Mobile Shiriki Network (ICT)
By Henri Nyakarundi (Rwanda)
Henri Nyakarundi studied computer science in the USA. After
developing the African Renewable Energy Distributor
(ARED) Group, he returned to Rwanda in 2013 to start up his
company full time. ARED brings last mile connectivity in rural
and semi-urban areas using a micro-finance business model
to achieve broad scale distribution.
The Mobile Shiriki Hub is a Smart Solar Kiosk, powered by
strong solar panels and equipped with large capacity
batteries, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and a custom
designed router, offering device charging, virtual top-ups,
and low-cost connectivity options for access to digital
content and services.
The Shiriki Hub is designed as business-in-a-box with mobile
kiosks – the ideal solution for digital connectivity services to
rural populations. The service supports disadvantaged
populations and temporal settlements such as refugee
camps, offering partial subsidies to physically challenged
groups and women.