Author: IGIHE

On December 5th, 2019, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced a 3-year partnership with PSG. For three seasons, the Paris Saint-Germain community and the world will have a unique opportunity to experience Rwanda’s breath-taking beauty, creative culture, innovative environment, and modern and distinctive Made in Rwanda products.

In addition, the ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo will be displayed at Parc des Princes Stadium and on PSG training kits.

Dr. Mukeshimana Géraldine, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources told the media that the partnership will contribute to a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings and play a major role in the economy of the country.

“Most tea brands are expected to cost $7 but all 32 tons we produced last year were not sold at that price. We have experienced less prosperous times where a pack cost $2.20.”

She said that coffee has not been performing well on the international market and farmers experienced losses compared to the investment they made.

“Farmers raised concerns that the coffee business was not profitable due to the money they spent buying fertilizers. The government of Rwanda injected Rwf 5 billion in the coffee business over the last year to support farmers who incurred unnecessary costs.”

Dr. Mukeshimana said that penetrating new markets will be the solution to boosting the value of tea and coffee. “We currently have Alibaba market and with the partnership between RDB and PSG, we expect to make strides in the agricultural sector and bring our tea and coffee brands to an international standard.”

A “Semaine du Rwanda à Paris” (Rwanda Week in Paris) event will be organized to promote “Made in Rwanda”. A number of fashion, art and lifestyle collaborations will also be launched over the next months and young and eco-responsible luxury brands will join forces with Visit Rwanda and PSG in exciting tripartite collaborations.
Only Rwandan tea and coffee brands will be sold at Parc des Princes Stadium.

As part of the partnership, Paris Saint-Germain will support young Rwandan footballers to reach their full potential by organizing training programmes for both coaches and youth, enabling access to the expertise offered by France’s most successful football club.

RDB recently announced that a previous partnership with Arsenal FC bore earnings amounting to €36 million (Rwf 36 billion)

Coffee plays a major role in the economic development of Rwanda. In 2018, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) announced that the country had exported 24,000 tons of coffee, earning $67million.

In 2019, NAEB expects to earn $75 million in coffee exports.
In 2018, Rwanda received more than 1.7 million tourists.

The project aimed at promoting a zero-carbon future where people and goods can be transported by vehicles with the least carbon dioxide emissions.

The e-motorcycles use a battery swap model which can be used for 65 to 70 kilometers. Discharged batteries are replaced at Ampersand stations at Rwandex, Nyabugogo, and Kimironko.

Ampersand which deals in electric vehicles and charging systems currently employs 20 drivers who give to Ampersand Rwf 37,500 of the total amount they have earned over the week.

Emmanuel Hakizimana, Ampersand Country Manager in Rwanda told IGIHE that ampersand received 7000 applications of people who want to operate the e-motorcycles but that their objective is having at least 500 moto riders by the end of 2020.

Hakizimana said that besides noise cancellation features and other advanced technology features surpassing many other models in performance, the e-motorcycles use an automatic transmission easing the rider’s experience.

“Ampersand motorcycles have recorded better performance due to their automatic transmission and advanced technologies used in the manufacturing process.”

Hakizimana said that Ampersand motorcycles are a solution to climate change caused by pollution.

A 2017 report by REMA showed that cars, motorcycles and charcoal and wood smokes contributed to the release of more greenhouse gases. The report also showed that 95.2% of cars in Rwanda were manufactured more than 10 years ago. 56.6% were manufactured before 1999 while 77.2% were manufactured before 2000.

Gasago Venuste, one of Ampersand drivers has been using the e-motorcycle for 5 months now. He said that he has made more earnings since he started using the e-motorcycle compared to using a fuel-powered motorcycle.

“For a liter of fuel which costs Rwf 1070, a motorcycle rides for 45 kilometers while for Rwf 940, Ampersand motorcycles can go for 60 to 70 kilometers. With only one battery, I earn Rwf 5000 while I couldn’t exceed Rwf 3500 per liter of fuel in the past.”
Turatsinze Emmanuel who uses Ampersand as well said he would never dream using fuel-powered motorcycles again.

“Ampersand was a life-changing tool and I can never go back to using fuel again.”

Despite all the praises Ampersand motorcycles have received, users suggest batteries should be empowered to support more kilometers given that there are just a few stations where the batteries can be swapped.

Ntawukirasongwa Jean Marie Vianney who uses a fuel-powered motorcycle says it would be hard to switch to Ampersand since there are just a few stations for swapping batteries. Maniriho Gerard also agreed that there is a risk the motorcycle could switch itself off anytime.

Regarding the issue, Hakizimana said that Ampersand is working to bring more solutions to allow a seamless experience to riders.

”We are working on establishing more stations across Kigali but considering the number of drivers we currently employ, the available stations are enough.”

The Ministry of Health in Rwanda reports that every year, 3 million patients suffer from respiratory problems among which 13% were affected by air pollution.

Humberto Tan, a presenter on RTL 4 (Radio Télévision Luxembourg 4), the most-watched commercial station in Luxembourg, is also an amateur photographer, with 378,000 followers on Instagram.

Basing on his tremendous popularity and followership, the Rwandan embassy in the Netherlands in partnership with Rwanda Development Board invited him for a visit to Rwanda as part of the Visit Rwanda campaign to help raise awareness of the country’s stunning beauty to the people who follow him.

Following the invitation, Humberto Tan visited Rwanda on January 15, 2020. He was impressed by a number of Rwandan features and culture.

“What amazed me is how gorillas stay humble regardless of how strong they are. The male gorilla, Silverback, controls everything and is always ready to fight whichever thing that might attack its family. We had a walk of two hours and a half trekking the gorillas, and seeing them was worth it.”

His followers on social media, too, were amazed at his trip. One wrote: “So good! You are so lucky to have had this trip. Now, you can remove it from your list of things you set to accomplish in your lifetime.”

Another one wrote: “Is it really true you saw them eye to eye in daylight? Your pictures are beautiful.”

Rwanda’s ambassador in the Netherlands, Jean Pierre Karabaranga had this to say about Humberto’s visit: “Visit Rwanda campaign has gotten popular in the Netherlands. Since its inception, we opened a diversity of offices to market it. Also, in 2019, we organized different trips of Dutch media personalities and tourism private companies who came to visit Rwanda.”

“Apart from what Humberto Tan put on his social media, there is another story about Visit Rwanda that appeared on the cover page of De Telegraaf [the largest Dutch daily morning newspaper.] From January 16 to January 19, Visit Rwanda is attending the Vakantiebeurs, a major tourism and leisure fair in the Netherlands, taking place in Utrecht.”

He said that they received delegates from Rwanda including representatives of Rwanda Development Board, RwandAir, Amahoro Tours, Heritage Travel, Palast Tours & Travel, and Wildlife Tours Rwanda.

The ambassador also said that they worked with an adventure company Untamed Travellers to receive 200 private individuals and media people on their Visit Rwanda stand.

The pass-out was held at the Canine Brigade headquarters in Masoro, Gasabo District and presided over by Commissioner for Training and Development in Rwanda National Police (RNP), Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti.

Also passed out are 25 new sniffer dogs, which were acquired last month from the Police Dogs Centre Holland in the Netherlands.

The dogs initially trained in detecting explosives and narcotic drugs in The Netherlands, had to undergo similar drills to familiarize them with their new handlers to enhance operability.

CP Niyonshuti thanked the course participants, the facilitators and the Canine brigade for the successful completion of the training.

He also commended the canine specialists for the important role they play in supplementing national safety and security.

“We all know that the primary responsibility of the Police and other security organs is to make sure that there is peace and security in the country as they are the pre-condition for sustainable development. You play a significant role in ensuring that security,” CP Niyonshuti said.

He, however, reminded participants that the criminal landscape is becoming more complex and challenging, especially with criminals taking advantage of advancement of technology.

“Criminals are dynamic, they are now using technology; capacity building must be the priority to ensure we always stay many steps ahead. The course you have completed today fits well in that objective,” CP Niyonshuti added.

He emphasized that RNP will continue to invest in capacity building, acquire more dogs and expand areas of specialization such as apprehension and attack dogs.

CP Niyonshuti said the force will continue to upgrade its Canine Brigade infrastructure including training facilities and developing a dog breeding center.

Andres Isaksson, the trainer from the Police Dogs Centre Holland commended trainees’ discipline and commitment observed during the training. He, however, reminded them to keep on training themselves and do more research about K9 for better performance of their daily duties.

The one-month intensive training covered key areas such as; vehicle searching, luggage search, boxes and open area search, obedience and dog behavior among others.

The campaign that resumed on Tuesday covered 62 schools in the 36th week of the year-long campaign.

It follows a similar education programme conducted in October last year, which covered other 649 other schools in different parts of the country. The campaign intends to cover all schools across the country.

While addressing more than 1, 200 students of Groupe Scolaire Kimironko II, in Gasabo District, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Irene Umuhozari, the District Political and Civic Education Officer (DPCEO) for Gasabo reminded the students to beware of road traffic regulations and use the road responsibly to avoid being hit by vehicles, motorcycles, and cyclists or causing accident.

“You know that accidents take people’s lives, majority the young people of your age; that’s a loss to families and the country,” CIP Umuhozari said.

“Observe while crossing the road; stop, look left, right and left before crossing. The major cause of accidents especially those involving pedestrians and students like you, in particular, is carelessness and lack of full attention when using or crossing the road. ”

CIP Umuhozari emphasized “observation” as the key to avoiding causing or being involved in an accident.

The DPCEO told the students to safely use pedestrian walkways where they exist, not to play in the middle of the road and to always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Françoise Furaha, the Headmistress of G.S Kimironko II, lauded RNP for educating their students on how to use the road or move in the car safely.

“We are so privileged to have police officers today teaching us and students because there are so many things we ignore or don’t know when using the road but now at least they have found some light on them,” said Furaha.

“This campaign comes at the right time, after this session we will keep on teaching and reminding them how to use the road with no risks,” she added.

The year-long campaign dubbed ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ launched in May 2019 is meant to develop and implement sustainable road safety strategies and programs, increase road safety awareness towards mindset change to prevent road carnage.

The initiative was started by Team Type 1 Foundation, an initiative which supports diabetes patients to better manage their diseases through appropriate diet, exercise, treatment, and technology.

Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health in charge of Public Health and Primary Health Care said that the Government of Rwanda has doubled efforts in preventing and fighting the prevalence of diabetes and avails appropriate treatment to diabetes patients across the country.

He said that the Ministry of Health prioritizes fighting against diabetes and other non-communicable diseases and their consequences.

Bernard Brisolier, business unit CEO at ABBOTT Diabetes Care said “We are happy to introduce this initiative in Rwanda and support diabetes patients throughout their disease. Hopefully, we can contribute to increasing their life expectancy.”

Phil Southerland, Team Type 1 founder commended ABBOTT for the life-saving initiative. Team Type 1 Foundation has been operating in Rwanda for 10 years now with the support of Tour du Rwanda team.

ABBOTT has been helping African communities including Rwanda lead healthier lives and partnered with the Ministry of Health in 2019 to start 8 health posts in Bugesera district.

A research made in 2014 showed that 3% of Rwandans suffer from diabetes including 2000 with Type 1 diabetes.

The government of Rwanda has doubled efforts in fighting against diabetes by providing easy access to medication for patients and informing the public about healthy habits to adopt to prevent the disease.

ABBOTT promotes healthy living across the world and employs a team of 103,000 assigned to 160 countries who provide health services and advice.

Since the beginning of November 2019, Rwanda has increasingly experienced heavy rains, affecting most parts of the country. The most affected districts are Ngororero, Nyabihu, Nyamasheke and Rusizi in Western province, Musanze and Rulindo in Northern Province, and Gisagara in the Southern province. The farmers who were reimbursed had subscribed for crops and livestock insurance.

In Gisagara district, four sectors were affected, namely Mamba, Gishubi, Kansi, and Muganza, with maximum recorded rainfall at 35.6mm. On Thursday, January 16th, 2020, farmers from Gisagara district received Rwf 13,538,112 for their damaged crops.
As for cattle owners, 59 cows died during the floods and so far, 51 were reimbursed with Rwf 35,700,000. 4000 livestock are currently insured across the country.

Livestock insurance covers domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses as well as barns, stables, and other farm structures, farm personal property like grain, hay and machinery, the farm dwelling, and household property.

Damages are still being assessed across the country but so far, Rwf 13,538,112 for 108 hectares of rice damaged during November rains have been reimbursed in Gisagara district.

Rice farmers from Gisagara district have formed three cooperatives. Farmers from Musha, Kiri marshlands, Nyiramageni and Ngiryi have already been reimbursed.
Kayitsinga Azaria, one of the rice farmers in Gisagara says the loss was unimaginable but that they will be able to recover from the damages as they have been reimbursed.

“All 46 hectares of rice I had cultivated were damaged during the floods. I am very happy about the reimbursement I have received and I will be able to recover from the loss I incurred.”

Nshimiyimana Evariste, Ngiryi Cooperative president called upon farmers who have not yet insured their livestock and farms to do so just to avoid loss brought by unexpected floods.

“Beans, tomatoes, cassavas and plantain should be insured since we have all seen how unpredictable the climate can be.”

Habineza Jean Paul, Gisagara Vice Mayor in charge of economic development recommended all farmers in Gisagara District to insure their crops and livestock.

“Crops including rice, corn, plantain, beans, and cassavas as well as livestock should be insured in anticipation of the effects of climate change.”

Marion Nirere Mulindwa, MINAGRI SPIU Coordinator said that MINAGRI has in its responsibilities to inform and recommend to farmers the best livestock and crop insurance covers.

“A portion of next year’s national budget has been allocated to the insurance of more crops including sweet potatoes, cassavas, Irish potatoes, soybeans, chili, and vegetables. We have also planned for livestock insurance including pigs and poultry. We intend to inform all farmers across the country about the benefits of livestock and crop insurance.”

In Rwanda, 2500 farmers have registered for insurance for 1775 hectares of land while 4000 are registered for livestock insurance. Farmers across the country have been sensitized to insure their livestock and crops to counter the effects of climate change.

MINAGRI started offering livestock and crop insurance in April 2019 and partners with insurers such as Radiant, Sonarwa, and Prime.

The team captains of Right Guard Cricket Club, Telugu Royals Cricket Club, and Tamil Lions Cricket Club received their jerseys from Peeush Pillai, Unimoni Rwanda Country Head, in the presence of Emmanuel Byiringiro, General Manager of RCA, Unimoni officials and other club members, at a handover ceremony held recently at Gahanga International Stadium. The clubs will don the Unimoni-sponsored jerseys for the 2020 season.

Speaking at the event, Peeush Pillai, Managing Director and Country Head of Unimoni Rwanda, said, “We are excited to sponsor jerseys for the three cricket clubs, enabling them to wear their colors with pride for the 2020 season. Sports is a great way to bring people together and we are proud that Unimoni plays a key role in nurturing young and upcoming cricketing talent in Rwanda and building connected communities. We wish the teams the best of luck for this year’s tournaments and we look forward to all the cricketing action.”

Emmanuel Byiringiro, General Manager at Rwanda Cricket Association, said, “Unimoni has been a trusted partner for the Rwanda Cricket Association for the past six years. Thanks to their support, we are able to increase cricket’s popularity in the country and develop local talent. And now with this generous contribution of jerseys by Unimoni, the teams need not worry about suiting up and can concentrate on having a good season.”

Unimoni, a renowned global provider of money transfer, foreign currency exchange and payment solutions, has been the title sponsor of RCA Premier League for the past six years in Rwanda. The brand has a culture of promoting sports across the world, including the Asia Cup 2018 in the UAE and the National T20 Cup in Uganda.

On Thursday evening, January 16th, 2020, Makuza headed to Comoros with a team of 40 observers from the African Union to assess the conduct in the election process on the basis of national legislation and international election standards.

Although the elections are scheduled on January 19th, a second phase will be scheduled on January 23rd if necessary. Makuza was elected on request of the AU based on the reputation of Rwanda for conducting unbiased elections and avoiding electoral fraud.

Election observers are usually selected among ambassadors of countries in the AU based in Ethiopia, independent parties especially individuals working in humanitarian organizations, parliament members and other officials in the AU.

In a one-on-one interview with IGIHE, Makuza thanked President Kagame for entrusting him with the responsibility and commended his exemplary leadership when he was the chairman of the AU in 2018.

“I am honored for this new assignment and thank President Kagame for trusting me to represent Rwanda once again.”

Among the 40 observers are another Rwandan who will be coming from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

The last legislative elections were held in Comoros on January 25th, 2015, alongside local elections. The Union for the Development of Comoros (UPDC) emerged as the largest party, winning eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly of the Union.
Comoros is led by President Azali Assoumani since 2016.

Parliamentary elections will also take place in Chad, Mali, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Comoros, Egypt, Somalia, Liberia, and Gabon.

The law states that owners of more than one residential house are subject to property tax. The sources of revenue and property of decentralized entities, commonly known as property taxes are calculated based on the value of the property, the location, the access to public services in the area the property is located in, or the purpose the property will serve for.

Previous studies indicated that top urban land tax bracket of Frw 80/square meters was very low compared to the real market values.

On January 10th, 2019, the cabinet approved the increase on tax for properties located in the City of Kigali and other developed cities across Rwanda especially in commercial suburbs. Owners of said properties were subjected to a higher tax rate compared to property owners in underdeveloped areas.

Properties located in the City of Kigali in commercial areas and which have access to public services will pay a property tax between Rwf 250 and Rwf 300 per square meter for a period of one year. Properties located in the City of Kigali but with no access to public infrastructures and services will be subject to Rwf 125 to Rwf 150 rate per square meter for a period of one year.

Properties located in residential, tourism and entertainment areas in Kigali will pay Rwf 200 to Rwf 250 per square meter whereas properties located in undeveloped plots of Kigali will attract taxes ranging from Rwf 100 to Rwf 150 per square meter.

The 2018 draft for the progressive tax regime which targets residential and commercial properties reads that “It will contribute to the mobilization of the resources needed to provide the basic infrastructure for economic growth and efficient services delivery.”

For cities surrounding Kigali including Muhanga, Rubavu, Musanze, Huye, Nyagatare, Karongi, Rusizi, Bugesera, Kamonyi, and Rwamagana, the property tax law states that owners will pay Rwf 100 to Rwf 140 per square meter for properties located in commercial and industrial areas and Rwf 50 to Rwf 100 per square meter in one year for properties located in touristic and entertainment hubs.

Another category includes underdeveloped cities such as Nyabihu, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe, Gatsibo, Ruhango, Nyanza, Burera, Ngororero, Gakenke, Nyaruguru, Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Rutsiro, and Nyamasheke.

In the aforementioned cities, owners will pay Rwf 8 to Rwf 15 per square meter per year for properties located in commercial and industrial areas while properties located in agricultural and cattle rearing areas will be charged Rwf 2 to Rwf 10 per square meter.

The new property taxes are expected to hugely boost domestic revenue which was estimated at 9.137 billion USD in 2017.