The new AI initiative aims to enhance digital inclusivity and accessibility across Rwanda and beyond.
MTN Rwanda has unveiled ‘Ms. Baza’, a new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, designed to make digital services more inclusive and accessible across the country and other African markets. The announcement was made during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa 2025 in Kigali, where the telecom giant showcased its vision for an AI-driven future.
In an exclusive interview with The New Times, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Ali Monzer emphasized that the company’s approach to artificial intelligence transcends mere technology; it focuses on inclusion, empowerment, and national development. “This is just a prototype for now, but we are committed to roll out this in the next few months,” he stated.
Monzer highlighted that ‘Ms. Baza’ is designed to understand multiple languages, including English, French, Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili. He noted, “Any AI model should be inclusive, transparent, and it should be for everyone. Ms. Baza will also be accessible to people who don’t have smartphones.” This commitment to accessibility is a crucial step in bridging the digital divide in Rwanda.
MTN Rwanda continues to expand its network infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era. By the end of 2024, the company had achieved 99.7 percent population coverage for basic services and 87 percent broadband coverage. Monzer stated, “We are investing heavily in rural connectivity, with the goal of making sure every Rwandan, regardless of location, can access modern digital tools and opportunities.”
Earlier this year, MTN launched Rwanda’s first commercial 5G network, which Monzer described as not just another network, but “a catalyst for national digital transformation.” The 5G platform is expected to enable startups, developers, and innovators to create real-time applications powered by AI and advanced analytics.
In addition to its AI initiatives, MTN’s mobile money platform, MoMo, is playing a central role in advancing financial inclusion in Rwanda. Monzer referred to MoMo as “a way of life in Rwanda,” noting that it is expanding beyond traditional payments into areas like micro-lending and digital savings. “We are expanding financial services beyond basic transactions to include solutions such as micro-lending and savings,” he explained.
Currently, MTN has more than half a million active merchants accepting payments in various sectors, including pharmacies, hospitals, and restaurants. Monzer emphasized the importance of driving more adoption of these services to ensure that financial inclusion is widespread in Rwanda, stating, “We are trying to drive more adoption, and also to make sure financial inclusion is everywhere in Rwanda, and no one is left behind.”
As MTN Rwanda continues to innovate and expand its services, the introduction of ‘Ms. Baza’ represents a significant step towards enhancing digital accessibility and inclusivity in the region. The company’s commitment to responsible AI and rural connectivity aims to empower all Rwandans, ensuring that they can participate fully in the digital economy.
Key Points
- MTN Rwanda launches 'Ms. Baza', an AI assistant for digital inclusivity.
- The AI assistant supports multiple languages including Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili.
- MTN aims for 99.7% population coverage for basic services by the end of 2024.
- The company has launched Rwanda's first commercial 5G network to drive digital transformation.
- MTN's MoMo platform is expanding financial services beyond traditional payments.
Sources: MTN unveils ‘Ms. Baza’ AI assistant to bridge Rwanda’s digital divide