Rwanda has launched InteGo, a government-owned national lottery that sells tickets through USSD and mobile money. It went live on 27 October 2026 in Kigali.
The state expects it to raise RWF 55 billion, about US$37.6 million, over five years. That money is earmarked for sport, healthcare and culture.
Who runs it
The Government of Rwanda owns InteGo. The National Lottery and Gambling Commission regulates it, operating under the Rwanda Development Board.
Moja Rwanda Ltd, part of Moja Group Inc., won the technical operator role through a competitive process. It runs the platform, the transaction systems and the player safeguards.
This is not Rwanda's first lottery. It is a new operating arrangement for one the country already had.
The detail that matters: it is built for phones
Entry starts at RWF 100. Players reach it by dialling *759#, or through mobile money, the website and an app.
Authorised agents can help in person. Ticket issuance and payment stay digital either way.
Opening products are Lotto 5/90 and Fata 12. The first draw ran at the launch event, and Lotto 5/90 broadcasts began on 28 October on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
This is the part operators should read twice. Rwanda did not build a lottery and bolt payments on afterwards. It built the distribution around USSD, which works on any handset, and mobile money, which most adults already use.
Responsible gambling is written in
Participation is limited to over-18s. The platform carries spending limits, cooling-off periods and account closure.
A free support helpline runs on 2075. Responsible gambling messaging is required in public communications.
The Commission supervises compliance, protects vulnerable players and oversees how proceeds are accounted for.
What it signals for the region
Rwanda is the second East African government this month to push a state lottery forward. Kenya's National Lottery Board is targeting its own launch by the end of 2027.
The contrast is instructive. Kenya is still drafting a tender. Rwanda has already drawn its first numbers.
A caution on the headline figure. RWF 55 billion is a projection, not a commitment. It depends on player uptake and on how the proceeds are actually managed and reported.
For suppliers, the opening is narrower than it looks. Moja Rwanda holds the operator contract, so any further work would run through its procurement rather than a fresh licence round.
Frequently asked questions
What is InteGo?
Rwanda's government-owned national lottery, launched on 27 October 2026 and regulated by the National Lottery and Gambling Commission.
How do you play the Rwanda national lottery?
By dialling *759# on USSD, or through mobile money, the InteGo website and its mobile app. Entries start at RWF 100.
Who operates InteGo?
Moja Rwanda Ltd, part of Moja Group Inc., selected competitively as technical operator. The government owns the lottery itself.
What games does it offer?
Lotto 5/90 and Fata 12 at launch. Lotto 5/90 draws are broadcast on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
Where does the money go?
Proceeds are earmarked for sport, healthcare and culture, with a projected RWF 55 billion over five years.
What is the minimum age?
18. The platform also offers spending limits, cooling-off options and a free helpline on 2075.
Source: the launch was reported by iBet Africa.
