Rwandatel now switches to GSM

Photo by MORGAN MBABAZI

By KEZIO-MUSOKE DAVID of The East African

"Rwanda’s fixed line operator — Rwandatel — has switched from its traditional CDMA (Code division multiple access )-based technology to GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) technology in a move that could see the company’s mobile subscribers increase by over 90 per cent.

With Millicom Telecommunication’s Tigo brand set to open shop in Kigali by the end of 2009, this could mean that the country’s teledensity could also rise from 11 per cent to 18 per cent in just a year.

The launch of Rwandatel’s GSM operations with an investment worth $71 million, in a deal involving Huawei Technologies — a Chinese private high-tech telecom company — means that Rwandatel will now compete favourably with MTN Rwanda, which has operated GSM for over 10 years."

Complete story at "Rwandatel now switches to GSM"

Category: Rwanda + Communication + Technology

Kigali city, private sector team up to implement City Master Plan

By Written by ALEX NGARAMBE of The EABW

"KIGALI, RWANDA–– The Private sector in Rwanda has teamed up with Kigali city to implement the recently unveiled 50-year renewal City Master Plan.

This was reached when the city council was presenting the master plan to both local and foreign investors present in the country.

It's estimated that 50% of the master plan is good for infrastructural development, which is a huge advantage for the investors.

City authorities have zoned the conceptual plan into commercial areas, residential areas, industrial zones and many others to make it convenient for investors.

The architectural design was done by Surbana, a Singaporean consultancy firm."

Complete story at "Kigali city, private sector team up to implement City Master Plan"

Category: Rwanda + Public Policy

Kenya, Rwanda go bilateral, ignore EAC failure

By Staff Writter of Afrol News

"Kenya and Rwanda have agreed to accelerate the removal of all non-tariff barriers so as to enhance the existing bilateral cooperation and promote trade.

The bilateral initiative comes after the East African Community (EAC) failed to agree on deepening regional economic integration."

Complete story at the following link "Kenya, Rwanda go bilateral, ignore EAC failure"

Category: Rwanda + East African Community

Bralirwa, Coca-Cola to distribute Burn energy drink in Rwanda

Written by ALEX NGARAMBE of The EABW

"KIGALI, RWANDA––Bralirwa S.A, Rwanda's Brewery and the Coca-Cola have made an entry into Rwanda's energy drink sector with the launch of Burn energy drink.

Burn is a combination of energizing ingredients including caffeine designed to invigorate senses and give the consumer power. It is available in 25-centilitre black cans.
As a brand of Coca-Cola Company, Burn is being introduced in Rwanda to meet a specific market demand.

The Rwanda beverage market has been growing and developing fast and has a lot of opportunities, according to Alexander Koch, the commercial director of Bralirwa."

Complete story at "Bralirwa, Coca-Cola to distribute Burn energy drink in Rwanda"

Category: Rwanda + Investment + Commerce

Rwanda seeks to invest in MICE tourism

Written by BOSCO HITIMANA of The EABW

"KIGALI, RWANDA––Stakeholders in Rwanda tourism industry plan to invest in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism for good returns.

On The Frontier (OTF) Group organized a tourism industry workshop examining how Rwanda could build a winning MICE tourism industry.

During the workshop held last week at Novotel Hotel in Kigali, OTF Group released its findings on the global and local overview of MICE tourism, focusing on how Rwanda could also get a share.

Stakeholders uttered the sense of urgency to fully exploit MICE tourism to generate money, building on Rwanda's success stories that attract international, regional and local conferences."

Complete story for to enjoy at "Rwanda seeks to invest in MICE tourism"

Category: Rwanda + Tourism + Investment

Oil exporter to build $4m terminal in Kigali

By PHILIP NGUNJIRI Of The East African

"Hashi Empex, Nairobi-based exporter of refined petroleum products to the East and Central African region, is to construct a $4 million fuel storage terminal in Kigali, Rwanda.

Hashi Empex managing director Ahmed Hashi made the announcement last week at a dinner held at the Kigali Serena Hotel to mark the signing of a contract to supply 3.5 million litres of fuel per month to Rwanda’s power generation company, Electrogaz.

The fuel will be used to power thermal turbines."

Complete story at "Oil exporter to build $4m terminal in Kigali"

Category: Rwanda + Energy + Investment + East African