Grace Ashiru
MTN Rwanda is increasing its use of artificial intelligence to improve network performance while continuing a targeted expansion of its 5G infrastructure across the country.
The telecom operator is deploying AI tools to identify network problems, including transmission failures, site outages and fibre cuts. By detecting the source of faults earlier, the technology allows technical teams to respond more quickly and move towards preventive maintenance rather than waiting for customers to experience prolonged service disruptions. AI is also being applied to customer management and contact-centre operations.
The initiative forms part of a wider technology strategy that includes expanding local data-centre capacity and developing AI services suited to African markets. One example is Ms. Baza, an AI-powered virtual assistant that MTN showcased during Mobile World Congress Kigali in October 2025.
Alongside its AI investments, MTN Rwanda is gradually increasing access to 5G. The company began its commercial 5G journey in Kigali in June 2025, initially focusing on high-demand locations rather than attempting immediate nationwide coverage. MTN Rwanda says its network has been available at locations including the Kigali Convention Centre, KABC and Kigali Heights, with further expansion planned.
The operator is positioning 5G as infrastructure for more than faster smartphone connections. Potential applications include smart agriculture, remote healthcare, virtual education and fixed wireless broadband for homes and businesses. The strategy reflects an effort to concentrate investment where low-latency, high-capacity connectivity can provide measurable economic value.
MTN Rwanda’s expansion comes as demand for mobile and data services continues to increase. For the six months ending June 2026, the company reported an 11.4% year-on-year increase in its subscriber base to 8.7 million. Active data subscribers rose 14.5% to 2.7 million, while service revenue climbed 21.9% to Rwf167.5 billion.
The operator’s broader challenge will be turning increased network capacity into widespread adoption. Device affordability, digital skills and the availability of locally relevant 5G applications will influence how quickly consumers and businesses benefit from the new infrastructure.
For MTN, however, the combination of AI-driven network management, local computing infrastructure and selective 5G deployment represents a shift toward a more automated and data-intensive telecommunications network.
