Shema was elected on Saturday, February 7, during the CECAFA 2026 General Assembly in Djibouti, where member associations chose new leadership and discussed the development of football in the region. Twelve associations attended the assembly, which elected officials to serve four-year terms.
Shema, elected FERWAFA President in August 2025, will join the CECAFA Executive Committee to support sustainable development, enhance regional competitions, and strengthen cooperation with CAF, FIFA, and other stakeholders. He has also recently joined FIFA’s committee tasked with combating racism and discrimination in football.
Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam of Eritrea was elected CECAFA President, with Ali Abdi Mohamed of Somalia as Vice President. South Sudan’s Francis Amin Michael also joins the Executive Committee.
CECAFA’s current members include Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Zanzibar, and South Sudan.
The election comes as CECAFA prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
“The Americans are proposing that the parties end the war by the beginning of this summer, and they will likely exert pressure on the parties in line with this timetable,” Zelensky told reporters.
He suggested that the proposal deadline is linked to the start of the U.S. Congress election campaign.
Currently, there are four documents that will form the basis of security guarantees for Ukraine after the end of the hostilities, Zelensky said.
He said the documents include a security guarantees agreement between Ukraine and the United States, an agreement on the creation of the Coalition of the Willing, a document on prospects for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, and a short framework document that links the other three.
Data from Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) show that coffee imports into Kenya declined by 2.9 percent during the quarter under review, falling from 248.93 tonnes in 2024–2025 to 241.81 tonnes in 2025–2026. Despite the lower volumes, the total value of imports rose by 11.8 percent to $1.64 million, up from $1.47 million a year earlier, reflecting higher prices and changing consumer preferences.
The shift saw Rwanda overtake Uganda as Kenya’s leading coffee supplier during the period. This transition is largely driven by Rwanda’s specialisation in high-quality Arabica coffee, which accounts for approximately 98 percent of its total production. Unlike the bulk Robusta typically sourced from the region, Rwanda’s Arabica is prized for its bright acidity and complex flavour profiles, making it the preferred choice for Kenya’s expanding speciality coffee houses.
With the shift, Rwanda accounted for 43 percent of Kenya’s coffee imports, while Uganda’s coffee exports to Kenya declined from $1.13 million to $0.48 million during the period.
Rwanda’s stronger position in Kenya’s coffee market comes amid a record year for its global coffee exports. In 2025, Rwanda earned more than $148.6 million (about Rwf 216 billion) from coffee exports, the highest level on record, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Export volumes rose by 39 percent year-on-year to 23,860 tonnes of green coffee, while revenues increased by 65 percent compared with 2024, when exports totalled 17,142 tonnes valued at $89.8 million. Higher global prices also supported earnings, with the average export price rising by 19 percent to $6.2 per kilogram.
NAEB said the growth was driven by increased production from newly maturing coffee trees, improved farming practices and sustained investment across the sector. Market expansion efforts, particularly in specialty segments in Europe and North America, also contributed to the gains.
NAEB Chief Executive Claude Bizimana said the 2025 performance puts Rwanda on track to meet its medium-term targets under the second National Strategy for Transformation, which aims to raise coffee exports to 32,000 tonnes and generate $192 million in revenues by 2029.
For farmers, higher export earnings translated into improved returns. In 2025, growers earned an average of Rwf 900 per kilogramme of coffee cherries, above the minimum farm-gate price of Rwf 600 set by NAEB.
In an interview with IGIHE, Talat shared his story with raw honesty. A professional chef with a master’s degree in hospitality from Damascus University, he began his career blending international cuisines and emphasising sensory experiences in food presentation.
“It’s not only about the food, but it’s also about the plates we present,” he explained. “Eyes eat before your mouth.”
In 2003, Talat moved to Dubai, where he worked in restaurants and hotels before joining the cabin crew and travelling the world until 2009. He returned to Syria to start his own business, but his plans were interrupted by mandatory military service between 2009 and 2011, coinciding with the outbreak of the war.
“My life before was very simple: one, two, three, four, like that,” he recalled. “When the war started, the action in my life started.”
As the war escalated, Talat fled Syria and moved to Beirut, Lebanon. There, he worked for Gear Holding and honed his skills while competing against some of Lebanon’s top chefs. He stayed for five years, unsure of how long the war would last.
“I decided to stay close to Syria… we don’t need to be far,” he said. But the war continued far longer than expected.
A brief detour to Cambodia for visa issues led Talat to search for new, welcoming destinations. In late 2016, he discovered Rwanda, a small country in the heart of Africa that he had never heard of before.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” he admitted. During his flight, a cabin crew member reassured him, saying, “You are going to the most beautiful capital in Africa.” Those words calmed his nerves.
Upon arriving in Kigali, Talat experienced something rare for a Syrian passport holder: a genuine welcome. “In airports everywhere, when they see your passport… they look at you like you are someone who’s homeless,” he said. “But here it was a different smile, welcoming, everything was easy. In 30 minutes, they stamped my passport.”
Stepping outside, he felt a sense of “fresh air” and, profoundly, “freedom.” “As a Syrian, we are not free… here I smell the freedom,” he emphasised.
With limited funds, much of his savings lost during Lebanon’s economic crisis, Talat came to Rwanda seeking stability rather than the endless cycle of travel. “I was looking for a home,” he said. “The things I found here… I feel like I’m at home.”
The early days in Rwanda were challenging, as there were few Arabs in Kigali at the time. However, Talat credits two long-time residents, Osama and Mazim (who have since become Rwandan citizens), for helping him find his footing.
“They supported me in all ways… when you learn from successful people, you’ll be successful.”
Talat’s entrepreneurial mindset began to take shape in Rwanda. He noticed a gap in the market: the lack of quality Arabic food. “The challenge was big… there is no Arabic food,” he realised.
This gap led to the creation of Damasquino, a restaurant that combines his Syrian heritage with local Rwandan influences.
Damasquino restaurant at Kimihurura blends cultures with intentionality. The décor merges desert tents and traditional Middle Eastern courtyards with fountains, green farms, and local Rwandan elements.
“We like to mix between desert dirt houses, the tents, and green farms,” Talat explained.
The menu features over 22 dishes that use Rwandan ingredients to recreate authentic Syrian flavours, “real Syrian food… just as you would in the middle of Damascus.”
Beyond food, Talat deeply appreciates Rwanda’s unity, safety, and cleanliness, from the vibrant city of Kigali to its remote villages.
“It’s the same feeling: safe, clean, welcome… like you go to your family house.” He jokingly tells his staff, “If I pass away, just put me to rest here… I want to stay here even in the next life.”
Today, as the founder of Damasquino, Talat is one of the longest-residing Syrians in Rwanda. His story embodies Rwanda’s welcoming spirit and illustrates how one chef transformed his displacement into a cultural bridge, serving food that connects Syria to Africa. For those in Kigali craving a taste of the Middle East with a local twist, Damasquino offers not just a meal, it offers a sense of home to the Syrians.
If you have ever slow danced to “Mon Soleil” or felt your heart skip to the opening notes of “Je Sais,” mark your calendar. Nicole Nérêt, the Martinican artist known to millions as Princess Lover, is coming to Kigali for one unforgettable night.
On Saturday, 14 February 2026, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali will transform into the most romantic destination in the city as Princess Lover takes the stage for “Charmes de St Valentin,” a live concert that promises to fill the evening with zouk rhythms, R&B soul, and the kind of music that makes you reach for someone’s hand.
{{A night made for love
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This is the Season of Love at Mövenpick Kigali, and what better way to celebrate than with live music under the stars? Princess Lover’s voice has soundtracked countless love stories across francophone Africa and the Caribbean. Now, Kigali gets its turn.
Doors open at 6pm, giving guests time to settle in, sip something sparkling, and soak in the atmosphere before the performance begins. Whether you are planning a grand romantic gesture or simply looking for a memorable night out with someone special, this is the kind of evening curated specifically for you.
{{Choose your experience
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The concert offers something for everyone, from couples seeking a complete romantic escape to friends who simply want to dance the night away.
The Single Ticket (RWF 150,000) gives you concert access and a glass of sparkling wine to set the mood. Perfect if you are coming with friends or flying solo.
The Couple Ticket (RWF 250,000) is designed for two. You both get concert access and two bottles of sparkling wine, so you can toast to love before the music begins.
VIP Tables (1,000,000 to 10,000,000 RWF) are the ultimate Valentine’s experience. You will enjoy a private table with premium services, a sumptuous set menu dinner, champagne, and accommodation with breakfast included. Arrive for dinner, stay for the concert, wake up to a leisurely morning. No rushing home, no logistics to worry about.
{{Where Swiss precision and Rwandan warmth meet live entertainment
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Mövenpick Kigali is quickly establishing itself as more than a place to stay. Sitting on the historic grounds of the former Hotel Umubano, the hotel is becoming a destination for culture, cuisine, and now, world-class live music. This concert marks another chapter in that story.
{{Book now
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Packages are limited, and Valentine’s Day waits for no one. Purchase your tickets online at [bossplayakigali.sinc.events/les-charme-2508->https://bossplayakigali.sinc.events/les charme-2508] or call +250 788 211 515 or +250 788 651 818 to reserve.
Some evenings are meant to be remembered. This is one of them.
Speaking on the second day of the National Umushyikirano Council at the Kigali Convention Centre, Minister Nduhungirehe said that while more than 10 peace agreements have been signed since 2000, including accords in Washington and Doha, and over 20 UN Security Council resolutions adopted, their implementation has been consistently ignored.
“We don’t lack legal instruments. We don’t lack forces on the ground. MONUSCO has been present for more than 26 years. What we lack is political will and good faith,” he said on Friday.
The minister explained that the absence of political will exists at two levels: within the DRC government in Kinshasa, which has repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, and among the international community, which has failed to hold violators accountable. He highlighted attacks on civilians, including villages of Banyamulenge in South Kivu, and the use of civilian airports to launch strikes as examples of ongoing violations.
“What we lack is political will and good faith […] Everything that is happening on the ground, we have informed the international community. We have informed the UN Security Council. We have informed the mediators,” he added.
The remarks came alongside insights from Rwandan lawyer Gatete Nyiringabo, who highlighted the continued targeting and stigmatisation of Tutsi communities in the DRC. He cited incidents of hate speech and incitement to violence, including statements by a Congolese army spokesperson warning against intermarriage with Tutsi women. Nyiringabo stressed the importance of proactively using international legal instruments to protect rights and counter impunity.
“Even though we might not have so much faith in international instruments, we have to be more proactive to optimise them and make our rights respected,” he said, citing incidents in the DRC where Rwanda often remains silent in the face of attacks or hate speech.
At the forum, Minister Nduhungirehe also reassured Rwandans of the country’s security. Echoing President Paul Kagame’s statements, he emphasised that the ongoing conflict in the DRC is an internal Congolese matter and that Rwanda has not instigated it. He reaffirmed that Rwanda supports the full implementation of peace agreements, the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group, and the restoration of lasting regional stability.
“Rwanda is secure. The country is protected. Rwandans should go about their lives and sleep peacefully. We have put in place defence measures, some of which you have seen intercepting incoming shells, and others. All are designed to protect Rwanda and its people, so that we can continue pursuing our development goals,” he said.
Speaking during a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE at his studio, the Afro-fusion and drill artist opened up about his creative process, the message behind his trending single Treasure, and his steady rise as one of Rwanda’s leading new-generation artists.
“This is where I feel the happiest, the safest, the most me,” Logan Joe said as he worked on new music. “When I’m in the studio making music, if I die here right now, I would go to heaven.”
Asked whether that would be “with a smile,” he responded simply: “A smile and go to heaven.”
{{A career shaped by sound, not pressure
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Logan Joe broke through in 2020 and quickly became a familiar name on major concert stages, collaborating with artists including Ish Kevin, Kenny K-Shot, Kivumbi King, and producer Kina Beat. His growing catalogue includes popular tracks such as Kibonumwe, Ibitambo, Whatever, and Treasure.
He says adjusting to the Rwandan music industry was never a challenge.
“I wasn’t trying to prove anything to random people that I can do music,” he explained. “I was just focused on finding the best of my art and proving to myself that I can get what I want.”
That inward focus has become a defining trait of his career, especially as his sound, known for blending Kinyarwanda with modern trap and drill beats, continues to gain traction.
{{Treasure and the message of self-worth
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Released in late 2025, Treasure has been trending heavily and is widely seen as one of Logan Joe’s most personal songs to date. According to the artist, the track is about self-validation in a culture that often looks outward for approval.
“I wanted people to know they can be their own treasure,” he said. “Don’t stress your mind searching for validation from someone else. Maybe the treasure you’re looking for is already within you.”
When asked whether he considers himself a treasure, he answered without hesitation: “Yeah. That was the message.”
The response from listeners, he added, has been overwhelming, with many fans telling him his music helped lift them during difficult moments.
“That makes me want to connect with them even more,” he said. “That’s the only thing I want, for people to feel the music the way I intend it.”
{{Inside Logan Joe’s creative process
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Despite his emotional sound, Logan Joe says songwriting is often decided in the first few seconds.
“The hardest part is the first line,” he said. “Once I get it and I know what the song is about, then the whole song is done. The first line defines everything.”
After long studio sessions, he keeps recovery simple. “I sleep,” he said. “A long, long sleep.”
He also describes himself as an introvert, though he insists there’s another side of him yet to be seen.
“They’d be surprised to see me dance,” he said, laughing. “I’m a good dancer, but I haven’t made the right song for my moves yet.”
{{What’s next
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During the interview, Logan Joe was also recorded working on an unreleased love song titled One in a Million, teasing new material expected soon.
Building on Rwanda’s pioneering 2016 launch of the world’s first national drone delivery service, the new deal expands Zipline’s operations to full nationwide coverage, introduces Africa’s first urban drone delivery network, and establishes the continent’s first autonomous delivery testing centre.
Under the expansion, Rwanda will also become the first country in Africa to deploy Zipline’s next-generation urban delivery system, Platform 2 (P2), designed for fast, quiet and highly precise deliveries in dense cities such as Kigali, where nearly 40 per cent of national healthcare demand is concentrated.
The system is already in use in the United States, delivering thousands of items daily to homes, offices and public spaces.
Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the partnership reflects Rwanda’s long-term commitment to using technology to improve public services and save lives.
“Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people,” Ingabire said. “We have seen the extraordinary impact of drone delivery in saving time, saving money and saving lives. With this partnership, we are expanding to urban delivery and reaching even more communities. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline’s expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa’s future in healthcare and innovation.”
As part of the agreement, Zipline will establish a new long-range distribution hub in Karongi District, complementing its existing centres in Muhanga and Kayonza. The Karongi hub will extend delivery services to districts beyond the Nyungwe Forest, including communities near Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Within Rwanda, the facility is expected to serve about 200 health posts and 60 major health facilities, reaching more than 2.9 million people.
With the addition of the new hub and the rollout of urban services, Zipline’s nationwide network in Rwanda will cover more than 11 million people and support approximately 350 local jobs. The Karongi site, built near the Rwanda–DRC border, has also been described as a symbol of cooperation and peace between the two countries.
Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton said Rwanda’s approach to innovation continues to set a global benchmark.
“In 2016, Rwanda made a decision that changed health access forever,” Burton said. “Rwanda did not ask whether it had been done before. It asked whether it could work and whether it could save lives. Today, Rwanda is doing it again. This is a global first — not because the technology exists, but because the leadership exists.”
She added that Rwanda’s leadership was a key reason the U.S. Government is backing the expansion and why Zipline is investing beyond its contract in research, technology and high-skill jobs in the country.
In another first, the agreement includes the establishment of Zipline’s first overseas research and development hub in Rwanda. The new AI and robotics testing facility will support aircraft performance testing, development of new safety systems and next-generation logistics software, while also contributing to local skills development and innovation.
Pierre Kayitana, Zipline Rwanda’s Country Director, said the expansion creates a single, integrated logistics system serving all Rwandans.
“Rwanda pioneered autonomous logistics for the world,” Kayitana said. “With the addition of a third hub and upcoming urban services in Kigali, Rwanda is creating a seamless national system that serves all citizens equally.”
Under the financing model, the U.S. Government will provide upfront infrastructure funding to enable the scale-up, while the Government of Rwanda will cover ongoing operations. Officials say the approach ensures the expansion is financially sustainable, nationally owned and fully integrated into Rwanda’s broader strategy for resilient, technology-driven healthcare.
Since its launch, Zipline’s drone delivery network in Rwanda has provided on-demand access to blood, vaccines and essential medicines, significantly reducing waste and improving health outcomes. According to Zipline, the system has contributed to a 51 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and strengthened real-time health data integration with national emergency response systems.
The Head of State made the remarks during the 20th edition of Umushyikirano, Rwanda’s National Dialogue Council.
“The UN is everybody, but at the same time it is nobody. The international community is all of us, but actually it is none of us when it comes to some of these problems,” Kagame said, arguing that the lack of clear accountability often leaves Rwanda unfairly blamed for issues it did not create.
Kagame highlighted the persistent threat posed by the FDLR militia, formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He noted that while some claim that the fighters are ageing, the ideology is passed down through generations, creating a continuous security risk.
“I meet ambassadors and ministers who ask how many Interahamwe or FDLR are in Congo. […] If you say they are 90 years old, it means they are there. But when children are trained, taught this ideology, and become fighters, how does being 90 years old make the problem irrelevant?” he said.
“The easiest answer for me sometimes is: why don’t you ask the UN forces you put there?” he added.
He also cited the ongoing hate speech from Congolese leaders that perpetuates genocide ideology.
“Even if you think there are few who give such a speech, there are millions who are listening, and among them, they are recruited into that and they become part of the threat that Rwanda faces,” Kagame said.
The President expressed frustration with global actors who, he said, simultaneously create problems that worsen regional tensions. He suggested that this approach has emboldened some leaders, including DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, to continue aggressive rhetoric and policies against Rwanda.
“You can’t create problems for me, blame me for them, and then start threatening me. It’s a daily thing,” he said.
Addressing accusations about the alleged presence of Rwandan forces in the Congo, Kagame dismissed claims that the country is motivated by minerals, saying its posture along the DRC border is purely defensive.
“If we were in Congo for minerals, we would be a hundred times richer than we are now… the threats coming from Congo to do with our security have materialised several times. You just don’t want to see it, you don’t want to hear it,” he said.
He urged the international community to hold the responsible parties accountable rather than placing the burden on Rwanda.
“Congo must own their responsibilities and must not transfer their responsibilities to others who are not responsible for Congo,” Kagame said, stressing that Rwanda’s defensive measures are aimed at protecting its people, not pursuing aggression.
The President concluded by emphasising that solutions exist if the root causes of regional instability are addressed.
“If you address the root causes and simply put responsibility where it belongs and accountability, I think this problem can be resolved,” he said.
The December outturn capped a solid year for the formal industrial sector, with average annual growth recorded at 6.5 percent. The IIP measures short-term changes in industrial output and covers mining, manufacturing, electricity, and water and waste management activities, excluding construction.
Electricity recorded the strongest growth among major sectors, rising by 13.3 percent year-on-year, reflecting increased power generation and supply. Manufacturing output grew by 5.5 percent, while water and waste management activities expanded by 8.0 percent. Mining and quarrying also posted growth of 4.8 percent over the same period.
Within manufacturing, performance was mixed across sub-sectors. Output of beverages and tobacco increased by 9.7 percent, while textiles, clothing and leather goods rose by 9.0 percent, contributing positively to overall industrial growth. Non-metallic mineral products, which include construction-related materials such as cement, also grew by 5.7 percent.
However, food processing declined by 2.0 percent in December, while production of metal products, machinery and equipment fell by 1.2 percent, partly offsetting gains in other manufacturing activities.
Manufacturing remains the dominant component of Rwanda’s industrial sector, accounting for 68.1 percent of total industrial output, followed by mining and quarrying at 15.8 percent and electricity at 12.8 percent. Electricity made the largest contribution to annual industrial growth, reflecting both its strong expansion and significant sector weight.
The December 2025 figures are compiled using a newly rebased IIP series, with 2024 adopted as the new base year to better reflect structural changes in the economy. NISR noted that rebasing improves the relevance of the index by capturing the growing importance of newer and faster-expanding industries.
