Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

President Kagame unveiled a new Cabinet on Thursday, July 24, introducing four new faces, including two new ministers and two new state ministers.

This followed the appointment of Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva on Wednesday as the new Prime Minister, which triggered the formation of a new Cabinet in accordance with the Rwandan Constitution.

Dominique Habimana has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.

On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye became the State Minister for Infrastructure.

Another notable appointment in the new list of state officers is that of Nick Barigye as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, a role previously held by the Prime Minister-designate.

The newly announced Cabinet comprises 21 ministers and 10 state ministers, with the majority of them having served under outgoing Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and retaining their positions.

Using various social media platforms, many of the appointed leaders expressed appreciation for the confidence shown in them and reaffirmed their commitment to serve with diligence and purpose.

Dr. Yvan Butera, State Minister in the Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude for the renewed trust and said he was proud to continue serving Rwanda.

He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that his work, and that of his colleagues, would be rooted in science to advance the health and well-being of the population.

Claudette Irere, State Minister for Education, described her reappointment as a valuable opportunity. She reaffirmed her determination to serve with integrity, clear goals, and strong work ethic to support national progress.

Prudence Sebahizi, the new Minister of Trade and Industry, stated his intention to focus on industrial growth, private sector development, digital trade, and market integration.

He said he looked forward to working with fellow cabinet members to implement the President’s vision of building a strong, competitive, and respected Rwanda.

Dr. Utumatwishima Nepo Abdallah, appointed Minister of Youth and Arts, thanked the President and affirmed his readiness to listen, collaborate, and prioritize young people and artists as key drivers of change.

Newly appointed Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana said he was prepared to fully dedicate himself to his responsibilities and collaborate with all education stakeholders to improve the sector.

Judith Uwizeye, Minister in the Office of the President, noted that she did not take the President’s confidence lightly. She described the role as an opportunity to deliver even greater service to the Rwandan people and pledged to remain tireless and dependable in her work.

Jean-Guy K. Afrika, the new CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), acknowledged the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him.

He pledged to lead with integrity, a deep sense of urgency and purpose. . He also emphasized his readiness to collaborate with senior government officials and RDB staff to promote investment and build a stable, prosperous economy.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana reaffirmed his commitment to working with partners to build an inclusive digital healthcare system.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the new Minister of Agriculture, expressed his pride in being given the opportunity to serve again, describing it as a meaningful moment to continue contributing to Rwanda’s development.

The new cabinet, to be led by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, is expected to be sworn in on Friday before the President at Parliament.

“The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population,” Macron stated on his official X account. He emphasized the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Macron underscored the broader vision behind France’s recognition of Palestine, saying, “We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East.”

In a formal letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said the urgent need is to achieve the only viable solution (two-state solution) to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, put an end to terrorism and all forms of violence, and ensure lasting peace and security for Israel and the entire region.

The move follows Macron’s earlier declaration in April, saying that France would recognize the Palestinian state during an international conference on Palestine, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York in June. But under pressure from the United States, the international conference has been postponed until the end of July.

Developed in China, Juncao — a hybrid grass — is a multifunctional agricultural resource initially introduced for mushroom cultivation. It has since proven effective in addressing food security, income generation, and environmental challenges.

Innocent Shayamano, chief agriculture extension specialist and project coordinator from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the technology is playing a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.

“This technology can transform lives. It aligns with our national development agenda, particularly Vision 2030, which aims to improve rural household incomes,” Shayamano told Xinhua on the sidelines of a workshop on Juncao technology in Huye District, southern Rwanda.

The July 16-23 workshop at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center, co-hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China, focuses on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection.

It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.

Shayamano, attending the workshop for the second time, was joined by five Zimbabwean farmers seeking to deepen their understanding of Juncao-based mushroom farming.

He noted that while Zimbabwean farmers have traditionally used cotton waste for mushroom cultivation, the rising cost and declining availability of cotton have made it less sustainable.

In contrast, Juncao grass, with a yield of over 200 tonnes per hectare, provides a cost-effective alternative.

“With climate change affecting livestock feed availability in dry regions, Juncao grass also offers a timely solution for fodder,” Shayamano said. “That’s why we are working to scale this technology across more farming communities.”

He said that the Zimbabwean participants would return home as lead trainers, tasked with sharing their knowledge and skills and encouraging wider adoption of the technology.

Zimbabwe and Rwanda are among several African countries integrating Juncao into their agricultural practices.

Abbas Ahmad Umar, a Nigerian farmer attending the workshop for the first time, described Juncao as a “grass of grace” due to its versatility.

“We use it to grow mushrooms, feed livestock, and even prevent soil erosion. When I return to Nigeria, I hope to raise awareness about Juncao, especially among youth and women,” he said.

Umar expressed confidence that Juncao’s multifunctionality could help alleviate poverty and support sustainable farming across Africa.

“Mushroom farming has many benefits, and I plan to apply what I’ve learned and eventually train others in my country,” he added.

School feeding has become an important part of Rwanda’s education policy, aimed at reducing child hunger during school hours and expanding access to learning, especially for children from low-income families.

At Busasamana Technical School, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga sees mushroom farming as a promising way to enhance meal quality for students. Mushroom cultivation presents new opportunities to improve the meals we provide, particularly for those whose families struggle financially, she said.

“The school feeding program faces a real challenge when some parents cannot afford to contribute on time,” she said. “Mushroom cultivation is potentially a good option to fill the gap. But we do not have enough knowledge and skills on the techniques needed to cultivate mushrooms.”

She made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua during a recent Juncao technology training session at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center (C-RATDC) in Huye District in the country’s Southern Province.

Munyurabanga was among 57 participants from five African countries attending the Second African Training Workshop on Applications of Juncao Technology, held from July 16 to July 23.

The workshop, co-hosted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, focused on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection. It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.

Earlier in May, Munyurabanga joined a study tour to China, where she was introduced to Juncao technology for the first time. The experience, she said, sparked a new interest in applying the innovation at her school.

“By chance, I was selected to take part in this latest capacity-building training,” she said. “I see it as a great opportunity for my school, and for the country, to deepen our understanding and improve our skills in mushroom cultivation. With the knowledge I have gained, I will be able to help produce enough mushrooms for our students when I return to school.”

Juncao, a hybrid grass developed in the 1980s by Lin Zhanxi, a professor of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, is a multifunctional agricultural technology. It is mainly used as a substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushrooms but also serves as livestock feed and aids in ecological restoration. The innovation has been introduced in over 100 countries, including Rwanda.

The Juncao technology project was launched at the UN headquarters in 2017 and supported by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.

Munyurabanga said that mushrooms were chosen among various vegetables because they are both nutritious and cost-effective. Currently, her school includes mushrooms in students’ meals at least twice a week.

Her school also has access to a large piece of land for agricultural activities. After returning from China, she introduced Juncao technology to her colleagues, who welcomed the idea. The school has since decided to plant Juncao grass to begin producing its own mushroom substrate.

“My hope is for our school to become a model in mushroom cultivation and substrate production,” she said. “Other schools could learn from us, not only how to grow mushrooms, but also how to prepare the substrate, how to cook the mushrooms, and how to incorporate them into school meals.”

Having gained insights into Rwanda’s school feeding program, Chen Xiaobin, an expert at the C-RATDC, said he hopes to organize future training workshops specifically for schools, aiming to better support the national feeding strategy through the application of Juncao technology.

He made the remarks at the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) Strategic Planning Meeting, held in Kigali from July 22 to 24, 2025.

The gathering brought together senior government officials, governors, local government associations, and development partners from across the East African Community (EAC), under the theme: “Strengthening the Role of County and Local Governments in Regional Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation.”

Highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration, Mugenzi noted initiatives like cross-border markets and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life.

“Regional integration and cooperation are essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability,” he stated, underscoring the need for empowered local governments to drive these efforts.

He stressed that “Local governments play a crucial role in governance, poverty reduction, and regional collaboration,” urging coordinated partnerships to tackle challenges like youth unemployment, civic engagement, and climate change.

The Minister pointed to the Mpazi Rehousing Model in Kigali as a successful example of local governments addressing housing and socioeconomic issues through community collaboration.

He called for the EALGF to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, saying, “This forum should be the right platform to challenge us on how we could foster collaboration and innovation among regional Local Government leaders and associations, address shared challenges, and enhance sustainable development for our citizens.”

Mugenzi encouraged participants to focus on key priorities, including strategies to address regional challenges, empower local government associations, and set standards for effective service delivery.

Ben Kumumanya, Chairperson of the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) and Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Local Government, called for robust strategies to position local governments as key drivers of regional development.

“Our ultimate goal is to position counties and local governments as key drivers of regional development, increased visibility, and active contributors to the East African Community’s integration objectives,” he emphasized.

Kumumanya also urged delegates to focus on creating actionable strategies aligned with EAC priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Established in 2011, the EALGF facilitates engagement between local governments, promoting decentralization, local democracy, and cross-border trade to drive economic integration at the grassroots level.

Dr. Nsengiyumva, who was previously the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows.

Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

According to Article 119 of the Constitution, the new Prime Minister’s responsibilities include leading government operations based on the overarching guidance provided by the President of the Republic, overseeing the implementation of laws, and preparing the government’s action program in consultation with other Cabinet members.

He is also required to present the government program to Parliament within 30 days of assuming office. Additionally, he assigns responsibilities to Ministers, State Ministers, and other government officials; convenes Cabinet meetings; and prepares the agenda for such meetings in consultation with fellow Cabinet members. The agenda must be submitted to the President and other Cabinet members at least three days before the meeting—except for urgent matters handled in extraordinary sessions.

The Prime Minister has the authority to chair Cabinet meetings, although the President presides when in attendance. He also issues orders determining the objectives, duties, and organizational structures of government institutions under his authority.

The Prime Minister may also issue implementing orders for laws within his remit, and sign orders concerning the appointment and dismissal of senior officials, including the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Secretaries of national commissions, Advisors and Heads of Units within the Prime Minister’s Office, and other senior government officials whose appointments are not governed by other procedures.

This power extends to senior and managerial positions in the Parliament, Supreme Court, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prosecutor General, ministries, and other government institutions.

It also includes national-level prosecutors, heads of higher-level prosecution offices, and public servants appointed at the same level as the aforementioned officials, as well as others specified by law.

The Prime Minister also co-signs laws passed by Parliament, presidential orders, and other legal instruments initiated by the Government.

{{Focus on NST 2 Targets}}

Beyond general constitutional responsibilities, Dr. Nsengiyumva’s administration faces the crucial task of delivering on the remaining goals of Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which has four years left.

NST 2 is built on five main pillars: job creation, boosting exports, improving education quality, combating malnutrition and stunting, and enhancing service delivery.

Under this strategy, agriculture is expected to grow at 6% annually, driven by market-oriented production. Agricultural output is projected to increase by over 50% through the expansion of irrigated land to 85%, and increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Livestock farming is also to be modernized.

The plan also aims to create 1.25 million new income-generating jobs, with at least 250,000 created each year.

Private investment is expected to double from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029. Exports are projected to rise from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion. The “Made in Rwanda” initiative is set to be strengthened to boost local production and employment, particularly through agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors.

In education, enrollment in pre-primary schools is to increase from 35% to 65%, reinforcing the commitment to early childhood education. More students are expected to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), supported by access to resources and equipment. Additionally, 500,000 people are to be trained in digital skills, and vocational model schools will be prioritized to meet labor market demands.

In the health sector, service delivery will be improved, with the number of healthcare workers expected to quadruple. Special attention will be given to services for pregnant women and children. The goal is to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%, and by 2029, every household, school, and hospital should have access to electricity and clean water.

In tourism, revenues are projected to double, driven by Rwanda’s ambition to become a top destination for international conferences and related activities.

A digital national ID will be introduced to simplify access to public services, and by 2029, all government services are expected to be delivered digitally.

On the international front, the government will focus on enhancing foreign trade and attracting investment to boost economic development. Rwandans living abroad will also be increasingly engaged in sustainable development initiatives, while peace and security will continue to be prioritized.

To achieve all of this in the remaining timeframe, the government under Prime Minister Nsengiyumva is anticipated to implement strong and urgent strategies to accelerate progress in lagging areas and ensure that all targets are met by 2029.

Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the dissolution is a constitutional requirement in a year when general elections are pending.

According to the speaker, all operations of the National Assembly involving members of parliament, including legislation, oversight, and representation, have ceased following the dissolution.

However, Hara has indicated the possibility of reconvening the National Assembly under particular circumstances, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.

The speaker said in a statement that if the president deems a constitutional crisis or emergency has arisen between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the general elections, he may reconvene the parliament solely for that purpose.

At least 20 presidential candidates are expected to present their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission from July 24 to 30.

They include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party, former President Peter Mutharika on the Democratic Progressive Party ticket, former President Joyce Banda with the People’s Party, and former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe with the United Transformation Movement.

His reappointment follows a recent promotion from the rank of Senior Superintendent to Chief Superintendent.

CSP Sengabo previously served in the same role until 2020, when he was succeeded by SSP Pelly Gakwaya Uwera.

He originally assumed the spokesperson role in August 2014 and worked closely with the media for six years.

During his tenure, he played a key role in safeguarding the institution’s image and ensuring timely access to information related to RCS operations.

In 2020, CSP Sengabo stepped down to pursue further studies at the Rwanda National Police College in Musanze, where he earned a Master’s degree in Good Governance and Conflict Transformation.

Following his studies, he went on to lead several correctional facilities, including the Muhanga and Huye prisons in the Southern Province.

More recently, he returned from an international assignment and was immediately appointed to resume his former duties, succeeding CSP Therese Kubwimana, who has retired.

Speaking to IGIHE, CSP Sengabo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve again in this capacity.

“I am honored to take on this responsibility once more. As officers, we are trained to be disciplined and to serve wherever we are assigned. I will fulfill these duties diligently,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong collaboration with the media and to ensuring that the public continues to receive accurate and timely information regarding the programs and activities of the Rwanda Correctional Service.

Before this, Dr. Nsengiyumva was the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a role he took on February 25, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who held the position since 2017.

Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education until 2008. He also worked as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He holds a PhD degree in Economics from the University of Leicester.