Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Shora I Rwanda: BK engages Rwandans abroad to shape the nation’s next chapter

Held under the theme “Rwanda’s Transformation: Unity, Renewal and Strategic Engagement,” the retreat brought together hundreds of participants to reflect on the incredible progress Rwanda has achieved over the past 31 years, progress rooted in national unity, resilience, and visionary leadership.

The event was officiated by the RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, who emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Rwanda’s gains and ensuring that its future remains bright.

Speaking on behalf of Bank of Kigali, Desire Rumanyika, Chief Digital and Retail Banking Officer, shared the bank’s commitment to enabling Rwandans living abroad to remain connected to their country, financially and strategically.

He said, “At this retreat, we have shown Rwandans living across Europe the tools and opportunities that Bank of Kigali provides to invest back home. Together, we explored how we can strengthen this bond even further. Over the years, diaspora investments have grown, and that growth reflects the connection and contribution of the diaspora to Rwanda’s development journey.”

Throughout the retreat, Bank of Kigali showcased a range of solutions tailored to the needs of the diaspora:

-* The BK Capital USD Fixed Income Fund, offering annual returns of 5–6%, with flexible withdrawals, the ability to borrow against the investment, and full certification by the Rwanda Capital Market Authority.

-* Digital banking services, including the BK Mobile App and Internet Banking, which allow diaspora clients to open accounts remotely, save, transfer money, and manage their finances without visiting a branch.

-* Diaspora mortgage solutions, designed to make homeownership in Rwanda faster, simpler, and more accessible, whether buying a home in Kigali, building in the countryside, or investing in property in Rubavu.

-* Foreign currency accounts in RWF, USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, and CAD, all with zero maintenance fees and free incoming international transfers.

The retreat served not only as a celebration of Rwandan identity but as a reminder that the nation’s progress is a shared journey. Bank of Kigali remains committed to creating solutions that empower Rwandans, wherever they live, to contribute to Rwanda’s future.

The momentum is strong. The connection is real. The time to invest in Rwanda is now. Shora I Rwanda with Bank of Kigali and be part of a legacy that endures across generations.

December 3, 2025
Trump declares all Biden’s “autopen” pardons void; legal experts push back

Trump made the declaration in a post on his Truth Social media platform, saying recipients of any pardon, commutation or other legal document signed by autopen should consider them “fully and completely terminated” and “of no legal effect.”

The autopen is a device historically used by U.S. presidents to replicate their signatures for high‑volume or ceremonial paperwork, a practice adopted by presidents of both major parties.

According to law professors such as Bernadette Meyler (Stanford Law School) and Mark Osler (University of St. Thomas School of Law), there is “absolutely no constitutional or legal basis” for a sitting president to retroactively revoke a predecessor’s pardons simply because they were autopen‑signed.

Another expert, Brian Kalt of Michigan State University College of Law, said that any attempt to invalidate pardons would require a court and only a court to declare them invalid, which would demand proof that Biden did not authorize the signatures.

It is not publicly known whether Biden actually used an autopen for all pardons or commutations and so far, no evidence has surfaced to confirm that.

Meanwhile, Trump is no stranger to clemency powers: since taking office a second time in January 2025, he has issued dozens of pardons and commutations including for high‑profile figures such as former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.

December 3, 2025
UAE dispatches search-and-rescue teams, over 20 tonnes of relief aid to support Sri Lankans affected by floods

Led by the Joint Operations Command, the mission includes humanitarian teams from the UAE Aid Agency, the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, and Abu Dhabi Civil Defense. The teams are working to reach the most affected communities and deliver immediate assistance, including food supplies, relief items, and essential shelter materials.

Reflecting its longstanding humanitarian principles, the UAE has swiftly provided a comprehensive package of emergency aid in support of the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to address the widespread impact of the floods and landslides.

The disaster has resulted in at least 355 fatalities, affected more than one million people, disrupted essential services, and caused partial or total damage to hundreds of homes across several districts.

This rapid intervention underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting disaster-affected populations, alleviating their suffering, and facilitating early recovery and stability. It is part of the nation’s broader mission to extend timely assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters and crises worldwide.

Dr. Hamdan bin Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, highlighted the UAE’s global leadership in humanitarian and relief operations, emphasising the importance of rapid emergency response, deployment of search-and-rescue capabilities, and implementation of programs to mitigate the impact of natural disasters—most recently the severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to its international humanitarian responsibilities. He noted that the UAE will maintain its support by sending additional relief supplies and shelter materials to assist affected families and accelerate the early recovery phase for the people of Sri Lanka.

December 3, 2025
Africa’s passenger air traffic set to grow 6% annually, Rwanda poised to capitalise

Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa projects that the continent’s commercial aeroplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 aircraft over the next 20 years to meet rising travel demand. Single-aisle aircraft are expected to make up about 70 percent of the more than 1,200 new airplanes slated for delivery, supporting the growth of domestic and short-haul international routes.

“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intra-continental connectivity, building on industry growth we’ve seen across the region over the last 20 years,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa.

Rwanda is positioning itself to benefit directly from this growth. The development of the new Bugesera International Airport, in partnership with Qatar Airways, is central to the country’s strategy to become a regional aviation hub.

The new airport is designed to far exceed the capacity of Kigali International Airport, which was originally built for 400,000 passengers annually but was handling over 1 million passengers before the pandemic.

Phase I of Bugesera International Airport is expected to handle 7 to 8.2 million passengers annually when it opens by 2028, while Phase II, targeted for completion around 2032, could expand capacity to 14 million passengers annually.

Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, is aligning with this expansion, aiming to more than double its annual passenger numbers from just over 1 million in 2023/2024 to 2.1 million by 2028/2029. This growth will be supported by expanding its fleet from 15 to at least 21 aircraft and increasing its network from 23 to 29 destinations.

In August this year, the airline strengthened its operational capacity with the addition of two modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft. In addition to the two aircraft, the airline operates a fleet of 13 other planes, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s. Plans are also underway to add a fourth Airbus to the fleet.

“With sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world, and the world to Rwanda,” Rwandair Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye told IGIHE in July.

As African carriers, including RwandAir, expand their fleets and route networks, Boeing forecasts a need for 74,000 new pilots, technicians, and cabin crew across the continent over the next 20 years. The Africa CMO also projects aviation services demand valued at $130 billion to support fleet growth and operational resilience through 2044.

With strategic investments like Bugesera International Airport and a growing national airline, Rwanda is set to play a prominent role in the continent’s expanding aviation sector.

December 3, 2025
More than 90,000 Rwandans employed in mining sector

The four-day event has brought together global investors, policymakers, mining companies, financial institutions, tech innovators and development partners to explore Rwanda’s growing position in the global critical minerals landscape.

In his address at the Kigali Convention Centre, Dr. Nsengiyumva praised the sector for its continued contribution to national development and highlighted progress in improving professionalism, environmental management and adherence to international mining standards.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent regulatory environment that encourages responsible investment and supports both workers and operators.

“Your efforts demonstrate that mining can indeed be a driver of sustainable development,” the Prime Minister said, urging the sector to continue prioritising good governance, technological upgrading and community welfare.

While the Prime Minister referenced only the latest employment figure, data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows the broader trajectory of the sector’s recovery. During the Covid-19 pandemic, mining jobs fell by 19 per cent, dropping to 57,379, down from 71,205 workers in 2019. In 2017, the industry employed 47,727 people. The rebound to over 92,000 jobs marks the strongest recovery in nearly a decade.

The sector’s rapid expansion is also reflected in export performance. Rwanda’s mineral export revenues have grown from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with the government targeting $2.17 billion by 2029, driven by rising global demand for critical minerals essential to modern technologies.

This year’s Rwanda Mining Week adopts the theme “Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future,” highlighting the importance of critical minerals in the global transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Rwanda continues to position itself as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals, supported by strengthened partnerships with investors, researchers and development institutions.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said the country is committed to playing its part as a “principled, responsible and reliable partner” in the global low-carbon transition.

He called for deeper collaboration and meaningful discussions aimed at advancing the sector’s contribution to Rwanda’s economic transformation.

December 2, 2025
Rwandan fitness trainer attempts 11-hour African aerobics record

Phocas worked with five groups of 11 participants each, rotating every two hours and 12 minutes. The event aimed to surpass the previous African record held by South Africa’s Team Durban Fit Squad, which completed eight hours of aerobics in 2022.

Phocas told IGIHE that he focused on the “aerobics workout step,” the style his team regularly practices.

“I wanted to attempt an African record under our Onzestar name. The world record is much longer, up to 39 hours, with varied activities. I chose to focus on what we know best,” he said.

At the conclusion of the 11-hour session, participants celebrated their achievement. Though visibly fatigued, Phocas praised his team, saying, “This was a major event for Africa and for Rwanda. I told my team I was representing our country. Sometimes, dedication to your nation is necessary, even when it is challenging.”

The event was livestreamed on YouTube to allow independent verification. Guinness World Records rules allow five minutes of rest after every hour. Phocas structured the event in two-hour blocks with 10-minute breaks, which also served to thank participants. The achievement is currently awaiting official confirmation from record authorities.

Phocas highlighted the extensive preparation required: “We trained for five months. You cannot attempt this in a single day without preparation. Normally, we train one and a half hours daily, gradually increasing weekly to ten hours. This ensured we were ready for the challenge.”

During the marathon, participants relied on water, juice, and fruit to sustain energy. Participants described the preparation as essential for completing the event.

William Uwiringiyimana said, “It was a well-organised event showcasing the importance of sports. It required effort, but our commitment paid off.”

Zache Niyonkuru added, “We prepared for days, even practising uphill exercises. During the first five hours, it is easy to get exhausted, but determination kept us going to finish the challenge.”

Phocas Kagorora has been a fitness trainer since 2017 and founded Onzestar to promote sports, tourism, and outdoor activities such as hiking.

December 2, 2025
World Bank approves $100 million to strengthen Rwanda’s revenue collection

The funding, provided through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will finance the Revenue Improvement and Spending Efficiency Program-for-Results (PforR). The program aims to modernise tax administration, reinforce public investment management, and promote accountability across government systems, ensuring that development outcomes reach citizens and businesses more effectively.

“This program reflects our strong partnership with Rwanda and our shared ambition to scale up transformational governance reforms that create jobs, strengthen fiscal resilience, and improve service delivery for all Rwandans,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, in a statement released in late November.

“By supporting both national institutions and local government structures, the program reinforces Rwanda’s decentralisation agenda and helps ensure that development outcomes reach citizens where they live and work.”

The initiative aims to increase domestic revenue mobilisation by expanding the use of electronic billing machines (EBMs) for VAT compliance and modernising property tax registration and valuation systems. It also seeks to enhance national-level public spending efficiency and transparency through improved project feasibility studies, institutionalised asset management, strengthened procurement, and better oversight of state-owned enterprises.

At the local level, the program focuses on improving planning and accountability, ensuring that districts prepare evidence-based development strategies, publish budget performance reports, strengthen financial management practices, and design viable local economic development projects.

The program is aligned with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), which emphasises an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred public sector. It builds on over two decades of World Bank support for Rwanda’s public financial management reforms, which have positioned the country as a regional leader in accountable governance.

The reforms also leverage technology, including piloting AI-enabled functionalities within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), aimed at reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing financial oversight.

“This program represents a significant step forward in Rwanda’s efforts to expand its domestic resource base and ensure that every franc is used efficiently,” said Meron Tadesse Techane, World Bank Senior Financial Management Specialist.

“By leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and incentivizing good practices at both national and district levels, the program will help the government deliver better services, build trust with citizens, and expand opportunities for private sector–led job creation.”

Direct beneficiaries include national ministries, state-owned companies, and all 30 districts, while citizens and businesses will benefit indirectly from a more predictable public finance system, higher-quality services, and better-managed public investments.

The IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low- or zero-interest loans for projects that stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. Rwanda is among the 40 African countries benefiting from IDA financing.

December 2, 2025
Daily bathing, clean nails and twice-daily toothbrushing: Inside Rwanda’s new hygiene guidelines

The directive, published on November 26, 2025, follows assessments showing persistent gaps in promoting and monitoring hygiene practices at individual, household, workplace and community levels.

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Under the new rules, all Rwandans are required to bathe the entire body at least once a day; brush their teeth at least twice daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste; maintain clean hair and short, clean nails; and wash hands routinely, before preparing or eating food, before breastfeeding or feeding a child, after using the toilet, after cleaning a child, after handling waste, or anytime hands are visibly dirty. Individuals must also wear clean clothing and footwear, and sleep in clean bedding.

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Every household must have a latrine built to a minimum depth of six meters where possible, properly constructed, covered and kept clean. A handwashing facility must be installed near the latrine. Homes are also required to have an enclosed bathroom, cemented or tiled where possible, and a clothesline for drying laundry.

Residents must ensure animals do not sleep indoors and must properly manage wastewater from the home, as well as rainwater, through designated drainage channels. It is prohibited to dump waste in drainage systems.

Households must also ensure safe storage and treatment of drinking water; clear bushes and stagnant water around the compound; segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste; and maintain a clean kitchen and dish-drying area. Houses and their surroundings are to be swept or mopped daily.

Compounds should be kept orderly and, where possible, include vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental plants or flowers. Water storage tanks for clean water and rainwater must be cleaned at least once every six months. In urban areas, waste must be disposed of in covered bins or designated areas until collected by licensed waste-management companies.

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The guidelines also set minimum standards for cemeteries. Burial sites must be located away from rivers, springs and groundwater sources to prevent contamination. Cemeteries must have waste-management systems, clean access paths and sanitation workers to clean after funeral ceremonies.

Additionally, wilted flowers must be removed within two days, and a handwashing facility with clean water and soap must be placed at the entrance.

Cemeteries must also have separate public toilets for men and women, equipped with toilet paper, waste bins and handwashing areas.

On road hygiene, the directive requires roads to be swept regularly and kept free of waste or unauthorised structures, with waste bins placed at least every 100 meters. Public urination and defecation on roads is prohibited. Inter-district roads must have public toilets, and all roads must have adequate rainwater drainage. Trucks transporting goods are barred from dropping waste onto roadways.

Places of worship, including churches, parishes and mosques, must have separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities, with handwashing facilities and covered waste bins. They must maintain contracts with waste-collection companies and ensure proper management of rainwater and wastewater. Facilities conducting water baptisms must use clean, designated water.

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Rehabilitation centres and prisons are required to maintain adequate supplies of clean water; separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities; and secure, well-maintained sanitation facilities. They must have functioning rainwater harvesting and wastewater systems; clean water storage tanks for use during shortages; clean, well-equipped kitchens; appropriate laundry and drying facilities; and adequate bathing areas.

Facilities must also implement regular pest-control programs, ensure constant cleaning of premises, provide mosquito nets, bedsheets and mattresses for every inmate, and maintain waste-collection contracts with licensed service providers.

According to the Ministry of Health, the guidelines form part of a broader strategy to establish a permanent hygiene and sanitation inspection framework from national to local levels. The initiative aims to enforce compliance, strengthen accountability and ensure that individuals, households and institutions contribute to improving hygiene standards across the country.

December 2, 2025
Over 2,900 people killed in Rwanda road accidents over four years

The Committee attributes the persistent fatalities largely to reckless driver behaviour, particularly speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving.

Data from the Rwanda National Police for the 2024–2025 period shows a continued rise in traffic violations. More than 409,148 motorists were caught speeding, while 94,843 drivers were apprehended for distracted driving. The report further indicates that 9,169 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 6,525 for driving uninsured vehicles, and an equal number for driving without a licence.

Traffic offences were also widespread among motorcyclists and cyclists, with 19,746 motorcyclists and 55,291 cyclists penalised for various infractions.

Accident statistics continue to trend upward. Rwanda registered 8,660 accidents in 2022, resulting in 676 deaths. The following year recorded 9,995 accidents and 761 fatalities. In 2024, the number of accidents rose to 12,189, claiming 751 lives. By October 2025, 10,320 accidents had already been reported, killing 719 people.

{Presenting} the findings, Committee Chairperson Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja said the continued rise in accidents highlights gaps in driver behaviour. She expressed hope that the proposed new traffic law, built around a points-based driver conduct system, could deliver long-term improvements.

“The Committee finds that the draft traffic law will play a significant role in curbing behaviours that lead to accidents, as drivers will either gain or lose points based on how they conduct themselves on the road,” she said.

Under the draft Ministerial Order currently being finalised by the Ministry of Infrastructure, drivers will start with 15 points. Points will be deducted when offences occur. For example, a driver who causes an accident and flees would lose six points, while interfering with a speed governor would result in a five-point deduction.

Driving under the influence would cost four points, and offences such as driving without a licence, speeding, or running a red light would each attract a three-point deduction. Driving an uninsured vehicle or using a mobile phone while driving would result in losing two points.

The Senate Committee also identified road sections needing engineering interventions to reduce accident risks. Thirty-one locations are expected to be fixed by September 2028, while the remaining 47 will be addressed progressively as funds allow.

Senator Murangwa noted that some improvements require minimal investment, such as installing warning signs, deploying speed cameras, and adding rumble strips ahead of dangerous bends, measures shown to help reduce speeding.

December 1, 2025
RwandAir kicks off flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa

The national carrier’s Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.

“This is a milestone for intra-Africa travel. More beaches, more beauty, more East Africa,” the airline said in a post on X.

The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight WB 444 departs Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar, Tanzania, at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, Kenya, where it lands at 2:35 PM. The return flight, WB 445, leaves Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar, arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.

The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a regional travel hub.

“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said in October. “By expanding our East African network, we are giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”

The route is designed to cater to both weekend getaways and extended vacations, offering travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.

As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience. The airline operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations globally through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.

December 1, 2025