Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The two-year pilot project aims to assess the prevalence of TB and the effectiveness of efforts to combat the disease, with plans for expansion to other sub-Saharan African countries.

Dr. Kabayiza Jean Claude, the study’s lead researcher, highlighted that the research would provide a comprehensive overview of TB in the region and help identify strategies to address the rising cases.

“Despite improvements in medication availability and the decline of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we have seen a significant increase in TB cases in both Rwanda and sub-Saharan Africa. This research will help us understand why these numbers are climbing,” Dr. Kabayiza said.

The study aims to collect data from all TB patients treated in Rwanda since the introduction of treatment services. Researchers will specifically focus on 240 patients with multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), exploring factors such as medication adherence and co-existing health conditions.

“We want to understand their experiences, treatment adherence, and other health challenges they may face. This data will be pivotal in shaping future strategies,” Dr. Kabayiza added.

The research will span 16 hospitals across Rwanda, with a focus on gathering data from TB patients. Among these, 240 MDR-TB patients will undergo tests to identify the factors contributing to the rise in TB cases.

The study will employ the “OMOP CDM” technology to collect and store data, which will be accessible to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) for further analysis.

Professor Dr. Twagirumukiza Marc, a medical lecturer at Ghent University, commended Legacy Clinic for its pioneering role in this research, praising its commitment to advancing healthcare.

“Collaborating with international organizations ensures that we gather reliable data, which can inform decision-making and improve healthcare policies,” he said.

Healthcare professionals from participating hospitals expressed the importance of accurate data collection.

Muhawenimana Janvière, data manager at Ntarama Health Centre, emphasized, “By using technology to centralize data, we ensure its completeness and reliability. This will enable authorities to take informed action.”

Xavier Nkundimana, IT officer at Muhima Hospital, noted that the research will provide policymakers with essential data to guide efforts toward eliminating TB.

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reported that between 2022 and 2023, the country recorded 9,417 new TB cases, including 90 multi-drug-resistant cases. This marked a significant increase from the previous year, when there were only 5,538 new TB cases.

Among the graduates, 67 completed the first level (RAF1) designed for entry-level employees, while 70 graduated from the second level (RAF2), targeted at middle management.

The event, which marked a significant milestone, was attended by John Rwangombwa, the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, who served as the guest of honor. Also present were banking leaders from various institutions, members of the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), and other key stakeholders.

The RBA, which established the academy, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the development of the country’s banking sector.

The training focused on building professionalism across various aspects of banking, including understanding the banking system, asset management, customer service, lending practices, and more.

RAF offers two levels of training: one for employees with general banking knowledge or those seeking to begin a career in banking, and the second for branch managers. A third level of training, set to launch next year, will focus on senior banking executives.

Governor Rwangombwa praised the Rwanda Bankers’ Association for its commitment to improving the knowledge and skills of banking professionals, which he said is essential for building a robust and resilient financial sector.

He emphasized the graduates’ role in applying their new skills to drive the development of the financial sector, particularly in adapting to industry changes and delivering high-quality services to clients. He expressed confidence that the training would empower the graduates to innovate and make informed decisions to contribute to the sector’s growth.

Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank PLC Rwanda and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Bankers Association, acknowledged that all the graduates work for financial institutions and that the knowledge gained through the training would enhance productivity and efficiency within their organizations, as well as mitigate financial risks.

Diogène Twizeyimana, Branch Manager of BPR Rwanda Plc in Kayonza and one of the graduates, expressed gratitude for the program. He highlighted that the training would enhance the quality of his work and underscored the importance of continuous learning in improving performance.

He noted that the courses equipped him with critical skills, from customer service to understanding the role of technology in banking, making him better prepared to meet customer needs and provide high-quality service.

Cloritah Naamara Mbabazi, an employee at Bank of Kigali and one of the top performers in the program, shared how the training broadened her knowledge beyond her specific department.

She explained that this newfound expertise would enable her to offer more comprehensive support across the bank, benefitting not just her department, but the entire institution.

Tony Francis Ntore, Chief Executive Officer of RBA, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue demonstrating professionalism in their work, applying the knowledge they had gained to enhance service delivery across the sector.

Weapons in the latest package include air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons, among others, according to a press release from the Department of Defense.

The provision followed President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sept. 26 that his administration would provide another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The weapons will be provided under previously exercised Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, the Department of State said in its version of the announcement.

The assistance has been reported by news outlets based on anonymous sources prior to Monday’s formal announcements from the defense and state departments. It coincided with the Biden administration’s reported request for Ukraine that it lower the recruitment age from 25 to 18 to make up for the loss of manpower on the battleground.

According to a statement released by RURA, the pilot will be conducted on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Kabuga routes.

“Under this new system, commuters will pay based on the distance travelled rather than a flat fare for the entire route. The approach is designed to promote equity and fairness in public transport fare systems,” the statement reads.

RURA further clarified that passengers will be required to tap in when boarding the buses and tap out at the end of their trip to avoid being charged for the entire route.

The statement also outlined the fare structure, with passengers paying Frw182 for the first two kilometers, Frw205 for three kilometers, Frw219 for four kilometers, Frw251 for the fifth, and so on until the 25th kilometer, where the fare will be Frw855.

RURA also provided examples of how fares will change on various common routes in Kigali. For example, the fare from Downtown to Remera (10 km) will be Frw388 from Frw307. The fare from Downtown to Rwandex (6 km) will cost Frw274, reduced from Frw307, among other adjustments.

Earlier this year, in February, Minister Dr. Gasore explained that a fare-based system would be particularly beneficial to passengers, especially after the removal of subsidies.

He emphasized that while the new system might result in higher fares for long-distance travelers, short-distance fares could decrease.

Gen Touray and his delegation are in Rwanda for a week-long visit aimed at strengthening the partnership between the Police institutions.

IGP Namuhoranye, during the bilateral meeting, stated that the friendship and collaboration between the Rwanda National Police and The Gambia Police Force is a significant step forward and that the visit presents another opportunity for both sides to strengthen relations and expand their partnership.

“This meeting will open many doors for collaboration, paving way for continued knowledge sharing, exchanging experiences and establishing strong partnership strategies. Working together will help us find appropriate solutions to the evolving security challenges as the world continues to advance,” IGP Namuhoranye said

He added: “As we embark on this new chapter of partnership, our goal should focus on building the strength and capacity needed to address common security challenges in both of our countries.”

He underscored that achieving this requires uniting efforts and developing effective strategies to reach shared goals, promoting collaboration, and striving for a common vision.

IGP Namuhoranye expressed gratitude to the leadership of both countries for laying the foundation for this partnership.

In his remarks, Gen Touray stated that his country is on a journey to reform its security institutions, including The Gambia Police Force (GPF), adding that this is an opportunity to build partnerships with other security institutions, including the Rwanda National Police.

Rwanda, he noted, has made tremendous achievements, emphasizing how much they stand to learn from its experiences portrayed both at home and in international peace and security operations.

During this visit, Gen Touray and his delegation will also tour various RNP departments and units in different parts of the country, including training schools.

The council, launched during the 2024 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., will focus on providing actionable, scalable policy recommendations to address the global jobs challenge.

This initiative is part of the World Bank’s broader strategy to combat poverty and foster prosperity by prioritizing job creation, particularly for youth and women in emerging and developing economies. The council’s members, a diverse group of global leaders, will offer insights on how to turn the challenge of job creation into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and social stability.

As the world faces an unprecedented demographic shift, with over 1.2 billion people in the Global South expected to reach working age in the next decade, the need for job creation is urgent. It’s estimated that only 420 million jobs will be available for this young workforce, leaving a significant gap that the council aims to address.

The council will meet bi-monthly for up to two years, directly interacting with senior management at the World Bank Group to ensure that its ideas are implemented.

Dr. Mwangi’s appointment highlights his long-standing commitment to socio-economic development, not only in the financial sector but across broader societal initiatives.

He joins the World Bank’s advisory council alongside a distinguished group of global leaders, including Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore, and Michelle Bachelet, Former President of Chile.

The council, co-chaired by these two influential figures, brings together 14 eminent individuals from diverse sectors such as policymaking, business, academia, and civil society, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional expertise in job creation and development.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Mwangi expressed his honor and commitment to advancing job creation in Africa. He noted, “Over the next decade, the world is expected to experience significant demographic shifts, with one in four people on the planet being African, and more than a third of the world’s young people residing in Africa.”

Dr. Mwangi emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s growing youth population to drive economic growth. He highlighted that these demographic changes, driven by progress in health, education, and nutrition across the continent, could lead to a remarkable opportunity for Africa to contribute to global prosperity.

The World Bank’s High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs will meet every two months over an initial period of two years, engaging directly with the World Bank Group’s senior management. The council’s findings and recommendations will inform the Bank’s strategies to support job creation and economic development, particularly in regions that face high unemployment rates and economic inequality.

As part of his commitment to supporting Africa’s development, Dr. Mwangi also shared his intentions to apply the insights gained from the advisory council to further Equity’s own Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. The plan, which aims to create 50 million jobs across the African continent by 2030, reflects Dr. Mwangi’s dedication to ensuring that Africa’s burgeoning youth population has access to meaningful employment opportunities.

In addition to Dr. Mwangi, the advisory council includes other distinguished members, such as Guy Ryder, Under Secretary General for Policy at the United Nations; Patrick Achi, Former Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire; and Sebastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor Group.

These leaders, alongside Dr. Mwangi, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the council, ensuring that the solutions developed will be grounded in both global best practices and local realities.

In November 2024, the government opted to halt the entry of new petrol-powered motorcycles into Kigali’s market.

Dr. Gasore, speaking to RBA over the weekend, clarified that this policy specifically targets new entrants into the motorcycle taxi business, with enforcement set to begin on January 1, 2025.

“Anyone entering the motorcycle taxi business will be required to register with RURA and use an electric motorcycle,” he stated.

The initial focus is on motorcycles, with plans to include buses in the near future.

“We are focusing on vehicles operating in specific areas first. While we are evaluating the availability of electric vehicles in these categories, we plan to extend this policy to buses soon,” Dr. Gasore explained.

He further noted, “This is a gradual process that will begin with sectors where the policy will have no disruption to Rwandans’ lives or the economy.”

Dr. Gasore emphasized that the policy will not completely phase out petrol-powered motorcycles in the country. Additionally, motorcycles operating in rural areas will not be affected by this new policy.

“Motorcycles have become a significant part of the transport market, and their adoption has been faster compared to other vehicles. The electric motorcycle market has grown steadily, and we believe it is now capable of supporting itself,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted Rwanda’s expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, including battery swapping stations across Kigali, which will support the new policy.

“This decision is part of a broader effort to address the national issue of air pollution,” Dr. Gasore noted. “It builds on previous initiatives, such as removing taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles.”

As of 2024, over 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles were on Rwanda’s roads. Dr. Gasore pointed out that while the country is making significant strides, the transition to electric vehicles is a gradual process.

“We can’t achieve this overnight. There are still infrastructure challenges, especially with battery charging capacity. Today, it’s motorcycles; tomorrow, it could be buses. We’re focusing on buses as another possible option because they operate on fixed routes,” he remarked.

Rwanda currently has 24 electric vehicle charging stations, with four dedicated to electric motorcycles. Additionally, 49 locations provide battery swapping services for electric motorcycles.

A preliminary analysis shows that at least 226 charging stations will be needed nationwide to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

The organization’s insights were shared during the State of the Map Rwanda 2024 Conference, held on November 29, 2024, under the theme “Empowering Rwanda’s Future: Innovations for a Resilient and Sustainable Tomorrow.”

The conference brought together various stakeholders, including university professors, students, and Eco-Mappers’ partners, to explore the potential of GIS in driving sustainable development and resilience in Rwanda.

Jeanette Rebecca Nyinawumuntu, CEO of EcoMappers Rwanda, underscored the organization’s commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation. She explained that one of their key initiatives is training young people in GIS technology, enabling them to use platforms like OpenStreetMap Rwanda Tools to collect and report critical data from their communities.

“Our goal is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to capture and present valuable information about their local environments using technology,” Nyinawumuntu said.

In the Nyabihu District, specifically in the Shyira Sector, youth are already actively using GIS tools to collect and share data about their communities, helping to highlight local challenges such as health concerns, landslide risks, and environmental issues.

Erias Nyandwi, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and head of the GIS research department, emphasized the importance of effective mapping systems in addressing climate change-related disasters. He explained how GIS helps monitor real-time events such as heavy rainfall, which could signal potential landslides or floods.

“When residents observe heavy rainfall, they can send the data via their phones to a GIS system, which analyzes it and provides immediate insights. If there’s a risk of a landslide, we can offer timely assistance,” Nyandwi said.

The integration of GIS into health monitoring was also highlighted during the conference. Nyandwi noted that community health workers, stationed in villages across Rwanda, send daily updates about health conditions via text messages.

When this information is processed through GIS systems, it provides valuable insights that can guide public health responses.

Among the many influential participants at this year’s event, Rwanda will emerge as a standout destination with its own dedicated booth. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), along with over 15 of the country’s top tour operators, will showcase the rich potential of Rwanda as a luxury destination. With a focus on sustainable tourism and a commitment to providing authentic, immersive experiences, Rwanda is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the best of both adventure and relaxation.

Rwanda’s presence at ILTM 2024 is a testament to the country’s growing appeal as a luxury travel hub. The country’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and thriving cultural heritage make it a prime location for luxury safaris, exclusive cultural experiences, and high-end accommodations. ILTM offers Rwanda an ideal stage to demonstrate its eco-friendly approach to tourism while attracting a global audience of travel advisors and industry influencers.

One of the key highlights of ILTM is the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with an exclusive group of 1,850 highly qualified luxury travel advisors from around the world.

These carefully selected buyers are experts in the luxury travel sector, providing Rwanda with the chance to build valuable relationships and promote its offerings to a global audience. Additionally, the event attracts some of the most influential personalities in the luxury travel market, including renowned editors, freelancers, and social media influencers.

For Rwanda, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen its international brand presence and connect with those who can help elevate its status on the global stage.

ILTM 2024 is more than just a business event; it is a celebration of luxury travel, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera. The event features elegant evening networking opportunities where participants can forge lasting connections in a relaxed and picturesque environment. For those looking to maximize their ILTM experience, the event encourages early preparation, including creating a detailed profile and collaborating with an account manager to ensure the most effective exhibition strategy.

In addition to its business opportunities, ILTM also provides a platform to highlight the incredible tourism potential of destinations like Rwanda. As the country continues to develop its luxury tourism sector, the Rwanda team’s participation in Cannes will help cement its place as a rising star in the luxury travel industry.

{{Some photos showcasing Rwanda’s participation at ILTM Cannes 2024}}

karirima@igihe.com

Ruto was appointed at the 24th Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.

Initially, there were expectations that President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo would assume the chairmanship. However, Tshisekedi was absent from the summit and did not send a representative.

Ruto will lead the EAC until the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State next year. The 24th Ordinary Summit convened the region’s leaders to discuss critical issues shaping the future of East Africa.

This summit, held under the theme of the EAC’s 25th Anniversary, also served as a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past 25 years and plan for deeper regional integration.

Key agenda items included strengthening economic resilience, advancing peace and security, and promoting initiatives to boost intra-regional trade and development.

The election of President Ruto was confirmed on Saturday, following a vote by the Heads of State from the seven EAC member countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia.

After assuming chairmanship, Ruto took the opportunity to commend President Salva Kiir for his successful leadership of the community over the past year.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency; you made all of us proud,” Ruto said. “Under his leadership, the EAC has made immense strides in deepening integration and achieving progress in key areas that define our shared aspirations. His efforts and dedication deserve our utmost gratitude.”

Ruto also pledged to work closely with other regional leaders to advance the mission and vision of the community.