In a press statement on Monday, January 13, 2025, Jasiri said the program targets visionary individuals from Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia who are passionate about creating impactful businesses from scratch.
The program is aimed at tackling youth unemployment in Africa by fostering high-impact entrepreneurship, which Jasiri views as a key driver of job creation and societal transformation. It focuses on minimizing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship through a hands-on, holistic approach.
To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a strong drive to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and a readiness to build ventures that deliver measurable societal impact.
“Jasiri minimizes these barriers with a holistic, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, ensuring that bold innovators can build businesses that benefit society while contributing to an empowered, prosperous African citizenry,” Amandine Kayizali, Recruitment & Selection Manager, said in the statement.
The Jasiri Talent Investor Program offers participants structured support, including a one-month online Jasiri Jumpstart, a three-month intensive residential program, and nine months of hands-on venture creation. The program also emphasizes collaboration, bringing together like-minded individuals to form entrepreneurial teams capable of transforming ideas into impactful ventures.
Since its inception in 2021, Jasiri has supported 227 entrepreneurs who have collectively created 93 ventures, 81 of which remain operational across 42 industries. These ventures have generated over 2,035 jobs and positively impacted more than 12,600 individuals across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and waste management.
The application period for the eighth cohort is scheduled to close on April 5, 2025.
Interested individuals can apply through the link: [https://jasiri.org/application->https://jasiri.org/application].
Founded in 2020, Fitnesspoint has quickly established itself as a leading fitness brand, offering holistic health and wellness solutions.
The new facility, located at the former Sports View Hotel, opposite Amahoro Stadium, replaces Fitnesspoint’s previous branch in Nyarutarama, offering a substantial upgrade in space, amenities, and services tailored to meet growing customer demand.
According to Ole Haugom, Co-Founder and CEO of Fitnesspoint, the reception to the new location has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I feel like people are really liking our gyms, especially this one. Remera has so many different activities. We have very professional equipment and good maintenance. People always come here and can use the equipment they want, which is very important,” he shared during a recent interview with IGIHE.
Haugom, a Norwegian national who established a successful fitness center with over 30 branches in his home country, explained that his focus on high-quality equipment and prompt maintenance stems from observations he made upon arriving in Kigali six years ago.
“When I first came, I saw so many places—hotels and gyms—where machines were marked ‘out of order.’ That’s actually why I started importing gym equipment here. We now have technicians and a warehouse to fix things quickly,” he added.
Mahe Ornella, Sales and Marketing Manager at FitnessPoint, noted that the relocation was driven by client feedback and aims to enhance the overall customer experience.
Like its first branch in Kimihurura, FitnessPoint’s new Remera location offers more than just a larger space. The gym now includes a six-foot swimming pool suitable for diving, an expanded aerobics class area that can host up to 60 people, and a dedicated athletic zone for high-intensity training.
The athletic section, located in the basement, features high-performance equipment such as bikes, squat racks, deadlift platforms, and rowing machines.
A specialised spinning class area is also part of this section, enabling athletes to push their limits in a professional setup.
The Remera branch further introduces a martial arts area, with plans to offer self-defence classes for women.
Additionally, a women-only space has been introduced for those who prefer a more private workout environment. The new feature caters to a diverse range of women, including Muslim women and content creators who value privacy.
“This private space is ideal for Muslim women and women content creators seeking a more private workout environment,” Ornella explained.
In line with its holistic approach to fitness, the gym also caters to families. A kids’ playground is being developed to allow parents to work out while their children engage in activities. The kids’ area will be equipped with toys and trampolines to keep the children entertained.
Another exciting addition at the new Remera gym is a dedicated basketball facility. This area is set to host basketball training sessions and will serve as a space for professional athletes to enhance their skills.
Fitnesspoint has also partnered with APR basketball teams, providing them with exclusive access to the gym’s top-tier equipment and training facilities.
Ornella emphasised that the collaboration with teams such as APR is part of the company’s efforts to support professional athletes and promote sports development in Rwanda. Additionally, Fitnesspoint works closely with the corporate sector, helping to encourage team building and wellness among staff members through tailored fitness programs.
Another upcoming addition includes a coffee area, set to open by the end of January, offering health-focused snacks and beverages.
“We will offer smoothies, sandwiches… You know, the gym is not only the thing that’s needed to see your fitness goals; it’s also what you eat. This coffee area was created in response to what many of our clients have been asking for,” she remarked.
The Remera branch also boasts a spacious parking area to ensure the safety and convenience of clients’ vehicles.
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In addition to its state-of-the-art equipment, Fitnesspoint ensures that certified trainers are available at both branches to guide clients through their fitness journeys.
At least 12 trainers, including floor and private trainers, work per location, assisting members with proper equipment usage and offering personalized training programs.
Uwizeyimana Shaban, one of the personal fitness trainers at the Remera branch, brings six years of experience to the team. The 28-year-old encourages individuals of all ages to prioritize their health and wellness through consistent training and proper exercise techniques.
“Fitness is not just about physical appearance—it’s about improving overall well-being, boosting confidence, and enhancing quality of life. It’s never too late to start your fitness journey,” Shaban says.
“Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s always something new to learn and achieve in the gym.”
The gym also features a dedicated physiotherapist, Fabrice Tuyizere, who assists individuals dealing with health challenges such as fractures or disabilities.
“I design specific exercises tailored to their conditions, addressing issues like back, shoulder, or knee problems,” Tuyizere explains.
As part of its holistic wellness approach, Fitnesspoint also collaborates with certified nutritionist Matt Battle to offer consultations and meal plans tailored to clients’ fitness goals.
Haugom, reflecting on the priorities for the coming years, emphasized the importance of accessible, user-friendly equipment designed for all age groups.
“You just need to have good equipment that anybody can use—functional equipment designed for the human body. Some of the older equipment can be rough to use, but the new ones are more user-friendly. People enjoy using them, even though it’s still a tough workout, of course,” he explained.
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Fitnesspoint offers flexible membership options to accommodate various needs. An annual membership costs RWF 600,000, while a monthly membership is RWF 80,000. For added convenience, flexible payment plans such as standing orders are available for RWF 55,000 monthly.
The gym also offers corporate packages and has partnerships with financial institutions like the Bank of Kigali (BK), providing discounted rates for annual and short-term memberships paid using BK cards. For those visiting temporarily, Fitnesspoint offers 10-pass cards for a flexible access option.
“We have a partnership with BK. Wherever you come and buy an annual membership, you get a 20% discount. If you buy a one-month or three-month membership, you get a 10% discount when you’re using your BK card. So, it’s a way of trying to cater to all levels of people,” Ornella added.
Fitnesspoint’s new Remera branch sets a high benchmark for modern fitness facilities in Kigali, offering advanced equipment, professional training, and a welcoming community that redefines the fitness experience. Don’t wait to start your fitness journey—visit Fitnesspoint today and subscribe to a membership that fits your goals.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a working visit to Ethiopia.
The leaders held constructive discussions on regional and bilateral issues, aiming to deepen the fraternal bond between their peoples, according to a joint communique released Saturday evening.
Both leaders agreed to “restore and enhance” bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. They also emphasized closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, the communique said.
Noting that the stability of the region requires the two countries’ strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect, the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.
The leaders further underscored the need to enhance security cooperation, particularly in countering the threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region. They agreed to direct their security agencies to deepen collaboration in promoting peace and stability, it noted.
Reaffirming their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, the two leaders pledged to expedite technical negotiations outlined in the agreement.
The Somali president’s visit to Ethiopia followed last month’s Turkish-mediated talks in Ankara, which helped resolve misunderstandings and de-escalate diplomatic tensions that had strained relations throughout 2024.
The diplomatic rift had been escalating between the two neighboring countries after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.
As part of the normalization efforts, Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed led a high-level delegation to Somalia earlier this month, reiterating both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Dr. Wagih Azzam and Noha Soliman arrived in Kigali on Saturday, January 11, 2025, where they were welcomed by the President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Ndayishimiye Samson, and the federation’s Second Vice President, Kayirebwa Liliane.
The FERWACY President told IGIHE that the CAC leader’s visit aims to assess Rwanda’s preparations for hosting the UCI Road World Championships, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21-28 this year.
“They came to evaluate our progress in preparing for the UCI Road World Championships, hold discussions about collaboration with the federation, encourage African countries to participate in large numbers in the World Championships, and discuss the UCI Satellite program we are planning to launch,” he said.
The CAC President is also scheduled to tour the routes designated for the UCI Road World Championships before wrapping up his visit to Rwanda on Tuesday.
Rwanda is set to make history as the first African country to host the prestigious competition, now in its 98th edition.
In a candid interview on CNN’s ‘African Voices Changemakers’, the Beninese-born actor shared that he continues to find himself underpaid even after over two decades in the industry and being featured in multiple blockbuster films.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou confessed. “I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”
Reflecting on his career, which includes standout roles in Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’, Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amistad’, ‘Blood Diamond’, and ‘In America’, Hounsou expressed his frustration with the financial compensation he receives despite his critical acclaim.
His performances in ‘In America’ and ‘Blood Diamond’ earned him Academy Award nominations, yet he claimed that financial recognition hasn’t followed.
Hounsou also addressed a painful memory from his ‘Amistad’ breakthrough in 1997, where he portrayed Cinqué, the leader of a slave revolt. He alleged that his lack of an Oscar nomination at the time was influenced by racism and xenophobia.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets,” he said.
“Even though I successfully did that [film], they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism don’t change like that anytime soon.”
Hounsou’s journey to stardom began when he immigrated to Lyon, France, at age 12, after growing up in Cotonou, Benin. Homeless and struggling after dropping out of school, he was discovered by a photographer who introduced him to fashion designer Thierry Mugler.
Hounsou then pursued modeling, becoming a prominent figure in the Paris fashion scene. His career later transitioned to acting with notable roles in ‘Without You I’m Nothing’ (1990) and ‘Stargate’ (1994).
This is not the first time Hounsou has spoken about his financial struggles despite his success in other films like ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Gran Turismo,’ and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods.’
In a 2023 interview with ‘The Guardian’, he stated, “I’m still struggling to try to make a dollar! I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades. So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well.”
Hounsou opened up about difficult meetings with studio executives, saying: “I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like: ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor.’ When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that.”
Looking ahead, Hounsou has a slate of upcoming thrillers, including the horror film ‘The Monster’ with director Darren Lynn Bousman, a shark movie titled ‘Beneath the Storm’ opposite Phoebe Dynevor, and a claustrophobic thriller called ‘The Zealot’ alongside Kodi Smit-McPhee.
The leadership group will guide the institution as it continues its mission to promote academic excellence and innovation in governance across the African continent. The ASG initiative, launched in October 2024, aims to be a transformative force in leadership development across Africa.
In a statement, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG, highlighted the significance of the appointments, emphasizing that the new leadership team is composed of world-class executives committed to advancing governance education.
“This exceptional group of leaders embodies the values of the African School of Governance. Their collective expertise, vision, and commitment to education and governance will drive our mission to shape the next generation of leaders in Africa,” Prof. Moghalu said.
Professor Anna Lucy Mdee, a renowned academic in the Politics of Global Development, has been appointed Acting Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Prof. Mdee, currently based at the University of Leeds, UK, brings over 25 years of experience in development research across Africa, with a focus on sustainable development, local governance, and social protection. She holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in International Development from the University of Bradford, UK.
Dr. Edward Kadozi has been appointed Director of Academic Affairs. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and vast experience in environmental economics and development economics, Dr. Kadozi previously taught at the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University. He is also the founder of the Center for Development Policy, a Pan-African research think tank.
Dr. Lite J. Nartey has been named Director of Executive Education. Holding a PhD from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Nartey has extensive experience designing educational programs at top global institutions such as INSEAD and Tufts University. She is also a Managing Partner at Saense Strategy Consulting LLC.
In addition to the academic leaders, Ms. Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze has been appointed Director and Senior Policy Adviser to the President of ASG. A governance expert with vast experience in corporate governance, Ms. Njemanze has previously worked at the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Ms. Aissatou Diajhate will serve as the Director of External Affairs and Acting Director of Admissions. With a strong background in institutional partnerships and philanthropy, Ms. Diajhate has held leadership roles at institutions such as Mastercard Foundation and Suffolk University.
The appointments mark a new phase for ASG, which is committed to shaping future African leaders capable of tackling the continent’s governance challenges. The institution’s curriculum will integrate African socio-economic contexts, offering Master’s programs such as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for professionals.
ASG is also building research centres dedicated to generating evidence-based solutions tailored to African governance challenges. These initiatives will engage with governments and other stakeholders to promote good governance and sustainable development across Africa.
With its distinguished leadership team and continued focus on innovation in governance education, ASG is poised to play a critical role in advancing leadership and governance excellence on the continent.
The African School of Governance is a pioneering institution focused on transforming leadership and governance in Africa.
ASG offers graduate-level programs and conducts research to develop innovative solutions to governance challenges.
The institution is backed by leading African figures, including President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and receives support from the Mastercard Foundation.
The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) is seen as a significant step toward establishing “a vibrant capital market ecosystem” in the East African nation, aligning with the Ethiopian government’s recent efforts to liberalize the country’s economy and financial sector.
“In a historic milestone for our economic and financial landscape, we have officially rung the bell to launch the Ethiopian Securities Exchange,” Abiy said after ringing the bell to mark the opening of the stock exchange.
The launch of the ESX would enhance the country’s financial system and contribute to the development of an inclusive economy, he said, adding that the government has invested significant time and conducted extensive research to ensure the exchange’s effectiveness.
The ESX, which operates across various market segments and offers a range of financial products and services tailored to businesses, government entities and institutions, will serve as a platform for both Ethiopian and foreign investors to easily trade in listed equity and debt instruments.
The Ethiopian government said that the ESX aims to provide “a modern, reliable and efficient environment for securities trading through adaptation of modern exchange business operations, skill, technology and trust.”
It also noted that the establishment of Ethiopia’s stock exchange would significantly boost the country’s economic development while building “a sustainable institution that meets the needs of both Ethiopian and regional issuers and investors.”
Meanwhile, Abiy invited investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia, saying it is “a fast-growing economy with immense potential and a dynamic trajectory toward prosperity.”
The launch of the ESX marks the first stock exchange in Ethiopia since the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.
As part of its recent economic liberalization measures, the Ethiopian government last year opened the retail sector to foreign investors, a move that reversed its previous policy of reserving the sector exclusively for local entrepreneurs.
According to the World Bank, Ethiopia, with a population of about 126.5 million, is the second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
The fires, which erupted earlier this week, have devastated neighbourhoods and left the nation’s second-largest city on high alert.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has obliterated more than 5,300 structures, while the Eaton Fire has accounted for over 5,000.
Both fires rank among California’s five most destructive wildfires, with damage estimates reaching as high as $150 billion.
Entire communities in scenic areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu have been reduced to ash, leaving behind only smouldering rubble and charred remnants of landmarks like the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel.
Efforts to contain the fires have been met with significant challenges. Hurricane-force winds earlier in the week spread embers that ignited hillsides, while dry conditions have kept the flames alive.
Although calmer winds allowed some progress, meteorologists warn that this respite may be brief. Adding to the challenges, a firefighting plane was grounded after being struck by a civilian drone, an act that is both illegal and dangerous.
The fires have not only destroyed homes but also ravaged vital community structures, including schools, places of worship, and businesses. The Hollywood Hills fire, which threatened the iconic Hollywood Bowl, was successfully subdued with water drops from aircraft, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted.
“All our memories, all our sentimental attachments, things that were gifted from generation to generation to generation are now gone,” one of the victims told the media.
Among the 10 confirmed fatalities are Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy. They were unable to evacuate in time. Cadaver dogs are combing through the rubble as officials fear the death toll may rise.
California’s escalating wildfire crisis is linked to climate change, which has extended fire seasons and created conditions for larger and more destructive blazes.
The state has experienced an increase in so-called “weather whiplash,” where wet winters encourage vegetation growth, only for subsequent dry periods to turn it into tinder. This cycle has made January wildfires—once rare—a grim new reality.
While firefighters made significant gains on Thursday, containment remains elusive. Dry winds, including the notorious Santa Ana winds, are forecast to return, complicating efforts. The state’s prolonged drought and the lack of substantial rainfall since May have exacerbated the situation, leaving Los Angeles uniquely vulnerable to these disasters.
As evacuation shelters fill and residents face the loss of homes and livelihoods, curfews have been imposed to prevent looting. The psychological strain on those affected is immense, further compounded by a mistaken countywide evacuation warning sent to millions.
With two of the fires now ranked among the most destructive in California’s history, Los Angeles faces a long road to recovery.
Despite falling inflation, improving labor market conditions, and monetary easing, global growth is predicted to remain below the pace seen before the pandemic, and the world economy continues to face significant uncertainties, the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report says.
The report forecasts the world economy will increase 2.9 percent in 2026.
The report says that lower inflation and ongoing monetary easing in many economies could provide a modest boost to global economic activity in 2025. However, uncertainty still looms large, with risks stemming from geopolitical conflicts, rising trade tensions and elevated borrowing costs in many countries.
These challenges are particularly acute for low income and vulnerable countries, where sub-par and fragile growth threatens to further undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Growth in the United States is projected to moderate from 2.8 percent in 2024 to 1.9 percent in 2025, as labor markets soften and consumer spending slows.
Europe is expected to recover modestly, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from 0.9 percent in 2024 to 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by easing inflation and resilient labor markets, though fiscal tightening and long-term challenges, such as weak productivity growth and an ageing population, continue to weigh on the economic outlook.
East Asia is forecast to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025 — driven by China’s projected stable growth of 4.8 percent — supported by robust private consumption across the region.
South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region, with GDP growth projected at 5.7 percent in 2025, led by India’s 6.6 percent expansion.
Africa is forecast to grow modestly from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025, thanks to recoveries in major economies including Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Despite continued expansion, the global economy is projected to grow at a slower pace than the 2010-2019 (pre-pandemic) average of 3.2 percent, the report says. “This subdued performance reflects ongoing structural challenges such as weak investment, slow productivity growth, high debt levels, and demographic pressures.”
Global inflation is projected to decline from 4 percent in 2024 to 3.4 percent in 2025, providing some relief to households and businesses. Major central banks are expected to further cut interest rates this year as inflationary pressures continue to ease.
Yet, inflation in many developing countries is expected to remain above recent historical averages, with one in five projected to face double-digit levels in 2025.
In particular, food inflation remains elevated, with nearly half of developing countries experiencing rates above 5 percent in 2024. “This has deepened food insecurity in low income countries,” the report warns.
For developing economies, easing global financial conditions could help reduce borrowing costs, but access to capital remains uneven, according to the report. Many low-income countries continue to grapple with high debt-servicing burdens and limited access to international financing.
The report emphasizes that governments should seize any fiscal space created by monetary easing to prioritize investments in sustainable development, especially in critical social sectors.
The report calls for bold multilateral action to address the interconnected crises of debt, inequality, and climate change.
“Monetary easing alone will not be sufficient to reinvigorate global growth or bridge widening disparities. Governments must avoid overly restrictive fiscal policies and instead focus on mobilizing investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and critical social sectors such as health and education,” it says.
This increase marks a notable acceleration in urban inflation, which serves as the headline index for monetary policy decisions.
Despite the annual rise, urban prices experienced a 0.8% decline compared to November 2024, reflecting a slight monthly price relief for urban consumers.
NISR reports that several categories contributed to the annual increase in urban prices. Transport prices saw the largest increase, rising by 17.9%, primarily driven by higher fuel costs and transport services.
The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category experienced a 6.0% increase, with significant price surges in meat (25.4%) and milk, cheese, and eggs (14.6%).
Vegetables rose by 6.9%, although they declined by 8.5% compared to November 2024. Additionally, the cost of Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels increased by 4.7%, reflecting sustained demand and higher costs in the utilities sector.
On a broader scale, Rwanda’s overall CPI, which combines both urban and rural areas, rose by 6.4% annually, while the rural CPI increased by 6.2%. However, on a monthly basis, rural prices dropped by 2.1%, contributing to a 1.6% decline in the national index.
The fresh products index, which captures seasonal price fluctuations, surged by 11.3% annually, driven by increased costs for fresh vegetables and other agricultural products. However, it fell by 4.4% on a monthly basis.
The core inflation index, which excludes volatile items like fresh food and energy, rose by 5.8% annually and 0.4% on a monthly basis, indicating sustained price pressure across non-volatile goods and services.
Despite the inflation pressures, Rwanda’s economy demonstrated robust growth throughout 2024, with real GDP increasing by 9.7% in the first quarter and 9.8% in the second quarter, driven by strong performances in the services and industrial sectors.
The third quarter continued this positive trend, with an [ 8.1% growth rate->https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/rwanda-records-8-1-economic-growth-in-q3-of-2024], bringing the average growth rate for the first three quarters of 2024 to 9.2%.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Rwanda’s real GDP to grow by 7.0% in 2025, following an estimated 8.3% growth in 2024.
