Rwanda deploys AI to check vehicle pollution
Rwanda is getting ready to use new technology to fight air pollution from cars and motorbikes.
Software developers have built a system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to check how much smoke and harmful gases vehicles produce.
Emmanuel Tuyizere, the founder of Greenalytic Ltd., said his team created special electronic devices that are placed inside vehicles.
These devices measure the amount of pollution and send the information to an online dashboard where drivers can see it.
"We have developed electronic devices that work alongside software platforms to control vehicle emissions. These devices are installed in vehicles to continuously monitor emissions and send the data to online dashboards," Tuyizere was quoted by The New Times.
The move supports the government’s plan to start stricter emissions testing in May 2025.
Under the new plan, emissions testing will be separated from regular mechanical checks, but both services will still happen at the same testing centres, known as Contrôle Technique.
For the first time, motorbikes will also be tested for pollution and road safety.
The government says this change shows how serious Rwanda is about protecting public health and making the environment cleaner.
Officials are asking vehicle and motorbike owners to service their machines regularly to meet the new pollution rules.
