Emelyine Mutoni, a farmer from Kayonza District in eastern Rwanda, said that ever since she learnt mushroom farming with Juncao technology in 2020, it has been an exciting moment in her family’s fight against poverty.
She was taught the technique by Leonidas Mushimiyimana, one of the early adopters of Juncao technology and the owner of DEYI Ltd. in Kigali’s Gasabo District.
After a three-month training, Mutoni can now produce mushroom tubes, which she sells to other farmers for cultivation. Her company has increased production capacity from about 500 tubes per month to 5,000.
“I observed high levels of malnutrition among children in my area and felt I should play a role in helping address the problem,” Mutoni told Xinhua.
“Mushroom farming is the best thing to do. I look forward to expanding my business to produce mushrooms and other mushroom products for export,” she added.
Originally developed and used for mushroom farming in China, Juncao is a hybrid grass and a valuable multifunctional agricultural resource. The innovation, invented by Lin Zhanxi from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in the 1980s, has benefited over 100 countries, including Rwanda.
Christine Uwimanihaye, another exhibitor, said their company, Omer Shop Ltd., makes mushroom tubes and grows mushrooms as well.
“We are in horticulture, but our main focus is mushroom production because of their unique nutritional content. From mushrooms, we produce several byproducts, including flour and biscuits,” she said.
Like Mutoni, Uwimanihaye was also introduced to mushroom farming by some early adopters of the Juncao technology.
According to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, over 4,000 Rwandan farmers have benefited from Juncao technology, which has created more than 30,000 jobs across the agricultural value chain.
Since 2006, experts from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University have been collaborating with the Rwandan government on Juncao technology, teaching and promoting it alongside other agricultural innovations through the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center.
The WTO’s latest Goods Trade Barometer, a composite leading indicator for global merchandise trade, rose to 103.5 from 102.8 in March. The rise was driven by importers frontloading purchases ahead of anticipated higher tariffs, the WTO said.
Barometer values above 100 indicate above-trend trade volumes, while values below 100 suggest that goods trade has either fallen below trend or is likely to decline in the near future.
However, the forward-looking new export orders index fell to 97.9, pointing to weaker trade growth later in the year, the WTO said.
The WTO has forecast a basically flat growth in global merchandise trade at 0.1 percent, after the U.S. tariff policy uncertainty and subsequent developments had caused fluctuations in the forecast.
The WTO warned of possible trade contraction if U.S. “reciprocal tariffs” are reinstated or if trade policy uncertainty spreads globally.
This announcement was made during a media briefing ahead of the ‘Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa: NESIA 2025’, which will be held in Kigali, bringing together experts from 30 countries to discuss harnessing nuclear energy.
Rwanda has been pursuing nuclear energy for nearly seven years with the goal of fostering development. In 2018, the country began collaborating with Russia to establish a research center focused on nuclear energy, which will help increase the nation’s electricity production.
In August 2024, Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with the American company ‘Nano Nuclear Energy Inc.’ for the deployment of small modular reactors and microreactors.
A year earlier, the Rwandan government had signed an agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc., a company based in Germany and Canada, to test nuclear energy technologies in Rwanda.
The plans focus on constructing small plants using ‘Small Modular Reactors’ and ‘Micro Reactors’, which require minimal land, offer high output, and do not pose any significant risks to the population. These facilities will require between 220 and 250 employees across four categories.
By 2024, over 200 Rwandan students and RAEB staff were expected to be sent abroad to gain expertise in nuclear energy.
Dr. Fidel Ndahayo, the CEO of RAEB, said, “We now have a clear vision where we can say ‘we need a plant that can provide this much electricity, and we can place it here or there.’”
He further explained that multiple sites had been considered for the plant, but further detailed analysis is needed to assess factors like land suitability, seismic risks, and other environmental considerations.
He added that the chosen technology for the plant would be small reactors capable of producing substantial energy, with a site range of 15 to 50 hectares, located away from residential areas.
“We can still find a 50-hectare site to build the plant, even with high population density,” Dr. Ndahayo said.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Ndahayo continued, “Our goal is to have the plant operational by 2030. We will need 234 workers, and we aim to have them trained by 2028.”
He also mentioned that as many organizations focus on new technologies for harnessing nuclear energy, Rwanda is positioning itself early to ensure its workforce is well-equipped to adopt and market this technology.
Dr. Ndahayo noted that around 30 to 50 experts in nuclear energy have already completed their studies and are now working at RAEB, while another 200 are gaining experience in advanced countries.
Some of these students will graduate next year, with others following in subsequent years.
“We continue to send more students abroad; this year, over 40 students will be sent. We have agreements with countries like Hungary, and we are looking to collaborate with China and South Korea,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish local educational programs. For example, the University of Rwanda has already confirmed the launch of such programs, and similar plans are underway at technical and vocational schools.
Regarding the plant’s location, Dr. Ndahayo confirmed that the final site has not yet been decided, as feasibility studies are still ongoing. However, he is confident that suitable land for the plant exists in Rwanda.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized that small modular reactors (SMRs) are safer and more aligned with Rwanda’s energy needs.
He explained that large plants producing over 1,000 MW are not practical in many parts of Africa. Instead, small plants producing up to 100 MW are more appropriate for Rwanda’s capacity.
As the minister, these reactors require less land and are less likely to cause significant environmental risks compared to larger plants.
Rwanda is working closely with various nuclear energy companies to explore technologies, including the nuclear reactor, which is the core component of the energy plant.
The reactor uses uranium to produce heat through nuclear fission, which is then converted into electricity. A single gram of uranium can generate 1 MW of energy per day, which is equivalent to the energy produced by three tons of coal.
As of January 2025, Rwanda had already achieved a capacity of generating 406.4 MW of electricity. With the new nuclear plants, the country aims to significantly increase its energy output.
The truce offers a critical window for both parties to address longstanding tensions through diplomatic channels, Cui Shoujun, a professor at the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China, told CGTN.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the ceasefire between Israel and Iran is “now in effect.”
“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE!” he wrote on Truth Social platform.
Iran’s Press TV reported on Tuesday that ceasefire began following waves of Iranian attacks on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said Israel had agreed to U.S.-brokered ceasefire, stating that Israel had achieved its military objectives against Iran.
The acceptance of the ceasefire by both sides came after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept Iranian missiles launched “a short while ago,” without specifying the exact time of the attack.
“If both sides can seize this moment to resume and deepen dialogue – particularly on nuclear and regional security issues – with the support and oversight of the international community, there is a genuine possibility of reaching a long-term peace agreement,” Cui said.
‘Cost of continued direct conflict too high for both sides’
Cui said one of the primary drivers behind the ceasefire is the prolonged risk of war. The cost of continued direct conflict is too high for both sides, he said, adding that a war will not only undo decades of economic progress in both countries, but also trigger severe domestic political upheavals, and potentially lead to the loss of control of nuclear facilities – resulting in irreversible ecological and humanitarian disasters.
“The leaders on both sides understand that there are no winners in war,” he emphasized.
Cui also pointed out that strong international mediation created a favorable environment for the ceasefire. The escalation of the conflict had posed a serious threat to global energy security and international shipping routes – particularly the Strait of Hormuz – sparking widespread alarm across the international community and prompting major powers to play a part in de-escalating the tensions.
Notably, emerging powers such as China have also played a constructive role, the professor added.
He further explained that years of sanctions and regional tensions have weighed heavily on Iran’s economy, while Israeli society has grown weary from a prolonged state of military readiness and deep political divisions.
“Both governments now urgently need a stable external environment so they can focus on resolving critical domestic challenges,” he said.
Speaking about the challenges ahead, the professor noted that the deep-rooted hostility and mutual distrust between Israel and Iran cannot be resolved overnight.
In addition to the region’s complex dynamics, numerous external factors also pose obstacles to lasting peace. Cui pointed out that the U.S. has long pursued its own strategic interests in the Middle East. Its consistent military and political support for Israel, along with an often inconsistent policy toward Iran, could complicate or even derail efforts at reconciliation between the two countries.
He further emphasized that other Middle Eastern nations maintain varying degrees of interest alignment and friction with both Israel and Iran. As a result, even subtle shifts in the regional balance of power could significantly influence the trajectory of Iran-Israel relations.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Heza Beach Resort in Rubavu, the festival will take place during the long weekend of July 4th, 2025, further cementing its status as one of Rwanda’s premier music events.
This year’s edition features an electrifying lineup of top DJs, artists, and MCs — all set to deliver an immersive experience of sound, rhythm, and culture.
{{A Summer activation like no other}}
In the lead-up to the main event, Virunga Beer has launched an exciting Road to Toxic Xperience campaign across select bars in Kigali and Rubavu.
At participating venues, customers who purchase Virunga Beer buckets will receive scratch cards for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including: VIP staycations for two (with transport, accommodation, and VIP event access);Regular concert tickets; Virunga-branded merchandise; ExtraVirunga beer buckets; …and more
Winners of the VIP staycations will travel to Rubavu in a full decked Party Bus, where their journey will be documented and shared on social media — offering fans a fun, behind-the-scenes look at the full Toxic Xperience journey.
{{Tickets now available}}
Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early via www.sinc.events. Both General Admission and VIP packages are available — with limited slots and growing anticipation, Toxic Xperience 2025 is expected to sell out fast.
{{About Toxic Xperience}}
Created by DJ Toxxyk, The Toxic Xperience has grown into one of East Africa’s most anticipated annual festivals, spotlighting Rwanda’s rich music culture while elevating local talent and contributing to the growth of Rubavu’s vibrant nightlife scene.
{{Stay Connected}}
Fans can stay connected and share their excitement by following @Virungabeverages on social media and using the hashtags #VirungaBeer and #ToxicXperience.
On the sidelines of the fourth annual regional national public health institute (NPHI) meeting for Southern Africa in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, Africa CDC Regional Director Lul Riek told Xinhua that China has offered much support for building health infrastructure.
“China is an excellent partner for the work of the Africa CDC. Our beautiful emergency operations and disease control facility in Ethiopia was made possible because of the partnership that we have with China,” said Riek.
The Africa CDC headquarters, recognized as a flagship project in China-Africa public health cooperation, was officially inaugurated in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, in 2023.
Riek called for more partnership with China in supporting African countries with public health infrastructure, training capacity for laboratories and the building of NPHIs.
During the meeting, Riek also urged African countries to strengthen their public health systems in case of future pandemics and health threats.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all 55 African Union members have functional NPHIs capable of driving progress toward a healthier, more resilient Africa,” Riek said
Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), the three-day 11th Regional Dialogue on Biodiversity Finance marks a decisive shift from mapping funding gaps to rolling out finance solutions – such as green bonds, nature-based insurance and biodiversity credits – tailored to national priorities.
“Rwanda is proud to host this dialogue on biodiversity finance,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
“As custodians of one of the world’s richest ecosystems, we believe in the power of innovative solutions to transform our biodiversity commitments into tangible action. This dialogue is a vital step in creating a future where biodiversity is not just preserved but becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development. Together, we can build economies that thrive in harmony with nature,” she added.
With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), more than 40 countries in the two regions are joining the dialogue for the first time, laying the foundation for long-term financing plans that align national development priorities with the global biodiversity agenda.
“Scaling biodiversity finance is not just about mobilizing funds – it’s about transforming systems,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility.
“The momentum we see in Africa and the Arab States shows what’s possible when countries take ownership and partners like the GEF and UNDP provide catalytic support,” he added.
Africa and the Arab States are home to some of the world’s most important ecosystems. But despite their natural wealth, these regions face serious financing gaps.
The global shortfall in biodiversity funding is estimated at over $700 billion per year.
Through UNDP-BIOFIN’s global partnership with the GEF, more than 90 new countries are advancing their national Biodiversity Finance Plans that seek to close the gap.
“This Regional Dialogue marks a pivotal moment for Africa and the Arab States. They represent the fastest-growing regions in the BIOFIN family, with 44 countries newly joining the initiative—accounting for nearly half of all recent global additions. This expansion has been made possible through the continued support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF),” said Onno van den Heuvel, Head of Nature Finance, UNDP.
“By combining innovative instruments like green bonds, nature-based insurance, and biodiversity credits with strong government and private sector partnerships, we’re demonstrating that finance can be a powerful driver for conserving ecosystems and lifting communities.”
The three-day dialogue aims to support countries to move from planning to implementation, with the new cohort benefiting from the solutions that have already succeeded in their respective regions.
“Biodiversity is critical infrastructure,” said Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda.
“Nature underpins food security, water, health, and climate resilience. Without it, our economic future rests on unstable ground. Our budgets must begin to reflect biodiversity’s true value. Rwanda is an example of what’s possible when leadership meets innovation. By digitizing enforcement and reinvesting in ecosystems, Rwanda is not only protecting nature – it is powering inclusive, sustainable development.”
Participating countries are expected to sharpen new finance plans while learning from early successes across the region.
“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement,” Trump said during a press conference in The Hague following the NATO summit.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is going “very good.”
“I think it’s (going) very good. Israel came back yesterday,” Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in The Hague, referring to his Tuesday warning to Israel to halt airstrikes on Iran.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.
Following Iran’s attack, Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT on Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire.
Electricity is a vital component of infrastructure, playing a key role in enabling job creation and accelerating economic development. However, as global population and industrial activities grow, so do energy demands, contributing to rising temperatures worldwide.
Although Rwanda is not among the hottest countries, its climate is generally warm, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 26°C during the rainy season and between 27°C and 30°C in the Eastern Province during the dry season.
Fidèle Abimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, informed the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that Rwanda plans to generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity from solar energy.
In an interview with IGIHE, Abimana confirmed that Rwanda has high solar potential, and initial discussions have begun to determine how this potential can be harnessed.
“The process begins with a study… You need to identify land where solar panels will be installed and assess how the solar power can be integrated into the existing grid. The feasibility study will show us if achieving 200 megawatts is possible,” he explained.
“It’s a study that is about to be conducted, but based on preliminary assessments, it seems that the 200 megawatts could be achievable. However, this will be confirmed by the feasibility study, which will indicate where to install the solar panels, how much electricity they can generate, some are placed over water, others on land. When all these factors are considered together, the study will clearly show us how much electricity we can obtain, how we’ll use it, and what will be required to make it work,” he added.
While the Eastern Province receives a lot of sunlight, Abimana did not confirm whether this would be the location for the solar panels.
“We asked the consultants to look for underutilized or idle land, rather than using farmland or residential areas. Rwanda has some steep and less fertile land, and if such areas are suitable, we’ll prioritize those to avoid disrupting agriculture and settlements.”
He also mentioned that solar panels might even be installed on water surfaces such as the Nyabarongo River using floating solar technology, although such decisions will depend on the final feasibility report.
Abimana emphasized that Rwanda’s electricity demand is increasing every year, requiring more power generation capacity.
“As our energy needs grow annually, the additional 200 megawatts would not only meet domestic demand but could also allow us to export surplus power.”
Rwanda already has major power generation projects underway, including Nyabarongo II and Ruzizi III, both expected to significantly increase national electricity output.
The preliminary feasibility study for the solar power project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“We’ve started initial discussions with the World Bank, which will help fund the study. By December 2025, we should have a baseline report. By next year [2026], we’ll have a clear direction for solar energy generation.”
According to the National Energy Policy released in February 2025, Rwanda’s total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 406.4 megawatts.
Findings from the EICV7 household survey show that 72% of Rwandan households have access to electricity, with 22% relying on off-grid solar solutions.
This new solar energy project could be a game-changer for Rwanda’s sustainability ambitions and energy independence.
