He made the disclosure during a media briefing on Tuesday, Muswere noting that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has set up 214 surveillance traps to combat armyworms, which have been ravaging many parts of the southern African country.
All districts now have chemicals on standby to respond to the pest. Sixty trucks, one for each district, have been purchased to ensure a timely response and better preparedness, he said.
Muswere added that 639,809 knapsack sprayers have also been distributed to some beneficiaries of the Presidential Agricultural Input Support Scheme, under which farmers in rural areas are assisted to engage in climate-proof agriculture.
Farmers, who are expecting good harvests following favorable rains during the current agriculture season, have expressed concern that they may lose out to armyworms, which primarily feed on leaves and may also attack maize stalks.
Muswere assured farmers that Zimbabwe’s Grain Marketing Board, the country’s leading grain trading and marketing entity, currently has sufficient grain to meet the needs of rural communities until the next harvest.
The index slightly rose to 102.8 in January 2025 from 102.7 in December 2024, indicating trade volumes remain above trend. A barometer reading above 100 suggests higher-than-trend trade activity, while readings below 100 indicate potential decline.
While the WTO noted accelerating merchandise trade growth, it also warned of risks from rising trade policy uncertainty and potential new tariffs that could impact trade in the medium term. A slowdown in demand is expected later this year.
The barometer’s components showed consistent trends in export orders, electronic components, and raw materials. Meanwhile, automotive products, container shipping, and air freight all performed better than expected.
WTO’s projections for 2024 and 2025 trade volume growth, released in October 2024, were largely in line with the developments observed in the first three quarters of 2024, with anticipated growth rates of 2.7 percent for 2024 and 3 percent for 2025.
The RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.
The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including a 3-year-old girl, and reported that some of the 23 injured were critically wounded and had to be transferred to medical facilities.
The RSF also launched drone strikes on key locations in El Fasher, but the SAF successfully intercepted the drones with air defense systems. The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.
El Fasher has been a hotspot of intense fighting between the SAF and the RSF since May 2023.
Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing conflict since April 2023, resulting in over 29,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 15 million people, according to UN and migration agency reports.
The report was presented during the 57th session of the Economic Commission for Africa: Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zuzana Schwidrowski, UNECA’s director of macroeconomics, finance, and governance, highlighted that while African economies are resilient, growth rates are still insufficient to significantly drive social development across the continent.
She also pointed out ongoing risks such as global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and reduced aid, which could hinder growth.
Although intra-African trade is diversifying and becoming more vibrant in certain regions, overall trade’s contribution to growth has declined compared to past levels.
The report also revealed that, despite a decline in extreme poverty across the continent, it remains persistently high in most regions, with North Africa as the only exception.
Climate change poses an additional challenge, with rising temperatures expected to lower agricultural yields, exacerbating food insecurity in some regions.
The President shared these insights during a recent interview with American journalist Mario Nawfall.
While acknowledging that the crisis may not be fully resolved immediately, Kagame stressed that certain measures could pave the way for lasting peace.
“Let me start with what it is now. What is needed now is for parties involved and others who want support to stop the fighting and have a ceasefire,” he noted.
The second step, according to Kagame, involves establishing a political process that addresses M23’s concerns through peaceful means.
He emphasized that the Congolese government must recognize the reality of the situation and engage in constructive dialogue.
“That will require the leaders of Congo to take the bull by its horns and accept the reality, and say I must talk to these Congolese opposed to me, I must listen to them and their grievances. Even if they picked up six out of ten, that is progress,” Kagame noted.
The third and most critical issue Kagame highlighted is the need for the Congolese government and other stakeholders to acknowledge Rwanda’s security concerns, given that groups destabilizing Rwanda are operating with support from within the DRC.
Kagame also stressed that foreign nations with interests in eastern DRC should recognize that their objectives can still be achieved through peaceful and cooperative approaches.
His remarks come at a time when the M23 rebel group continues to expand its control over key areas in eastern DRC, including strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The group maintains that its fight is not about seizing power but about securing the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese citizens who have long faced discrimination.
Although President Tshisekedi previously ruled out negotiations with M23, recent developments suggest a shift in stance. Following his visit to Luanda, Angola’s presidency announced that the country will mediate talks between the Congolese government and M23 representatives.
The negotiations, set to take place in Luanda in the coming days, aim to establish a pathway toward lasting peace in the region.
Musa Ismaila, the health commissioner in Kebbi, told the media in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, that the outbreak, declared in late January, became more fatal last week with a sudden rise in suspected cases.
“A total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded. We are facing the unfortunate situation of an outbreak with a higher-than-usual number of cases, characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea and sensitivity to light,” Ismaila said.
Drugs and other medical supplies have been distributed to the affected local government areas, and the state government is working to contain the situation.
CSM outbreaks are mostly caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. In Nigeria, these outbreaks typically occur during the dry season due to low humidity and dusty conditions and usually subside with the onset of the rainy season.
When the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) halted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s national treasury was empty, having been looted by the previous government.
At that time, 90% of Rwanda’s development relied on foreign aid. However, the government set a clear goal to break free from this dependency.
In an interview with American journalist Mario Nawfall, Kagame revealed that some international organizations wanted refugee camps in both eastern Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Rwanda to remain, ensuring continued financial flows for their operations.
However, Rwanda prioritized repatriating refugees, resettling displaced citizens, and securing national stability to focus on development.
Initially, much of Rwanda’s reconstruction was funded by aid, but Kagame insisted that donor support should be aligned with the country’s priorities.
He explained that Rwanda made it clear that aid should be used effectively, rather than being dictated solely by donor interests.
When asked whether aid comes with hidden costs, Kagame acknowledged that it can function like a liability, depending on how it is managed.
“That has been our position from the beginning. We have told people that we appreciate aid, we needed it and still need it to an extent, but we need it so that we build capacities not to need it in the near future,” he stated.
Kagame explained that this perspective has not always been well received by other African leaders.
“These discussions have dominated for many years, and many conversations we have had between those who need support. The question for us has always been, we need it. We can put a debt to it, we can show where we need it but we also work out how to get out of it,” he stated.
Kagame highlighted that Rwanda’s stance on aid has attracted a lot of problems, with some branding its leadership as arrogant,insensitive or dictatorial simply for advocating self-determination.
He further explained that accepting aid indefinitely allows donors to control a nation’s policies.
“We tried to differentiate it. It is not that we don’t want aid for the sake of not wanting it. We are saying aid creates dependency. By the way, dependency is on the better side even. The other one is whoever gives you aid controls your life,” he said.
“In fact, that is why they want you to stay with aid so that they continue controlling your life and even threaten, use it as a tool to direct you where they want you to go. You keep threatening, if you don’t do this, we will switch off. It is absolutely weaponized. Quote me on that,” added Kagame.
Kagame recalled a 1998 meeting with European ministers who wanted to dictate where Rwanda should allocate aid funds.
As Vice President at the time, he insisted that donors agree on priorities with Rwanda rather than unilaterally deciding how funds would be spent.
The UK and three allied nations accepted this approach, allowing for a more transparent aid process with mutual accountability.
Kagame also recounted Rwanda’s decision to restrict second-hand clothing imports to promote local textile industries.
While serving as Chair of the East African Community (EAC), he urged regional leaders to support local garment production instead of relying on imported used clothes.
Leaders agreed to impose higher tariffs on second-hand clothing to reduce imports and build our textile industry.
However, the U.S. opposed the move, pressuring EAC countries to maintain CAGUWA imports.
Under pressure, most member states abandoned the plan, but Rwanda stood firm, leading to its removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Despite such challenges, Rwanda’s economy has consistently grown at an annual rate of over 8%. The country’s per capita income has risen from $111 in 1994 to $1,040 in 2023, reflecting its commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
The decision came after Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, agreeing to suspend the 25 percent charge on electricity exports.
White House spokesman Kush Desai confirmed the reversal, stating that President Donald Trump had initially threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum in retaliation.
Trump had announced the additional tariffs earlier on Tuesday in response to Ontario’s surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. However, Ontario’s quick concession led to a de-escalation.
Ford is set to visit Washington on Thursday to discuss a “renewed USMCA” with Lutnick ahead of the April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline.
Previously, Trump had imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports starting March 4 but later adjusted the policy, exempting goods that met USMCA conditions.
Meanwhile, a broader 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum for all U.S. trading partners is still set to take effect on March 12, with no exemptions, as per Trump’s previous executive orders.
The Canadian government had already announced phased retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods, with $30 billion in tariffs already in place.
Despite recent tensions, both sides are now focusing on trade negotiations to prevent further economic strain.
As part of the deal, the U.S. will resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine. Talks also emphasized humanitarian aid efforts and the need for European involvement in future peace negotiations. Additionally, both nations agreed to expedite a deal on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources.
The meeting included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and top Ukrainian officials, alongside Saudi representatives. At a press conference, Rubio expressed hope that Russia would accept the ceasefire, stating, “The ball is in their court.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions “constructive,” confirming the ceasefire would take effect immediately if Russia agrees. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at an upcoming conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing optimism about a broader peace agreement.
Russia has acknowledged the talks but remains cautious. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned against premature celebrations, while Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed possible upcoming U.S.-Russia contacts.
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the ceasefire discussions, with Macron urging NATO and EU military leaders to outline security guarantees for Ukraine.
The event, hosted by the Ambassador’s wife, Ndatirwa Jeanne, highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality, sustainability, and economic empowerment—reinforcing the nation’s philosophy of “Trade, not aid.”
In her address, Ndatirwa underscored Rwanda’s longstanding dedication to gender equality and self-reliance, emphasizing that the country has actively implemented policies that empower women across all sectors.
“Rwanda stands as a global model, not just in words but in tangible, transformative action,” she stated.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, she explained that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country adopted a “Leave No One Behind” approach, ensuring inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Rwanda’s leadership in political representation is evident, with women making up 61% of Parliament and 50% of the Cabinet, holding key ministerial positions in ICT, Environment, and Public Service.
“This political empowerment is not symbolic—it has translated into laws and policies that prioritize women’s rights and social protection,” she affirmed.
Beyond politics, Ndatirwa highlighted Rwanda’s significant progress in women’s economic empowerment. Initiatives such as Umurenge SACCOs (savings and credit cooperatives), gender-focused bank loans, and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) have enabled financial inclusion, with 63% of Rwandan women having access to formal financial services.
“Trade, not aid, is what happens when sustainability meets sound women empowerment governance,” she remarked, reinforcing Rwanda’s approach to self-reliance.
Education was another key focus of her address, with Rwanda successfully closing the gender gap in schooling. Currently, 97% of girls are enrolled in primary education, with equal participation in secondary school. STEM programs for girls and technical education initiatives further equip young women with the necessary skills to thrive in modern industries.
On sustainability, Ndatirwa highlighted Rwanda’s progressive environmental policies, including the 2008 ban on plastic, investment in renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture programs. She emphasized that economic diversification has enabled Rwanda to expand beyond traditional exports like coffee and tea into mining, textiles, and technology.
While acknowledging Rwanda’s progress, she reminded attendees that more work remains. “Our commitment to gender equality has never been stronger. But while we are called to accelerate action, let’s continue to move even faster,” she urged.
The event also featured insights from Maura Oerding, CEO of the Coffee Cooperative and representative of Angelique’s Finest Coffee. The cooperative, consisting of over 2,000 Rwandan women, produces coffee sold in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria—cultivated, washed, and roasted in Rwanda before reaching global markets.
“This event was about celebrating the impact being created by 2,300 Rwandan coffee farmers—women who are not only producing high-quality coffee but are also leading the charge for fair and sustainable coffee,” she said.
She emphasized that Rwanda’s women-led coffee cooperative is a model of economic independence and ownership, demonstrating that conscious consumer choices can drive global impact. “With one cup of coffee, we can make a difference,” she added.
Jane Williams-Boock, the Rector of Touro University Berlin, one of the American university’s campuses in Berlin, also shared her insights.
She reflected on how the event provided an opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s transformation, transitioning to a model of sustainability across agriculture, energy, and legal rights.
Boock also praised Rwanda’s educational policies, particularly the free 12-year education system that has significantly boosted female participation in leadership.
Ramata Ouattara-Diabate, the wife of the Ambassador of Ivory Coast, expressed her deep appreciation for Ndatirwa, who brought them together to discuss women’s self-reliance, inspired by the progress of women in Rwanda.
The gathering in Berlin served as both a celebration and a call to action—showcasing how Rwanda’s model of empowering women through trade and sustainable development continues to inspire global conversations on self-reliance and progress.
