Senator Evode Uwizeyimana has urged the Rwandan government to review the fees charged by MTN Rwanda for mobile money transfers. He argues that the current fees are too high and may be a burden on citizens, particularly those who frequently send money. Senator Evode gave an example of a person who sends over 150,000 Rwandan francs (Frw) and is charged 1,500 Frw per transaction.
According to Senator Evode, if a person sends money 10 times a day, they would end up paying 15,000 Frw in fees alone. He described these fees as excessive and called on the government to intervene. Senator Evode made these remarks on October 2, 2026, during a session of the Rwandan Parliament, where Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva was presenting the government's plans to develop the country's financial sector.
Senator Evode's concerns were echoed by other lawmakers, who have received complaints from citizens about the high fees charged by MTN Rwanda. The senator argued that the fees could have a negative impact on low-income households, who rely heavily on mobile money transfers to send and receive money. He urged the government to negotiate with MTN Rwanda to find a solution that would benefit citizens.
The issue of high mobile money transfer fees has been a contentious topic in Rwanda, with many citizens expressing frustration over the charges. Senator Evode's call for government intervention is seen as a move to address the concerns of citizens and promote financial inclusion. The senator's office has reported receiving numerous complaints about the fees, which have been described as exorbitant.
MTN Rwanda is one of the largest mobile network operators in the country, with a significant market share. The company has defended its fees, citing the costs of providing the service. However, Senator Evode and other critics argue that the fees are excessive and that the company should be willing to negotiate a reduction.
The government has announced plans to review the country's financial sector, including the mobile money transfer market. Senator Evode's call for action is seen as a timely intervention, which could lead to a reduction in fees and more affordable services for citizens. The review is expected to examine the fees charged by all mobile network operators, not just MTN Rwanda.
The outcome of the government's review and potential negotiations with MTN Rwanda remains to be seen. However, Senator Evode's initiative has sparked a national conversation about the need for affordable and accessible financial services. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of debate in the coming weeks and months.
Key points
- Senator Evode urges government to review MTN Rwanda's mobile money transfer fees
- High fees may be a burden on low-income households
- Government review could lead to reduced fees and more affordable services
