Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This high-level engagement comes at a time when Rwanda’s mining industry is experiencing remarkable growth.

In 2024, mineral exports generated $1.7 billion, an impressive leap from $373 million recorded in 2017. These figures were disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente during his address to members of Parliament on March 27, 2025.

According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan in 2024, earning $99 million. Cassiterite exports totaled 4,861 tonnes and generated $96 million, while 2,741 tonnes of wolfram brought in $36 million. Gold continued to dominate the sector, with 19,397 kilograms exported, generating $1.5 billion in revenue.

Rwanda’s mining sector is capital-intensive, requiring significant investments in exploration, modern equipment, and infrastructure. Trinity Metals is among the key players driving this growth. The company operates the Nyakabingo Mine in Rulindo District, which produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually. Production is expected to double within the next four years.

Wolframite, the mineral extracted from Nyakabingo, is the primary source of tungsten, a highly durable metal used in industries such as construction, aerospace, defense, and electronics.

Rwanda currently exports wolfram at 68% purity, as the country lacks a facility to refine it into high-grade tungsten. Once exported, mainly to Austria, the mineral is refined to a purity level of 99.999%, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

In 2024 alone, 1,107 tons of wolfram from Nyakabingo were shipped to Austria, where it is recognized for its exceptional quality.

Trinity Metals has invested $40 million across its Rwandan operations, which include the Musha Mine—currently producing cassiterite and coltan and under exploration for lithium, and the Rutongo Mine, a major cassiterite site.

That year, Trinity Metals exported a combined 2,226 tons of wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan. The company has set an ambitious target to increase its annual exports to 5,201 tons by 2029, signaling its long-term commitment to Rwanda’s mining sector.

Rwanda has been represented by Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Head of International Military Cooperation, and Brig Gen Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

The talks were also attended by Massad Boulos, the United States Senior Advisor for Africa, as well as representatives from Togo, France, and Qatar, which hosted the meeting.

This high-level meeting follows the signing of a ‘Declaration of Principles’ on April 25, in which Rwanda and the DRC agreed on a roadmap toward sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region, with support from the United States.

At the time of signing, the U.S. urged both countries to submit a draft peace agreement by May 2 for mutual review.

The U.S. also confirmed that representatives from both nations would return to Washington, D.C., to resolve any disagreements regarding the draft.

Speaking after the recent signing of ‘Declaration of Principles’, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of tackling root causes and fostering regional cooperation for lasting peace.

He also noted that the declaration supports African-led peace efforts, including those under the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Qatar’s Doha track, with the ultimate goal of a comprehensive peace agreement.

The current agreement builds on a series of ongoing negotiations. These include mediation efforts led by African Union-appointed facilitator and Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as well as separate dialogue tracks between Rwanda and the DRC, and between the DRC and the M23/AFC coalition, facilitated by Qatar since March 2025.

Outcomes from regional summits involving leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have also helped shape the peace roadmap.

France, represented at the April 30 talks in Doha, expressed its willingness to contribute to regional peace efforts.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously brought together Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in September 2022 and attempted to do so again in February 2025, though the latter effort was unsuccessful.

In just 24 months, the electric mobility company has become a driving force behind sustainable transportation and inclusive job creation, with more than 2000, bikes already on Rwandan roads, a number expected to grow exponentially by end of this year.

“This anniversary is more than a number. It reflects the trust we have earned in the community and the strength of our brand on the ground,” said Arunkumar Bhandari, Country Head at Spiro Rwanda.

At the heart of this success is Spiro’s shift to local assembly. Bikes are now being assembled in Kigali, with plans underway to transition into full manufacturing.

This move has generated over 300 jobs, spanning both technical roles and office-based positions. Notably, 40% of Spiro’s workforce is female, a figure that is rare in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector.

“We are proud of the growing number of women in our technical and operational teams. This isn’t just a win for Spiro; it’s a statement about gender inclusion and the power of ESG values in action,” Bhandari said.

As part of its expansion strategy, Spiro is setting its sights beyond Kigali, targeting areas such as Muhanga, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Rusizi, and Musanze. The expansion plan supports not just growth in market reach but also deeper community engagement and economic empowerment in underserved regions.

The localization of assembly has also led to significant youth upskilling. Spiro is developing a training initiative, dubbed the “Spiro Academy” to partner with universities and the Rwandan government.

The academy will focus on equipping young people, especially women, with the technical skills needed to participate in the country’s emerging electric vehicle sector.

“We’re building capacity not just for Spiro, but for the entire Rwandan manufacturing landscape. We don’t want to import talent, we want to grow it here,” Bhandari noted.

The company’s vision aligns closely with national policy, particularly following the government’s recent ban on the registration of internal combustion engine motorcycles in Kigali.

Spiro’s electric bikes are positioned as a clean alternative, helping to reduce carbon emissions while also supporting the broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

“Our work is aligned with the government’s clean mobility agenda. We’re not just a business, we are partner to Rwanda’s green future. This journey has only been possible thanks to the government of Rwanda’s goodwill, incentives, and backing that have allowed us to grow,” Bhandari affirmed.

On the ground, the impact of Spiro’s presence is tangible. Jean De Dieu Ndatimana, the company’s first-ever customer in Rwanda, described how the electric bike transformed his life.

“Initially, we didn’t know much about Spiro, but when we saw its agenda, especially for protecting the environment, we embraced it. Today, I don’t only use the bike for transport but as a vehicle for progress,” he said.

“I’ve used the income from my partnership with Spiro to educate my child in a modern school and start a chicken project at home. It has changed my life,” Ndatimana added.

As Spiro looks to the future, its vision remains clear; to lead the electric mobility revolution in Rwanda while remaining firmly grounded in local empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive development.

The study tour for the 35 course participants from nine African countries commenced on Monday, April 28, under the theme: “Socio-economic development, good governance, and justice as pillars of peace and security.”

The 13th PSCSC cohort is attended by Senior Police officers from
Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Somalia, Central African Republic and Botswana.

On the first day of the tour, course participants visited the Egyptian Police Academy, where they were received by the President of the academy, Maj Gen Hany Abu-Elmakarem.

They were also joined by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Egypt, CG Dan Munyuza, at the academy.

Maj Gen Hany Abu-Elmakarem briefed the students on the history of the academy since it was established in 1896, and its training programmes tailored on addressing policing challenges.

Amb. Munyuza commended the existing partnership between Rwanda and Egypt, which provides such platforms to share experiences and learn from each other.

He highlighted the Egyptian Police Academy’s significant role in enhancing the capacity of law enforcement, particularly in Africa, and emphasized its contribution to sustainable peace and security across the continent.

The ambassador also underscored how such collaborations “strengthen international cooperation in tackling common security challenges.”

The Commandant of NPC, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, who heads the delegation thanked the Egyptian Police Academy leadership for hosting them and providing a platform for learning.

He further shared the PSCSC goals, and objectives for the study tour, emphasizing how it enhances the understanding of key issues in peace-building and governance.

The course participants and Directing Staff later toured various facilities at the Academy to gain insights into its training and development resources.

The first day of the tour also explored Egypt’s efforts in promoting human rights, especially for disadvantaged groups, and the National Security Strategy with emphasis on counter-terrorism strategies.

During the week-long study tour, the PSCSC participants will also visit the Egyptian Anti-Narcotics International Training Center to explore Egypt’s measures in combating drug trafficking and its impact on national and regional security.

The intense one-year course combines three components; Passed Staff College (PSC) title, Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, and a Masters of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.

Rwanda’s delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, included Ambassador to the United States Mathilde Mukantabana, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, responsible for international military cooperation, and Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo.

The U.S. team, headed by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Troy Fitrell, comprised Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos and U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Eric Kneedler.

Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that the dialogue establishes a structured framework for regular discussions between the two nations focused on political, economic, security and health pillars.

Ambassador Mukantabana also took to X to highlight the significance of this milestone.

“This week has marked an important step in advancing Rwanda-U.S. relations. Through high-level discussions on an array of topics, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening our cooperation. We look forward to building on this momentum to strengthen our enduring partnership and address common challenges together,” she stated.

The launch follows a U.S.-facilitated signing of the Declaration of Principles between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on April 25, aimed at promoting stability and cooperation in the Great Lakes region.

Earlier in April, Massad Boulos, during visits to Rwanda and the DRC, reaffirmed U.S. support for development projects and pledged to encourage American investment in the region.

Embaló had previously visited Kigali in July 2024 for President Kagame’s inauguration ceremony.

In 2023, Kagame traveled to Guinea-Bissau, where he was honored with the Amílcar Cabral Medal, the highest distinction awarded to heads of state from nations friendly to Guinea-Bissau.

Named after the African hero who fought against colonialism, the medal symbolized the deepening ties between the two countries.

During that visit, Kagame toured the national museum dedicated to Amílcar Cabral, and Guinea-Bissau’s soldiers performed a song celebrating the strength of Rwandan forces, with lyrics proclaiming, “The Rwandan army is strong; we defeated the enemy and chased him away.” Rwanda’s diplomatic relations with Guinea-Bissau are overseen by its ambassador to Senegal.

Located in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau has a population of about 2.1 million people, most of whom rely on peanut farming and fishing, and its growing partnership with Rwanda reflects a shared commitment to African solidarity.