The delay is linked to pending financing agreements that must be signed between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and the World Bank.
Construction to expand and modernise Nyabugogo Bus Terminal was initially scheduled to start in mid-2025 and conclude by 2027. However, the project has yet to commence.
During a visit to the City of Kigali, Members of Parliament from the Budget and State Patrimony Committee questioned city officials about delays affecting several development projects, including the new Nyabugogo terminal.
According to Kigali City’s six-month report for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, more than three procurement processes linked to the Nyabugogo project faced setbacks.
These delays are tied to the unsigned agreements between MINECOFIN and the World Bank, which is expected to finance the project.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Fulgence Dusabimana, explained that the delay is primarily due to these pending agreements.
“The feasibility study is complete, which should have enabled us to access funds for the project. We have requested MINECOFIN’s support to resolve the remaining issues. From the discussions so far, it seems the delay is not a refusal to sign but matters that still need alignment at their level to proceed smoothly,” he said.
If all goes according to plan, the financing agreements are expected to be signed by January 2026. The procurement process to select contractors could take at least ten months, potentially identifying a winning bidder by October 2026. Construction is then expected to begin in 2027.
Kigali City further explained that detailed architectural and engineering designs, along with construction works by the selected contractor, would start in January 2027. The construction phase is expected to last two years, with completion anticipated by 2029.
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal is the busiest transport hub in Rwanda, connecting passengers from all provinces and linking Kigali to major regional cities including Kampala, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Bujumbura.
City authorities note that the current terminal is constrained by limited space, leading to frequent congestion of vehicles and passengers. The master plan envisions upgrading Nyabugogo to international standards, providing passengers with a modern and comfortable experience similar to Kigali International Airport.
Plans to modernise the terminal were first announced in November 2017, with construction initially expected in 2018, but delays have persisted. The project was initially set to be implemented by the public transport company RFTC at a cost of Rwf 45 billion, but the City later announced that the World Bank would fund it.
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, opened in 1998, has since served as Kigali’s main hub for domestic and international bus routes. The upgrade is estimated to cost between USD 100 million and USD 150 million and will include parking areas, passenger waiting lounges, offices, commercial spaces, ticketing areas, information desks, security offices, rest areas, and other modern amenities.
The agreements were signed in Muscat on Sunday following an official visit by a high-level Rwandan delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The delegation also included the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire; the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa; and the Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.
According to an official statement, one of the MoUs focuses on logistics services, including the development and operation of inland ports, as well as related logistics and supply chain services.
Another MoU covers transportation, specifically the operationalisation of direct flights between Muscat and Kigali.
Under this agreement, Oman Air will begin operating direct flights to Kigali starting in June, with two direct flights per week.
A third MoU, signed between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Oman Airports Management Company, focuses on development cooperation, including potential investments linked to the new Bugesera Airport District.
The fourth MoU addresses ICT and innovation, signed between the Ministries of ICT of Rwanda and Oman. It covers cooperation in data hosting, cloud services, and data centre services.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ambassador Nduhungirehe described the MoUs as a significant step forward in Rwanda–Oman relations, noting that their implementation would deliver tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.
He emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to implementing the agreements in good faith and indicated that further cooperation initiatives are expected in the future.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Bin Hamoud Al Maawali, said the agreements would help Oman expand its engagement with East Africa, while also reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He added that the partnerships serve as a bridge for broader cooperation between the Middle East and Africa.
This new chapter brings together Zaria Court Kigali’s distinctive identity, rooted in authentic African excellence and vibrant local culture, with Hilton’s world-class standards, global reach, and the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
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{{A new chapter for Zaria Court Kigali}}
Guests at Zaria Court Kigali can enjoy the hotel’s bold contemporary design, Rwandan craftsmanship, and the comfort of Hilton’s trusted brand experience including Digital Key and direct booking perks.
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{{Elevating the guest experience}}
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Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are excited to open our first hotel in Rwanda, Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which will join Hilton’s growing portfolio in Africa as we plan to nearly triple our presence across the continent in the coming years.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton celebrates independent hotels with distinct personalities and strong local connections, and Zaria Court Kigali embodies this perfectly; it’s deeply rooted in Rwandan culture and the energy of Kigali Sports City, while offering the kind of contemporary, lifestyle-focused experience that today’s travelers seek.”
{{A destination, not just accommodation}}
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{{Partnership vision: Global strength meets local ownership}}
“We’re not changing who we are, but rather becoming more of who we’ve always been,” emphasizes Walid Choubana, Zaria Court Kigali’s General Manager. “This partnership gives us the platform to showcase authentic African hospitality on a global stage. Our guests will experience the same vibrant energy and warm welcome, the same commitment to celebrating Rwandan culture, now with the added confidence that comes from being part of a trusted international brand.”
Future plans include rotating art installations featuring local artisans, curated cultural programming, and expanded partnerships with Rwandan entrepreneurs through the hotel’s retail concepts. The vision remains consistent: creating spaces that inspire the next generation of African leaders while offering world-class hospitality.
{{Significance for Rwanda’s hospitality landscape}}
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{{Closing 2025 with momentum}}
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{{About Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton}}
Zaria Court Kigali is Kigali’s first urban lifestyle hotel, located in the heart of Rwanda’s Sports City and premier sports and entertainment district. The 80-room property features vibrant, locally-inspired interiors, multiple food and beverage outlets, meeting and event spaces, and a heated pool.
Inspired by the vision of Masai Ujiri and rooted in authentic African excellence, the hotel celebrates the continent’s creative spirit while delivering world-class hospitality. Now part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Zaria Court Kigali offers guests access to Hilton Honors benefits while maintaining its distinctive character and community-driven approach.
{{About Tapestry Collection by Hilton}}
Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of more than 180 independent hotels each with an original, vibrant personality, encouraging guests to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in destinations worth exploring.
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“The government has returned to the national capital,” Idris said in a speech to a crowd following his arrival in Bahri, north of Khartoum.
He pledged to improve basic services, particularly in the health and education sectors, and to rebuild hospitals and rehabilitate schools and universities, foremost among them the University of Khartoum.
The prime minister added that 2026 would be “the year of peace in Sudan,” pointing to plans for reconstruction and development, as well as efforts to improve the economic situation by increasing gross national product, reducing inflation, and stabilizing the exchange rate of the national currency.
The government’s return is part of official efforts to restore administrative functions and public services to the capital, following announcements in recent months of gradual plans to reinstate state institutions, alongside a relative improvement in security conditions in some areas, despite persistent security and humanitarian challenges in several parts of the country.
Khartoum witnessed fierce battles that caused widespread damage to government institutions, infrastructure, and basic services.
The Sudanese government relocated to Port Sudan in late April 2023, days after fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The move took place gradually, with the headquarters of the Sovereign Council, the Council of Ministers, and several ministries and sovereign institutions transferred to Port Sudan, which later became a temporary seat for managing state affairs amid deteriorating security conditions in Khartoum.
In May 2025, the SAF declared Khartoum State cleared of RSF forces, paving the way for the city to gradually reclaim public spaces and resume normal life.
The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, both inside Sudan and across its borders.
This data comes from the latest Rwanda Statistical Yearbook.
In 2024, Rwandans accounted for 30% of all visitors to the three main national parks: Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe.
By comparison, visits by foreign residents in Rwanda grew more gradually, from 3,142 in 2008 to 8,491 in 2024, representing 6% of total visitors.
International visitors from abroad continued to dominate, making up 64% of the total (96,271 visitors) in 2024, from 70% (30,151 visitors) in 2008.
Overall, visits to Rwanda’s national parks have grown dramatically over the past two decades. Total visitors have increased more than sixfold since the mid-2000s, driven by conservation successes, improved infrastructure, and targeted promotion of domestic tourism.
Akagera National Park has seen particularly strong growth, with visitor numbers rising from 11,239 in 2005, when it attracted 47% of all park visitors to 67,661 in 2024.
In 2005, Akagera was the most visited park, followed closely by Volcanoes National Park (44%) and Nyungwe National Park (10%).
As part of his ongoing visit, the 20-year-old YouTube and Twitch star took part in a motorcycle ride through Kigali, during which he openly expressed his admiration for Rwanda.
Speaking during a live session with his followers, IShowSpeed described the country as one of the most beautiful places he has ever visited.
“All my life, I kid you not, this has to be one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to,” he said, pointing to the scenery around him. He added that traveling a few hours outside the city and into the countryside left a lasting impression. “I went into the jungle, and it was just beautiful. The nature here is insane. Rwanda is so beautiful.”
He went on to tell his fans that he hopes to return for a longer stay, saying he would like to come back “for a week, just for a vacation.”
Earlier in the day, IShowSpeed visited Volcanoes National Park, where he came face to face with Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. He shared photos and videos of the experience on Snapchat, visibly excited as he observed the primates in their natural habitat.
The highlight of his evening came at Amahoro Stadium, where he made a dramatic entrance on a motorcycle during a women’s football match between Rayon Sports WFC and Indahangarwa WFC. Thousands of fans erupted in cheers as he dismounted at the center of the stadium, describing Amahoro as “the best stadium in Africa.”
Handed a microphone, IShowSpeed entertained the crowd by recreating Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration, dancing to traditional Rwandan music, beating traditional drums, and posing for photos with fans. Many supporters rushed to take selfies with him, while others presented him with gifts, including bracelets and souvenirs.
Throughout his appearances, the content creator was livestreaming to a massive global audience, with more than 47 million viewers following his activities in real time across his platforms.
IShowSpeed’s visit to Rwanda is part of his broader project, “Speed Does Africa Tour,” which he launched on December 21, 2025. The tour sees him livestreaming and sharing experiences from different African countries, showcasing culture, people, and tourism to his global audience.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump argued that merely having a military presence on the island under an existing agreement is not enough to guarantee its defense, and that full ownership would strengthen U.S. strategic security in the region.
Trump noted that the United States already maintains troops in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, but he said that the U.S. must move beyond defensive arrangements and assume ownership.
“You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases,” he told journalists, suggesting that without such a move Russia or China could gain influence in Greenland—an outcome he considered unacceptable for U.S. national security.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of about 57,000 people, and it is not part of the United States. Trump suggested several options to make this happen, including potential financial incentives for Greenlanders to consider breaking away from Danish control and joining the United States, although he did not provide specific financial figures.
The proposal has drawn strong negative reactions from European leaders. Officials from France, Germany, Denmark and other NATO allies issued a joint statement reaffirming that decisions about Greenland’s future belong exclusively to Greenland and Denmark, and warning against foreign interference in the island’s status.
Leaders in Greenland itself have firmly rejected Trump’s push for U.S. control. A joint statement by political party leaders emphasized that Greenland’s future should be decided by its own people, highlighting concerns about sovereignty and international law. They insisted the island is not for sale and reaffirmed calls for self‑determination without outside pressure.
Denmark’s prime minister also condemned the idea, warning that any move to take control of Greenland by force would jeopardize the stability of NATO, the transatlantic military alliance that includes both Denmark and the United States as members. Critics have said that a forced takeover would undermine trust between longstanding allies and could weaken broader cooperation on global security issues.
In response to the escalating controversy, Greenland’s parliament said it will bring forward a meeting specifically to address the situation and discuss how to protect the territory’s rights and future amid external pressure from Washington.
Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland revives a controversial idea he first floated during his first presidential term, but it comes at a time of heightened global competition in the Arctic, where Russia and China have been increasing their presence.
Among the major categories, the food and non-alcoholic beverages group , which carries significant weight in the CPI basket, increased by 3.6% on an annual basis but declined by 0.6% month-on-month.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics rose by 16.7% year-on-year and fell by 0.5% compared to the previous month.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels climbed by 8.4% annually and edged up by 0.3% monthly. The Health category recorded the most dramatic annual surge at 70.8%, while remaining stable month-on-month.
Transport prices increased by 9.4% year-on-year and by 0.6% month-on-month. Restaurants and hotels saw a substantial 17.4% annual rise, with a modest 0.1% monthly increase.
The data also highlight differences between product origins and types. Prices of local products rose by 7.3% on an annual basis but decreased by 0.2% month-on-month, while imported products increased by 10.1% annually and by 0.4% monthly.
Fresh products saw a 3.6% annual increase but dropped by 1.2% compared to November. Energy prices rose by 14% year-on-year and by 0.8% month-on-month while the general index excluding fresh products and energy increased by 8.9% annually and by 0.3% month-on-month.
These figures appear in the Rwanda Statistical Yearbook 2025, which NISR released in late December 2025. The investment statistics were compiled from data sourced from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
According to the report, both investment inflows and associated job creation showed a generally upward trend between 2017 and 2024, even though the period included several fluctuations. After starting at $1.67 billion in 2017, investment dropped to $1.14 billion in 2018 before recovering to $2.46 billion in 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline to $1.3 billion in 2020. The highest level during the eight-year span came in 2021, when investment peaked at $3.75 billion. It then fell to $1.63 billion in 2022, rose again to $2.47 billion in 2023, and climbed to $3.27 billion in 2024.
Investment has consistently played a major role in employment generation. In 2017, it supported the creation of 37,548 jobs. The figure decreased to 24,946 jobs in 2018, rebounded to 35,715 in 2019, and then dropped to 24,675 in 2020 due to the pandemic’s effects.
A strong recovery followed in 2021 with 48,369 jobs created. The highest annual total occurred in 2022, when 57,627 new positions were generated. Job creation eased to 40,198 in 2023 before rising once more to 51,635 in 2024.
The data clearly shows that investment remains one of the most important drivers of job creation in Rwanda, even when annual investment amounts vary.
Looking ahead, the Government of Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which covers the years 2024 to 2029, sets an ambitious target of creating at least 250,000 new jobs every year.
Over the full five-year period, the plan aims to generate a total of 1.25 million new jobs across the country.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that more than 101,000 Congolese crossed into Burundi in early December 2025 following violent clashes in the Ruzizi Valley.
When the fighting subsided on December 9, many refugees sought to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the Burundian government rejected their requests. Some were detained, while others were warned they would be relocated to camps far from the border.
Human rights organizations say the refugees are enduring dire conditions in Burundi, marked by shortages of food, clean water, and access to medical care. Since early December, more than 100 Congolese refugees have reportedly died from hunger and diseases, including cholera linked to poor sanitation.
The AFC/M23 coalition has urged Burundi to reopen the Gatumba and Vugizo border posts to allow refugees to return home. The government, however, has maintained its refusal despite the worsening humanitarian situation.
Since last week, some of the refugees living in the temporary Cishemere camp in Cibitoke have started crossing the Ruzizi River after hearing that they would be moved to camps further from the border.
According to the SOS Media, the decision to cross the river was risky, with two refugees tragically drowning. Their belongings, found on January 2, were badly damaged.
Despite the risks, some refugees have managed to cross the river with help from Burundian residents.
Their life back home, however, is drastically different from the one they are enduring in the camps.
A returnee in Luvungi shared, “After all I went through in the temporary camp, I didn’t want to stay there anymore. Some Burundians helped me cross the Ruzizi River. Today, I am living a normal life in Luvungi.”
Some Congolese refugees resorted to bribing Burundian soldiers, police officers, and members of the Imbonerakure militia to gain permission to cross the border and reunite with their families.
A refugee from Sange in South Kivu said, “I was with my wife and our eight children. They asked for 300,000 Burundian francs. I had to give them three of our goats to allow us to cross.”
Many refugees remain stranded, unable to return due to fear of drowning in the Ruzizi River or lack of money to pay bribes. They continue to appeal to the Burundian government to open border routes and allow them to return to their homeland.
