This was announced on Thursday as the bank presented the national economic outlook which showed that as export volumes increased, the value of-of imports also increased by 12.4%.
BNR Governor John Rwangombwa explained that the disequilibrium came about when the value of imports increased by 9.5% while exports increased only by 5.5%.
BNR explained that the increase in imports was a result of infrastructural projects which include the electricity plant being built in Gisagara, the Bugesera Airport, different Road construction projects, and more.
“Currently, the increase of Rwanda’s exports is credited to the introduction of Made-in-Rwanda,” Rwangombwa concluded.
The purpose of the visit was to assess how various governmental activities and programmes in education, health, agriculture, and industry sectors are being implemented.
The visit kicked off at Kiziguro Hospital, where the Prime Minister toured different departments of the hospital and met some patients, met managers of the hospital and discussed how to fast-track completion of new buildings that will help the hospital to expand and upgrade its services.
After visiting Kiziguro Hospital, the Premier visited a 12 Year Basic School at GS Nyagahandagaza in Kayonza District where he inspected classrooms, had a conversation with both pupils and their teachers and visited the school kitchen. He advised the school leaders on how to improve the quality of education.
The next stopover was the University of Rwanda/Rukara College of Education. The Prime Minister toured different facilities of the college and was briefed on various challenges that the school is facing but also the strategies to overcome them. He also met the college staff and students.
In his remarks, he commended the University of Rwanda for its effort to make Rukara College of Education a modern university. He assured them of the support of the Government of Rwanda to address the challenges that still prevent this University to achieve its mission.
The Prime Minister visited Gishari Flower Park project which, in 2018, fetched $4 million and employs 550 staff and SteelRwa Factory in Rwamagana District to assess how Rwanda can recapture the domestic market and increase exports in steel products. He appreciated the achievements of the factory, encouraged its managers to increase production and reiterated the continued support of the Government of Rwanda.
The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister concluded his visit in the Eastern Province, by touring the Rwamagana Industrial Park. He held deep discussions with the Province and District leaders on how this industrial park can contribute more to the development of the Rwandan economy.
In this working visit, the Premier was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs, Minister of Trade and Industry and State Minister in the Ministry of Health in charge of Public and Primary Healthcare.
The General said this during a dialogue with the youth dubbed “Youth know your history” in Kimisagara and attracted over 600 Rwandan youth.
Gen. Kabarebe told the youth that they should be grateful for their president who cares for all citizens and to learn from him on his leadership style.
“When he is outside the country, he doesn’t speak on his behalf but on behalf of Rwanda. Indeed, not all leaders do so, most of them speak on their behalf planning to enrich themselves after their mandate is over, but Kagame is not that kind. He is an example that all of you should follow,” said Kabarebe.
He further said that having a president like Paul Kagame is one of the greatest things that happened to Rwanda and that most of the developed countries of the world credit their development to good leadership.
He added that Kagame is an honest president working towards unity and good cooperation with other countries.
Last President Paul Kagame visited 28 countries including; Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, India, Switzerland, DRC, Belgium, America, Canada, Russia, Ghana, England, Kenya, Mauritanie, Djibouti, South Africa, Namibia, China, Armenia, France, Qatar, Argentina, Egypt, Austrich, Jordania and Ivory Coast.
The conference began with the congratulatory message from Cr. Stephan Barbour, the Deputy Mayor of North Sydney Council. “I was so surprised that young people are building a foundation for peace in support of the DPCW. I am also very excited to see the scene where the peace letters, which contain the voices of young people for peace, are delivered to the representatives of each country. This is evidence that young people are changing the world,” he said.
The “Peace Letter Campaign”, one of the IPYG’s initiatives that create the world without war, urges the heads of each state to enact legally binding international law for peace based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The DPCW consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses includes provisions to avoid war-related actions and achieve peace and addresses respect on the international law, peaceful dispute settlement, and spreading a culture of peace.
Youth group leaders delivered the peace letters to 30 national leaders including Governor General of Tuvalu. In the speech, H.E. Iakoba Taeia Italeli, Governor General of Tuvalu, replied to the youth by saying “I have received your hearts through the letters, and will make the best of my effort to realize the world you dream to come true. I will do my best to encourage the rest of the world to support the DPCW so that we may bring a better future for the youth.”
Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, an international peace NGO under the UN ECOSOC, said, “I met leaders of politics, religion, and social group from all over the world, but no one wanted war. If war does not happen, peace will be achieved. With the principles guaranteeing peace and avoiding conflicts and wars, the DPCW will contribute to the cessation of war, ultimately leading to the world of peace. It will be achieved when every individual of our global society advocates for it. Let us all become one and make peace.”
Mr. Young Min Chung, the General Director of IPYG, emphasized the role of youth in creating peace in this world for the responsibility of future lies in their hands. Also, he encouraged the participants to join the “Peace Letter Campaign” that will convey their longing for peace to the heads of state as well as their neighboring nations.
The Kigali Marriott Hotel’s Iriba Bar and Terrace has provided a fitting spot for such an experience. Launched this Friday, the two-day ‘Coffee Xperience’ welcomed coffee lovers in a cozy and lively atmosphere, encouraging people to appreciate the intricacies of a great-tasting cup that not only appeals to the senses but more importantly, soothes stressed souls craving for some laid-back moments.
The event presented a series of delightful activities such as Coffee tasting, coffee art lessons, all guided by various expert baristas together with the main coffee supplier of Kigali Marriott hotel, Question Coffee. The Coffee Xperience also involved coffee-flavored desserts and cakes conceived by the hotel’s artistic chefs.
“The Coffee Xperience was inspired after seeing how the public warmly welcomed the International Coffee Day celebration we held last September,” says Alyson Hayes, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Kigali Marriott Hotel.
Hayes also observed that the event was a way of extending the fun of most coffee lovers who were attending the African Fine Coffees and Exhibition that was taking place in Rwanda from February 13-15, 2019.
“The Rwandan Coffee is a brew that is continuously evolving in the country and its high-quality is what attracts and delights both foreigners and Rwandans. This event is the hotel’s way of bringing together coffee lovers with our partners, Question Coffee and 1000 Hills Distillery for an unforgettable experience. Everyone is welcome to come to the hotel and enjoy all we have to offer.” Hayes added enthusiastically.
With the state-of-art service model, guests enjoyed even more as they mingled in a relaxing environment.
The ‘Coffee Xperience’ took place on 15th and 16th February, and was a relish to many.
Kigali Marriott Hotel is located in the City Centre not far from Kigali City Council offices. The five-star hotel is a part of Marriott International which is present across 127 countries and territories with more than 6,700 properties globally.
Marriott Bonvoy is built on the belief that travel enriches us all and has the power to enrich the world. Marriott Bonvoy launches on February 13 when the logo and branding begins rolling out across all consumer touch points, including on property, marketing and sales channels, digital, mobile and co-brand credit cards, bolstered by a multi-million-dollar global media campaign starting in late February.
“Marriott Bonvoy marks an evolution in travel because it represents more than a loyalty program,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International. “Marriott Bonvoy is a travel program designed to bring to life our extraordinary portfolio of global brands in 129 countries and territories, while also providing endless inspiration for members to keep traveling and pursuing their passions.”
Linnartz continued, “Represented by a simple, bold and modern logo, Marriott Bonvoy is welcoming and optimistic. Our 120 million members have access to the world’s leading hotel portfolio at the best room rates and member benefits, as well our collection of Moments experiences that bring exploration and discovery of the world to the forefront.”
Beginning on February 13, Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments will become Marriott Bonvoy Moments, which together with Marriott Moments will feature approximately 120,000 experiences in 1,000 destinations available for purchase or by redeeming points. In addition. In addition to accessing locally relevant sights and excursions, such as hiking into glacial Patagonia, desert treks on camelback in Morocco or cruising to Vietnam’s timeless floating villages, members can indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like cooking alongside renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert, or honing football skills in a master class with Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.
Throughout 2019, Marriott will bring Marriott Bonvoy to life with a series of experiential events for members taking advantage of the company’s marketing partnerships with iconic brands including the NCAA and the FIA Formula One™ World Champions, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, as well as through sponsorships such as the Oscars®, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival, The Hong Kong Sevens and The PGA Tour World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship.
On August 18, 2018, Marriott launched one loyalty program with unified benefits under its three legacy loyalty brands — Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG. On February 13, the combined program completes its integration under one name, Marriott Bonvoy.
With Marriott Bonvoy, members will have access to Marriott’s portfolio of diverse brands including the largest collection of lifestyle and luxury properties. Whether it is sun-soaked overwater bungalows at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, mountain-side resorts nestled against ski slopes like at The Westin Resort and Spa Whistler, beachfront properties hugging pristine sands like at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, to iconic urban towers offering panoramic views like at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, or former palatial residences like The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Venice); Marriott Bonvoy provides members an unparalleled offering of experiences together with the opportunity to earn desirable member benefits.
Since Marriott introduced the unified loyalty benefits under Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG last August, members have been able to seamlessly book stays and earn and redeem points across the entire portfolio and achieve Elite status faster with new Elite tiers. Members now earn on average 20 percent more points per dollar spent.
The launch of Marriott Bonvoy will introduce two new names for previous Elite status tier names: {Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite} will replace Platinum Premier Elite for members who surpass 75 nights and {Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite} will replace Platinum Premier Elite with Ambassador. This top Elite status tier recognizes members who surpass 100 nights and more than $20,000 in spend annually. These members enjoy the highest level of personalization with a dedicated ambassador to help plan their travel and cater to their needs one-on-one.
Marriott Bonvoy will usher in a new mobile experience. Members using either the SPG or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards apps are encouraged to download the current Marriott app now which will automatically update to become the Marriott Bonvoy app on February 13. The SPG and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards apps will be deactivated on that date.
Members can learn more about Marriott Bonvoy at {{[MeetMarriottBonvoy.marriott.com->MeetMarriottBonvoy.marriott.com]}} where they also can watch a short video describing the new brand. To learn more about the loyalty program benefits, you can visit {{[www.marriott.com->www.marriott.com].}}
The eye testing activity was held at the headquarters of the company at Kigali Industrial Zone in Masoro in partnership with Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital.
Sandeep Phadnis, Business Head of Safintra Rwanda Ltd said several recent pieces of research done on eye health revealed that eye problems affect employees productivity which inspired them to get their staff screened, an activity that will continue.
“Researches showed that the productivity reduces by at least 40% among people aged between 40 and 55 years with eye defects,” Sandeep said.
“When the employee’s ability to see reduces, he starts taking medicaments while sick, it affects his productivity at work which also affects the welfare of employees
Sandeep said they held the activity as it is the employer’s duty to know his employee’s health status and take care of it as it is usually done at Safintra Rwanda Ltd.
After eye testing, those who were found with defects were advised to seek optician advice he explained that all employees have medical insurance so whoever is detected with eyes problems will proceed with treatment at Agarwal Eye Hospital which partnered with the Company.
The Director of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Kanagaraj Rajagopal said they have screened around 50 staff from Safintra that more than 15 staff of over 40 years old have been recommended to get optical glasses.
Dieudonne Hakizimana, the In-Charge of Maintenance welcomed the initiative that comes in handy, enabling them to know the state of their eyesight. Some of his workmates were found with eye defects which they were not aware of and they will now go for eye treatment.
Safintra Rwanda Ltd is part of Safal Group that is a leading manufacturer of roofing solutions in African with a presence in 12 African countries.
Kagame made the remarks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as he attended the Milken East and North Africa Summit that was organized by Milken Institute, a US-based Think Tank that publishes research and hosts conferences that apply market-based principles and financial innovations to social issues in the US and internationally.
In a one on one conversation with Milken Institute’s Chairperson, Michael Milken, Kagame said Africa is rich in natural resources but poor looking at its portion of global GDP.
“Africa is endowed with so much in terms of natural resources, the numbers are very clear. When you look at Africa’s portion of global GDP, it is very misleading when you also know what it is capable of,” Kagame said adding that the challenge has been how in the continent has always been how can Africa be so rich yet so poor at the same time.
To get out of this history, Kagame said Africa has to first seek ways to stop depending on outside factors starting from the level of African Union.
He gave as example the African Union institutional reforms which he was mandated to lead by his fellow African Heads of States. The reforms seek to make Africa a free trade market and see the African Union activities funded by its Member States.
“At AU level, we started by saying if we held Africa together, tried the best we can and make these borders that divide 55 countries irrelevant, beginning with trade, free movement of people and goods across borders, we can transform our economies,” he said.
Kagame said: “Leaders met in 2016 and we agreed we have to do reform because we can’t do business as usual, we have to change, beginning with how we conduct our affairs, including being able to finance the activity of the African Union.”
“AU activities were being financed at more than 80% from outside yet 55 countries can contribute to making sure we can run our own affairs,” he explained.
“We cannot work together without overcoming the challenge that we are so dependent on factors outside the continent. We have to build self-sufficiency and independence. This is what will take Africa where we should be,” he said.
“Knowledge and technology are things that are beginning to be so well evenly distributed across the world,” he said, adding: “If our young people are educated and they have their health then they are able to do what anyone else can do. You find them in different parts of the world doing exactly what is needed in Africa.”
“We need to invest in our people, even countries with natural resources, it will come to waste if they don’t invest in their people,” Kagame warned.
Organized by Dubai Chamber, the Chamberthon was held during the Africa Tech Summit 2019. A total of 10 startups from the UAE were selected by the Chamber to participate in the Chamberthon, attend the Africa Tech Summit in Kigali, and join their African counterparts for a full day of interactive sessions. Participants were divided into mixed teams of African and UAE entrepreneurs, representing many sectors and fields, including agriculture, healthcare, environment, fintech, climate change, social responsibility, construction, and customer experience among others.
The startup teams developed and presented a wide variety of innovative and practical ideas that will be used to structure the Dubai Chamber’s Global Business Forum Mentorship Programme. The three-month mentorship programme aims to foster cross-border cooperation between startup communities by pairing startups with mentors who can provide them with valuable expertise, support, and guidance.
Natalia Sycheva, Manager of Entrepreneurship for Dubai Chamber said: “We are very encouraged by the strong interest and participation in the Chamberthon which is a new concept and extension of the Global Business Forum, an important platform that Dubai Chamber leverages to foster economic cooperation and explore opportunities in promising markets around the world.”
She added: “Today, startups and entrepreneurs are the drivers of innovation. With this in mind, Dubai Chamber is constantly scaling up its support to startups through new initiatives like the Chamberthon and GBF Mentorship Programme that engage entrepreneurs and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to expand globally.”
“The Chamberthon has given me an opportunity to exchange and brainstorm on innovative ideas with people from around Africa and UAE. This is a stepping stone for me to be able to broaden my reach with my startup and I believe that the GBF Mentorship Programme is a valuable initiative by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” said Irasubiza Sadrah, whose startup, iTec, is looking to tackle climate change by developing an easy to use Agro-Condition System which will be implemented to create a controllable low-cost artificial climate Greenhouse.
After the winning Chamberthon ideas are chosen, a total of 10 startups from the UAE and Africa that make the final cut will be selected to participate in the GBF Mentorship Programme. The holistic programme will provide many benefits beyond mentorship, including access to networking and Dubai Startup Hub services and support, as well as speaking and exhibiting opportunities at the 5th Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai, taking place in November 2019.
To support and drive the rapid growth of its African portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group has reinforced its development team with the introduction of senior development professional Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Middle East, Turkey & French Speaking Africa. Ramsay has been with Radisson Hotel Group for over 5 years, initially overseeing the growth of the company in the Middle East & Turkey and now leading the development activities across French Speaking Africa. He is supported by Erwan Garnier, Director, Development French & Portuguese Speaking Africa. Together, they seek to accelerate the introduction of all Radisson brands in the region with a focus on key capital and economic cities.
Also joining the Group’s African development team is Caryn Venter, Coordinator, Development, Sub-Sahara Africa. The new organizational structure follows the recent appointment of Frederic Feijs who leads operations as Regional Director Africa – French Speaking Countries for Radisson Hotel Group and William McIntyre, the Group’s Regional Director, Africa, overseeing the remaining Anglophone markets in Sub-Sahara Africa. Both will play a significant role in strengthening the group’s network in their regions and will increase operational synergies, for the greater benefit of owners.
Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Middle East, Turkey & French Speaking Africa said, “I am thrilled to be expanding my geographical focus, to include French-speaking Africa. We have ambitious plans for this important market and it is imperative that we have the right resources in place to support our growth. This means communicating effectively with owners and investors, as well as providing first class levels of expertise as we establish long-term relationships with our business partners in this market. We are proud that each of our development team members fits this criterion for success.”
“We will continue to execute our five-year strategy with our expanded team, creating scaled hotel growth in key cities and resort locations across Africa during 2019,” said Andrew Mclachlan, Senior Vice President, Development, sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group. “With a focus on scaled growth in key locations across Africa, we can offer guests multiple hotels across different brands and market segments, at various price points and improved local hotel performance with strong local procurement and cluster select services in the same city.”
Mclachlan continued, “Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lagos are our three gateway cities in sub-Saharan Africa where we aim to have scaled growth and an ambition of up to ten hotels within the same city. Dakar, Abidjan, Douala, Luanda, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa are proactive cities, where we aim to have between three and five hotels due to size of economy, market, long-term fundamentals and supply and demand opportunities. We expect our future growth to arise from existing hotel take-overs and new build hotels.”
“With economic headwinds in some African markets, we have identified opportunities to exploit our vast knowledge and experience in converting unbranded, underperforming hotels or underperforming office or apartment buildings and reposition them to the right brand and market segment within the Radisson Hotel Group brand portfolio. In addition, we are not ignoring the smaller cities and larger towns across Africa where we’ve identified potential to penetrate the market with either our midscale Park Inn by Radisson brand or upscale Radisson.”
Radisson Hotel Group plans to open a further five hotels across Africa in 2019, pushing the African portfolio to more than 50 hotels in operation before year-end. These openings include the first Radisson Blu hotel in Casablanca, which is the Group’s second hotel in Morocco, scheduled to open within the next six months, as well as their first hotel, and the countries first internationally branded hotel in Niger, with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Niamey in Q2 this year.
“Our strategy will most certainly reinforce our presence in key markets across Africa as we continue to focus on delivering on our expanding pipeline,” concluded Mclachlan.
