Traders of technology equipment as well as everyday users say they continue to face serious challenges caused by the rising prices of these products on the market. These items include mobile phones, computers, broadcasting equipment, and other digital tools, whose prices have increased to concerning levels.
Some traders in the City of Huye say the price increase has reduced the number of customers, causing instability in their businesses. Jean Claude Uwimana, one of the traders in Huye, said:
“We import these products from abroad, especially from China and Dubai. When the dollar rises, we are forced to increase prices because we purchase the goods at higher costs. However, customers do not fully understand this, which leads to losses for us.”
Another trader, Noel, who sells computers, said: “There was a time when we sold five computers a day. Now, a whole week can pass without selling even one. People are trying to repair the ones they already have instead of buying new ones.”
Consumers also say that the price increase has become a heavy burden, especially since technology equipment has become essential in daily work and education.
Norbert Habiyambere, a student at the University of Rwanda, said: “A computer is an essential tool for our studies. When its price rises significantly, it becomes difficult for us to afford one, which slows down our academic progress.”
Etienne Ntambara, the technology expert and lecturer at the College of Huye under the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC), believes that the rising prices could hinder the country’s policy of promoting digital service delivery.
He said: “When technology equipment becomes too expensive, it affects citizens who cannot afford it. This could slow down the government’s program of promoting digital services, because people lack adequate devices.”
He further insisted on taxes reduction on these products and to find strategies to stabilize the Rwandan franc against the US dollar. “Reducing taxes on these products would help lower market prices. Another important step is strengthening policies that protect the national currency, as exchange rate fluctuations play a major role in price increases.” Etienne explained.
Analysts say that the rise in technology equipment prices does not only affect traders and consumers, but could also impact the country’s overall economy. As the world increasingly relies on technology across all sectors, limited access to these tools could slow down rapid development.
There are also concerns that the digital divide may widen between those who can afford such devices and those who cannot, leading to inequality in opportunities for education, employment, and access to services.
Those who spoke to pureafricanews.com agreed that urgent and practical measures are needed, including Reducing taxes on technology equipment, promoting local manufacturing or assembly of such products, strengthening policies to stabilize the national currency, providing affordable loans to youth and students to help them access essential devices.
As technology continues to be a pillar of development, many believe that addressing the issue of high prices should be treated as a priority to achieve the goal of building a knowledge- and technology-based economy.
