Rwanda appoints Moja Rwanda Limited as new national lottery operator
With Moja Rwanda Limited now taking over, lottery operations are expected to resume after the prolonged interruption.
Rwanda.- Rwanda has appointed Moja Rwanda Limited as the new operator of its national lottery, bringing an end to a months-long suspension of activities that followed regulatory action against the previous licence holder.
The agreement was signed with the government through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the National Lottery and Gambling Commission (NLGC), formally handing over operational responsibility to Moja Rwanda Limited after a competitive selection process.
The appointment comes after the termination of Inzozi Lotto’s licence in October 2025, following findings of non-compliance with key contractual and regulatory obligations. Authorities said the former operator failed to meet required standards related to operational delivery, financial accountability and broader regulatory compliance, leading to the suspension of its licence and a halt in lottery operations.
Regulators subsequently initiated a fresh procurement process aimed at restoring the lottery under a more transparent and accountable framework. Officials said the selection procedure was conducted competitively, with an emphasis on safeguarding public interest, strengthening oversight and ensuring continuity of a system tied to national development priorities.
With Moja Rwanda Limited now taking over, lottery operations are expected to resume after the prolonged interruption. The restart is seen as a key step in restoring a funding stream that supports government-backed sports development programmes.
Rwanda’s national lottery, launched in 2021, plays a defined role within the country’s regulated gambling sector. Unlike purely commercial betting operations, its structure is tied to public financing objectives. Revenue generated from ticket sales is directed to the Ministry of Sports, which allocates funds in line with the national sports development policy.
This policy focuses on building athletic capacity across multiple levels, including grassroots development and elite performance. It also includes provisions for supporting athletes with disabilities, with the goal of increasing Rwanda’s participation and competitiveness in regional and international sporting events.
The suspension of lottery operations had temporarily disrupted this funding pipeline, raising concerns over potential shortfalls in sports financing. The return of the lottery under new management is therefore expected to stabilise and restore these allocations over time.
Industry observers say attention will now shift to how quickly Moja Rwanda Limited can scale up operations, rebuild consumer confidence and re-establish participation levels following the prolonged pause. There is also expectation that the regulator will maintain close oversight of the new operator, particularly given the circumstances that led to the previous licence cancellation.
For the NLGC and RDB, the transition underscores a continued emphasis on strict regulatory enforcement within Rwanda’s gambling sector. Officials have repeatedly stressed that operational continuity must be balanced with compliance, accountability and transparency standards.
