Rwanda has unveiled InteGo!, a government-owned national lottery projected to generate $37.6 million (RWF 55 billion) to support public-benefit initiatives in sports, health and culture.
The lottery was introduced on Tuesday at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, with officials highlighting its potential to mobilise domestic resources for national development and expand digital access to lottery services.
The initiative is owned by the Government of Rwanda, regulated by the National Lottery and Gambling Commission (NLGC) under the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and operated by Moja Rwanda Ltd, a technical partner selected through a competitive process.
Serge Nyombayire, Head of Gambling Licensing and Regulations at the NLGC, said the initiative would provide additional resources for key development priorities while promoting transparency and responsible participation.
“The launch of InteGo! represents an important milestone in the development of a modern, well-regulated national lottery. Beyond offering a new form of entertainment, the initiative will generate resources to support investments in sports, health and culture, contributing to talent development, community wellbeing and broader national development priorities.” He noted.
Nyombayire also emphasised the importance of transparency, integrity and responsible participation, noting that effective regulation and public awareness would be key to building public trust and ensuring the lottery delivers sustainable benefits.
“Through the National Lottery and Gambling Commission under RDB, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of regulatory oversight, transparency and accountability, ensuring that responsible gambling and public welfare remain at the heart of the lottery’s operations.” He added.
InteGo! allows eligible adults to participate through USSD, mobile money, a website and a mobile application. Authorised agents will also assist customers who prefer in-person support, while ticket issuance and payments will be processed digitally.
Participation starts at RWF 100. Players can access the service by dialling *759# or visiting the official website, intego.rw.
The first draw was held during the unveiling ceremony, with Lotto 5/90 draws scheduled to be broadcast live on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) television from Wednesday, October 28.
The broadcasts will air at 7:40 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Daniel Mihizi, General Manager at Moja Rwanda Ltd, said the company had invested in digital technology and operational systems to support secure transactions and reliable service delivery.
“As the technical operator of InteGo!, our priority is to deliver a secure, transparent and reliable national lottery that meets international standards and earns public confidence. We have invested in digital technology and operational systems that ensure accountability, protect players and provide a seamless experience across the country.” He said.
“Working closely with the NLGC, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and responsible gambling, while ensuring that InteGo! delivers on its promise of generating lasting benefits for Rwandan communities.”
The name InteGo! comes from the Kinyarwanda word intego, meaning a goal. Its slogan, “Every Play Makes a Difference”, reflects the initiative’s aim of directing a share of proceeds towards public-benefit programmes.
The lottery initially offers two games, Lotto 5/90 and Fata 12, exclusively for adults aged 18 and above. It also includes spending limits and options for players to take breaks, in line with Rwanda’s Gambling Policy.
Players seeking assistance can call the free gambling support helpline on 2075, while those wishing to stop gambling can request the closure of their accounts.
The NLGC will oversee compliance with regulatory requirements, including the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals, the integrity of lottery operations and accountability in the management of proceeds.
In the coming weeks, InteGo! representatives will conduct public engagements across Rwanda to explain how the lottery operates, answer questions and promote responsible gambling.
The initiative combines entertainment with efforts to mobilise resources for sports, health and culture, while encouraging responsible participation and supporting Rwanda’s broader development priorities.
