The fifth-generation mobile technology offers significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity compared to previous generations, enabling faster and more efficient internet access across multiple sectors.
The launch event took place on June 10, 2025, with MTN officials highlighting the transformative potential of 5G in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and innovation.
MTN Rwanda CEO Monzer Ali emphasised the broad impact 5G is expected to have on national development:
'A doctor based in Rwanda could perform surgery on a patient located anywhere in the world, thanks to the low latency and speed of the 5G network.'
He thanked the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) for their collaboration in enabling MTN to roll out this advanced technology in Rwanda.
MTN first announced the availability of its 5G network on May 15, 2025, initially launching at Kigali Heights/Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). The rollout is now expanding to more than 51 sites across Kigali and Kamonyi District in Rwanda's Southern Province.
The 5G network will prioritise high-traffic areas such as stadiums, conference venues, educational institutions, and technology hubs, to ensure high-impact deployment.
Monzer reiterated that 5G is expected to play a vital role in supporting Rwanda's ambition to become a regional technology hub, stating:
'5G has immense potential to drive economic growth by accelerating innovation, enhancing service delivery, and enabling smart infrastructure.'
Rwanda currently ranks third in Africa for internet speed and is among the top 16 countries globally in this regard.
Market data shows that the adoption of 5 G-compatible devices, such as smartphones, is growing at a rate of 10% to 15% annually.
Ndoli Didas, General Manager of Enterprise Business at MTN Rwanda, clarified that there will be no changes to the existing internet prices that apply to 4G.
'We are not introducing separate pricing for 5G. The same data bundles used for 4G will apply. What changes is the speed and the quality of experience, depending on the device and service use.'
However, he noted that accessing the 5G network requires compatible devices.
He also pointed out that the technology will support innovations such as drone-based irrigation in agriculture, showcasing how 5G can contribute to smart farming and increased productivity.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/mtn-rwanda-launches-5g-network
