In the bustling backstreets of Kigali, where small shops hum with activity and entrepreneurs juggle solar lamps, smartphones, and stacks of paperwork, one quiet revolution is taking root. It doesn’t shout, but it’s transforming the way African small businesses connect, collect data, and stay resilient in the face of digital disruption.
Meet the Shiriki Edge, an innovative computing device developed by Rwanda’s own ARED Group, a company determined to close Africa’s digital divide, one micro-enterprise at a time.
Built for Africa. Literally.
In a world that often assumes 24/7 internet access, Shiriki Edge was built with the opposite in mind. It’s a rugged, portable device that provides Wi-Fi, digital services, and local apps, even in areas with weak or no internet.
Yes, you read that right. No internet? No problem.
While the rest of the world pushes data to the cloud, ARED flips the script. Shiriki Edge uses edge computing, a concept that keeps digital tools and data processing local and fast.
So if you're running a salon in Arusha or a kiosk in Karu, this box sits right there with you, powering services like customer analytics, feedback forms, loyalty programmes, or even educational content, all without needing constant internet.
The Magic of the “Edge”
Picture this: A barber in Kampala runs his loyalty programme straight from Shiriki Edge. A university in Tanzania offers offline digital learning through it. A small retailer in Kigali knows which products customers are clicking on most, all thanks to built-in analytics. The Edge doesn't just deliver Wi-Fi; it delivers insight.
And the cherry on top? It’s solar-powered. Because innovation in Africa must work when the lights go out.
Data Sovereignty. Digital Inclusion. Real Impact.
But this isn’t just about smart tech. It’s about dignity, data sovereignty, and inclusive infrastructure. By empowering businesses to own their digital ecosystems, even offline—Shiriki Edge is creating new rules for Africa’s digital economy.
Where others see digital deserts, ARED sees fertile ground for innovation that doesn’t leave anyone behind.
A Continental Blueprint
Shiriki Edge is already making waves across East and West Africa. Its plug-and-play simplicity and affordability are unlocking possibilities in schools, clinics, smart cities, and refugee camps. It’s the kind of innovation that doesn't wait for fibre cables or perfect policies.
It just works for Africa.
