At the same occasion, Ngirente also launched of National Research and Innovation Fund which is part of the National Strategy for transformation 2017-2024.
By discussing on how to promote collaboration between the academia and industry, Ngirente said that the symposium will complement the efforts of the Government of Rwanda in identifying key thematic areas and corresponding strategies to support Rwanda’s drive to knowledge based economy.
“It will also advise on how as a country, can efficiently build research and innovation capacity taking academia and industry collaboration,” he said.
On National Research and Innovation Fund, Ngirente said that the fund comes at moment in which Rwanda is working towards becoming a competitive knowledge-based economy.
“The fund will serve as a major research funding vehicle through which the government of Rwanda will support research and research based innovation activities,” he said.
Ngirente said that the rationale behind is to address key needs and tap into identified opportunity towards national growth and competitiveness.
He said that the government will continue to support research and technology with particular emphasis to link young innovators with the labour market.
The Executive Secretary of National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), Prof. Manassé Mbonye said that they have been encountering challenges during the research process, but is optimistic that the fund will solve them.
“There are activities that should be in place to be able to use technologies and skills in national development. We should have a good plan of our requirement,” he said.
He said that they need to conduct research on climate change for them to normalize agriculture among other sectors of the economy of the country.
They are, however, credited for promoting financial inclusion in Rwanda from 21% in 2009 to 92% with 40% in Umurenge SACCO alone in 2018, making Rwanda top Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Prof. Jean Bosco Harelimana, the Director General of Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA).
He told IGIHE on Tuesday that slightly over Rwf700 million is still missing from Umurenge SACCO’s coffers after recovering Rwf1,027,504,492, adding that 100 cases involving the cooperatives’ staff and accomplices are pending in courts while 25 cases have been tried since last year.
With 535 outlets, Rwf66 billion savings and Rwf12 billion share capital currently, Umurenge SACCO employs 3,029 people and 45% are women.
Prof. Harelimana said that the Central Bank (BNR) and RCA embarked on an inspection last year which has reached 169 Umurenge SACCO’s outlets, pointing out malpractices with 125 filed to courts.
“The inspection pointed out many challenges in Umurenge SACCO’s operations. There is a high rate of fraud and embezzlement; poor management of loan and other financial products; high rate of non-performing loans; mismanagement of members’ funds that leads to mistrust; non-compliance with laws, policies and internal guidelines in place,” he said.
Umurenge SACCO non-performing loans’ rate is at 16% now and stood at 12.9% in 2017 yet BNR allows a maximum of 5%.
Prof. Harelimana added that the inspection is behind the many cases reported last month whereby two former employees of Ndego SACCO were sentenced to eight years in prison and fined with Rwf9,767,420, two arrested for either embezzling or mismanaging Rwf55.3 million of Murundi SACCO in Kayonza District and two Nemba SACCO employees arrested for either embezzling or mismanaging Rwf15,811,500, among other cases.
Those currently facing the justice also include local leaders, other opinion leaders in their communities and two RCA employees for involvement in Umurenge SACCO’s malpractices.
{{Computerisation, cooperative bank as a solution}}
Reiterating the importance of Umurenge SACCO in promoting Rwandans’ welfare, Prof. Harelimana said the government has decided to improve their operations and management by making services computerised and creating a cooperative bank to oversee the outlets’ operations around the country.
“There are serious loopholes in the operations because SACCO’s services are using analog methods, with handwritten records. It is easy for the tellers to intentionally record Rwf500,000 for someone who deposits Rwf5 million and steal the balance. Making SACCO computerised will solve this problem and we want to start a cooperative bank by 2020 which we can’t have with the current manual operations,” he said.
He said that RCA and BNR are doing data screening in Umurenge SACCO to collect data that will help with the computerisation of operations which will see the outlets consolidated to allow members access services wherever they are in the country.
The plan has been there for long but Prof. Harelimana said that they were disappointed by the contractor who had to develop the software but has failed and RCA terminated the contract last week.
“We are looking for other people who will give us home-grown solutions for SACCO. Software development may take a year and we shall, thereafter, start to put them in all outlets in 2019 to make a way for a cooperative bank. I encourage all citizens to use SACCO products to improve their livelihoods. There is no shortcut from poverty to wealth; these micro-finance institutions are the way to go for those with poor means,” noted Prof. Harelimana.
He assured Umurenge SACCO members of the security of their funds because all financial institutions are insured and cautioned those trying to embezzle the cooperative’s funds, saying that they will face the law.
Titled the ‘NASRwandAir Limited’, the joint venture will be the exclusive lounge management company at Kigali International Airport (KIA), according to Tuesday statement released by a media relations’ consulting firm in Africa and Middle East, APO Group on behalf of NAS.
In the agreement, NASRwandAir is tasked with the construction and development of two new lounges at KIA.
The RwandAir Dream Lounge dedicated to the airline’s premium passengers and an arrivals’ lounge.
The venture will also take over management of the existing NAS Pearl Lounge in the departures area which caters to other airline passengers as well.
“The NASRwandAir Joint Venture is part of many initiatives RwandAir is putting in place to upgrade its business class service across its value chain, from dedicated areas at its town offices to fast-track and quality services at airports, upgraded amenities and full-flat bed seats in our wide-bodied aircraft,” commented Yvonne Manzi Makolo, Chief Executive of RwandAir.
“Business class passengers are extremely important to us and we have chosen to partner with NAS due to their track record in delivering results to premier customers,” she added.
The different lounges at KIA offer arriving and departing passengers an opportunity to relax, refresh and enjoy a meal before heading out of the airport or onwards to other destinations, the statement says.
For those wishing to catch up on work, the lounges are also fully equipped with Wi-Fi and business services. NASRwandAir will also extend meet and assist services to passengers at the airport allowing for smoother passage through check-in and immigration processes.
“By partnering with RwandAir, one of Africa’s fastest growing airline, we have reaffirmed our commitment to the aviation sector in Rwanda. Rwanda, as a country has demonstrated remarkable development and is an important geography for NAS in Africa. As we grow our footprint in the region, we continue to drive efforts to bring high quality international services into the country and further contribute to its growth,” said Hassan El Houry, Group Chief Executive Officer of NAS.
Speaking at a media launch of the anniversary, Mr Bart Hofker, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer noted that the company entered the picture in 1998 as the first MTN Operating Company out of South Africa.
“MTN is a truly African company and brand, born in 1994 in post-Apartheid South Africa. In two decades, we have grown and innovated our business partnerships, served millions of customers and I can safely say that today MTN Rwanda is a solid fixture in Rwandan society,” he said.
When it started operations back in 1998 with less than 10 staff, 98% of who were expatriates, MTN Rwanda today boasts 300 permanent staff and over 60,000 agents whose livelihood depend on the company.
“We are a truly Rwandan employer. Currently, we have only four expatriates in our permanent staff of 300 and over 60,000 agents. If you look at the bigger picture and include their families as well, you could say that more than a quarter of a million people in Rwanda depend directly on MTN Rwanda as an employer. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. We are a family, the Y’ello family,” Hofker added.
MTN Rwanda will celebrate its 20th anniversary throughout 2018 with several commemorative events. These events will involve employees, communities, suppliers, shareholders and customers and reinforce its 20th anniversary theme of togetherness and giving back to the communities.
In response to the growing demand for convenient payment solutions in the country and to improve the efforts being made to make the economy a cashless one, MTN has kicked off the anniversary celebrations with MoMo offers, such as the reduction in MoMo tariffs. Customers can now send small amounts of money, even below Rwf100, with transfer fees that start from as low as Rwf3.
In another drive to push Rwanda’s ‘Going Cashless’ agenda, the company also introduced MoMoPay, a mobile money-based payment solution that enables merchants to easily accept payments from MoMo customers at zero charges.
Every year, MTN Rwanda allocates a 1% of the company’s profit after tax to initiatives in health, education, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and other national priorities determined in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda. One of these initiatives is the annual 21 Days Y’ello Care program, which this year is focusing on contributing to youth empowerment and education in ICT in Model Villages.
MTN’s 20th anniversary celebration is not so much a time simply for festivities but will involve reflecting on the evolution of the business and a view of prospects for the future.
According to Hofker, the company always strives for excellence to offer service models that are tailor-made to clients’ specific needs and thanked everyone who contributed to the growth of MTN in Rwanda.
“We thank Rwandans for the support that they have given us and appreciate the partnerships that we have forged. As we evolve, we will always maintain the highest standard of service and commitment to our customers, partners, associates, and vendors,” he said.
According to the Statement on Cabinet Decisions, the meeting that was Chaired by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente approved the budget valued at two trillion, four hundred forty three billion, five hundred thirty five million, eight hundred four thousand and three hundred eighty six Rwandan Francs (Rwf2,443,535,804,386).
Presenting the proposed Budget Framework Paper and the midterm budget estimates to Parliament for the fiscal year 2018/19, early May, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana said that the budget will be at Rwf2,443.5 billion, which is Rwf328.2 billion higher compared to Rwf2,115.3 billion in the 2017/18 budget.
The Cabinet Meeting also discussed need for improvement in the use of ICT devices in primary and secondary schools. Also discussed in the Cabinet Meeting is the ban on plastics as well as healthy and eco-friendly alternatives.
At a glittering function, held yesterday, at the Kohinoor Continental Hotel in Mumbai, India, Prof. Dr. Aftab Anwar Shaikh, President of Indo Global Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture commended the tremendous efforts which have been put in by Fernandes in marketing Remarkable Rwanda in India.
According to Shaikh, Fernandes has been awarded for promoting quality education and specifically for taking a multi-million dollar investment from India to Rwanda in the Education Sector and for promoting Accessible Tourism, thereby creating a vibrant and knowledge based community, even among differently abled.
In his acceptance speech Fernandes dedicated the award to Rwandans.
“I dedicate this award to the people of Rwanda and particularly to the Survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi who have worked tirelessly and against all odds to bring the country from where it was immediately after the Genocide, to where it has reached today, after twenty four years” he said.
Fernandes added that the resilience and fortitude of the Rwandan people made this possible.
Quoting President Paul Kagame Fernandes said that “We cannot turn the clock back, nor can we undo the harm caused. But we have the power to determine the future and to ensure that what happened never happens again,”
Rwanda Renaissance is laying great stress on promoting accessible tourism.
Once approved by the US President, the order issued May 30th shall become effective on the 61st day after its submission for review or upon the date of receipt of advice from the President or his designee.
{{Worth celebrating}}
Bonaventure Sinamenye, the Marketing Manager of ‘Show me Around Rwanda Safari’, a local private tour and travel company says allowing RwandAir US flights is a good step towards the success of the tourism sector.
“There are many prospects. An American who used to connect flights will now fly direct to Rwanda. It will spur services and get us many clients. Many of tourists we receive are Americans and British,” he considers.
Bonita Mutoni Chairperson of Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA) says that the new route is an opportunity to boost business for tour operators.
“The opening of this route comes as a great opportunity to boost business especially for tour operators as the USA is our number one source of tourists. This will make it easier for agents and tourists to choose Rwanda due to improved connectivity to the destination,” she says.
According to Sanny Ntayombya, the Head of Communications and Marketing at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), RwandAir’s direct flights to US will help Rwanda achieve the target receipts of $800 million by 2024.
“By serving the US market, Rwandair is enabling the growth of not only the country’s tourism industry, but its exports as well. Currently, the US is our largest tourism market and with Rwandair’s direct flights, we shall become even more accessible to this essential tourism market. We aim to double our tourism earnings from $404 million in 2017 to $800 million by 2024. This move by Rwandair will support this goal. Secondly, our exporters will be able to ensure that our products are shipped to the US faster and more affordably,” he says.
{{Government welcome the development}}
The State Minister for Transport in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye said that RwandAir’s US route is a blessing to air transport.
“Rwanda is a landlocked country; this means that we need to use air transport in connecting with other countries across the World. In terms of tourism as high end sector, we receive many tourists from US, so this move will facilitate their inflow. Rwandans will also easily travel to US and other parts of the American continent. Our country has preferred to develop air transportation in the seven-year government programme as a development accelerator,” he explained.
Once RwandAir is fully authorized, according to the Order by US, will be able to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail from points behind Rwanda via Rwanda and intermediate points to a point or points in the United States and beyond.
It will also engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of property and mail between the United States and any point or points among other services.
The signed document includes a pledge from Mr Kim to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.
Mr Trump later said the US would suspend its military exercises that have infuriated North Korea, which analysts see as an apparent concession.
It was the first time a sitting US president met a North Korean leader.
The pair shook hands, held talks together and ate lunch accompanied by advisers.
It caps a remarkable turnaround for the two, who only last year were engaged in angry threats.
{{What did they agree?}}
The summit centred on nuclear disarmament and reducing tensions.
The agreement said the two countries would co-operate towards “new relations” while the US would provide “security guarantees” to North Korea.
On nuclear weapons, Mr Kim “reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula”.
Observers say the document lacks substance, in particular on how denuclearisation would be achieved.
But in a media conference after, Mr Trump went further, unveiling details not in the agreed text.
• The US would suspend its “provocative” war games it holds with South Korea, he said, while he added he wanted to see US troops withdrawn from the South. Analysts have said this is a major concession
• On denuclearisation, he said that Mr Kim had agreed to it being “verified”, a key US demand ahead of the meeting
• Mr Trump said Mr Kim had also agreed to destroy a “major missile engine testing site”
• But he said sanctions would remain in place for now, and argued “we haven’t given up anything”.
Several reporters asked whether Mr Trump had raised the issue of human rights with Mr Kim, who runs a totalitarian regime with extreme censorship and forced-labour camps.
The US president said he had, and would not retract his description of Mr Kim as “talented”.
“Well, he is very talented,” Mr Trump said. “Anybody that takes over a situation like he did at 26 years of age and is able to run it and run it tough. I don’t say he was nice.”
Nduhungirehe was speaking yesterday in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi commemoration event that brought together members of diplomatic corps in Kigali.
The event was organized under the theme, ‘The contribution of the International Community in Peace building, Justice and Reconciliation in Post-Genocide Rwanda’
Nduhungirehe called upon diplomatic corps to help in revealing the truth including archives about the genocide against the Tutsi different governments keep.
“The truth would help to continue to remember the genocide and to prevent the future generations from falling back in such errors,” he said.
He called upon advocacy from members of the diplomatic corps so that countries shielding genocide suspects would arrest them and face justice.
“We hope that you have visited different genocide memorials around the country and have discussed with genocide survivors and learnt its effects. We hope advocacy from you,” he said.
He called upon international communities to act on Theodor Meron and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)’s early release of genocide convicts.
“We call upon the states and international organisations you are representing to step up efforts in stopping the decisions by Theodor Meron which encourage impunity than good justice. Early release of genocide masterminds is abusing international justice,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of National Commission for the Fight Against the Genocide (CNLG), Jean Damascène Bizimana said that international organisations failed to act against the genocide as proven by different documents of before and after the genocide.
In his remarks, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps and South African High Commissioner to Rwanda George Nkosinati Twala requested foreign envoys to join hand with Rwandans in fighting the genocide ideology.
“The time for breaking the silence has come. The culture of impunity will not continue unchallenged,” he said.
He said that countries should stand against the deniers and trivializers of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi.
“We should arrest and extradite to Rwanda genocide suspects, it is worthwhile that some countries have started to act on it,” he said.
“Ivan Minnaert is no longer the head coach. He has been dismissed due to poor results and issues that have arisen in the dressing room for some days,” the club’s website statement reads.
The club website says the assistant coaches have also been indefinitely suspended.
“Assistant coaches Romami Marcel and Jeannot Watakenge have been indefinitely suspended.”
Yesterday, the trio did not participate in the team’s drills as only goalkeepers’ coach Ramadhani Nkunzingoma was present.
Last week, Rayon Sports lost the game between Amagaju FC and players immediately filed a complaint to the club’s president Paul Muvunyi requesting him to sack coach Minnaert.
In the letter, players were accusing the coach of being behind poor results and cultivating misunderstanding in the club.
The development follows weekend two-week suspension of the team Captain, Eric Ndayishimiye commonly known as Bakame over what they called betrayal of the team.
Minnaert is fired only two months after signing a one-year and half contract that would end in June 2019.
