MTN Rwanda has officially launched Miss Baza, a cutting-edge chatbot service designed to provide users with diverse information and services through voice calls. The launch event, attended by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, marks a significant milestone in Rwanda's technological advancements. Miss Baza is not just an ordinary chatbot; it represents a breakthrough in African technology, offering a unique and inclusive approach to information and services.
Miss Baza aims to bridge the gap in accessing essential services and information for Rwandan citizens. The service allows users to access government services, check land ownership, search for investment opportunities, and obtain tourism information, all available 24/7. Moreover, Miss Baza is designed to assist those without smartphones or internet access, providing a user-friendly interface through voice calls. This innovative approach underscores MTN Rwanda's commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its customers.
The development of Miss Baza is a collaborative effort between MTN Rwanda and its partners. According to Nzabakira René, MTN Rwanda's Manager for Technology and Information Services, the service is accessible by dialing a specific number, 845, and following the voice prompts. Users can inquire about various topics, including health, agriculture, MTN services, and more. René emphasized that Miss Baza is particularly beneficial for those without smartphones, as it only requires a voice call.
Since its pilot launch before the official unveiling, Miss Baza has garnered significant attention, with over 2 million users accessing the service every month through the 845 number. The chatbot has responded to over 500,000 queries, demonstrating its potential to make a substantial impact on the lives of Rwandan citizens. MTN Rwanda offers 30 free minutes for customers to try the service, with a charge of 45 RWF per minute thereafter.
Minister Paula Ingabire commended MTN Rwanda and its partners for bringing this innovative project to fruition. She highlighted the importance of addressing critical questions before investing in artificial intelligence: What problem are we trying to solve? Who are we solving it for? And what is the best way to solve it? Ingabire emphasized that AI should be used to create tangible improvements in people's lives, not just for the sake of technology.
Ingabire also noted that many Rwandans face challenges in accessing reliable and relevant information, which often requires significant time, money, and effort. She stressed that services like Miss Baza are essential in addressing these challenges and providing citizens with the information they need to go about their daily lives. The Minister encouraged the development of AI solutions that cater to diverse segments of the population, particularly those with basic phones or limited access to the internet.
As Miss Baza continues to evolve, it is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of Rwandan citizens. By providing easy access to information and services, the chatbot service is poised to contribute to the country's socio-economic development. With its user-friendly interface and inclusive approach, Miss Baza sets a new standard for AI-powered services in Africa, demonstrating the potential for technology to drive positive change.
Key points
- Miss Baza provides information and services to users through voice calls, accessible by dialing 845.
- The service aims to assist those without smartphones or internet access, offering a user-friendly interface.
- Miss Baza has garnered significant attention, with over 2 million users accessing the service every month.
