Addressing the press on Thursday, January 9, 2025, President Kagame revealed that over the last two years, there has been a process to examine and list all government entities that could be privatized and removed from the government’s balance sheet.
He was responding to a journalist’s question about how privatizing public enterprises could boost participation in the country’s stock market and promote investment growth.
This follows the Rwanda Stock Exchange’s (RSE) impressive performance in 2024, when it recorded a turnover surpassing the Rwf100 billion mark for the first time, reaching Rwf129 billion—a 126% increase from the previous year.
“There has been a process of examining and listing all government entities that could be privatized and removed from the government’s balance sheet. This will align well with what we need to see happening on our exchange. This process is ongoing, with a dedicated team following up and working on it,” the President stated, further emphasizing the role of Agaciro Fund in promoting investments and self-reliance.
The ongoing process is in line with a new privatization law that took effect in June of last year. Rwanda’s Law No. 045/2024 governs the sale, lease, or liquidation of state-owned companies and shares by reputable and competent national and international investors.
The law’s goals include reducing the government’s burden by alleviating the financial and administrative responsibilities of managing state property. It also aims to increase efficiency by improving the performance of privatized companies, thereby generating more revenue.
Additionally, the law seeks to create competition by fostering competitive markets for services. Ultimately, it strives to promote economic development by accelerating job creation, encouraging export promotion, and facilitating import substitution.
President Kagame also highlighted the significant progress made in the Qatar-Rwanda partnership, particularly in aviation and infrastructure development.
“The Qatar-Rwanda partnership over the airline and the airport has made very good progress. It has been going well, and many aspects are being concluded,” he stated.
RwandAir and Qatar Airways have a codeshare agreement and are working on a deal to give Qatar Airways a 49% stake in RwandAir. The agreement will strengthen the airlines’ global reach and allow RwandAir to expand its fleet and routes.
In a separate agreement reached in 2019, Qatar Airways agreed to take a 60 percent stake in Bugesera International Airport in Kigali, being built at a cost of $1.3 billion.
RwandAir Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yvonne Makolo says the new airport, expected to be operational in 2027 and have an initial capacity for eight million passengers, will turn Kigali into “a major transit hub” on the continent.
The new medication, designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among individuals, is being tested at two health centers in Kigali: Gikondo and Busanza.
The pilot phase began on January 3 and is expected to last for a year, during which time the effectiveness and acceptance of the treatment will be evaluated. Based on the results, plans for a nationwide rollout may follow.
Dr. Basile Ikuzo, the Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), explained that the injectable form, known as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered once every two months.
The treatment offers a significant advantage over the daily oral PrEP regimen, providing a more convenient and discreet option for individuals facing adherence challenges.
“This is not for the general population but specifically for high-risk groups such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), discordant couples, and adolescent girls and young women,” Dr. Ikuzo told The New Times.
The new injection could also help reduce the stigma often associated with daily oral PrEP, particularly among younger people.
Rwanda has seen notable success in its fight against HIV, with new cases dropping from 10,000 annually a decade ago to around 3,000 today.
Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that expanding prevention methods is crucial to continuing this progress.
“This initiative is part of our broader strategy to ensure everyone at risk has access to the best tools for protection,” he added.
Injectable PrEP, like oral PrEP, will be provided free of charge, and the RBC has already begun efforts to raise awareness about this new option. A larger public education campaign is expected to roll out by the end of June, targeting those most at risk.
This was emphasized during a meeting held on January 7, 2025, which brought together the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), organizations representing genocide survivors, and local authorities in Nyamagabe District.
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri stressed that achieving complete justice involves concluding cases, apprehending offenders, and ensuring they serve their sentences.
“We have a list of over 200 individuals hiding in different parts of the country, particularly in Nyamagabe. Over the past three weeks, we have already apprehended 62 of them. We will continue these efforts to ensure that by the end of this month, everyone on that list will have been apprehended,” he said.
He stated that Nyamagabe District is determined to arrest those involved in the genocide who remain at large to ensure they face justice.
Patrick Sindikubwabo, President of Ibuka in Nyamagabe District, noted that one of the reasons the perpetrators have evaded capture is the difficulty in identifying them, as many used fake names or committed genocide in areas where they were not permanent residents.
“In the data collection process, we found that some of their real names were unknown. Some were referred to by aliases such as Kibonge, Rudomoro, or Mushi, which made identification challenging,” he explained.
“Some of those being sought relocated to other areas of the country. For instance, someone might have committed genocide in a sector where they worked as a housekeeper or herder, making it difficult to trace them. However, through survivor meetings in Nyamagabe, we have been sharing information and recalling those times, which is yielding positive results.”
Sindikubwabo added that most of those being pursued were sentenced by Gacaca courts to 30 or 25 years in prison, with only a few receiving life sentences.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the declaration on January 7, 2024, as Sudan continues to grapple with a conflict that has plunged the country into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
“Based on overwhelming evidence, I have concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan,” Blinken stated, citing systematic attacks targeting ethnic groups. The acts include mass murders, rape, and the deliberate prevention of civilians from accessing essential supplies.
The RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, along with allied militias, has been accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
What began as a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has had catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 30 million Sudanese require humanitarian aid, with tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands facing famine.
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Hemedti and seven RSF-affiliated companies based in the United Arab Emirates, citing their roles in acquiring weapons for the RSF.
Additionally, Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross human rights violations, including the mass rape of civilians in Darfur. This designation bars Hemedti and his immediate family from entering the United States.
“Hemedti has wantonly ignored international humanitarian law and commitments made in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration and the 2024 Code of Conduct,” Blinken said, referencing agreements aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.
Despite the accords, the RSF has continued to commit war crimes under Hemedti’s leadership, including sexual violence and attacks on fleeing civilians.
“The United States does not support either side of this war,” Blinken emphasized, noting that both factions bear responsibility for the ongoing violence and lack the legitimacy to govern Sudan’s future.
In addition to sanctions, the U.S. has pledged $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors working toward a peaceful and democratic future.
The toll of the conflict on Sudan is staggering. Since April 2023, millions have been displaced, with entire communities destroyed and left without access to basic necessities.
Blinken signalled the potential for further sanctions against RSF affiliates and other actors undermining peace in Sudan, stating: “We will continue to evaluate additional measures to ensure accountability.”
Humanitarian groups have welcomed the U.S. measures but stress that more international coordination is urgently needed to address the crisis effectively.
The company announced the end of its third-party fact-checking program, introduced in 2016, and plans to replace it with a new system called “Community Notes,” akin to the feature on Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter).
CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the move as a step toward restoring free expression.
“The recent U.S. elections felt like a cultural tipping point, and it’s time to prioritize speech again,” he said.
The Community Notes system will allow users to provide context to posts, ensuring diverse perspectives are included. Unlike traditional fact-checking, Meta will not manage these notes but will rely on contributors with varying political views to maintain balance.
The fact-checking program had drawn criticism for alleged biases and overreach. Meta’s global affairs head, Joel Kaplan, admitted that mistakes were made, particularly regarding legitimate political discourse being flagged or suppressed.
“Experts, like everyone else, have biases. These surfaced in their choices of what to fact-check and how,” Kaplan said.
The changes align with Meta’s broader strategy to focus enforcement on high-severity violations, such as terrorism, child exploitation, and scams, while relying on user reports for less severe cases. Automated systems will also be fine-tuned to reduce mistakes that may restrict free expression.
Meta’s decision comes as Donald Trump prepares for his second term as U.S. president. The company appears to be recalibrating its relationship with the administration, elevating Republican policy executive Joel Kaplan to global affairs head and adding Trump ally Dana White to its board.
Trump welcomed the changes, calling Zuckerberg “impressive” and suggesting the move might be a response to his earlier threats against the CEO.
The rollout of Community Notes will begin in the U.S. over the coming months, with plans for refinement based on user feedback.
Meta will also restore visibility to political and civic content, previously de-emphasized due to user complaints, by implementing personalized recommendations.
Critics, however, have expressed concerns. The International Fact-Checking Network challenged Zuckerberg’s characterization of its members, asserting that their role has always been to provide context rather than censor. Others, like Ross Burley from the Centre for Information Resilience, labeled the move as political appeasement amid growing misinformation challenges.
While these changes currently apply only to the U.S., Meta faces scrutiny abroad, especially in the European Union, where platforms are held to stringent content moderation standards under the Digital Services Act.
Meta’s pivot could set the tone for broader shifts in the social media landscape.
Mashami has been coaching the security forces’ team for two and a half years. His dismissal came just four days after Police FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports, which left the team in fourth place at the end of the first half of the season, trailing league leaders Gikundiro by 13 points.
A source intimated to IGIHE that the club’s management had summoned the coach on Wednesday to discuss the terms of their separation.
Efforts by IGIHE to obtain a statement from Police FC management were unsuccessful, as no response was provided through any available channels.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that unresolved issues persist between the club and Mashami, who still had six months remaining on his contract. This follows his notable achievement of leading Police FC to victory in the Peace Cup in May 2024.
During the last summer transfer window, Police FC made heavy investments, acquiring several high-profile players, including internationals, with the aim of excelling in the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite the efforts, the team was eliminated in the preliminary round.
Today, young entrepreneurs are making huge investments in the sector, turning it into a competitive and thriving industry.
From offering fancy hairstyles like the undercut, pompadour, buzz cut, and quiff to recruiting top-tier barbers—much like signing star players in football—and employing innovative strategies to attract clients, barbershop owners are redefining the art of grooming.
Marsha Alain, a barber at the popular Kigali Clippers Zone barbershop, has been in the industry for 18 years and has witnessed a dramatic shift in his clientele. Once he primarily served clients seeking simple trims, but his chair is now filled with young professionals, students, and celebrities, all eager to experiment with the latest styles.
Over the same period, he has also seen a major change in the perception of his work, which has become his family’s main source of livelihood. Additionally, young women are increasingly joining the profession, offering shaving services as well.
“The first time I picked up this clipper was in 2006. Things were different then, but now it’s a very good, serious job. I’m enjoying it. I’m working like a star, as you can see. I’m a proud papa—I have a child and a wife, and we’re living well here in Kigali,” he shared during a recent visit to the barbershop in the heart of the city.
“I started shaving when it cost 50 Rwandan francs. Now, the price is 10,000 Rwandan francs, and that’s before any tip or extra charges.”
Alain, who was born in Burundi, lived briefly in Tanzania before settling back in Rwanda, where he discovered his passion for barbering.
He now serves a diverse clientele, ranging from top Rwandan celebrities like musician Mugisha Benjamin, also known as The Ben, to influential figures in Rwanda’s corporate sector and beyond.
Innocent Safari, the assistant manager at Kigali Clippers Zone, believes that the innovative strategies blending luxury with top-tier customer service have set the barbershop apart, despite the intense competition in the city.
“We serve everyone—music directors, government officials, and even children,” Safari shares. “This is where everyone feels at home, whether they’re getting ready for a music video or a corporate meeting.”
Safari’s role involves ensuring smooth operations in what he describes as a “huge factory for hair.”
Equipped with walkie-talkies to coordinate across the sprawling space, he explains the level of organization required to maintain their reputation.
“When we started in 2019, we had four barbers. Now, we have over 40, plus trainees who learn our unique style before joining the team.”
{{More than just haircuts
}}
The barbershop offers a waiting area with a mini-bar and snacks, creating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Clients receive personalized consultations to ensure they get exactly what they want. After a haircut, they’re treated to a luxurious wash, ensuring every detail is perfect.
“When you leave here, you don’t just look good—you feel good,” Safari emphasizes, jesting about the beautiful ladies who wash and offer relaxation massages to clients.
For Safari, the service goes beyond aesthetics. “People are stressed nowadays. Life is hard. When someone comes here, they might be spending their last five dollars. It’s our job to make them feel at peace.”
From high-end equipment to premium products, the barbershop spares no expense. Even during power outages, the team continues to work seamlessly.
“We don’t close until the last client leaves. Sometimes, we’re here until 4 a.m., ensuring everyone gets what they need.”
Safari envisions an even brighter future for Kigali Clippers Zone and the barbershop scene in the city.
“We’re planning to make this a one-stop destination. Imagine a place where you can get a haircut, grab a coffee, and even have your kids entertained in a playground while you relax. That’s where we’re headed.”
This collaboration will empower Rwandans to access a range of postal services, including the ability to obtain a virtual Post Office address through the user-friendly digital interface, offering greater convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.
By integrating ePoBox into the IremboGov platform, users can now easily create and manage their virtual Post Office addresses from their mobile devices. This digital solution reduces the need for physical visits to Post Offices, allowing individuals, businesses, and innovators to receive official communications, track postal deliveries, and engage with postal services seamlessly digitally.
“We are thrilled to partner with IPOSITA to bring ePoBox to the IremboGov platform. This collaboration not only represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide digital solutions that simplify access to government services but is a major step in Rwanda’s continued efforts to foster digital inclusion and economic growth,” said Israel Bimpe, CEO at Irembo.
“The integration of ePoBox into the IremboGov platform will revolutionize how Rwandans access and interact with postal services. By enabling people to manage their postal needs digitally, we are making it easier for individuals and businesses to stay connected and manage official communications. This partnership supports Rwanda’s drive to enhance digital postal services and transform the public sector,” said Celestin Kayitare, Director General at the National Post Office (IPOSITA).
The partnership between Irembo and IPOSITA aligns with Rwanda’s vision of a fully integrated digital economy, providing citizens and businesses with access to essential services that are both easy to use and accessible at their fingertips.
{{About Irembo
}}
Irembo is a technology company founded in Kigali in 2014 to make Rwanda a digital society. In July 2015, the company launched its first product in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, IremboGov. As a Digital Services Partner of the Rwandan Government, Irembo delivers services and innovative digital solutions that enable public agencies to process citizen applications more efficiently and help them access public services more conveniently.
{{About IPOSITA
}}
The National Post Office, also referred to as IPOSITA, is a Public Institution operating in Rwanda’s service industry since 1922.
The institution mainly exists to provide national and international postal services to meet institutional, social and individual needs.
IPOSITA also provides financial and counter services acting as a crucial bridge between the online and offline economy.
{{About ePoBox
}}
ePoBox is Rwanda’s Virtual PO Box Service, which allows anyone with a phone number to obtain a postal address.
Service Availability on the upgraded IremboGov Platform
The upgraded IremboGov platform now offers three ePoBox services:
1. [Register an ePoBox Address->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Register%20an%20e-P.O%20Box%20Address&id=a2677962-6d33-4985-bb4a-fba9c52d10cd]
2. [Renewal of an ePoBox Address->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Renew%20an%20e-P.O%20Box%20Address&id=b128155c-7113-40b4-a8ab-8924dc2140df]
3. [Change ePoBox Postal Office->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Change%20e-P.O%20Box%20Postal%20Office&id=061e1e59-47f0-4e2a-9c5a-c9940c30d8d7]
IPOSITA represents a significant technological advancement, providing a revolutionary approach to mail delivery. This integration demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to digital governance.
{{Key Features and Benefits
}}
● {{Mobile as Your Address}}: Convert your phone number into a personalized ePoBox.
● {{Affordable Pricing}}: Individuals are required to pay 8,000 RWF annually, while businesses and institutions must pay 15,000 RWF per year.
● {{Quick Activation}}: Set up your ePoBox within one business day.
● {{Nationwide Access}}: Reliable postal delivery for both individuals and businesses across Rwanda via the IremboGov platform.
Users will benefit from streamlined logistics and postal operations through a reliable, scalable solution that improves customer service.
{{User-Friendly Registration
}}
● {{For Individuals}}: A simple, fast registration using your ID number, name, and birthdate.
● {{For businesses}}: Instant registration is done using your tax identification number (TIN).
{{Why ePoBox?
}}
ePoBox brings convenience and control to your mail management with these features:
● {{Instant SMS Alerts}}
Stay informed with real-time notifications sent directly to your phone. You’ll be alerted whenever mail or a package is waiting at the Post Office, ensuring you never miss an important delivery.
● {{Flexible Mail Management}}
Take charge of your mail with options that fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer doorstep delivery or collection from a convenient location, ePoBox puts you in control.
{{What can I use ePoBox for?
}}
Once you have your ePoBox, the possibilities are endless. One can use it to:
● {{Access all postal services}}, which include sending and receiving mail and parcels.
● {{Access government documents seamlessly}}, including obtaining very soon driver’s licenses, logbooks, passports, and title deeds.
● {{Access E-commerce solutions }} and shop with ease on local platforms like RwandaMart and international giants like Amazon and Alibaba.
● {{Access financial services}} such as bank accounts and conduct financial transactions hassle-free.
Join the Digital Revolution: Register for ePoBox today.
Experience the future of postal services today. Sign up for ePoBox through the IremboGov platform at [https://new.irembo.gov.rw/->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/], or dial USSD *801*631#.
The Head of State arrived in Accra on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers before proceeding to Black Stars Square in the Ghanaian capital, where the ceremony took place.
Mahama, a former president and opposition figure, won December’s presidential election with 56.55% of the vote. The 66-year-old made a comeback to the presidency after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016.
Mahama’s main rival, Vice President and ruling-party presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in both the presidential and legislative elections to ease tensions.
Rwanda and Ghana maintain robust bilateral relations, characterized by active diplomatic engagement and cooperation across various sectors.
Rwanda-Ghana cooperation dates back several decades. In 1994, the Ghanaian contingent under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was among the few that remained in Rwanda to protect civilians targeted during the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite UN orders to evacuate.
Since then, Rwanda and Ghana have strengthened their relations and cooperated on multiple fronts, with the establishment of Rwanda’s resident High Commission in the West African country in 2020 playing a pivotal role.
Currently, Rwanda and Ghana have signed a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, an Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission, and Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors, including Defense and Security Cooperation, private sector collaboration, tourism, arts and culture, financial sector cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation.
These cooperation instruments continue to be pursued in other sectors to facilitate collaboration between the public, private, and civil society.
To further strengthen relations, Ghana appointed its first resident High Commissioner to Rwanda last year, establishing a resident High Commission to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.
France’s health ministry said the patient, a woman from the Brittany region, had not travelled to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who had recently returned from the area.
“Inquiries are underway to find the origin of the infection and identify all people in contact,” the ministry stated.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected animals, with human-to-human transmission occurring through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. While many cases are mild, the disease can be deadly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency over mpox in August 2024, renewing the alert on November 22 following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The clade 1b variant has been reported across 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. European nations have been advised to prepare for rapid action to contain the latest variant.
In response to the new variant, France’s health ministry has implemented recommended oversight measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and preparedness to prevent further spread of the virus.
