MTN Rwanda has become the latest telecoms network in Africa to offer subscribers free access to Wikipedia following a partnership with the Wikipedia Foundation.
The company is offering a similar programme in South Africa, while Airtel is offering free access in Nigeria.
MTN said its subscribers will now enjoy unlimited access at no cost to Wikipedia via its 2G and 3G services.
Ebenezer Asante, MTN Rwanda chief executive officer (CEO), said: “We have in the past launched other services relevant to our customers, Magic Voice and many others; we believe the innovation of Wikipedia will put Rwanda on the map.”
Wikipedia Zero, Asante said, is a vital component of MTN’s mobile strategy that focuses on empowering Rwandans by providing access to information and educational content.
Rwanda’s education minister Vincent Biruta, said his ministry will promote the free Wikipedia among youth and students in order to maximise its full benefits.
“Wikipedia will contribute to enhancing the quality of education in the country,” the minister said.
Minister of Youth and ICT Jean Philbert Nsengimana said: “We shall make sure that we bring Rwandans online and use this service, which they can access for free.”
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