as Toronto, Houston, Buenos Aires, Bangkok and Taipei.

This initiative put Rwanda ahead of the pack in the digital race in East Africa. It is aimed at provision of free broadband Wi-Fi Internet access in public places that include commercial buildings, Bus Stations, Airport, in public transport buses and cabs.

Improving Internet connectivity and access in Hotels and restaurants; establishing online automated navigation system for direction using the newly implemented street and home addressing information system; Introducing automated ticketing and taxi meters in public transport; and electronic payments systems to improve financial services.

Rwandahas vision and hopes to transform it into a middle-income country and transition from lowest economy into an information-rich, knowledge-based society by 2020 by using “Smart Kigali” initiative.

Different people from Rwanda argues that “Smart Kigali” is not a project to benefit only the elite who can afford smart gadget but will extend to the majority of Rwandans after the government launched it, a programme that will see it negotiate with manufacturers and banks to offer smart gadgets to low income citizens so as to improve their standard of living.

Also noted that though Internet is being provided free of charge, telecommunication companies stand to make gains as more hotels and businesses come on board. The government has also established necessary infrastructure by way of a fibre optic cable throughout the country.

In industries the wireless initiative will increase the range of service consumers in different categories although the cost must be zero or extremely small to attract users.

“Smart Kigali is a good marketing move; it helps people in Rwanda to convince tourists and foreigners that it is good and easy to do business in Rwanda.