The MoU signed today was witnessed by Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paul Ingabire along with Israel Minister of Communications, Yoaz Hendel.
Yoaz Hendel explained that the MoU is an important document reflecting both countries’ commitment to promote technology, regulation and ways to connect people in Rwanda and Israel.
As he said, the MoU incorporates clauses pertaining to different ways of working together to develop technological tools in order to promote both countries ICT and share ideas of how both countries can learn from each other.
“I see similarities between Rwanda and Israel in a sense that both countries are leveraging technology and you can find place to develop, exchange views and share opportunities. We can learn a lot from both countries’ capabilities and opens door to cooperate on technology opportunities,” he said.
Minister Ingabire also hinted on advantages Rwanda is set to pull from the MoU.
“The agreement will enhance cooperation with Israel given that it has agricultural innovations. We will learn from their expertize to lift citizens’ wellbeing and seek how to emulate that technology to improve Rwandans’ livelihoods,” she said.
“We mostly want to leverage innovations in agriculture, quality education and health to reach all citizens. This is what we learn from them as the country has built reputation in technology advancement,” added Ingabire.
The agreement will also pave the way for collaboration between business communities.
“With this agreement, we are not only looking at Government partnership but also finding ways for our business community to collaborate better. Indeed, the similarities between both countries is a journey we have already embarked on how we can build a vibrant start up ecosystem, to become one of the leading innovation companies leveraging technology to address some of economic challenges we have,” said Ingabire.
The agreement is expected to anchor further collaboration between both countries’ institutions and private sectors.
The ceremony that took place today was witnessed by the Minister of Infrastructure Amb. Claver Gatete, the CEO of RwandAir, Yvonne Makoro on the side of Rwanda while South Korea was represented by its ambassador in Rwanda, Jin-weon CHAE.
Minister Gatete explained that Rwanda will reap big from the agreement.
“The signing of the BASA with the Republic of Korea will enhance connectivity between both countries and facilitate the private sectors of both sides to realise and tap into the economic and social benefits through air transport,” he said.
Gatete further stated that such agreements provide trade opportunities enabling Rwanda to reach foreign markets.
“The signing of the BASA with the Republic of Korea and with opening of more routes by RwandAir will promote international air link between countries, enhance business and tourism opportunities in a vibrant and large market of more than 180million people,” stressed Gatete.
As of today, Rwanda has signed similar agreements with 99 countries but some of them have not yet been approved.
Korea’s ambassador in Rwanda, Jin-Weon CHAE said that both countries enjoy existing cooperation in different areas noting that new agreements will help Rwanda to overcome COVID-19 effects related to air travels.
The facilities include large public hand washing facilities built at borders points between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Thermal Imaging Cameras installed at six border points.
The infrastructures were set up at Poids Lourds and La Corniche borders in Rubavu district, Rusizi I and II borders, Rusumo border in kirehe district and Cyanika border in Burera district.The borders were chosen for large passenger-traffic.
Among others, the fund covered the refurbishment of infrastructures at Gihundwe, Nemba and Bushenge hospitals set to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
During the handover ceremony that took place yesterday, the Minister of Health Dr Daniel Ngamije highlighted that the facilities come in handy in the quest to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
“Temperature test is a must for all entrants. These Thermal Imaging Cameras lessen work and allow smooth cross border movements,” he said.
Japan ambassador in Rwanda, Masahiro Imai hailed Rwanda’s efforts in controlling COVID-19 and assured his country’s continued support especially in health sector.
“Japan will keep contributing to Rwanda’s health services, collaborating in the prevention of COVID-19, training healthcare workers and establishing long lasting structure to contain the pandemic,” he said.
The transactions come after Equity Group from Kenya (which also has a subsidiary in Rwanda) called of the plan of acquiring stakes in BPR Plc due to COVID-19 related effects. Talks for the canceled acquisition had started in April 2019 with the objective of reaching mutually acceptable terms for a strategic transaction.
After careful consideration, Atlas Mara (which owns 62 per cent share in BPR) and EGH mutually agreed to discontinue discussions recently.
Following the failed acquisition by Equity, Atlas Mara Limited (Atlas Mara) and KCB Group Plc (KCB) announced yesterday that they have signed a definitive agreement regarding a proposed acquisition of 62.06% of the issued share capital of BPR by KCB followed by a subsequent merger with KCB’s wholly owned subsidiary operating in Rwanda, KCB Bank Rwanda Plc.
According to a joint statement from both banks; the combined bank is expected to double its market share resulting in a robust balance sheet and capital structure that will support growth in the post covid-19 macroeconomic recovery period thus ensuring the banks’ customers benefit from being a part of one of the biggest Banking groups in East Africa.
Once implemented, the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of various conditions precedent amongst which, include regulatory approvals by the National Bank of Rwanda, the local and regional competition commission authorities and all relevant entities.
Following the legal merger of the two banks, the enlarged entity is expected to be the 2nd largest bank in the country and will be a majority owned subsidiary of KCB Group Plc.
Commenting on the development, The Managing Director of BPR Maurice Toroitich expressed delight for the planned acquisition and assured customers of better services as usual.
“We are very pleased to reach this agreement with KCB Group Plc. This transaction represents an opportunity for BPR to benefit from being part of the largest banking group in East Africa and I am confident we will benefit from KCB Rwanda’s digital banking capabilities, complementary branch and agents network, innovative product offering across retail, SME, corporate and payments as well as trade finance and international banking offering leveraging the broader KCB regional footprint,” he said.
“I want to assure our clients that the safety of their banking operations and high-quality customer service will remain our top priorities during the transition. They can look forward to new products and services as the combined institution pursues sustainable growth. Our mission to serve and support our customers during this challenging time; to leverage on the combined business which will contribute to meaningful economic development of the country. We look forward to working with the KCB Rwanda team,” added Toroitich.
KCB Rwanda Managing Director Mr. George Odhiambo said the merger anticipates expanded retail network and sustainable growth.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement on a proposed merger with BPR, a strong retail and commercial bank with one of the largest branch network in the industry and long history spanning over 45 years in the country. This merger, will see the bank ranked 2nd largest bank in the country, which will increase our scale and improve our operating leverage by enabling us to deliver existing retail and wholesale offerings to a wider base of customers in Rwanda while positioning the bank for sustainable growth in the long-term,” he said.
Odhiambo also revealed that the merger will provide current KCB Rwanda customers with access to a larger network of branches and agents across the country, while BPR’s customers would benefit from best in class digital capability, transactional banking solutions, trade finance expertise and international banking offering from KCB.
“Through this transaction, we will play a greater role in Rwanda’s economic expansion, using our combined balance sheet to support our clients while leveraging our enhanced distribution network to deepen financial inclusion and provide lending and trade finance solutions to entrepreneurs and SMEs in Rwanda,” he stressed.
KCB Group Plc is East Africa’s largest commercial Bank that was established in 1896 in Kenya. Over the years, the Bank has grown and spread its wings into Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia (Rep). Further to the banking businesses in these markets, KCB Group owns National Bank of Kenya, a Kenyan lender.
Today KCB Group Plc has the largest branch network in the region with 360 branches, 1,090ATMs and over 23,230 merchants and agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. Additionally, KCB Group owns KCB Insurance Agency, KCB Capital Limited, KCB Foundation and Kencom House Limited as non-banking businesses. The Bank has a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.
The proposed transaction is firmly in line with Atlas Mara’s repositioning as a streamlined holding company with an increased focus on a core footprint. The merger will see BPR’s strong retail, commercial and SME loan capability and branch network leverage KCB Rwanda’s best in class digital platform and product suite to create a platform for further growth and the facilitation of financial inclusion for the unbanked in the country.
Corporate customers can expect to benefit from KCB Rwanda’s strengths in transactional banking, trade finance, treasury, international payments and loans through the wider distribution network of the enlarged bank and KCB’s presence in the key countries across the East African region.
BPR and KCB Rwanda will draw on Atlas Mara and KCB’s strong track records of post-merger integration to ensure a successful combination.
Sergeant Robert is a legendary artist who has been part of RDF Army Military Band renowned for his song ‘Impanda’ among other songs praising Rwanda’s army.
News about this scandal circulated on Monday morning when Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Military Prosecution Department (MPD) announced that it had launched investigations into defilement allegations against Sergeant Robert.
IGIHE has learnt that he is investigated on alleged defilement of a 15 year-old own child.
“Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Military Prosecution Department (MPD) has launched investigations into defilement allegations against Sergeant Major Kabera Robert a.k.a “Sergeant Robert” over his family member. The crime was allegedly committed on 21 November 2020 in Ndera Sector, Gasabo district,” reads in part RDF statement released on Monday.
RDF explained that efforts to trace the fugitive were underway.
It was reported that Sergeant Robert fled to Uganda but with no further evidence.
The suspect this Wednesday held an interview with Daily Monitor, Uganda based newspaper in which he confirmed to have escaped to Uganda where he is seeking asylum.
He explained that he fled the country on 18th November along with his wife through Kagitumba peripheral border lines. The former RDF soldier narrated that he left three children and a seven year old child.
As he left the country with the child, the suspect was obstructed by flooded footpaths and decided to leave her in Rwanda lest she drowns.
Rwanda accuses Uganda of accommodating criminals escaping justice and supporting armed groups and terrorist organizations intending to destabilize its security. These include RNC, FDLR, RUD Urunana among others.
The spate of many criminals fleeing to Uganda is evidencing how the country has become a safe haven for criminals yet they should be extradited.
Other criminals under Rwanda’s security officials’ investigations have been escaping through Uganda and granted refuge which is contradictory to extradition treaties signed by both countries.
Lt. Gerald Tindifa is another RDF soldier who fled to Uganda on 18th February 2020 lured by Uganda’s Special Forces Command (SFC).
As he left Rwanda through a porous border crossing, Tindifa was received in Uganda, first by Maj. Fred Mushambo, UPDF Counter-Intelligence officer in Mbarara.
Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya also fled through Uganda as they were investigated on crimes of threatening national security.
Rwanda has however been extraditing fugitives to Uganda despite the latter’s relenting unwillingness to revitalize relations.
In 2013, Rwanda arrested Namuyimbwa Shanita a.k.a ‘Bad Black’ who illegally crossed from Uganda yet her movements were limited after conviction for fraud.
Rwanda also extradited more 26 suspects to face justice on request of Uganda.
In February 2020, Rwanda and Uganda signed an extradition treaty during the 4th quadripartite summit held at the Gatuna-Katuna border.
The first flight is expected to be the beginning of the carrier’s weekly flights to Rwanda.
Israir recently announced plan for weekly flight to Rwanda starting from 26th November at a cost of US$ 399 (approximately Rwf 400,000) from Israel to Kigali.
The airline’s aircraft landed in Kigali yesterday at 2pm with passengers arriving in Rwanda for the first time and happy for the historic flight.
Passengers revealed that the visit to Rwanda is a symbol of solidarity as along as both countries share the same history and expressed interest in exploring Rwanda’s touristic sites.
RwandAir suspended flights to Tel Aviv in Israel due to COVID-19. New dates for resuming flights have not yet been announced.
Israir is expected for the second flight to Rwanda with over 100 passengers onboard.
The new cases were found out of 2991 sample tests . The Ministry’s statement released last night shows that new cases were found in different parts of the country.
They were found in Kigali: 6, Rwamagana: 30 from sample tests taken in Rwamagana prison, Nyamagabe: 19 from Kigeme refugee camp, Musanze: 9, Nyanza: 2, Gicumbi: 2, Bugesera: 2 and Rubavu: 2.
The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Rwanda on 14th March 2020.
Since then, 5851 cases have been found out if 617258 sample tests. 5345 of them have recovered while 459 are active cases . So far, 47 patients have succumbed to the pandemic.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are required to continue to comply with government regulations, especially with frequent washing of hands and water and soap, wearing masks when leaving home or in public.
{Four people suspected to be members of the same syndicate of major drug dealers have been arrested in separate operations conducted by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU).}
The four were arrested in separate operations conducted in City of Kigali and Rubavu District, with combined 6,500 rolls of cannabis.
The suspects include the trio arrested in Rubavu District, namely: Gabriel Izabafashe, 31, who was found in possession of 5000 pellets of cannabis; Julienne Nyirabuhinja, 40, with 1100 pellets; Emmanuel Mushimiyimana with 400 pellets; as well as one Theogene Nsabimana arrested in Kigali.
Izabafashe is the suspected head of the syndicate, who was supplying the other three alleged distributors.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of the Western region, said that ANU first arrested Mushimiyimana on Monday, November 23, in Rugerero Sector in Rubavu, with 400 pellets of cannabis.
“A resident called the Police after seeing Mushimiyimana with a consignment of pellets of cannabis. Police officers arrested Mushimiyimana after they found him in possession of 400 rolls of cannabis. Mushimiyimana disclosed that together with Nsabimana, they bought narcotics from Izabafashe,” said CIP Karekezi.
According to Mushimiyimana, Nsabimana bought 2000 pellets of cannabis from Izabafashe. ANU tracked and arrested Nsabimana in Nyabugogo suburb, Nyarugenge District.
“Mushimiyimana, on November 24, led Police officers to Izabafashe’s bar located in Buheshi Sector, Rusiza Cell in Nyacyonga Village, where Mukeshimana, who first introduced herself as Claudine Mukeshimana, was found after buying 1,100 pellets of cannabis from Izabafashe.
Izabafashe first denied the claims, but local residents insisted and asked the Police to go and search his house for evidence. Indeed, officers, during the search, recovered a bundle containing 5,000 pellets of cannabis,” CIP Karekezi explained.
He thanked the residents, who played part in breaking the chain of narcotics suppliers, and urged the public to report anyone in their localities they suspect to be a drug dealer so as to save the young people, who account for the majority of abusers.
The Ministerial Order No. 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis as a “very severe drug.”
The law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, especially in its article 263, provides an imprisonment of between 20 years and life, for anyone convicted for very severe narcotic drugs and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
The request was made on Wednesday at the closure of three-day YouLead Summit 2020 bringing together the youth from East African Community (EAC) to assess their contribution towards addressing different problems pertaining to politics, peace and trade.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of EAC in Tanzania but some meeting points were established in different countries to participate virtually due to COVID-19.
Fredrick Kamusiime, the Division Manager for EAC and Eastern African Affairs at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Rwanda’s youth needs to push themselves to global market by creating outstanding innovations.
“You should put much effort in markets study. Apparently, there won’t be gun wars anymore. The remaining struggle is to liberate our market thrusting forward to make own cars and other technology gadgets,” he said.
“The war ahead is different from what your predecessors experienced. It is within your capacity to come up with new ideas and strive to take the lead,” added Kamusiime.
He stressed that their innovations need to be adapted to current technology to expand market as the world is going digital.
Josephine Uwamariya, the Country Director ActionAid Rwanda which heads organizations behind YouLead Summit in Rwanda explained that capacitating the youth is an investment for the better future.
“Youth are the leaders of today and tomorrow not only in Rwanda but also in EAC, Africa and across the world. The youth’s role is highly needed to act as the backbone for attain Sustainable Development Goals,” she stressed.
Uwamariya urged the youth to always update their innovations lest they are left behind.
ThroughoutYouLead Summit best youth’s projects were awarded.
The annual YouLead Summit is aimed at empowering EAC youth in the areas of trade and investment, leadership and peace.
Through this model, Jibu has given priority to girls and women who constitute 60% of its agents.
Joyeuse Muhimpundu is an agent based in Kabuga who has been working with Jibu for the past two years. She abandoned her shop after realizing many benefits of Jibu business. Muhimpundu started producing 1500 liters in 2018 but has grown to produce 4000 and 5000 liters on support of Jibu.
“Increased production helped me to grow income that I have hired eight employees,” she said.
Muhimpundu explains that being Jibu’s agent has unlocked other opportunities which saw her dealing in gases.
Rehema Uwamahoro is another agent who worked with Jibu since 2016. She lived in Kigali by the time she learnt about Jibu’s opportunities.
Realizing that many people had started such business in Kigali, Uwamahoro abandoned her job and moved to Rwamagana where she could face minimal competition. She has become financially stable and self-reliant entrepreneur.
“I was a public servant but I cannot apply for jobs anymore because I have made a giant step. I reaped many benefits including new businesses and starting a clinic. This is evidencing how working with Jibu is advantageous,” she said.
{{Loans to expand business}}
Jibu agents across the country attribute in no smaller part their progress to good relations with the company.
Muhimpundu explained that Jibu helps them with the provision of loans to sustain their businesses.
“Jibu provides car loans to help us distribute water to different shops. This contributes a lot to successfulness of our business,” she noted.
Uwamahoro also revealed that Jibu always seeks to turn their businesses profitable through different forms of support.
“Jibu conducts assessment to ensure adherence to standards. Apart from car loans, the company provides free loans paid in installments to buy equipment,” she revealed.
Jibu has recently in October received Transformational Business Award by ‘The Financial Times’ in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Jibu is present in seven African countries. It has been in Rwanda for eight years and works with over 50 agents. In general, it has enabled the creation of 500 jobs with 60% women representation.
