IGIHE

Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

  • Investors, exhibitors and visitors share experiences about Gitex Africa 2024 expo

    The three-day event provides a platform for African startups and businesses to showcase their ideas and products to a worldwide audience, attracting investors seeking promising tech ventures in Africa.

    Speaking to IGIHE, Nigerian investor Uchenna Ugbor termed his experience at the second edition of Gitex Africa as “very good”.

    Delegates follow proceedings at the second edition of Gitex Africa expo in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    The founder of Ark Technologies Group attended the first edition of Gitex Africa, which made its debut on the continent in Morocco on May 31, 2023. He stated that he was able to invest in several projects and looks forward to a similar experience this year.

    “I can’t count the number of stands I have visited. This is my second time. I was here last year and it’s not a disappointment at all. By and large, the event is very good, it has a lot to offer. I have quite a number of suppliers that are here. I have come all the way from Nigeria. Last year I met a couple of guys that I invested in their projects,” Ugbor stated.

    According to Ugbor, the African continent has made great strides in innovation, and such efforts deserve applause.

    “Given where we are coming from as Africans, I would [African startups] are impressive,” he commented. “The [business] is sustainable because 20 or 30 years ago, we weren’t at this stage, and we cannot compare ourselves with Europeans. It has to be a special case for people like Africans, who are a bit late entrants.”

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    Isaac Odongo, the CEO of Organic Route, was also upbeat about his experience in Morocco, where his company is showcasing their hybrid technology used to extend the shelf life of dried fruits and vegetables such as bananas.

    Extolling the benefits of technology in the 21st century, Odongo said, “We also use tech to reach our customers and manage our finances.”

    Liberia’s Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah, affirmed that such events offer fertile ground for policymakers to network and make better decisions in their roles.

    “I am very happy to be here. It’s very exciting. This event normally helps us as policymakers to network and make sound decisions in terms of telecommunications and ICT,” the minister explained.

    MOHE BioTech (Suisse), a company involved in the development of rapid diagnostic tests and an application that allows for quick health assessments and data collection in remote areas, told IGIHE that they had received “some pretty good feedback” from the participants.

    “We created a platform that allows its users to know their health status whenever, wherever they are, anytime, while you just have the platform. If you are feeling sick, basically, instead of going all the way to the doctor to be diagnosed, you can do it yourself,” Marc Okambawa, the company’s marketing executive, said.

    Okambawa added that their rapid test device can detect up to 12 diseases at a time, and thereafter the results are picked up by a medical practitioner who reaches out to the patient for further medical action.

    Also present at the Morocco expo is Africa Smart Health, a company that offers a centralized platform for patients and doctors to keep their medical data. The platform can be accessed from any part of the world.

    A user simply sets up a profile, enters all their medical conditions such as allergies, and shares them with their preferred medical professional to write a prescription. For doctors, there is a profile dubbed digital PA where they can manage all appointments and use AI to write medical reports very quickly using prefilled keywords.

    The company works with local authorities to get relevant approvals for managing data such as doctor’s records. They also ask for consent from users during registration.

    Additional reporting by Christelle Butoyi

  • Zindi inks deal with Microsoft to advance AI upskilling in Africa

    The two companies entered the new partnership on Thursday, May 30, during the Gitex Africa 2024 tech expo, which is ongoing in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    The partnership with Microsoft will complement Zindi’s practical skilling with courses and certifications in AI, data science, and data analysis, Celina Lee, co-founder and CEO of Zindi, told IGIHE at the forum.

    “With this partnership, we’ll be upskilling 10,000 people across Africa in data and AI skills,” Lee stated.

    Microsoft Africa President, Lillian Barnard, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying the company’s goal is to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit all Africans.

    “Bridging the digital skills gap in Africa is vital to the future success of that endeavour. By partnering with Zindi, we aim to revolutionise AI skills on the continent, providing cutting-edge AI training and certifications to thousands of developers and future data engineers, preparing the future workers of the world,” Barnard said.

    Zindi is Africa’s largest platform for data scientists and AI and machine learning developers.

    According to CEO Lee, more than 70,000 people have registered on the platform, mostly young people.

    “About half of them are students, all learning data science and AI skills,” the CEO revealed.

    Through the platform, data scientists participate in machine learning and data science competitions to win prizes and enhance their reputations, access real-world problems to develop their skills, and explore opportunities posted by Zindi partners. On the other hand, the platform helps companies find top talent to solve their problems.

    “We run competitions where companies can put up datasets and problems, and then the community of data scientists, thousands of them, try to build solutions for these real business problems. This means that businesses get access to incredible talent.

    “For the young people on the platform, it means they are building real skills that the market demands. For us, we see ourselves as a professional network where data scientists can build up their profiles and skills. More than a professional network, they can showcase what they’re capable of and connect with job opportunities,” the CEO explained.

    Additional reporting by Christelle Butoyi

  • ‘Forbidden Stories’: Why is Rwanda being targeted again?

    This initiative is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network, a journalists’ association created in November 2017 by Laurent Richard and supported by Reporters Without Borders.

    Often accused of being a tool used by certain entities in Western countries to destabilize various countries or individuals, Forbidden Stories might suggest exclusive revelations about Rwanda. However, the content is merely a repetition of accusations and rumours perpetuated by those harbouring malicious intentions towards the country during crucial periods.

    A rehashed pamphlet of accusations

    For over twenty years, Rwanda has faced unfounded accusations from some actors in the West, often for obscure reasons. These articles attempt to portray Rwanda in a way that anyone who actually lives and interacts with this country would find misleading. Rwanda has been unjustly blamed for the disorder in the DRC, criticized for its investments in tourism and its partnerships with European sports teams, accused of “sports-washing,” “gender-washing,” and using peacekeeping as a pressure lever, among other things.

    Interestingly, the people making these accusations have not changed much over the past two decades. It is still the same group of individuals.

    Key players in this campaign:

    Michaela Wrong

    Michaela Wrong, a British journalist who has worked for various international media outlets, is famous for her writings denigrating Rwanda since 2013, the year of Patrick Karegeya’s assassination in South Africa. Wrong has since dedicated her career to tarnishing Rwanda’s image.

    Théogène Rudasingwa

    A former Rwandan ambassador to the United States, Théogène Rudasingwa often appears in reports criticizing Rwanda. Having fled the country in 2004 after accusations of misconduct, including corruption, he is among the founders of the terrorist group Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and continues to disparage Rwanda. In Rwanda, he was convicted for threats against state security and faces a 24-year prison sentence.

    Judi Rever

    Canadian journalist Judi Rever is a regular in campaigns defaming Rwanda. In her book “In Praise of Blood,” she accuses the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi, whereas the international community recognizes that the RPF ended this genocide.

    Byansi Samuel Baker

    A young journalist, Byansi Samuel Baker had a promising start before veering into conspiracy theories permanently targeting the Rwandan government, falsely accusing it of numerous unfounded wrongs before leaving Rwanda. Since his departure, he has aligned himself with the government’s opponents.

    Lewis Mudge

    Africa director for Human Rights Watch, Lewis Mudge is known for his harsh and often unfounded criticisms against Rwanda. He has frequently downplayed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and claims Rwanda is a repressive state, making it unsurprising to see him associated with this campaign.

    A coordinated plan to denigrate Rwanda

    What we observe in the articles and videos of Forbidden Stories is the coordination of four main groups:

    Former members of genocidal governments:
     Figures like Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana and an influential member of the Akazu, a close circle of the Rwandan political elite accused of orchestrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She is also suspected of playing a role in her husband’s death. Charles Ndereyehe, former director of ISAR (Rwanda Agricultural Sciences Institute) and accused of active participation in the genocide, are part of those who have long been critical voices against Rwanda.

    – Disgruntled former members of the RPF: Individuals like Théogène Rudasingwa, who fled the country after accusations of corruption and other crimes.

    – Descendants of genocidaires: Mainly based in Belgium, individuals like Natacha Abingeneye and Placide Kayumba continue to spread the genocide ideology. Natacha Abingeneye is affiliated with Jambo ASBL, an organization known for its genocide denial propaganda. Placide Kayumba, also an active member of Jambo ASBL, uses this platform to perpetuate genocidal ideologies. These individuals continue to propagate revisionist narratives and minimize the severity of the crimes committed during the genocide.

    – Hostile NGOs: Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, often critical of Rwanda.

    A litany of accusations

    These repeated attacks against Rwanda have never achieved their goal. This is not the first time Rwanda has faced such attacks during pivotal periods for its future.

    Attacks during the 2010 elections

    In 2010, the year the country held its second presidential elections since its liberation, grenades were thrown in Kigali in February and on August 11, just two days after the elections, injuring seven people. These attacks aimed to sow chaos.

    The Mapping Report

    Before the 2010 elections, international media circulated negative information based on the UN report titled “Mapping Report,” accusing Rwanda of probable acts of genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This report, full of inaccuracies, was largely discredited and shelved.

    The 2015 referendum

    During the 2015 referendum, attempts to destabilize involved local personalities and artists like Kizito Mihigo, who conspired with armed groups. In 2014, Kizito Mihigo admitted they planned to kill leaders, including the president.

    The documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story”

    In 2014, the documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story” claimed that the RPF was responsible for the genocide against the Tutsi, assertions that led to the banning of the BBC Kinyarwanda branch from broadcasting in Rwanda. This documentary aimed to minimize the genocide and discredit the Rwandan authorities.

    The arrest of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake

    In June 2015, General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake was arrested in London on unfounded accusations from a biased investigation. He was released after strong mobilization by Rwandans, showing that these destabilization attempts never succeed.

    These attacks have never achieved their goal of disrupting Rwanda. The country has continued to progress, with poverty reduced from nearly 80% in 1994 to 38% today. Life expectancy has increased from 51 years to over 69 years. Kigali has become a prime destination for international conferences, and the Rwandan economy has experienced sustained growth of over 7% per year.

    It is evident that these attacks have no effect on Rwanda’s determination to move forward.

    All these people share a tenacious will to tarnish the image of Rwanda.

  • Ebike maker Spiro named among Times 100 influential companies

    Spiro was named alongside giant car manufacturers Toyota and BMW in the coveted list unveiled on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

    Other renowned firms on the list include Microsoft, Google, Rappi, Huawei, Amazon, Airbus, Tata Group, OpenAI, Pfizer, and Bank of America.

    Kenya’s asset financing platform M-Kopa and Food4Education, which supplies subsidized nutritious meals to primary school children, also made the list.

    The Time 100 Most Influential Companies list celebrates businesses making extraordinary contributions in their fields, shaping the future of industries and society.

    Spiro

    Founded in 2019, Spiro launched in Togo and Benin in 2022, followed by Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, last year.

    In Uganda, the e-bike and battery swapping provider has partnered with the government to replace its emission-heavy moto taxi fleet, known as boda-bodas, with electric two-wheelers.

    Spiro bets on commuters’ needs in populous African cities to double its fleet of 14,000 electric bikes by the end of 2024.

    Commenting on the Time’s recognition, Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, said, “This recognition for Spiro in the Time 100 list is humbling and will catalyze our efforts to demonstrate our ability to innovate and deploy affordable mobility to customers, thereby fostering financial inclusion and empowering the lives of our customers and communities.”

    Anish Jain, Group CEO of Equitane, Spiro’s holding company, added, “This accolade underscores the innovative work we are doing in Africa and beyond. We are committed to expanding our services and infrastructure to support the growing demand for sustainable transportation options.”

  • Beyond the frame: Canon’s ‘World Unseen’ makes memories tangible

    This is the revolutionary concept behind Canon’s “World Unseen” project. Going beyond the traditional frame of a photograph, “World Unseen” employs innovative techniques to create an inclusive experience of photography, particularly for visually impaired individuals.

    In their very first exhibition in Africa, Canon Central and North Africa brought this campaign closer to home at GITEX Africa 2024, the largest three-day technology and startup event in Africa, ongoing in Marrakech, Morocco.

    How the technology works

    The technology behind elevated prints, bringing the power of imaging to everyone, includes the Arizona 2300 FLXflow using PRISMAelevate XL software. Thanks to the elevated print, people can feel the different elements of the scenes through shapes, highlighted areas, and textures, allowing them to visualize the images through touch.

    At the Canon booth in Marrakech, delegates, both visually impaired and sighted, were able to have multi-sensory experiences connecting them with powerful images and the stories behind them through audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille.

    The exhibition featured a series of photographs taken by world-renowned photographers including multi-award-winning South African photojournalist Brent Stirton, renowned Brazilian Photojournalist Sebastião Salgado, Nigerian photojournalist Yagazie Emezi, sports photographer Samo Vidic, fashion photographer Heidi Rondak and Pulitzer winning photojournalist Muhammed Muheisen.

    Hamid Nabil was among the individuals who had the opportunity to experience the power of this innovative technology aimed at fostering inclusivity and deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

    Hamid Nabil (left) , who is visually impaired, poses for a photo at the exhibition site.

    Visually impaired, Nabil was Morocco’s first visually impaired student to graduate with a doctorate degree in English Studies from Rabat’s Mohammed V University.

    Rashad Ghani, the B2C Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said the new innovative project is part of the renowned Japanese imagery brand’s commitment to contributing to a more inclusive society.

    “It is Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei, you know, working and living together for the common good. That’s how Canon is. Canon is not only a brand that creates something for, you know, a product to do business. They always look at society and something to enhance in the society.

    “Being an imagery brand for so many years, you know, giving products to create photographs. Yes, people can see it. But then also Canon as a brand positions itself that why those people who cannot see should not feel the product or feel the picture. And that’s where I think this has come out as a concept where they can also feel what is around them and they can also sense what exactly the pictures and the images are,” he stated.

    Ghani affirmed that the elevated printing feature is just one among many available on Canon printers, and the company will stay abreast of the ever-changing world of technology to keep giving its customers new experiences.

    The second edition of GITEX Africa kicked off in Morocco, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and will close on Friday, May 31, 2024. The three-day event showcases the latest innovations and trends in tech, with a focus on connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.

    Aawatif Hayar, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family of Morocco, exchanges pleasantries with Hamid Nabil at the expo.
    Additional reporting by Christelle Butoyi

  • “I spent Ksh10M, not Ksh200M, on private jet to US,” Ruto tells Kenyans amid criticism

    Speaking during Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 30, President Ruto said that as a “responsible steward,” there was no way he could spend the colossal amount on the trip, insisting, “I am not a madman”.

    According to the Kenyan Head of State, his friends offered the plane after he decided to travel on Kenya Airways (KQ) to the US upon learning that it would cost the taxpayers at least Ksh70 million on a chartered flight.

    “I am a very responsible steward believe you me. There is no way I can spend Ksh200 million in fact it cost the republic of Kenya less than Ksh10 million because I am not a madman,” President Ruto defended himself.

    “When I was told the cheapest plan was Ksh70 million I told my office, go and book Kenya Airways so when some friends of mine heard that I was going to travel Kenya Airways, and I have built a big reputation as a country, some friends told me how much are you willing to pay? I said I’m not willing to spend more than Ksh20 million they said bring Ksh10 million we give you the plane.”

    He emphasized that as president, he was committed to leading from the front in implementing the government’s austerity measures to cut spending.

    “Look at me Kenyans, look at me again. I must lead from the front as I tell others to tighten up their belt mine must be where to begin. So relax and the debate must end because I am that responsible and it is going to be that way,” Ruto added.

    “My plan is that in 3 years we must have a balanced budget.”

    President Ruto’s choice of a luxurious private jet for his trip to the US drew mixed reactions with a section of Kenyans questioning his commitment to cutting government spending by state officers.

    Upon his return to the country after the four-day visit, he was forced to clear the air, explaining that travelling on the private jet was way cheaper than travelling on Kenya Airways, the country’s national carrier.

    “Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ,” President Ruto said in a post on X last Sunday.

    The local media had reported that State House Kenya charted the luxurious aircraft from Dubai-owned RoyalJet company for the president and his delegation’s trip to the US. According to KTN News, the cost of hiring the jet is about $1.5 million (about Ksh200 million).

    The US government had earlier denied reports that it paid for the aircraft the Kenyan delegation used for the US trip.

    “Just to be clear: The United States of America did not pay for President Ruto’s jet to the US,” a spokesperson for the US embassy in Nairobi told the press.

    Since assuming office in September 2022, President Ruto has imposed several austerity measures including banning non-essential travel by state officials over financial constraints.

    The president has also introduced new taxes on various goods and services, even as he and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, insist that they inherited a “dilapidated” economy from the former administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    President Ruto was accompanied by various government officials, members of the opposition, and representatives from the creative economy to the US on May 20. He was the first African leader to make a state visit to the White House in 16 years since Ghana’s John Kufuor visited in 2008.

  • Kagame: Global financial system reforms will benefit all, even the skeptics

    President Kagame said that some powerful entities have not been responsive to calls for reforming the existing financial systems due to fears of losing influence and control over the sector.

    The Head of State spoke on Wednesday, May 29, during the presidential dialogue on the topic “Africa’s Transformation, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture” at the AfDB annual meetings in Nairobi, Kenya.

    He emphasized that it was a “no-brainer” that financial systems designed more than 50 years ago are no longer viable today.

    “Things have changed, and therefore, a rethink of a new design that fits the purpose must be put into play. There is no doubt about that. I think everybody understands that point, but there are interests that operate behind it. For us in Africa, we are hard-pressed to see there is a change in the design of these institutions. But maybe the way the institutions are set up benefits some parts of the world. Those in those parts of the world are not interested, or they are being slow in allowing the change to happen because it gives them control and say over other people’s resources,” President Kagame stated.

    “Everybody understands [that reforms are necessary]. What is complicated is reaching this understanding and compromising that we don’t lose anything by having everybody benefit as we should benefit, all of us.”

    President Kagame also noted that for Africa to achieve the much-needed gains, the continent must be united and speak in one voice.

    “Africa’s interests must be taken care of, beginning with ourselves…it has to be with one voice but also loud, clear, and effective. For that to happen, we think about working together,” he said.

    “The reform we are talking about is how to disrupt the current architecture so that it includes significantly and visibly the interests of our continent.”

    He said the rest of the world can not afford to ignore the African continent as it’s the only region that will have a growing middle-income class in a “few decades”.

    “In a few decades, the only place in this world that will have a growing middle class is Africa. So it is even in the interest of the rest of the world that has marginalized Africa to contribute to the wellbeing of our continent. Because the growth of Africa, based on this middle-class, feeds into the growth of the rest of the world,” President Kagame said, adding “But Africa cannot wait to be handed this opportunity by anybody else, we therefore must be on the frontline, fighting for this right, for ourselves but also which contributes to the wellbeing of the rest of the world.”

    The presidential dialogue was part of the five-day 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank and the 50th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund taking place at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC).

    Kenya’s President William Ruto, who was among the panellists, also emphasized that the reforms were long overdue and should solve the continent’s most pressing issues including climate change.

    “The issue of reforms is settled; it must be done. We need a financial architecture that has long-term financing, with 40 years or 10 years grace period, low-interest rates, concessional financing, including where possible grants. We also need financing at scale; the quantum is very important. We also need finance that is agile, flexible, and especially climate-sensitive. So, if there are shocks, that financial architecture must be responsive because climate change is the new normal,” President Ruto explained.

    “Switching from drought to floods progressively is becoming what it is. In Kenya, we had a drought a year ago that decimated 2.5 million herds of livestock. This year alone, we are on floods that have taken the lives of 200 Kenyans. So, this is the new reality. The financial architecture that must be in place must respond to this climate reality we have.”

    The Annual Meetings comprise Member States’ invitation-only sessions, closed bilateral meetings, as well as events open to all attendees, including the press. They provide a forum for Bank Group Governors to share their experiences with managing a mounting burden of public debt, which has surged following the global economic shocks of the last few years.

    The meetings also offer a forum for the delegates to examine the African Development Bank’s contribution to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

    President Paul Kagame emphasized that it was a

  • Central Bank reduces policy rate as inflation remains within target

    Addressing a press conference in Kigali, NBR Governor John Rwangombwa announced that Rwanda’s inflation rate had dropped to 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 from 8.9 per cent registered in the last quarter of 2023. He added that the bank expects inflation to remain within the target of 5 per cent in 2024 and 2025.

    “We expected inflation to ease to around 5% this year, and in the first quarter, we registered an average of 4.7%. We expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year. At least, our average projection for this year is 5%, which is the same projection we have for 2025,” the Central Bank boss told the media.

    The governor noted that the economy had recorded good performance in the agriculture sector in the first quarter, adding that normal performance is expected in the second quarter. He noted that the prices of food are expected to remain normal during the period.

    “We saw good performance in agriculture in the first quarter of this year. We expect normal performance for season B—not as strong as we registered in season A, but good enough to maintain food prices at affordable/normal rates,” he added.

    While acknowledging the positive progress, Governor Rwangombwa warned of several potential risks to the economic outlook. These include global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could disrupt international commodity prices, as well as adverse weather conditions in Eastern and Southern Africa.

    “Within the region, we have had challenges in the southern part of Africa, especially Zambia, which was a main supplier of maize to the region. It was hit by drought, and this might affect the process of food in general. But for now, our baseline shows that the inflation remains around 5%,” Governor Rwangombwa stated.

    He added, “With these projected economic fundamentals, the monetary policy committee decided to reduce the monetary policy rate by 50 basis points to 7% from 7.5%, which we had since the last quarter.”

    The decision to reduce the country’s monetary policy rate is expected to make borrowing more affordable compared to last year, encouraging increased spending and investments.

    The headline inflation rate in Rwanda has declined steadily since January 2023 when the rate stood at 20.7 per cent. By the end of the first quarter of 2023, the inflation rate had dropped to 19.3 per cent.

    In April 2023 the inflation rate dropped to 17.8 per cent and declined further to 14.1 in May. By the end of July 2023 the rate was at 11.9 per cent.

    In August the rate increased slightly to 12.3 per cent and 13.9 per cent by the end of September. Since then the rate has been on a downward trend hitting 11.2 per cent in October, 9.2 per cent in November, 6.4 per cent in December, 5.4 per cent in January 2024, 4.9 per cent in February and 4.2 per cent in March.

    NBR Governor John Rwangombwa announced that Rwanda's inflation rate had dropped to 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 from 8.9 per cent registered in the last quarter of 2023.

  • ‘We are on our own’ – Makolo explains Rwanda’s efforts to build professional, strong army

    Speaking during a recent interview with Al Jazeera Net, Makolo said there are more than 200 illegal militia groups in the country that continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda, especially in the eastern part of DRC.

    Makolo explained that the militia includes FDLR group which comprises remnants of the Interehamwe group that fled to Congo after committing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    She said the group, comprising former military officials in Rwanda, fled to the DRC with army weapons and attempted several times to destabilize the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) administration that overthrew the genocidal regime.

    “Let’s go back to 1994. There were militias that committed genocide against the Tutsis here in Rwanda and then fled to the Congo with their weapons, and the French forces allowed them to cross with these weapons… All the weapons they were using here were taken with them, and they were allowed to keep them in refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.

    Makolo lamented that the militia group had for many years used Rwandan civilians as human shields in refugee camps under the watch of the international community.

    “For years after the genocide against the Tutsis, these Rwandan civilians were hostages of the former army and the militias, now known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

    “In the late 1990s, these groups resumed their attacks on Rwanda, and there is evidence of France’s involvement in supporting them with weapons. However, the Rwandan army managed to push them back and thwart their attacks,” she stated.

    According to the official, Rwanda has done everything possible to show the international community that the situation in the eastern DRC was serious, however little has been done to get to the bottom of the problem.

    “We started efforts to convince the international community of the need to support Rwanda in repatriating the refugee civilians to their homeland, instead of leaving them trapped as hostages in camps controlled by armed groups. We had to carry out an operation in the late 1990s and succeeded in bringing back more than two million civilians to Rwanda, some of whom are now deputies and ministers,” Makolo stated.

    “These militias not only pose a significant security threat to us at our borders but also represent an ideological threat advocating the extermination of the Tutsi ethnicity. This ideology is a continuation of the genocide that occurred here in 1994.”

    She insisted that the international community had not learnt any lessons from the 1994 atrocities committed by the groups in Rwanda and revealed efforts by the government to build a strong professional army to protect its people.

    “Unfortunately, they have not learned the lesson. We have come to realize that we are on our own and must do our utmost with the resources we have to ensure the security of our communities and nations.

    “For this reason, we have worked to build a professional and strong army. We also cooperate with regional countries. The lesson we learned is that we must do everything we can and not rely on an international community that has not learned the lesson,” the spokesperson said.

    Makolo emphasized that different methods have been used to solve the problems between Rwanda and DRC, but Congolese leaders lack the political will.

    “There have been several attempts to succeed in political paths, including what was called the Luanda Roadmap, or the Luanda Protocol, or the Luanda Process, but they all lacked the political will to implement them from the republic’s side. There was a second path through what is called the Nairobi Process.

    “The Nairobi Process involves disarming illegal armed groups in the eastern republic, demobilizing them, or integrating them into the army and society. However, this path has stalled. There are also attempts to support the state in reforming its security sector. All these initiatives are essentially political processes, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is determined to take a military path, which is impossible.”

    Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo says the security and well-being of the Rwandan people remain among the top priorities amidst ongoing conflicts along the country's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

  • MTN retains top spot as foreign brands lead African consumer preferences

    According to the organization, which has been tracking Africa’s most admired brands for the last 14 years, despite 64% of Africans expressing confidence in the continent, they remain loyal to non-African brands.

    The top five most admired African brands in 2024 are South African telecommunications group MTN, Nigerian conglomerate Dangote, Zambian consumer group Trade Kings, Nigerian telecommunications group Glo, and South African media group DStv, along with Ethiopian Airlines.

    MTN Group, headquartered in Johannesburg, was ranked eleventh among the top 100 most preferred brands on the continent for the second year in a row, behind some of the world’s biggest brands that have dominated the market for decades.

    Nike from the United States, Adidas (Germany), Samsung (South Korea), Coca-Cola (USA) and Apple (USA) all retained their positions for the fifth consecutive year as the top five most admired brands in Africa.

    Other top 10 brands are Gucci (Italy), Toyota (Japan), Tecno (China), Zara (Spain) and Puma (Germany).

    MTN, Coca Cola and UN/UNICEF were also recognised as leaders in “doing good for society and environment”.

    South Africa (5) and Nigeria (5), along with Ethiopia (1), Zambia (1), Zimbabwe (1), and Tanzania (1), are the only six African nations that make up the 14% share of the top 100 brands.

    Europe retained its 37% share of the top 100, while North America declined by 12.5% to 28%, and Asia grew its share by 23.5% to capture 21% of the African market.

    “While the share of African brands remain a disappointing 14%, with Africans overwhelmingly believing that mostly Africa will contribute to a better Africa, as nations continue to create an enabling environment for African entrepreneurs and the AfcFTA opportunity is realized, it’s just a matter of time, but ultimately the share of African brands will increase,” said Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and chairman of Brand Africa.

    Here is the full list of the top 100 brands in Africa by consumer taste:

    Rank Brand Industry Country Change
    1 Nike Sports & Fitness USA 0
    2 Adidas Sports & Fitness Germany 0
    3 Samsung Electronics/Computers South Korea 0
    4 Coca Cola Non-alcoholic Beverages USA 0
    5 Apple Electronics/Computers USA 0
    6 Gucci Luxury Italy 0
    7 Toyota Auto-Manufacturers Japan 1
    8 Tecno Electronics/Computers China 1
    9 Zara Apparel Spain -2
    10 Puma Sports & Fitness Germany 0
    11 MTN Telecommunications South Africa 0
    12 Vodafone Telecommunications UK 2
    13 Nestle Consumer, non-cyclical Switzerland 3
    14 Pepsi Non-alcoholic Beverages USA -1
    15 LG Electronics/Computers South Korea -3
    16 Louis Vuitton Luxury France 1
    17 Mercedes Benz Auto-Manufacturers Germany -2
    18 Google Technology USA 8
    19 Orange Telecommunications France -1
    20 Airtel Telecommunications India 1
    21 Amazon Technology USA 14
    22 H&M Apparel Sweden -3
    23 Nokia Electronics/Computers Finland 1
    24 BMW Auto-Manufacturers Germany 1
    25 Infinix Electronics/Computers China 4
    26 Sony Electronics/Computers Japan -3
    27 Huawei Electronics/Computers China -5
    28 Dangote Consumer, non-cyclical Nigeria -1
    29 Chanel Luxury France 3
    30 Trade Kings Consumer, non-cyclical Zambia 8
    31 Itel Electronics/Computers China -1
    32 Jordan Sports & Fitness USA 10
    33 Christian Dior Luxury France -5
    34 Unilever Consumer, non-cyclical UK -14
    35 KFC Fastfood/Restaurant USA -2
    36 Glo/Globacom Telecommunications Nigeria 12
    37 Tesla Auto-Manufacturers USA -1
    38 Microsoft Technology USA 8
    39 Nivea Personal Care Germany 22
    40 LC Waikiki Retail Turkey 23
    41 DSTV Media South Africa -1
    42 Lacoste Luxury France -3
    43 Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Ethiopia -2
    44 Hisense Electronics/Computers China 3
    45 Xiaomi Electronics/Computers China 7
    46 Hewlett-Packard/HP Electronics/Computers USA -1
    47 Guinness Alcoholic Beverages Ireland -3
    48 Fanta Non-alcoholic Beverages USA 8
    49 Polo Luxury USA 0
    50 Reebok Sports & Fitness UK 3
    51 Azam group Consumer, non-cyclical Tanzania 9
    52 Jumia Technology Nigeria 2
    53 Ford Auto-Manufacturers USA -3
    54 Versace Luxury Italy -23
    55 Mc Donald's Consumer, non-cyclical USA 13
    56 Blue Band Consumer, non-cyclical UK 16
    57 Econet Telecommunications Zimbabwe 0
    58 Oppo Mobile Electronics/Computers China 6
    59 Colgate Personal Care USA -16
    60 Total Energies Energy France 13
    61 Indomie Noodles Consumer, non-cyclical Indonesia 20
    62 Nasco Brands Consumer, non-cyclical Nigeria 23
    63 Dettol Consumer, non-cyclical UK -26
    64 Bathu Shoes Apparel South Africa -6
    65 Shein Retail China 5
    66 Heineken Consumer, non-cyclical USA 0
    67 Honda Auto-Manufacturers Japan
    68 Shoprite/Checkers Retail South Africa -1
    69 Omo Consumer, non-cyclical UK -14
    70 Rolex Luxury Switserland 4
    71 Land Rover/Range Rover Auto-Manufacturers UK 20
    72 Fila Sports & Fitness Italy 22
    73 Alibaba/express Technology China
    74 Philips Electronics/Computers Netherlands -3
    75 Facebook Technology USA -13
    76 Under Armour Sports & Fitness USA -7
    77 Netflix Technology USA 11
    78 Toshiba Electronics/Computers Japan -3
    79 Sunlight Consumer, non-cyclical UK 20
    80 Shell Energy UK 9
    81 Oraimo Electronics/Computers China 15
    82 Prada Luxury Italy -2
    83 Calvin Klein Apparel USA -1
    84 Nissan/Dacia Auto-Manufacturers Japan -25
    85 Peak Milk Consumer, non-cyclical Nigeria
    86 Volkswagen Auto-Manufacturers Germany 12
    87 Fendi Luxury Italy 6
    88 Lenovo Electronics/Computers China
    89 Oral b Personal Care USA -55
    90 DeFacto Retail Turkey
    91 Vaseline/ Blue seal Personal Care USA
    92 Balenciaga Luxury Spain
    93 Sketchers Apparel USA -10
    94 Woolworths Retail South Africa
    95 Hyundai Auto-Manufacturers South Korea
    96 Converse Allstar Apparel USA 0
    97 Bata Shoes Apparel Switzerland
    98 Dell Electronics/Computers USA -16
    99 Avon Personal Care USA
    100 Always Personal Care USA -10