The appointments were announced in a communiqué released by the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Mukakizima had previously served as the Deputy Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Prior to that, she had served as Director General of Communications in the same office since July 2021.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rwagasana has been serving as the Executive Office Security Liaison in the OTP since 2021.
The visit was confirmed through a cabinet communiqué on Thursday.
According to local news outlets in Senegal, the President will continue his East African tour with a visit to Nairobi, scheduled from October 19 to 21, at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto.
The leaders of both countries have continued to strengthen the relationship between Rwanda and Senegal.
President Kagame became the first Head of State to visit his Senegalese counterpart in May 2024, just a month after assuming office in April that year.
President Kagame has made several visits to Senegal, with the most recent one taking place from August 31 to September 1, 2025, when he attended the Africa Food Systems Forum.
The three roads, covering a total of 151 kilometers, are located in different districts across the country.
The official launch took place along the 73-kilometer Nyagatare–Rukomo road, which has already been in use for some time.
The other two are the Huye–Kitabi road (53 km) and the Rubengera–Gisiza road (25 km).
According to officials, the funds initially allocated for these road projects were efficiently managed, leading to a surplus that allowed the government to extend construction to other road sections and install street lighting along the 23-kilometer Rubengera–Gisiza stretch.
The inauguration event was attended by government officials, residents, and representatives of development partners who financed the projects, including the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and other institutions such as The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
Nyagatare District Mayor Stephen Gasana said the Rukomo–Nyagatare road has been a game changer for trade and transportation, especially by reducing travel time.
Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Minister of State for Infrastructure, highlighted that the newly inaugurated roads are already contributing to economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Uwihanganye also announced that plans are underway to install streetlights along the Nyagatare–Rukomo road, ensuring safer and more efficient transport.
He added that the total cost of constructing the three roads, together with other works financed from the remaining budget, exceeded Frw 200 billion.
Fahad Abdullah Aldossari, BADEA Board Chairman, said the bank remains committed to supporting Rwanda’s transport infrastructure, noting that out of the $300 million already provided to Rwanda, about $132 million has been directed toward road projects.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde emphasized that the newly opened roads will serve as key drivers of tourism and trade, pledging that the provincial leadership will continue investing in complementary infrastructure to maximize their economic potential.
According to the report released on Thursday, October 9, several categories recorded notable price increases during the month.
The “Food and non-alcoholic beverages” category rose by 4.2 percent on an annual basis and 1.3 percent month-on-month.
Prices for “Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics” increased by 15 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent compared to August.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose by 4.1 percent year-on-year and 1.9 percent month-on-month, while transport prices increased by 8.6 percent annually and 1.7 percent monthly.
A sharp rise was also recorded in health, which surged by 71.1 percent year-on-year, remaining stable compared to the previous month.
Meanwhile, “Restaurants and hotels” saw a 17.7 percent annual increase, though prices slightly declined by 0.1 percent on a monthly basis.
The report shows that local products rose by 6.5 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent month-on-month, while imported products increased by 9.5 percent annually and 1.5 percent monthly.
Prices of fresh products rose by 3.3 percent year-on-year and 1.8 percent month-on-month, while energy prices increased by 4.5 percent annually and 0.4 percent on a monthly basis.
The general index excluding fresh products and energy, often used to gauge underlying inflation trends, rose by 8.9 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent month-on-month, reflecting persistent price pressures in non-volatile goods and services.
The task force will “oversee, observe, make sure there are no violations” of the deal, a senior U.S. official told reporters.
Members of Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish armed forces would be embedded in the U.S. team, according to the official.
The task force will “not be in Gaza,” another U.S. official said.
The Forum, running from October 9 through 10, builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, and focuses on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
It brings together high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up Global Gateway investments in partner countries.
As he delivered his speech, Tshisekedi took the stage and reiterated the familiar narrative, accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denied repeatedly.
He called on Rwanda to give the order for the M23 troops, which he claimed were backed by Rwanda, to halt the escalation.
Tshisekedi also stated that his country has never been belligerent towards its neighbors, despite his repeated threats to invade Rwanda, bombard Kigali, and overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, threats that can be validated through multiple reports.
Following a post on X by Patrick Muyaya, which included excerpts from Tshisekedi’s speech, Minister Nduhungirehe reminded them of the truth, refuting the narrative and exposing the lies and distortions of fact.
In response, Nduhungirehe stated, “No, you are wrong on all counts. The only person who can stop this escalation is President Tshisekedi, and HE ALONE.”
Amb. Nduhungirehe went on to address Tshisekedi’s claims, alluding to specifically his public threats of war.
“He can do so by ceasing to display his belligerent attitude, particularly his public threats of invading Rwanda or bombing Kigali, not to mention his disgraceful insults against President Kagame,” Amb. Nduhungirehe asserted, highlighting Tshisekedi’s repeated threats.
The Minister continued, accusing the DRC president of supporting the FDLR genocidaires, a militia responsible for Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“He can do so by stopping his support for the FDLR genocidaires, expelling them from his army, and neutralizing them, as required by the Washington Peace Agreement,” Amb. Nduhungirehe declared.
He also criticized the DRC government for its involvement with armed militias, specifically the Wazalendo militia, and the daily bombings by Tshisekedi’s fighter jets and attack drones in eastern DRC, including on Banyamulenge villages and densely populated areas.
The Minister further accused Tshisekedi of deploying foreign mercenaries and violating international agreements.
“He can do so by stopping the use of Burundian soldiers and mercenaries, formerly Romanians and now Colombians,” Amb. Nduhungirehe added, pointing out violations of a 1977 OAU resolution and a 1989 UN Convention.
Amb. Nduhungirehe also condemned Tshisekedi’s use of international platforms for political maneuvering.
“Finally, he can do so by stopping this ridiculous political farce of exploiting a platform at an important economic partnership summit to launch accusations and lies,” the Minister concluded.
Rwanda-DRC diplomatic relations have faced setbacks since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, which highlighted the rights of marginalized Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
Since then, the DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, an accusation Kigali vehemently denies, urging the DRC to address its own issues rather than blame its neighbor.
Various mediation efforts have been underway, including a peace deal signed in Washington and an M23-DRC dialogue facilitated by Qatar.
However, the DRC has been criticized for shifting its stance and lacking the willingness to implement resolutions, hindering lasting peace in eastern DRC.
This includes the recent last-minute blockage of the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which was not signed at Tshisekedi’s request in Washington.
Vision 2020 set ambitious targets to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, and build infrastructure, leading to significant progress in healthcare, education, governance, and economic stability.
Now, Rwanda is looking to the future with Vision 2050, which aims to transform the nation into a high-income economy by mid-century, ensuring prosperity and opportunity for all. Let’s explore 10 key aspects of Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
{{1. A vision for prosperity and high living standards}}
At the heart of Vision 2050 is Rwanda’s goal to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income nation by 2050.
Between 1998 and 1999, the country set a target to increase GDP per capita from USD 250 per year to USD 900 by 2020.
The current roadmap targets an ambitious GDP per capita of USD 4,036 by 2035 and USD 12,476 by 2050.
To reach these targets, the needed GDP growth rates (annual average) are at least 12% during 2018-2035 and 10% from 2036 to 2050.
This economic growth is expected to provide Rwandans with better living standards, including universal access to quality education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.
{{2. Human development as a key pillar }}
Human development is a central pillar of Vision 2050, aiming to harness the economic potential of Rwanda’s growing workforce. By 2050, the working-age population is expected to increase to 65.7%, up from 61% in 2017.
To realize the benefits of this demographic dividend, the Vision focuses on key priorities: ensuring universal access to high-quality healthcare and education, transforming the workforce for greater productivity, and promoting skills development.
These investments are crucial for fostering a healthy, educated, and skilled labor force, which will be essential for driving Rwanda’s economic transformation and achieving long-term prosperity.
{{3. Economic growth through competitiveness and innovation}}
Rwanda is committed to enhancing its global competitiveness by developing a diversified economy.
By 2035, Rwanda plans to be among the top 10 countries for ease of doing business, rank among the top 20 economies in competitiveness by 2035 and top 10 in 2050.
This vision includes specific priorities which focus on creating a diversified economy built upon future industries.
It emphasizes developing competitive manufacturing, supported by a regional logistics hub, and driving transformative growth through modern and innovative services sectors.
The vision also prioritizes export-oriented knowledge services and high-end sustainable tourism, while ensuring universal access to financial services for all, among others.
{{4. Agriculture for wealth creation}}
In 2024, agriculture contributed 24 percent to GDP and employed over 43 percent of the population as at March 2025. As agriculture remains a key sector, Vision 2050 focuses on transforming the sector to generate wealth and reduce poverty.
By increasing the use of modern farming technologies, ensuring market-oriented agriculture, and enhancing climate resilience, Rwanda will integrate its agricultural products into global value chains.
This shift will lead to higher productivity and greater economic opportunities for both men and women in agriculture.
{{5. Urbanization and smart cities for growth}}
Urbanization is a central aspect of Rwanda’s future development. By 2050, 70% of the population is projected to live in urban areas, with Kigali and six secondary cities serving as hubs of socioeconomic activity.
Rural settlements will grow in a clustered and densified way with the necessary basic infrastructure, services and facilities.
Rural households settled in integrated planned settlements will increase from 67.2% (EICV5 2016/17) to 80% by 2024 and 100% by 2035. This will be maintained throughout 2050.
Overall, the country will embrace smart and green cities that are energy-efficient and designed to thrive in a sustainable urban ecosystem.
{{6. A modern and accountable governance system}}
Vision 2050 emphasizes the importance of accountable institutions and effective governance.
The vision outlines the continued development of citizen-centered reforms, where local innovations and home-grown solutions will remain central to the country’s development.
Institutions will be modernized, ensuring efficiency and transparency in public service delivery, reinforcing Rwanda’s progress towards socioeconomic transformation.
{{7. A green growth and climate resilience path}}
Sustainability is key in Vision 2050. The plan includes a Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy.
Rwanda will focus on efficient use of natural resources while ensuring the country’s climate adaptation strategies are strong enough to cope with challenges posed by global warming.
By protecting the environment, Rwanda will achieve long-term ecological sustainability alongside its economic growth.
{{8. Energy sustainability for the future}}
Energy access will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic expansion. Access to electricity stood at 72% in 2024 from 34% in 2017. By 2050, 100% of the population is expected to have access to electricity, with renewable energy making up at least 60% of the power generation mix.
Increased energy consumption is expected as Rwanda’s economy grows, but this will be managed sustainably to ensure energy supply meets demand without compromising environmental goals.
{{9. Life expectancy }}
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sets ambitious targets for improving the health and well-being of its citizens, with life expectancy being a central indicator of success.
As of 2020, life expectancy in Rwanda stood at 67.8 years. However, Vision 2050 aims for significant improvement, projecting 71.7 years by 2035 and 73 years by 2050.
This is a reflection of the country’s focus on enhancing healthcare, access to medical services, and overall living standards.
Compared to regional averages, Rwanda’s current life expectancy is strong, particularly when compared to neighbors like Uganda (63 years).
{{10. Population growth and reduced unemployment }}
The country’s population, projected to grow at a slower rate, is expected to reach 1.4% by 2050, down from 2.5% in 2019, with a growing proportion of the workforce entering the productive age group.
Rwanda’s last national census in 2022 reported a population of 13.2 million, up from 10.5 million recorded in 2012. As of July 2025, Rwanda’s population had reached 14.1 million. In 2050, the population is expected to reach 22 million in 2022.
Besides, by 2050, Rwanda aims to significantly reduce unemployment, targeting an unemployment rate of 5%, down from 15.2% in 2019.
This will be driven by investments in education, skills development, and private sector growth.
Achieving Vision 2050 will not happen overnight, and a rigorous implementation framework is in place to ensure that progress is monitored and adjusted regularly.
The vision includes five-year reviews, starting with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which serves to bridge the Vision 2020 and Vision 2050, to assess how the goals are being met and identify necessary adjustments.
The elaboration of Vision 2050 has taken into consideration the global and regional development agendas, to ensure harmonization of targets and indicators.
Those include: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, and the Paris Agreement on climate change among other instruments.
Her passing was confirmed by family members and colleagues at Transparency International Rwanda.
{{Early life}}
In various interviews with IGIHE, Ingabire shared that she was deeply affected by the traumatic experiences of her childhood, particularly the hardship of living as a refugee.
These experiences fueled her passion for fighting injustice and corruption.
As a young girl, Ingabire realized that her family’s home in Burundi was not truly theirs. This revelation sparked her determination to return to her homeland, Rwanda, and contribute to its development with all her strength and knowledge.
Although she grew up in Burundi, where her family had sought refuge, she always dreamed of returning to Rwanda. She had grown weary of the life of persecution and lack of full rights, a situation she faced as a refugee.
Ingabire attended primary and secondary school in Burundi and pursued university studies in other countries before returning to Rwanda.
She held a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and Human Rights (University of Pretoria – South Africa), a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communication (Université de Lille – France), and a Diploma in Law and Human Rights from Institut de Droits de l’Homme de Strasbourg, France.
{{Career}}
Ingabire is one of the founding members of Transparency International Rwanda, established in 2004. In 2015, she was elected for the second term as the organization’s chairperson.
In an interview with IGIHE, she stated, “Before joining Transparency International Rwanda, I worked at many institutions, but my focus was always on women’s rights and advocating for sustainable development.”
“I worked at ORINFOR for many years, and also in various print media outlets, as well as with organizations such as Pro Femmes Twese Hamwe, IBUKA, and other women’s rights groups.”
Ingabire was known for her outspoken nature, often condemning wrongdoings publicly, which occasionally led to people labeling her as an antagonist. However, she once stated that those who saw her in that light were misunderstanding her.
She said, “It’s true that people often misunderstand me because of my work, which requires making tough decisions. But in reality, I am just a simple person who is humble and approachable. I have no quarrels or grudges against anyone. I’ve never fought anyone since I was born.”
Throughout her life, Ingabire lived by three core principles: prayer, respect, and perseverance.
The group, which included Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, was greeted by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading “Children need love, not bombs.” They arrived in Jordan on Tuesday before returning home.
Addressing a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandela appeared emotional as he recounted their long and difficult journey, saying that the focus should remain on the people of Palestine, who have endured atrocities under the Israeli government for years.
“Ours was a humanitarian mission to break the blockade and end the siege and get aid to Gaza,” he said, noting that there was no violence accompanying their actions.
Mandela said that the Israeli government intercepted dozens of their boats in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and human rights
During six days of detention, Mandela said they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, including being denied food and the opportunity to shower.
Following their arrest, he said they were handcuffed with wires tied tightly behind their backs and “paraded.” “We were taken to detention and denied food, but it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to,” Mandela noted.
Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas’s cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.
In response to the blockade, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza.
The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from multiple countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities.
The first is a US $20 million (approximately Frw 29 billion) loan to expand the Karenge Water Project’s transmission and distribution systems.
This project is a critical step towards Rwanda’s goal of achieving 100% access to clean water and sanitation by 2029.
It will directly increase safe water access for households in Kigali and Rwamagana districts, enhance the water sector’s resilience to climate change, and improve the standard of living for citizens.
A second agreement provides a US $25 million line of credit to the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) to bolster private sector and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development. This financing is a key driver for job creation and economic growth.
Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State for National Treasury highlighted that these agreements reinforce the five-decade partnership between Rwanda and BADEA, a collaboration that has been instrumental in driving development across the country’s economy.
“We look forward to scaling up this partnership through new approaches and highly scalable funding for strategic projects,” he stated.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari, Chairman of BADEA’s Board of Directors, said: “Today marks a new milestone in our long-standing partnership. We are pleased to support Rwanda’s sustainable development goals with $20 million to enhance clean water access and a further $25 million to accelerate the private sector’s role as an engine of growth and job creation.”
The CEO of BRD, Sayinzoga Kampeta Picthette, stated that the loan provided will help support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing low-interest loans and increasing exports.
On the other hand, the CEO of WASAC Group, Asaph Kabasha, mentioned that the expansion work on the Karenge plant in Rwamagana has begun and is already 18% complete.
The plant is expected to increase its capacity to process 48,000 cubic meters of water, up from the current 12,000 cubic meters. This will contribute to addressing water shortage issues in Kigali and the Eastern Province.
Rwanda’s cooperation with BADEA dates back to 1974. To date, BADEA’s portfolio in Rwanda is estimated at over US $300 million, financing key sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, and transport, which are vital to achieving the objectives of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
