Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Rwanda joins global cybercrime treaty

According to a statement from the Council of Europe, the accession was formalized on January 10, 2025, when Rwanda deposited the instrument of accession to both the Convention (ETS 185) and its Additional Protocol (ETS 189).

The Budapest Convention, established by the Council of Europe in 2001, is the foremost international treaty aimed at combating cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, enhancing investigative techniques, and fostering international cooperation.

The Additional Protocol, effective since 2006, mandates the criminalization of distributing racist and xenophobic material through computer systems, as well as threats and insults motivated by such biases.

Rwanda’s journey toward this milestone began in October 2023, when it was invited to accede to the Convention. Subsequently, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT, with support from the Council of Europe’s GLACY-e project, initiated reforms to align its domestic legislation with international standards. This included drafting amendments to the existing Law on Prevention and Punishment of Cybercrimes to ensure compliance with the Convention’s provisions.

The Council of Europe, an international organization with the goal of upholding human rights and democracy, has expressed its commitment to continue supporting Rwanda in implementing the Convention’s measures.

The collaboration is expected to enhance Rwanda’s capabilities in combating cybercrime and facilitate more effective international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.

Rwanda’s accession reflects a growing commitment among African nations to tackle cybercrime through international collaboration. By joining the Budapest Convention and its Additional Protocol, Rwanda strengthens its legal framework against cybercrime and aligns with global efforts to promote a safer and more secure cyberspace.

South Africa was the first African country to sign the treaty in 2001, though it has not yet ratified it. Mauritius followed in 2004, committing to strengthening cybersecurity.

Additionally, Nigeria and Kenya have expressed interest in expanding their cybercrime legislation and are expected to play significant roles in the future of African cybersecurity. Other African countries that have joined the Convention include Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, all contributing to regional cooperation in tackling cybercrime.

Other notable countries from around the world that are part of the Convention include Russia, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. These countries, alongside several European nations like France, Germany, and Italy, and North American powers like the United States, continue to collaborate through the Convention, strengthening international ties and advancing collective efforts to combat cyber threats.

January 16, 2025
Wharton MBA students visit Rwanda to explore leadership and governance lessons

Founded in 1881, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is the world’s first collegiate business school. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and focus on practical applications, Wharton is a global leader in business education, excelling in fields such as finance, analytics, and innovation.

Led by Professor Katherine Klein and Eric Kacou, the group is in Kigali for the 11th Wharton Global Modular Course on Rwanda, titled “Conflict, Leadership, and Change: Lessons from Rwanda.” The course examines the transformative policies, governance, and leadership practices that have propelled Rwanda’s remarkable progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

As part of their visit, the students met with President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, for discussions on Rwanda’s development trajectory and leadership principles.

President Kagame, who led the Rwandan Patriot Front (RPF) to end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, is widely credited with spearheading Rwanda’s recovery and transformation. Under his leadership, the country has achieved notable economic growth, political stability, and social development milestones.

Since 2000, Rwanda has maintained an annual GDP growth rate of approximately 7-8%, making it one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Kagame’s policies emphasize national reconciliation, poverty reduction, improved healthcare and education, and gender equality.

The country’s achievements include a significant decline in poverty rates, which fell from 60.4% in 2000 to 38.2% in 2017, while extreme poverty dropped from 40% to 16% over the same period.

Universal health insurance coverage expanded dramatically from 43.3% in 2005 to 97.3% in 2022, greatly enhancing healthcare access. Additionally, access to electricity grew from 4.3% in 2005 to 61% in 2022, while the proportion of households using improved sanitation facilities increased from 58.5% in 2005 to 72% in 2022.

January 16, 2025
Rwanda’s tea export revenue soars

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) Annual Report, the revenue growth occurred despite a 2% decrease in production volume, dropping from more than 39,000 tonnes to 38,460 tonnes. The success is attributed to improved tea quality and favourable global market prices.

“Certain tea clones exhibit site-specific adaptation, allowing us to produce exceptional quality,” the report reads.

Clones such as TRFK301/4, TRFK475, and TRFK303/577 were identified as top performers, contributing to productivity gains.

The average price per kilogram of tea was $2.98, up from $2.76 the previous year.

Data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) indicates that Rwanda’s tea was exported to 47 countries during 2023/2024.

The leading market for Rwandan tea was Pakistan, which imported over 9,194 tonnes, accounting for nearly 24% of the total export volume. This generated approximately $27.5 million.

The United Kingdom followed closely, purchasing 5,669 tonnes, or 14.7% of the total volume, for just over $17 million. Other major buyers included Egypt, which imported 4,259 tonnes (11% of the total) valued at $12.7 million; Kazakhstan, which took 3,996 tonnes (10.3%) for $11.9 million; and Ireland, which purchased 3,352 tonnes (8.7%) for $10 million.

Other markets included the United Arab Emirates, which bought 1,366 tonnes (3.5%) worth around $4 million, Russia with 1,270 tonnes (3.3%) for $3.8 million, and Sudan with 1,154 tonnes (3%) valued at $3.4 million. Turkey and India were also notable buyers, importing 1,049 tonnes (2.7%) and 823 tonnes (2.1%), respectively, generating $3 million and $2.4 million in revenue.

In contrast, Rwanda’s coffee export revenue experienced a significant decline of 32.1%, dropping to $78.71 million in 2023/2024. Export volumes also fell by 17.9%, reflecting challenges such as climate variability, global price fluctuations, and production inefficiencies.

The report highlights efforts to address these challenges, including the development of 44 new coffee hybrids and 28 fixed varieties aimed at improving yields and resilience.

“The most promising hybrids are now positioned to meet both farmer and market requirements, offering a path to increased incomes and competitiveness,” the report states.

To address soil nutrient variability and improve coffee productivity, MINAGRI implemented site-specific fertilizer recommendations across key coffee-growing regions. Additionally, 3,500 kilograms of genetically pure coffee seeds were distributed, with an expected yield of about 14.7 million seedlings.

These initiatives align with the government’s NST1 target of increasing coffee yields from 2.8 kilograms per tree to at least 4 kilograms per tree.

The contrasting performances of tea and coffee exports highlight the need for tailored strategies in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

“Educating farmers on the right dosage, source, placement, and timing of fertilizer application will maximize crop responses and ensure a positive return on investment,” the report emphasizes.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the sector’s future.

“With continued collaboration and support, we will overcome challenges and achieve our shared vision for agricultural transformation,” he wrote in the report’s foreword.

January 15, 2025
New satellite to support Rwanda’s agricultural research launched into orbit

Among these was TROLL, a satellite developed by the Czech Republic’s TRL Space, which specializes in small CubeSat satellites. TRL Space also operates a branch in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.

The TROLL satellite will orbit Earth in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region, approximately 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, a common orbit due to its proximity to Earth.
While in orbit, TROLL will partner with the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to gather valuable data on Rwandan crops, supporting research to enhance agricultural productivity.

Beyond Rwanda, the satellite will aid efforts to monitor deforestation and human activities that damage soil and water in the Czech Republic.

Through collaboration with the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO), it will also collect data on rising temperatures and sea levels surrounding the Maldives.

The technology developed for TROLL will play a key role in the creation of a similar satellite being built in Rwanda.

The upcoming Rwandan satellite, equipped with advanced sensors that capture a wide colour spectrum, will provide precise data on crops, soil health, and other environmental factors.

According to Petr Kapoum, CEO of TRL Space Rwanda, the Rwandan satellite is expected to be completed by June 2026, 20 months after October 2024.

Once ready, it will be shipped to the United States for launch from either the Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral in Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

This project highlights Rwanda’s growing role in space technology and its commitment to leveraging space innovations for sustainable agricultural and environmental solutions.

January 15, 2025
SpaceX launches two lunar landers to Moon

The mission, which departed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:11 a.m. EST, is carrying a suite of NASA scientific instruments and technology demonstrations designed to advance the Artemis program’s goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

The landers, part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, are set to touch down on the Moon on Sunday, March 2, near Mons Latreille in the Mare Crisium region—a vast basin on the Moon’s near side.

The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, includes NASA’s largest payload delivery to the Moon to date. It features cutting-edge instruments designed to study the Moon’s surface, its geological history, and its environment.

The technologies will also address challenges such as radiation protection, lunar dust mitigation, and navigation to ensure future astronauts’ safety and success.

Key features of the mission include instruments designed to explore subsurface thermal activity, analyze lunar soil, test radiation-tolerant computing, and study the effects of rocket landings on the Moon’s surface.

The data collected from the experiments could not only advance lunar exploration but also enhance our understanding of how cosmic forces impact Earth.

“These instruments represent the next step in leveraging what we learned during the Apollo Era,” said Nicola Fox, NASA’s associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. “This mission ensures we’re prepared for the next generation of lunar explorers.”

The payloads will contribute to NASA’s broader goals under the Artemis program, including sustainable exploration and preparation for crewed missions to Mars. By leveraging commercial partnerships like CLPS, NASA is accelerating progress toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface and establishing a permanent presence.

“This mission reflects the strength of American innovation,” said Chris Culbert, manager of NASA’s CLPS program. “It’s an exciting time for space exploration, and this delivery is just the beginning.”

With the Moon increasingly becoming a hub for scientific discovery and innovation, the success of missions like Blue Ghost Mission 1 paves the way for humanity’s next giant leap.

January 15, 2025
PM Ngirente represents President Kagame at Chapo’s inauguration in Mozambique

Chapo, 48, won the elections with 65.15% of the vote in the poll conducted in October 2024. However, his victory has faced strong opposition from rivals, sparking widespread protests across the country.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned from self-imposed exile a few days ago, vowed to “paralyze” the country ahead of Chapo’s inauguration.

Chapo and the ruling FRELIMO party continue to call for calm as efforts for dialogue between the rival camps continue.

Meanwhile, Rwanda and Mozambique share strong bilateral relations in areas such as trade, justice, and security.

Since 2021, Rwanda’s security forces have been deployed in Mozambique to combat insurgents who had destabilized the northern Cabo Delgado province.

Following Rwanda’s intervention to fight the Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah terrorist group, many of its leaders have been eliminated. Over 90% of the residents of Cabo Delgado have returned to their homes as security has been restored, and economic and social services have resumed.

Chapo has expressed his commitment to strengthening efforts to restore security in Cabo Delgado. This aligns with his predecessor, President Filipe Nyusi’s approach, signalling a continued partnership with Rwanda’s security forces.

January 15, 2025
WHO confirms eight deaths in suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania

The outbreak, which has been reported in two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba, has raised alarm due to its high case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89% and its potential regional implications.

In a statement dated January 14, 2025, WHO said the agency received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected MVD cases on January 10, 2025.

“Six people were reported to have been affected, five of whom had died,” the statement reads in part.

According to WHO, by January 11, the number of suspected cases had risen to nine, with eight deaths.

Symptoms observed included high fever, headache, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting with blood (haematemesis), body weakness (malaise), and external haemorrhage in later stages.

WHO formally alerted its Member States and International Health Regulations (IHR) State Parties on 13 January through its Event Information Site (EIS), a secure web-based platform for issuing rapid alerts of public health risks with potential international implications.

Tanzania’s national rapid response teams have been deployed to support outbreak investigations, intensify surveillance activities, and trace contacts of suspected cases.

Laboratory samples from two patients have been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation, while a mobile laboratory has been established in the affected region to expedite testing. Treatment units have also been set up to manage suspected cases.

The outbreak follows a previous MVD incident in the same region in March 2023, during which nine cases were reported, resulting in six deaths. The Kagera region is known to harbour zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, which are natural hosts of the Marburg virus.

WHO assesses the national risk level as high due to the outbreak’s high CFR, its geographic spread across two districts, and the involvement of healthcare workers among the suspected cases. The delayed detection of cases and incomplete information on the outbreak heighten concerns.

According to the global health agency, the region’s strategic location as a transit hub—with significant cross-border movement involving neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—further raises the potential for regional spread.

Globally, the risk is considered low at this stage, as there is no confirmed international spread. However, the Kagera region’s connectivity through transportation networks and its airport linking to Tanzania’s capital and beyond underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and coordination.

To control the outbreak and reduce transmission, individuals have been urged to avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected patients.

Those suspected or confirmed to have Marburg Virus Disease should seek care at designated treatment centers to prevent household transmission.

Communities are also strongly advised to adhere to safe burial protocols for deceased individuals to minimize the risk of further spread.

WHO has also emphasized the necessity of cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries to harmonize reporting systems, share critical data, and strengthen readiness capacities.

Enhanced surveillance at points of entry and in border regions is vital to preventing the international spread of the virus.

The suspected outbreak in Tanzania comes just weeks after Rwanda declared the end of its Marburg virus outbreak on December 20, 2024.

The Rwandan outbreak, which began in mid-September, affected 66 individuals, resulting in 15 fatalities and 51 recoveries.

January 15, 2025
Prime Minister Ngirente highlights key paths to unlock Africa’s growth potential

The report, an initiative of the Brookings Institution’s Africa Growth Initiative, provides critical insights and strategies for addressing the continent’s priorities over the next five years.

In his keynote address, delivered virtually, Dr. Ngirente said Africa is on a “promising growth path,” emphasizing the continent’s unique demographic advantage.

“Our continent will soon be home to the youngest and most active labour force in the world, offering huge potential for economic development,” he said.

By 2050, Africa is projected to account for 25% of the global population, with nearly 800 million people entering the workforce, according to the report.

Dr. Ngirente stressed the importance of unlocking this potential through investments in human capital, job creation, and modernizing agriculture to ensure food security.

He also called for improved infrastructure for transport and connectivity, a critical enabler for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Prime Minister praised the AfCFTA as “proof of our collective strength,” noting that it connects 1.4 billion people across Africa with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion.

The report echoes this optimism, stating that AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade, which currently stands at just 14%, to levels comparable to other regions like Europe and Asia.

The Foresight Africa Report 2025 highlights that by promoting regional collaboration and innovation, Africa can accelerate its progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the report warns that less than 6% of SDG targets are on track in Africa, underscoring the need for bold and coordinated action.

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Sharing Rwanda’s success story, Ngirente attributed the country’s progress to visionary leadership, investment in education, and robust accountability mechanisms.

“We have invested in human capital, focusing on education and skills development, empowering Rwandans to better contribute to inclusive growth,” he said, adding that Rwanda has also demonstrated the value of strong institutions, ensuring timely responses to citizens’ needs.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for Africa to embrace modern technologies to remain competitive in a changing global landscape. The Foresight Africa Report 2025 highlights that Africa’s digital economy could create 230 million jobs and generate $130 billion in economic value by 2030.

On climate change, Ngirente emphasized the urgency of proactive measures, a sentiment echoed in the report, which estimates that nearly 900 million Africans could face climate hazards by 2050. However, the global net-zero transition presents opportunities in green industries, with the potential to generate $2 billion annually and create 700,000 jobs by 2030.

Ngirente concluded his remarks by emphasizing Africa’s growing role on the global stage, urging everyone to consider the opportunities and reaffirm their commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential.

“Africa is positioning itself as a significant and influential player in the global arena, with the potential to drive sustainable development and enhance the well-being of its citizens. Strengthening and enabling the private sector to support government initiatives is crucial to achieve these goals.”

January 14, 2025
African School of Governance inaugurated in Kigali, setting stage for leadership transformation

The institution, co-founded by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, aims to redefine leadership across the continent through evidence-based policymaking, ethical governance, and cutting-edge research.

The inauguration drew notable dignitaries, including Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana; the inaugural ASG president, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Prof. Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at Mastercard Foundation; and other board members, including Francis Gatare, a senior presidential advisor.

The event came just days after the institution, which also has the backing of the Mastercard Foundation, received accreditation from the Higher Education Council of Rwanda on January 6, 2025.

In his keynote address, former Prime Minister Desalegn highlighted the urgent need for leadership tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. He emphasized that the school’s establishment is driven by the belief that “Leadership matters, and one of the greatest things holding Africa back is a clear deficit in leadership that is fit for the purpose.”

Desalegn added that the ASG represents a response to the continent’s leadership challenges, characterized by a “lack of vision or strategies to deliver results, and even backsliding after periods of some gains.” He stressed that the school seeks to reverse this trend by nurturing leaders with a deep understanding of Africa’s history, political economy, and untapped potential.

He further noted that the ASG will integrate *home-grown solutions* to address Africa’s unique problems, ensuring leadership strategies are rooted in the continent’s realities, cultures, and values.

Professor Moghalu outlined the institution’s ambitious plans, including graduate-level programs in public policy, governance, and leadership.

The programs are designed to nurture current and future leaders capable of driving sustainable development, economic growth, and social transformation across Africa while elevating the continent’s voice in global governance discussions.

“This is an event of profound historic importance. ASG, as an accredited Pan-African graduate-level institution, is dedicated to leading the transformation of governance in Africa,” Moghalu remarked.

The ASG campus, located at the former Rwanda Development Board headquarters in Gishushu Village, Gasabo District, is under construction and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025.

Minister Nsengimana expressed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the ASG, describing it as a testament to the country’s commitment to visionary governance.

“The ASG finds a natural home here in Rwanda—a country that reflects the very principles this institution seeks to cultivate. Hosting the ASG is our shared responsibility to contribute to Africa’s future by investing in the next generation of leaders,” Nsengimana said.

He emphasized the institution’s potential to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities through leadership that embodies integrity and resilience.

“The challenges facing Africa today range from economic inequalities and climate change to issues of social justice, and they are undoubtedly complex. Yet, with the right leadership, grounded in integrity and guided by strong values, these challenges can be transformed into remarkable opportunities,” he added.

ASG will offer five distinguished academic programs designed for students and executives across Africa and globally, each tailored to build governance and leadership capacities in public administration.

The courses include the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), General Executive Courses, the Young Leaders Program targeting high-potential recent graduates, and the Senior Leadership Fellowship.

Former Prime Minister Desalegn affirmed that admissions will be need-blind, with partnerships between governments and the private sector expected to pool resources to support students in need.

January 14, 2025
President Kagame in Abu Dhabi for Sustainability Week summit

Kagame was welcomed into the UAE by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ADSW summit, one of the world’s premier platforms for advancing sustainability, will see global leaders, policymakers, and innovators convene to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, where President Kagame will join Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and other Heads of State and dignitaries for the ADSW 2025 event.

President Kagame is also scheduled to deliver keynote remarks on the first day of the ADSW Summit, offering insights on sustainable development.

He will also attend the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize awards ceremony, which recognizes and rewards small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and global high schools with impactful, innovative and inspiring sustainable solutions.

Under the theme, “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress”, ADSW 2025 aims to explore the role of advanced technologies in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future.

Spearheaded by President Nahyan and Renewable energy company, Masdar,
, the summit serves as a global platform to unite leaders from government, business, and civil society in their shared mission to advance clean energy solutions and sustainable development.

January 13, 2025