Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

About 132 million inbound tourists visited China in 2024, with total spending reaching 94.2 billion U.S. dollars, recovering to 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent of the 2019 levels, respectively, Shi Zeyi, an official in charge of international exchanges and cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said during a recent episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 35.02 million inbound tourist visits, a 19.6 percent increase compared to the same period of last year, Shi added.

Officials and industry insiders at the roundtable also highlighted the marked increase in inbound travel spending. Mobile payment giant Alipay reported a 180 percent surge in inbound tourist spending between May 1 and 3 this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

The surge has been fueled in large by China’s expanded visa-exemption program and a slew of measures aimed at making travel more convenient, including enhanced transportation access, simplified payment systems, and instant tax refunds for departing visitors, according to Shi.

China now grants unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. About 380,000 foreigners entered China under these arrangements during the May Day holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent.

As more foreign travelers visit China and have positive experiences, the potential of the country’s inbound consumption market will continue to grow, said Liu Jia, an official from the National Immigration Administration.

The program is designed to empower youth with practical, job-ready skills and connect them directly with potential employers.

Officially launched on May 17, 2025, IntegoLabs targets university graduates, current students, and young professionals—especially those who are unemployed or unsatisfied in their current roles.

The program aims to address gaps in workplace readiness by offering monthly training sessions and curated employer meetups across various industries.

Dare Daramola, Learning and Community Manager at ALX Rwanda, described the collaboration as a valuable opportunity, particularly for youth already engaged with ALX’s ecosystem.

“This is a major opportunity for young people, especially those already benefiting from ALX Rwanda’s programs. I believe many will gain valuable skills and should take full advantage of this initiative,” he said.

David Ngoga, Managing Director of Sharpen Jobs, explained that IntegoLabs is specifically designed to help youth navigate the workforce more confidently—whether they’re entering for the first time or looking to transition from roles they’re unhappy with.

“IntegoLabs is a program we launched at Sharpen Jobs in collaboration with ALX Rwanda to support university graduates, current students, and young professionals,” Ngoga said.

“You might be someone looking for a job or stuck in one that doesn’t fulfill you. Many young people don’t know how to present themselves professionally or access job opportunities. This program is here to build their skills and link them directly with employers.”

Ngoga added that the program will feature monthly training themes and create opportunities for participants to connect with decision-makers from different organizations.

Sharpen Jobs currently operates in seven African countries, and the IntegoLabs program is planned to run for two years, with the potential for extension depending on impact.

Participation in IntegoLabs is free, and monthly registration updates will be shared through Sharpen Jobs’ official social media channels.

The military hardware—previously used by SAMIDRC forces during operations against the M23 rebel group—is being repatriated following the decision by SADC heads of state on March 13, 2025, to formally conclude the mission.

The phased withdrawal process began on April 29, 2025, and has seen SAMIDRC prioritize transporting its logistical assets through Rwanda, with Tanzania designated as the final staging area.

On May 19, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a convoy carrying the sixth batch of equipment departed from Rugerero, in Rubavu District, moving through Musanze and Kigali en route to Tanzania.

Although equipment repatriation is underway, most SAMIDRC troops remain stationed at camps in Goma and near Sake, as the mission continues to prioritize the drawdown of materiel before personnel redeployment.

The day began with a solemn visit to Ntarama, where Trinity Metals employees were guided through the site’s tragic history.

They learned how, in 1994, thousands of Tutsi who sought sanctuary in the Ntarama Catholic Church were brutally massacred—many by government soldiers—in a place they believed would protect them. The church has since been preserved as a memorial to honor the lives lost.

Speaking at the memorial, Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals Group, reflected on Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconciliation over the past three decades.

“Being at this memorial today is a great honour. We’re remembering those who lost their lives, and we’re also honouring the brave survivors. It’s 31 years since this happened, but I’m always amazed by how quickly Rwandans rebuilt. If you look at the country today—under their leadership—what has been achieved is a shining example to the rest of the world,” he noted.

“If you look at all the conflicts happening globally, there are many countries that could learn from Rwanda. They came through their darkest period and rebuilt through reconciliation, love, and unity. It’s fantastic to see what’s possible when people come together after such a very, very difficult time—and I really commend all Rwandans,” Geleta added.

He also appealed to Rwanda’s youth and young people around the world, urging them never to forget the atrocities of the past—even if they were born after the genocide—and to take an active role in ensuring such tragedies never happen again. Geleta emphasized that prevention begins with mutual respect, love, and collective responsibility.

After visiting the memorial, the Trinity Metals delegation continued to Impinganzima Hostel, where they met with elderly genocide survivors whose families were wiped out during the genocide.

One of the residents, Agnes Mukandanga, shared her gratitude for the visit and what it symbolized.

“Sometimes I used to sit and feel like there was no one left who cared about me,” she said. “But today, I feel loved, seen, and remembered. When someone thinks of you and says, ‘I’m going to visit the Intwaza in Bugesera, to comfort them and see how they’re doing,’ that means everything to us. We never thought we would be loved again like this.”

Geleta concluded the visit by thanking the Government of Rwanda and the Unity Club Intwararumuri for initiating the Impinganzima concept, which provides elderly survivors with a dignified, loving, and supportive environment.

According to Dr. Uwicyeza, the gathering has grown far beyond the capacity of the site, resulting in repeated incidents that put lives at risk.

“The monthly public gathering has been temporarily suspended pending the establishment of safety measures,” she said, adding that, “over the years, this gathering has attracted hundreds of thousands of people far exceeding the capacity of the venue.”

Her comments shared on X follow widespread public reactions on social media, where some expressed frustration at the suspension, especially given the shrine’s long-standing popularity.

However, Dr. Uwicyeza emphasised that the decision was driven by concern for public safety, particularly in light of recent health emergencies reported during the gatherings.

“Attendees undertake a 13 Km pilgrimage, many end up in ambulances or arrive exhausted and hungry. At the last gathering, a dozen people were injured,” she explained. “The safety and security of Rwandans is our top priority.”

She further stressed the need to protect vulnerable groups who attend in large numbers, including children, the elderly, and the sick.

“We need to work together to ensure that the next public gathering is conducted safely and accommodates the special needs of the vulnerable (children, sick, elderly) who make up a large portion of attendees. We cannot afford to risk a single life!” she stated.

RGB’s decision, announced on May 18, 2025, followed a chaotic incident at the April 27 gathering, where a stampede left more than ten people injured.

The shrine—known locally as Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe (Merciful Jesus Sanctuary of Ruhango) —has become one of the country’s most frequented religious sites, attracting over 80,000 pilgrims per event.

In early 2025, it gained international recognition and was added to the global list of Divine Mercy shrines.