Nyagatare: Gatunda Digital Hub Launches to Bridge Rural Connectivity Gap and Boost Youth Employment

NYAGATARE — Residents of Gatunda Sector in Nyagatare District in the Eastern Province of Rwanda celebrated a significant technological milestone on December 3, 2025, with the official inauguration of the Gatunda Digital Hub.

Organized by the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda), the launch of this new Internet Kiosk in Nyamikamba Cell marks the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Digital Inclusion for Rural Communities (DI4RC) Project, an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

The newly established facility aims to address the lack of technical skills among rural youth and the scarcity of network infrastructure required to support local schools, health centers, and small businesses.

By offering affordable access to the internet and essential digital services, the project seeks to reduce youth unemployment while enabling community members to access government and banking services without traveling long distances.

The hub will be managed by Ms. Denyse Uwase, a local youth who secured the position after winning a business pitch competition that followed a comprehensive training program.

Speaking at the ceremony, Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, explained that the project’s primary goal is to bring digital services closer to citizens by reducing the cost barrier to connectivity.

He noted that out of 170 applicants from Nyagatare and Karongi, 50 were selected for the program, with 17 participants ultimately completing the training.

Mfitumukiza highlighted that the new kiosk would support residents with vital tasks, such as paying taxes, registering projects, and accessing Irembo government services.

The event was attended by local leaders, community members, and district representatives who witnessed the presentation of certificates to the project graduates. Representing the Mayor of Nyagatare District, Emmanuel Bandora, the Executive Secretary of Gatunda Sector, praised the initiative for complementing the government’s digital agenda. He pointed out that while over 400 government services are available digitally, many residents still endure long queues at sector offices; he expressed confidence that the new kiosk would bridge this gap and work closely with digital ambassadors to support the community.

For the new manager, Denyse Uwase, the hub represents both personal and community empowerment. She stated that before the training, she lacked knowledge in network design and digital business management, but she is now self-employed and able to help her neighbors access mobile money and banking services locally. The impact of the hub was further emphasized by local residents like Modeste Nsengimana, who noted that the facility’s location near a district hospital would significantly ease the process for parents needing child birth certificates and for youth seeking online job opportunities.

As the ceremony concluded, local officials pledged their continued support for the initiative while issuing a caution regarding online safety. Bandora urged the youth to use the internet productively for education and work, warning them to avoid scams and cybercrimes that could lead to legal consequences. The inauguration stands as a testament to the potential of rural connectivity, providing a foundation for future expansion of digital inclusion initiatives in the region.