Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Organized by BioMassters and the World Bioenergy Association, the event focused on the potential of wood pellets as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal, which have long been the primary sources of energy in Rwandan schools.

Founded in 2020, BioMassters is a forward-thinking Rwandan company on a mission to mitigate climate change by replacing conventional cooking fuels with eco-friendly alternatives.

With a manufacturing plant in Rubavu and a robust retail network in Kigali, the company has already distributed 6,500 stoves, significantly reducing indoor air pollution and promoting a smokeless kitchen environment.

BioMassters also sells two types of household cookstoves: the Red Stove and the “Made in Rwanda” stove, both of which provide convenience for cooks and are clean, smokeless, and efficient.

These gasifier stoves operate on affordable wood pellets, which not only reduces wood usage but also results in low running costs compared to other fuel options on the market.

The event featured a compelling panel debate on the scalability of pellet solutions, drawing insights from various industry experts.

Dr. Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, shared his perspective, underscoring the feasibility and necessity of such transitions for sustainable development.

“The results we’ve witnessed through these initiatives are promising. With the right support and strategic planning, this model can be effectively scaled to benefit more communities across Rwanda and beyond,” he stated.

During the workshop, Claudia Muench, CEO of BioMassters, emphasized the impact of these initiatives: “Our goal is to create a cleaner and healthier environment for our communities that is at the same time affordable. By transitioning to wood pellets made from wood waste in Rwanda, we alleviate harmful emissions and improve convenience for cooks, which ultimately benefits our students and schools.”

Sylvain Rucyaha, Director at BioMassters, highlighted the impressive results of the school pilot project.

“Our transition to pellet cooking in schools has resulted in a smokeless kitchen environment, significantly reducing indoor air pollution. We’ve also achieved a remarkable reduction in wood usage, improving convenience for cooks and lowering running costs.

“These solutions are not only renewable, domestic, and affordable, but they are also clean, offering substantial benefits and demonstrating the scalability potential of our approach in transforming school cooking practices with locally produced fuel.”

Dr. Peter Sommerer, Principal of Erlauf Investment GmbH, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of investment in sustainable energy for fostering economic growth and environmental preservation.

“By investing in projects like these, we will be paving the way for a greener, more resilient future,” he remarked.

In attendance were key stakeholders representing different government agencies, international agencies and many other partners. Their participation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and international cooperation in achieving Rwanda’s ambitious energy goals.

The workshop, themed ‘From Firewood to Modern Bioenergy – Leapfrogging the Fossil Age,’ provided a valuable platform for policymakers, educational institutions, and energy sector professionals to exchange ideas, share insights, and strategize the path forward for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

As Rwanda continues to innovate within the energy sector, initiatives like those spearheaded by BioMassters and the World Bioenergy Association are critical in driving tangible change.

These discussions and insights gathered from the workshop will undoubtedly contribute to reshaping the landscape of school cooking practices across the nation, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.

By focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment, BioMassters is not just changing the way Rwandans cook; it is driving a movement towards environmental sustainability. With plans to expand and increase production capacity in 2025/26, the company plans to play a pivotal role in Rwanda’s energy transformation.

As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, Rwanda’s commitment, demonstrated through events like this workshop, showcases the nation’s leadership in environmental stewardship and innovative energy solutions.

The impact of these efforts will be felt far beyond the borders of Rwanda, offering a model of success for sustainable development globally.

Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary of MINUBUMWE, made this announcement on March 18, 2025, during the official launch of new unity and reconciliation lessons. These lessons are being provided to genocide convicts as they prepare for reintegration into society.

The Genocide against the Tutsi, which ended with the intervention of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), led to the prosecution of over 120,000 individuals. Rwanda used a restorative justice system through Gacaca courts to address those involved in the Genocide.

A study in 2010 highlighted the success of these courts in promoting reconciliation. It found that 83% of those who admitted their crimes sought forgiveness and committed to rejecting genocide ideology. Additionally, 85% of the victims’ families forgave the perpetrators, enabling peaceful coexistence in daily life.

According to MINUBUMWE data, in 2018, there were 27,662 genocide convicts in Rwandan prisons. By 2024, this number had decreased to 17,546, and between August 2024 and January 2025, 509 convicts were released, bringing the total number of remaining prisoners down to 17,037.

“Between March and May 2025, around 192 prisoners will be reintegrated into their families. The remaining convicts will continue to be released as they complete their sentences,” Mahoro explained.

He urged the genocide convicts who are nearing the end of their sentences to reject the ideology of genocide and to share the truth about the past with their children, rather than falsely claiming victimhood.

Currently, genocide convicts approaching release are gathered at two main locations: male convicts at Nyamasheke Prison and female convicts at Nyamagabe Prison. Two months prior to their release, they receive lessons aimed at preparing them for reintegration into Rwandan society, focusing on unity and reconciliation.

Gambling remains popular among people of different age brackets, with some negative effects, such as individuals experiencing mental health issues after losing property.

Meanwhile, those running gambling operations have seen substantial profits. In 2024, gambling companies generated 640 billion Rwandan francs (Frw), a significant increase from Frw 251 billion in 2023.

As he explained the basis of the draft law to the parliament on March 19, 2025, Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, explained that the primary purpose is to expand the tax base, ease tax implementation, and reduce services with negative impacts on public health.

“The gambling tax will be raised from 13% to 40%, and the tax on prizes won will increase from 15% to 25% of the prize value,” Kabera said.

He also noted that these changes would be offset by removing the tax on profits for gambling service providers, thus easing their financial burden.

A new tax on profits from foreign tech companies such as Google and Amazon, which do not operate locally, has also been introduced.

Additionally, the Value-Added Tax (VAT) will rise from 5% to 10%, and its scope will expand to include the trading of shares, bonds, licenses, and collateral.

Deputy Munyangeyo Théogène remarked that while raising this tax was necessary, an immediate threefold increase could drive gambling operations out of Rwanda, potentially leading to illegal activities.

“It seems like a deterrent, and there has been investment in some businesses… if we make it too difficult, we might also see an increase in smuggling activities, as gambling companies in the region are involved. While the decision is enforced here, someone in Rusizi can cross over to Bukavu to continue betting,” he explained.

Munyangeyo also pointed out that online gambling platforms not registered in Rwanda should be scrutinized.

Kabera assured the public that the gambling sector had grown enough for these taxes to not harm its operations.

“It’s the right time to raise taxes. Even though we’ve raised the tax on one hand, we’ve also removed the tax on profits, which will ease their burden and make payments more manageable,” he said.

“We have no concerns that their investments will be jeopardized. From what we’ve observed, they will continue to make profits,” Kabera added.

He emphasized that the goal is to ensure gambling is conducted responsibly with minimal negative impact while generating revenue for the government to fund other activities.

President Ndayishimiye recently addressed the public during a prayer session, suggesting that the ethnic conflicts in Burundi were caused by Rwandans who fled there. He also linked the issues of ethnic identity and conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwandans.

These comments caught many by surprise, especially since President Paul Kagame had recently hinted that the relationship between the two countries was on the mend.

In an interview with B&B Kigali FM, Mukuralinda emphasized that, although Ndayishimiye’s statements are concerning, they need to be carefully analyzed and understood.

He explained that such remarks should not interfere with the ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening relations, pointing out that President Kagame had refrained from commenting on the bilateral relationship because of the talks.

Mukuralinda added that Ndayishimiye’s words should be carefully considered and analyzed, particularly in light of the broader goal of reconciling Rwandans and Burundians.

“We were told that there are ongoing talks, and Rwandans are happy about them. I believe Burundians are also pleased, because good relations between our two nations mean that the people live in harmony, and that’s all anyone wants. So, when such words are spoken, one must pause, analyze them carefully, and consider the context in which they were said, who they were directed at, and the possible reasons behind them,” he said.

“One could analyze and ask, was there really an issue in Rwanda in 1959 that caused people to flee to Burundi? Did it have any lasting effects? Did Rwandans flee to Congo in 1994, , and did that have consequences? Upon analysis, it becomes clear that the root cause of the genocide was the ideology of hatred, where you would carry that ideology with you, wherever you went and encounter the same ethnic divisions—Hutus, Tutsis, and Twa—just as they existed in Rwanda. And did carrying that ideology have an impact or not?” Mukuralinda explained.

Mukuralinda made it clear that Rwanda would not hastily respond to Ndayishimiye’s statements, as this could lead to unnecessary verbal clashes.

“If one jumps into such conversations prematurely, it would only lead to unnecessary arguments, and that’s not needed. Instead, we should reflect on it and think about it carefully. If a response is necessary, it can be addressed during the talks. You can ask, ‘Why was it said? Was it necessary to say it at this stage when we are engaged in dialogue?’”

He stressed that if Rwanda feels it is necessary, they will ask Ndayishimiye about his comments through the diplomatic channels already established.

“You could ask, ‘Is it necessary to bring this up now, while we are in discussions? If you wanted to say something, why didn’t you do so during the talks? ” he wondered.

Mukuralinda affirmed that the primary goal of these discussions is the mutual benefit of the people in both countries.

“The aim is the well-being of the people—Rwandans and Burundians alike. Those engaged in the talks must prioritize the common good, not their personal interests. The leaders are there for the benefit of their people,” he said.

Mukuralinda concluded, “You cannot simply halt talks because of a single individual or a statement. We know how much effort has been invested to bring this dialogue back to life.”

While acknowledging that some comments may seem provocative, he asserted that it would be more productive to address such issues within the framework of the ongoing discussions, to seek understanding and find joint solutions.

The group’s military spokesperson said in a televised statement that the attack was made to support the Palestinians and in response to the new wave of deadly Israeli airstrikes across Gaza earlier in the day.