IGIHE

Author: Abou-Shadadi

  • India to invest in Rwandan agriculture

    The Indian Minister of State in charge of food processing recently met with the president Kagame at the Village Urugwiro, to draw possible ways of promoting the agricultural sector in Rwanda to ensure better production of foodstuffs in terms of quality and quantity.

    “We want to see how Rwanda’s foodstuffs can be produced and processed in Rwanda before they are exported,” Arun S. Yadan, the Indian Minister pointed out soon after his meeting with the President.

    He added that they plan to introduce modern irrigation farming methods to produce better quality products to meet global demand.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Agnes Kalibata said that Rwanda has a lot to learn from India’s agricultural sector in order especially in adoption of proper mechanisms to be used in the sector as well as production of quality seeds like rice.

    She added that India would educate farmers on proper methods of farming for better quality production.

    She noted that Rwanda would continue mobilising Indian investors to invest in the sector.

  • Passionate producer on mission to save music industry

    The Rwanda music scene has registered massive growth over the years with the rise of “new school “musicians such as Meddy, Tom Close, The Ben among others that continue to showcase their talent over the airwaves. However, this progressive cycle has inevitably stagnated. This is due to an increase in mediocre artists in the industry which consequently leads to a blend between the good and the bad thus hindering and ultimately saturating the growth of the music industry.

    However, devoted musical producer, aficionado and well established veteran in the industry, Barick is executing a revolutionary idea that has the potential to not only bring a radical change but to also save the music industry. His vision is promotion and establishment of the live band. This is a simple, fundamental and self explanatory concept that has been deficient within the music industry. Time and time, again we are treated to an unrealistic, rambling and pitiable method of “lip synching” or playback.

    This method not only denies the audience the chance to experience music in a more enjoyable way by immersion into the realness of the sound, vocals and melody but it also camouflages the real lack of talent. Artists have fans down by pretentiously performing under the illusion of studio quality sound that is credited to the instruments as opposed to the performers themselves.

    Barick is looking to put an end to this by embarking on a mission to promote a whole new way of expressing music. He is a genuine music enthusiast. He studied music at a seminary in Indera and later on travelled to Portugal to pursue his studies in Biochemistry and then Belgium to continue his higher education. During his tenure overseas, he produced some artists such as Dgeep in Portugal and Belgium.

    He returned to Rwanda in 2006 and has since worked with many musicians such as Bizzy B, Faycal, Asher Junior, DMC and Young Tone through his label Brick music. Jackson, DMC and Asher Junior will release their albums projected in August under his label. He has also collaborated with other producers such as Derrick Davis and Mastola on various productions.

     His experience in Rwanda has allowed him to evaluate the music scene. He says genres such as RnB and Hip Hop had registered growth for a short while but have since stagnated. “We want to take part in this continuity of growth in music that’s why we envisioned the live band. ” He is in a joint collaboration with another producer Mastola and included are ten other members of the live band that have undertaken the challenge of encouraging and promoting real musical experience to fans across the nation. Its role and aim will be to produce music for any artists looking to perform live concerts and offer guidance while at the same time supporting the concept.

    “The increased popularity of music in Rwanda has recently encouraged more artists into the industry. Unfortunately, some of these artists are average and continuous accumulation of such has led to a stage where we can no longer move forward,” Says Barick , “However the live band will be able to bring a distinction between the good and the bad ; this distinction will not only put an end to confusion that faced by fans but it will also lead to promotion of good music from talented artists”.

    The live band is a great idea because it not only purifies the music but has the potential to increase attendance. The concept that is assumed by some of the “old school artists” is a very popular among fans from the middle class. It would be safe to assume that weak attendance and reluctance of fans to watch their stars perform would be due to the anticipated dissatisfaction and displeasure of playback performances.

    It would be safe to say that its institution is bound to contribute to an increased fan base in the country and lead to a new era of making and presenting music that will undoubtedly take the Rwandan music industry forward.

  • Rwandans ought to treasure our museums

    The museum day which is celebrated on May 18th worldwide is a wakeup call to Rwandans who hardly ever or have never visited the sites.

    Normally, the centres are equipped with ancient materials which illustrate more about the country’s history. Museums today are big business across the globe. In sharp contrast to the dull stereotypical conception of museums being places housing either ancient artifacts, museums today cover every topic one can fathom !

    Though museums are not for profit, they certainly have a great impact on our lives and provide excellent learning opportunities for children. 

     In terms of education, going to a museum can bring what is taught in schools to life, by seeing artefacts for example. If children are learning about our traditional kingdom for example and they go to kings’ house in Nyanza, they are more likely to find it interesting and want to learn more about it. Research also shows that those who have had firsthand experience of such information are more likely to retain it in later life. Museums can then be an extremely valuable source of creativity, as many people find they are inspired and subsequently want to try such activities themselves.

    Museums are also a significant factor in attracting tourists to an area and can therefore be instrumental in helping the local economy in terms of supplying a passing trade as well as offering local people employment. Rwanda’s tourism has so far registered a boom but little effort has gone into promoting the coutnry’s museums.

    Museums are also instrumental to research programmes in this country. For many people undertaking research, museums provide an unrivalled wealth of information and resources as well as access to archives, scholars and highly trained professionals.

    Gerome Karangwa from the National Museums of Rwanda (NMR) located in Butare argues that there should be more sensitisation to the public on the importance of visiting historical sites especially in learning institutions. He further urges the government to allocate more money in the national budget towards conservation of museums.
    Some of the best known museums in the country include NMR, the kings’ house in Nyanza and in the city’s museum which was built in memory of the first Dutch colonialist in Rwanda Richard Kandt. In addition, the residence of former president Juvenal Habyarimana located in Kanombe sector has also not been left out it was recognised as a museum in 2008.

    A visit to the late president’s house is still new to many yet it houses several fascinating features. The entrance to the villa is pinned with traditional pictures that show some of the cultural practices like various forms of attire and hair styles known as Masunzu. The photos date from 1900 up to1960.

    Indeed, there might be attention-grabbing aspects in Late Habyarimana’s house yet the majority of the members of the public are yet to visit the house of a leader who’s regime encouraged ethnic division. Fred Barisanga a neighbour to the former presidential palace admits that he is among those who have no interest to tour the premises.
    Besides, others still have the mindset that such visits are meant for tourists. “Yes I’m in more advantageous position to visit the house because I live around yet I’m afraid that I might not afford the entrance fee since I often see foreign visitors there,” Barisanga
    remarks.

    Ernestine Nyirafaranga, a shopkeeper who lives near the former president’s villa points out that even though she’s interested in touring the bungalow, her low income is a barrier to paying a visit to the museum.

    But in the real sense, their fears are unfounded since locals are favoured. They are charged only charged Rwf 500 yet this amount may not be a hindrance to the majority. Jean Butoto an employee at the museum says that the number of visitors has increased since the house became operational three years ago. “At first we regisreed 50 visits per day but now we receive more than 200 with majority being students,” he comments.

    Let’s face it : museums without visitors would be like lifeless, empty halls with no purpose.

    This should remind us that the key role for museums is always to serve its visitors. On the other hand, government should encourage Rwandans to visit museums, more so, children, as a way of teaching them about our rich traditional culture.

  • India to invest in Rwandan agriculture

    President Kagame today met the Indian Minister of State in charge of food processing, Arun S. Yadan, at the Village Urugwiro to draw possible ways of promoting Rwanda’s agricultural sector through production of better quality and quantity foodstuffs.

    “We want to see how Rwanda’s foodstuffs can be produced and processed in Rwanda before they are exported,” the Indian minister said.

    Yadan added that his country plans to introduce irrigation farming methods in Rwanda to produce better quality products with global demand.

    Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Agnes Kalibata said that Rwanda has a lot to learn from India’s agricultural sector especially proper mechanisms and production of quality seeds like rice.

    She added that India would educate farmers on proper methods of farming for quality produce.

    Kalibata noted that Rwanda would continue mobilising Indian investors to invest in agriculture.

  • MINICOM launches Rwanda’s first Economic and Trade Atlas

    The ministry of Trade and Industry yesterday launched a distinctive economic and trade atlas. The Atlas that was published by German Development cooperation in partnership with the government.

    During the launch, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, pointed out that the new Economic and Trade Atlas is a fundamental tool that will facilitate both foreign and local investors. Present during the launch was MINICOM P.S. Emmanuel Hategeka and Dr. Fand Hegazy, an expert from the German Development Cooperation .

     “It’s an extremely useful book containing information about the economy of the country, it will provide detailed information and guide especially those looking for investment opportunities in the country,” Kanimba said.

    “We shall distribute copies to different government institutions and to our embassies for the world to read and understand the picture of our economy. ” “It is a unique document with a mapping of economic activities with useful information for those interested in the Rwandan economy say Minister Francois Kanimba.

    The project took one and a half years to complete.

    The Atlas is made up of a wide-ranging compilation of information on sectors in the Rwandan Economy and its performances in those departments. The document acts as a powerful tool of reference for investors or anybody interested in economic activities in Rwanda.

    It is based on an official secondary validated source of information represented in a visual and graphical way through the use of cutting edge methods such as Geographical information systems (GIS). GIS is used to capture and present data linked to a geographical location.

    The Atlas consists of 110 pages and 77 chapters and contains comprehensive, relevant and up to date information covering all sectors of the economy presented in a visual way.

    Fand Hegazy elaborates. “It profoundly covers areas within the economy such as demographics, foreign trade, agriculture, investment, regional integration, communication, tourism, energy and even areas less related to economy but which have a certain impact such as health.” It is so rich that it contains information that goes beyond the scope of economics covering other sectors such as health and education.

    The atlas was produced with the aim of putting together an atlas that provides and visualises information about the contemporary Rwanda.

    The book has been designed as a tool for anybody within the business community such as investors and the general public. The atlas will be available for sale at Ikirezi bookstore.

    Information is key in carrying out any economic activity. The Atlas facilitates the process of obtaining data thus contributing to a more efficient way of carrying out economic activities. 

  • Special depositions start in genocide mastermind’s case

    The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, yesterday, started carrying out special deposition proceedings in the case of the 1994 genocide architect and financier Félicien Kabuga.

    Kabuga is charged with eleven counts including ; conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide.

    Others are ; crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, rape, persecution, inhumane acts) and serious violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol II.

     The proceedings follow a successful application by the Prosecution earlier this year for the taking of the disposition, seeking to safeguard evidence against Kabuga and two others, Augustin Bizimana, former Minister of Defence and Major Protais Mpiranya, who was Commander of the Presidential Guard, pursuant to Rule 71 bis of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.

     “The process is designed to ensure that the evidence against the accused is preserved and that the continued evasion of justice by the fugitives does not, in the event of unavailability of the witnesses, erode the ability of the prosecution to establish the case against the accused when they are eventually arrested and brought to trial,” ICTR Prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow told reporters yesterday.

    The accused is represented by duty Counsel Bahame Nyanduga, who was appointed by the ICTR Registrar.

  • Indian conglomerate eager to invest in Rwanda

    Punj Lloyd Ltd, a diversified international conglomerate based in India is seeking investment opportunities in Rwanda particularly in infrastructure, energy and health.

    As part of their working tour in the country, the chairman of the company Atul Punj yesterday met with President Kagame at Village Urugwiro.

    Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Minister of Commerce and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa said that the government was glad that the investors would put their money in the energy sector.

     He disclosed that the government would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with Punj Lloyd to enable the company to begin operations in less than two years.

     On his part, Atul Punj expressed surprise on the government’s strong emphasis in attracting foreign investment. “Rwanda frankly is a pleasant surprise to us. I have been surprised by what I have seen. The efficiency of the government agencies in attempting to attract foreign investment is very good.”

    “Your civic sense as a country is unimaginable as an African or even Asian country and I believe that it is the efficiency of the government system that is pulling us here more than the size of the market,” Punj added.

    He further underscored the country’s investment in ICT. “What attracted us is the first class technology and good atmosphere for the investment,” he added.

    Punj Lloyd Ltd Punj Lloyd Ltd has operations spread across the Middle East, Africa, the Caspian, Asia Pacific and South Asia with its headquarters based in India.

    The conglomerate offers engineering, procumbent and construction (EPC) services in energy and infrastructure along with engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector. 

  • Final trial of microbicide ring to be conducted in Rwanda

    Rwanda is in the third and final phase of testing a vaginal ring containing antiretrovirals, which, if successful, could provide an important female-controlled method of HIV prevention. 

    Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Zimbabwe have all been selected to conduct the final phase of the trial. Phases I and II – conducted in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa – assessed the safety and acceptability of a daily application of a gel containing the ARV,dapivirine. 

    “Phases I and II were completed successfully ; this means that the microbicide has been evaluated and found to be safe and acceptable,” Gilles Ndayisaba, the principal investigator at Project Ubuzima. “Even if in Rwanda we conducted phase I and II on the gel, these phases have been done with the ring in several others [countries] and they were successful,” he added. 

    Phase I trials involved small numbers of women, followed by expanded safety trials, Phase I/II, which gathered additional safety data among more participants over longer periods. Once the safety trials are complete, longer-term safety and efficacy trials begin. Phase III trials are conducted among high-risk participants so that researchers can see if there is a difference in infection rates between women who use the active microbicide product versus those who use a placebo. This phase looks specifically at the efficacy and gathers information to proceed with putting the product on the general market. 

    In Rwanda, the trials are being conducted by a local NGO, Project Ubuzima, with the International Partnership for Microbicides. The project has carried out safety trials for dapivirine gel among more than 60 women and has conducted an HIV incidence study among 1,250 female VCT clients and 800 high-risk women in the capital, Kigali, in preparation for the final phase. 

    An estimated 3,000 HIV-negative women aged between 18 and 40 will participate in the trial in all selected countries – between 400 and 600 will come from Rwanda ; the trial is expected to last three years. 

    “Potential participants are well-educated on clinical research in general and first have to sign an informed consent form which includes all information concerning risks and benefits while participating in the study,” said Marie-Michelle Umulisa, the community outreach manager at Project Ubuzima. “These are reviewed by the Rwandan National Ethics Committee to protect participants’ rights.” 

    Each participant will use the ring for a minimum 15 months or a maximum 33 months. “It is likely that products that can be applied less frequently like the ring will be more acceptable and will achieve better adherence,” Ndayisaba said. “Vaginal rings need only to be replaced every four weeks and may therefore have benefits over dosage forms that need to be used more frequently.” 

    The researchers say dapivirine is advantageous because it is not used in current HIV/AIDS treatment regimens so there is less potential for drug resistance. They say the vaginal ring is cheap to manufacture, comfortable, flexible and can be self-inserted ; it is intended to provide long-term protection during anticipated and unanticipated sexual intercourse. Uncertainties 

    According to Evelyn Kestelyn, executive director of Project Ubuzima, there are advantages to being one of the countries conducting a trial. “When the products finally come on the market… countries that were selected to implement phase III will get the products for free or will purchase them at a subsidized price.” 

    However, women in Kigali remain uncertain about whether they would use a microbicide ring should the ongoing trial prove successful. 

    “I would need to be extremely sure it works well before I can entrust my life with such a thing ; I mean I would want to be sure it doesn’t have any particular side-effects,” said Agatha Ingabire. 

    Should the product make it on to the market, Project Ubuzima plans a major campaign to sensitize Rwandans on the microbicide’s function. 

    “We intend to undertake a huge sensitization process, starting with community leaders and gradually we shall trickle this down to the other masses,” said Umulisa. “Community acceptability of this project is key for its success.” 

    Globally, a number of microbicide trials are ongoing, testing gels and rings. In 2010, the biggest success was recorded in a study by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, which found that a vaginal gel containing the ARV tenofovir was 39 percent effective in reducing a woman’s HIV risk when used for about three-quarters of sex acts and 54 percent effective when used more consistently. 

  • Communications conference kicks off in Kigali

    The 18th annual congress of the East African Communications Organisations (EACO) kicked off today at the Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali. The three-day meeting is scheduled to end on 27 May 2011.

    In an interview with IGIHE.com, the Minister in the President’s office in charge of ICT, Dr. Ignace Gatare, said that the Congress would try to outline challenges and seek possible solutions to the communications and telecommunications sector in the region.

    It will also discuss different issues related to communications particularly regulatory policies and tools, and communication networks of the EACO member countries. It will also outline possible ways of facilitating intra-EAC business in the communication technologies.

    Regis Katarayiha, the Acting Director, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) told the media that the congress would also look at possible ways to interconnect fiber optic cables and seek for quick measures to shift from analogue to the digital broadcasting platform within the region.

    The meeting has attracted has attracted over 300 delegates from the region. These include regulatory authorities, telecom operators, postal organisations, broadcasting organisations, and other experts involved in broadcasting and telecommunication services within the region.

    The congress which is held on a rotational basis is intended to harmonise policies and regulations governing the communications sector in the East African bloc.

    EACO’s predecessor was the East African Regulatory, Posts and Communications Organizations (EARPTO).

  • New Nyarugenge HQs to cost Rwf 1 B as local council gives way for Kigali Marriott Hotel

    Nyarugenge District headquarters to construct new offices valued at Rwf 1 billion. The district vice Mayor in charge of finance and economic development Felicien Kagisha has said. The move follows the acquisition of the land currently adjacent to the former Jali grounds by the owners of the upcoming luxurious Marriott Hotel.

     “The funds to construct new premises were included in the next financial budget – 2011/2012,” Kagisha said.

    Kagisha, however, said that the district is yet to acquire land to build the offices.

    “It is a process, first to acquire land and design the block and even money to do all these. We are waiting for the developers to pay us…but we hope they will pay us before the end of the year,” said Kagisha.

    According to the vice mayor, the owners of the hotel shall pay a total of Rwf 1.2 billion for the plot of land which shall be used for the extension of the hotel alongside a parking lot. Also to be relocated are the current offices of Rwanda Television to give way for the hotel’s expansion.

     “We will relocate after they (hotel proprietors) pay us…and that is when we will rent (the premises) where will be operating from as we await the completion of the new offices,” Kagisha explained.

    Recently, a Marriott delegation was in Kigali, where they inspected the progress of the ongoing construction, Mr. Billy Cheung, who led the delegation, spoke to the media last week and announced that the critical room shortage in Kigali’s capital would be bridged when the 254 room and suite Marriot Kigali opens its doors next year. The hotel is expected to be opened in Q3 or Q4 of 2012, depending of progress of work and in particular the interior finish which will create the hallmarks of a Marriot Hotel like seen elsewhere in the world. Mr. Cheung also mentioned that this is the first of such projects by Marriot in sub Saharan Africa and will probably be a yardstick for further expansion and investments in Africa as a whole.

    While in Kigali the group met with relevant government officials and sections of the business community to discuss the progress of the project, issues of sourcing materials and their importation to Rwanda but also future cooperation and to establish early ties with key stakeholders in the Rwandan economy.