Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The joint call by the AU, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was made in a joint statement issued late Wednesday on the occasion of Africa Industrialization Day, which is commemorated every year on Nov. 20 in line with African leaders’ decision in 1989.

Reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient industrialization as a pathway for Africa’s structural transformation, the three organizations underscored that industrialization remains the linchpin of Africa’s development ambition.

Noting that industrialization is crucial to address Africa’s socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and inequality, they emphasized the need to build Africa’s resilience amid challenges in the global industrial landscape, which is increasingly shaped by global supply chain disruptions, the economic consequences of geopolitical conflicts and environmental challenges.

“These events underscore the necessity for Africa to build resilient industries capable of navigating such external shocks. Africa must seize opportunities to diversify its industrial base, leveraging its natural resource endowment, youthful population, innovation and rising middle class,” the joint statement read.

They also emphasized the urgent need for Africa to be fully part of the fourth industrial revolution and utilize emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing technology to build industries that are beneficial to current and future generations.

The three organizations highlighted the importance of creating conducive environments for investments in infrastructure, skill development, and industrial productivity, emphasizing the role of the private sector in advancing innovation and competitiveness.

Underscoring the collective need to advance Africa’s economic diversification in line with the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint Agenda 2063, the three organizations called on partners and stakeholders to join forces to expedite Africa’s industrialization.

“Our shared efforts will drive the continent towards greater economic resilience, social equity, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Africa takes its rightful place as a global industrial powerhouse,” the joint statement said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a message issued Wednesday on the 35th anniversary of Africa Industrialization Day, urged Africa to harness the transformative potential of technology and advance inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.

Speaking to Rádio Moçambique in Harare, Zimbabwe, after the conclusion of an extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, Nyusi highlighted the significance of the EU’s contribution to bolstering the efforts of Rwandan forces operating alongside Mozambican troops in the troubled northern region.

Addressing questions on why the funding was allocated directly to Rwanda instead of Mozambique, Nyusi clarified that Mozambique already receives substantial EU support across various sectors. This includes military training and strategic initiatives amounting to €800 million.

The EU Council’s approval, announced on November 18, 2024, under the European Peace Facility (EPF) supplements the €20 million pledged in late 2022 and aims to strengthen the operational capacity of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in Cabo Delgado.

The new funds will facilitate the acquisition of personal equipment and cover strategic airlift costs to sustain the Rwandan deployment.

Rwandan troops were first deployed in Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of Mozambique’s government.

Their mission has been critical in countering terrorism, which had claimed over 3,000 civilian lives and displaced more than 800,000 people prior to their intervention. The insurgency also halted development projects in areas under terrorist control.

Over the past three years, Rwandan forces, in collaboration with Mozambican troops, have made significant progress in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group.

They successfully cleared key strongholds such as Mocimboa da Praia and Palma, enabling thousands of internally displaced persons to return to their communities and resume their lives.

IGP Namuhoranye, during the bilateral meeting, said that the visit is important to establish partnerships in an effort to create a safer world.

“This is an occasion for us to create a conducive environment for our future endeavors particularly focusing on sharing experience on international policing, exchanging information on fighting transnational organized crime, and partnering in capacity building,” IGP Namuhoranye said.

He emphasized that the RNP is ready and committed to work with Hunan Public Security Department in all areas of mutual interest.

Mr. Liangyong, on his part, said that Rwanda and China enjoy stronger cooperation and that the two Heads of State laid a firm ground for comprehensive partnership, including security.

“China and Rwanda are among the safest countries in the world, and Rwanda and Hunan Province have big potentials in many sectors of development.

Our leaders have entrusted us to enhance the partnership and we are here to set up mechanisms for stronger cooperation, strengthen operation capabilities of our law enforcement agencies, including training, friendly visits, exchange of programmes and trainers, learn from each other, enhance our mutual understanding and trust,” Mr. Liangyong said.

For the period ending September 30, 2024, the bank’s financial results highlighted robust growth across several key metrics.

Net interest income grew significantly by 42%, reaching Frw35 billion, while net operating income rose by 28% to Frw42 billion compared to the same period in the previous year.

The bank’s profit before tax was estimated at Frw18 billion, reflecting a substantial 66% increase. After accounting for taxes, the bank retained a net profit of Frw12 billion.

The bank also reported strong growth in its loan portfolio, with total loans issued reaching Frw348 billion by the end of the quarter.

Deposits increased by 22% since December 2023, climbing to Frw659 billion by September 30, 2024.

Shareholders’ funds experienced a 13% rise, driven by an 18% increase in retained earnings, which now total Frw65.6 billion.

These achievements were largely attributed to a robust loan book, strategic investments in securities, and higher interest-bearing cash balances.

Growth was particularly pronounced in the MSME and retail loan segments, reflecting the bank’s targeted efforts to serve these markets.

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Mutimura, attributed the strong performance to a combination of strategic focus and adaptability.

He emphasized that despite global economic challenges, including rising interest rates, higher technological costs, and the devaluation of the Rwandan Franc, the bank successfully navigated these obstacles.

This was achieved through leveraging opportunities presented by steady economic growth, stabilizing inflation, and emerging markets such as climate finance.

Mutimura also noted that the bank’s continued emphasis on serving MSMEs and retail customers contributed significantly to its market share growth, which has been advancing at a double-digit rate across key performance indicators.

I&M Bank Rwanda, which began operations in 1963 under the name BCR and is now the oldest commercial bank in the country, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since 2017, the bank was recently recognized for the second time as Rwanda’s Best SME Bank by the Global Banking and Finance Review.

To further enhance its service delivery, the bank launched the Karame campaign, an initiative designed to provide customers with loan services within just 24 hours, ensuring fast and efficient financial support.

The RGS, an annual independent publication by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), assesses governance in Rwanda using comprehensive primary and secondary data sources.

It is designed to generate credible, reliable data on governance issues, serve as a practical tool to drive policy reform, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement while contributing to the broader knowledge of Rwanda’s governance landscape.

Since its inception in 2010, the RGS has been a vital instrument for monitoring progress and identifying challenges in governance. Among the eight key pillars evaluated in 2024, the security and safety pillar once again ranked the highest, improving slightly from its score of 93.63% in 2023.

Despite this positive trend, specific concerns related to personal and property safety were highlighted, with this indicator scoring 87.51%, tempering the overall increase in the security pillar’s performance.

General national security was rated at 95.54%, while efforts to maintain security achieved an impressive score of 96.92%.

Additionally, the emphasis on national unity, reconciliation, and social cohesion contributed to a strong score of 95.32%, reflecting the continued prioritization of stability and harmony in the country.

Other pillars of governance showed mixed results. The rule of law pillar experienced a slight decline, scoring 88.51% compared to 88.89% in 2023.

Political rights and civil liberties remained stable at 88.00%, a marginal decrease from 88.01% the previous year.

However, the pillar addressing corruption, transparency, and accountability experienced a notable drop, declining from 88.97% in 2023 to 86.64%. In contrast, the participation and inclusiveness pillar saw improvement, rising to 85.84% from 84.04%.

Within this pillar, indicators such as citizen participation in governance scored 88.06%, the participation of non-state actors reached 78.89%, and decentralization achieved 89.24%. Power-sharing and inclusiveness received the highest rating at 93.80%, while gender equality in leadership stood at 79.20%.

Meanwhile, the quality in service delivery pillar experienced a significant decline, dropping from 79.98% in 2023 to 75.79%. The human and social development pillar also scored relatively low at 75.21%, with social protection ranking the lowest in this category at 67.82%, while the health indicator performed the best with a score of 87.80%.

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board, highlighted the RGS’s evidence-based approach, which incorporates advanced research methods contextualized to Rwanda’s realities.

She emphasized that the RGS leverages both global indicators tailored to the local context and data from citizen and expert perception surveys.

“The objectives of RGS are to generate credible and reliable data on governance and serve as an evidence-based source to inform policy, decision-making, and implementation,” Dr. Uwicyeza stated.

The insights provided by the scorecard enable stakeholders to identify areas of excellence and those requiring improvement in the governance framework.

Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rwanda, praised the RGS findings, particularly the high ratings in the security and safety pillar.

She noted, “The launch of this scorecard marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to ensure that governance remains responsive and effective for all citizens.”

Smyth, who passed away in 2018, was accused of abusing boys in the 1980s and 1990s.

The controversy surrounding Welby’s resignation highlights the challenges facing the Church of England.

Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, leader of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and Chairman of Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), shared his insights on the implications of Welby’s resignation, the challenges within the Anglican Communion, and ongoing issues in Rwanda’s Shyira Diocese.

{{Leadership transition}}

Archbishop Mbanda emphasized that Welby’s resignation, while unfortunate, does not leave an insurmountable gap in the Anglican Church.

“Leadership changes, whether planned or sudden, are normal,” he stated. “The Church of England has systems to address such gaps, and the global Anglican family is praying for Welby and his family.”

The Archbishop stressed that while Welby’s departure marks the end of an era, it does not directly impact GAFCON’s mission.

The movement has previously distanced itself from certain practices within the Church of England, particularly its acceptance of same-sex relationships.

On the prospect of working with Welby’s successor, Mbanda remained firm: “If the new leader seeks to realign the church with biblical principles, placing God’s word at the center of teachings, we are open to collaboration. However, if they continue down the same path, we will maintain our course.”

{{Addressing allegations and accountability}}

The crimes associated with John Smyth have raised concerns about the Church’s accountability and the role of leaders.

However, Archbishop Mbanda clarified that these incidents primarily occurred in England, with Smyth later relocating to Africa.

“So far, we know of no GAFCON leaders who were aware of or involved in these incidents,” he noted, adding that media reports have implicated other figures, such as South Africa’s Anglican Archbishop, but these remain allegations.

For Mbanda, Welby’s resignation demonstrates a recognition of responsibility.

“When a leader steps down to prevent harm to the church or resolve a significant issue, it is an act of courage and accountability,” he affirmed.

“This is not a crisis for the Anglican Church but an opportunity to reflect and strengthen its commitment to integrity.”

{{Mismanagement in Shyira Diocese}}

Archbishop Mbanda also addressed the suspension of Bishop Dr. Mugiraneza Mugisha Samuel of the Shyira Diocese over allegations of financial mismanagement.

While some have described the situation as divisive, the Archbishop dismissed such claims, emphasizing that challenges are part of any organization.

“Where people work, challenges sometimes arise. What matters is how we address them,” Mbanda explained.

He assured that the matter is being handled at all levels by those responsible, with steps in place to resolve it effectively.

“There is no issue so significant that it would cause the church to crumble,” he stated confidently.

The report revealed that China reached a robot density of 470 units per 10,000 employees in 2023, a notable jump from 402 units the previous year. This figure has more than doubled since 2019, demonstrating the rapid growth of automation in the country.

“China has made significant investments in automation technology,” said IFR President Takayuki Ito. He emphasized that China’s progress is remarkable, considering the country only entered the top 10 rankings in 2019.

The global leader in robot density remains South Korea, with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. Singapore ranks second, while Germany now sits in fourth place, with a density of 429 robots per 10,000 workers, according to the report.

Robot density serves as a critical measure of automation levels in manufacturing, reflecting a country’s commitment to technological advancement in industrial production.

The draft, put forward by the council’s 10 non-permanent members, demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The 15-member council voted 14-1 in favor of the resolution, and the United States used its veto as a permanent council member to block it.

Speaking after the vote, Robert Wood, deputy U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said that Washington had made clear it would only support a resolution that explicitly calls for the immediate release of hostages as part of a ceasefire.

“The resolution would have sent a dangerous message to Hamas that there was no need to come back to the negotiating table,” he said.

The U.S. move to block the resolution drew harsh criticism from most of the members.

Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said it is “shocking” that the United States vetoed an effort to save Palestinian and Israeli lives, though “we should not be surprised.”

He lamented that for months, the United States has obstructed and stood in the way of the council action to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza and played on one side of the conflict to advance its own political objectives at the expense of Palestinian lives.

“It is a sad day for the Security Council, for the United Nations and the international community as a whole,” Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama told the council members.

It has been five months since the adoption of resolution 2735, during which the Security Council remained idle and hand-tied, he added, noting that the draft resolution was far from ideal, but it represented “the bare minimum that should have united us.”

“Today’s message is clear to the Israeli occupying power — you may continue your genocide … with complete impunity. In this Chamber, you enjoy immunity,” Bendjama said.

“To the Palestinian people, it is another clear message — while the overwhelming majority of the world stands in solidarity with your plight, others remain indifferent to your suffering,” he added.

Majed Bamya, deputy permanent observer of the State of Palestine, said that there is “no right” to the mass killing of civilians, starve an entire civilian population, forcibly displace them and annexation.

“This is what Israel is doing in Gaza. These are its war objectives. This is what the absence of a ceasefire is allowing it to continue doing,” he said, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the region.

“It is deeply regretted that due to the use of the veto this council has once again failed to uphold its responsibility to maintain international peace and security,” Malta’s Ambassador Vanessa Frazier said after voting.

“It represented the bare minimum of what is needed to begin to address the desperate situation on the ground,” she added.

Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said that the suffering of Palestinians must end, adding that her country would continue to work with fellow council members to try to achieve tomorrow what could not be achieved today.

“There is a line that must not be crossed,” President Kagame said during the 17th Unity Club Forum.

He pointed out that some individuals who were pardoned have repeatedly ignored cautionary advice, leaving the government no choice but to consider stricter measures.

Although he did not explicitly mention her name, his remarks clearly alluded to Ingabire, reflecting growing national frustration with her actions.

{{Misplaced international recognition}}

In a recent development, James Cook University in Australia invited Ingabire to speak on “Justice and Political Reforms in Rwanda,” describing her as a “champion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”

This characterization has sparked widespread criticism from those familiar with her past, questioning how someone with a documented history of genocide denial and divisive politics could be elevated to such a status.

Ingabire’s controversial history is well-documented. In 2010, during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she infamously called for recognition of a so-called “Hutu genocide,” remarks that were widely condemned as denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her actions during and after her imprisonment have consistently undermined the spirit of reconciliation and unity in Rwanda.

Despite requesting clemency while in prison, Ingabire later publicly denied doing so, even though her written appeals for a pardon remain on record. Following her release, she resumed political activities through her unregistered party, FDU-Inkingi, which has been linked to individuals and groups involved in destabilising Rwanda.

{{A legacy of division}}

Far from promoting inclusivity, Ingabire has been accused of advancing an agenda rooted in ethnic division. In 2019, during a meeting in Kirehe District, she allegedly directed her supporters to recruit new members but explicitly excluded Tutsis. Witnesses reported that she focused her recruitment efforts on unemployed Hutu youth, further fueling concerns about her divisive rhetoric.

To obscure scrutiny, Ingabire rebranded her political platform, renaming FDU-Inkingi as DALFA-Umurinzi in late 2019. Critics, however, argue that the underlying ideology of her party remained unchanged. This was evident when affiliates of her former party were implicated in an attack carried out on October 4, 2019, in Musanze District that claimed the lives of 14 innocent civilians.

{{Manipulating global platforms}}

Since her release, Ingabire has leveraged international media and institutions to criticize Rwanda, portraying the country’s political and judicial systems as repressive. While positioning herself as a victim of political persecution, her rhetoric often aligns with narratives promoted by subversive groups against Rwanda.

In an October interview on a YouTube channel, she criticised Rwanda’s legal system and claimed it was the reason the UK delayed deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. She also dismissed calls from Rwandan citizens for stronger security measures as “warmongering,” ignoring the broader national interest in safeguarding stability.

{{Ties to armed groups}}

Ingabire’s connections to armed groups have repeatedly come under scrutiny. Her former party, FDU-Inkingi, has been linked to the Coalition of Democratic Forces (CDF), an offshoot of the genocidal FDLR militia. Court testimonies and evidence have highlighted her involvement in funding and planning activities designed to disrupt Rwanda’s peace.

Ingabire has publicly praised the Wazalendo militia, a group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its well-documented atrocities, including attacks on civilians, she has described the group as defenders of their rights and resources.

She has also been named in various UN Group of Experts reports on the DRC for her connections with the infamous FDLR. Notably, the 2009 report documented that Ingabire and her party, FDU-Inkingi, maintained regular contact with FDLR leaders.

In 1998, Victoire Ingabire was appointed as the Netherlands coordinator of the RDR, a so-called “political party” formed in the Mugunga refugee camp in the former Zaire by members of the genocidal government. As a leader of the RDR, Ingabire’s primary objective was to deny the Genocide against the Tutsi.

{{Unchanging patterns of defiance}}

Since her arrival in Rwanda in 2010, Ingabire has consistently pursued a narrative of defiance, often dismissing national reconciliation efforts. Her continued disregard for the law and national values has strained Rwanda’s commitment to fostering a culture of tolerance and forgiveness.

Her actions highlight the challenges of addressing individuals and groups that exploit international platforms to destabilise Rwanda. Despite the strides Rwanda has made in rebuilding from its tragic past, Ingabire’s rhetoric and affiliations serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to national unity.

As Rwanda navigates these challenges, it remains crucial to prioritise national stability while ensuring accountability for those who undermine peace and security. Ingabire’s case underscores the importance of vigilance and the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned progress.

According to the Rwandan Presidency, their discussions centered on potential areas of investment and partnership in various sectors including events and entertainment.

Steve Harvey, a celebrated comedian, radio personality, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and philanthropist, arrived in Rwanda on November 18, 2024.

During his stay, he toured several parts of Kigali and visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Harvey is widely known for hosting popular shows such as The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, and Miss Universe, which he has hosted since 2015.

Following his meeting with President Kagame, Harvey expressed his admiration on Instagram, stating: “We had the pleasure of sitting and meeting His Excellency my brother President Paul Kagame. I was truly inspired by his strength and humility. A testament to Rwanda’s resilience and acts of forgiveness.”

Harvey, 67, began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s, gaining recognition for hosting Showtime at the Apollo and starring in The Steve Harvey Show on The WB network.

In 2000, he rose to prominence with The Original Kings of Comedy after participating in the Kings of Comedy Tour. His last stand-up performance was in 2012.

As a host, Harvey has led Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud since 2010. He also hosted shows such as Little Big Shots, Little Big Shots Forever Young, and Steve Harvey’s Funderdome.

Beyond entertainment, Harvey is a prolific author, best known for his 2009 bestseller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. In 2017, he established Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment company encompassing his production firm East 112 and other ventures.

Harvey has also made strides in Africa, launching a localized version of Family Feud on the continent and investing in the HDNet takeover alongside Anthem Sports and Entertainment.

Together with his wife, Marjorie, he co-founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on youth education and empowerment.