"While the economies of many Western countries are in turmoil, Rwanda’s economy is growing – at a record 11 percent in 2008, and nine percent in the first half of 2009"
On The Up!

It’s a simple idea – buying electricity for your home on your mobile phone. But with 40 percent of his country’s population now doing so, Rwandan entrepreneur Jeff Gasana is proving simple works!

Jeff co-founded SMS Media six years ago, with the goal of making it the leading mobile phone service provider in East Africa. Having created the electricity payment service – as well as a list of other successful text messaging applications – all before the age of 30, he looks set to do it.

Jeff isn’t alone in his success – the service has created thousands of jobs for people selling electricity phone cards all over Rwanda. And in fact it doesn’t stop there. Entrepreneurs like Jeff are building businesses across the country, contributing to remarkable economic progress. While the economies of many Western countries are in turmoil, Rwanda’s economy is growing – at a record 11 percent in 2008, and nine percent in the first half of 2009.

Jeff’s electricity service has won SMS Media five international awards, and is seen as a model for how developing countries can efficiently provide electricity. His ambition and determination embodies the spirit of a new Rwanda.

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