Author: John Mbaraga

Led by Manabu Horii, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs met the president Wednesday in Kigali and was briefed about investment opportunities available in Rwanda.

“There has been a good relationship between Japan and Rwanda, we are trying to increase the private sector involvement to back the intentions of leaders and our people in achieving development objectives,” he said.

“We are not afraid of leapfrogging in Rwanda. We want to take advantage of technologies Japan has, where we can. We are not saying if we are not starting from the bottom and move slowly then we will not move. We do both. We try to narrow the gap as fast as we can,” Kagame noted.

Speaking to the press after the discussions, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi said that the investors were attracted by Rwanda being a fast-developing country.

In the discussions with President Kagame, Akamanzi said that they focused on ICT as priority area.

“The Japanese delegation is very strong in ICT and that is an area that we see Japan can contribute to Rwanda’s growth plan. ICT as you know is a very big priority for us in Rwanda, Japan has capacity and already they have demonstrated that capacity by one of the investor investing in the country. So, we have really focused on ICT as a key area,” Akamanzi said.

She added that they also discussed other infrastructure opportunities like urbanization, waste management and treatment among others.

Tuesday, RDB met the delegation where, according to Akamanzi, they discussed agriculture as an area of interest as well as presenting with them industrial parks as the places they can invest their money.
Japanese Manabu said that their government seeks to support the private sector in creating opportunities for investments.

“As you may know, Rwanda is one of the most attractive countries for Japanese companies and I think that we have already built good relationship based on trust; the government of Japan seeks to support the private sector to promote more opportunities for investment,” he said.

Through the partnership with RDB, Andela will support the country’s ICT goals by supporting the development of Rwandan and other talents from across the continent.

According to Andela co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Johnson, Kigali was chosen as Andela’s first Pan-African hub due to its strong existing infrastructure, technological excellence and ease of access for developers across the continent.

“Our partnership with the Government of Rwanda is a new model for Andela, and we are thrilled to have found a partner whose mission is so closely aligned with our own; to grow and sustain a Pan-African elite tech workforce. In Kigali, we have found a location that makes travel to-and-from other African countries seamless and also has the modern and connected infrastructure we require to collaborate with a global workforce,” he said.

In turn, RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi, noted that Andela has an important role to play in ensuring that Rwanda’s ICT goals are met.

“We are delighted to partner with Andela to build the next generation of technology leaders who will lead innovation in Kigali and beyond. Through partnerships, such as the one we are announcing today, we are accelerating Kigali’s growth as a global technology hub while also advancing skills development and employment opportunities for young, talented Africans”, she said.

According to RDB, applications to the hub will be open to candidates from any African country looking to jumpstart a global career in software development.

Andela will open applications for the first developer cohort in August 2018 and open its Kigali tech campus in December 2018.

The activity took place in Bugesera Tuesday before Narendra concluded his two-day State Visit in Rwanda.

Accompanied by President Paul Kagame and other senior government officials, Narendra visited the village and donated the hybrid cows in line with supporting Rwanda Girinka (One cow per family programme).

“Got a glimpse of rural life in Rwanda during the memorable visit to Rweru Model Village. I thank President Paul Kagame for accompanying me. Gifted 200 cows to villagers who do not yet own one, as a part of the Rwandan Government’s Girinka Programme,” Narendra said on twitter.

He added “the Girinka Programme is helping transform the lives of people across rural Rwanda. I also told President Paul Kagame about the initiatives we are taking in India for the development of our villages.”

Before visiting Rweru Model Village, Narendra visited Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Before winding up his visit, Narendra joined Indian business leaders and their Rwandan counterparts at the India-Rwanda Business Forum.

{{Pictures by Moise Niyonzima}}

Narendra visited the memorial on Tuesday before travelling to Bugesera District, Eastern Province where he donated 200 cows to families living in Rweru Model Village.

The Indian leader toured different parts of the memorial to thoroughly understand the history of the genocide in Rwanda. He also laid a wreath on the mass graves in honouring over 250,000 victims laid to rest in the memorial.

On his twitter handle, Narendra commended the path of peace that Rwandans embarked on after the genocide.

“Visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The path of peace and brotherhood embraced by Rwanda after the unfortunate genocide of 1994 is commendable,” Narendra said.

Starting his visit yesterday, Narendra held discussions with President Paul Kagame in Village Urugwiro and witnessed the signing of seven agreements between Rwanda and India.

He also met Indian community in Rwanda where he hailed their contribution to Rwanda-India relations.

“Wonderful interaction with the Indian diaspora in Rwanda. In every part of the world, the Indian diaspora is distinguishing itself and making us proud of their accomplishments. Rwanda’s Indian community is a very positive influence on the India-Rwanda friendship,” Narendra said on twitter.

Narendra visit is considered as historical visit as is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Rwanda.

The change was announced yesterday in Kigali when REB was presenting certificates to students who completed high school in 2016 academic year to school head teachers.

In 2005, the Government of Rwanda had restructured the calendar and academic year was set to start in January instead of September.

The move was aimed at linking the calendar with that of the East African Community member countries.

However, the calendar was continually criticized by parents, students and the Catholic Church saying that it affects concentration of students during the dry season.

In an interview with IGIHE, REB Director General, Dr Irénée Ndayambaje said that the government has taken into consideration the concerns of people and decided to review the calendar.

“The Government of Rwanda took the matter into consideration and the assessment has revealed that Primary and Secondary School year calendar would be corresponding to that of University. The year starting from January has different challenges, like in July and August, children are affected by sunny period,” he explained.

He said that academic calendar review requires carefulness, a reason why they set long period to avoid consequences that may follow.

“As you know, it may affect our curriculum. We are considering how we could implement it steadily by reducing holidays. In 2019, first term may commence at January 7th, while it used to commence in the third week. This means that holidays will take short period,” he explained.

He said that 2019 academic year is likely to end in October for them to secure ample period for national examinations, marking and orientation of primary and secondary school’s ordinary level students.

Collège George Fox de Kagarama Head Teacher, Aaron Mupende welcomed the move saying that it favors people’s financial means.

“Take an example, this year, the dry season started at the end of May, students are not well focused due to sunny period. Another advantage is that the dry spell is harvesting season, enabling farmers afford school fees and requirements,” he explained.

Academic year calendar review is one of the resolutions made in the 2017 national dialogue in line with promoting education in Rwanda.

The agreement was signed yesterday between different officials from the Government of Rwanda and that of India and was witnessed by President Paul Kagame and India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

The signing ceremony took place at Village Urugwiro before both Heads of States held a joint press conference.

$100 million of the loan will go to construct infrastructure activities in Bugesera and Rwamagana Special Economic Zones as well as expansion of Kigali Special Economic Zone.

The rest $100 million will go to three irrigation projects. The two countries also signed agreements in defence and trade cooperation, memorandum of understanding in agricultural and animal resources among others.

Addressing the media, President Kagame said that the signed agreements will focus on collaboration in priority areas.

“Our two countries have similar ambitions for the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. We appreciate India’s support to Rwanda’s development agenda. The agreements signed today will serve to further focus collaboration on priority area,” Kagame said.

Kagame hailed Indian business delegation which accompanied Prime Minister, saying that both countries’ private sectors will discuss the prospects for collaboration at a business summit that is scheduled Tuesday (today).

“The African Continental Free Trade Area will provide even greater opportunities for investment and trade between Africa and India in the years ahead,” Kagame said.

India’s Narendra said hailed Rwanda’s development journey 24 years after the Genocide that was perpetrated against the Tutsi. He promised India’s contribution to Rwanda’s continued development journey.

India looks to open an embassy in Rwanda and High Commissioner based in Kigali. Narendra said that the move will ease services.

“The proposed opening of the Indian High Commission in Rwanda augurs well for our countries. The bond will deepen and various consular services will also be easily available,” he said.

The first time for an Indian Prime Minister to visit Rwanda, Narendra was accompanied by a delegation of business people.

In his welcome remarks, Kagame thanked Narendra for bringing a business delegation which he said, is a demonstration of India’s desire to boost trade and investment between both countries.

“As we work on implementing our ‘Made in Rwanda’ initiative, we welcome further Indian investment, especially in manufacturing, where India has great experience and know-how,” Kagame noted.

Rwanda is already home to significant Indian investments in the medical sector, and according to the Head of State, Rwanda is keen to attract further investments and drawing on India’s renowned medical expertise.

“The recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area provides a larger, more robust market to tap into. We hope that India will take full advantage of this more unified African market,” Kagame said.

“India’s global leadership is also greatly valued in Africa, notably on technology, innovation and international peacekeeping. Rwanda working with other African countries, we are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration in these and other areas,” Kagame added.

Today, Narendra travels to Bugesera District, Eastern Province for donating 200 cows to people living in Rweru Model Village.

Kagame thanked Narendra for the gesture. “Thank you for your generous contributions in many aspects of our development and for a particular gift which is under our Girinka Programme,”

In bilateral talks and press conference at Village Urugwiro, Kagame said that the two countries share similar ambitions for the prosperity and well-being of citizens.

We appreciate India’s support to Rwanda’s development agenda. The agreements signed today will serve to further focus collaboration on priority areas.

Kagame said that Rwanda looks forward to welcoming the new High Commissioner of India the first with residence in Kigali adding that it will strengthen the existing good bilateral relationship.

On the global stage, Kagame said that Rwanda and India share a commitment to peace and security as major troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Premier Narendra said that hailed both countries’ partnership in different sectors.

“It is a matter of great joy that India and Rwanda are working together in areas like technology, infrastructure, finance, rural development and technology. Today’s talks will further boost ties in these sectors,” Narendra said.

The signing event took place Monday in Kigali as Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame received President Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Urugwiro village for bilateral talks.

The signed agreements include visa waiver for diplomatic and service passports holders and the implementation plan for 2018-2020 under the agreement of culture and scientific cooperation.

The two countries also signed the agreement on strengthening cooperation in investment and the memorandum of understanding on e-commerce cooperation.

Rwanda and China also signed among others the agreement relating to civil air transport, agreement on law enforcement cooperation and memorandum of understanding on human resource development cooperation.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Kagame said that Rwanda appreciates the contribution of China to her development and that of Africa in many areas that are important to citizens.

“We look forward to building more partnerships and gaining from China’s experience and capacity in many fields,” he said.

Speaking in a joint press conference, Kagame said he was happy to witness the signing ceremony and commitment in many bilateral agreements between China and Rwanda.

“I look forward to more cooperation and deepening of our bilateral relationships in different field of development, working together not only bilaterally but also on the global scene and supporting cooperation between China and Africa. The signing of bilateral agreements speaks for itself for what is possible between our two countries and between China and the continent of Africa,” Kagame reiterated.

Speaking to the press, Jinping praised Rwanda’s security and stability.

“This is my first overseas trip since my election and Rwanda is an important stop. I have seen a vibrant and well-organised country that is making good progress in development. I wish to extend to President Kagame and people of Rwanda our heartfelt congratulations,” he said.

“I am here this time with the aim to consolidate traditional friendship between China and Rwanda and to work to plan for the future of our bilateral relations and dynamic relations between China and Africa and to see together how our beneficial cooperation can yield more fruits and our people have more gains,” he added.

He said that the signed agreements come to take shared oriented cooperation to higher level.

Jinping said that he and Kagame see important opportunities in strengthening further their cooperation.

“We must look at the angle of bilateral relationship, continuing to build political mutual trust and firmly supporting each other in continuing along the path that feats our respective nationals’ realities and continue to support each other’s core interests and major concerns,” he added.

Jinping emphasized the need to strengthening and expanding cooperation in culture, education, healthcare and human resource development among other areas.

Jinping who arrived in Rwanda yesterday will among other activities visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest there.

He will also meet Chinese community in Rwanda.

Over the last 12 years, according to the Government of Rwanda, 61 investment projects and joint ventures worth US$ 419.556 million have been registered from China. The actual investments are estimated at US$352.581 million in tourism, mining and construction sectors.