The partnership combines Ecobank’s pan-African banking network with AGRA’s two decades of experience in agricultural transformation to address one of the sector’s biggest challenges — access to finance.

Anup Suri, Group Executive, Commercial and Consumer Banking at Ecobank Group, said the partnership reflects a shift in how Africa should view agriculture.

“To transform Africa’s economy, we must treat agriculture as a high-growth commercial sector rather than a subsistence activity,” he said. “Through this alliance with AGRA, Ecobank is unlocking the capital required to scale agribusinesses across the continent while building resilient food systems.”

Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together to develop innovative financial products tailored for agribusiness SMEs, cooperatives, and farmer organizations. These include working capital solutions, trade finance, and asset financing.

The collaboration will also focus on reducing the risks associated with agricultural lending through blended finance, guarantees, and risk-sharing mechanisms aimed at encouraging greater private-sector investment in agriculture.

Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, emphasized that agriculture remains central to Africa’s economic future.

“Agriculture is not one sector among many for Africa; it is the foundation on which the continent’s entire development agenda rests,” she said. “By combining AGRA’s on-the-ground expertise with Ecobank’s reach and financial capabilities, we are creating opportunities for women and young people to build thriving agribusinesses.”

The partnership places special emphasis on women and youth-led enterprises by aligning Ecobank’s Ellevate initiative with AGRA’s Value4HER and YEFFA programs. The initiative aims to increase targeted financing, technical support, and capacity-building opportunities for young entrepreneurs and women operating in agriculture and food systems.

As climate change continues to threaten food security across Africa, the two organizations also pledged to promote climate-smart agriculture and mobilize green financing solutions that support sustainable land use and resilient agri-food systems.

The agreement comes at a time when African governments and development partners are intensifying efforts to modernize agriculture, improve food security, and create jobs for the continent’s growing youth population.

Industry observers say the Ecobank-AGRA partnership could play a significant role in accelerating agricultural commercialization and unlocking new investment opportunities across Africa’s food systems

Why the next wave of competitive advantage in African markets will be built from the ground up
Agriculture begins with soil, but for Africa’s growth story, soil is far more than an input. It is the foundation of food systems, the basis of livelihoods, and an increasingly critical lever for resilience, reliability, and long‑term value creation.
Across the continent, soil holds the potential to address food insecurity, restore ecosystems, and unlock economic growth at scale. Yet that potential remains largely unrealised, not because of lack of effort, but because the core asset underpinning agricultural systems has been systematically undervalued.

Consider a typical smallholder farmer managing at least three acres of land. Each season, she commits her primary productive assets, land, labour, and inputs into the business of farming. She prepares the land, purchases seed and fertiliser, plants, weeds, and manages crops through increasingly volatile weather patterns. The investment of time, effort, and capital is substantial and sustained.

Too often, however, the system fails to break even. Once input costs, labour, climate risk, price volatility, and post‑harvest losses are factored in, farming frequently struggles to generate sufficient surplus to reinvest. Productivity remains stagnant, vulnerability persists, and each season begins from a position of fragility.

In any other sector, this would signal a structural problem. Capital does not flow to businesses where the core asset is degrading, efficiency is declining, and returns fail to justify risk. Manufacturing systems are redesigned when productivity falls; retail models are restructured when margins erode. Yet in agriculture, this dynamic has been normalised.

The constraint is not farmer effort. It is that soil, the primary productive asset is rarely managed as one.
For decades, soil has been treated as a passive medium rather than as capital. Uniform input approaches have been applied across highly variable and often degraded landscapes, leading to diminishing returns over time. Nutrients are added, but crops respond weakly because the biological and physical systems that make soil productive have been compromised.

The result is a cycle of continued investment with limited payoff.
This is where the concept of a tipping point matters.
Agricultural systems do not improve incrementally. They operate around a threshold that determines whether farming functions as a survival activity or as a viable enterprise. Below this threshold, productivity remains low, soil health declines, and income barely covers costs. Any external shock, whether climatic or market‑related, pushes the system deeper into risk.

Beyond it, the system behaves differently.
When soil health improves to the point where nutrients are efficiently utilised, water is retained, and biological processes support plant growth, productivity stabilises and begins to rise. At that point, farming crosses a break‑even threshold. Surplus becomes possible. Reinvestment becomes rational. Agriculture shifts from coping to competing.
This transition is not about marginal gains. It is structural.

Crossing the tipping point requires deliberate soil management: rebuilding organic matter, restoring biological activity, and applying inputs in a targeted way aligned with actual soil needs. Water management, crop selection, and agronomic practices must also reflect local conditions rather than one‑size‑fits‑all models.
When these elements align, the economics change measurably. Crops access nutrients more effectively, soils retain moisture longer, and systems become less sensitive to seasonal variability. Evidence from integrated soil and landscape restoration across Africa shows sustained productivity gains alongside reduced degradation, demonstrating that this shift is both possible and scalable. Crucially, these gains compound over time.

Once farms consistently operate beyond the break‑even point, behaviour changes. Reinvestment in better technologies becomes the norm. Diversification into higher‑value production becomes feasible. Soil organic carbon accumulates, creating optionality around emerging climate and sustainability markets. Improved water retention reduces dependence on rainfall alone.
At this stage, farms are no longer just producing crops. They are building assets.

For businesses operating in African markets, the implications are significant.
Brand equity is often understood as trust, credibility, and relevance built over time. In food and agriculture systems, that equity is not only intangible, but also physical, embedded in the soil. Soil health determines whether farmers can produce reliably, whether supply chains hold under pressure, and whether shocks can be absorbed without disruption.

When farming systems remain below the tipping point, supply chains are unstable, costs are unpredictable, and trust is fragile. When systems move beyond it, reliability improves, resilience strengthens, and long‑term partnerships become viable.
Soil, in this context, is not simply an environmental concern. It is a strategic asset.
Investing in soil is therefore not a peripheral ESG activity. It is a system‑level intervention that strengthens productivity, stabilises supply, mitigates climate risk, and underpins durable growth. For companies seeking long‑term advantage in African markets, soil sits at the centre of value creation.

Africa’s growth will ultimately depend on whether its foundational systems can generate surplus rather than absorb effort. The brands that recognise this and invest accordingly, will be those best positioned for the next decade of growth, built from the ground up.

Mu bandi bitabiriye iyi nama harimo Demis Hassabis, umuyobozi wa Google DeepMind, wavuze ko Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) ubwenge buhangano bushobora gukora no gutekereza mu buryo busa n’ubw’umuntu bushobora kuzamurikirwa isi mu myaka itanu kugeza ku munani iri imbere. Ibi bisobanuye ko mu gihe kitari kirekire, hashobora kubaho sisitemu zishobora gusobanukirwa, gutekereza no gufata ibyemezo mu buryo bwagutse kurusha uko bimeze ubu.

Iyi nama yanagarutse ku iterambere rya “Agentic AI” sisitemu zifite ubushobozi bwo gukora imirimo yigenga, zitari ugusubiza ibibazo gusa, ahubwo zishobora gufata ibyemezo no kurangiza inshingano zahawe. Ibigo bya leta n’ibyigenga ku isi byatangiye gushora imari nyinshi muri iri koranabuhanga, rishobora kugabanya igihe gikoreshwa mu kazi, kugabanya ikiguzi, ndetse no kugabanya umubare w’abakozi mu nzego zimwe na zimwe.

Ibihugu bikomeye birimo Leta Zunze Ubumwe za Amerika n’Ubushinwa biri gushora imari itigeze ibaho mu bushakashatsi no guteza imbere AI, bigatuma habaho irushanwa rikomeye ku rwego mpuzamahanga. Ibi byihutisha ubuvumbuzi bushobora guhindura uburyo ibihugu bicungwa, uko ubucuruzi bukorwa ndetse n’imibereho rusange y’abaturage.

Nubwo hari icyizere cy’iterambere, impungenge nazo ntizabura. Bamwe mu batuye isi bagaragaza ko AI ishobora gusubiza inyuma ubushobozi bwo gutekereza bwa muntu, ndetse ko hari imirimo ishobora gusimbuzwa imashini cyangwa robots. Ariko Yann LeCun, impuguke mu by’ubwenge buhangano ukorera Meta Platforms kandi akaba n’umwarimu muri New York University, agaragaza ko AI iriho ubu igifite aho igarukira, cyane cyane ko ishingira cyane ku rurimi kurusha gusobanukirwa byimbitse isi nyakuri. Kuri we, AI ntikwiye gutera ubwoba, ahubwo ikwiye gufatwa nk’igikoresho cyafasha muntu kongera ubushobozi bwe.

Mu gihe isi iri kwinjira mu bihe by’iterambere rishingiye ku ikoranabuhanga ku muvuduko utigeze ubaho mbere, ubwenge buhangano ntibukiri umufasha usanzwe. Abasesenguzi bagaragaza ko bugiye guhinduka igice cy’imibereho ya buri munsi mu burezi, mu buvuzi, mu buhinzi, mu micungire y’ibigo no mu miyoborere.

Ikibazo gikomeye cyagarutsweho muri Delhi si ukumenya niba AI izahindura isi, ahubwo ni igihe izabikorera n’uburyo abantu n’ibihugu bazayitegura. Mu myaka mike iri imbere, amahitamo azafatwa uyu munsi ashobora kuzagena uko isi izaba imeze ejo hazaza.

Narendra Modi atangiza Inya VoiceOS, model ya AI yihariye ikora mu buryo bw’ijwi-ku-jwi itanyuze mu guhindura ijwi mo inyandiko.

Among the most scrutinized figures is Britain’s prince Andrew. The royal publicly denied allegations of sexual misconduct connected to Epstein and later reached out of court settlement in a civil lawsuit without admitting wrongdoing. Not only him but also the Epstein files that came out in years such as 2008, 2015 and 2016 even in 2021 include former US president Bill Clinton, although he denied of being aware of any criminal activity.

To add the current president of the US Donald Trump was also stated in the files “I think it’s time the country got on other things nothing came out of those files other than it being a conspiracy against me “president Trump said this in an interview with CNN

 Rumors swirls around online implicating singers, actors and stars from Beyoncé’ and Jay-Z to Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Elon musk, Chris Martin and many more although none were formally accused or charged these rumors, fueled by social media conspiracy theories only added to the intrigue surrounding Epstein’s network and the unanswered questions about who knew what and when.

 While royalty and politicians dominated headlines it also ended up in the media industry, these celebrity rumors while widely discussed online remain unverified still, they contribute to the intrigue and speculation surrounding Epstein’s criminal records, illustrating the powerful blend of wealth, fame and secrecy that characterized his life.

Jeffrey Epstein, The financier whose powerful connections, criminal charges, and unanswered questions continue to fuel global scrutiny and speculation.

Launched nationwide on 2 December 2025, following a Cabinet decision on 28 November 2025, the new system is already reshaping how passengers move across Kigali.

Long Waits and Overcrowding — A Thing of the Past

For years, one of the biggest frustrations among commuters was the unpredictability of public transport. Long queues, delays, and buses waiting to fill up before departure pushed many residents to seek alternative means.

But since the introduction of the Eco-Fleet system, the experience is changing dramatically.

“Even with three people, the bus goes.”

Gateme Jean Marie Dynamique, a Kigali resident, says the improvement is visible.

“Many people used to arrive late at work because of traffic jams, but now things have changed. In the taxi park, a bus used to wait for 70 people just to be full. Now that’s no longer the case — even with three people, the bus goes.”

His testimony reflects one of the system’s biggest transformations: buses now move based on time, not the number of passengers.

Shorter Waiting Times for Passengers

Before Eco-Fleet, some commuters spent more than an hour waiting for a bus — especially during peak hours.

“We used to wait 1 to 1.5 hours.”

Resident Nikuze Alphonsine recalls how difficult it used to be.

“Back in the day, someone could stay at the bus park for one hour or even one hour and thirty minutes. And the buses would stop at every single bus stop.”

She says the new approach, which limits unnecessary stops and follows a regulated schedule, has created a smoother and more predictable journey.

Even the Doubters Are Returning

For some, the change was dramatic enough to bring them back to public transport after years of avoiding it.

“It has been three years… but now everything has changed.”

Mugabo, who had not boarded a public bus in three years, says the new system convinced him.

“It has been three years without using public transport, but now everything has changed. I can encourage people in Kigali to come back to using public buses — it’s now convenient.”

His return signals renewed trust in a system that many Kigali residents had gradually abandoned.

Drivers Are Also Experiencing a New Way of Working

The new model does not only benefit passengers; drivers also operate under new guidelines aimed at improving efficiency.

“We no longer wait for a full bus.”

According to Hakizimana Emmanuel, a public transport driver:

“Things have changed. We used to wait until the bus was completely full before moving. But now, even with 10 people or less, we follow the timing. If the stop is three minutes, we leave after three minutes without waiting for more passengers.”

The shift eliminates delays and allows buses to maintain consistent circulation throughout the day.

Eco-Fleet: The Engine Behind the Reform

The system is managed by Eco-Fleet, a company created by Government of Rwanda, to modernize public transport operations — from scheduling to fleet management.

Its introduction marks one of Rwanda’s biggest investments in a public mobility ecosystem designed for speed, transparency, and sustainability.

“No more long lines or buses sitting idle.”

Abenawe Oswald, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Eco-Fleet, says the new model was overdue.

“We no longer have those long lines where people would sit in a bus for two hours without moving. This new system is a best practice that will help Rwandans move more efficiently, especially here in Kigali where the rollout has begun.”

He notes that the system will continue to expand into secondary cities as the model stabilizes in Kigali.

A Greener, More Sustainable Kigali

Beyond improving movement, the system supports Rwanda’s broader development goals — especially under NST2 and Vision 2050, which emphasize sustainable and environmentally friendly urbanization.

By reducing long waits, unnecessary trips, and congestion, the Eco-Fleet model aims to lower emissions and promote cleaner mobility.

Residents Hope the System Will Stay Consistent

While many are pleased with the early changes, commuters say long-term consistency will be the ultimate test.

For now, the early signs point to a city rediscovering the reliability of public transport — and residents who are eager to embrace the improved service.

As Kigali transitions into a more modern and efficient transport hub, public buses appear to be reclaiming their role in daily urban life.

Dr. Ochola further highlighted that the platform was developed using 100% African engineering talent, calling it a historic achievement. “For the first time on the continent, we are launching a fully African-built national payment solution. This is proof that African talent is not only sufficient but powerful,” he added. He also shared that Rwanda’s success will be replicated across other African countries in the coming years.

On her part, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, emphasized the importance of interoperability in unlocking innovation for fintech companies and businesses. “As a fintech ecosystem, one of our biggest challenges has been connecting to the broader financial system. With eKash, transferring money across banks and mobile wallets becomes seamless, enabling us to reach more customers and provide more innovative financial services,” she said.

Paula Ingabire, The Minister of ICT and Innovation

The RSwitch team, which led the development of this national switch infrastructure, announced that they have achieved significant milestones so far. According to Mr. Gasabira Blaise, CEO of RSwitch: “eKash is an infrastructure built by RSwitch aimed at connecting and simplifying digital payments in the country. To date, 22 financial institutions have fully joined the platform, over 47 million transactions have been processed, more than 21 million users are registered, and transactions exceeding 203 billion Rwandan francs have been completed.”

The platform currently supports person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-business (P2B) payments, enabling users to transfer money instantly across networks without delays or hidden charges. Merchants can now accept payments from any wallet or bank using a single QR code, simplifying collections and improving cash flow management.

For ordinary citizens, eKash is already changing lives. Tresor Ngassa, one of the early users, said the platform has made digital payments easier and faster. “Before eKash, I had to ask which network someone was using before sending money. Now I just send directly without worrying about the service provider. It saves time and avoids unnecessary charges,” he said.

Another user, Bisangwa Redempta, shared how eKash has addressed the challenges she faced as a small business owner. “Before eKash, I struggled with multiple mobile money codes and paying high transaction fees. Sometimes customers would leave without paying because their wallet was not supported. Since I started using eKash, payments are instant, affordable, and I can receive money from anyone without complications,” she told this publication.

The CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), Jean Bosco Iyacu, described the launch as a turning point for Rwanda’s financial sector. “eKash represents the future of inclusive finance in Rwanda. It reduces the cost of transactions, expands access for small businesses, and strengthens trust in digital payments. We believe this platform will accelerate economic participation for millions of citizens,” he said.

Development partners including AfricaNenda, the Gates Foundation, Access to Finance Rwanda, GIZ, and the Mojaloop Foundation were recognized for their financial and technical support in making the project a success. Industry leaders also urged financial institutions that are not yet fully integrated to fast-track their onboarding.

As Rwanda pushes forward with its Vision 2050, stakeholders agree that eKash will play a crucial role in building a secure, affordable, and interoperable digital payment infrastructure. With government backing and strong private sector participation, the platform is expected to drive financial inclusion, support small businesses, and deepen Rwanda’s digital transformation. 

From cash to convenience: eKash is transforming Rwanda’s payment landscape

All 22 institutions have fully migrated to eKash, with over 47 million transactions processed so far. – RSwitch CEO Blaise Gasabira

For the first time in Africa, we have a fully African-built national payment solution.’– Dr. Robert Ochola, AfricaNenda CEO

Accra, Ghana – December 3, 2025 — The two-day ceremony, held December 2–3, brought together government officials, private sector representatives, farmer organizations, development partners, and young leaders to celebrate progress in strengthening leadership across Africa’s food systems.

The cohort, drawn from eight countries in East, West, and Southern Africa, completed CALA’s 16‑month Advanced Leadership Program.

Participants implemented Action Learning Projects (ALPs) aligned with national priorities, tackling issues such as post-harvest loss, food processing, youth and women inclusion, digital extension, policy influence, and resilience in food systems.

A notable feature of this year’s graduates is the strong representation of leaders under 35, underscoring CALA’s commitment to youth leadership. With Africa’s food economy projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030, empowering young leaders is seen as critical to driving transformation.

“Many of the most promising solutions in agriculture today are coming from young Africans,” said Lilian Githinji, Senior Specialist at AGRA and CALA Lead.

“Our responsibility is to equip them and support their implementation with the right partnerships.” He added

During the ceremony, CALA announced the expansion of its Advanced Leadership Program to four Francophone countries — Togo, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso — beginning in early 2026. The move reflects rising demand for collaborative leadership capacity and the need to harmonize efforts across regions and languages.

CALA emphasizes that systemic change in African agriculture depends not only on tools but on leaders and institutions capable of mobilizing collaboration and accountability. The success of the fourth cohort demonstrates that transformation is possible when African leaders are equipped to drive it.

Read more on the CALA’s Fourth Cohort

Social services such as health facilities, schools, and higher learning institutions have been given preferential tariffs to help reduce operating costs and strengthen service delivery. These institutions will now pay Frw 214 per kWh, a measure that RURA says will help improve access to quality education and healthcare.

Industries have also benefited from the new tariff structure, with small industries consuming between 5,000 and 100,000 kWh per year paying Frw 175 per kWh. Medium industries consuming more than 100,000 kWh and less than 1,000,000 kWh will pay Frw 133 per kWh, while large industries consuming above 1,000,000 kWh will pay Frw 110 per kWh. Steel, mining, and cement industries with annual consumption above 1,000,000 kWh will pay the lowest tariff at Frw 97 per kWh, keeping their operations competitive and encouraging further investment.

RURA emphasized that the new tariff framework also incentivizes shifting electricity use to off-peak hours to improve efficiency. In addition, it promotes investment in green infrastructure, including e-mobility charging stations, in line with Rwanda’s climate action commitments and economic development goals.

Rwanda described the escalation of hostilities as senseless and criticized the silence of the international community. “The hypocrisy and complacency evident in such circumstances, especially from the most powerful, leaves the world vulnerable to growing chaos and uncertainty,” the statement read.

The government also acknowledged Qatar’s significant contribution in mediating some of the most complex and protracted conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, stressing that this deserves global recognition and appreciation.

Rwanda reaffirmed its solidarity with Qatar during this difficult period and called for a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Rwanda’s condemnation comes amid mounting global concern over instability in the Middle East, warning that unchecked escalation could endanger peace and security worldwide.

John Magara, Airtel Rwanda’s representative and guest of honor, highlighted the company’s support for the event as communications partner.

“I look forward to discovering Rwanda alongside you gentlemen,” Magara said. “I hope you can capture and express the essence of Rwanda and spread it across the entire market. I also encourage media partners to ride along and show Rwanda to the world.”

Bikers set off from Kigali on Rwanda’s first-ever organized motorbike tour, marking a new chapter in adventure tourism

Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events, emphasized the power of collaboration in making the event possible.

“At Silverback we believe business is not just about transactions; it is relationships. Relationships are the threads that bind us across industries, across borders, and across cultures,” she said, thanking partners including the Rwanda Development Board, Royal FM, Paramount Hotel, Nirvana, Kigali Motorbike Tours, Simba Africa, and Airtel Rwanda.

“The launch is more than the beginning of a project it’s a declaration. Together we don’t build business; we build bridges.” She added. 

Royal FM CEO Aysa added that the tour marked a new chapter in Rwanda’s tourism promotion. “Through biking, visitors will discover our country’s beauty in a unique and exciting way. I am honoured to be part of this initiative and to showcase Rwanda’s culture and destinations to the world,” she said.

The riders also shared their enthusiasm.

Styven Mukisa, a veteran motorcyclist, praised Rwanda’s safe and scenic roads. “Rwanda is one of the safest places to ride. The speed limits are enforced, the roads are curvy, and the scenery is stunning. I’ve done this route before, but I’m still excited it never gets old,” he said. Mukisa added that Rwanda’s calm and scenic roads provide a welcome contrast to the high-adrenaline streets of Kampala and Nairobi.

Ignatius Mugabo, Chairman of Silverback Events Management, described the turnout as exceptional. “The enthusiasm from both bikers and the wider audience exceeded expectations. This event is about showcasing Rwanda’s landscape, culture, and beauty, while blending tourism and entertainment.”

Richard Golds, COO of Silverback Events Management, noted that the first ride is just a taster. “We expect future editions to be bigger, attracting more regional and international riders. Bikers are a family, and their strong support shows the potential of this event to become a lasting annual tradition.”

The Rwanda Ride Motorbike Tour exemplifies Rwanda’s push to diversify tourism beyond gorilla trekking and conferences. With curvy mountain roads, stunning views, and a reputation for safety, the tour positions Rwanda as a regional hub for adventure biking.

As the riders set off from Kigali, the inaugural journey symbolized more than an adventure—it celebrated Rwanda’s beauty, spirit, and global appeal on two wheels.

Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events Management, addresses the audience at the launch, highlighting the power of partnerships and enduring dedication

Motorbike enthusiasts from Rwanda and beyond gear up for the inaugural Rwanda Ride, embracing adventure and camaraderie on the open road.

Zigirinshuti Jean, another broiler farmer, also says hatcheries are few because it takes them nearly three months to get chicks.
He explains: “Normally, when you place an order from a hatchery, they tell you that you will get chicks after 21 days, but nowadays that period passes because it can even take up to three months.”

Explaining how the process works which leads to delays Odile Umuhoza, a hatchery owner in Rwamagana District, says the delay in providing chicks is due to the fact that eggs must be hatched using special incubators, and there must be a 21-day wait for the eggs to hatch.

Dr Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), says the reasons behind the delay in accessing chicks are many, including farmers placing their orders late and failing to pick them on time, which affects other customers and causes losses for the hatcheries. She also reminds that the standard hatching period itself requires 21 days.

She notes: “Ideally, if you want to ensure that you get your chicks, you should place your order at least three months in advance, because the eggs must be selected, separated from others, tested for quality and then placed in incubators, where they stay for 21 days. Once hatched, the chicks undergo a quality assessment before being given to the owner. There are also people who place orders and do not come to collect them, which is another challenge, but overall when you look at the number of hatcheries, they are actually adequate the problem is that people are not following the proper procedures,” she says.

Dr Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)

Currently, Rwanda has seven registered and functional hatcheries.

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2022 indicates that Rwanda produced 8,800 tonnes of chicken meat. That same report ranked Rwanda 138th out of 165 countries surveyed in terms of broiler chicken production.

Globally, more than 75 billion chickens are slaughtered each year for meat, showing that the business continues to grow, but more efforts are needed in establishing reliable systems from chick production all the way to the final product.

Ahead of his visit, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, had also toured the school on June 1, where she was briefed on the institution’s research projects, international partnerships, and AI-focused academic programs.

Rwanda continues to be recognized as one of Africa’s leading nations in embracing and advancing AI technologies.

“I do not see this Code as just a policy,” said First Lady Jeannette Kagame. “I see this Code as proof in action that the conversation around women’s economic power is no longer a peripheral one.For us in Rwanda, investing in entrepreneurs especially women entrepreneurs is the logical choice. “She added

The We Finance Code was officially launched by Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, who described it as a "blueprint for systemic reform."

“Today, we mark a new chapter with the launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code Rwanda,” said Governor Hakuziyaremye.

“This Code is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a framework that integrates leadership, data, and action.”

“We are proud to join 28 countries and nine global partners in this initiative. But what makes Rwanda’s approach distinctive is the breadth and depth of collaboration behind it.”

Inez Murray, CEO of the Financial Alliance for Women, presented compelling data demonstrating the business and societal value of investing in women-led enterprises.

“We’ve seen that within two years of implementing a deliberate and holistic strategy to support women, product usage between male and female clients reaches parity,” Murray noted.

“Between 2020 and 2023, business lending to women grew at a 12% compound annual growth rate three times higher than growth in consumer lending. And when you bank a woman entrepreneur, you’re also investing in her children’s education, her family’s health, and her community’s well-being. “She observed.

As the summit continues, Rwanda is increasingly recognized as a global model for inclusive finance, demonstrating how empowering women entrepreneurs can drive sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.

“Rwanda can benefit immensely from Kazakhstan's know-how, especially in the field of energy, mining, and mineral processing,” said President Kagame during a joint press conference.

“We are happy to be partners and friends. In Rwanda, we know that such progress is built over time—through good governance and working with the right partners. That is why we are here.”

During the state visit, Rwanda and Kazakhstan signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), covering areas including trade, technology, mining, and agriculture. These agreements are expected to lay the foundation for enhanced economic cooperation and knowledge exchange.

President Kagame expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the agreements, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and mutual respect in shaping successful partnerships. He also extended a warm invitation to his counterpart:“We hope to welcome you in Rwanda, one day very soon.”

President Tokayev, for his part, expressed appreciation for Rwanda’s interest in fostering cooperation with Kazakhstan and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to work closely with Rwanda to realize the full potential of the newly signed agreements.

The two Heads of State also held a closed-door meeting to further discuss strategic priorities and regional cooperation. The meeting comes at a time when both nations are looking to diversify their international partnerships and enhance resilience through cross-continental collaboration.

As Rwanda continues to position itself as a gateway to Africa for global investors, the growing relationship with Kazakhstan represents a meaningful stride in South-South cooperation—bridging Central Asia and East Africa with a shared vision for inclusive, sustainable development

Among the high-profile attendees were Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors and founder of Giants of Africa, who has made significant investments in Rwanda’s sports infrastructure, including the recently completed Zaria Court facility in Kigali. He also plans to build 1,000 basketball courts across Africa.

Also present was former NBA star Luol Deng, now an influential sports entrepreneur in Africa, alongside BAL President Mamadou Gallo Fall, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, and other stakeholders.

The meeting highlighted basketball’s potential to drive both social and economic growth on the continent. NBA Africa recently revealed that BAL alone has generated $250 million over four years, with a bold goal of reaching $4.5 billion in the next decade.

The final group-stage matches of the Nile Conference are being played this Sunday, with APR Rwanda facing Nairobi City Thunder and Al Ahly Tripoli clashing with South Africa’s MBB Blue Soldiers.

It aligns with Rwanda’s NST2 and Vision 2050 and focuses on inclusive economic growth, human capital development, good governance, gender equality, climate resilience, and innovation.

Minister Murangwa said the framework reflects the strong partnership between Rwanda and the UN and a shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future.

Mr. Ojielo noted that as the UN turns 80, the agreement highlights continued support for Rwanda’s transformation journey.

“We brought everything Rwandans might need, quality products at affordable prices,” said Ashraf Mohamed, one of the organizers, who has participated since 2015. He showcased items like gas cookers, water heaters, and leather goods from Egypt.

Exhibitor Delight Foucault displayed men’s and women’s fashion and praised growing partnerships with Rwandan businesses. “We’ve brought beautiful clothes and shoes from Ghana, and I’ve already partnered with some shops here in Kigali,” she said.

First-time participant Reda Ezat sold accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and anklets. “My friends encouraged me to join, and I’m already thinking of opening a shop in Kigali,” he said.

Visitors expressed satisfaction with the prices and variety. “I got a lovely perfume and bag,” said Utah, a visitor from Sweden. “It was worth it.”

The expo returns in November with even more to offer.

APR's Aliou Diarra was the toast of the night with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 2 steals, showing his all-around brilliance to the locals. The game started close, with both teams engaging in a toe-to-toe battle and NCT holding a slim 23-22 lead at the first quarter. APR picked up pace in the second quarter via collective effort and good playmaking by Dane Miller Jr. The Rwandan team moved into halftime leading 39-31, despite NCT's Tylor Ongwae being the top scorer then.  After the break, APR came back even stronger. Diarra, Youssoupha Ndoye, and Chasson Randle combined well to stretch the lead. NCT fought back briefly in the third quarter, but APR stayed in control and pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the dominant win.

“This loss is tough, but we’ll regroup and come back stronger,” said NCT captain Tylor Ongwae after the game.

Earlier today, Libya's Al Ahli Tripoli beat South Africa's Made in Africa Basketball Club (MBB) 87-77 in a grueling match. But the APR-NCT game's passion and intensity, with the home Rwandan fans cheering them on, was something else.

The 2025 BAL Nile Conference will take place in Kigali from May 17 to 25, with four teams: APR (Rwanda), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), MBB (South Africa), and NCT (Kenya). All three of them, except APR, are featuring for the first time in BAL.

BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, speaking at a press conference, praised Kigali for hosting the event: “We’re proud to bring a BAL conference to Kigali for the first time. This shows the growth of basketball in Rwanda and across Africa.”

Fall also emphasized the league’s focus on African talent: “BAL is not just a competition, it’s a platform to develop African players and give them international exposure.”

APR will return to action on Sunday, 18 May evening against MBB at 5:30 PM, while NCT will face Al Ahli Tripoli earlier in the day at 2:30 PM. The four teams are vying for a BAL playoffs berth, which will be held in June in Pretoria, South Africa, where the 2025 champion will be crowned.

Every year on May 1st, countries around the globe celebrate Labor Day. In Rwanda, this day—formerly known as “Workers’ Day”—was traditionally marked with vibrant celebrations. Worker groups would gather, showcase their achievements, perform dances and music, and honor top performers with awards.

In recent years, however, Rwanda has shifted toward a more meaningful observance. Labor Day has become a platform for dialogue—a time for workers and employers to reflect on progress, assess challenges, and chart new paths forward. What began as ceremonial has evolved into a nationwide conversation about the future of employment and economic dignity.

This year’s theme says it all: “Job Creation: Our Shared Priority.”

And the numbers show just how serious the Rwandan government is about that priority. Between 2024 and 2029, the government aims to create 1,250,000 jobs, averaging 250,000 new jobs per year. In the seven years prior, from 2017 to 2024, Rwanda had set out to create 1.5 million jobs—a goal that was more than 80% achieved despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and global instability from conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

The impact of those jobs was profound. According to the 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), 1.5 million Rwandans were lifted out of poverty during that same period. In real terms, that means every job created may have helped lift someone out of poverty. Over the past seven years, Rwanda's national poverty rate dropped by 12%—a figure that speaks volumes.

But job creation alone isn't enough. The nature of work is changing. As the world becomes more digital, technology-driven roles are rising while some traditional jobs are disappearing. The COVID-19 crisis reminded us that work is no longer tied to a physical space—what matters is understanding your role and being able to perform it anywhere. And as artificial intelligence begins to influence nearly every sector, the future of work—and of workers—feels as uncertain as it is full of promise.

So today, as Rwanda joins the world in marking Labor Day, the question we should all be thinking about is not just “What do we do for work?”—but “How can the work we create lift others up?”

The SADC troops—primarily from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi—arrived in large numbers, heavily armed and with a mandate to quell the M23 rebellion. However, the mission quickly faltered. Despite their firepower, they suffered defeat at the hands of the M23, who forced them into surrender and prompted the symbolic raising of the white flag. The Kinshasa government continued to lose control, ceding major cities including Goma and Bukavu, the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu respectively.
At the time of the EAC withdrawal, the M23 had already returned control of 80% of its previously held territories, awaiting political negotiations. But after the SADC's defeat, questions began to swirl: Would the SADC forces surrender like the European mercenaries before them? Would they be allowed to withdraw with dignity, or be forced to abandon their arms? And crucially, would they be granted safe passage via Goma International Airport?

These issues were addressed in a March 28, 2025 agreement between M23 and the SADC, signed during a high-level meeting at a five-star hotel in Goma. The deal allowed the SADC to exit through Goma airport—with their equipment—after necessary repairs were completed. Photographs of smiling delegates circulated widely, and many believed the crisis had been defused.
But just weeks later, that fragile agreement collapsed. M23 forces came under coordinated attacks in Goma by the Congolese national army (FARDC), the FDLR, and the Wazalendo militia. M23 leaders accused the SADC of covert support for these assaults, branding it a betrayal. With the situation deteriorating, the SADC contingent opted for an unplanned withdrawal—via Rwandan territory.

On April 29, convoys of military vehicles and heavy weaponry were seen passing through Rwanda, marking the first phase of the withdrawal. According to regional sources, the complete pullout is expected to be completed in stages by the end of June 2025.
Early signs of the exit had emerged on February 25, when around 200 troops—mostly wounded and pregnant—were quietly repatriated through Rwanda. Their departure followed the emotional return of the bodies of 14 SADC soldiers, sparking a heated debate in the South African Parliament, which had sent the largest troop contribution.

The final blow came on March 13, 2025, when the SADC officially terminated its military mission in eastern Congo, citing untenable conditions on the ground.This marks a bitter end for forces that, in 2012, had driven M23 into exile—some fleeing to Uganda, others to Rwanda. Now, more than a decade later, they return home under vastly different circumstances: militarily humbled and strategically encircled, especially around areas like Mubambiro.

The SADC troops will not easily forget the indignities they faced—needing M23’s permission to access food and supplies in the very region they were sent to liberate. Nor will they forget that their route home took them through Rwanda, the same country some of their strategists had once viewed as an adversary in the complex web of regional allegiances.