Rwanda launches InteGo! national lottery with Lotto 5/90 draws

Players can access the lottery through USSD, mobile money, a website and a mobile application, while authorised agents provide in-person assistance.

Rwanda.- Rwanda has launched its national lottery, InteGo!, which is expected to generate RWF55bn (US$37.6m) in proceeds for national development programmes. Unveiled on October 27 at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, the lottery held its first draw at the launch event, with daily Lotto 5/90 draws scheduled to be broadcast live on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) television from October 28.

Owned by the Government of Rwanda, InteGo! is 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.

The name InteGo! comes from the Kinyarwanda word intego, meaning a goal. Its slogan, “Every Play Makes a Difference”, reflects the government’s plan to direct part of the lottery’s proceeds towards public-benefit initiatives in three priority areas: sports, health and culture. The funding is expected to advance talent development, improve community wellbeing and create economic opportunities.

Serge Nyombayire, head of gambling licencing and regulations at the NLGC, said the launch marked a step towards establishing a regulated national lottery that would generate funding for public priorities. He said the commission would uphold standards of integrity and accountability while promoting responsible gambling through regulatory safeguards and public awareness.

InteGo! has been developed as a digital lottery, allowing eligible players to participate through USSD, mobile money, the lottery’s website and its mobile application. Authorised agents will also assist customers who prefer in-person support, although ticket issuance and payments will remain digital to ensure transactions can be tracked through the platform.

Daniel Mihizi, general manager at Moja Rwanda Ltd, said the operator had invested in digital technology and operational systems to support secure transactions, accountability and player protection. He added that the company would work with the NLGC to maintain operational standards and responsible gambling measures while delivering the lottery’s services across Rwanda.