The Rwandan delegation, consisting of representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwandan High Commission in the United Kingdom, RwandAir, and various travel and tourism companies, is engaging with international travel buyers and media to build collaborations aimed at attracting more visitors for business, adventure, and leisure travel.
Participating companies include RwandAir, Primates Safaris, Hermosa Life Tours, Wilderness, Blue Monkey Rep, Triple Legacy Travels, Kings Safaris, and Wildlife Tours.
At the travel and tourism trade show, Rwandan representatives are holding meetings and media engagements to promote the country’s offerings and forge strategic partnerships.
The goal is to raise Rwanda’s profile on the global tourism stage and transform connections into tangible travel opportunities.
WTM London, described as “the birthplace of the global travel trade,” serves as a powerful platform for connection, collaboration, and change. It is the world’s most influential international travel and tourism show, bringing together key players in the leisure industry to inspire, train, and create opportunities.
From networking and partner-seeking to training and presentations, WTM enables the industry to grow collectively and more effectively.
Rwanda’s combined public- and private-sector presence at the event highlights its commitment to strengthening ties with international markets and positioning its tourism offerings before a professional and media audience.
This special event is set to take place on November 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at the SKOL Stadium in Nzove, where fans will come together to celebrate the achievements and passion of the players who have stood out this month.
The event will be an unforgettable afternoon of recognition, entertainment, and celebration, bringing players, fans, and supporters of Gikundiro into one lively gathering.
The nominees for the October Player of the Month award include notable players from both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the men’s category, the nominees are Tambwe Ngongo Gloire, Aziz Bassane Koulagna, and Ndayishimiye Richard. For the women’s category, the nominees are Umwari Wase, Coralie Odette Elsie, and Gikundiro Scholastique.
Fans attending the event can expect a day filled with excitement, with thrilling prizes and giveaways, exclusive fan engagement activities, and vibrant music and entertainment that celebrate the unbreakable spirit of Rayon Sports.
It promises to be a unique occasion where supporters can unite in their passion for the game, cheer for their favorite players, and revel in the joy of football.
This is an event not to be missed, offering a celebration of excellence and passion in Rwandan football with Skol Lager and Rayon Sports.
These households spread across 10 districts, were provided with electricity in partnership with the German Development Agency, GIZ.
The households that received electricity include 182 from Rwamagana District, 339 from Musanze, 273 from Rubavu, 419 from Nyaruguru, 142 from Nyamagabe, 200 from Kayonza, 163 from Bugesera, 483 from Muhanga, 413 from Ruhango, and 136 from Kamonyi District. Among these, 1,654 are headed by women.
Households that received electricity also included those in the model village of Kamamana, located in the Kaduha Cell, Munyaga Sector, in Rwamagana District.
Beatrice Muhimakazi, a resident of the village, said, “I felt so happy when I was connected to electricity. That night, I thought about getting a television, and by morning I went to buy one. Before receiving electricity, we were isolated and sad, but today we are happy, we have light as we can use televisions and phones easily. We owe all of this to the president. We have progressed.”
Her neighbor, Béatrice Musabwamana, mentioned, “Before we had electricity, we lived poorly, but after we got it, we were very happy because we saw many changes. We can listen to the radio and know the country’s progress. We plan to use the electricity to run businesses like selling milk, among other things.”
Ayubusa Turikumana Olivier, the Project Manager at REG’s EDCL branch, stated that the project aimed to increase the number of households with access to electricity, particularly focusing on low-income households.
Another aspect considered in this project was that these households were located in areas already covered by the electricity grid but had been left out due to their low economic capabilities.
“The uniqueness of this project is that we provided them with cash power and also helped with the installation of electricity in their homes for free. This is because these households couldn’t afford the Frw 50,000 or 100,000 required to bring electricity into their homes, along with necessary electrical equipment such as lights. We did it for free to help them improve their livelihoods,” he added.
Regarding the households that did not yet receive electricity, the official mentioned that discussions are ongoing to ensure they are connected soon.
Dorothée Merkl, Project Coordinator and Energy Advisor at GIZ, said they are in talks with REG to secure additional funding aimed at increasing the number of households connected to electricity, especially for the underprivileged.
She stated, “We are in discussions with REG to secure an additional 100,000 Euros, which will help us increase the number of households with electricity, bringing the total to at least 6,700.”
This low-income electricity project is valued at over 350,000 Euros (approximately Frw 585 million).
Currently, 85% of the population has access to electricity, with a goal to achieve 100% coverage within the next five years. This will be supported by an investment of over 1 billion dollars aimed at generating 1,000 megawatts of electricity. At present, Rwanda generates 406.4 megawatts of electricity.
In Jamaica, infrastructure has been severely damaged, with more than 130 roads blocked and power and communication networks disrupted, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told a daily briefing.
Health services are under heavy strain, since several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, prompting the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization, he said.
Haq said the World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance in Jamaica.
A UN disaster assessment and coordination team is coordinating assistance teams and aid arriving, in support of the Jamaican government, he said.
In Haiti, Haq said that the United Nations and its partners continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up efforts to reach people in need.
The Food and Agriculture Organization indicated losses in beans, corn and fruit crops, as well as damage to fishing infrastructure, which is expected to increase hunger in a country where half of the population is already food insecure, said the spokesperson.
Speaking to reporters via video link, WFP’s Country Director in Cuba Etienne Labande said the hurricane left behind widespread flooding, power outages and heavy damage, with crops lost and many buildings partially or fully destroyed in the eastern part of Cuba.
One particularity in the response to the hurricane is the anticipatory action framework adopted by Cuba, coupled with a pre-approved UN allocation, which enabled UN agencies to preposition key supplies in vulnerable areas ahead of the hurricane’s landfall, Labande said.
Ingabire stated that Rwanda plans to build between 720 and 800 new towers to increase internet access to 97%, up from the current 83%. She explained that this initiative would require over $300 million in funding.
She made these comments while presenting solutions to issues raised by Members of Parliament regarding the use of technology and the delivery of services to the public.
The Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, highlighted nine major challenges faced by citizens, including areas where internet access is unavailable and others where the signal strength is weak. Some systems, such as those in agriculture, education, health, and tax payment, struggle with low capacity to handle user requests.
Additionally, there is a need for fast internet for land data systems, but many rural areas lack access. Other issues include system failures that hinder the delivery of services, inaccurate civil registration data, and communication infrastructure gaps in border areas.
Minister Ingabire explained that internet access currently covers 83% of the country, leaving 17%, mostly sparsely populated and rural areas, without internet. Rwanda has 1,781 communication towers and 24,949 kilometers of fiber optic cables.
She noted, “We are looking into the gap we have in terms of coverage. To achieve nationwide, high-quality internet, it’s clear that we need to build more towers. Our country’s geography, with many mountainous areas, poses a challenge where some towers exist but are situated on high altitudes, making it difficult for the internet to reach lower areas.”
The Minister mentioned that for full nationwide coverage, Rwanda needs to add 2,500 more towers. However, the country aims to first reach a 97% coverage, which requires between 720 and 800 additional towers.
Telecommunication companies in Rwanda are currently required to contribute to the construction of towers over a 10-15 year period. This will result in at least 220 towers being built by telecom companies, with the government aiming to add 500 more.
The Ministry has also established a fund where telecom companies contribute 4% of their annual revenue to support investments in underserved areas where investors are hesitant due to low profitability.
This funding has already led to the construction of 233 towers in the past five years, with plans for continued growth. The cost of building one tower is approximately $150,000, meaning the country will require $300 million to construct 500 towers.
Minister Ingabire noted that if everything goes according to plan, the required funds could be raised within three years, depending on the country’s financial situation.
Rwanda has also started using satellite technology to provide internet access to schools where it is challenging to build towers or deploy fiber optic cables.
{{Systems failures and solutions}}
Minister Ingabire mentioned that a monitoring system has been put in place to assess and resolve issues causing system failures. The “Mbaza” project was introduced, allowing citizens to report any problems they encounter with government systems or services.
The Irembo platform, in partnership with service providers, has also introduced a system to resolve issues quickly, ensuring that problems are addressed within an hour.
Regarding civil registration data, the launch of digital ID cards is expected to address many of these challenges. The integration of identity information into a Single Source of Truth (SDID) will streamline services, making them faster and more accessible for the public.
Currently, the Irembo platform offers over 240 government services, with more than 3,000 employees and daily transactions exceeding $300,000. Around 45% of users now pay for services online, reducing service processing time by 80%.
{{Language and accessibility challenges}}
While there are 264.7 government websites, only 3% provide content in Kinyarwanda. Those that do offer Kinyarwanda have collaborated with RISA to ensure information is available in the local language.
{{Cross-border connectivity issues}}
Every year, Rwanda conducts a national assessment of the quality of mobile network services to identify areas where improvements are needed.
Additionally, coordination between Rwanda and its neighboring countries helps resolve cross-border communication issues.
In June 2025, a joint assessment was conducted at border areas, involving the Ministry of ICT, RURA, RISA, and telecom service providers. Measures were taken to strengthen existing towers and build new ones to improve connectivity.
Minister Ingabire emphasized the need for continuous infrastructure development to ensure that internet access reaches all parts of the country, based on available resources.
She also stressed the importance of not just increasing internet coverage but ensuring that citizens are able to use it effectively.
Covering 945,087 square kilometers, it has a population of around 68 million. The country is known for its stunning natural attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Zanzibar Archipelago among others, that continue to draw tourists and feature prominently in global media.
Recently, however, the focus has shifted to new developments, particularly surrounding Tanzania’s 2025 elections held on October 29.
These elections, marred by protests, allegations of electoral irregularities, have brought significant political attention to the country, raising questions about its future direction.
Opposition groups argue that these protests led to hundreds of deaths and property damage.
Despite the unrest, Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the presidential election on Saturday, November 1, 2025, securing a landslide victory with 97.66% of the vote and more than 31.9 million ballots. Supported by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, her victory marked a new chapter for Tanzania.
She was sworn in on November 3 in a ceremony closed to the public, at a military base in Dodoma, a departure from the usual public inauguration.
This choice reflected the tense political climate and the government’s desire to avoid further unrest. But what does this new phase under Suluhu’s leadership mean for Tanzania’s future?
In her address, she made an appeal for national unity, acknowledging the pain caused by the protests but urging Tanzanians to set aside their differences.
“We are saddened by the events of instability, loss of life, and destruction of public and private property… What happened does not reflect the Tanzanian identity,” she remarked.
Suluhu emphasized that her election, despite its controversies, had a legal mandate backed by the Constitution of Tanzania.
“Assuming the responsibility of the presidency is a constitutional requirement,” she said.
According to Article 41(7) of Tanzania’s 1977 Constitution, once the Electoral Commission announces the election results, they are final, and no court is allowed to challenge the outcome.
This clause has been the subject of much debate, especially given the widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud.
Critics argue that the clause limits the freedom of Tanzanians to contest the election results, undermining their democratic rights.
However, Suluhu emphasized that the Constitution is not just a framework for governance but also a binding document that her government respects.
Suluhu also directly addressed the arrests of youths involved in the protests, signaling the government’s resolve to maintain law and order.
“Our security forces continue to investigate and thoroughly examine what happened, and they will restore the country to the normal state we are accustomed to as quickly as possible,” she said.
“I also take this opportunity to give a warning to all those who encourage unrest. I urge those who instigate violence and unrest to cease, as it only leads to confrontation,” Suluhu added.
Suluhu also slammed foreign interference, noting that while Tanzania welcomes international observers, the country would not bow to external pressures on its internal matters.
“We thank all the organizations that sent election observers… but we have rejected directives to guide us on what to do,” she declared.
Despite the challenges, Suluhu called on Tanzanians to move beyond the election’s divisive aftermath, saying, “Our collective duty is to continue building our nation and making tomorrow better than today.”
The Constitution’s strict stipulation that election results cannot be challenged, despite allegations of irregularities, is a central issue that could shape Suluhu’s tenure.
While her victory may be constitutionally valid, many Tanzanians, particularly those who participated in the protests, may feel that their grievances were dismissed by the legal system’s inability to challenge the results.
This tension between constitutional law and the will of the people presents a significant challenge to Suluhu’s efforts to build unity and trust.
As Tanzania moves forward, Suluhu’s presidency will be defined by how she navigates these divisions.
Her call for peace and unity is a crucial step in rebuilding the country’s fractured political landscape. Yet, as she embarks on her first full term, the nation remains at a crossroads.
Will the desire for stability give way to deeper reforms, or will the political fissures that led to the protests continue to haunt her leadership?
Suluhu’s leadership, though constitutionally secured, will be tested not just by the laws she upholds, but by the nation’s ability to reconcile its differences.
Mobile Subscribers grew by 6.9% to 8.1 million, while Active Data subscribers increased by 7.5% to 2.5 million. Active MoMo users rose by 12.2% to 5.8 million, underpinned by an expanding merchant network which reached 578k by the end of the quarter.
Service revenue increased by 14.2% to Frw 216.2 billion, driven by strong growth in Data and Mobile Money (MoMo) revenues, offsetting softer voice trends as customers continued their migration toward digital and fintech solutions.
Commenting on the results, Monzer Ali, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda, said: “Reaching the 8 million subscriber milestone marks a defining moment for MTN Rwanda, a reflection of the deep trust Rwandans continue to place in our brand and services. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to growth, operational excellence, and innovation with purpose.
“As a strategic partner in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey, we remain focused on expanding access to connectivity, accelerating digital inclusion, and enabling every Rwandan to benefit from the opportunities of the digital economy. Through initiatives such as Tunga Taci na MTN, we continue to make smartphones more affordable and accessible, ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s bold digital future.”
Launched in August 2025, Tunga Taci na MTN is a new device financing programme introduced in partnership with Yellow Digital Retailers.
The initiative enables customers to acquire smartphones through flexible monthly payment plans, making ownership of smart devices more affordable and accessible.
Through this programme, MTN Rwanda continues to champion smartphone adoption, supporting the country’s Vision 2050 agenda of building a digitally empowered, knowledge-based society.
“Tunga Taci na MTN” follows on the success of 2024’s Ikosora+ initiative and reinforces the company’s purpose of enabling leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The company’s fintech subsidiary, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MoMo Rwanda), continued to deliver outstanding growth, with MoMo revenue up 30.2% year-on-year to Frw 109.4 billion.
This performance was driven by the expansion of advanced services (payments, remittances and lending), which grew by 37.0% and now contribute 28.5% of MoMo revenue. MoMo’s contribution to service revenue rose to 50.6%, highlighting its central role in driving financial inclusion and Rwanda’s transition toward a cashless economy.
“As MTN Rwanda celebrates surpassing eight million customers, MoMo remains at the heart of this growth story, connecting people to opportunity and prosperity. Our MoMo customer base grew by 634,000 reaching 5.8 million, a strong testament to the trust and adoption Rwandans continue to place in us as they embrace a digital lifestyle,” said Chantal Kagame, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.
As she explained, this digital momentum is clearly reflected in the MoMoPay ecosystem, where both merchants and users continue to grow hand in hand.
The company’s merchant base reached an all-time high of 578k, while active MoMoPay users increased to 3.7 million, demonstrating how MoMo is digitizing day-to-day payments and driving financial inclusion across Rwanda.
“Today, average monthly MoMo transaction volumes have reached a record 246 million, underscoring how deeply MoMo is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Through innovation and inclusion, we are not just powering transactions, we are powering transformation, ensuring that every Rwandan is equipped to participate and thrive in the country’s digital future,” Chantal Kagame added.
Data revenue grew by 7.9% to Frw 35.8 billion, supported by an increase in 4G users and growth in 4G traffic. These gains were achieved through continuous network expansion and optimisation and targeted 3G-to-4G migration campaigns that have enhanced the customer experience. Voice revenue declined by 2.7% year-on-year as usage trends continue to evolve; however, focused customer-value propositions delivered a 1.8% quarter-on-quarter recovery.
Operational efficiencies remain a key priority, with the company realising cost savings through the execution of its Expense Efficiency Programme (EEP). Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 36.7% to Frw 89.7 billion, with the EBITDA margin expanding by 7.2 percentage points to 41.2%, reflecting the quality and sustainability of earnings achieved during the period. Profit after tax increased by 222.7% year-on-year to Frw 13.3 billion, supported by robust service revenue growth and lower depreciation charges.
“Our third quarter performance demonstrates the strength of our financial foundation and the discipline of our capital allocation. The improvement in EBITDA and profitability is evidence of our focus on operational excellence and efficient deployment of financial resources. As we continue to optimise our cost base, we are well positioned to fund strategic investments that will drive sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders,” noted Dunstan Ayodele Stober, Acting Chief Financial Officer of MTN Rwanda.
Looking ahead, MTN Rwanda remains focused on executing its Ambition 2025 strategy, enhancing customer value and delivering cost-efficient growth. The company expects continued commercial momentum in the final quarter of the year reflecting confidence in the resilience of its operating model and the scalability of its digital-platform strategy.
{{About MTN Rwandacell Plc}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and driving leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
As the country’s No 1 network, MTN offers innovative voice, data and fintech services for individual and corporate customers with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
Cheney, who served two terms as vice president from 2001 to 2009, was a dominant and often controversial figure in American politics, known for his strong stance on national security and his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
According to CNN, his family announced his passing, attributing it to complications from pneumonia and heart disease.
Cheney’s wife of 61 years, Lynne, and his daughters, Liz and Mary, were by his side when he died.
In a statement, the family described him as “a great and good man” who instilled values of courage, honor, and love in his children and grandchildren.
Cheney’s aggressive warnings about Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, ties to al-Qaeda, and plans to arm terrorists were pivotal in building the case for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Over the years, he became a polarizing figure, particularly after he openly criticized President Donald Trump, even labeling him a “coward” and a serious threat to the republic.
Cheney cast his final vote in the 2024 election for Kamala Harris, a liberal Democrat, reflecting his disillusionment with the direction of the Republican Party under Trump’s leadership.
His health was a constant challenge, as he battled heart disease, surviving multiple heart attacks. In 2012, he received a heart transplant, which he described as “the gift of life itself.” Despite these challenges, Cheney remained active in public life until his passing.
The partnership will be implemented in collaboration with Forward7, an initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) on October 29, 2025.
The program underscores Rwanda’s commitment to accelerating access to clean cooking solutions and reducing dependence on traditional biomass fuels.
Bboxx’s role builds on its ongoing partnership with the Government of Rwanda to drive inclusive energy access through innovative, data-driven solutions.
“This partnership represents a continuation of our successful collaboration with the Government of Rwanda in advancing sustainable development goals,” said John Uwizeye, Managing Director of Bboxx Rwanda. “We are deeply appreciative of the government’s trust in our ability to deliver clean cooking solutions at scale, and we remain committed to supporting their vision for a cleaner, healthier Rwanda.”
{{Tackling an urgent energy challenge}}
Biomass, primarily wood fuel, remains the dominant source of household energy in Rwanda, posing health, environmental, and social challenges.
Indoor air pollution, deforestation, and the time spent collecting firewood, often by women and children, highlight the urgent need for accessible and affordable alternatives.
The Government’s latest clean cooking drive aims to make LPG a practical, sustainable solution for households transitioning away from charcoal and firewood, aligning with Rwanda’s broader energy and environmental goals.
{{Making LPG affordable through innovation}}
The initiative tackles the biggest barrier to LPG adoption, affordability. Each household receives a complete kit, including a two-burner stove, 12-kg gas cylinder, and a smart Cylinder Locking Valve (CLV) with pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) functionality.
This flexible payment model has proven transformative: average monthly LPG consumption among Bboxx customers has risen from 3 kg to 7 kg per household, as families gain confidence in managing their fuel expenses.
“Clean cooking is not just about providing equipment; it’s about fundamentally improving lives,” Uwizeye explained. “By tackling indoor air pollution, we’re protecting health, creating time for education and income opportunities, and helping preserve Rwanda’s forests.”
{{Progress and readiness to scale}}
Bboxx’s clean cooking rollout has gained strong momentum. From early pilots and small-scale distribution, the company has now deployed over 7,000 LPG kits across Kigali, Rwamagana, and Musanze as of October 2025.
With each household averaging five members, transitioning 7,000 households represents a major environmental gain.
This shift prevents the felling of an estimated 35,000 mature trees annually, reducing pressure on forests and cutting thousands of tons of carbon emissions.
Each LPG kit deployed by Bboxx not only improves health and convenience but also directly supports Rwanda’s clean cooking and climate resilience goals.
“We are ready and equipped to scale this initiative to its full potential,” Uwizeye affirmed. “Beyond clean cooking, we will continue to expand our services, from e-mobility and smartphones to solar power, supporting Rwandan households on their journey toward modern, sustainable living.”
With solid systems, logistics, and community engagement structures in place, Bboxx is well-positioned to scale to 10,000 units by year-end and reach 50,000 households by late 2026.
Sadi, also the government spokesperson, said violent protests following the country’s Oct. 12 presidential election had led to the destruction and looting of property.
“Those responsible for the disturbances, caught in the act of committing their crimes, have been arrested,” Sadi said in a statement.
The statement was released as a civil disobedience campaign launched by the opposition left much of the Central African nation’s streets largely deserted at the start of the working week on Monday.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claimed to have won the election, had called for a three-day nationwide “ghost town” protest from Monday to Wednesday, encouraging people to stay at home and suspend all activities as a form of peaceful resistance.
Sadi warned that such calls for civil disobedience are likely to “sow disorder and insecurity,” and urged residents to ignore them.
Cameroon’s president-elect, Paul Biya, will be sworn in this week.
