Rwanda’s agricultural calendar is divided into three seasons: Season A (September-February), Season B (March-May), and Season C (June-September).
The survey highlights significant growth in various crops: cassava production increased by 6%, reaching 783,290 tons; rice rose by 4%, totaling 72,834 tons; sweet potatoes saw an 8% increase to 666,814 tons; and bananas grew by 5% to reach 1,142,552 tons.
Maize output increased by 1% to 119,101 tons, and beans saw a 6% increase despite a 1% decrease in the area planted with beans.
Potato production, however, decreased by 13%, largely due to a reduction in planted area and unfavorable weather conditions in major potato-growing regions.
The land area planted with potatoes dropped from 48,210 hectares in 2023 to 41,836 hectares in 2024, leading to a reduction in output from 326,677 tons to 285,596 tons.
Yields per hectare remained stable, with smallholder farmers averaging 6.8 tons per hectare and large-scale farmers averaging 14.9 tons per hectare. Of the total potato production, 55.4% was sold, 26.7% consumed by farmers, and 12.8% reserved for seed.
Several factors contributed to the overall increase in agricultural output, including the widespread use of fertilizers, with over 80.1% of farmers applying organic fertilizers.
Improved seed varieties were also key, utilized by 72.6% of large-scale and 16.6% of small-scale farmers, particularly enhancing maize and bean production.
Additionally, 30.2% of farmers applied pesticides, and a significant majority (89.2%) engaged in soil erosion prevention practices. Irrigation also saw increased adoption, with 12.1% of farmers implementing various irrigation methods.
The NISR report emphasizes that the 3.1% increase in agricultural production marks a positive trend for Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
The report also notes that Rwanda’s total land area is 2.376 million hectares, with 1.350 million hectares (57%) dedicated to agriculture.
Prof. Stanton’s purpose was clear: to warn President Habyarimana of an impending threat of genocide and to urge preventive action.
His specific recommendation was to abolish ethnic classifications on national ID cards, which he feared would fuel division and violence. Despite his warnings, Prof. Stanton’s pleas were disregarded, and within five years, the horrors he had foreseen happened.
Reflecting on this history over the weekend in Kigali after attending a week-long series of high-level discussions on the prevention of genocide, Prof. Stanton shared his initial experiences and insights from that meeting in 1989.
He described how his call to action, made with deep conviction and fortified by years of research, had fallen on deaf ears.
Prof. Stanton’s “Eight Stages of Genocide” framework, which classifies ethnic identification as the first dangerous step toward genocide, had been built on decades of studying mass violence.
Yet his appeal to Habyarimana to remove “Tutsi,” “Hutu,” and “Twa” classifications from ID cards was rejected.
“Unless you take very strong steps to prevent a genocide here,” Stanton had warned, “you are going to have a genocide here in Rwanda within five years.” His words, however, were not heeded.
Prof. Stanton’s concerns for Rwanda began in 1988, a year before his meeting with Habyarimana.
Invited to assess Rwanda’s judicial system, which struggled to handle civil cases effectively, he observed the nation’s deep social divisions almost immediately.
Stanton quickly recognized that the issues went beyond judicial inefficiency; the country was riddled with division and distrust.
“On the ID cards, it identified people who were Tutsi, or Hutu, or Twa, or naturalized. This was immediately apparent as a huge problem,” he noted.
In a private dinner with Joseph Kavaruganda, the then President of Rwanda’s Constitutional Court, Prof. Stanton expressed his concerns about the ethnic classifications on ID cards and questioned whether the Constitutional Court could abolish them.
Kavaruganda responded gravely, “No, we can’t, because we don’t have judicial review. You have to go see the president.”
This conversation drove Stanton to take his concerns directly to President Habyarimana.
But when he broached the subject, he observed an unsettling reaction from the president.
“It was as though a mask went down. He didn’t want to hear this,” Stanton recalled during his recent visit to Kigali.
In 1994, within the timeline Stanton had anticipated, Rwanda plunged into one of the fastest and most systematic genocides in history- the Genocide against the Tutsi, claiming more than a million Tutsi lives in just 100 days.
Despite Prof. Stanton’s prescient warning, no steps had been taken to dismantle the structural enablers of genocide, including the divisive classifications on ID cards.
By that time, Stanton had joined the U.S. State Department and was dispatched to Rwanda as part of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry.
His recommendations contributed to the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), a body tasked with bringing justice to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reflecting on his return to Rwanda this past weekend, Stanton expressed admiration for the nation’s remarkable journey toward healing and resilience.
He praised Rwanda’s commitment to confronting its painful history and becoming a global model for reconciliation and recovery.
“Rwanda, just like Germany, has actually faced its past and is now a leader in this whole effort to overcome ethnicity, to reaffirm that we are all part of the same race — the human race,” Stanton said.
The series of events he attended, alongside leaders and activists from across the globe, highlighted Rwanda’s transformation from a society fractured by genocide to one that promotes unity and justice.
In sharing his insights on the last day of the high-level events, Prof. Stanton disclosed his ongoing admiration for Rwanda’s progress.
“Rwanda is not allowing the past to determine its future,” he said.
Prof. Stanton also advocated for women inclusion in leadership stressing that their voices are integral to peace-building efforts.
“I am so happy that finally the Office of the Special Advisor at the UN is now held by a woman. Because I am convinced that genocide and war are male problems,” he observed.
“There wasn’t a single genocide in world history that was planned by women. Think about that,” Prof. Stanton added, advocating for greater female leadership in global governance. “That is why I do not believe we will overcome war and genocide until women become the leaders of many more of the world’s countries.”
Today, Prof. Stanton’s reflections reveal a poignant mix of sorrow and respect.
The Genocide against the Tutsi was a devastating affirmation of his warnings, yet Rwanda’s rebirth underscores the power of human resilience and the impact of embracing peace and unity.
Stanton’s experience in Rwanda crystallized his mission, leading him to establish the Genocide Watch, an organization devoted to identifying the precursors to genocide and advocating for timely, preventive action.
During his recent visit, Stanton emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s example for other nations wrestling with histories of violence and divisionism.
“Rwanda is an example to the whole world. It is such a pleasure for me to be here in this marvelous country, which I love. To be here, where you are such a witness to the whole world of how the forces of genocide and war can be overcome.”
In the years after 1994, Rwanda has become both a warning and an inspiration. For Stanton, the country serves as a painful reminder of the costs of ignoring early signs of divisionism and hate.
However, it also demonstrates the possibilities of resilience and renewal. By revisiting the events he had warned of decades ago and seeing how Rwanda has rebuilt itself, Stanton’s life’s work continues to evolve.
His “Eight Stages of Genocide” framework is now widely used to educate policymakers and communities, guiding them on the path to prevention and healing.
Prof. Stanton’s legacy in Rwanda is a bittersweet one. He warned of the unthinkable, and he was right. But more importantly, he helped transform the way the world understands and confronts genocide.
Rwanda may be a scar on humanity’s conscience, Stanton’s work ensures that it will not be forgotten — and that future genocides may be stopped before they ever begin.
[Related article: UN’s Nderitu speaks out against Genocide deniers’ influence in downplaying Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/un-s-nderitu-speaks-out-against-genocide-deniers-influence-in-downplaying]
According to the network, the RSF also looted the village’s health center and homes. Among the casualties were children, the statement added.
In a separate development, the Nidaa Al-Wasat Platform, a volunteer group monitoring human rights violations, reported that the death toll in Al Hilaliya city, also in Gezira State and under siege for more than 17 days, had surpassed 300.
“More than 300 civilians, including children, the elderly, and the sick, were killed by terrorist gangs who forced them to die without mercy,” the group said.
The RSF has yet to comment on the violence in Al Hilaliya.
Local activists and volunteer groups have accused the RSF of launching attacks across eastern Gezira following the surrender of its regional commander, Abu Aqla Keikel, to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Oct. 20.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Tuesday that around 135,400 people had been displaced across Gezira State since Oct. 20 due to escalating violence in over 30 villages and towns.
Sudan has been embroiled in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reported on Oct. 14 that the ongoing violence had claimed more than 24,850 lives.
The deal was signed in Sochi by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, just over a year after Rwanda gained independence.
The partnership between Rwanda and Russia is rooted in cooperation in political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.
Russia offers scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and provides training for some officers in the Rwanda National Police.
Over the past 50 years, more than 100 Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities in fields such as technology, law, international affairs, medicine, and political science.
Speaking on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at a press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she concluded a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes. These gatherings brought together policy experts, academics, civil society, and activists from around the world.
The events, held from November 4-9, aimed to strengthen global efforts to prevent genocide and related crimes, covering critical topics essential to prevention. They included a workshop for women community leaders, an expert consultation on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention.
Commenting on those who portray Rwanda negatively and distort the events following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Nderitu referred to this as “the power of genocide” and expressed admiration for Rwanda’s extraordinary resilience.
“You know, you are absolutely right when you say that Rwanda was clinically dead after the genocide because nothing was functioning. And I think it’s really one of the wonders of this century, that when you talk about Rwanda in this continent, we are talking about a first among equals, a very strong country that has developed very strong leadership,” she said.
In 1994, Rwanda had basically ceased to exist as a nation. A million people lay dead, out of a population of around seven million, because of a perverted genocidal ideology. Millions more were refugees. Every public institution had been destroyed, and the national treasury was looted.
From wounds of Genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a united nation promoting unity and reconciliation. It has become a role model across Africa and globally for good governance, technology, peacekeeping, and women’s empowerment.
Nderitu noted the international recognition of Rwandans, who now hold significant positions worldwide, and celebrated Rwanda’s resilience as worthy of praise.
“When I hear some of the things that are said, to downplay, for example, the country of Rwanda, I think to myself, this is the power of genocide. That it has such intergenerational power,” she noted.
Nderitu emphasized that genocide execution and denial involves mass mobilization, warning that denial and misinformation are often perpetuated by genocide deniers.
“So we cannot stop the naysayers, but it’s important to understand the reality of where all these naysayers come from because some of them are actually informed by genocide deniers. […] If we fail in prevention, then what happens is that we have to rely on accountability,” noted Nderitu.
Nderitu also expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.
“I’ve issued a number of statements calling them out. […] You shouldn’t be protecting them. You should find a way to either try them or bring them home,” she said.
“We want the world to know that whoever is in your country and is a genocidaire or is being indicted for this crime, you need to hold them accountable,” added Nderitu.
Reflecting on criticisms against Rwanda, she noted that “doomsayers” exist when success is evident.
“So it’s important that I do not think that the kind of things that are said about the country will stop. You know in Kiswahili we say that if you see young children throwing stones at a tree, then you should know that that tree has fruits. There is something good about that particular place,” said Nderitu.
“And there are always all these naysayers. So if you imagine how many people are convicted for this crime, how many people are genuinely remorseful, and how many people out there are tarnishing Rwanda’s name, and so many of them being genocide deniers. And we know that because they even hold conferences, they write papers, they peer review each other. We know that. So consistently trying to bring down what Rwanda is doing. But we are there to provide another voice. I can speak with an unbiased voice and say this is what we are seeing from out there,” added Nderitu.
She commended Rwanda for not only surviving the genocide but also for its willingness to share its experience of resilience and recovery.
Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.
“I praise this country. You in Rwanda are an example to the whole world. Rwanda, like Germany, has actually faced its past and is now a leader in this whole effort to overcome ethnicity, to overcome nationality, to reaffirm that for all of us, we are part of the same human race,” he noted.
Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions in Rwanda provides the world an invaluable opportunity to learn and deeply understand the severity of the genocide against the Tutsi.
This update was provided on November 8, 2024, in a weekly report covering the status of the Marburg virus from November 1 to November 8, 2024. The Ministry of Health reported that out of 1,390 tests conducted, no new cases were detected. However, it affirmed that efforts to prevent and combat the virus continue.
In a recent media briefing, the ministry stated that it is focusing on monitoring individuals who have been in contact with infected patients and providing treatment to ensure the virus does not result in further fatalities. This approach has raised optimism about potentially eradicating the virus in Rwanda.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted that efforts include tracking down everyone who had contact with the first confirmed patient, providing swift treatment, and administering vaccines. Rigorous screening protocols are in place at borders, Kigali International Airport, and other checkpoints to prevent the virus’s spread beyond initially affected areas.
“We have vaccinated individuals who had close contact with infected persons to break the chain of transmission. Protecting healthcare workers, especially those treating patients, is critical,” said Dr. Nsanzimana. “We’re ensuring that healthcare providers are well-protected, and vaccination remains the best method to safeguard them and allow them to work without anxiety.”
Dr. Nsanzimana reiterated the goal to prevent any new infections. Nevertheless, the ministry has advised recovered patients to exercise caution and avoid unprotected sexual activity and breastfeeding, as the virus can remain in certain body parts for more than a year, potentially leading to transmission.
On November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids. “Recovery means there’s no virus left in their blood, confirmed by two tests taken 72 hours apart. We advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sexual activity until final tests show the virus is entirely cleared.”
“We’re closely monitoring recovered patients to prevent any resurgence, while taking care to avoid stigma. It’s essential not to shun recovered individuals out of fear they might still be contagious,” he added. Those under monitoring may be followed for up to three months, with some cases lasting up to a year, depending on individual medical factors.
“The virus can linger longer in some areas, especially in semen, but tends to disappear more quickly in saliva, urine, and breast milk. We’re conducting regular tests on recovered patients to ensure the virus is fully cleared from these fluids,” he explained.
The monitoring will continue until each individual receives final tests confirming the absence of the virus.
Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.
As of November 4, 66 people had been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.
Marburg symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact health authorities for prompt assistance.
This year’s IFTF, recognized as the world’s largest flower trade event, saw a record number of flower producers, marking a 10% increase from last year with over 150 exhibitors.
Exhibitors came from 13 countries, including Rwanda, each showcasing a variety of flowers and innovative practices aimed at advancing sustainable floriculture.
For Rwanda, IFTF 2024 offered a valuable platform to build connections with international buyers.
Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager of Export Markets Development & Innovation at NAEB, commented on Rwanda’s participation early in the expo, saying, “It’s a chance to elevate our industry on a global scale and highlight the quality of Rwandan flowers.”
Mr. Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor from Bella Flowers, echoed this sentiment, highlighting IFTF as a strategic opportunity to engage with clients from Europe and Asia, strengthening Rwanda’s global position in the flower industry.
Rwanda presented its premium flowers under the Rwanda fresh brand at stand C5.06.
It was represented by Bella Flowers and NAEB.
Rwandan flowers received considerable attention throughout the event, with particular interest on the final day.
The exhibition concluded on November 7, with Rwanda’s stand drawing significant interest from buyers in the Middle East, Russia, and Asia.
A Croatian wholesaler even placed an order for 150,000 Rwandan roses for Valentine’s Day.
Apart from Rwanda’s participation, this year’s IFTF also saw a noteworthy increase in participation from Africa and South America.
Other African nations, such as Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, also strengthened their presence, underscoring the growing influence of these regions in the global flower market.
Held at Expo Greater Amsterdam (formerly Expo Haarlemmermeer) in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, the IFTF is known for fostering connections across the flower industry while presenting innovations in flower varieties, sustainable methods, and efficiency-enhancing technologies.
Exhibitors highlighted various environmentally friendly practices, such as water-efficient cultivation and eco-friendly packaging. The event also showcased creative floral presentations that reflect the latest trends in the industry.
Rwanda has now participated in the IFTF for eight consecutive years, marking a steady commitment to expanding its reach in the global flower market.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project was held on November 7, 2024.
The integrated steel plant, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons, is projected to create 1,000 direct jobs and support Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2) by bolstering the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP.
This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, specifically in the Kimonyi sector.
The plant will source raw materials from local mining sites in Burera and Ngororero districts, capitalizing on Rwanda’s iron ore reserves to drive production.
Output from the plant will include rebar and other essential construction materials.
Additionally, it will process locally mined iron ore, helping reduce the country’s reliance on imports while targeting an export value of approximately $50 million.
Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports and strengthening Rwanda’s position as a key player in the region’s steel industry.
Tiwari expressed a commitment to creating local economic opportunities, emphasizing collaboration with the Rwandan government, partners, and community members to make Rwanda a leader in steel processing.
Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, remarked that large-scale industrial projects like this align with Rwanda’s five-year plan, which targets a 10% annual growth in industrial output.
“This project underscores our commitment to leveraging local resources, reducing imports, and creating decent jobs for Rwandans,” he said.
The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, emphasized that Rwanda’s supportive investment climate, skilled workforce, and stable governance under President Paul Kagame make the country a prime location for international investment.
Das expressed optimism about the opportunities that such favorable conditions present to investors.
In recent years, Rwanda has imported substantial amounts of steel, with 184,000 tons in 2022, 195,000 tons in 2023, and 146,000 tons in the first eight months of 2024.
The new plant is expected to address this demand gap. The Rwandan government remains committed to supporting investors through policies, infrastructure, and security to promote sustainable economic growth.
He shared these insights during a panel discussion at the Singapore FinTech Festival on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The panel discussion, themed “Financial Network in the Fastest Growing Continent,” focused on Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure transformation, a key driver of the continent’s economic and societal growth.
“Rwanda views digital transformation as a cornerstone of its socio-economic development strategy, recognizing digital infrastructure and innovation as critical enablers of sustainable growth,” Rwangombwa said.
He added, “Through a robust, multi-sectoral approach, Rwanda is setting a foundation for a dynamic digital economy that directly supports financial inclusion, data-driven policymaking, and enhanced service delivery across the country.”
The session concluded by recognizing the transformative potential of digital financial services while stressing the importance of overcoming connectivity, digital literacy and security challenges for sustainable growth.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Rwangombwa chaired a roundtable session titled “Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Balancing Innovation and Compliance for Digital Banks” at the Insights Forum in Singapore.
This discussion addressed the complex regulatory challenges digital banks face as they innovate and expand.
Governor Rwangombwa highlighted the dual mandate of the National Bank of Rwanda: promoting financial innovation while ensuring stability.
“As digital banking grows, we remain committed to fostering innovation that is both inclusive and secure,” he said.
Digital services have become central to Rwanda’s economy, with 73% of Rwandans (5.9 million people) using some form of electronic financial service by 2024—a significant rise from 30% (2.1 million) in 2020, according to a recent report by Access to Finance Rwanda.
The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), launched in 2016, has grown into a global gathering for policymakers, regulators, central bankers, FinTech innovators, technologists, investors, and financial industry leaders.
This year’s event running through November 6-8, encourages impactful connections and collaborations, facilitating discussions on innovative financial solutions, evolving regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.
SFF also advocates for sustainable practices, underscoring the importance of responsibility in all facets of the festival.
According to an announcement by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, published in the Official Gazette on November 7, individuals from various countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, Eritrea, Namibia, Madagascar, and Rwanda (for those whose parents are not originally Rwandan), were granted Rwandan nationality.
The list also includes individuals from the UK, France, the United States, India, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Russia, Poland, Pakistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Italy, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Iraq.
The Organic Law N° 002/2021.OL of 16/07/2021 governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.
Rwandan nationality by origin is granted to individuals born to at least one Rwandan parent with ancestral nationality, meaning the parent is a Rwandan by origin and not by acquisition.
To apply for nationality by origin, applicants are required to present one of the following documents; testimony by the applicant or by at least one person and corroborated by evidence, a relative who has Rwandan nationality by origin, or any other proof demonstrating his or her Rwandan origin.
Nationality by acquisition, on the other hand, includes several pathways: birth on Rwandan territory, marriage to a Rwandan national, substantial and sustainable investments, special skills, and statelessness.
For instance, those born on Rwandan soil or married to a Rwandan citizen for at least five years are eligible to apply.
Individuals who contribute significant investments, possess unique skills needed by Rwanda, or are stateless may also qualify, provided they demonstrate good conduct and do not pose security risks.
