Microsoft’s Window 8 Breaks Language Barrier in Rwanda

Tech giant, Microsoft has announcement that it has made Windows 8 available in Rwanda’s main language, Kinyarwanda. According to a Microsoft statement the application can support any of the languages with language interface – as long as it supports one of 12 application certification languages.

Rwandan authorities believe the availabilty of Microsoft Windows 8 in the country's main language will help develop ICT literacy. The offering was launched in October last year and is said to be available in 109 languages, including 14 new languages. This forms part of an effort by Microsoft to target a global audience.

Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philpert Nsengimana, is quoted as saying that the availability of the product in Kinyarwanda will boost efforts to increase ICT literacy. “It will help us in taking ICT to the common man. ICT has to be owned by every Rwandan and not be seen as a preserve by some,” Minister Nsengimana is reported to have told The New Times.