Recently, a foreign national was approached by a group of people said to be dealing in mineral business, and made him believe that they can supply him the 50kgs of gold, which he wanted.

The two parties agreed on the terms; the buyer was to incur all expenses including ground transport, declaration, taxes and laboratory qualitative analysis costs, among others.

The agreement settled at excess of US$1 million.

Fast forward, the suppliers delivered – at least at the knowledge of the buyer at the time. The buyer was given the sample, which he took to Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMPGB) laboratory services. The lab results proved that the samples were genuine, according to the issued certificate.

The suppliers secured the declaration certificate from Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), which also specified that over Rwf14 million would be paid in taxes.

With declaration and lab qualitative analysis certificates, the buyer couldn’t doubt any further; at this time, he had already paid US$105, 000 to the suppliers, with the balance to be paid at an agreed later date.

Results

When the buyer arrived back in his home country, he also took the gold in the laboratory to run the tests again. The lab tests showed that the gold was fake; the businessman had been defrauded.

At this point, the fraudsters seem to have an upper hand before the law for having “supplied genuine minerals” and the victim is obliged to pay the whole amount of money.

And indeed, the said fraudsters in this case, were quick to file a complaint with the Police seeking to be paid the remaining US$900, 000.

The victim also returned to Rwanda and lodged the complaint as well.

“When we conducted thorough investigations, we unearthed tricks fraudsters use to gain control of their target,” says Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, the director of the Economic and Financial directorate, which operates under the f Criminal Investigations Department.

Tricks fraudsters use

Normally, the fraudsters register a company dealing in minerals with Rwanda Development Board (RDB), then find a way of locating and luring mineral buyers, especially foreigners. With genuine registration papers, it’s easier for their targets to fall prey.

“This year, we have registered three cases on this nature, and all of them, the tricks are the same. Good enough, majority people involved in these fraud cases have been arrested after thorough investigations,” Mbabazi adds.

In the other two cases, victims were conned of US$36, 500 and US$21, 000, respectively.

To Alex Kagaba, a geochemist officer at Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas laboratory services, “these frauds are preventable.”

“Our laboratory services have the capacity to run qualitative analysis on big quantities. We appeal to buyers to bring their minerals so that we run as much tests as possible to prove beyond doubt, but also to facilitate the judicial system with scientific evidence in case we find out that the minerals are fake, to prosecute the suspected criminals,” said Kagaba.

The President of the Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), Jean-Malic Kalima, the mineral business sector is also facing challenges where people including those said to be registered as mineral dealers connive with workers at concessions to buy minerals illegally.

“Whenever we encounter such unlawful acts, we inform the board (RMPGB) to take action. For members of our association in particular caught is such, we warn them but also suspend them where necessary,” Kalima said.

According to Winifred Ngangure, the head of Investment and Promotion at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), “anyone found acting contrary to investment certificate awarded, the license is terminated.”

“At RDB, we have aftercare services to help investors, and in case an investor becomes a victim of fraud or faces any challenges, let them come to us as well… that’s why we made every Friday between 9am and 12-noon as a day to receive investors, know the challenges they are facing, and work with the Police where necessary, to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and recover whatever is taken from them,” Ngangure said.

A contingent of 95 personnel from Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National Police and civilians led by Brig Gen Vincent GATAMA will leave Kigali on Monday 20 November 2017 to participate in a 2 weeks regional Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Port Sudan, a port city in the eastern part of the Republic of Sudan. The Military exercise codenamed ‘MASHARIKI SALAAM II’ is organised by the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) and will take place in Port Sudan from 25 November to 3 December 2017.

“The exercise is a key benchmark to test the organization’s ability to respond to crisis situations in the region and beyond when tasked or mandated to do so by the African Union” reads a statement from EASF. According to organisers the objective is to train and test EASF’s ability to plan force generation, deployment, sustainment and recovery of a multinational and multidimensional force.

On behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), Maj Gen Jacques MUSEMAKWELI briefed the RDF officers and troops who will be going for the exercise in a gathering that took place at KAMI barracks on 17 November 2017. He urged them to be professional and reflect the good image of Rwanda during the exercise that will gather 10 countries forming EASF. “You have to observe good conduct and professional ethics. You should exercise high standards practices known for RDF and please don’t disappoint the leadership that selected you for this exercise” Gen MUSEMAKWELI told the contingent. He further advised them to keep focused during the training and observe high level of discipline.

About 1000 military, police and civilians from the 10 EASF member countries namely Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda will participate in the Exercise. Since EASF was established in 2004, it has conducted FTX and Command Post Exercises (CPX); a CPX in Kenya in 2008, a FTX in Djibouti in 2009, a CPX in Sudan 2011, an FTX in Uganda in 2013 and a CPX in Ethiopia in 2014. Src:MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP) in Bugesera District, on Wednesday, reached out to students of Maranyundo Girls School and urged them to stay focused and actively be part of the development and community policing activities in their communities.

While addressing about 300 students, the vice coordinator of the youth organization in Bugesera, Antoine Mutware, who headed a team of the youth volunteers, enlightened the students on the goals and objectives of the youth group in pursuing the country’s security and development agenda.

“The Rwandan values like Nd’umunyarwanda reminds us as the youth to be at the centre of our country’s transformation process, and that what youth volunteers in community policing strives for to ensure that every youth becomes part of it,” Mutware told the students.

“It is part of our organization’s core duties to reach out to the youth particularly students, to sensitize and mobilize them to actively partner in all government development programmes.”

He told them that the first step to contributing to the nation’s progress is to stay out of trouble, stay safe and stand up for their rights.

He further urged them to shun malpractices like abusing illicit drugs and drinking alcohol.

“As you are going for school holidays, it is important to make good use of this period, help your parents, be part of the community security and development and report to the police any unlawful acts.”

Members of youth volunteers have undertaken different human security and development activities as well as raising awareness against crime.

Last week, the youth organization which has about 200, 000 members across the country, launched the countrywide development programmes to supplement various human security activities including constructing and rehabilitating houses and toilets for poor families, environmental protection activities, among others.

During the launch, the youth planted about 40000 trees as part of the implementation of the agreement between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the Ministry of Lands and Forestry on afforestation programme, among others.

The International Monetary Fund has predicted Rwanda’s economic growth will hit 5.2% this year, well above average for the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Following a review visit, the IMF and Rwanda also reached agreement on policies to support the progress of the country’s IMF-supported programmes, namely the policy support instrument (PSI) and standby credit facility (SCF) programmes.
IMF team leader Laure Redifer said: “The team highlighted that Rwanda’s economy continues to perform well, with strong implementation of its IMF-supported programmes.
“Due to a combination of factors (drought, completion of large construction projections, and policy adjustment to address external imbalances), growth decelerated over the second half of 2016 and in early 2017.”

She added that the IMF-supported programmes are “on track” and the government is expected to request a one-year extension on the PSI programme when it expires in December, along with the SCF initiative. Rwanda’s growth is expected to accelerate in the medium term to an average of above 7% over the next three years.
The SCF programme provides financial assistance to low-income countries with short-term balance of payment needs. The PSI is a non-financial instrument that provides IMF advice and support without a borrowing arrangement.

Last month, OECD figures showed the tax and revenue collection had continued to improve across African countries.
The IMF said Rwanda’s “gains in revenue mobilisation had tapered off” and encouraged “passage of income and property tax laws as soon as possible” along with analysis to see how effective tax incentives are.
Earlier this month, the Overseas Development Institute said the IMF’s sub-Saharan Africa report, which found vulnerabilities had increased because of rising public debt and financial sector strains, was “too gloomy” .
The ODI said the report did not fully account for recent improvements in commodity prices.

The Akilah Institute offers a unique model of education that prepares students to launch successful careers in the fastest growing sectors of the economy. All students receive intensive leadership training, career development services, and community service opportunities.

Leadership training is a key part of the Akilah experience. All students must complete 512 hours of leadership instruction. Students develop a growth mindset and critical thinking skills, while mastering public speaking, goal setting, and teamwork.

Akilah students and alumnae share a commitment to community service. Students make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and countries. Each student must complete over 80 hours of community service and a Social Change Project to graduate.

Akilah’s Career Development Office helps students identify their career goals and promising job opportunities. The office works closely with the private sector and other organizations to place students in internships and jobs in Rwanda, East Africa, the U.S., and Europe.

Akilah’s blended learning curriculum combines in-class lessons and lectures with online exercises. This gives students the flexibility to control the pace of their learning. Online learning also frees up valuable classroom time for group discussions and projects.

WHAT IS COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION?
Competency-based education (CBE) is a new model in education that uses learning, not time, as the metric of student success. In a CBE model, students receive proactive guidance and support from faculty and staff and earn degrees, diplomas, or other credentials by proving mastery of specific competencies instead of just completing credit hours. CBE is particularly effective for preparing graduates for the workforce because it focuses on what students know and can do.
The Akilah Institute developed its CBE curricula in collaboration with regional employers and tests for mastery of predefined skill sets and concepts. This ensures that students graduate with marketable expertise. The Akilah Institute’s CBE curricula is delivered in a “blended” learning format that combines online and offline learning to maximize student and faculty time in the classroom.

CAN I TRANSFER TO AKILAH FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY WITH MY CREDITS?

The Akilah Institute does not currently accept transfer students from other universities; however, students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree may apply to study at Akilah. Acceptance to the Akilah Institute cannot be deferred to the following year.

WHY ONLY WOMEN?

The Akilah Institute’s academic programs are female only. Akilah’s all-female student body creates an atmosphere where women can comfortably assert themselves and assume leadership positions. Students gain confidence leading others in a safe environment so that they can smoothly transition to leadership roles in society.

WHAT IS THE BRIDGE PROGRAM, AND IS IT MANDATORY FOR ME ATTEND?

The Bridge Program is a seven-week orientation program beginning in July that provides an introduction to the Akilah Institute’s high academic expectations. During this program, students will meet their instructors and mentors and begin to set academic goals for their future education and career. The program is designed to introduce and develop skills in English, mathematics, and information technology. The Bridge Program is mandatory for all incoming students.

DOES AKILAH OFFER LOANS TO HELP ME PAY FOR TUITION?

Akilah offers a loan program, Savannah Student Finance, for students who demonstrate need. Students can defer up to 70% of tuition each academic year. Students who are deemed eligible will be offered acceptance into the student loan program and must formally accept this offer prior to the agreement deadline. Tuition for the Bridge Program + first year of attendance is 815,000 Rwf, not including the commitment fee. Tuition for the second year of attendance is 680,000 Rwf.
Students in the program pay quarterly service fees and are expected to repay the full amount of the loan after they graduate. The repayment period ranges from 30 to 42 months and includes a six-month grace period for eligible applicants. All students (Day Program and Evening & Weekend Program) are eligible to apply for the student loan program.

*If a graduate is not able to repay immediately after graduation, she may be offered a six-month grace period before beginning repayments. Akilah also offers a hardship option for students in special circumstances

Akilah’s career platform, MindSky.com, provides students and alumnae with critical career development skills to simplify the internship- and job-search process. MindSky.com provides individualized job recommendations and training. Through the platform, Akilah students and alumnae can access educational content; a 10-week, self-paced job search training course; assessments; quizzes; and an interactive portal to apply for career opportunities across East Africa. Members also work with a Talent Advocate to draft and finalize application materials and prepare for job interviews.

Throughout the two-year program, students develop skills to successfully navigate the workforce. Career readiness training is incorporated in all parts of the curriculum. By the end of the program, students know how to articulate their career goals and skills, pursue new career opportunities, self advocate, build professional networks, and more.

Graduates have started their careers with companies like African Entrepreneur Collective, Inkomoko, One Acre Fund, Impact Hub, Marriott International, RadissonBlu, Ison BPO, Garr Hotel, Primate Safaris, DHL, Kate Spade, Kenya Commercial Bank, Bollore Logistics, Eco-Bank, VSO Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Offgrid Electric, Serena Hotel, Bourbon Coffee, Banque Populaire du Rwanda, East African Breweries, Hotel des Mille Collines, Inyange Industries, City Blue Hotels, and many more.

Members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP) in Bugesera District, on Wednesday, reached out to students of Maranyundo Girls School and urged them to stay focused and actively be part of the development and community policing activities in their communities.

While addressing about 300 students, the vice coordinator of the youth organization in Bugesera, Antoine Mutware, who headed a team of the youth volunteers, enlightened the students on the goals and objectives of the youth group in pursuing the country’s security and development agenda.

“The Rwandan values like Nd’umunyarwanda reminds us as the youth to be at the centre of our country’s transformation process, and that what youth volunteers in community policing strives for to ensure that every youth becomes part of it,” Mutware told the students.

“It is part of our organization’s core duties to reach out to the youth particularly students, to sensitize and mobilize them to actively partner in all government development programmes.”

He told them that the first step to contributing to the nation’s progress is to stay out of trouble, stay safe and stand up for their rights.

He further urged them to shun malpractices like abusing illicit drugs and drinking alcohol.

“As you are going for school holidays, it is important to make good use of this period, help your parents, be part of the community security and development and report to the police any unlawful acts.”

Members of youth volunteers have undertaken different human security and development activities as well as raising awareness against crime.

Last week, the youth organization which has about 200, 000 members across the country, launched the countrywide development programmes to supplement various human security activities including constructing and rehabilitating houses and toilets for poor families, environmental protection activities, among others.

During the launch, the youth planted about 40000 trees as part of the implementation of the agreement between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the Ministry of Lands and Forestry on the afforestation programme, among others.

The International Monetary Fund has predicted Rwanda’s economic growth will hit 5.2% this year, well above average for the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Following a review visit, the IMF and Rwanda also reached an agreement on policies to support the progress of the country’s IMF-supported programmes, namely the policy support instrument (PSI) and standby credit facility (SCF) programmes.
IMF team leader Laure Redifer said: “The team highlighted that Rwanda’s economy continues to perform well, with strong implementation of its IMF-supported programmes.
“Due to a combination of factors (drought, completion of large construction projections, and policy adjustment to address external imbalances), growth decelerated over the second half of 2016 and in early 2017.”

She added that the IMF-supported programmes are “on track” and the government is expected to request a one-year extension on the PSI programme when it expires in December, along with the SCF initiative. Rwanda’s growth is expected to accelerate in the medium term to an average of above 7% over the next three years.
The SCF programme provides financial assistance to low-income countries with short-term balance of payment needs. The PSI is a non-financial instrument that provides IMF advice and support without a borrowing arrangement.

Last month, OECD figures showed that tax and revenue collection had continued to improve across African countries.
The IMF said Rwanda’s “gains in revenue mobilisation had tapered off” and encouraged “passage of income and property tax laws as soon as possible” along with analysis to see how effective tax incentives are.
Earlier this month, the Overseas Development Institute said the IMF’s sub-Saharan Africa report, which found vulnerabilities had increased because of rising public debt and financial sector strains, was “too gloomy” .
The ODI said the report did not fully account for recent improvements in commodity prices.

The annual Voice Achievers’ Award in Amsterdam, The Netherlands to take place 17th November 2017. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the First Lady of Republic of Rwanda, Her Excellency, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, the Founder and Chairperson of Imbuto Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the development of a healthy, educated and prosperous society in Rwanda and beyond. She will be honored with “African Woman Personality of the year & African Heroine Awards”.

Ambassador Laila Rahhall El Atfani , is a Director of International relations and diplomacy of the Arab African Council for Integration and Development. She is very versatile with enriched communication skills in English, French, Spanish, Turks and Arabic. She is a gateway to many African/Arab businesses around the world. She is a renowned humanist and will be honoured with “African Humanitarian Award” at the grand ceremony in Amsterdam tomorrow.

AY is a multi-award-winning Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, director, MC, inventor of AY’s crib , AY live shows, AY Open Mic Challenge and AY comedy skits will add yet another award to his collections.The living legend will crack ribs when he mounts the stage at the event. The Voice achievers’ Award will bestow on him,” African Inspirational Award” for his contributions in inspiring many young Africans.

Moji Makanjuola is a Prolific TV producer, Director and Anchor person with several world class documentaries. Her passion is upliftment of the African woman, empowering and educating them at the community level, and giving succour to the under-privileged, particularly Youths and Children with special needs. Her life mission is to use her calling and talent in journalism to contribute in making Africa a model, promoting an overreaching environment, capable of shaping National rebirth and character. She will be celebrated with the “Life Time Achievers Award” at the grandiose ceremony in Amsterdam.

In a statement by Mr Henry Oduenyi, the Managinging Editor of The Voice Magazine and a member of the Award Committee, “…this year’s ceremony will bring to the front burner the quest for re-inventing Africa…” Thirty three distinguished daughters and sons of Africa, including special friends of Africa will be celebrated at the biggest African event in the Central Europe. Dutch government officials, African diplomats, international celebrities and other distinguished guests are expected at the event. The celebration will be concluded with a special gala night.

The Akilah Institute offers a unique model of education that prepares students to launch successful careers in the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. All students receive intensive leadership training, career development services, and community service opportunities.

Leadership training is a key part of the Akilah experience. All students must complete 512 hours of leadership instruction. Students develop a growth mindset and critical thinking skills while mastering public speaking, goal setting, and teamwork.

Akilah students and alumnae share a commitment to community service. Students make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and countries. Each student must complete over 80 hours of community service and a Social Change Project to graduate.

Akilah’s Career Development Office helps students identify their career goals and promising job opportunities. The office works closely with the private sector and other organizations to place students in internships and jobs in Rwanda, East Africa, the U.S., and Europe.

Akilah’s blended learning curriculum combines in-class lessons and lectures with online exercises. This gives students the flexibility to control the pace of their learning. Online learning also frees up valuable classroom time for group discussions and projects.

WHAT IS COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION?
Competency-based education (CBE) is a new model in education that uses learning, not time, as the metric of student success. In a CBE model, students receive proactive guidance and support from faculty and staff and earn degrees, diplomas, or other credentials by proving mastery of specific competencies instead of just completing credit hours. CBE is particularly effective for preparing graduates for the workforce because it focuses on what students know and can do.
The Akilah Institute developed its CBE curricula in collaboration with regional employers and tests for mastery of predefined skill sets and concepts. This ensures that students graduate with marketable expertise. The Akilah Institute’s CBE curricula is delivered in a “blended” learning format that combines online and offline learning to maximize student and faculty time in the classroom.

CAN I TRANSFER TO AKILAH FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY WITH MY CREDITS?

The Akilah Institute does not currently accept transfer students from other universities; however, students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree may apply to study at Akilah. Acceptance to the Akilah Institute cannot be deferred to the following year.

WHY ONLY WOMEN?

The Akilah Institute’s academic programs are female only. Akilah’s all-female student body creates an atmosphere where women can comfortably assert themselves and assume leadership positions. Students gain confidence in leading others in a safe environment so that they can smoothly transition to leadership roles in society.

WHAT IS THE BRIDGE PROGRAM, AND IS IT MANDATORY FOR ME TO ATTEND?

The Bridge Program is a seven-week orientation program beginning in July that provides an introduction to the Akilah Institute’s high academic expectations. During this program, students will meet their instructors and mentors and begin to set academic goals for their future education and career. The program is designed to introduce and develop skills in English, mathematics, and information technology. The Bridge Program is mandatory for all incoming students.

DOES AKILAH OFFER LOANS TO HELP ME PAY FOR TUITION?

Akilah offers a loan program, Savannah Student Finance, for students who demonstrate need. Students can defer up to 70% of tuition each academic year. Students who are deemed eligible will be offered acceptance into the student loan program and must formally accept this offer prior to the agreed deadline. Tuition for the Bridge Program + first year of attendance is 815,000 Rwf, not including the commitment fee. Tuition for the second year of attendance is 680,000 Rwf.
Students in the program pay quarterly service fees and are expected to repay the full amount of the loan after they graduate. The repayment period ranges from 30 to 42 months and includes a six-month grace period for eligible applicants. All students (Day Program and Evening & Weekend Program) are eligible to apply for the student loan program.

*If a graduate is not able to repay immediately after graduation, she may be offered a six-month grace period before beginning repayments. Akilah also offers a hardship option for students in special circumstances

Akilah’s career platform, MindSky.com, provides students and alumnae with critical career development skills to simplify the internship- and job-search process. MindSky.com provides individualized job recommendations and training. Through the platform, Akilah students and alumnae can access educational content; a 10-week, self-paced job search training course; assessments; quizzes; and an interactive portal to apply for career opportunities across East Africa. Members also work with a Talent Advocate to draft and finalize application materials and prepare for job interviews.

Throughout the two-year program, students develop skills to successfully navigate the workforce. Career readiness training is incorporated in all parts of the curriculum. By the end of the program, students know how to articulate their career goals and skills, pursue new career opportunities, self advocate, build professional networks, and more.

Graduates have started their careers with companies like African Entrepreneur Collective, Inkomoko, One Acre Fund, Impact Hub, Marriott International, RadissonBlu, Ison BPO, Garr Hotel, Primate Safaris, DHL, Kate Spade, Kenya Commercial Bank, Bollore Logistics, Eco-Bank, VSO Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Offgrid Electric, Serena Hotel, Bourbon Coffee, Banque Populaire du Rwanda, East African Breweries, Hotel des Mille Collines, Inyange Industries, City Blue Hotels, and many more.