These meetings underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and beyond.
In his interaction with Minister Dar, Nduhungirehe highlighted the importance of the new Rwandan mission in Islamabad, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening Rwanda-Pakistan relations.
The two Ministers discussed increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, security and educational exchanges. Acknowledging the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these ties, particularly through direct trade channels and through the growing Pakistani community in Rwanda, which contributes to local development.
The meeting is a continuation of Rwanda’s outreach to Pakistan in recent years. In January 2024, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga Mubarakh, led high-level discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani military and diplomatic officials.
The discussions focused on shared security challenges, military training, and defence partnerships, with broader implications for trade and development cooperation.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Ullah Khan, also launched projects to directly connect Rwandan producers to Pakistani markets, particularly for tea and coffee. In this vein, the Ambassador set up a training programme for Rwandan youth, aimed at strengthening their marketing skills to facilitate cross-border trade.
Minister Nduhungirehe also met with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties. This meeting follows the signing in 2022 of two bilateral memoranda between Jamaica and Rwanda during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, establishing agreements on political cooperation and tourism development.
These memoranda lay the foundation for deeper engagement, with a focus on cultural and tourism exchanges, highlighting the two countries’ historical ties and shared interests within the Commonwealth framework.
These discussions at CHOGM2024 illustrate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing dynamic partnerships with Pakistan and Jamaica, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s broader vision of unity, shared development and enduring collaboration.
While presenting the credentials, Ngango delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, highlighting the strong diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Principality of Liechtenstein, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to furthering this partnership and promoting mutual development.
In their discussions, Prince Alois emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, showing understanding of the regional issues surrounding Rwanda and the important role that small nations should play on the international stage, particularly regarding global peace and security.
Prince Alois also received credentials from ten other new ambassadors, granting them the right to represent their countries in his country.
Prior to this ceremony, Ngango met with Elena Klein, the Director-General of Protocol, who represented Mrs. Dominique Hasler, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports, to whom he presented copies of his credentials.
Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and tourism, investment, financial services, and education.
This ceremony follows Ngango’s presentation of credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation on June 11, 2024, in Bern.
In addition to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngango has also been entrusted by the President of Rwanda to represent the country in Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican, where he will present his credentials in the coming days.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe’s alpine region, between Switzerland and Austria. It is home to around 40,000 inhabitants.
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Dafroza Gauthier Mukarumongi, the founder of CPCR, told IGIHE that the accusations are compiled in three detailed documentations against the French government. These claims focus on the collaboration between the French and Rwandan governments from 1990 to 1994 and military and political agreements signed during that period.
Dafroza explained that they are suing the French government for abandoning and refusing to protect their Tutsi employees who worked at the French Embassy and the French Cultural Center and for the alleged sexual violence by French soldiers against Tutsi women in the Turquoise Zone.
The organizations further allege that French soldiers stationed in Rwanda during those years were involved in discriminatory practices based on ethnicity, such as checking citizens’ ID cards at various roadblocks.
Since June 1994, French troops were stationed in the Turquoise Zone on a so-called humanitarian mission however, it is alleged that their aim was to support the Interahamwe militia former Rwandan Armed Forces to escape from the country.
Dafroza stated that the evidence in the case shows that Tutsis who sought refuge with French forces in this zone continued to be killed, as the French forces did not separate them from the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR.
She provided an example of the killings in the Bisesero, Karongi district where French troops refused to rescue Tutsis who had appealed for their protection as the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR were killed over 40,000 people. Between June 27 and June 30, 1994, another 4,000 were killed.
The trial involving these organizations and the French government took place on October 24, 2024. CPCR was represented by lawyer Philippe Raphaël, who prepared the case.
Raphaël stated, “The French government could have prevented the genocide but did not. Instead, they supported Hutu extremists in political, diplomatic, and military affairs before, during, and after the Genocide.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, in April 2024, acknowledged that France and other nations could have prevented the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but lacked the will to do so. “As the extermination of the Tutsi began, the international community had the capability to know and act. France, alongside Western and African allies, could have stopped the genocide but did not have the will,” he said.
This statement reiterated Macron’s earlier speech on May 21, 2021, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in which he admitted France’s role in this history, a position also reflected in a report by a team led by French historian Prof. Vincent Duclert.
However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, representing the defense, requested the Administrative Court to declare itself incompetent in this matter, arguing that government actions are what is being challenged. They added that decisions made in national policy matters hold immunity in domestic courts.
This lawsuit was filed in April 2023, followed by an investigation conducted between May and June 2024. The organizations are seeking 500 million euros in compensation for damages. The ruling is expected on November 14, 2024.
CPCR stated that there is an opportunity to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision up to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the French government is not held accountable for actions before and during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
{{Women assaulted by French soldiers continue to suffer trauma.}}
French soldiers under Operation Turquoise arrived in Rusizi (former Cyangugu Prefecture) and split into teams, with a large number remaining at Kamembe Airport while others moved to Nyarushishi, Bugarama, Ntendezi, and Kirambo. When they reached Nyarushishi, they toured the entire camp while taking photos.
At that time, they inspected the tents. After three days, they had identified where women and girls were located and began taking them away for sexual assault, despite being responsible for protecting them.
The book The Genocide Against the Tutsi in the Former Cyangugu Prefecture by CNLG contains testimonies from witnesses to these atrocities.
Constance Kambogo said, “The French soldiers would openly take girls from the camp and sexually assault them. They would come around, take the girls out in armored vehicles, and pick those they wanted under the pretense of taking them for cleaning duties.”
Among those assaulted at Nyarushishi was Claudine, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time, which left her traumatized to the point of becoming mentally unstable.
Others sexually assaulted included Mukayiranga Mado, Mukayeze Pascasie, Mukayitesi Jacqueline, Umulisa, girls from EAV Ntendezi, and others.
“The victims were subjected to brutal acts, including having pepper inserted into their private parts, being assaulted orally and anally, being photographed naked, and more. After abusing them, the soldiers would pass them around, commenting on their beauty and comparing them to the women back home. After the assault, they would give them biscuits as a reward,” reads the book in part.
Apart from Nyarushishi Camp, it is reported that French soldiers also sexually assaulted women and girls at Kamembe Airport, Kamarampaka Stadium, and other locations.
Jean Bosco Habimana, an Interahamwe collaborator who worked closely with French soldiers, as they had given him a gun, testified that the French at the stadium asked him to find girls for them, particularly Tutsis, claiming they would not cause problems if it was discovered.
The first girl he brought to them was Beata, around 15 years old, whom he took from Mururu and whom he knew was a Tutsi. After assaulting her, the French soldiers requested that the Interahamwe not kill her.
The second girl, Mukasine Florence, was about 14 years old. Habimana took her from Winteko Sector, Bugayi Cell, where she was hiding after her family was killed.
“Once in Kamarampaka Stadium, she was severely assaulted, and when they released her, she could barely walk. Afterward, they requested the Interahamwe not to kill her,” reads part of Page 361 of the book.
Beata and Mukasine had sought refuge in Nyarushishi camp but had ventured out to find food, hoping to get provisions as their neighbors had started fleeing to Congo. Colonel Jacques Hogard, who led Operation Turquoise in Cyangugu, has often been named for allegedly allowing his soldiers to abuse women sexually and commit various acts of sexual violence.
There are similar accusations against Colonel Sartre Patrice, who led Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro.
She takes over from Patricia Scotland, who became the first woman to hold the position in 2015. Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being succeeded by another woman and affirmed her confidence that Botchwey would achieve much in advancing the Commonwealth
“It is an honor to pass on the leadership to my sister Shirley Ayorkor, who will succeed me as Commonwealth Secretary General. May she find the same fulfillment I did in leading and serving this esteemed organization,” Scotland said in a statement.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined others in wishing Shirley Ayorkor success in her new role.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her part, thanked the Commonwealth leaders who entrusted her with this position, pledging to enhance cooperation that would enable them to achieve their shared goals.
“I am honored with the confidence placed in me by the Commonwealth leadership. Together, we will continue our work and create a new Commonwealth that serves the interests of all its citizens,” she said.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has held various roles, including chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
During her tenure, she advised ECOWAS Heads of State and governments on various pathways to achieving peace and security in the Sahel region, reforming some democracy and governance agreements, making changes to the ECOWAS Commission, budget adjustments, and more.
She also participated in discussions aimed at transitioning power to civilians in West African countries affected by coups since 2020, such as Guinea and Burkina Faso, and was one of the mediators appointed by ECOWAS for Mali.
A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor from 2006-2009.
In Ghana, she is credited with contributing to the country’s strong international reputation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
She also served as Deputy Minister of Information from 2005-2006 and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007-2008.
Botchwey was also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, where she chaired various committees, including those focused on gender and children’s issues to promote inclusivity.
Before joining politics, Shirley Ayorkor led a marketing and communications firm, served as an advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, and worked in several other organizations.
She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management, another Master’s in Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing.
The mother of two completed most of her education in Ghana and the UK at the University of London and the University of Westminster.
The College of Arts and Social Sciences graduated 760 students, the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) had 722 graduates, the College of Business and Economics (CBE) awarded degrees to 1,453 students while the College of Education graduated a whopping 2,308 graduates.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) had 1,157 while the College of Science and Technology graduated 1,663.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente presided over the graduation ceremony. In his keynote speech, he congratulated the University for making significant strides in development and delivering quality education.
“I have no doubt that the university has provided you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values, and we expect you to contribute to solving various issues related to the country’s development. As you go on to serve the nation, we look forward to seeing you bring about substantial change that will improve the lives of Rwandans,” Ngirente said.
He urged the graduates to think broadly and help society find solutions to pressing issues that lead to development. “You must think widely, innovate solutions for development, and initiate impactful projects that benefit both yourselves and the country. Remember that the nation’s progress begins with you. That’s why I encourage you to seize every opportunity your country provides,” he stated.
Dr. Ngirente emphasized that having international students among the graduates is clear evidence of the advancing quality of education offered by the university. “The fact that 126 international students from various countries have graduated today shows that the University of Rwanda has achieved its goal of expanding its reach. This progress must continue,” he affirmed.
“We are pleased that the University of Rwanda continues to enhance the quality of education it offers, making it attractive even to students from outside Rwanda. Improving education quality must continue, and we celebrate that the progress made so far will not be reversed,” he added.
He also mentioned that once all reforms are fully implemented, the University of Rwanda will establish a strong international reputation. “Our universities must strengthen their research capacities and equip graduates with the relevant knowledge to support our country’s economic growth and development efforts,” he said.
He pointed out that this can be achieved through partnerships between private sector stakeholders and the university by refining the curriculum, providing internships, and creating job opportunities.
On his part, Dr. Didas Muganga, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda highlighted that this 10th graduation ceremony marked a celebration of reforms that have enabled the university to produce skilled graduates ready for the job market.
“As you receive your degrees, you have overcome challenges that prepared you to be leaders, innovators, and thinkers for the future,” he said.
Muganga reminded the graduates that their time in school should have shaped them into experts poised to offer top-tier services in the future. “The knowledge you have gained can bring change, spark innovation, and drive development. This is our commitment as a university,” he said.
He also noted that in the past decade, significant changes have been made in higher education in Rwanda, particularly through the unification of public institutions to form the University of Rwanda, which has promoted quality education across all levels.
Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana acknowledged the hard work of the graduates and expressed optimism about their contributions to the country’s development. He noted that the University of Rwanda is not just an educational institution but a place for nurturing future leaders who will drive sustainable development in the country.
This year, Rwanda will be represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and Bella Flowers, in collaboration with its embassy in the Netherlands.
Last year, the Export and Innovation Department of NAEB stated that the trade fair is an opportunity for Rwanda to expand its market to the international scene.
In an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the trade fair enhances the value of Rwandan flowers in different markets.
“We firmly believe that the flower farming and trading sector, which we started less than ten years ago, will continue to grow,” he said.
“As we continue to expand, so will the market for our flowers. This is crucial for the growth of the flower business, especially as we still import flower seeds from other countries. It is important for the government to establish research mechanisms that will allow us to produce our own seeds,” he added.
NAEB statistics on flower farming in Rwanda show that over 23 million rose stems and more than 8 million summer flowers were exported from Rwanda in 2022-2023, generating $4.5 million in revenue. Additionally, 98% of these flowers were sent to the Netherlands, with expanding markets in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Last year, Rwandan representatives from different companies involved in flower farming and trading, such as Duhamic-Adri and Bright Harvest, expressed their satisfaction with participating in the event.
Karemera Annonciathe, a representative from Bright Harvest, said that it was her first time attending the trade fair, and it left her with valuable insights, including discovering new types of flowers that could be grown in Rwanda.
“It was my first time attending this event, and I was impressed to find that flowers are a significant investment. I realized that we are missing out on many varieties of flowers that are on demand at the international market. This motivated me to think about producing new types of flowers in Rwanda,” she said.
Janvier Ugeziwe, a representative from Duhamic-Adri, was also pleased with how they showcased flowers grown in Rwanda, presenting more than 18 varieties that attracted a large number of buyers.
Statistics show that flower farming generates substantial income for the country, with over $6.85 million earned in the past five years.
Horticulture, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, brought in over $42.86 million for Rwanda in the 2021/22 fiscal year, with flowers alone contributing $6.85 million.
Rwanda’s Embassy has announced that visitors are welcome to visit Rwanda’s stand, number 5.06, located in “Hall C.”
IGIHE will keep you up to speed on the developments, for the eighth consecutive year regarding Rwanda’s floriculture at the trade fair. The event provides the Rwandan delegation with the opportunity to strengthen trade relations and promote the quality of Rwandan flowers.
These photos depict Rwanda’s vibrant participation in the 2023 event.
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The center aims to train 10,000 tech experts over the next five years, with a focus on those already working in the technology field, who will receive advanced knowledge using various technological tools. Its goal is to help Rwanda achieve its target of building a technology-driven economy.
Additionally, the center will support the Rwandan government’s plan to train a million people, mainly youth, in technology-related courses like coding over the next five years, and 500,000 others in advanced technology training.
During the center’s official launch on October 23, 2024, the Managing Director of Vuba Technologies Limited, Srimal Rajapaksha, said the center aims to bridge the skills gap between what students learn in school and the skills needed in the job market. Many graduates find themselves lacking sufficient expertise to handle challenges in their fields.
“Often, the knowledge provided in schools is purely theoretical and doesn’t sufficiently prepare students for the workplace. We established this center to provide hands-on training, allowing tech experts to learn through practical, work-based experiences,” Rajapaksha explained.
The center is envisioned to become a model for Africa, with tech experts from countries like Malawi, Zambia, and other African nations coming to Rwanda for training. This will help reduce the number of people traveling abroad to seek modern technological education.
Currently, the center is collaborating with government institutions, schools, and private sector companies to foster partnerships aimed at promoting the technology sector. Students who complete the training will receive internationally recognized certificates that validate their acquired skills.
The center offers training in various fields, including networking, data processing and analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and more. Graduates will also be supported in obtaining internationally recognized certifications after completing their courses.
In addition to Rwandans, the center is expected to welcome international students from different African countries, with training provided either through technology-based methods or in-person.
With an investment of over 200 million RWF, the school is poised for future expansion into other regions of the country. The planning and development of the center has been underway since 2019.
At an event held on October 23, 2024 to present the company’s environmental audit report, Peter Geleta, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) highlighted the critical role of environmental sustainability in the mining industry and emphasized the importance of aligning mining operations with international standards.
“The days of mining companies heading into Africa, pillaging resources, and leaving a trail of environmental damage are gone. We see ourselves as stewards of the environment and are committed to responsible mining that adheres to the highest international standards,” he said.
The assessment was conducted on Trinity’s three major mines which include Rutongo mines, Musha mines and Nyakabingo mines and represents a comprehensive review of the environmental and social impacts associated with their operations.
The last similar assessment was conducted in 2015, making this latest review particularly timely as the company works to improve its environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.
“Since our last assessment nearly a decade ago, the mining industry in Rwanda, has evolved significantly. We embarked on this journey last year to update our environmental and social impact studies, recognizing that this is key to our long-term success and sustainability,” Geleta noted.
Geleta explained that the company is focused on leaving the environment in a state that is safe and conducive for future use once mining operations are complete.
“We need to ensure that we do our environmental planning properly, that we manage our closure planning responsibly, and that we leave the environment in a good state for the next generation,” he emphasized.
Trinity Metals is also making strides in the social impact arena. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, 99% of whom are Rwandans, the company has been a major contributor to local communities, providing jobs and opportunities for economic development.
Furthermore, the company has made a concerted effort to promote gender equality within the mining sector, with women now making up 18% of the workforce across its mines, a figure expected to raise to 30% in the coming years.
The CEO also underscored the importance of international partnerships and investments in ensuring that Trinity Metals operates at the highest standards.
The unveiling of these findings, along with the company’s approach to sustainable mining, signals a good will for the Rwandan mining industry as Innocent Safari, the Chief Finance Officer at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMD) explains.
“Mining companies are expected to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility by aligning their operations with international standards,” he said.
Safari expressed gratitude for Trinity metals for positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining and setting an example for other companies in Rwanda.
He called out for the general public, the wider mining community and stakeholders to follow suit and practice responsible mining by doing it in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment, ensuring a future that everyone can be proud of.
Fidele Ruzigandekwe, an expert consultant in environmental impact assessment revealed that water pollution, soil erosion, air and noise pollution are some of the findings that were identified in this particular ESIA.
“Unregulated mining practices lead to significant environmental and social inequalities. Trinity’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with its commitment to sustainable practices, is paving the way for a modern era in Rwandan mining,” he said.
During a press conference on October 22, 2024, Nathan Ntaganzwa, the Managing Director of 1000Hills Events, shared insights into the upcoming ceremony, emphasizing the growing recognition of disability inclusion.
“From previous experiences, we realize that people are slowly getting to know the importance of disability inclusion. This year, we are introducing a one-day festival where people will showcase their work and create mass awareness about the importance of inclusion,” Ntaganzwa explained.
The event will recognize individuals, SMEs, and corporate companies that have championed the inclusion of people with disabilities in their workplace and communities. The day-long festival will feature an exhibition, keynote speeches reflecting on 30 years of progress in disability inclusion, and artistic performances by persons with and without disabilities.
Ntaganzwa highlited the role of the private sector in this journey.
“In the past, some private organizations showed interest in adopting inclusion policies but didn’t know how to proceed. The more we hold such events, the better we can connect those eager to work with people with disabilities and those willing to adopt inclusive hiring practices,” he said.
Stakeholders such as Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi are actively supporting the event. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Come Ndemezo, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Coordinator, stressed the need to encourage companies to adopt inclusion not out of sympathy but as a smart business strategy.
“Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are our focus. We want the private sector to see inclusion as a smart move and recognize the benefits of employing people with disabilities,” Ndemezo said, urging more companies to embrace the practice.
Dr. Donatille Kanimba, the founding Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, echoed similar sentiments, praising the government and other sectors for their efforts in making people with disabilities feel included.
“Many of us were once afraid to express ourselves, even though we were capable of achieving great things. Now, we have accomplished much, and many with disabilities are more confident in reaching their career goals,” she remarked.
The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of the strides made in disability inclusion while also advocating for continued efforts to ensure people with disabilities can thrive in both professional and personal capacities.
You can nominate and vote for the person or institution of your choice on the link below.
{{[https://rdia.igihe.rw/->https://rdia.igihe.rw/]}}
This project was launched in September 2021 in the districts of Huye, Gakenke, Gicumbi, and Burera in collaboration with the World Bank and the Government of Rwanda. Its goal is to empower citizens with development skills beginning with the ability to think and discover what benefits them based on the characteristics of their local environment.
The beneficiaries first underwent six months of training through development pathway meetings known as the ‘Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). These meetings helped citizens identifying their own problems and the potential they have to tackle them to attain long-term and sustainable solutions over immediate need.
This community, spearheaded by the Community-Based Facilitator (CBF) locally known as Inyenyeri, has shown that poverty can be fought even in the most remote areas through local ownership and collective action.
The financial support is not given directly in cash but rather invested in the projects the community chooses. Spark Microgrants provided this funding in two phases, with each village receiving 4.6 million Rwandan Francs in the first phase (60% of the total), followed by an additional 3 million Rwandan Francs (40%) along with 5% of contributions from the district, amounting to 380,000 RWF.
Rwigemure Yahaya, a resident of Kabaya village in Ruhanga cell, shared how the bulls farming project they selected in their village has brought wealth to the community. “With the first grant, we bought 14 bulls. We took care of them and sold them once they matured, and distribute the profits among group members”, he said.
After selling the bulls, “the profits were shared. Part of the money went towards reinvesting in younger bulls, while the community also prioritised supporting its most vulnerable members, where they bought sheep, a hen, or any other materials for those in need to ensure that everyone benefits, no matter their situation,” Yahya added.
From the first round of shared profits, the group bought 41 sheep for 41 households in need. In the next cycle, after reselling bulls, the profits allowed them to distribute 37 more sheep to 37 additional households, bringing the total to 78 sheep distributed so far.
Some of these sheep have already reproduced, with some households now owning more than three sheep, helping them meet various domestic needs where necessary including manure.
Rwigemure further explained that the village received the second tranche which was invested in loaning scheme projects to support household small-scale businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In Gicumbi district, beneficiaries have started farming for the market. In Mutete sector, beneficiaries reported that agricultural production has become a source of income after receiving support from Spark Microgrants.
Odette Ugirasekuru, a resident of Kabeza cell in Kagarama village, shared how the cow she received significantly boosted her agricultural output. “After receiving the cow, as able to collect organic fertilizers and decided to establish a banana plantation. Unlike previously when had to buy fertilizers, could barely harvest three kilograms of bananas, now I harvest bunches weighing up to 80 kilograms each. Every month, I harvest around 40 bunches.”
“My cow produces eight liters of milk per day, and over the past three months, I’ve earned 270,000 RWF from selling the milk. I still have enough for my family to drink, and I even share with needy neighbors.”
In that village, out of 202 households, only nine have not yet received cows, but they are expected to be assisted by their neighbors.
Beneficiaries in Huye district also report positive changes due to the project. Appolinaria Mukanyabyenda, a resident of Kigoma cector and community-based facilitator for Kabingo village, said that the residents have successfully eradicated malnutrition by focusing on providing children with balanced diets.
Vestine Nyiramanywa, an elderly woman from Gishamvu sector, said that Spark Microgrants has helped them achieve food security through pig farming, which generates income and promotes savings on top of their usual agricultural activities.
Ange Sebutege , the Mayor of Huye district says that Spark Microgrants has greatly improving the well-being of residents, citing an example in Gishamvu sector, which ranked second in health insurance enrollment, in a district that used to lag behind such government programs.
He said, “What we did with Spark was to provide capacity support, but the ideas are theirs. They must remember that these projects are like investments for the village, where each resident has a share. We aim to eliminate poverty entirely in the future, so it is crucial to follow up on these projects.”
According to Donald Ndahiro, Spark Microgrants Country Director for Rwanda, the achievements of the ACE project so far offers hope for sustainable community development.
“When we look at the results since 2021, we see that their domestic possessions, like TVs, radios, money on bank accounts, livestock, and more, have increased by 120% as a result of the projects they implemented. Regarding nutrition, the number of people eating only one meal a day has dropped from 54% to 33%,” he said.
The ACE Project operates in 249 villages, but Spark Microgrants plans to expand to 2,500 villages in the coming years and collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) to integrate lessons learnt from the project into national planning.
Spark Microgrants is an international non-profit based in the United States, which started its operations in Rwanda in 2010. The organization has transformed the lives of residents in over 339 villages across Gakenke, Gicumbi, Burera, Musanze, Huye, Nyabihu, Rulindo and Gisagara, districts.
With more than 240,000 beneficiaries, 64% of whom are women. Spark Microgrants operates in Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ghana, Liberia, DRC, Malawi, and Ghana.
