African Development Bank Approves $23.6 Million Loan for Rwanda’s Aviation Training Centre

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October 20, 2023

The African Development Bank Group has approved a $23.6 million loan to support the construction and equipping of a new aviation training facility in Kigali, Rwanda. This Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills (CEAS) aims to address the growing demand for aviation professionals in Africa while advancing Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

The facility, which will include an aircraft hangar and collaborate with higher learning institutions, will offer specialized training to meet global aviation industry standards. It is expected to enroll 500 students by 2025, offering courses for pilots, aircraft maintenance staff, cabin crew, and dispatch personnel. Additionally, training programs for drone piloting and advanced pilot missions will be part of the curriculum.

Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development, emphasized the importance of the project: “The Bank’s support for this Centre of Excellence demonstrates our commitment to investing in human capital for jobs in Africa’s aviation industry.”

With Africa projected to need over 50,000 aviation professionals in the coming two decades, including pilots, technicians, and cabin crew, the Centre is designed to help fill this gap. The project aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which focuses on improving human capital and transforming the workforce for higher productivity.

Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank, highlighted the Centre’s potential to uplift the skills of Rwanda’s youth and those across East Africa. “This project is a critical component of the Bank’s Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa Action Plan,” she said.

The construction phase of the project is expected to employ 1,000 workers, with 98 jobs created during its operational phase. The Centre’s location near Kigali International Airport will further integrate it with Rwanda’s aviation infrastructure, supporting the country’s ambition to attract international investment in the sector.

Experts Call for “digitalisation of Everything” in Africa

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October 18, 2023

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Experts from around the world who are in Kigali for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali have called for the extensive digitalisation of services across the African continent.

Running from Tuesday, October 17 until October 19, the meeting is one of Africa’s most influential connectivity events and brings together the continental and international tech community, businesses from broad technology industries and other sectors, political leaders, and so on.

Among Tuesday’s sessions was one on the “digitalisation of everything” where various officials discussed the need for extensively digitalising Africa as a way of bringing about development and improving standards of living.

Addressing the participants, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, hinted on a number of challenges to digitalisation including access to devices, unawareness, limited infrastructure and digital skills and so on.

Delegates chat during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali on Tuesday, October 17. Photo by Emmanuel Dushimimana

For example, she noted that there are many people who still don’t use mobile internet yet they live in areas that are covered by mobile broadband, noting that the usage gap reaches close to 60 percent in Sub Saharan Africa.

“In Sierra Leone, I want to give this example, 80 percent of schools are actually covered by 3G or 4G. But less than 2 percent of schools that have this coverage are actually connected to the internet,” she said.

“We need to focus our efforts on everything that can make connectivity more meaningful,” she noted.

Mats Granryd, the Director General of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), a non-profit industry organisation that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, showcased optimism about the continent’s digitalisation, noting that mobile data traffic in the Sub Saharan region is forecasted to quadruple.

He noted that this is something that demands preparation by the operators like telecom companies to provide interoperable, commercially viable solutions to the consumers and the industry.

“We want to continue to invest in connectivity for the many, not just the very few. When we look to the future of 4G, it’s going to be the main focus in Africa over the next few years,” he said.

“But 5G is growing quickly too. By September this year, almost 30 operators in 16 markets had launched commercial 5G services in the region. And in 2030, 5G will contribute 11 billion US dollars to the economy in Sub Saharan Africa. So there is plenty, plenty of good growth for us. Now as 5G matures, we need to create scalable, interoperable, and commercially viable solutions that will benefit operators, industries, consumers, everywhere,” he added.

Ebenezar asante, the Senior Vice President (SVP) of markets at MTN Group, talked about the importance of Africa to leapfrog the digitalisation of everything, but argued that in doing so, the continent’s people “must not only be consumers but also creators and suppliers of digital solutions.”

He called for enhancements in the education system so that it fosters creativity and problem solving.

John Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC called for more digitalisation of the continent’s health systems.

“Digital health systems have an invaluable role to play in strengthening primary healthcare and supporting community health initiatives towards achieving universal health coverage,” he said.

“Africa CDC last year embarked on what we call the new public health order and three months ago our governing board of ministers of health approved a new strategic plan 2023-2027 which identifies digital health as a critical enabler that will allow Africa to catch up with the lost ground in many areas of public health,” he noted.

Ten Years of BRI: A Look at BRI Projects in Rwanda

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October 16, 2023

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Over two millennia ago, inspired by a sincere wish for friendship, our ancestors travelled across grasslands and deserts to create a land Silk Road connecting Asia, Europe and Africa, leading the world into an era of extensive cultural exchanges. More than 1,000 years ago, our ancestors set sail and braved the waves to open a maritime Silk Road linking the East and the West, beginning a new phase of closer communication among peoples.

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the initiatives of joining with others to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI). The Belt and Road Initiative is a creative development that takes on and carries forward the spirit of the ancient silk routes and provides a platform for building a global community of shared future.

Since its launch 10 years ago, thanks to the combined efforts of all parties, cooperation under the BRI framework has expanded beyond the borders of China to become an international effort. It has evolved from ideas into actions, from a vision into reality, and from a general framework into concrete projects. It has been welcomed by the international community both as a public good and a cooperation platform, and has achieved solid results.

Ahead of the 3^rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this week, it’s a good time to take a look at what China and Rwanda has materialized since Rwanda signed a MOU on cooperation under BRI in 2018. Today’s report is going to highlight some of the projects under BRI framework.

Masaka Hospital Renovation and Expansion

The on-going Masaka Hospital renovation and expansion project will expand the existing 6398 m²China-aided Masaka Hospital into a modern hospital with over 56,000 m² construction area and 837-bed capacity. It will help turn the neighborhood into a vital medical hub in Africa.

Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant

The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant is a multipurpose development project which will be adding 43.5 MW generation capacity to Rwanda’s national grid. The project under construction will help reduce the cost of doing business, and improve the quality of life of the population through increased access to reliable, affordable power.

IPRC Musanze Extension

Handed over to Rwandan Government in 2021, the extension project of the Institute of Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Musanze campus, added a variety of new facilities to the school including a multi-functional hall, an office building, a classroom building, students’ dormitories, among others. After two phases of construction, IPRC Musanze now covers an area of 14 hectares and hosts more than 2100 students on campus.

Bugesera Road Expansion

The project has upgraded the road stretching from Sonatubes roundabout through Gahanga to Akagera Bridge, where the districts of Kicukiro and Bugesera adjoins. The 13.8 km road greatly eases the heavy traffic in the busy Kicukiro town center and facilitates the flow of people and goods to and from Kigali. The project forms part of the vital connection to Rwanda’s new Bugesera International Airport, also has brought the first flyover to the country.

200 Borehole Project

The 200-borehole drilling project benefiting at least 110,000 people was finished in 2022. It covers 9 districts including 7 districts in Eastern Province, and 2 districts in Southern province. The solar-powered boreholes provide easy access to clean water to the neighboring population, and help to dress seasonal water scarcity in the region.

Conclusion

The Belt and Road Initiative has given new life to a history of cultural exchanges that dates back more than two millennia, and has inspired more than 150 countries, including Rwanda, with the zeal to realize new dreams.

Looking back, China and Rwanda have taken the first steps of BRI cooperation on a long and shared journey. Continuing from this new starting point, through extensive consultation and joint contribution, it is fair to believe that the BRI will continue to generate new opportunities for China, Rwanda, and the rest of the world.

Rwanda adopts new transport system to control traffic congestion in Kigali

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October 13, 2023

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Rwanda and Japan have signed a grant agreement worth $14.6 million to establish a new transport control system aimed to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility in Kigali.

The agreement was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, and Minako Shiotsuka, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on October 5.

Dubbed “Intelligent Transport System”, the project consists of developing a traffic control system and signal control system together with intersection improvements, which will be centred in the City of Kigali and Rwanda National Police Traffic Department.

Given that Rwanda is a land-linked country, Amb Fukushima said it has an integral role to play as the nodal point between the Central and Northern Corridor, as well as expedite the trade in the region and continent under The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Pudence Rubingisa, Mayor of Kigali, said that this is yet an impetus in the target to transform the city using smart solutions to ease the way of living in Kigali with urban transportation as a top priority.

He added that there is a dedicated team at the City of Kigali in charge of the project and it has already conducted preliminary studies in collaboration with JICA to ensure timely implementation of this project

Shiotsuka also noted that this project will deliver an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient city while promoting solidarity and empowering individuals.

“Urbanisation issues cannot be solved with a single project. We are strongly committed to the formulation of synergy among stakeholders in urban transportation,” she added.

Rwandan Genocide Suspect Pierre-Claver Karangwa Arrested in Netherlands

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October 4, 2023

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Dutch authorities have arrested Pierre-Claver Karangwa, a former Rwandan military official, on suspicion of playing a significant role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The 67-year-old was detained on Tuesday following a Dutch investigation that commenced after the country’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that he could not be extradited to Rwanda due to concerns about the fairness of a potential trial.

Karangwa is accused of participating in the massacre of nearly 30,000 ethnic Tutsis in Mugina parish, located near Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, during the genocide. Rwanda had initially requested his extradition in 2012. However, despite the serious allegations, Karangwa has consistently denied his involvement in the atrocities. During a court hearing in December 2022 regarding his potential extradition, he maintained his innocence.

Karangwa, who has resided in the Netherlands since 1998, had his Dutch citizenship revoked due to the genocide charges, which theoretically could have led to his extradition. However, the Dutch Supreme Court blocked the process in June 2023, citing fears of an unfair trial and highlighting his status as an opposition politician.

Dutch prosecutors have since launched their own investigation and now suspect Karangwa of being directly involved in the burning of a house filled with women and children following the attack on Mugina parish. This latest development comes amid ongoing efforts to bring Rwandan genocide suspects to justice, many of whom have evaded prosecution by fleeing abroad.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide, orchestrated by an extremist Hutu-led government, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Karangwa’s arrest adds to a growing list of suspected genocide perpetrators captured and prosecuted abroad, as global authorities continue to pursue justice for the victims of one of the 20th century’s most horrific episodes.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame Confirms Bid for Fourth Term in 2024 Election

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September 20, 2023

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has confirmed his candidacy for a fourth term in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, potentially extending his presidency to nearly three decades. In an interview with the French-language magazine Jeune Afrique, Kagame expressed satisfaction with the support he continues to receive from Rwandans.

“I am happy with the confidence that Rwandans have in me,” Kagame said, underscoring his willingness to lead as long as the people want him in office. The announcement solidifies previous hints he made about seeking re-election but is the first time he has explicitly stated his intention to run in next year’s poll, scheduled for August.

Kagame has faced significant criticism from human rights organizations that accuse his administration of suppressing opposition and curtailing free speech. In the 2017 presidential election, Kagame won by an overwhelming margin, securing nearly 99% of the vote. Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the election, arguing it took place in a repressive environment where political dissent was stifled.

In response to concerns raised by international observers and rights groups, Kagame dismissed external criticism, stating that Rwanda’s governance is a matter for its citizens alone. He questioned Western concepts of democracy, asserting that attempts to impose foreign values on Rwanda are misguided. “What these countries think is not our problem,” he said, adding, “Seeking to transplant democracy to someone else is already a violation of democracy in itself.”

Kagame first rose to prominence as the leader of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), the rebel group that ended the 1994 genocide. He officially assumed the presidency in 2000 following the resignation of then-president Pasteur Bizimungu. Rwanda adopted a new constitution in 2003 that limited presidents to two seven-year terms, but a controversial referendum in 2015 paved the way for Kagame to extend his rule. The constitutional amendments allowed him to run for a third seven-year term in 2017 and potentially two additional five-year terms starting in 2024.

Despite Kagame’s strong grip on power, critics argue that opposition to his government remains dangerous, with several prominent opposition figures attacked or killed while in exile. The government has denied involvement in these incidents, though Kagame has warned in the past that those who betray Rwanda will face “consequences.”

Kagame, now 65, remains a dominant figure in Rwanda’s political landscape, and his re-election bid is expected to generate significant debate both within the country and abroad. As Rwanda continues to grapple with questions about democracy and human rights, Kagame’s candidacy is likely to draw both support and criticism, as his presidency approaches three decades in power.

Useful Things to Know Before Self-Driving

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September 16, 2023

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A self-drive holiday is a journey whereby one hires a car and drives it themselves rather than hiring a professional driver. Rwanda is one of the perfect self-drive destinations that one can enjoy since they are able to explore the country’s many beautiful sights and probably national parks, game viewing enjoys adventures among others. Doing Rwanda self-drive is better for the people who enjoy the drive themselves, want privacy, lots of flexibility and want to travel to Rwanda on a budget basis.

Are you planning on hitting the road on self-drive? Having a ride on your own makes you enjoy and have a smooth trip all through since you will be in full control behind the wheel. However, having a self-drive trip in a foreign country is a bit challenging.

Below are some of the self-drive tips that will help you reach the unforgettable road trip that you are looking for in Rwanda.

Make sure the car is in a fine condition

Any good self-drive trip whether in Rwanda or around Africa needs a reliable and the right choice of the car to make sure that you enjoy all through. Do a quick inspection about the fluid levels, air filters, brake pads, wiper blades, lights, steering wheels, tires among others. It is always better to have a mechanic nearby in case you have any doubts about the vehicle that you have chosen for the road trip and let him find out what is not in a good condition other than finding out yourself when you go to unfamiliar areas, miles from any kind of help. Reliable mechanics are found in major towns.

Communicate

Keep in touch with the network of friends and family by communicating to them while you are on the road. Make sure that someone outside there knows about your road trip like your destination and planned dates so that they can check in if they do not hear from you again. Don’t forget to bring a Bluetooth headset with you since it is unsafe to receive or answer calls while your hands are on the steering wheel or maybe you can opt to use your phone’s voice assistant exclusively.

Pack emergency kits

Did you know that an emergency kit can save your road trip and perhaps even your life? Before you go, pack a kit of crucial emergencies like road flares, hand warmers, torches, jumper cables, warm clothes, phone chargers, rain gear and if possible, pack a fire extinguisher too. Keep the emergency kit in a waterproof bag and once it is there, you will have it when you need it the most, do not get disappointed once you complete the road trip without using any of the things that you had packed because prevention is better than cure an in any case you are already a victor.

Adjust the position

Make conscious effort to sit upright because slouching can make you drowsy. People often sit too far away from the steering wheel which is not good and safe. Actually, the legs should be bent so that you can exert strong pressure on the brake pedal in case of anything, allow your elbows to be slightly bent so that you can use all your strength to turn the wheel if necessary. Failing to adjust the posture can to some extent lead to traffic accidents hence making your self-drive trip a night mere.

Follow the rules and regulations while on the road.

If you stay within your boundaries of the law, I assure you that things will go easier on your self-drive trip. By driving while maintaining the speed limit, not running in red lights and generally obeying traffic laws, is rest assured that you will get all the fun of the road without the hassle and danger of the tickets issued by the traffic police.

the tip also applies to one of the most common broken laws of wearing the seat belt, this might sound cliché but trust me seatbelts really do save a lot of lives and you never know when an accident will occur ahead, once you put on your seat belt, it is pretty easy to forget that it is even there, this is a world renowned by a number of safety measures. Taking the appropriate safety precautions serious will make your self-drive trip even more fun while helping to ensure that everyone gets home safe and sound without any legal troubles.

Don’t drink and drive

In case you go out for drinks at night, make sure you pick a designated driver to get you back to your destination, or maybe you can park the car and ask the hotel driver to pick you up from the place where you will be enjoying from. There is nothing good about driving while you are drunk, or driving while drinking alcohol, it is definitely a bad idea that you should not even think about doing because you we really want you safe and sound without any legal destructions.

Either way don’t get on the road before you recover claiming that you just have a hung over because history has it that hangover is not a better idea either, getting onto the road when you are fully sober and alert is the only way to do it safely. Being caught while drunk, it might result into unplanned things like affecting your wallet or maybe imprisonment.

Parking lanes.

Make sure that you endeavor parking in the safe places while in Kigali and elsewhere in the outskirts of the city itself. You should always remember to pay for your parking tickets issued to you according to the time that you have parked and if unpaid, you might end up paying a heavy fine.

Have extra cash around you.

We very well know that you have planned for the self-drive journey in Rwanda and that you have maintained a minimum balance in your pockets, but here we are advising you to keep some extra cash around you in order to cater for what you have not planned. Don’t lean by your shopping card because they might not apply in some parts of Rwanda since some of the major supermarkets are found in urban centers while others in the scarce locations. Keep the extra money not only for shopping the surplus but also paying expenses like parking fees and fuel costs.

Bayern Munich Faces Backlash Over Rwanda Sponsorship Amid “Sportswashing” Concerns

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September 8, 2023

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Bayern Munich’s new five-year sponsorship deal with Rwanda is stirring controversy, as critics accuse the club of engaging in “sportswashing” by partnering with a country with a questionable human rights record. The partnership, announced last month, aims to boost soccer development and tourism in the East African nation but has drawn immediate criticism.

The deal with Rwanda replaces Bayern’s previous sponsorship agreement with Qatar, which ended in June amid fan protests over the Gulf nation’s human rights record. The club’s annual general meeting in 2021 saw heated scenes, with fans condemning the Qatar partnership and demanding transparency. Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reportedly did not renew the deal, citing Bayern’s reluctance to distance itself from the protests.

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen defended the club’s new partnership with Rwanda, denying accusations that the deal serves to deflect attention from the country’s alleged abuses. Speaking at the European Club Association general assembly in Berlin, Dreesen stated that the primary focus of the deal is on developing soccer and promoting tourism in Rwanda.

“I don’t see this as sportswashing,” Dreesen said. “We’re committed to supporting soccer in Rwanda, and the country is looking to promote tourism. This partnership is about creating opportunities, not covering up any wrongdoings.”

However, the deal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Wenzel Michalski of Human Rights Watch called it a “very, very bad choice,” while Nick McGeehan from FairSquare Projects expressed surprise that Bayern would replace one controversial partnership with another.

“The troubling actions of Rwandan-backed militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year make it clear that Bayern is jumping from one controversial situation to another,” McGeehan said.

Bayern’s fan base is also divided. Christian Nandelstädt, a fan interviewed by Deutsche Welle, predicted that protests will likely occur again at the club’s games. Meanwhile, Alex Salzweger, from the Bayern fan group Club No. 12, noted that fans are planning to consult experts on Rwanda before deciding on any action but expects the topic to be raised at the club’s annual general meeting.

Rwanda’s government has faced criticism for prioritizing high-profile sponsorship deals over domestic investment. Despite this, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, has defended the deals, arguing that such investments are crucial for the country’s economic growth and development.

Bayern did not disclose the financial details of the Rwanda deal, but the country already has sponsorship agreements with Premier League team Arsenal and Qatar-backed French champions Paris Saint-Germain. Rwanda has been accused of using these deals to divert attention from human rights issues, including stifling political opposition and alleged human rights abuses.

Dreesen emphasized that Bayern’s involvement in Rwanda will bring tangible benefits, including the development of youth soccer and combating poverty through tourism. He also acknowledged that the partnership brings financial benefits to the club, but insisted that Bayern is delivering value through its contributions to the country’s soccer infrastructure.

As the club prepares for its annual general meeting in November, Dreesen remains open to addressing any concerns from Bayern’s members, acknowledging the democratic nature of the club’s governance.

“We’ll see if there are critical questions at the AGM,” Dreesen said. “If so, I will answer them openly and transparently. We’ll have to wait and see if there’s another uproar.”

Rwandan President Warns Against ‘Worshipping Poverty’ at Pilgrimage Sites

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August 15, 2023

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has issued a stern warning to Catholic pilgrims, criticizing certain religious practices that he claims glorify poverty. His comments, made during a youth conference on Wednesday, have sparked widespread discussion.

Kagame expressed concern over young Rwandans participating in lengthy journeys to pilgrimage sites, which he associated with a mindset of poverty. “I learned that many young people wake up early and walk for days to visit a place associated with poverty,” he remarked. “When you pray, you should be asking for what can improve your life and lift you out of poverty.”

The president, a Catholic himself, strongly condemned the idea of revering poverty. “No one should worship poverty. If I hear of people going on these journeys to worship poverty again, I will send trucks to round them up and only release them when this mentality is gone,” he warned.

While Kagame’s comments stirred speculation about specific pilgrimage sites, such as Kibeho—a town known for reported visions of the Virgin Mary—the Rwandan government clarified his remarks. Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson, stated that Kagame did not mention Kibeho in his speech. Instead, he was likely referring to an informal religious gathering in the Rutsiro district, emphasizing the importance of ambition and hard work over “cult-like rituals.”

Kibeho, located in southern Rwanda, has become a popular pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, the Catholic Church has yet to respond publicly to the president’s remarks.

Christianity is the predominant religion in Rwanda, with Catholics comprising nearly half of the population. Kagame’s comments have prompted discussion on the role of religion and poverty in the country, but the broader implications of his speech remain to be seen.

UN Judges Rule Rwandan Genocide Suspect Felicien Kabuga Unfit for Trial

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August 7, 2023

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Felicien Kabuga, a key figure accused of financing the 1994 Rwandan genocide, will not face trial due to his deteriorating health. The United Nations appeals judges on Monday indefinitely suspended his war crimes trial, citing dementia, a decision that effectively halts the proceedings that began last year in The Hague.

Kabuga, 90, has been linked to the genocide that resulted in the deaths of more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a span of 100 days. His involvement included financing Hutu militias and facilitating hate speech through his media outlet, Radio Television Libre des Milles Collines (RTLM). He was arrested in France in 2020 after years on the run and later transferred to The Hague for trial.

While the trial initially moved forward, concerns over Kabuga’s mental fitness led the lower court in June to rule that he was unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors proposed an alternative procedure to ensure some form of justice, but the appeals court rejected this, stating that there was no legal basis for a modified trial process. The judges ordered an indefinite stay of proceedings and requested a review of Kabuga’s continued detention.

The court acknowledged that the decision would likely disappoint survivors and victims of the genocide, who have long awaited justice. However, they emphasized that justice must be carried out through fair trials that respect the rights of the accused.

Kabuga had pleaded not guilty to charges of genocide, incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy, and crimes against humanity. His radio station was notorious for broadcasting propaganda that incited the killing of Tutsis, and he was also accused of supplying weapons, including machetes, to Hutu death squads.

So far, 62 individuals have been convicted in connection with the Rwandan genocide through the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Kabuga’s case was one of the final major trials, and his indefinite unfitness to stand trial marks a significant moment in the quest for justice for the atrocities committed in 1994. The court is now tasked with determining the conditions for his potential release.

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