Author: IGIHE

Ngirente made the call today as he officially opened the 11th Alliance for Financial Inclusion Global Policy Forum (AFI) 2019 at Kigali Convention Centre.

Ngirente said that financial inclusion is considered as a tool for economic development, particularly in the area of improving welfare and the general standard of living, wealth creation as well as poverty reduction.

Statistics show that the world’s unbanked population dropped from 2.5 billion in 2011 to 1.7 billion in 2017.

The Premier explained that despite increasing financial inclusion, a big proportion of youth continue to be financially excluded and emphasized the need to empower the youth access to financial services.

“ In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 60% of the population fall below the age of 25, most of them are less likely to have a bank account compared to adults. Therefore, there is a great need to empower our youth to access useful and affordable financial products and services,” he said.

“In this regard, financial literacy could be the starting point in this process since many of the youth have a keen interest in the digital channel, Digital Financial Services accessed and delivered through their mobile phones, could be the solution to banking them,” added Ngirente.

In 2008, Rwanda conducted its first financial inclusion survey (FinScope Survey 2008). The results of this survey revealed that only 21% of adult Rwandans were formally financially included.

Ngirente explained that it was found important and urgent to implement initiatives that could make financial services accessible to all Rwandans faster. He reflected on Rwanda’s initiatives to drive citizens into financial inclusion pointing out the establishment of Savings & Credit Co-operatives program, locally known as UMURENGE SACCOs.

This program was put in place to make financial products and services (credits, savings, and payments) available throughout the country, especially in rural areas to increase the level of financial inclusion.

Ngirente highlighted that Rwanda invested a significant amount of effort and resources in establishing ICT infrastructure as a means to facilitate financial inclusion.

In the financial sector, digital financial services were given high emphasis to increase the level of financial inclusion. Some of these services including mobile financial services and internet banking services were introduced and are now well operational.

“Let us make sure that all our citizens are financially included and have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs,” advised Ngirente.

With these remarks, I declare the 2019 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum 2019 officially opened, and wish you fruitful deliberations.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, John Rwangombwa highlighted that having access to quality and affordable financial products and services is a foundation for the efforts to promote gender equality.

He stressed the need to continue the journey of achieving universal access to financial services, keep AFI network shining and never leave anyone behind.

The medal parade presided over by the Deputy Joint-Special Representative (DJSR) to UNAMID, Anita Ghebo was held at the mission headquarters.

The decorated officers currently in the final phase of their one-year peacekeeping tour of duty, serve as Individual Police Officers (IPOs), whose tasks include mentorship and advisory.

The medal awarding ceremony was also attended by Officer in Charge of Mission Support Mr. Prem Singh; acting UNAMID Police Commissioner, Mr. Sultan Azam Temuri; UNAMID Police Chief of Staff, Mr. Amadu Mannah; Capacity Building Team Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Costa Joseph Habyara; Commanding Officer Rwanda Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel JB Rugema, among others.

Ghebo applauded medal beneficiaries for their hard work towards the attainment of sustainable peace in Darfur.

“It is a great honor and pride for me to witness the Rwanda National Police Contingent being awarded UNAMID Medal to recognize your valuable hard work,” Ghebo said.

“Rwandan Police officers are playing commendable roles towards the realization of the UNAMID mandate,” she added.
She thanked them for their resilience and standing challenges in protecting civilians and humanitarian assistance.

“Despite the challenging climatic conditions in Darfur, the Rwanda Police contingents continued to serve in various capacities in UNAMID with distinction,” Ghebo said.

She reiterated that Rwandans are exemplary and serve with honor for which they should be extremely proud of.

“I am delighted that this ceremony provides all of us an opportunity to appreciate your contribution to the Darfur peace process,” she stated.

Supt Karim Safari, who spoke on behalf of the medallists, reflected on RNP deployments since 2005 and Rwanda’s commitment to international peace.

Rwanda currently maintains more than 1000 Police peacekeepers in Darfur, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Abyei.

Supt. Safari thanked the people of Darfur for their partnership in restoring peace, and the support of the UN to effectively execute their duties.

The two are children of Gilbert Njyanabo.

Sources from the Nyagatare sector indicate that both parents left the sleeping children locked inside the house. Fire is thought to have been caused by an electric circuit.

Uwase died on spot while her sibling Iranzi died on arrival at Nyagatare hospital.

When a fire gutted the house, residents rushed to break the door on the side where children were sleeping but all in vain.

The mayor of Nyagatare district, David Claudian Mushabe confirmed the incident and appealed to parents to be cautious.

“Parents should adopt strict measures to closely look after children whether they are at home or not. They should go with them when they leave home for trading businesses or tilling their gardens to avoid similar tragedies,” he advised.

The bodies were taken to Nyagatare hospital.

The MoUs were signed on 21st August 2019. The pact was signed in Luanda, Angola, during a quadripartite summit bringing together the host President of Angola João Lourenço; the President of Uganda, Museveni, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

The signing was also witnessed by President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo Brazzaville.

It was the second quadripartite summit hosted by Angolan President; João Lourenço aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation.

The agreement, among other things, calls for the two parties to refrain from engaging in actions that destabilize the other party (or actions perceived to) such as financing, training, and infiltration of destabilizing forces.

The agreement also calls on both countries to protect and respect the rights and freedoms of nationals of the other party residing or transiting in their national territory.

Following the agreements, Rwanda and Uganda were also expected to establish a commission for the implementation of the MoU including the minister for internal administration and heads of intelligence.

Olivier Nduhungirehe, the state minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Community has told IGIHE that the first meeting bringing together both parties will revolve around signed MoUs.

“The delegation is expected to arrive on Monday next week. It will be led by Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa,” he said.

Precursors that followed the signing of agreements rose mixed reactions over Uganda’s decision to ban readership of some leading Rwanda’s online media from Rwanda.

The agreements were signed, two years after Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened.

Uganda has been deporting different Rwandans who accuse it of inhumane imprisonment and torture on false accusations by Uganda’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence and rebel groups against the Government of Rwanda.

Over 1000 Rwandans have been reportedly detained in Uganda which saw the Government of Rwanda advising Rwandans not to travel to Uganda for their security until the situation gets back to normal.

Rwanda also accuses Uganda of conspiracy with rebel groups intending to destabilize state security.

Following the signing of the pact, Olivier Nduhungirehe, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Community told the media that all Rwandans who were illegally arrested in Uganda should be freed in the spirit of the agreement signed Angola before the government of Rwanda lifts the travel advisory on Rwandans traveling to Uganda.

At the beginning of September 2019, Kamali posted a message on twitter alleging that Habumugisha assaulted her in public, reported to Rwanda Investigation Bureau though her efforts remained futile. The tweet was posted along with a video showing the circumstances of the assault taken by cameras inside the building.

Kamali explained that two months have ended without getting justice and tagged relevant the President of the Republic, Paul Kagame and First Lady.

Her tweet also expressed wonders ‘if magnate people having a closer friendship with officials have rights to assault without facing punishment’.

Replying to the complaining lady via twitter account, President Kagame said: “We shall follow it up and get to know what exactly happened and take necessary action. Surprised if RIB was informed how and did not do what was required.”

At the end of last week, Rwanda’s Prosecution told IGIHE to have received the files of Dr. Habumugisha that an investigation into alleged assault had been launched.

At the time, Rwanda’s Chief Prosecutor, Jean Bosco Mutangana said: “Assaulting a person in public is rights’ abuse and negative vice against our culture.”

“Laws are designed to correct people with such behaviors for victims to trust the judiciary which has to protect the affected person and restore dignity when the offender is held accountable. Accountability is one of the pillars upon which our country is founded,” he added.

Kamali recently told IGIHE that the video posted Twitter was taken on 16th July 2019 as they attended a meeting inside M. Peace Plaza building where Goodrich TV is headquartered.

It is said that a colleague was commenting on the mistakes of the management including Dr. Francis who later became suspicious that Kamali was taking phone video and stood to assault her.

“I was in a meeting with colleagues. He stood, deprived me of my phone, slapped and insulted me thinking I was talking video,” said Kamali.

Kamali said her case is being investigated that she wants justice rendered to her.

Dr. Habumugisha was arrested Thursday last week while his files were transferred to the prosecution the following day.

Nakubitiwe Muruhame numugabo witwa Dr Francis (GoodRich TV). Kuwa 16.07.2019 Mbimenyesha @RIBRwanda hashize amezi 2 atarahanwa,ese kuba umuntu afite amafaranga, ngo anaziranye nabayobozi bakomeye bimwemerera guhohotera ntahanwe?
@PaulKagame @FirstLadyRwanda @UrugwiroVillage

— Diane Kamali (@diane_kamali) September 5, 2019

pic.twitter.com/agT7AGx4xE

— Diane Kamali (@diane_kamali) September 5, 2019

The artist currently living in the United States arrived in Rwanda recently to attend the 15th ceremony of naming baby gorillas ‘Kwita Izina’.

He later on 7th September 2019 performed at Kwita Izina Concert but was obliged to leave the stage before performing all planned songs.

Meddy apologized to his fans for short time performance describing the situation to be beyond his powers.

During the concert, Meddy performed three songs including ‘Sibyo’, ‘Everything’ featuring with Uncle Austin and ‘Ntawamusimbura’, ‘Slowly’. He also mixed other songs in Reggae style like ‘No Woman no cry’, ‘Red Wine’ of Bob Marley among others.
He was obliged to leave the stage before 20 minutes yet he had been given 1 hour for performance.

Following the failure of his concert in Kigali, Meddy is set to perform at “B Club” in Nairobi, Kenya in a concert dubbed Rwanda Beauty Night.

The concert will take place on 12th September 2019. The entrance ticket costs 1000 KSH (Rwf 8000).

The Ben, Charly, and Nina are Rwandan artistes that recently performed in Kenya.

She is leading a 9-person delegation of senior women business leaders who are in the country for four days.

Clare Akamanzi, RDB Chief Executive Officer, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of ICT & Innovation, Capital Markets Authority and the Private Sector Federation took them through Rwanda’s economic growth trends and development strategy along with investment opportunities in Rwanda in tourism, ICT, agriculture and manufacturing.

The delegation consists of:

-# Barbara Ann Bernard, Founder and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Bahamas-based asset management firm, Wincrest Capital;

-# Fatoumata Ba, a Tech Entrepreneur, and Venture Capital Investor, currently the Founder and Executive Chair of Janngo and Managing Partner of Janngo Capital, based in France and Cote D’Ivoire;

-# Christina Juhasz, the CIO and founding partner of WWB Asset Management, a subsidiary of Women’s World Banking, based in the United States;

-# Raja Jandhyala, the Founder and President of YAATRA Ventures, an investment platform that develops solutions for complex economic challenges with partners and deploys capital in value-added infrastructure investment opportunities in key-value chains for productivity and growth based in the United States;

-# Noelle-Claire LeCann, an impact investor and the Managing Principal of AlphaSource Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisory where she manages a team of investment professionals focused on environmental and social impact investing based in the United States;

-# Aubrey Hrubry, the Founder and a Partner of Baylis Emerging Markets, a specialist private equity investor in African Markets based in the United States;

-# Mary Fanaro, the CEO and Founder of the OmniPeace Foundation based in the United States. Mary also acts as a private investor within the education sector in Africa;

-# Tunuka Gray, the Deputy Head of CrossBoundary’s East Africa investment advisory team, based in the Nairobi, Kenya office;

-# Julie Hinks, Special Projects Director at Symbion Group, an investor in the power sector in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is involved in girls and women empowerment activities offering training, mentoring and knowledge, opening doors to financing, markets, contacts, and networks.

It also uses technology to help women connect, learn and push boundaries and presses for change to stop women entrepreneurs being held back.

The psychotropic substances were disposed of on Monday in Gahengeri Sector in presence of hundreds of residents as police and local leaders conveyed a message against the criminal practice.

The poured substance was from a distillery owned by Bosco MUSIGWA, who was operating illegal distilleries called ‘Gubwaneza Munyarwanda.’

The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, while addressing the residents after pouring the substances, warned them against the practice, but thanked those who continue working with the Police to identify and arrest drug dealers.

“These substances are unhealthy, they pose a threat to security, as consumers are exposed to their untested content brewed from potentially harmful raw materials let alone the lack of hygiene during the illegal brewing process,” he told residents.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern region Police spokesperson warned that only licensed distilleries are allowed to operate within the set standards by Rwanda Standards Bureau (RBS) that include raw materials used and packaging, among others.

“There are set health and legal standards to start a brewery, which also prescribes the raw materials that are not harmful to consumers, and should be followed; contrary to that you are breaking the law,” he said.

RSB set standard requirements to include labeling (name of the products, physical and postal address of manufacturer); net contents in milliliters or liters; ethyl alcohol content; date of manufacture and expiry date; storage instructions; statutory warnings; and list of ingredients in descending order, among others.

The spokesperson said that Rwanda National Police will keep on doing operations and arrest all drug-related criminals. He also called for continued partnership with the public and sharing information on drug traffickers and distillers of illicit drinks.

He made the observation today in Congo Brazzaville where he attended the 5th Invest in Africa Forum (IAF) bringing together Heads of State to discuss how to promote investment on the continent.

Held between September 10-12, 2019, the fifth IAF will also examine how best to support economic diversification and job creation in African countries, take stock of progress and achievements, and chart a path forward.

It is themed “Leveraging Partnerships for Economic diversification and Jobs Creation in African Economies.”

Kagame reminisced on areas that hold game-changing potential including the African Continental Free Trade Area which is now in the implementation phase and highlighted that it will bring more opportunities than ever for everyone involved.

“While the more industrialized countries are better placed to take advantage of the opportunities for manufactured goods, the less industrialized can benefit from linking into regional value chains,” he said.

He pointed out an example that countries that are mainly agricultural can gain from meeting Africa’s growing food security needs.

Kagame highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area is also expected to bring about faster customs clearance and more efficient logistics, which are particularly meaningful for perishable agricultural products.

An important factor, he said, is closer collaboration among African governments as well as between government and the private sector noting that productive and mutually beneficial global partnerships are key for the continent to fully benefit from this historic agreement.

Kagame said that the continent lacks sufficient regional infrastructure, hence leading to logistical challenges, low internet use, and device affordability, as well as limited payment infrastructure.

Although these have long been obstacles to economic development, the President emphasized that they must be looked at as an opportunity for public-private investment.

Kagame said that appropriate technology will allow Africans to produce much more wealth with the same amount of labor and financial capital.

In this regard, he reflected on vast opportunities offered by e-commerce to trade with each other and the rest of the world and pointed out that Rwandan producers and service providers are starting to sell directly to more customers than ever through the Alibaba Electronic World Trade Platform.

African governments are providing some solutions, like the Smart Africa Alliance, now comprising 24 countries representing over half of Africa’s population. Smart Africa is taking the lead in establishing the One Africa Network and Digital ID, among other initiatives.

Kagame said that ‘Africa is coming late to the game, but there is no reason we can’t catch up, so long as we collaborate to overcome the barriers in the digital sector’.
People cannot trade or invest if they cannot move

President Kagame explained that other opportunities on the continent are easing the free movement of people and goods because people cannot trade or invest if they cannot move.
“Our citizens want to see an Africa that works together, and on their behalf allowing more interactions and activities,” he said.

Kagame emphasized that the African Union’s Protocol on the free movement of people reinforces, other protocols on trade in goods and services where several countries including Rwanda have eased visa requirements. He said that more things can be done faster to make free movement in Africa, a reality.

The President also highlighted the need to continue building positive mindsets of success in Africa’s young people equipping them with education and skills, and support entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Young Africans have to see our continent as a place to build successful careers and businesses, and be empowered to chart their own futures,” he said.

The IAF was established in 2015 as a global platform to promote multilateral cooperation and investment opportunities in Africa.

The first IAF was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in June 2015; the second was held in Guangzhou, China in 2016; the 3rd in Dakar, Senegal in 2017 while the 4th took place in Changsha, China in 2018.

AGRF is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture, pulling together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to discuss and commit to programs, investments, and policies to achieve an inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation across the continent.

Under the theme Grow Digital: Leveraging digital transformation to drive sustainable food systems in Africa, leaders from countries across Africa including H.E. Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassaingbe, President of Togo; H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Nige; President of Cote d’Ivoire; H.E. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria; and Rt. Hon. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda participated in the forum, shared their experience in the development of agriculture within a digital era and contribution to the goals of the Malabo Declaration (2014) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AGRF rallies these leaders and various stakeholders around a common purpose – to unleash the full potential of Africa’s millions of smallholder farmers and agriprenuers who provide about 80% of the food and agricultural products consumed across the continent and generate millions of jobs and inclusive economic growth.

As a localized media group, on the AGRF, StarTimes proposed to facilitate the agricultural development in Africa through digital media. Zhang Junqi, the Vice GM to the Overseas Department of StarTimes Group and the CEO of NTV-STAR TV Network Ltd., addressed a speech and interacted with the guest from worldwide.

Although digitalization is one of the main facilitating efforts for knowledge sharing, it is generally recognized that the lack of infrastructure contributes mostly to the low penetration of digitalization in Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would implement satellite TV programs for 10 thousand African villages on December 4th, 2015 when he was delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The project, known as “Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages”, is among 10 major cooperation programs to boost cooperation between China and Africa, and constructed by StarTimes, which provides the rural area with a direct and effective method to obtain information from all over the world. The project is expected to be overall completed around the end of 2019 and then there will be 10112 villages been equipped with satellite TV.

“The CEO expressed confidence that the efforts of StarTimes would create access to digital terrestrial content in rural areas across Africa.” reported by Xinhua News about the speech of Zhang Junqin on AGRF.

Specifically, Zhang introduced the plan of dissemination: “It is StarTimes’ social obligation to make our platforms available for educational content popularization across Africa. That is the reason that StarTimes offered to broadcast agriculture-related videos from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the relevant resources. These videos will be localized in each country and broadcast in local language by facilities of the ‘Access to satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages’ project. ”