Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This dedication was highlighted during the International Conference on Technological Advancement in Embedded and Mobile Systems, held from September 19-20, 2024.

The event brought together researchers from various universities across East Africa and Germany, aiming to promote mobile technology as a critical tool for progress.

UTAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Father Dr. Gilbert Munana, emphasized the significance of the conference as an opportunity for Rwanda to exchange ideas and ensure inclusivity in the digital age.

He explained that technological advancements, particularly in mobile systems, are increasingly central to modern life and education, making it important for everyone to understand their capabilities.

Dr. Munana highlighted how almost every sector now involves some form of computing, and noted that the foundation of this shift lies in understanding the intelligence behind both stationary and mobile technology.

He further pointed out that the conference aligns with UTAB’s objective of launching advanced computer science programs, and the knowledge gained will contribute to the improvement of these courses.

Looking ahead, UTAB intends to offer courses that are not limited to academic settings but also aim to benefit the general public.

Dr. Munana stressed the importance of helping citizens realize that their phones can be used for more than just entertainment, such as for practical tasks like ordering groceries remotely, no matter their location, even in smaller towns like Byumba.

Engineer Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education, underscored how technology has already become an integral part of everyday life, necessitating a shift in traditional practices.

He mentioned that farming methods, for example, should be modernized with technological tools, and highlighted how technology, such as cameras, has played a role in reducing traffic accidents by monitoring speed violations.

Gatabazi added that technology also enables people to perform tasks like withdrawing money and making payments remotely, stressing that Rwanda is advancing in this area and that it is essential for all sectors to keep pace with technological progress.

He emphasized that when people come together to share ideas and collaborate, growth becomes inevitable.

Professor Kisangiri Michael, representing the Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT@EA), shared that the institution has provided over 148 young people with education in mobile technology. He pointed out that mobile technology has significantly impacted daily life in East Africa, with phones now replacing the need to carry physical cash.

Kisangiri stressed that further development in mobile technology is needed to continue driving regional progress and promoting knowledge-sharing in countries like Rwanda and Tanzania.

The conference attracted participants from universities across East Africa, including Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana, as well as institutions from Europe and Asia, fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration to support technological growth.

The official signing ceremony marked the beginning of this strategic initiative, which seeks to provide financial backing for SMEs in key sectors of the economy contributing to decent job creation and inclusive green growth.

Through this collaboration, the Embassy of Sweden in Kigali will cover 70% of the SME loan portfolio, ensuring that qualifying SMEs can access loans with flexible terms ranging from US$5,000 to US$350,000 for a period of 3 to 60 months. This 8-year coverage period will allow eligible businesses to scale their operations, contribute to economic development, and create employment opportunities.

Eligible sectors include Agriculture, Light manufacturing, Logistics, Renewable energy, Water and waste management, Export oriented SMEs, Tourism and Hospitality, Affordable Housing development and green building materials, Information and Communication Technology.

Commenting on the development; Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of the Bank of Kigali, expressed excitement about this partnership and described it as a game-changer for SMEs in Rwanda.

“By providing a safety net that allows us to extend more flexible and accessible financing, we are enabling businesses to innovate, expand, and compete on a larger scale. At Bank of Kigali, we believe that empowering SMEs is crucial for driving inclusive growth, and this guarantee is a powerful step towards a more dynamic and resilient Rwandan economy,” she said.

Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), as the strategic partner of the facility, will work closely with BK by providing technical assistance, supporting the optimal utilisation of the guarantee, and monitoring impact while capturing learnings. Their involvement will ensure that the facility achieves its objectives and that best practices are integrated throughout the implementation of the initiative.

Jean Bosco Iyacu, CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda, added that this partnership complements Bank of Kigali’s ongoing efforts to channel more capital into the SME sector.

“BK is a long-standing partner in AFR’s journey to drive innovation and support key sectors of the economy and rural areas. We are delighted to continue this relationship through this first SME-Centric Portfolio Guarantee Scheme. This initiative addresses the collateral constraints mainly faced by youth and women owned SMEs across Rwanda, and we anticipate it will play a crucial role in unlocking growth and creating dignified employment opportunities,” he noted.

Martina Fors Mohlin, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, noted, “Our partnership with Bank of Kigali aligns with our mission to promote economic inclusive sustainable development in Rwanda. By providing the guarantee instrument, we strive to create a positive impact on job creation, gender equality and youth entrepreneurship.”

{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}

Bank of Kigali, established in 1966, is Rwanda’s largest financial institution. As a leading commercial bank, it provides a wide range of services, including digital banking, to over 500,000 customers through an extensive branch network and digital platforms. BK is committed to fostering innovation and economic growth through targeted financial solutions for individuals, SMEs, and corporations.

{{Swedish development cooperation with Rwanda}}

The Swedish development cooperation with Rwanda is governed by a strategy for the period 2020 – 2024. The strategy focuses on human rights, democracy and gender equality; environment and climate; and more inclusive economic growth. In addition, support is provided for building up domestic research capacity in Rwanda.

With this strategy, Sweden will increase its commitment to contribute to an environmentally sustainable and including growth. The strategy also contributes to an inclusive economic development and growth, improved conditions for and increased access to productive employment and decent work, corporate social responsibility, and free and fair trade, including in rural areas.

{{About Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) }}

AFR is a Rwandan not for Profit Company , established in 2010 to promote financial inclusion and financial sector development in Rwanda. AFR supports the removal of systemic barriers that hinder access and usage of financial services by low-income people, particularly the unserved segments including young people, women, MSMEs, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), refugees and the informal sector.

The discussions were held on Friday, September 20, 2024 as confirmed by Rwanda’s Presidency.

President Kagame also held discussions with Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong.

According to the Presidency’s message shared on X account, the leaders “renewed their commitment to a strong bilateral partnership and exchanged views on shared values of good governance and leadership aimed at transforming the lives of citizens.”

The two leaders also welcomed the signing of a renegotiated Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, which will help boost investment opportunities between the two countries.

Besides, President Kagame attended a luncheon hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Istana, the office of the president of Singapore.

The two leaders discussed global affairs and the impact of technology on development, as well as the productive economic partnership between their countries and its tangible benefits.

Lee Hsien Loong, who served as Singapore’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2024, first visited Rwanda In 2022, marking his first trip to both Rwanda and Africa.

Rwanda and Singapore enjoy robust bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology, and air transport services.

Both nations are members of FOSS, an organization established in 1992 by Singapore, which comprises small nations working together to address global challenges and promote development.

The bilateral relationship was further strengthened on September 29, 2023, when Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew and deepen cooperation.

Signed by Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Singapore, and Wy Mun Kong, CEO of SCE, the five-year MoU focuses on key sectors such as ICT and cybersecurity, sustainability and climate change, urban planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

High-level visits continue to bolster ties between the two nations. President Kagame, who is on his fourth visit to Singapore, also attended the 11th Annual Asia Summit on September 19, where he participated in a fireside chat moderated by Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute.

The discussion centered on Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation journey.

Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries globally, with a 2023 GDP of $501 billion, up from $0.70 billion in 1960. Its per capita GDP in 2023 stood at $84,600, reflecting its remarkable economic growth.

The Angolan President’s Office confirmed the development through a message shared on social media.

It further mentioned that President Lourenço sent Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete António, as a special envoy to Kinshasa to meet with DRC President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi in the framework of Angola’s broader efforts to mediate and resolve the security crisis in eastern DRC.

The conversation between Kagame and Lourenço followed a September 14, 2024, ministerial meeting in Luanda, where officials from Rwanda and the DRC discussed crucial issues, including the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group and efforts to cease hostilities between conflicting parties in North Kivu province.

Despite these discussions, reports indicate that the recent Luanda talks did not result in concrete outcomes. The DRC delegation rejected Angola’s proposal for cooperation in dismantling the FDLR and declined the idea of engaging in dialogue with the M23 rebel group, which controls large swathes in North Kivu.

On September 18, President Lourenço also met with Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. Their discussions centered on the progress of the Luanda talks. Huang Xia, who had previously visited Kigali and Kinshasa, expressed the UN’s full support for Angola’s continued efforts to secure peace and stability in eastern DRC.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC escalated following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group.

While the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, Kigali strongly denies these claims and, in turn, accuses the DRC of collaborating with FDLR. Rwanda insists that DRC should address its internal issues without involving Kigali in its mess.

The money was recovered on Thursday, September 19, from a 24-year suspect, who was working for the victim.

The suspect, who was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), allegedly stole US$17,200 from his boss, on Wednesday, September 18, at about 9p.m.

“The victim reported the alleged theft that night in Kigali and the search for his employee, who was the prime suspect, commenced,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said.

“On Thursday, at about 9a.m, Police received information from a resident in Musanze town, about the prime suspect. He was arrested at a forex bureau, where he was exchanging the money. At the time, he had already wired Frw12, 680,000 to his bank account and had Frw1 million cash,” he added.

SP Mwiseneza thanked the resident, who provided information that led to the arrest of the prime suspect and recovery of the money.

Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

While each has unique aspects, China’s efforts to rise from a shattered past to becoming a global giant, speaks volumes about what it can offer and help the African continent along its development journey.

In 2021, China eliminated extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978.

This is one of many examples , highlighting the yielding efforts of the Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Meanwhile, reports indicate that about 429 million people in Africa live below the extreme poverty line.

As China continues to urbanize, the Shiyou model demonstrates how thoughtful governance and resource integration can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which Africa can leverage to develop more home grown solutions to enhance the wellbeing of its population.

Located in Dashiba Sub-district, Jiangbei District, Chongqing Municipality, Shiyou Community stands as a testament to modern community care and governance.

Originally established in 2001 as a residential area for a petroleum company, Shiyou has evolved from its industrial roots into a thriving hub focused on fostering a resident-friendly environment.

Covering an area of 0.33 square kilometers, the community accommodates over 5,000 residents from 2,510 households. Despite its past, Shiyou has redefined itself with forward-thinking initiatives, notably its model for elderly home-based care.

At the core of Shiyou’s transformation is its unique governance model, which integrates resources through community space construction and social space reconstruction. This initiative seeks to establish a governance system centered on all-lifestyle scenarios, all-age services, and all-process involvement.

According to Huang Haiyan, the head of the community, Shiyou’s primary goal is to provide residents with convenient, comprehensive services that improve their quality of life.

This focus on modern governance and service has earned Shiyou numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Civilized Community Demonstration Site and National Model Community for Creating Learning-Based Families.

{{Building an inclusive, modern community}}

Shiyou Community’s efforts to shape a modern community environment are evident in its all-lifestyle approach. Gone are the days of traditional platform-based offices. Instead, the community has reorganized its six functional divisions within the Party-Masses Service Center into undifferentiated processing windows, bolstered by intelligent equipment.
The result? A 24/7 intelligent station that delivers one-stop services for residents.

These services encompass everything from single-window integrated processing and proactive life assistance to online processing with remote guidance. Shiyou has also established a 15-minute urban living circle by transforming 13 stores into “neighborhood living bazaars.”

These diversified establishments cater to the daily needs of residents, offering household appliance repairs, grocery shopping, laundry services, and even volunteer clinics. By providing convenient, high-frequency services, Shiyou ensures that residents are never far from the help they need.

{{All-age services}}

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Shiyou’s community care model is its commitment to supporting residents of all ages, particularly its elderly population. Recognizing the challenges faced by senior citizens, especially those living alone or with mobility issues, Shiyou has transformed five stores into senior citizen canteens. These canteens operate under a service model that includes centralized meal distribution, nearby dining options, and door-to-door delivery.

This initiative has been a game-changer for elderly residents. With an average daily attendance of more than 370, the canteens have become a sustainable solution to the dining needs of the elderly. To further support this group, meal prices are subsidized based on age. Seniors aged 60 to 75 pay just 13 Yuan per meal, while those aged 80 and above enjoy meals for only 10 Yuan. Managed by the Center for Senior Citizens’ Care, the canteens provide nutritious meals and foster a sense of community among the elderly residents.

Beyond meal services, Shiyou offers a range of activities that engage residents of all ages. Fun knowledge quizzes, youth quality enhancement programs, and shared parenting spaces contribute to the vibrant, intergenerational atmosphere within the community. These initiatives ensure that residents not only receive essential services but also have opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

{{Grid-based services}}

Shiyou’s success lies in its collaborative governance approach, which involves residents at every stage of decision-making. To facilitate this, the community has adopted a grid-based governance system—a widely used model in China that divides the area into smaller grids for more effective management. This system allows for more personalized services and improved governance efficiency.

The community has selected 12 key individuals, including officials and governance team members, to serve as grid chiefs. Their efforts have led to the resolution of various property conflicts and the successful completion of livelihood projects, such as traffic diversion and elevator retrofitting. These accomplishments demonstrate the power of community collaboration and the importance of involving residents in governance processes.

Grid services further enhance Shiyou’s community care model. The community provides heated meals, charging stations, rented umbrellas, and other essential services directly to residents’ doorsteps. Additionally, Shiyou has established six volunteer service teams, allowing residents to exchange service hours for charity items or discounts on living services. This system promotes a culture of mutual assistance and fosters strong relationships among neighbors.

Shiyou Community’s innovative approach to elderly home-based care and community governance serves as a blueprint for other communities seeking to enhance the quality of life for their residents.

{{Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Chongqing, China}}

The Head of State made these remarks at the 11th Annual Asia Summit in Singapore during a fireside chat moderated by Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute, a U.S.-based organization.

The discussion focused on Rwanda’s journey of socio-economic transformation.

Kagame is currently in Singapore, where his visit is expected to conclude on September 23, 2024.

During the conversation, Kagame shared the homegrown solutions that have contributed to Rwanda’s development across various sectors.

“Governance is an issue of rights and accountability. You avoid things you know will undermine your progress. In governance, we fight corruption because we realized a lot of resources that could go into health, food security, and education—end up unfairly in the hands of a few,” said Kagame.

He added, “We have created an environment where people involved in corruption understand it’s not a good thing, especially when you are caught.”

With 74 percent of Rwanda’s population aged 35 years or younger, Kagame highlighted that the country’s efforts in promoting accountability and good governance are vital for guiding this large segment of the population towards a prosperous future.

“We ensure that as they grow up and take on responsibilities, they come from a background of understanding accountability and governance, and the benefits that come with it,” he noted.

“We have made sure that as they grow up and take these responsibilities, they come from this background and understand issues of accountability, governance and their benefits,” he noted.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment in decision-making roles are also among Rwanda’s most celebrated achievements over the past 30 years.

In the Chamber of Deputies, for instance, women make up 63.8% of the representatives.
When asked why Rwanda prioritized this policy, Kagame explained that it was essential to break away from the country’s tragic past and gender divide.

“We’ve been realistic from the beginning. When we look at our people, we consider everyone, irrespective of gender—not just in terms of numbers but also in terms of rights.

“We have had enough of the divide in our history. So, we learned our lessons to make sure that we increasingly bring our people together irrespective of their background and even gender. That is where it stems from,” he stated.

Kagame also noted that women in Rwanda now have access to education on par with their male counterparts, a change that has paid off for the country’s growth.

Highlighting that women make up 52 percent of Rwanda’s population, Kagame remarked, “I don’t know how intelligent anyone would be to exclude over 50 percent of your population. It doesn’t take much logic to understand that you simply cannot do that.”

In a remarkable achievement over the past 15 years, Rwanda has increased household access to electricity from 6% in 2009 to 75% as of March 2024.

Furthermore, Rwanda is among the top African countries with high health insurance coverage for its population, making significant strides in healthcare accessibility.

Kagame attributed these successes to the accountability of Rwandans and the collective choice to make good decisions for the future.

The Asia Summit, which Kagame is attending, began on Wednesday, September 18, and will conclude on Friday, September 22.

Petrol station investments have become increasingly popular among wealthy individuals due to their lucrative returns. Some station owners earn up to $10,000 monthly from leasing, depending on location.

This steady income stream has attracted many landowners to develop petrol stations, securing permits and partnering with petroleum companies, which often finance the construction in exchange for a profit-sharing lease.

However, the boom in petrol station investments has resulted in poorly planned developments, with more entrants rushing into the market without proper planning.

Authorities are now tightening construction regulations to ensure compliance with modern standards and curb the reckless spread of stations.

Recent inspections revealed that 19 petrol stations in Kigali do not meet the required standards and are set to be demolished.

Many of these stations were found to be located in wetlands, near water sources, or in environmentally sensitive areas.

Nine of these stations have been given a 60-day notice, starting September 4, 2024, to be demolished by their owners.

The affected stations were identified during a meeting between regulatory authorities and petroleum investors.

These stations are located in wetlands earmarked for restoration in Kigali, including Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba, and Nyabugogo, part of a larger project funded by the World Bank with an $80 million budget aimed at restoring 408 hectares of wetlands.

Among the stations marked for demolition are three Engen stations (one at Poids Lourd and two at Giticyinyoni), two SP stations (one at Rwandex and one at Rugunga), a Rubis station at Giticyinyoni, the Maxi station at Poids Lourd (formerly Car Wash), Lake Petroleum on the road to Rusororo, and the former Hashi station at Kinamba along the road to Gisozi.

While many investors acknowledge the inevitability of this decision—especially as nearby developments have already been cleared—the demolitions signal a broader crackdown on non-compliant stations. This is just the first phase, with more stations slated for demolition later.

{{Stricter construction regulations}}

The 2017 regulations required stations that did not meet standards to either renovate within two years or face demolition within five years.

The updated 2023 regulations shorten the timeline, giving owners two years to either renovate or demolish their stations.

With the revised rules in place, stations that fail to comply by 2025 will face demolition, including 10 additional stations identified in the recent inspections.

Many of these stations were built before current regulations, and their locations are now considered unsuitable under the new guidelines.

Increasing distance between stations

Rwanda currently has 337 petrol stations, with 129 located in Kigali. Many are situated too close to residential areas or in environmentally or safety-sensitive zones.

Along the seven-kilometer stretch between downtown Kigali and Remera, there are 13 stations, demonstrating the overcrowding problem.

In the Eastern Province along the Bugesera road, station construction is rapidly increasing as investors anticipate heavy traffic from the soon-to-be-completed Bugesera International Airport.

To address these issues, current regulations mandate a minimum distance of 1,000 meters between stations along the same road.

IGIHE has learnt that these regulations are under review, with potential increases in the required distance between stations to five or even 10 kilometers in some areas.

The decision said that the United States recently has once again announced arms sales plans to the Taiwan region, which has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, interfered in China’s internal affairs and undermined China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 6, 9 and 15 of China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China decided to take the following countermeasures against Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, TCOM, Limited Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal and Exovera:

Their movable, immovable and all other types of property in China will be frozen.

Organizations and individuals in China will be prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the above-mentioned enterprises.

The decision will become effective from Sept. 18, 2024.

In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to China’s Taiwan region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique of 1982; seriously violates China’s sovereignty and security interests; damages China-U.S. relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; and sends an erroneous signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

“China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this, and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side. China has taken firm countermeasures and announced that it will impose sanctions on nine U.S. military companies,” he said.

The United States continues to arm Taiwan, supporting Lai Ching-te and Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in their stubborn pursuit of “Taiwan independence” and their provocations regarding the one-China principle, Lin noted.

This once again proves that the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the greatest saboteur of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait are the separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” forces and the conniving support of external forces led by the United States, he added.

It should be noted that the DPP authorities are attempting to seek “Taiwan independence” through military build-up, and the United States is determined to help advance that agenda by arming Taiwan, Lin said, adding that any such actions will only backfire and lead to disastrous consequences, ultimately ending in failure, Lin said.

He stressed that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China’s core interests, and it is the most important red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations. No one should underestimate China’s firm will and strong ability to oppose “Taiwan independence” and defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China urges the United States to abide earnestly by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, immediately end its dangerous trend of arming Taiwan, cease its conniving with and its support of “Taiwan independence” forces, and stop undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Lin said.

China will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said.