MTN Rwanda and Viamo Unveil ‘Miss Baza’ to Drive Digital Inclusion Through Voice Technology

At the recently concluded MWC Kigali, MTN Rwanda  unveiled Miss Baza, the country’s first voice-first AI-powered assistant. The innovation is designed to make access to trusted information more inclusive by using voice technology and local languages, ensuring that even individuals without smartphones or internet connectivity can benefit. This initiative represents a major step in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey, aiming to bring technology closer to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.

Miss Baza is powered by Viamo’s  voice-first Generative AI technology, which allows users to interact with the assistant through simple voice commands. Unlike traditional AI tools that rely on internet-based or text-heavy interfaces, Miss Baza’s design focuses on accessibility and ease of use. By enabling interaction through basic mobile phones, it breaks down barriers that often exclude rural populations from the digital economy.

According to Viamo, the launch of Miss Baza marks the first chapter of a broader national vision for digital inclusion. It underscores the importance of localized solutions that reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of Rwanda. This collaboration between MTN Rwanda and Viamo highlights how AI can be used for good, enhancing information accessibility and empowering communities through technology.

The introduction of Miss Baza also aligns with Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation and innovation. The country has consistently positioned itself as a technology hub in Africa, and this new development reinforces that reputation. As voice-first AI becomes more widely adopted, initiatives like Miss Baza could serve as a blueprint for other nations aiming to improve connectivity and inclusion without relying solely on expensive devices or data plans.

While specific details such as launch timelines, supported languages, and user rollout plans have yet to be disclosed, the impact potential is significant. The assistant’s ability to reach users who were previously disconnected from digital platforms could transform how information is disseminated and consumed in Rwanda. Miss Baza not only symbolizes progress in artificial intelligence but also represents a meaningful stride toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the era of technological advancement.