Karongi: Rural connectivity brings new hope as Gasenyi embraces digital inclusion

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a lifeline for rural communities, opening pathways to education, business opportunities, essential public services, and modern livelihoods.

In Karongi District, the arrival of a community internet kiosk is already being hailed as a turning point, proving that when underserved areas are connected, their potential to thrive grows exponentially.

Gasenyi, a remote village in Mutuntu Sector, has long struggled with limited connectivity. Residents often walked long distances to access government services, mobile money transactions, or basic online information. For young people seeking digital skills, opportunities were scarce, leaving many disconnected from an increasingly digital world.

That reality began to change with the launch of Nuco Best Online Business, a new community digital kiosk established under the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda).

The facility, unveiled on December 10, 2025, aims to bridge the digital divide by bringing essential infrastructure and skills directly to rural communities, transforming past challenges into new opportunities for growth.

Speaking at the launch, Consolee Nuwayesu, beneficiary and manager of Nuco Best Online Business, said the kiosk has already reshaped daily life in Gasenyi.

“Before this project, our community faced a major connectivity challenge that limited access to essential online services and information, and it was also difficult to generate income through digital services,” she said.

“The establishment of the internet kiosk has completely transformed this situation by providing reliable, high-speed internet and essential tools like a computer and printer. Today, community members can access government services, make mobile money transactions, pay school fees, and much more without traveling long distances. This has improved efficiency, strengthened local connectivity, and enabled me to create a new and sustainable source of income.” She added.

Welcoming participants at the inaugural ceremony, Rose Niyomwana from the Rubengera Sector Joint Action Forum (JAF) applauded ISOC Rwanda for investing in rural communities. She encouraged young people to embrace the opportunity, calling the project “a beginning, not an end.”

Representing the district, Albert Ntabareshya from the Karongi District ICT Unit reaffirmed local government support for initiatives that advance national goals.

“In the national NST2 strategy, we are prioritizing digital inclusion for rural communities. This milestone reflects the government’s commitment to establishing community development initiatives,” he said.

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, emphasized the transformative power of connectivity.

“The internet is an essential infrastructure for everyone, a powerful channel that can transform lives and bring numerous opportunities to society,” he said. “Today, we are deepening our commitment to digital inclusion for rural communities. We want to tackle the digital divide because rural areas are still being left behind. This project is designed to ensure no one is excluded.”

He added that the Digital Inclusion for Remote Communities (DI4RC) initiative is rooted in three pillars: infrastructure deployment, digital skills training, and community-driven innovation. The project aims to expand access to online services, strengthen digital literacy, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and support community development.

Seventeen beneficiaries from Karongi District were selected out of more than 50 applicants, a sign of high demand and growing enthusiasm for digital opportunities.

Just a week earlier, a similar facility under the DI4RC project was launched in Nyagatare District. ISOC Rwanda says these initiatives demonstrate its determination to expand digital access across the country.

“We are happy to achieve this milestone,” Mfitumukiza added. “Today, we have launched Nuco Best Online Business in Mutuntu Sector. We are delighted that this community can now access digital services close to home. We want this project to become an opportunity for financial development in your daily lives.” He told youth in Gasenyi.

Officials and community representatives at the event expressed gratitude to partners, including the Internet Society Foundation, for supporting training, internships, and wider digital empowerment for rural youth.

Josee Muragijimana, coordinator of youth volunteers at Rubengera Youth Center thanked ISOC Rwanda for bringing the project closer to young people and requested additional basic digital skills training for those without an IT background, ensuring that “everyone can benefit fully from this opportunity.”

As the ceremony concluded, district officials urged residents to make the best use of the digital tools provided, noting that they are meant to support learning, strengthen local development, and create new economic opportunities.

For the residents of Gasenyi, the new internet kiosk is more than a facility — it is a gateway to progress, a bridge to the digital world, and a spark of renewed hope for a more connected future.

Albert Ntabareshya from the Karongi District ICT Unit reaffirms government support for rural connectivity initiatives in his speech. osee Muragijimana, coordinator of youth volunteers at Rubengera Youth Center, speaks during the launch, calling for more basic digital skills training for young people. Officials rejoice as they cut the ribbon to officially launch the Nuco Best Online Business digital kiosk in Gasenyi village. Nuwayesu smiles as she guides visitors through the equipment provided under the DI4RC project. The facility will allow residents to access essential online services without traveling long distances, marking a major shift for Gasenyi village.    

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