Since launching incentives for EV use in 2020, the country has seen steady growth in their numbers, with more than 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles now registered on its roads.
Auto24, a prominent car dealership in Rwanda, plays a key role in this transition by importing and supplying electric vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and support sustainable mobility.
On December 20, 2025, Auto24 handed over eight brand-new BYD Yuan Up electric SUVs to Kimu Transport, a local passenger transport company.
The BYD Yuan Up, launched in 2025, is a compact crossover SUV designed for urban and everyday driving. It offers an impressive range of up to 403 kilometers on a single charge.
Charging times vary by charger type, with fast charging capable of replenishing the battery in as little as 30 minutes, or a full charge taking up to six hours with standard equipment.
Inside, the vehicle features modern technology, including a spacious and stylish cabin, a 12-inch (30.48 cm) touchscreen infotainment system, and intuitive controls accessible directly from the steering wheel.
It also includes a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle, along with other advanced safety and convenience features.
AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza noted that the company had previously supplied hybrid vehicles to Kimu Transport two months earlier. This latest delivery marks a shift to fully electric models in support of global efforts to combat climate change.
“We are fulfilling our commitment to Kimu Transport by delivering these cutting-edge 2025 electric vehicles,” Ruzibiza said.
He emphasized that the Yuan Up not only helps protect the environment but also offers significant savings for operators, thanks to its 403-kilometer range.
Jean Pierre Nkunziryayo, CEO of Kimu Transport, explained that the purchase aligns with the company’s pledge to support the government’s program to retire older, high-emission vehicles.
“Our strong partnership with the government has evolved positively. In the past, we faced criticism for operating aging, polluting buses. Now, with these modern electric vehicles, we are actively contributing to environmental protection,” he said.
He highlighted the operational benefits, adding that the vehicles deliver both environmental and financial advantages.
“A full charge, costing just Rwf 26,000, provides a 403-kilometer range—far more economical than the Rwf 165,000 we previously spent on fuel for gasoline vehicles.”
Minister Murangwa explained that Rwanda’s approach to foreign borrowing focuses on securing favorable loan terms to support sustainable development.
One of the key factors in this strategy is ensuring that loans come with extended grace periods. In some cases, these grace periods last more than five years before repayment begins, making the loans easier to manage. Additionally, many loans offered to Rwanda come with low-interest rates, making repayment more feasible.
“When we take loans for agricultural investment, we receive favorable loan terms, including grace periods of up to six years before repayments start. The project can be implemented within two to three years, which means by the time we begin repayment, the project is already generating returns,” he noted.
Rwanda’s long-term loans, particularly those linked to infrastructure and development projects, are structured to allow ample time for repayment.
Minister Murangwa emphasized that the repayment periods for some loans extend up to 40 years, with some projects having a five-year grace period before repayments begin. Furthermore, the interest rates are remarkably low, sometimes as low as 1%, 2%, or even 0%.
Long repayment periods and low-interest rates are crucial for ensuring that the country manages these loans effectively and invests in key development areas without putting undue pressure on state finances.
When taking on foreign loans, Rwanda evaluates three key factors to ensure they do not become a financial burden. According to the Minister, these include selecting the right projects for investment, ensuring the successful execution of these projects, and negotiating favorable loan terms.
“By making informed decisions on projects and securing favorable terms, we can confidently manage our foreign loans,” he stated.
Minister Murangwa also reassured that Rwanda is in a strong position financially and faces no difficulties in repaying its loans. In fact, in November 2025, S&P Global awarded Rwanda a B+ rating for its ability to repay long-term loans and a B rating for short-term repayment.
Rwanda’s national debt remains manageable. As of 2024, Rwanda’s foreign loans amounted to Rwf 11.846 billion, which represents 80.1% of the country’s total loans. The largest share of these loans consists of concessional loans, totaling Rwf 10.392 billion.
These loans are primarily sourced from institutions like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, totaling Rwf 8.885 billion.
While concessional loans make up the majority of Rwanda’s foreign debt, a smaller portion is from commercial loans, which amount to 9.8% of the total, or Rwf 1.454 billion. Some state-affiliated businesses, such as RwandAir, also contribute to Rwanda’s foreign borrowing, with RwandAir alone having a loan of 66.8 million USD.
In addition to foreign loans, Rwanda also manages domestic loans, which accounted for 20% of the country’s total debt as of 2024, totaling Rwf 2.935.9 billion. These loans are mainly taken by the government and state-owned enterprises, often issued through treasury bonds placed on the market by the National Bank of Rwanda.
Minister Murangwa highlighted that Rwanda is focused on increasing domestic revenue to reduce reliance on foreign loans. This is being achieved through tax reforms, improving resource mobilization, and ensuring efficient use of the national budget. He also pointed out that reforms are being made to enhance transparency and improve the management of public assets and investments to prevent inefficiencies and reduce losses.
For the 2025/2026 budget, Rwanda plans to use domestic revenue totaling Rwf 4.105.2 billion, with foreign aid reaching Rwf 585.2 billion, and foreign loans amounting to Rwf 2.151.9 billion. The country’s GDP is projected to increase by 7.1% in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for economic growth.
Resolution 2809, which was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, also reaffirms AUSSOM’s tasks, as set out in Resolution 2767 of December 2024, which authorized AUSSOM for an initial period of 12 months.
Resolution 2809 authorizes the member states of the African Union to continue to deploy up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police personnel, to AUSSOM during the authorized period.
The resolution emphasizes that additional support to AUSSOM and the Somali security forces is necessary to enable Somalia to bolster its fight against Al-Shabaab and improve peace and security in the country and the region. It urges traditional and new donors to support the mission by providing the necessary funding to enable the full implementation of its mandate.
Turkish gendarmerie units located the wreckage of the Falcon 50 jet near Kesikkavak village in Ankara’s Haymana district, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah later confirmed the deaths in a statement, saying al-Haddad and several senior military officials were killed when the aircraft crashed while returning from an official visit to Türkiye. He said the government would investigate “the circumstances of the accident.”
The aircraft, with tail number 9H-DFJ, departed Ankara’s Esenboga Airport at 20:10 local time (1710 GMT) bound for Tripoli. Contact was lost at 20:52 (1752 GMT), shortly after the crew issued an emergency landing notification near Haymana, Yerlikaya said.
Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency broadcast footage it said showed a flash from the aircraft’s impact and published images of debris scattered at the site. Air traffic at Ankara, which was briefly suspended following the crash, has since returned to normal, local media reported.
Al-Haddad had been in Ankara for high-level military talks. Earlier on Tuesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said he met Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of the General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the assembly follows years of preservation, documentation and 3D scanning of the fragments, stressing its global heritage significance.
The boat, dating back some 4,500 years, was discovered in pieces near the Great Pyramid, the tomb of King Khufu, in 1954. It consists of about 1,650 wooden fragments and measures roughly 42 meters in length.
“Khufu’s first solar boat was found almost complete, but the second boat, which is a bit smaller, was found in a very poor condition,” said GEM’s CEO Ahmed Ghoneim.
“Restoration in front of visitors is a dimension you cannot find in museums around the world,” Ghoneim said, highlighting its unique educational experience.
PanSALB said it worked with media research company Focal Points to analyze frequency data and discovered that “G20” featured prominently in the “reputable print, broadcast and online media.”
According to PanSALB, the selection process involved shortlisting candidates based on authentic language usage. “G20” emerged as the most dominant keyword largely due to South Africa’s role as the G20 presidency in 2025 and its hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The terms “Government of National Unity” and “Tariffs” ranked second and third, respectively, reflecting key political developments, international engagements and socioeconomic debates that shaped the country during the year, the agency added.
PanSALB is an organization mandated to promote multilingualism, develop and preserve South Africa’s 12 official languages, and protect language rights.
These experiences are not only personal growth opportunities but are also aimed at contributing to the country’s development across various sectors.
One such group of students is studying at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, a prestigious institution that is quickly becoming a beacon for academic excellence.
Located in Benguerir, in Marrakesh-Safi region, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is one of Morocco’s leading institutions. Ranked 400th globally and 4th in Africa, the university has set ambitious goals.
By the next academic year, it is projected to be Africa’s top university, with plans to enter the top 100 universities globally by 2100.
Currently, the university hosts 30 Rwandan students, both male and female, who are enrolled in diverse fields such as construction, medicine, art, hospitality, business management, agriculture, and water management.
Speaking to IGIHE, Alanda Kamana, a Ph.D. candidate in Architecture and Urban Planning, shared his insights on the educational advancements in Morocco.
According to him, every one of Morocco’s 12 administrative regions has its own public university, with several private universities complementing the state-run institutions to enhance the quality of education.
“This university was created with a focus on agricultural research, but it has expanded to include several other disciplines such as health sciences, hospitality, and more,” Kamana explained.
Founded in 2017, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has a vision to be the leading educational institution in Africa by 2030. By 2100, it aspires to be ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Despite the perceived educational gap between Rwanda and Morocco, Kamana believes the difference is not as wide as many think, seeing it as an opportunity for further knowledge exchange between the two countries.
“We encourage both Rwandans and Moroccans to share their knowledge so we can advance together,” he added.
Aimee Mutuyimana, a final-year Ph.D. student specializing in water purification, highlighted the university’s excellent resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and expert faculty.
She is confident that the knowledge gained will be invaluable to Rwanda upon her return.
“The well-being and academic support here are top-notch, and I am excited to bring back everything I have learned to contribute to Rwanda’s progress,” Mutuyimana said.
Similarly, Nicole Niyonsaba, a third-year medical student in a six-year program, noted that the academic environment at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has allowed her to thrive.
“We have access to everything we need to succeed,” she shared. “The professors provide guidance, and we also engage in extra-curricular activities that enhance our research and personal growth.”
Niyonsaba expressed gratitude for the opportunities, as the comprehensive support they receive strengthens their education.
Hortance Bizimana, studying business management, shared how international students are well-supported in their academic journey.
As part of the curriculum, students are offered internships abroad, and some have already completed placements in Hong Kong and Dubai.
“We are in our second year, and the exposure we’re receiving is invaluable,” Bizimana stated. “We’re committed to using what we’ve learned here to develop our home country.”
Eric Rukebesha, a master’s student specializing in agricultural development, explained that their curriculum is focused on Africa’s agricultural needs.
He noted that although agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, there are significant challenges, such as poor post-harvest handling and market access.
“During my break, I spent two months working with farmers in Rwanda to address these issues, particularly in preserving crops and reducing wastage, which is a major concern,” Rukenesha shared.
Alice Joy Ineza, studying architecture, emphasized the rigor of her program, which requires creativity, critical thinking and hard work.
“These skills will be essential for Rwanda’s urban development,” she said. “I believe that when we return, we will help build modern cities that prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.”
Nasla Ingabire, who recently completed her master’s degree in International Business Management, spoke about the importance of gaining international experience.
“I aim to seek job opportunities in Morocco and then return to Rwanda to share the knowledge I have gained,” she expressed.
These students have also encouraged their peers to consider applying to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, emphasizing that the university offers a unique opportunity to gain international experience and knowledge.
The university, unlike most in Morocco, offers programs in English, making it accessible to a broader range of international students.
Moreover, students are eligible for fully-funded scholarships, either from their home countries or through philanthropic organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation.
Recently, these students learned about additional funding opportunities from the Mastercard Foundation, further incentivizing Rwandans to pursue higher education at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
Trump made these comments as U.S. authorities including the Coast Guard and Navy continue efforts to intercept and seize oil tankers in the Caribbean that the administration says are violating U.S. sanctions by carrying Venezuelan crude.
The Trump administration has declared a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela in an attempt to choke off revenue for Maduro’s government, which relies heavily on oil exports.
According to reports, U.S. forces have already seized several vessels and pursued others believed to be part of a “shadow fleet” that tries to evade sanctions by flying false flags or hiding their ownership.
Venezuela’s government has sharply condemned U.S. actions, calling the seizures “piracy” and violations of international law, and has said it will defend its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the U.S. says its pressure campaign is aimed at enforcing sanctions and disrupting networks that support Maduro’s regime and illicit oil trading.
This standoff adds to rising tensions between the two countries, with impacts on regional geopolitics and global energy markets as Venezuela’s oil industry, its main source of income, comes under growing strain from U.S. enforcement efforts.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh, and attended by RDF Generals, Senior Officers, and Officers.
The pass-out ceremony featured a series of demonstrations that highlighted the skills and knowledge acquired during the training.
Attendees witnessed impressive displays of infantry tactics, martial arts, and live-firing exercises, reflecting the brigade’s operational readiness and combat capability.
In his remarks, General Mubarakh commended the graduates for their dedication, discipline, and commitment throughout the course.
He encouraged them to maintain the same spirit and professionalism as they move forward in their duties. He urged the graduates to effectively apply the skills and knowledge gained to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and respond to emerging security threats.
The Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the importance of upholding the RDF’s core values, particularly discipline, which he described as fundamental to success in all fields.
“Discipline must come before everything,” he said. “We are an army that values discipline, ethics, and strong moral principles.”
Advanced Infantry Training is designed to enhance the skills of infantry personnel, enabling them to effectively perform their operational duties while fulfilling the RDF’s mission.
The Russia-targeted sanctions, first imposed in 2014, were significantly expanded after February 2022. According to the Council, the measures cover trade, finance, energy, technology, and dual-use goods, as well as industry, transport, and luxury goods, among others.
Beyond the economic sanctions, now extended until July 31, 2026, the EU also adopted additional punitive measures recently. Last week alone, the bloc approved sanctions against individuals and entities accused of supporting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, as well as separate sanctions targeting alleged Russian hybrid operations. It also imposed bans on an additional 41 Russian vessels allegedly linked to the shadow fleet.
Meanwhile, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine. At a summit last week, the European Council approved a 90 billion-euro (about 105.4 billion U.S.-dollar) loan package to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU needs to ensure that “Ukraine is in the best condition to negotiate a peace agreement.”
These moves highlight Europe’s emphasis on pressure, while also exposing anxiety about being sidelined in negotiations to end the conflict.
A U.S.-drafted peace plan for Russia and Ukraine that leaked to the media last month stoked concern in Europe and Ukraine, with critics saying it tilted heavily toward Russia and raised fears that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration could pressure Ukraine into major concessions.
Since then, European and Ukrainian negotiators have held talks with Trump’s envoys to try to insert their own provisions into the draft, though the precise terms of the current version remain undisclosed.
On Sunday, three days of talks on the Ukraine crisis concluded, featuring separate meetings between the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and European representatives in Florida and Miami. U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff described the meetings as “productive and constructive.”
Russia, however, offered a more critical assessment. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Ukraine and its European partners were obstructing progress. “It’s a fact: every time our dialogue with the U.S. starts to take a positive turn, Kiev and its European curators take extraordinary emergency measures to hamper it, to deform it, to steer these efforts off track,” Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russia’s TASS news agency.
Even so, Europe, or at least some European countries, is seeking a more direct channel to Russia rather than leaving negotiations solely in U.S. hands.
Following the EU summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc must be prepared for dialogue with Russia if current efforts fail to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Macron stated that he was ready to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin again. He had a phone call with Putin in July.
Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said Putin is willing to engage in dialogue with Macron, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti.
Welcoming the Kremlin’s response, the French presidency said, “We will decide in the coming days on the best way to proceed.” It added that any discussion with Russia would be conducted “in full transparency” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies.
