Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

According to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 Sanitation Master Plan, the country has mapped out the projected volume of waste that will be generated in different districts, along with designated sites where both organic and non-organic waste will be collected and processed.

Dr. Kabaasha told IGIHE that several landfill projects are already underway. In Kigali, the Nduba landfill has been officially designated, while in Nyanza, Kayonza, and Nyagatare districts, new landfills have been completed.

Construction works are advancing in Musanze, Karongi, Rusizi, and Rubavu, while feasibility studies are ongoing in Muhanga, Huye, Bugesera, and Rwamagana.

“As the construction of modern landfills across the country progresses, sanitation and hygiene standards will continue to improve, and more waste will be recycled,” he explained.

On the issue of wastewater treatment, Dr. Kabaasha noted that the sector is steadily expanding.

“So far, Kigali has 35 small treatment plants, while Nyamagabe, Nyanza, Rulindo, Gicumbi, Kayonza, and Nyagatare districts each have their own facilities. In addition, four new plants are under construction in Rusizi, Karongi, Rubavu, and Musanze,” he said.

Once completed, these facilities will also serve neighboring districts that do not yet have treatment plants. In Kigali, [ further projects are->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/construction-of-kigali-s-frw-100-billion-wastewater-treatment-plant-to-begin] already taking shape.

“A new treatment plant is being built in Masaka to process wastewater from toilets. Another large plant will soon be constructed at Giti cy’Inyoni to handle wastewater from Nyarugenge District. Feasibility studies have also been conducted for Gasabo and Kicukiro, and we are now mobilizing resources to build treatment plants there as well,” Dr. Kabaasha explained.

{{How far has Rwanda gone in recycling household waste?}}

The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has introduced a program to process and recycle waste from the Nduba landfill.

On June 19, 2024, new facilities were inaugurated after construction that began in July 2021, with support from the Ministry of Environment and the Luxembourg Environment Agency for Biodiversity.

Among the new infrastructure is a Waste Sorting and Separation Facility with the capacity to process at least 100 tons of waste per day.

According to Dr. Asaph Kabaasha, CEO of WASAC Group, several pilot projects on waste recycling have already been implemented in districts including Nyanza, Huye, Bugesera, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge, and Nduba.

“From these pilot projects, we have seen possibilities, such as producing organic fertilizer from biodegradable waste. We are encouraging entrepreneurs with the expertise, capacity, and interest to design projects, approach financial institutions, and partner with the government,” Dr. Kabaasha said.

He added that as Rwanda’s capacity grows, citizens will be trained on household waste separation, which will significantly reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills.

He delivered the message on September 11, 2025, at the burial in Cyato Sector. The victims, who had been working on the dam in Rwaramba Village, Bisumo Cell, were buried after their bodies were collected from Kibogora Hospital.

The ceremony drew residents, friends, relatives of the deceased, along with government and security officials.

Governor Ntibitura explained that DNG Rwanda Ltd, the company building the dam, has insurance coverage and that the process will follow legal provisions.

He said, “The insurance company has already come on-site to assess the situation. This means that as local authorities, we will continue working with the company to ensure proper follow-up on the insurance process.”

The Governor also reported that ten people were injured in the accident. Two have already been discharged, while eight remain hospitalized—seven at Kibogora Hospital and one transferred to the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB).

He added, “We have conveyed a message of comfort to the affected families, assuring them that the leadership stands with them. The loss of a citizen is not only a tragedy for the family but also a loss to the nation.”

An assessment conducted jointly by the company and local authorities confirmed that 26 employees were working on the wall at the time of the collapse. Eight died instantly, while ten sustained injuries.

“The forces have entered the city of Bara … and cleansed it,” the army spokesman’s office said in a statement, vowing to press on “step by step” until the country is rid of militias and mercenaries.

An eyewitness in Bara told Xinhua that the city had seen heavy battles since Wednesday morning, and that by midday Thursday the army had taken control of its main neighborhoods and key facilities.

Meanwhile, a military source said to Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the army encircled the city over several days, weakening the RSF’s defensive lines and cutting off supplies, eventually forcing the paramilitary force to withdraw.

The RSF did not immediately comment.

Bara is seen as a strategic hub on the road linking El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, with several vital routes in the region. Fighting around the city has been intense in recent months, with control shifting between the two sides.

War between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF broke out in April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions inside and outside Sudan, and deepened a humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict him on Thursday.

Bolsonaro was found guilty on five counts — plotting a coup d’etat, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.

The Supreme Federal Court opened the case on Sept. 2, with a conviction requiring a majority of the five-justice panel reviewing the case.

Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittal.

The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest. He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justices.

The accident occurred on September 10, 2025, at a spot known locally as Dawe Uri mu Ijuru in Rufumberi Cell, Ngoma Village, Gishyita Sector, Karongi District.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend at Dawe Uri mu Ijuru. The truck hit roadside barriers before overturning onto its side.

One of the three people on board identified as Alexandre Dusengumukiza, 30, a resident of Kabare in Kayonza District, died on the spot. The driver, Alpha Uzabakiriho, and another passenger, Asinathe Nyirahabumugisha, sustained minor injuries. They received treatment at Mugonero Hospital and were later discharged.

Police Spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Department, SP Emmanuel Kayigi, said the crash was caused by reckless driving and overspeeding by the driver.

“The accident resulted from failure to regulate speed and improper driving. Fatigue was also a factor since the driver had been driving all night without rest,” Kayigi explained.

He urged drivers to prioritize their health and safety before embarking on journeys.

“We ask drivers to properly plan their trips. If a driver feels tired, they should take a rest. Passengers also have a responsibility of not pressuring drivers to continue driving when it’s clear they are exhausted,” he added.

This incident comes just days after another accident in Nyamasheke District, where a public bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree after the driver, who had warned passengers he was feeling drowsy, was pressured to continue the journey.

He made the remarks on September 10, 2025, during a reception in Kigali celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the victory against Japanese aggression 80 years ago.

The event brought together officials including Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front; and Dr. Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.

Representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, defence attachés, the Chinese community in Rwanda and friends of China were also in attendance.

Amb. Wenqi underscored the depth of Rwanda–China relations, noting they had reached “historic highs” since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. He pointed to both countries standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” on matters of core interest and praised Rwanda for its solidarity on sovereignty.

“We highly value Rwanda’s support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the One-China principle,” he said.

The One-China principle was formally established in 1949, after the Communist Party of China took power on the mainland and the defeated Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.

Since then, Beijing has maintained that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and opposes any recognition of it as an independent state.

The envoy also reflected on the broader meaning of the 76th anniversary. He recalled the immense sacrifice China endured during 14 years of resistance against Japanese aggression, which claimed nearly 35 million lives.

From that tragedy, he said, China emerged more resilient, transforming itself into the world’s second-largest economy and lifting over 100 million Chinese out of poverty in ten years.

“This was fundamentally a triumph of justice crushing tyranny, light dispelling darkness, and progress defeating regression,” Amb. Wenqi said, stressing the importance of safeguarding peace and strengthening solidarity among nations.

On the economic front, Ambassador Wenqi highlighted that bilateral trade between China and Rwanda surged to a record high of US$670 million in 2024, with China remaining Rwanda’s leading source of foreign direct investment.

He pointed to projects such as Masaka Hospital, modern highways, and smart education systems as evidence of China’s contribution to Rwanda’s development. He also noted that the successful debut of EHang’s pilotless human-carrying flight in Rwanda has paved the way for deeper collaboration in emerging technologies.

Beyond infrastructure and innovation, Amb. Wenqi emphasized that economic cooperation also strengthens people-to-people links.

Scholarships, training opportunities, cultural exchanges, and even participation in events like Kwita Izina, he said, deepen mutual understanding and showcase the “genuine desire for Rwanda’s wellbeing” that underpins the partnership.

Amb. Wenqi also reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Rwanda to implement the vision shared by their Heads of State and the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, with the aim of further propelling their partnership forward.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China date back to 1971, Both countries have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development.

Amb. Gao presented credentials to President Paul Kagame to oversee China’s interests on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. He succeeded Amb. Wang Xuekun, who had officially held the role since September 2022.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, highlighted China’s National Day (celebrated on October 1) as an opportunity to recognize the country’s remarkable achievements, noting that its experience offers an inspiring path for development.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe also praised China’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, and excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and practical collaboration.

Launched in July 2025, Smart Ibiruhuko is a joint initiative of MINICT and several partners, designed to provide young people with digital skills during the school holidays through online learning platforms.

Students accessed lessons using computers available in schools and youth centers, while others followed classes from home using their own devices. The program targeted secondary school students, those enrolled in technical and vocational training (TVET), and out-of-school youth eager to acquire technology skills.

At the launch of the program, MINICT emphasized that it aligns with Rwanda’s national ICT vision.

“This initiative is part of the broader government project One Million Rwandan Coders [1MRC], whose goal is to train one million people, mainly youth, in digital skills such as coding within five years,” the ministry said.

Smart Ibiruhuko also supports Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by enabling young people to use their holidays productively, gaining essential knowledge for the country’s development in the 21st century.

According to MINICT, a total of 10,245 students participated nationwide. Of these, 2,644 completed multiple courses, justifying why the number of certificates awarded exceeded the number of participants.

Fourteen top-performing students were recognized with prizes, including laptops and tablets.

The courses covered a wide range of skills, including Digital Literacy, Data Analytics, Software Development, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Python Essentials, JavaScript Essentials, Internet of Things (IoT), UI/UX Design, among others.

Students expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting that the knowledge gained would help them pursue further ICT-related studies and apply digital skills in their everyday lives.

MINICT stressed that Smart Ibiruhuko represents an important milestone in Rwanda’s journey to becoming a continental hub for technology and innovation.

Rwanda’s energy story is one of ambition and urgency. The country has made remarkable progress, over 82% of households are now connected to electricity, a leap driven by both on-grid expansion and off-grid solar.

The government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) aims to achieve universal access while promoting clean cooking solutions, diversifying the energy mix, and strengthening resilience. But meeting these targets requires more than infrastructure and technology; it requires capital, trust, and innovative financing.

That’s where the financial sector steps in, and where Bank of Kigali is taking a leading role. With over Frw 61 billion currently invested in the energy sector through facilities supporting projects such as Rukarara VI Hydropower Plant, Gazmeth Energy, Ngali Energy, and EUCL, the bank has positioned itself as a reliable partner for both large-scale generation and community-driven initiatives. Its portfolio spans hydropower, methane gas, solar, and clean energy distribution, mirroring Rwanda’s own diversified strategy.

Beyond this, the BK Foundation continues to be instrumental in community electrification, connecting households, schools, and health centers to off-grid solutions. Energy access is not only about megawatts, but about livelihoods, opportunity, and inclusion.

Still, challenges remain. Rwanda’s energy sector must navigate high capital costs, foreign exchange risks, and the need for longer-term local currency financing. Many projects are small-scale and fragmented, making them less attractive to traditional investors. Clean cooking, which still relies heavily on biomass, faces perhaps the biggest financing gap of all. Addressing these issues calls for blended finance, innovative risk-sharing models, and strong partnerships between government, private investors, and banks.

Speaking at the Energy Week conference, Levi GASANGWA, Bank of Kigali’s Chief Business and Corporate Solutions, emphasized: “To achieve a just and sustainable energy transition, we must unlock investment that balances national ambition with affordability. As a bank, our role is to create pathways that make energy projects bankable, scalable, and impactful.”

For the Bank of Kigali, this is more than an economic opportunity, it is a national duty. By aligning its financing strategy with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and NST2, the bank is helping to build the backbone of a greener, more inclusive economy.

Energy is the spark that powers industries, classrooms, hospitals, and innovation hubs. Without it, growth stalls. With it, Rwanda can leapfrog into a future defined by sustainability and prosperity.

As the conversations unfold during Energy Week, one thing is clear: financing is as critical as technology in driving Rwanda’s energy transition.

Bank of Kigali’s role is not only to provide capital, but to be a catalyst, bridging ambition with execution, and ensuring Rwanda’s energy future is both bright and inclusive.

Delivering her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen said the bloc is working with partners on a 19th package of sanctions, including measures to accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

She noted that the EU has already provided nearly 170 billion euros (199 billion U.S. dollars) in military and financial assistance for Ukraine and is devising new mechanisms to ensure long-term support. Among them is a financing plan based on immobilized Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a “Reparations Loan.”

Von der Leyen also announced the creation of a “Drone Alliance” with Ukraine to help maintain its battlefield advantage, as well as an “Eastern Flank Watch” system. The latter would involve investment in real-time space surveillance and the construction of a “drone wall” along Europe’s eastern border, following a proposal from the Baltic states.

Defending a recent trade agreement with the United States, von der Leyen said the much-debated deal was “the best possible” for Europe, preventing a damaging trade war.

She further unveiled plans for a multi-billion-euro “Scaleup Europe Fund,” which will pool EU and private investments to support fast-growing companies in key sectors. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar)