President Xi Jinping highlighted the country’s rapid development and social stability over the past seven decades, attributing these achievements to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the efforts of the Chinese people, and support from foreign businesses.
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness, stating that foreign investment has been integral to the nation’s economic expansion, job creation, and technological advancement.
He assured that China’s welcoming stance toward foreign capital remains unchanged, offering vast market potential, policy stability, and a secure business environment.
Outlining China’s focus on high-quality development, Xi emphasised green, digital, and smart transformation as key priorities, positioning the country as an ideal destination for investment. He also reiterated China’s commitment to fair competition, legal protections, and equal treatment for foreign enterprises.
Calling for multinational companies to support economic globalisation, Xi urged them to uphold the multilateral trading system and contribute to global supply chain stability.
The meeting, attended by over 40 global CEOs—including leaders from FedEx, Mercedes-Benz, Sanofi, and HSBC—underscored China’s role as a stabilising force in the global economy.
Meanwhile, business leaders praised China’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding investments in the country.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh, who commended the trainees for their dedication and perseverance throughout the rigorous programme.
In his address, General Mubarakh underscored the significance of the training in fortifying national defense. He highlighted that the knowledge and skills acquired would enable the troops to effectively safeguard Rwanda’s territorial integrity and respond to evolving security threats.
He further urged the graduates to apply their training diligently in their assigned duties, emphasising that discipline remains a crucial pillar in ensuring excellence across all fields of military service.
The comprehensive training covered a range of critical subjects, including marksmanship, tactical manoeuvres, command and control, martial arts, physical fitness, and heliborne operations. These competencies are expected to enhance the RDF’s operational capabilities and readiness.
The successful completion of the training reflects Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to building a well-prepared and professional military force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
The earthquake hit the southeast Asian country on Friday, with Mandalay, Bago, Magway, the northeastern Shan state, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit regions.
A Chinese rescue team arrived at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on Saturday afternoon to assist in disaster relief efforts.
According to Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, the high-level discussions focused on leveraging technology to accelerate development.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean Guy Afrika and members of the Government of Rwanda Steering Committee attended the talks.
“Honoured to welcome H.E Sir Tony Blair, heading a delegation of @InstituteGC senior leadership in Africa, who were in Kigali to meet with the Government of Rwanda Steering Committee. The meeting discussed the partnership between the Tony Blair Institute and the Government of Rwanda, and explored collaborations on technology to accelerate development,” the minister said in a statement.
Blair, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, has been actively involved in Rwanda’s development since 2008, when he became an advisor to the government. Through the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI), later integrated into the Tony Blair Institute, his team has worked to improve service delivery, attract investment, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Key areas of partnership have included strategic capacity building, economic transformation, and investment promotion.
The Tony Blair Institute has played a role in advancing Rwanda’s development agenda, supporting initiatives like the Strategic Capacity Building Initiative (SCBI) and aiding in infrastructure and digital economy reforms.
Blair, who has praised Rwanda’s governance model in the past, has actively promoted the country as a leading destination for investment in Africa. His efforts have contributed to initiatives such as the expansion of electricity access and technology-driven economic growth.
Saturday’s meeting underscored the continued commitment to deepening collaboration, particularly in the tech sector, as Rwanda positions itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation.
Further details on new initiatives from the meeting are expected to emerge as discussions progress between the Tony Blair Institute and the Government of Rwanda.
The first edition of the hackathon was held in September last year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Rwanda’s tech landscape, led by Irembo—a company renowned for digitizing and streamlining government services through innovative digital platforms.
The 2025 team comprises 63 young and ambitious software engineers from diverse backgrounds, working in groups of two to four, eager to leave their mark in the annals of technology.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the hackathon at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama, Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, rallied the participants to seize the moment and push boundaries to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in society.
“This is your chance to show the world what you’re capable of,” Djomga declared. “Take these 48 hours, use the latest AI tools, and build solutions that don’t just win prizes but change lives—because that’s where the true value lies.”
He noted that the participating teams were selected from more than 80 submissions, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for AI innovation in Rwanda. This rigorous preselection process narrowed the pool down to 20 standout teams with a total of 63 participants.
The hackathon’s timing is strategic, aligning with Rwanda’s upcoming inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa, scheduled for April 3-4, 2025.
Djomga explained that hosting the event now positions Irembo as a key player in the nation’s artificial intelligence landscape, amplifying the country’s push to become a regional tech hub.
“We’re setting the stage for the Summit,” he remarked, “showing that Rwanda isn’t just following global trends—we’re shaping them, starting with these innovators right here.”
In developing practical AI solutions, the participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies. Teams will also have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI models for voice-enabled applications.
Other sponsors of the event include the World Economic Forum (WEF), RSSB, and Digital Umuganda, among others.
Coding for the projects is expected to close at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, when the participants will submit their projects. Presentations of the solutions to a panel of distinguished judges will then commence and conclude by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
After the evaluations, the winners will be announced and awarded during a ceremony to be held later that evening at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama.
The stakes are higher this year, with the top prize remaining at 5 million Rwandan francs, while second place has increased to 3 million, up from 2 million in the first edition, and third place now stands at 2 million, up from 1 million.
Beyond the cash rewards, all participants gain invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance for career boosts. Djomga noted that last year’s winner, Cedric Izabayo, joined Irembo—a hint at potential paths for this year’s standouts—while emphasizing that the true goal is crafting solutions to streamline digital services.
As Rwanda races toward its National Strategy for Transformation goal of a million developers by 2030, this 48-hour hackathon is a microcosm of that ambition. Djomga framed it as a quality-driven effort: “It’s not about the number—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Participants like Hirwa Venuste, a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with over a decade of tech experience, see it as a chance to make a mark.
“I’m excited to create something the community can benefit from—AI can solve so many problems today,” he told IGIHE.
Likewise, Kerianne Nabampema, a graduating Carnegie Mellon University student, aims to inspire: “I’m a go-getter—I had this crazy idea, and I want to show what’s possible, especially for women in tech.”
By Sunday evening, the efforts of these ambitious tech enthusiasts will not only crown new winners but also shine a spotlight on Rwanda’s rising tech stars in the fast-paced tech industry.
The engagement, held at the Serena Hotel in Goma, brought together military chiefs from SADC and AFC/M23, was announced through a joint statement signed by Major General Sultani Makenga, representing AFC/M23, and Major General Ibrahim M. Mhona, representing SADC and the Army Defence sub-committee.
The agreement outlined immediate steps for the withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, who will leave with their weapons and equipment while ensuring that all FARDC weapons and equipment remain behind.
AFC/M23 also committed to coordinating the freedom of movement for SAMIDRC troops in preparation for their withdrawal, in accordance with principles agreed upon during the meeting.
To further support this process, SADC military chiefs and AFC/M23 agreed to conduct a Joint Technical team assessment to evaluate the readiness of Goma International Airport for reopening, with SADC offering assistance in repairing the airport to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of troops.
The meeting, attended by senior defence officials from across the SADC region, included General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force; Lieutenant General Geoffrey C. Zyeele, Commander of the Zambia Army; Major General Saiford Kalisha, representing the Chief of Defence Force of Malawi; and Major General Ibrahim Michael Mhona, representing the Chief of Defence Forces of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Also present were Professor Kula I. Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs at SADC, Major General Sultani Makenga, Military Coordinator of AFC/M23 and Chief of Defence Forces of ARC, Brigadier General Bernard Byamungu, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of ARC, and Bahati Musanga Erasto, Governor of North Kivu Province.
In addition to troop withdrawal and airport rehabilitation, the agreement highlighted the need for a follow-up meeting between SADC and AFC/M23 at a mutually agreed venue and date to monitor the progress of these commitments.
Both parties expressed their gratitude for the efforts made by SADC and AFC/M23 leadership to facilitate the engagement, emphasizing that the agreement marks a crucial step toward a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
Following the meeting, M23’s military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, shared a video capturing a lighthearted moment with SAMIDRC troops, who hugged and cheered him.
In the video, the troops affectionately gave him the nickname “Quickly,” a reference to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries who had turned into prisoners of war (POWs) in Goma.
M23’s Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma shared a light moment with SAMIDRC troops who hugged and cheered him, even giving him the nickname “Quickly”, a nod to the day he swiftly oversaw the eviction of European mercenaries turned POWs in Goma. pic.twitter.com/xowxgacCrH
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente announced on Friday, March 27, 2025, the construction of a steel and metal-processing plant in Musanze, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes. The factory is expected to supply essential raw materials to other industries, aligning with the government’s vision of boosting industrial productivity.
Speaking before both chambers of Parliament, Dr. Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing industrial output and exports to achieve sustainable economic growth. He noted that many industries in Rwanda currently operate below their full capacity, and the government is determined to change this through strategic investments and support mechanisms.
To further support local industries, the government is establishing a RWF 500 billion fund to assist private sector players in expanding manufacturing exports and mineral extraction. A key focus is on the cement industry, which heavily relies on imported clinker.
Research has confirmed that clinker can be produced locally in northern Rwanda, particularly in Musanze. This move is expected to help Rwanda save over $4.5 million per month in import costs.
In the steel sector, the new Musanze-based factory will not only increase local production but also supply essential raw materials to existing manufacturers.
“This new factory will have a processing capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year. It will play a crucial role in meeting domestic market demand and eliminating the need for costly imports,” Dr. Ngirente stated.
The project is expected to create about 1,000 jobs and enhance Rwanda’s export potential in the steel sector.
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Rwanda is also taking significant steps to develop its textile industry following the ban on second-hand clothing imports. The government is committed to supporting the establishment of new textile industries and strengthening existing ones to ensure all Rwandans have access to locally made, affordable clothing.
“We currently do not have enough locally produced clothing, so we must intensify efforts to ensure that textile industries can manufacture clothing for all Rwandans at competitive prices,” Dr. Ngirente said.
To further promote the sector, the government will facilitate access to diverse markets, helping the country save approximately RWF 20 billion that was previously spent on imported garments. This initiative is also expected to create thousands of jobs, aligning with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) goal of generating 250,000 jobs annually.
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In addition to textiles and steel, the government is prioritizing the edible oil industry, recognizing its potential to generate substantial revenue within a short period.
“Enhancing our cooking oil production will enable us to save approximately $100 million annually,” Dr. Ngirente stated.
The expansion strategy also includes advancing Rwanda’s wood-processing sector and establishing a leather processing park in Bugesera. The leather facility is expected to generate $430 million annually, significantly contributing to the country’s export earnings.
Rwanda’s agro-processing sector remains the largest industrial segment, comprising 85 large-scale and 908 small-scale enterprises. The country also hosts 91 major manufacturers of various products, alongside 398 small-scale producers. Additionally, 38 large and 82 small construction material manufacturers operate within Rwanda.
With these industrial developments, Rwanda is positioning itself as a key player in regional and international markets while significantly reducing its reliance on imports.
The government’s investment in industrial growth is expected to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and improve the country’s trade balance in the years to come.
Dr. Ngirente shared the update on Friday, March 27, 2025, as he addressed members of parliament.
He revealed that in 2024, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan, generating $99 million, while 4,861 tonnes of cassiterite earned $96 million. Wolfram exports stood at 2,741 tonnes, contributing $36 million, while gold remained the dominant mineral, generating $1.5 billion from 19,397 kilograms.
The Prime Minister highlighted Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to boost mineral exports, particularly by shifting focus to processed minerals since 2020. He dismissed claims that Rwanda has limited mineral deposits, stating that resources are spread across different parts of the country.
Dr. Ngirente attributed the increase in mineral exports to four key factors, including the modernisation of mining operations, which has moved away from traditional extraction methods. He further noted that the government has invested in advanced machinery and expertise to improve production efficiency while ensuring environmentally sustainable practices.
Additionally, the Prime Minister said Rwanda has recently discovered new minerals such as lithium and beryllium, which are in high demand globally, particularly for electric vehicle batteries.
“The volume of production has increased, and new minerals such as lithium and beryllium have been discovered. These are highly sought after globally,” he said.
Investment in the mining sector has also increased significantly, rising from $25 million in 2010 to $121 million in 2023. Dr Ngirente said this growth reflects a structured and strategic approach to developing the industry.
He emphasised that Rwanda is prioritising value addition before exporting minerals, with three processing plants now operational.
Gasabo Gold Refinery has the capacity to process 96 tonnes of gold annually, while LuNa Smelter refines 360 tonnes of cassiterite per month. Additionally, Power Resources International Ltd processes 120 tonnes of coltan every month.
The organisers of the event announced its postponement on Thursday night, saying, “A new date will be announced very soon.”
“Those unable to attend will, of course, be refunded,” the statement added.
The April 7 date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community, and the concert has raised concerns that it could undermine the significance of the commemoration.
The police had earlier in the day heeded the call to stop the event following a letter from Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who cited the potential for public disorder.
The mayor had indicated that the concert’s timing was inappropriate, given the sensitive nature of the date.
Responding to the mayor’s concerns on Thursday, the police stated that the city’s police chief, Laurent Nunez, would request the concert’s rescheduling due to these concerns or face a ban.
“The Prefect of Police, Laurent Nunez, will ask the organizers to reschedule the concert to a date other than April 7th, due to the risk of public order disturbances. If not, the Prefect of Police will initiate a procedure to ban the event,” the police department said in a statement on X.
The organizers of the event had claimed that the concert was meant to raise funds for children affected by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and representatives of survivor organizations had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.
Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled Congolese performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.
UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, had already distanced itself from the event, citing the significance of the date.
Addressing the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Nduhungirehe condemned the failure to hold Kinshasa accountable for its role in fueling the crisis and defended Rwanda’s border security measures as necessary for national protection.
Minister Nduhungirehe accused the UN and its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of perpetuating a misleading narrative that places disproportionate blame on Rwanda while ignoring key factors contributing to instability in eastern DRC.
He highlighted that, despite repeated evidence of the DRC integrating fighters from the FDLR genocidal militia—linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—into its national army, international actors continue to turn a blind eye.
“The conflict was not started by Rwanda, yet the burden has been placed squarely on our shoulders,” Nduhungirehe stated. “The failure to hold the DRC accountable for its governance failures and alliances with violent groups only exacerbates the crisis.”
Nduhungirehe emphasised that one of the root causes of the instability is the continued presence of the FDLR militia in the eastern DRC. According to the minister, the group has engaged in ethnic massacres, child soldier recruitment, and cross-border attacks, yet international actors fail to acknowledge its impact.
“The recent capture and handover of FDLR commanders, including a senior figure, further confirms the DRC government’s support for this group,” he noted, accusing Kinshasa of equipping and funding these forces.
Another major issue raised was the long-standing persecution of Congolese Tutsi and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in eastern DRC. Nduhungirehe described this as a consequence of deep-seated ethnic discrimination stemming from colonial history.
“As a result of systemic persecution, hundreds of thousands of Congolese Tutsi remain displaced, forced to seek refuge in Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond,” he said, calling for an end to targeted violence against these communities.
In a scathing critique, Nduhungirehe pointed to MONUSCO’s long-standing failure to neutralise armed groups in eastern DRC, despite operating as the UN’s most expensive peacekeeping mission for over 25 years.
“In 2013, this very Council adopted Resolution 2098, mandating Monusco’s Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) to eliminate all armed groups, including the FDLR. However, instead of fulfilling this obligation, Monusco focused its military efforts almost exclusively on M23, leaving the FDLR to operate with impunity,” he asserted.
The minister also denounced MONUSCO’s alleged direct involvement in military operations alongside the DRC army and European mercenaries, some of whom were forced to return home after the capture of Goma by the M23 rebels.
“Not only has Monusco failed in its mission, but it has also placed itself in a position of belligerence,” he added.
Responding to criticism of Rwanda’s defensive actions along the border, Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda will not compromise its national security.
“Our defensive measures will remain in place until there is a credible framework for long-term security guarantees,” he affirmed, rejecting any suggestion that Rwanda should lower its guard while its borders remain threatened.
Despite his criticisms, Nduhungirehe welcomed recent efforts to advance a political resolution, particularly the recent joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which seeks to merge existing peace processes. He expressed Rwanda’s full support for these African-led initiatives and urged the international community to do the same.
“A sustainable political solution with long-term security guarantees for Rwanda will allow us to get back to the serious and urgent work of developing our country and integrating our region together with our neighbors,” he remarked.
