Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

The news was announced on March 15, 2025, through a statement released by the Office of the President on X.

The statement read: “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received the outgoing Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, and the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Rwanda, Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio, for farewell meetings as they completed their tour of duty.”

Prior to meeting with President Kagame, the two diplomats had also been received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to strengthening relations between their respective countries and Rwanda during their tenure.

Ambassador Wang Xuekun had presented his credentials to President Kagame in September 2022, replacing Ambassador Rao Hongwei, who had served as China’s envoy to Rwanda since 2016. Similarly, Ambassador Eduardo Filomeno Leiro Octávio had presented his credentials in December 2018.

During his appointment, Ambassador Octávio highlighted the strengthening ties between Rwanda and Angola in politics, economic collaboration, and other sectors. One notable milestone in this partnership was Angola’s decision to waive tourist visa requirements for Rwandans.

The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and both China and Angola continue to flourish. This year marks 54 years of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation, which has led to various developmental benefits.

For instance, by the end of 2019, approximately 1,600 Rwandan students were studying in China, with China having granted scholarships to Rwandans since 1976.

In healthcare, China has made significant contributions, having sent 258 medical professionals to Rwanda since 1982, treating over 700,000 patients and conducting over 37,000 surgeries.

Chinese investment in Rwanda is also growing, with notable projects such as the Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a cement manufacturing plant in Muhanga District, which employs over 7,000 people.

The company ranks as the ninth-largest in China and the 23rd among the world’s major industrial firms. Similarly, Rwanda and Angola continue to strengthen economic ties.

In 2022, the two governments began implementing an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income, further enhancing economic cooperation.

Additionally, Angola has played a crucial role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding conflicts in eastern DRC under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi.

According to a statement from his office, President Lourenço emphasized that ending hostilities would create a favorable environment for the upcoming peace talks between representatives of the DRC government and the M23 armed group, scheduled for March 18, 2025.

“His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, acting as a mediator in the peace negotiations, has called on all warring parties to cease fighting in eastern DRC from midnight on March 16, 2025,” the statement read.

The Angolan leader further stressed that the ceasefire must include an end to violence against civilians and a halt to territorial advances.

Lourenço’s intervention follows a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on March 11, 2025, where efforts to restore peace in the region were discussed.

Tensions between Rwanda and Belgium began escalating when the Belgian government rejected Rwanda’s appointed ambassador, Vincent Karega, in July 2023.

This decision was made without prior consultation with the Rwandan government and was first announced on an online platform used by Rwandans in Brussels who are known for denying and downplaying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In response, Rwanda discreetly refused to accept Belgium’s newly appointed ambassador in the summer of 2024. Speaking to RTBF Radio and Television, Minister Nduhungirehe explained, “In diplomatic terms, this is called reciprocity.”

Belgium has been the most vocal European country advocating for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of having troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and of supporting the M23 armed group.

As a result, in February 2025, Rwanda suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, stating that Belgium had chosen to align itself with the DRC while attempting to block Rwanda from accessing international development aid.

Nduhungirehe clarified that M23 is a Congolese movement fighting for the rights of Congolese citizens of Rwandan cultural heritage, who have been marginalized and mistreated in the DRC.

“They are mostly Tutsi, who ended up there due to colonial border decisions. And Belgium played a major role in this issue,” he emphasized.

He reiterated that Rwanda does not have troops in the DRC but has deployed defensive measures along its border to counter potential threats from the neighboring country.

“Rwanda is not occupying Congolese territory. We have put in place border defense strategies to prevent threats against our land. For 30 years, the group that carried out the Genocide against the Tutsi has been supported by successive Congolese governments and has continuously launched attacks on our territory alongside the Congolese army,” he explained.

He also recalled that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi publicly declared his intention to bomb Kigali and that, following the battle in Goma at the end of January 2025, weapons intended for an attack on Rwanda were discovered near the border.

This week, Nduhungirehe visited Belgium for discussions with European Union (EU) officials in Brussels.
Upon learning of the visit, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot invited Minister Nduhungirehe for a meeting, but the Rwandan minister declined.

“I personally invited my Rwandan counterpart for a meeting this week when I learned at the last minute about his visit to Brussels. I was disappointed that he did not take this opportunity, as he informed us that his schedule would not allow it,” said Prévot.

Nduhungirehe told the media that Belgium is solely responsible for the strained relations between the two countries. “The deterioration of diplomatic ties between our two nations is entirely Belgium’s doing,” he stated.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, Prévot noted that Belgium and Rwanda continue to cooperate on prosecuting individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and assured that efforts will be made to maintain this collaboration.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday via a social media post, stating that Rasool was “no longer welcome in our great country.” He accused the ambassador of being a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS.”

Rubio’s comments were linked to a report by right-wing media outlet Breitbart, which highlighted Rasool’s remarks in an online lecture where he criticized Trump’s 2024 election campaign. In his speech, Rasool alleged that Trump had mobilized a “supremacist instinct” and “white victimhood” to gain political traction.

In response, the South African presidency issued a statement on Saturday, calling the decision “regrettable.” The statement urged all parties to maintain “diplomatic decorum” and emphasized South Africa’s commitment to fostering a “mutually beneficial relationship” with the U.S.

Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that the government would engage with U.S. officials through diplomatic channels. Rasool’s expulsion comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The Trump administration has been openly critical of South Africa’s political stance on various global issues, particularly its support for Palestinian rights and its role in initiating a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the U.S. ally of genocide in Gaza.

Additionally, Trump has accused South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) of discriminating against the country’s white population.

In February, his administration froze foreign aid to South Africa and controversially offered expedited U.S. citizenship to white Afrikaners, claiming they faced “government-sponsored race-based discrimination.”

The South African government dismissed these claims as misleading and stated that its land reform policies aimed to address historical inequalities without violating property rights.

Reports indicate that since Trump’s return to office, Rasool has been unable to secure routine meetings with U.S. State Department officials and high-ranking Republican leaders.

The veteran diplomat, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015, returned to the role in January.

South African officials have condemned what they describe as “megaphone diplomacy,” with presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stating, “We are not going to partake in a counterproductive public exchange of words.”

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the announcement by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy that Rwanda will remain the exclusive host of the ABH Summit for the next four years.

Jason Pau, Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation, made the declaration, reinforcing Rwanda’s rising status as a hub for entrepreneurship in Africa.

“I am proud to announce that in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, we will host our finale here in Kigali for the next four years, through the tenth year of the ABH,” Pau stated.

The ABH competition, which began as the Africa NetPreneur Prize Initiative in 2019 with a $10 million investment spanning a decade, recognizes top African entrepreneurs annually.

Co-organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), and the Bank of Kigali (BK), the event provides a platform for African entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures and pitch for funding.

This year’s edition underscores the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business, with AI being the central theme. Pau encouraged entrepreneurs to integrate AI into their operations, emphasizing its transformative power.

“No matter what business you’re in, whether it’s agriculture or fashion, AI has the potential to transform your business,” he said.

The impact of ABH over the years has been remarkable. Pau revealed that past top ten finalists have collectively raised $180 million, serving 40 million consumers across the continent.

“Entrepreneurs are a driving force for good, creating jobs, economic growth, and providing innovative solutions. To all the entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporters, your time is truly now,” he added.

The competition’s reach continues to expand, with applications from all 54 African countries. The 2024 edition saw a surge in gender and regional representation, with female applicants reaching 39%, surpassing the five-year average of 30%.

This year, 40% of the top ten competitors are women, highlighting the increasing role of female entrepreneurs in shaping Africa’s business landscape.

Michelle Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer at RDB, praised the long-term partnership between Rwanda and ABH, calling it a powerful force for fostering entrepreneurship across the continent. “This partnership is a true example of what happens when vision meets action,” she said.

For young entrepreneurs like Cedrick Mupenzi, founder of Sinc Today, a startup that provides an all-in-one platform for event management, the ABH Summit represents a significant opportunity.

“We see this as a very good opportunity to learn, get investment if we can, solve challenges we face today, and also expand our business models into other markets,” Mupenzi remarked.

Former ABH winner Christelle Kwizera, founder and CEO of WaterAccess Rwanda, shared how the competition transformed her business. “When I won ABH in 2019, we actually doubled.

We had 63 employees, and now, WaterAccess Rwanda employs 122 people. So, it was quite impactful in terms of putting the company on a local and global map as well,” Kwizera said.

The influence of ABH continues to grow, with an increasing number of businesses benefiting from the initiative. Applications have surged from 9,366 in the first edition to 27,267 in 2024, with strong regional representation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Madagascar appeared in the Top 20 for the first time, and North African representation rose to 9%, up from a five-year average of 5%.

The summit’s semi-finals were hosted in North Africa for the first time, with Cairo, Egypt, serving as the venue in September 2024. The diversity and reach of the competition affirm its role as a transformative force in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Pau encouraged all aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity, reiterating the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity. “40% of our applications this year are from women.

We are inclusive, but we’re not doing it because we feel like women should be at the top or men should be at the top. We let the best entrepreneur win, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.

At today’s grand finale, ten top competitors will pitch their ventures for a share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
With Rwanda cementing itself as the home of ABH for the next four years, the country continues to position itself as a leading force in Africa’s entrepreneurial journey, fostering innovation and economic growth across the continent.

Mugambe, 49, of Lyne Road, Kidlington, was found guilty of facilitating a breach of UK immigration law, forcing a person to perform compulsory labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. She was also convicted by a majority verdict of arranging or facilitating travel with a view to exploitation.

The verdict follows an extensive investigation by Thames Valley Police, which began after a report on February 10, 2023, that a woman was being held in domestic servitude at Mugambe’s former residence in Brasenose Drive, Kidlington.

Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe exploited her position to bring the victim to the UK under false pretenses.
The victim was promised paid employment working for the then Deputy High Commissioner at the Ugandan Embassy in London, John Leonard Mugerwa. Instead, she was forced to work unpaid as a domestic maid and nanny for Mugambe.

Chief Superintendent Ben Clark, Commander for Oxfordshire, condemned Mugambe’s actions, stating.
“Mugambe is an extremely qualified lawyer, a Ugandan High Court Judge, and a UN Criminal Tribunal Judge. She used her position of power and legal knowledge to exploit the victim, ensuring she became her unpaid domestic servant.”

The prosecution detailed a “dishonest trade-off” between Mugambe and Mugerwa. Mugerwa facilitated the victim’s visa under his diplomatic privileges, while Mugambe allegedly agreed to assist him in a separate legal case in Uganda.

Despite police investigations, Mugerwa could not be charged due to his diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan Government did not waive.

During her arrest, captured on bodycam footage, Mugambe protested her innocence, insisting she had “immunity” and was “not a criminal.” She claimed the victim had voluntarily requested to accompany her to the UK.

Caroline Haughey KC, for the prosecution, argued that Mugambe took advantage of the victim’s lack of understanding of her legal rights.

“Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused the victim, deceiving her about the purpose of her travel to the UK,” she told the court.

The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, described feeling “lonely” and “stuck” due to the conditions she endured.

Following her conviction, Chief Superintendent Clark commended the victim’s bravery and praised the collaborative efforts of Justice and Care and the National Crime Agency’s Specialist Witness Team, which supported the victim throughout the legal process.

“I want to appeal to anyone who is a victim of modern slavery or suspects that modern slavery is being committed to contact Thames Valley Police. We will listen and we will help you,” Clark urged.

Any immunity Mugambe may have held as a UN Judge was waived by the Office of the United Nations Secretary General. She is set to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on May 2, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole noted these developments will help to establish of a competitive and accessible capital market.

According to Tsheole, Rwanda is actively strengthening its capital market through regulatory enhancements, expanded financial education programs, and digital transformation.

The government has also introduced incentives to encourage new listings and is fostering the growth of the corporate bond market.

“Investors should consider Rwanda due to its strong governance, pro-business policies, and strategic position as a gateway to the broader East African market. The country’s stable macroeconomic environment and ongoing infrastructure investments provide compelling long-term growth opportunities,” said Tsheole.

He further explained that CMA is implementing regulatory improvements to enhance transparency, streamline listing requirements, and facilitate capital inflows.

“Legal and tax reforms have been introduced to attract global financial institutions, and partnerships with regional and international financial centers are being strengthened,” he said.

To attract and retain foreign investors, Rwanda prioritizes policy consistency, regulatory stability, and investor-friendly reforms. New tax incentives make long-term investments even more attractive, including favorable tax rates for newly listed companies based on the percentage of shares sold to the public.

They include a 20% tax rate for companies selling at least 40% of shares to the public and 25% tax rate for companies selling at least 30% of shares to the public.

Rwanda’s capital market is undergoing a transformative journey, with initiatives that drive competitiveness, liquidity, and investor engagement.

With strong governance, business-friendly policies, and a commitment to financial sector development, Rwanda is positioning itself as a dynamic and attractive destination for investors regionally and globally.

She made the revelation on March 14, 2025, during a consultative meeting held at Parliament, where she emphasized the growing prevalence of corruption and the need for stricter measures to combat it.

“Both those who offer bribes and those who request them are punished equally. Furthermore, corruption crimes have no statute of limitations. This legal milestone ensures that whenever evidence emerges or new information surfaces, individuals can be investigated and held accountable for their actions,” Habyarimana stated.

She highlighted the challenge of gathering evidence in corruption cases, explaining that both bribe-givers and recipients often change their tactics to evade detection.

Another major obstacle she pointed out was the difficulty in recovering assets acquired through corruption, as many perpetrators register their property under other people’s names to avoid confiscation.

According to Habyarimana, effective case follow-up and improved cooperation between institutions are crucial in obtaining sufficient evidence and successfully prosecuting corruption cases.

Over the past five years, the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) has handled 6,111 cases involving more than 11,000 individuals linked to corruption offenses.

In 2019 alone, the NPPA received 1,240 corruption-related cases involving 2,925 individuals. Of these, 757 cases were taken to court, while 363 were closed.

During the 2020-2021 period, 1,224 cases were registered, implicating 2,191 individuals. Among them, 751 were forwarded to the courts, 455 were closed, and 18 remained under investigation.

For the 2021-2022 period, the prosecution received 1,199 cases involving 2,195 individuals. Of these, 598 were filed in court, 502 were closed, and 99 cases were still under review.

In 2022-2023, the number of cases increased to 1,378, involving 2,610 people. The NPPA took 616 cases to court, closed 632, and continued investigating 130 cases.

However, during the 2023-2024 period, the number of corruption-related cases decreased, with 1,070 cases involving 1,937 individuals being registered. Among these, 474 were presented in court, 467 were closed, and 130 remained under investigation.

Habyarimana explained that cases may be closed for various reasons, including resolving disputes through alternative means, recovering misappropriated funds, or insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution. She also reported that the NPPA has achieved a conviction rate of 76.5% in corruption-related cases brought to court.

“Each year, we observe an increase in the conviction rate. Overall, the NPPA’s success rate in all criminal cases exceeds 90%, but for corruption-related offenses, which significantly undermine the country’s economy, our rate remains slightly lower despite the progress being made,” she noted.

Habyarimana also highlighted several challenges hindering the fight against corruption. These include the use of advanced technology to conceal illicit activities, limited technical knowledge in detecting corruption, fear of reporting incidents, and the deliberate concealment of information by those with vested interests.

However, she assured that the NPPA is strengthening cooperation with other institutions to enhance the capacity of prosecutors and investigators.

The Prosecutor General further revealed that within the past five years, 13 NPPA staff members were suspected of engaging in corruption. Of these, 10 were prosecuted, two are still under investigation, and three were dismissed from their positions due to conduct linked to corruption.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Habyarimana reaffirmed the NPPA’s commitment to tackling corruption and enhancing transparency.

She emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration among institutions and called for increased public engagement in reporting and preventing corruption to ensure a just and accountable society.