Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Frw 25.4 billion recovered in student loan repayments over four years

These loans were issued under the government bursary scheme to students pursuing higher education at the University of Rwanda.

The figure was disclosed in BRD’s 2024 annual report, which noted that 2024 recorded the highest annual recovery, with Frw 7.2 billion collected from loan beneficiaries that year alone.

Since 2016, when BRD was officially mandated to manage and recover student loans, the institution has recovered a total of Frw 34.7 billion.

This marks a significant effort in recent years, considering that by 2023, only Frw 24.4 billion had been repaid from a total loan portfolio of Frw 221.85 billion.

The Government of Rwanda first introduced the student loan program in 1980. In 2016, BRD assumed full responsibility for both loan disbursement and collection, taking over an existing loan book valued at Frw 70.9 billion. As of July 2024, the bank had disbursed over Frw 376.9 billion in student loans.

Under current ministerial regulations, loan beneficiaries—or their employers—who fail to make timely repayments incur a 1.5% monthly penalty on the outstanding amount.

This penalty applies starting from the day the beneficiary begins formal employment or signs a repayment agreement, as outlined in Article 22 of the regulation. Even a delay of less than a month is counted as a full month for penalty purposes.

The aim of this penalty is to encourage compliance and ensure the sustainability of the loan scheme so that future generations of students can also benefit.

In an earlier interview with IGIHE, Wilson Rurangwa, Head of the Education Loan and Bursary Division at BRD, highlighted several challenges that have slowed down loan recovery.

One major issue involves employers who deduct loan repayments from employees’ salaries but fail to remit the funds to BRD.

“There are cases where employers, after being notified that an employee received a government loan, deduct the repayment amount but do not transfer it to BRD,” Rurangwa said. “We have seen instances where this happened for four consecutive months.”

He also noted that some individuals remain listed as debtors despite having completed their repayments, usually due to administrative or reporting errors. In such cases, BRD encourages affected individuals to come forward with documentation so that any overpayments can be refunded.

Rurangwa further explained that some employers fail to properly declare the deducted payments to BRD, which results in loan balances appearing unpaid even though the funds were received.

“BRD cannot identify the payee unless the employer reports the transaction,” he emphasized. “That’s why the law requires employers to always notify BRD when making deductions.”

An audit conducted by BRD across 28 major institutions operating in Rwanda revealed that none of them were fully compliant with regulations governing student loan repayment deductions.

These gaps, Rurangwa said, remain a key barrier to improving recovery rates and ensuring accountability in the system.

May 9, 2025
Amb. Bizimana presents credentials to represent Rwanda in Senegal

Following the formal presentation of the credentials, Amb. Bizimana conveyed a message from Rwandan President Paul Kagame and reaffirmed Rwanda’s firm commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between both countries.

He highlighted the growing collaboration between the two nations across various sectors, with particular emphasis on enhancing economic ties through increased trade, investment, and business partnerships, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Diomaye Faye also expressed his appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.

He warmly welcomed Amb. Bizimana, wished him success in his mission, and assured him of the full support of the Senegalese government during his tenure.

President Faye also requested the Ambassador to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to President Kagame.

Rwanda opened its embassy in Senegal in May 2011. The diplomatic mission also oversees the country’s interests in Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.

Ambassador Festus Bizimana is Rwanda’s fourth envoy to Senegal, following in the footsteps of Gerard Ntwari, Mathias Harebamungu, and Jean Pierre Karabaranga.

May 9, 2025
UN, AU urge warring parties in South Sudan to embrace dialogue

The AU Mission in South Sudan, the UN Mission in South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East African bloc, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, which monitors peace implementation, expressed concern about the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation across South Sudan.

“Ongoing air and ground attacks are leading to an alarming loss of life, property and civilian displacement, even as ethnically polarizing rhetoric and hate speech are rising. The targeting of humanitarian facilities is also unacceptable and must stop,” they said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The organizations said these escalations are fast eroding the confidence of communities and peace partners in the sincerity of the promise made by the parties not to return this country to war, and urged the leadership to recommit to a transparent, consensus-driven, and collaborative approach for lasting peace.

“They must reinvigorate visibly stalled peace implementation by addressing all grievances through an inclusive political dialogue,” they said.

The missions said inclusive political dialogue can be achieved through the release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition officials and members currently under detention, as well as by creating an enabling environment to reconvene and resource inclusive institutions and mechanisms provided for under the peace deal.

May 9, 2025
American Robert Prevost becomes new Catholic Pope

His selection was signaled by white smoke that billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming the selection of a new Pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

This traditional signal indicates a successful vote, where a candidate secured the required two-thirds majority—out of the 133 voting cardinals—during the conclave.

Joyful cheers erupted from the crowds filling St. Peter’s Square as the white smoke, a sign of a successful vote, appeared.

The identity of the new Pope is revealed in the traditional ceremony from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, when a senior cardinal announces “Habemus papam!”—”We have a pope!”

The new Pope also made his first public appearance on the balcony, and delivered his blessing to the faithful below.

Pope Robert Francis Prevost, the successsor of Pope Francis, was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago (Illinois, United States).

He becomes the first American Pontiff.

{{Background}}

In 1977 Robert Francis Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis.

On 29 August 1981 he gave his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.

At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum).

He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986).

In 1987 he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine”.

In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois, United States of America.

In 1988 he was sent to the mission of Trujillo as director of the joint formation project for Augustinian aspirants in the Vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos and Apurímac.

There he served as community prior (1988-1992), director of formation (1988-1998) and teacher of the professed (1992-1998).

In the archdiocese of Trujillo he was judicial vicar (1989-1998), and professor of canon, patristic and moral law in the “San Carlos e San Marcelo” Major Seminary.

In 1999 he was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” province, Chicago.

After two and a half years, the ordinary general Chapter elected him prior general, a ministry again entrusted to him in the 2007 ordinary general Chapter.

In October 2013 he returned to his province (Chicago) to serve as teacher of the professed and provincial vicar, roles he held 3 November 2014, when Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar.

On 7 November he took canonical possession of the diocese in the presence of the apostolic nuncio James Patrick Green; he was ordained a bishop on 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese.

He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 26 November 2015. In March 2018 he became second vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.

Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2019, and member of the Congregation for Bishops in 2020.

On 15 April 2020, the Pope appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao.

On 30 January 2023 Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and presidet of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

He was created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory of 30 September 2023, of the Deaconry of Santa Monica

May 8, 2025
Govt plans to spend over Frw7 trillion in 2025/2026 budget

This was presented on May 8, 2025, by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, during the unveiling of the Budget Framework Paper (BFP) for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

The framework is aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, focusing on sustainable, inclusive development.

The proposed Frw7 trillion budget will support strategic national projects, including the ongoing construction of the New Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, the expansion of RwandAir, and post-crisis recovery initiatives related to COVID-19, May 2023 floods and Marburg disease outbreak.

To fund the budget, the government projects Frw 4,105.2 billion in domestic revenue, comprising Frw 3,628.0 billion in tax revenues and Frw 477.2 billion from other sources. It also expects Frw 585.2 billion in external grants and Frw 2,151.9 billion in loans.

Spending will be split between Frw 4,395.1 billion for recurrent expenses—including salaries and operational costs—and Frw 2,637.4 billion for capital investments that support long-term development.

The full budget for 2025/26 is expected to be formally presented to Parliament in June 2025.

Minister Murangwa highlighted the country’s resilience and growth in the face of global challenges, noting that Rwanda’s economy grew by 8.9% in 2024, surpassing earlier projections of 8.3%.

“Rwanda’s growth momentum remains strong, despite a challenging environment caused by climate change effects, global inflation, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, among other factors. Our economic recovery has been resilient.

“The Government remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability and fostering inclusive growth by investing in key areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, social protection, and education,” he stated.

May 8, 2025
Winners Mount Academy’s partnership with Israel embassy opens doors to enhanced ICT education

The partnership was officially announced on May 7, 2025, during a visit by Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss. During her visit, the students showcased their talents, and the ambassador took time to engage with them directly.

Elie Muhizi, the school’s founder, described the partnership as a significant milestone and expressed pride in collaborating with Israel—renowned for its global leadership in technology and innovation.

He emphasized the long-term value the partnership could bring to both the students and the broader national education landscape.

“Israel is a powerful and advanced country. Partnering with them is an honor. It will benefit our students and our nation in many ways, and we expect the collaboration to keep expanding,” Muhizi stated.

He noted that the initiative will strengthen the school’s use of technology in learning and hinted at broader opportunities ahead, including the possibility of students pursuing further studies in Israel.

“Another aspect of our partnership involves teaching Hebrew—the official language of Israel—to students at Winners Mount Academy,” he added.

Winners Mount Academy currently serves around 300 students, with 170 girls and 130 boys enrolled.

The school is preparing to present its first cohort of 18 candidates for Rwanda’s national primary leaving national exams.

Muhizi expressed high expectations for the students, aiming for top marks that will enable them to gain admission to the country’s best secondary schools.

May 8, 2025
Key insights on Rwanda’s ten newly discovered mining blocks

These blocks, rich in high-value minerals like cassiterite, coltan, wolframite, and rare earth elements, were detailed in the Rwanda Mining Board’s (RMB) May 2025 Mining Investment Pitchbook.

Designed to attract strategic investors, the findings highlight Rwanda’s untapped mineral wealth across Kamonyi, Bugesera, and Gatsibo districts.

Below is an overview of each block, showcasing their geological potential and investment opportunities.

{{1. Binyeri}}

Nestled in the Rukoma Sector of Kamonyi District, the Binyeri block spans 50 hectares and is geologically tied to the mineral-rich Kayenzi granite.

Surrounded by active mining licenses, this area has a history of artisanal and medium-scale mining.

Past surveys confirmed rare metal pegmatites, with cassiterite as the dominant mineral, making Binyeri a promising site for targeted exploration.

{{2. Juru}}

In Bugesera District, the expansive Juru block covers 1,354 hectares of quartzite and brecciated schists. It hosts epithermal deposits of tin, tungsten, and tantalum (3Ts), with tin being particularly abundant.

A 2014 geophysical survey estimated 52,998 tonnes of cassiterite, and the block’s geology hints at potential for rare earth elements, positioning Juru as a high-value prospect.

{{3. Mamfu-Rwasama }}

Spanning 1,300 hectares in Gatsibo District, the Mamfu-Rwasama block lies in a tin-rich region historically mined by companies like SOMIRWA and Luna Smelter.

Affected by regional metamorphism, it features two main vein types yielding high-grade cassiterite and coltan.

The coltan found in the area contains about 63% tantalum and 20% niobium, while the cassiterite is very pure, with tin levels between 90% and 99%, making both minerals valuable for commercial use.

{{4. Musenyi }}

Located in Bugesera District, the Musenyi block covers 1,000 hectares and is a brownfield site previously licensed to Hard Metal.

Near other active licenses, it contains Sn-rich pegmatites with significant tin and tantalum concentrations.

Although current production is modest, the block’s high-grade ore and scalability make it an attractive investment opportunity.

{{5. Remera }}

One of the largest blocks, Remera stretches across 4,025 hectares in Gatsibo District, part of a historically productive tin district.

Geophysical surveys have identified primary cassiterite veins beneath lateritic cover, with past production exceeding 4,488 tonnes.

The block also shows iron ore potential, broadening its appeal across Gatsibo, Gicumbi, and Nyagatare.

{{6. Rubiha }}

In Gatsibo District, the Rubiha block encompasses 450 hectares near the Rugarama granite. It hosts over 20 mineralized quartz veins rich in cassiterite and columbite-tantalite.

Decades of geological studies have mapped favorable pegmatite zoning, ensuring high-purity tin and a well-structured mineralization profile for efficient extraction.

{{7. Rubona-Gatunda }}

This 925-hectare block in Gatsibo District, a former Luna Smelter concession, is hosted in Bulimbi meta-sediments.

Known for its tin and tantalum potential, it has a history of cassiterite mining.

Recent petrographic analyses reveal late magmatic mineralization, particularly rich in tin, enhancing its prospects for modern operations.

{{8. Rugarama }}

Covering 2,175 hectares in Gatsibo District, Rugarama has benefited from extensive geological studies since the 1980s, including UNDP and BRGM surveys.

The block is renowned for tin-rich placers and greisen zones, with over 20 quartz veins forming stockworks that yield significant cassiterite and tantalum, making it a cornerstone of Rwanda’s mining portfolio.

{{9. Rweru }}

Situated in Bugesera District, the Rweru block spans 875 hectares. It boasts high concentrations of niobium, tantalum, tin, lithium, and rare earth elements.

{{10. Rweru-Kimvubu }}

Also in Bugesera District, this 1,300-hectare block lies between two large granite bodies, intersected by fault systems.

Soil and rock samples reveal niobium and tin concentrations well above global averages, alongside significant wolframite deposits.

Its rare metal pegmatites and potential for rare earth element exploration make it a standout opportunity.

According to Donat Nsengumuremyi, the Division Manager of the Mining Extraction and Inspection Division at RMB, these blocks align with Rwanda’s strategy to expand its processing industry and attract investment.

Facilities like Gasabo Gold Refinery, LuNa Smelter, and Power Resources International are well-positioned to process minerals from these sites, supporting downstream value addition.

Innocent Kagenga, Chairperson of the Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), highlighted the importance of transparent data, noting that mapping and publishing these blocks levels the playing field for local and foreign investors.

Rwanda’s mining sector is poised for significant growth, targeting $2.2 billion in annual revenue by 2029, up from $1.7 billion in 2024.

So far, Rwanda has issued 136 mining licenses to 99 companies, 18 exploration permits to 17 companies, 76 licenses for mineral trading companies, and 3 for mineral value-addition activities.

In addition to the 3Ts, Rwanda also has deposits of gold in districts like Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, and Nyarugenge.

Gemstones used in jewelry can be found in Ngororero, Ruhango, and Muhanga; sapphire is found in the Western Province; and lithium and other minerals are under active exploration.

May 8, 2025
Papal Conclave enters day two

The first day of the conclave, held on Wednesday, concluded without a decision. As tradition dictates, the appearance of black smoke from the chapel’s chimney signaled that no candidate had secured the necessary two-thirds majority to be named pope and succeed the late Pope Francis.

While only one round of voting is customary on the first day, Thursday marked the beginning of a more intensive schedule. From now on, the cardinals will hold up to four ballots each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pontiff is chosen.

Outside the Vatican, a quiet tension mingled with hope. St. Peter’s Square glowed under the morning sun, the basilica’s iconic dome casting long shadows across the gathering crowds.

Pilgrims, clergy, tourists, and reporters—speaking a blend of languages—waited patiently for the next sign from the chimney.

Some found shade under the colonnades; others sat cross-legged on the cobblestones, gazing toward the roofline for a glimpse of smoke.

The mix of ages and backgrounds spoke to the global significance of the moment. From the devout to the curious, seasoned observers to first-time visitors, all had come to witness history.

As the world watches, the color of the smoke remains the only clue to the proceedings within. Until white smoke rises—signaling the successful election of a new pope—the search for the next leader of the Catholic Church continues.

May 8, 2025
Rwanda partners with E7 Group to boost secure printing services and advanced manufacturing

Announced via Rwanda Development Board (RDB)’s official X account, the partnership will include a range of services and the development of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility aimed at improving public service delivery and reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing.

E7 Group, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, specializes in secure printing, identity management, packaging, publishing, and logistics.

Originally established in 2006 as United Printing & Publishing (UPP), the company rebranded to E7 Group in January 2024 to reflect its broader mandate and alignment with the UAE’s strategic vision. The name “E7” symbolizes the unity of the UAE’s seven emirates and the company’s forward-looking mission.

As a subsidiary of ADQ—one of the region’s key investment vehicles established in 2018 to drive economic diversification—E7 Group brings significant expertise in secure, high-tech solutions.

Rwanda, meanwhile, continues to make notable progress in industrial development. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), industrial output grew by 5% in March 2025.

Earlier that month, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente highlighted that the country’s industrial production has tripled since 2017, increasing from Frw 591 billion to Frw 1.68 trillion, largely driven by value-added investments across sectors.

Industrial parks have been central to this progress, with 230 factories now fully operational nationwide and another 98 in the pipeline.

Employment in the sector has also surged—from 180,000 in 2017 to 259,000 in 2024—reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to industrialization as a key pillar of economic transformation and job creation.

May 8, 2025
Xi’s upcoming visit to deepen China-Russia ties, bolster global peace

More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China, the Soviet Union and other countries fought side by side and secured victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, opening a new chapter in human history.

As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, the international community demands greater global efforts to face common challenges, and to build a community with a shared future.

Xi’s upcoming visit is expected to inject new momentum into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Moreover, it will demonstrate the two major countries’ commitment to working with the rest of the world to safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and maintain world peace and stability.

{{LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIP}}

History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development, Xi said in his phone conversation with Putin in February.

The coming visit marks Xi’s 11th trip to Russia since he became Chinese president. The two heads of state have met more than 40 times on different occasions over the years. Their close communication provides strategic guidance, under which China-Russia relations have matured into a resilient and stable partnership characterized by deepening political trust, closer strategic alignment and sustained practical cooperation.

In 2024, bilateral trade rose to 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years. In December 2024, the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline was fully completed. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, e-commerce, bio-medicine, scientific and technological innovation, as well as green energy continues to expand.

The two countries’ long-lasting friendship has grown increasingly popular among the two peoples. The mutual visa exemption agreement for group tours has encouraged more robust two-way travel. Hundreds of cultural events have been held in succession with the framework of the China-Russia Year of Culture.

Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian ambassador to China, said the strategic guidance of the two heads of state is a key factor in ensuring the steady and long-term development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

The two leaders are expected to hold extensive and in-depth discussions on both bilateral cooperation and multilateral issues, and the Russian side has high expectations for that, he added.

{{INDELIBLE CONTRIBUTION}}

Over 80 years ago, China and Russia, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during World War II, made tremendous sacrifices and indelible contribution to the final victory.

In a signed article published by the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his visit to Russia in 2015, Xi quoted Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky as saying, “If we lost the memory of our past, our mind and soul would be lost in the darkness,” in a bid to express his remembrance of the history of the World Anti-Fascist War and earnest expectations for the two nations to join hands to maintain world peace and stability.

The bitter lessons drawn from World War II have taught mankind that the strong preying on the weak, the law of the jungle, warlike or hegemonic policies, the winner-takes-all mindset and zero-sum game do not benefit coexistence, peace or development of mankind, Xi wrote in the article.

Noha Bakir, a professor of political science at American University in Cairo, said China and Russia, drawing lessons from history, shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding international stability and cooperation amid today’s complex global landscape.

By studying, restoring and spreading the true history, people can better understand World War II and the post-war international order, thus they will resist the attempts to distort historical facts, he added.

Andrey Fesyun, deputy director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia will further jointly advocate the correct historical view of World War II, and work together to maintain global strategic stability, so as to make the due contributions of responsible major countries to the advancement of international fairness and justice.

{{SPEARHEADING PROGRESS}}

Eighty years ago, representatives from multiple countries, including China and the Soviet Union, gathered in the U.S. city of San Francisco, and signed the Charter of the United Nations, laying the cornerstone of the post-war international order.

The preamble to the charter solemnly states the commitment “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

China and Russia have natural responsibilities to make joint efforts to steer and promote global governance in a direction that meets the expectations of the international community and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi when meeting with Putin in March 2023. And it was during Xi’s first visit to Russia in 2013 as Chinese president that he first proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, China and Russia have been working closely on the world stage. Beijing and Moscow firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, as well as the fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They are also advocates of true multilateralism.

The two nations have also joined hands to promote political solutions to international and regional hot-spot issues. They have strengthened communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS and the Group of 20, and are jointly committed to advancing a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan scholar on international relations, said that China and Russia collaborate through platforms like the SCO and BRICS, which has not only promoted a multipolar world, but also empowered the Global South with a greater voice in global governance and a bigger role in shaping the rules on major international issues.

Ilgar Velizade, head of the South Caucasus Club of Political Scientists from Azerbaijan, said that the growing strength of multilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the SCO and BRICS represents a powerful embodiment of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

If countries engage in an active, constructive and sustainable dialogue focused on common interests, the world will be safer, the global economy more sustainable and humanity’s future far more promising, he said.

May 7, 2025