Nyagatare’s Gatunda Digital Hub brings essential digital services closer to citizens

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Nyagatare, Rwanda December 3, 2025— Residents of Gatunda Sector in Nyagatare District now have easier access to digital services with the launch of the Gatunda Digital Hub, a facility designed to bridge the gap between rural communities and essential online tools.

More than a technical space, the hub represents a lifeline, bringing government services, financial solutions, and Community Network Training closer to citizens who have long faced barriers due to distance and limited connectivity.

Established by the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda) under the Digital Inclusion for Rural Communities (DI4RC) Project, the hub addresses the digital divide between urban and rural areas. For many residents, tasks that previously required long travel—such as accessing Irembo services, submitting applications, or conducting mobile money transactions, can now be completed locally.

While youth training and entrepreneurship are core elements of DI4RC, the hub is designed to serve the entire community. Citizens of all ages can benefit from affordable internet access, guidance on online services, and support in navigating digital tools safely.

One of the initiative’s most visible impacts is through trained local operators such as Denyse Uwase, who manages the facility.

Denyse, a graduate of the project’s intensive digital skills and entrepreneurship program, conducted a readiness assessment in Gatunda before developing the winning proposal for the hub.

She formalized her role by signing an agreement with ISOC Rwanda, officially taking responsibility for the hub’s operations and community services.

“Before this training, I had no knowledge of network design or digital business management,” she said. “Now, I help residents access services they used to travel long distances for, while earning a living for myself. The hub is about making life easier for everyone in the community.”

ISOC Rwanda Chairperson Emmanuel Mfitumukiza highlighted the project’s competitive process, demonstrating the high level of community engagement and talent.

“Out of 170 applicants from Nyagatare and Karongi, 50 were selected, and 17 completed the training,” he said, adding that one of the top-performing projects came from Nyamikamba Cell itself. He emphasized that the hub embodies DI4RC’s broader mission: “It is not only about technology or youth training. It is about ensuring every citizen can access essential digital services closer to home, reduce costs, and use the internet safely and effectively.”

DI4RC is built on three pillars: infrastructure deployment, training, and community-driven innovation.

Local authorities welcomed the hub’s impact. Speaking on behalf of the Mayor, Gatunda Sector Executive Secretary Emmanuel Bandora said the facility addresses longstanding challenges in service delivery.

“Many residents spent hours traveling for services that are now online. This hub brings those services to the community,” he said, urging residents to embrace the opportunities while practicing safe and responsible internet use.

Community members expressed similar enthusiasm. Modeste Nsengimana, a local resident, described it as “a milestone” that makes accessing essential services easier for families and individuals alike. For them, the hub is not just a digital facility—it is a tool for empowerment, convenience, and inclusion.

With the Gatunda Digital Hub now operational, DI4RC is expected to expand access to digital services across Nyagatare, enhance digital literacy, and support entrepreneurship, ensuring that the benefits of Rwanda’s digital transformation reach every corner of the district.

All participants of the DI4RC training program receive certificates in recognition of their completion of digital skills, community network, and entrepreneurship courses.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com