IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Bank of Kigali rebrands

    The meeting also approved to increase Rwf3.48 billion making the total fixed assets Rwf10.5 billion.

    The Chairman of the Board, Marc Holtzman said that BK CEO, Dr. Diane Karusisi will be heading the Group and the bank will appoint the board members.

    The move follows different institutions that BK launched including TecHouse that provides technology services, BK General Insurance and BK Securities.

    Karusisi said that BK started in 1966 by deposit and loan provision services adding that the more it grows the more it ventures into other financial services.

    “We made it clear that Bank of Kigali is an institution combining different companies with financial services including banking and insurance services among others,” she said.

  • Kountable Ltd: Leapfrogging Rwandan enterprises into vitality

    In 2015, Kountable Ltd, an American company supporting young entrepreneurs to implement tender contracts, opened shop in Rwanda.

    Founded by Christopher Hale from Silcon Valley, San Francisco, the company supports entrepreneurs’ projects with loans without collaterals.

    When successful bidders lack enough funds to implement the projects or make supplies, Kountable Ltd offers them loans which are then serviced when they are paid at a monthly interest rate of 3%, compared to 17.5% charged by commercial banks.

    In 2016, Kountable Ltd financed more than 30 projects worth $6 million to suppliers of hospital materials , ICT equipment, construction and education materials among others.

    Speaking to IGIHE, the Kountable Ltd country director, Leandre Cyusa Mucyowiraba said that entrepreneurs have continued to trust the company, thanks to the good services they provide.

    He says that once suppliers sign contracts in the range of $30,000, Kountable supports them with ordering materials to execute high-profile deals, allowing them to expand more quickly, hire and train more staff, and develop capacity and learn, significantly multiplying their contribution to Rwanda’s economic and social growth goals. By January 2017, Kountable had partnered with 41 entrepreneurs to execute 57 projects worth USD7 million. Currently, more projects worth USD3 million are under implementation process.

    Among the 30 projects that Kountable supported in 2016, hospital supplies accounted for 43.76%, ICT 30.31%, construction 16.27% and education facilities 4.96%.

    Cyusa says that material suppliers dominate their clientele due to the fact that banks do not easily provide them with loans as kountable does.

    So far, Kountable Ltd has partnered with different banks including KCB, Ecobank and Equity Bank to support entrepreneurs who have no collaterals to access loans.

    In ICT facilities, the company links Rwandan entrepreneurs with international IT companies like Apple, HP, Cisco, Dell and Panasonic, among others, to enable them buy quality and low-cost equipment related with their tender requirements.
    Cyusa says that they provide guaranty on ordered materials.

    He said that they have an app available on play store and Apple store and on their web www.kountable.com .which helps suppliers monitor and track movement of merchandise during the shipment.

    On receiving applications for financing, Kountable takes 14 days doing evaluation and assessing the viability of the project.

    The Kountable Ltd country director, Leandre Cyusa Mucyowiraba

  • Kagame appoints new education, ICT ministers

    According to the statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, President Kagame also appointed Olivier Kayumba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) replacing Antoine Ruvebana.

    Also appointed is Francis Musoni, the new Secretary General for Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), replacing Henriette Umulisa.

    Mutimura who had been the African Centers of Excellence Project coordinator replaces Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba who had been on the post since June 2015.

    New MITEC Minister Rurangirwa had been the Integrated Financial Management Information and System (IFMIS) Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. He replaces Jean Philbert Nsengimana who had been the Minister since 2011.

    The two replaced ministers have been dropped from the cabinet.

    Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba and Jean Philbert Nsengimana

  • $30 million tea project launched in Nyaruguru

    The Unilever Tea Rwanda project will benefit Nyaruguru residents by providing with them a total of 1000 permanent jobs.

    Under the project, a new tea processing plant will be constructed and will be able to produce 10,000 tones per year.

    Speaking at the inauguration event, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana told Nyaruguru residents that the project seeks to develop their welfare and urged them to use the opportunity by developing themselves.

    “When investment opportunities unfold, livelihoods improve. This project will give you permanent jobs and will benefit you, your children and grandchildren as it is a long term project. We urge you to educate your children so that in the future they will be skilled enough to work in that plant,” Mukeshimana urged Nyaruguru residents.

    Nyaruguru District Mayor François Habitegeko said that their region is suitable for tea growing and that they already have three processing plants in the district.

    “Currently, production from our plants is 3,900 tones per year. When this plant is completed by 2018, the yearly tea production shall be increased by 10,000 tones,” he said.

    Meanwhile, 228 families were relocated from Mata and Munini sectors to pave way for 2000 hectares to be used for the construction of the plant and tea cultivation.

    Residents welcomed the project saying that it will help in the district’s development.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Unliever, Paul Polman said he decided to bring the project to Rwanda after meeting with President Paul Kagame in 2015 in New York where they discussed development programmes.

    “When you wish to move faster you walk alone, but when you need to reach far you go with others. After discussing with President Kagame about programmes that uplift peoples’ welfare, I decided to bring this project we are launching today,” he said.

  • Speaker urges nations on Gender Equality Promotion, women empowerment

    Mukabalisa was speaking yesterday while delivering a key note address on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment during a seminar for Heads of Parliament at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Israel.

    “As leaders at the high level and people of influence, let’s continue finding new and innovative ways to sustain and accelerate progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in our respective countries, as well as at continental and global levels,” she said.

    “Let’s then join our hands and efforts to empower women for the well-being of our families’ and nation’s development,” she added.

    She said in many cultures around the world, societies have been characterized by gender inequalities and women were deprived of many rights over the years. She said women’s political participation and role in decision-making should be more significant.

    {{Rwanda’s experience}}

    Mukabalisa said that Rwanda decided on the adoption of Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRB) which was institutionalized by the Organic Law on Budget and Government Property, with specific provisions and clear principles making it mandatory.

    “Opportunities for access to affordable financing have been provided to link women and girls to potential finances. Most importantly, women have full legal rights to inherit, own and transfer productive resources like land,” she said.

    She said the organic law governing political parties and politicians ensures that political party lists include at least 30% of women candidates for parliamentary elections.

    Women’s representation in all decision making organs especially in Parliament, she said has greatly influenced Policy advocacy, passing of non-discriminatory laws, and thus made the implementation of Gender Equality Programs smooth.

    Rwanda leads the World in terms of Women representation in Parliament with 64% in chamber of Deputies,39 %in the Senate,41% in Cabinet Ministers, 40% in Judiciary and 43% in Districts Advisory Councils.

    “The strong commitment from the highest level of our leadership, created confidence in Rwandan women as their dignity and rights have been restored,” she said

    She said, today, women and girls are very active in sectors that were previously male dominated such as pilots, soldiers, police officers, mechanics and engineers.

    She said Rwanda has a significant number of women in Army and Police serving in UN and AU peacekeeping missions.

    “The struggle to achieve gender equality and women empowerment continues, even though we experience some victories. We have raised the bar very high and we are committed to keep running faster, as we have a long way to go to make our country more developed than it is today,” she explained.

    She urged nations that Gender agenda can be successful if there is a political will by the country’s top leadership that appreciates men and women’s equal capabilities and promotes equality.

    By quoting President Paul Kagame she urged countries to create an environment enabling women and men to maximize their potentials.

    “Women and men are equal in terms of ability and dignity. They should also be equal in terms of opportunity.As Rwandans,as a global community, we need every member of our society to use his or her talents to the fullest,” she quoted president Kagame.

  • Japanese investors in Rwanda double in 17 months

    Miyashita was speaking at the 84th birthday anniversary of Japan’s Emperor Akihito. Held at the Japan’s Ambassador Residence in Nyarutarama, Kigali, the celebrations attracted many dignitaries including Rwanda Government’s officials, members of Rwanda Parliament and representatives of different countries in Rwanda.

    Amb. Miyashita said there are 15 Japanese companies currently doing business in Rwanda and “many more companies are visiting Rwanda these days from Japan and considering their investment in Rwanda in the near future. Some companies are considering having branch offices in Rwanda to reach out to the whole African continent.”

    Since his appointment to the dockets last year, Miyashita said he set three priority areas namely to strengthen dialogue at the political level, bring more Japanese companies and promote Japanese culture in Rwanda.

    “Rwanda-Japan bilateral relations have been developing rapidly in various fields. Japan is now operating quite a lot of development projects throughout the country including projects of road rehabilitation, water supply and irrigation. I am determined to continue to work hard to motivate our dialogue in depth and width,” he said.

    About Japan culture, Miyashita said his government has donated 400 pieces of Tatami Mat to Rwandan Karate Federation, a donation which will arrive in Rwanda early next year to promote Karate, Japanese martial arts.

    “When I arrived in Rwanda, I was rather surprised to know that the Rwanda Karate Federation had more than 3,000 members throughout the country. My Embassy organises every year a Karate Competition for Ambassador’s Cup.

    Minister of State in Charge of Energy and Water at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Germaine Kamayirese, applauded “the long-standing relations between our two nations established slightly over 55 years.”

    She appreciated Japan’s vital contributions to Rwanda’s capacity building, energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, education and transportation sectors.

    “As we continue to work towards diversifying our economy, promoting industrialisation and ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, we look forward to seeing the presence of more Japanese companies in Rwanda,” Minister Kamayirese said before concluding as she toasted with the participants “To the good health of His Majesty Emperor Akihito, to the happiness of our peoples, and the long and lasting friendship between our two countries.”

    Emperor Akihito’s birthday was marked prior to the actual date as he was born on December 23, 1933 and ascended the throne in 1989 after the death of his father Hirohito.

    Akihito, who has had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, announced, last year, he will abdicate in March 2019, saying he feared his age might not allow him to fulfill his duties.

    His abdication will be the first in Japanese monarch in nearly two centuries and he is expected to be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito, aged 57 years now.

    Kamayirese and Amb. Miyashita

  • Five signs you’re mentally strong

    If you have no idea, here are some pointers to the fact that you’re mentally strong.

    {{You are willing to get it all by yourself}}

    This is something that only those who know they’re capable of anything can do. People who are mentally strong do not believe in taking the easy way out (which is usually wrong) or depending on others for survival. They believe they too can become as great as the next person, so they’re willing to keep going.

    {{They don’t dwell or brood, they move on}}

    Life is full of obstacles and setbacks. A mentally strong person knows this, and they’re always quick to put today’s or yesterday’s failures behind them, and move on to the next.

    {{They’re always in total control of their lives}}

    No matter how much love they fall in, a mentally strong person would never completely rely on their partner for survival or continued existence. They’ll remain in control because they know they’re the best person to believe in, and nothing is guaranteed in life.

    {{They’re are ready for change}}

    Change is a constant. There’s hardly a situation that stays the same forever. Good could become bad and vice-versa. A mentally strong person knows this reality, and is expectant of change at any given point. They prepare themselves for it so they’re never taken unawares.

    {{They know the importance of being alone}}

    No one enjoys being by themselves all the time, but there are occasions and moments that demand it. Sometimes, you want to be by yourself because you want to think, reflect or make certain decisions. While a lot of people fear these kind of times, a mentally strong person relishes them.
    {{Source:elcrema.com}}

  • Statement on Cabinet Decisions of 05.12.2017

    1. The Cabinet Meeting approved minutes of previous Cabinet Meeting held on 8/11/2017 with minor adjustments.

    2. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the Preparations for the National Umushyikirano Council (NUC).

    3. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following papers:

    a) Creation of Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC);

    b) Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) Financial Sustainability Model;

    c) Made in Rwanda Policy and its Implementation Plan;

    d) National Policy of Awarding National Orders;

    e) Government forest co-management agreement between the Government of Rwanda and GATARE Tea Company Ltd regarding the following forests: Nyankenke A, Nyankenke B, Gakomeye, Shungwe, Mutazimiza, Shariyo, Shariyo-Rwambogo, Shariyo-Matare and Rwanyamwaso lacated in Mahembe, Kanjongo and Macuba Sectors of Nyamasheke District;

    f) Government forest co-management agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Rwanda Mountain Tea regarding the following: Mashya IA, Mashya IB, Mashya IC, Mashya II, Rutare and Gapfunsi located in Gishwati in the Districts of Ngororero and Nyabihu;

    g) Concession Agreement between the Government of Rwanda (GoR) and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) to operate, manage and maintain the following Government owned power plants:

    -Nyabarongo Power plant;

    -Jabana I Thermal Power Plant;

    -Jabana II Thermal Power Plant;

    -Mukungwa I Hydro Power Plant;

    -Ntaruka Hydro Power Plant;

    -Nshili Micro Hydro Power Plan;

    -Nyabahanga Micro Hydro Power Plant;

    -Gatsata Thermal Power Plant.

    4. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Draft Laws:

    a) Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 29th November 2017, between the Republic of Rwanda and the African Development Bank, relating to the loan of one hundred twenty-one million and one hundred thirty-seven thousand American Dollars (121,137,000 USD) for the sustainable water supply and sanitation program;

    b) Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 29th November 2017, between the Republic of Rwanda and the African Development Bank on behalf of the Africa Growing Together Fund, relating to the loan of Fifty Million American Dollars (50,000,000 USD) for the sustainable water supply and sanitation program;

    c) Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 29th November 2017, between the Republic of Rwanda and the African Development Fund, relating to the loan of Sixty Million American Dollars (UA 60,000,000) for the Skills and Business Development Programme;

    d) Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 4th December 2017, between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association (IDA) relating to a credit of eighty-eight million and five hundred thousand Special Drawing Rights (SDR 88,500,000) (equivalent to USD 125M) for the First Programmatic Energy Sector Development Policy Financing;

    e) Draft Law modifying and complementing Law Nº 14/2008 of 04/06/2008 governing registration of the population and issuance of the National Identity Card as modified and complemented to date.

    5. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Orders:

    a) Presidential Order determining the nature, awarding and declaration of National Orders;

    b) Prime Minister’s order determining organizational structure, salaries and fringe benefits for Employees of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB);

    c) Prime Minister’s Order transferring land of 155.9 ha located in Ruharambuga Sector, Nyamasheke District from the State Public domain to its Private domain and its allocation to Investor Gisakura Tea Company/GTC without competition;

    d) Prime Minister’s Order appointing Prosecutors at Primary Level. These are:

    1. Ms. IGENA Marie Louise;

    2. Ms. UWIMANA Angelique;

    3. Mr. TWAGIRAYEZU Ildephonse.

    e) Prime Minister’s Order granting retirement to Mr. Augustin SEBUDANGA, who was the Chief Cabinet Notes Taker in the Office of the Prime Minister (PRIMATURE);

    f) Prime Minister’s Order granting retirement to a Mr. Joseph RUTAKAMIZE, who was the Head of Scientific Discipline and Arts Curricula Service in Rwanda Education Board (REB);

    g) Ministerial Order establishing Colleges of Rwanda Polytechnic Higher Learning Institution: College of Kigali, College of Ngoma, College of Karongi, College of Huye, College of Tumba, College of Musanze, College of Gishari and College of Kitabi.

    6. The Cabinet Meeting appointed Mr. KARANGWA Charles as Director of Public Institutions Accommodation and Office Management Unit in Rwanda Housing Authority.

    7. In A.O.B

    a) The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion informed the Cabinet Meeting that the 12th National Children’s Summit is scheduled on 7th December 2017 in the Parliamentary Building under the theme: “Positive Parenting: Foundation of the Rwanda we want”.

    b) The Minister of Sports and Culture informed the Cabinet Meeting that:
    The National Football Team “Amavubi” is participating in CECAFA tournament in Kenya from 3 to 17 December 2017. Amavubi team is in group A with Kenya, Libya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

    Isonga Academy has participated in “Tournoi International du District d’Abidjan” bringing together 12 football academies from Africa and Europe. The games are scheduled from 1st to 6 December 6, 2017.

    c) The Minister of Youth informed the Cabinet Meeting that:

    The forthcoming National Itorero program is scheduled to take place at Gabiro from 6th -16th December, 2017. This year’s Itorero Urunana rw’Urungano program will attract more than 500 youth from across the Country more than a hundred youth from other countries. Topics to be discussed will focus on inculcating basic values among the youth particularly on Patriotism, fight against genocide ideology and national unity.

    The Intore mu Biruhuko Program started on 25/11/2017 and is scheduled to end on 13/01/2018. The program is particularly aimed at safeguarding youth from destructive activities during their holidays by engaging them in constructive programs such as promoting Rwandan cultural values, talent development, and those programs that deter against drug abuse. The youth will take part in developmental activities including participation in hygiene and sanitation activities in their communities, classroom construction and others.

    d) The Minister of State in MINEDUC in charge of Primary and Secondary Education informed the Cabinet meeting that the 2018 school year calendar is composed of 39 weeks. It is divided into three terms as follows:

    The first term is composed of 10 weeks, beginning on 22/01/2018 and ending on 29/03/2018;

    The second term is composed of 15 weeks, beginning on 16/04/2018 and ending on 03/08/2018;

    The third term is composed of 14 weeks, beginning on 21/08/2018 and ending on 23/11/2018.

    This Statement was signed By Marie Solange KAYISIRE The Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs

  • Three win Rwf8.2 million in Tigo Digital Changemakers competition

    The winners of the competition are Origene Igiraneza, Alain Patrick Irere Hirwa and Bobson Rugambwa. Each winner will receive Rwf8.2 million.

    The three Tigo Digital Changemakers competition winners, chosen out of a field of 130 applicants, were selected following a rigorous vetting process that involved Tigo, its partner Reach for Change, and external experts.

    The three winners were announced during the closing ceremony of the 2017 Tigo Digital Changemakers competition on Tuesday in Kigali.

    Reacting to the result of the competition, new Digital Changemaker, Bobson Rugambwa of MVend said, “I am excited to have made it this far and won the competition. This gives us the opportunity to do more. We will be using the money to fund a recruitment drive to take our product to more people. Thank you Tigo. Thank you Reach for Change,”

    In her remarks Africa Communications Manager, Reach for Change, Tadzie Madzima-Bosha, noted “In this year’s competition, we were looking for three social entrepreneurs with extraordinary projects that use digital tools and technology to create or grow their impact. We are excited about these new Changemakers and we look forward to working with them to closely see them achieve more social impact and growth in their organizations by combining their passion, with technology and advice from Tigo and coaching from the Reach for Change Incubator,”

    Detailing the reason why Tigo Rwanda continues to support the Changemakers competition, Tigo Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, Philip Amoateng said; “Through its investment in the Competition, Tigo is actively supporting local ICT solutions that improve the communities’ welfare, while also creating job opportunities and skills transfer. This is important for Tigo because we are part and parcel of the Rwandan community and there is clear evidence that supporting digital and financial inclusion initiatives, such as this competition, will improve people’s lives”.

    In her keynote address, the Director General, Innovation and Business Development, Ministry of Information Technology and Communications, Claudette Irere said, “Rwanda’s digital transformation is a journey and this initiative fits very well in that journey. To Tigo and Reach for Change, thank you for your contribution towards making Rwanda a better and more conducive space for innovators. You walk the talk. Thank you very much. We have a lot to achieve together. Connectivity for all by 2024, Digital Skills for All by 2024, you name it. We are glad we can cunt on you as partners in this journey,”

    The sixth edition of the Tigo Digital Changemakers competition, launched on 14th October in partnership with non-profit organization Reach for Change, aimed at identifying and supporting four social entrepreneurs who utilized digital technology to improve society and positively impact future generations.

    In addition to a cash prize of Rwf8.2 million, each of the three winning candidates enjoy access to Reach for Change’s Incubator programme, which includes business training, access to a global network of other social entrepreneurs and much more.

  • Japan supports Mahama Refugee Camp with Rwf 500 million worth of facilities

    Inaugurated facilities include a computer room constructed at Paysanat School which hosts students from the community around the camp and refugee students. Other facilities from inside the camp include children toys, library and a workshop that teaches different practical skills and sanitation programmes in the camp.
    Worth $640,000 (about Rwf500,000,000) the facilities were funded by Japanese Government.

    The Ambassador of Japan in Rwanda, Takayuki Miyashita said that they were pleased with implementing their idea which will promote welfare of refugee.

    “We found it necessary to help them so that life could run smoothly. We support people who are in bad conditions. We are happy that our project was well implemented,” Miyashita said.

    He said that they were committed to support refugees overcome tough life they are enduring in the camp.

    “This camp is big; people are congested and live in a flat surface which is why they need sanitation. Hygiene is very crucial because when a neighbor gets sick, it can directly affect others, that is why we supported existing sanitation programmes. Children grow every day, we need to support them so that they will have bright future,” he added.

    UNICEF Country Director, Ted Maly said that they found it necessary to help refugee children live the same life as others from the outside communities. He said that they want to shape children’s future so that they will be self-reliant.

    “It’s a pleasure to see children study by using computers; we all know the importance of computers in development. When children are out of classroom too, they need good compound for leisure and entertainment. We much value refugee children’s welfare,” he added.

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Rwanda, Ahmed Baba Fall hailed the support saying that it will help the camp continue to be the best in Africa.

    “Mahama is among best African Refugee Camps, when you consider its position and standard it is the modern camp compared to others from Africa,” Baba said.
    However, Baba said that sustainable solution would be to solve security problems in Burundi to enable refugees be repatriated.