Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

AU delegation arrives in Mozambique for Cabo Delgado security assessment

The delegation comprises representatives of all 15 member states that make up the Peace and Security Council of the AU.

In a statement, AU said the council is undertaking the field mission as part of its mandate to promote peace, security and stability in Africa. The mission is also part of combined efforts to promote the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to put an end to warfare in Africa by the Year 2030.

Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique has been grappling with a security crisis since late 2017. An insurgency, primarily driven by the extremist group Ansar al-Sunna, has led to widespread violence, displacement, and economic disruption in the region.

AU said the security delegation will camp in Maputo for three days to gather first-hand information regarding the security, social and humanitarian situation prevailing in Cabo Delgado.

The delegation has also been tasked with assessing the progress made in combating the insurgency and evaluating the impact of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), considering its planned withdrawal.

“By undertaking the field mission, the PSC is also expressing AU solidarity with the people and government of Mozambique and reaffirming the AU commitment to continue supporting them in their relentless efforts to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism. This will help to restore durable peace, security stability and development in the country, which will tremendously benefit not only Cabo Delgado Province but also the Southern Africa region and the African Continent as a whole,” AU said.

The council also seeks to draw lessons from Mozambique’s experience and best practices, including in the implementation of disarmament demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs and disaster preparedness and management.

“The first-hand information to be gathered during the PSC field mission will be critically necessary as it will help to adopt evidence-based and well-informed decisions in supporting efforts of the government of Mozambique to restore durable peace, security, stability and development in the Cabo Delgado Province,” AU added.

The insurgency in Cabo Delgado began in October 2017 with Ansar al-Sunna expressing discontent over lack of economic benefits from natural gas in the region, allegations of government corruption and marginalization of local communities.

However, over the years that followed the rebellion escalated with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.

The Mozambique government struggled to contain the militia forcing it to seek military support from Rwanda and Southern Africa Development and Defense Advisory Council (SADDC) forces.

Currently, Rwanda has more than 2,500 troops in Mozambique. The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has indicated that the security situation in the country continues to improve.

July 30, 2024
Bralirwa Plc reports 2024 First Half Year Results

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July 30, 2024
Lina Higiro appointed NCBA Group’s Regional Head of Business Operations

IGIHE has learned that the experienced banker has been confirmed for the position and will begin her new role in August 2024. She will be based at NCBA Group’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

NCBA Group operates as an investment company with a presence in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Higiro’s appointment is part of NCBA Group’s strategy to streamline operations across all its banks, benefiting both employees and customers. This approach allows employees to move between branches or to the headquarters, based on their skills and expertise.

Since 2018, under Higiro’s leadership, NCBA Bank Rwanda has experienced significant growth in assets and client loans. When she took over, the bank was grappling with a loss of Rwf2.5 billion but within three years, she transformed the bank into a new phase of profitability.

Statistics indicate that from 2019 to 2023, NCBA Bank Rwanda’s assets increased from Rwf35 billion to Rwf205 billion. Loans to clients rose from Rwf19 billion in 2019 to Rwf103 billion in 2023, while client deposits grew from Rwf21 billion to Rwf140 billion over the same period.

In March 2023, NCBA Group’s Chief Financial Officer, David Abwoga, noted that their fastest-growing bank is in Rwanda, with assets increasing by 56%.

Higiro played a crucial role in this growth by focusing on technological advancement and establishing effective operational frameworks that enhanced employee productivity.
Her leadership also emphasized employee satisfaction, including providing maternal and partenal leave and creating a supportive work environment for mothers.

NCBA was the first bank to introduce a daycare and a mother’s room for breastfeeding, allowing mothers to work comfortably.

Similarly, fathers were granted 14 days of paternity leave, instead of the seven days mandated by law, which many employees say improved their ability to care for their families and increased workplace productivity.

She also launched the ‘Man Enough’ program, encouraging male employees to advocate for gender equality, making NCBA Bank Rwanda Plc the first to implement this initiative.

Recognizing the importance of mental health for productivity, Higiro initiated a program to support employees’ mental well-being, offering free services and access to psychological counsellors as needed.

In March 2023, NCBA Bank was awarded by the Government of Rwanda for its efforts in promoting gender equality and inclusivity among its employees.

In July 2023, Higiro introduced the need for mental health support programs for women in all workplaces to address issues such as gender-based violence and job loss due to pregnancy.

Higiro founded the Women In Finance Rwanda (WIFR) organization and serves as its CEO. The first WIFR agreement was signed in 2023 with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the UK, providing scholarships to over 50 women.

WIFR also signed a partnership agreement with the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) in June 2024, aimed at training women in the financial services sector in Rwanda.

Higiro noted that this agreement would benefit over 13,000 women by providing essential knowledge.

In 2021, Higiro was among the top three finalists for the Angaza Award, recognizing women for impactful and skilled leadership in banking and financial services.

With extensive experience in banking operations, Higiro previously served as Chief Operating Officer at AB Bank Rwanda and Head of Planning and Marketing at I&M Bank.
From 2007 to 2011, she served as Head of Banking Services for small and medium enterprises at Guaranty Trust.

Higiro holds a Master’s degree in Business Leadership from the University of Liverpool in the UK, a Bachelor’s degree from North-West University in South Africa, and a diploma in Business and Communication from Ryerson University in Canada.

July 29, 2024
What you need to know about mpox

The outbreak of mpox in Rwanda comes barely two weeks after 25 cases of the viral infection were confirmed in Goma town, the Eastern Province Capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Government of Rwanda has since assured the general population that it is well-prepared to handle the outbreak. But what exactly is mpox?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the viral illness is caused by a virus known as the monkey pox virus.

This virus was first identified in Denmark in 1958 during a research study involving monkeys. The first known human case was of a young child who was diagnosed in 1970 in the DRC.

The infection is transmitted to humans through physical contact with contaminated materials, or with infected animals or other human beings.

Medics say that the mpox virus enters the body through inhalation of respiratory droplets, pores of the skin, and mucous membranes mainly found in the mouth, throat, eyes, genitals, or the rectum.

It also spreads easily within households through sexual intercourse amongst couples, with individuals having multiple partners being at increased risk.

Common symptoms include a rash or sores that can last several weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with individuals who have the virus. Vaccination is also effective in protecting those at high risk.

At the national level, the Ministry of Health says it will rely on advanced response systems and protocols to detect and contain the spread of the infection.

“Rwanda is well-prepared to handle a potential mpox outbreak, leveraging our experience and systems developed during previous health challenges like COVID-19,” Dr Edson Rwagasore, the Division Manager of Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), told local media.

“We can now quickly test and confirm infections using advanced methods, including genomic sequencing, which is crucial for effective outbreak management,” he said.

Rwagasore says it is important to remain vigilant despite the measures instilling confidence in the country’s ability to manage potential health challenges, including mpox.

July 29, 2024
Underlying forces shaping Rwanda’s real estate market

The number of property developers and architecture firms registered in the country over the last decade has grown significantly as property entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on this promising sector.

Johnson Bigwi is the founder of Futuristic Design Group (FDG) Africa, a local company which offers engineering services with a special focus on urban development. He told IGIHE in a recent interview that the sector has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, particularly in the architectural design of buildings emerging in Kigali and other parts of the country.

A graduate of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Nairobi, Bigwi ventured into real estate in 2014. At the time, he observed that most buildings shared a similar aesthetic design and this presented him with an opportunity.

“This gave us the chance to offer alternative, well-orchestrated designs and we have since grown to offer other services, including surveying and construction, to cater for the growing demands on the market,” Bigwi said.

Despite the setbacks brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Rwanda’s economic is on a steady trajectory. This has led to a rising middle class with increased disposable income, creating a fertile ground for diverse real estate investments.

Boris Muhirwa, a project manager for DND Developers in Kigali, concurs that the demand for luxury apartments is on the rise.

A civil engineer with close to 15 years of experience, Muhirwa is currently overseeing the refurbishment of the Royal Golf View Apartment Hotel in Kigali’s upscale Kacyiru neighborhood. The 10-storey structure will encompass residential apartments, retail spaces, and a hotel upon completion.

He revealed that while the project is only a month old and has a two-year timeline, several clients have already placed bookings.

“Previously, people were hesitant to pay upfront for something they had no input be it with design or execution. However, the industry has evolved, and clients now have more confidence in developers, allowing for installment payment plans,” Muhirwa said.

Beyond the traditional residential and commercial infrastructure, the Rwandan real estate market is experiencing robust growth fueled by a number of factors such as increased accessibility to financing through local financial institutions.

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Prince Hoffman Banamwana, a real estate marketer and founder of Quick Homes Rwanda, believes that investor-friendly policies and unmatched security have been instrumental in attracting foreign investment, thereby stimulating growth in the sector.

“The government policies have ensured one thing beyond reasonable doubt– safety,” says Banamwana, a social sensation renowned for his vibrant YouTube channel where he showcases houses for potential clients to buy.

According to him, once people feel safe, they are bound to stay or even engage in productive activities in a given area.

Government advertising initiatives such as Visit Rwanda have also opened up Rwanda’s tourism sector, promoting the hotel and hospitality industry.

“The government is doing us a great service by advertising the country through Visit Rwanda campaigns, such as the partnership with Arsenal and other teams, which attract people to visit. Once here, they often fall in love with the country and want to stay,” he added.

Banamwana observed that infrastructure development makes Rwanda an attractive destination for real estate investors. Investments in transportation, energy, and telecommunications are improving the business environment and supporting real estate development.

Beyond the current improvements, there is widespread consensus that there are substantial investment opportunities for real estate developers, particularly in affordable housing and high-rise buildings.

“The current market is unaffordable. It’s expensive across the board. Anyone investing in affordable housing here would tap into a significant market that could be supported by government initiatives,” Banamwana stated.

By and large, there’s a growing need to explore high-rise buildings due to limitations of available land, the demand for modern and amenity-rich living spaces, and the desire for efficient and sustainable urban development.

July 29, 2024
UK PM Starmer and President Kagame discuss migration issues in Paris meeting

A statement released by the Prime Minister’s office on Sunday, July 28, indicated that the two leaders discussed their mutual commitment to addressing illegal migration.

“They acknowledged that illegal migration remains a pressing global challenge and emphasized the importance of dismantling the business model of criminal gangs profiting from human suffering,” the statement reads in part.

Illegal migration was a major challenge for the previous administration of Rishi Sunak and his predecessors in the Conservative Party. It remains a significant issue for the new administration as well.

Early this month, Starmer announced that he was terminating the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership.

The agreement, signed in December 2023, stipulated that asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK would be transferred to Rwanda, where their claims would be processed.

In response to the intention to terminate the deal, the Rwandan government highlighted its adherence to the agreement.

“Rwanda has fully upheld its side of the agreement, including with regard to finances, and remains committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis,” said the office of the Government Spokesperson.

With the new leadership in the UK, the future of migration policies and international partnerships remains uncertain. However, the commitment demonstrated by both Starmer and Kagame to address global challenges collaboratively sets a hopeful tone for ongoing and future cooperation between the two nations.

July 29, 2024
Cultural convergence: West African talent in Rwandan football

Ordinarily, the history of Rwandan football is one of a modest and locally contained affair with a few foreign players who graced the stage in the 1980s throughout the 1990s.

Traditionally, most of these foreign players were from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and sometimes Uganda.

Notable names include Jean-Marie Ntagwabira (RIP), who played for local clubs during the 1980s going on to become a famous coach, and Hassan Gasana, a prominent striker who played for APR FC and was known for his goal-scoring ability during the late 1990s. Both players were originally from Burundi.

Others are Shabani Nonda, Bokota Kamana Labama (both from DRC) and Uganda’s Ibrahim Mugisha, a highly-regarded goalkeeper who played for APR FC and Rayon Sports during the 1990s and early 2000s.

In modern history, Rwanda, as a country, has blossomed into a beacon of sporting excellence, establishing standard infrastructure as a way of boosting the sports fraternity, especially football.

As thus, Rwandan football clubs, keen on elevating their game and making a mark on the regional stage have started scouting beyond regional borders.

There is an influx of foreign players across the African continent, particularly from the football-rich nations of West Africa.

With countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, West Africa is a region celebrated for its prodigious footballing talent.

Known for producing world-class players, this region has now become the prime target for Rwandan clubs looking to infuse new energy and skill into their squads.

The latest to join is Agyenim Boateng Mensah, a Ghanaian youngster who last week signed for Huye-based Mukura Victory Sports club on a two-year deal.

As he came to Rwanda, Agyenim was the second top scorer in the Ghana Premier League of the season after netting 14 goals in 19 games.

Before that, others like Michael Sarpong and Olokwei Commodore have also featured in the Rwanda Premier League but Prosper Donkor stands out as the initiator of the exodus of Ghanaian players to Rwanda when he signed for Rayon Sports FC on August 5, 2018.

Today, APR FC has Salomon Banga from Cameroon and Victor Mbaoma, a Nigerian centre-forward who has also played for the Nigeria national football team. Police FC has 22-year-old Odili Chukwuma who was recently signed from Bugesera FC. The list is endless.

The arrival of West African players has brought a breath of fresh air to the league. This is because with their dazzling footwork, tactical acumen, and unwavering determination, they quickly become the heartbeats of their teams.

Festus Adejere is a young Nigerian talent who plays for Second Division Side La Jeunesse FC. He says that he is proud to leverage the insights he gets from his managers and teammates to enhance his professional journey.

“Training sessions here turn into learning experiences, with fellow teammates picking up new techniques, strategies, and a deeper understanding of the game,” he says.

According to him, the fusion of local enthusiasm and foreign expertise blended with a unique footballing culture makes the game more entertaining and highly competitive.

Adejere, who was his team’s top scorer last season with 14 goals, says that the integration of these foreign players into Rwandan teams has also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie.

“As you develop further, the impact goes beyond just winning matches. You try to become a mentor or role model for younger Rwandan players, inspiring them to dream bigger and work harder,” he explains.

This shared love for football has bridged cultural gaps, promoted mutual respect and understanding. Most West African players have embraced Rwandan culture, while locals appreciate the diverse backgrounds and stories their new heroes come with.

Today, the Rwanda Premier League stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and diversity in sports. This has not only raised the standard of football in Rwanda but has also brought a sense of excitement and global connectivity to the league.

As the league continues to grow, striving to be a melting pot of talent, where young Rwandan prospects come together to create football magic, the contribution of West African talent cannot be underestimated.

The status of Rwandan football is a story of ambition, collaboration, and the unifying spirit of the game. It is Sport reimagined, where every match is a celebration of talent and culture.

The beautiful game continues to transcend borders, bringing joy and inspiration to all who witness it.

July 28, 2024
Odinga upbeat as Kenya set to formally submit AU bid

The legendary Kenyan opposition leader made the remarks after signing the AUC Chair application documents on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

“I signed off my AUC Chair application documents. We are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people,” Odinga stated.

Thereafter, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei confirmed that all was set for the submission of Odinga’s application documents.

“All-Set-Go!” Sing’oei captioned social media photos showing bundles of the documents set to be submitted to the AU Secretariat for consideration.

August 6, 2024, is the deadline for submission of candidatures for the coveted continental job.

Odinga, who previously served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, is seeking to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki in elections slated for February 2025.

He is among four renowned African leaders who have declared interest in the job. Others are former Seychelles Vice President Vincent Meriton, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, and ex-Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf.

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Odinga received a huge boost in his bid earlier this year when the African Union Executive Council unanimously resolved that candidates for the position of the next chairperson of the AU Commission would be nominated by the Eastern African regional states.

Several African Heads of State, including President Paul Kagame and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni have since expressed their support for Odinga to clinch the top job.

Others are Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, and Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema have also pledged to support Odinga’s bid.

The chairperson of the AU Commission is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union.
The position is crucial in driving the Union’s agenda and representing the continent on the
global arena.

Candidates for the position are nominated by member states of the African Union. A high-level panel of eminent Africans is responsible for assessing and shortlisting the nominated candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and leadership abilities.

The final election is conducted by the Assembly of the African Union, which comprises representatives from all member states. The election is held by secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority of eligible member states is required to elect the Chairperson.

The successful candidate serves a four-year term, renewable once.

July 28, 2024
Rwanda gears up for national agriculture show 2024

Under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems,” the exposition serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore business opportunities, and foster partnerships that can contribute to the growth and development of Rwanda’s agriculture sector.

According to Dr Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, the show aims to showcase the latest advancements and technologies in the agricultural sector.

“It offers an unequalled opportunity to leverage the showcasing of agricultural technologies and innovations, access to financial and entrepreneurship opportunities to fast track agriculture sector transformation,” he said in a statement.

The Agrishow has become a flagship event in the agricultural sector, attracting farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, researchers, and international exhibitors.

This year’s show promises to be bigger and better as it has already started attracting engaging discourse.

Elie Mugisha, a modern farming and communication enthusiast says that sustainable farming and conservation agriculture are some of the issues he is expecting to acquire more knowledge about.

“You will meet expertise in fish farming who are making it a big business nowadays. Do not plan to miss this one,” he said ahead of the event.

The organizers have already received an overwhelming response from exhibitors, with various participants registering for the event so far.

They expect a diverse group of participants from within the region and beyond highlighting the international interest and recognition of Rwanda’s agricultural potential.

Visitors will expect a wide array of exhibits, including agricultural machinery, livestock, seeds, fertilizers, agro-processing technologies, and innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices.

The show will also feature live demonstrations, expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, making it a comprehensive and interactive experience for all attendees.

Farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the agricultural sector are encouraged to seize this opportunity to learn, connect, and explore the future of agriculture in Rwanda.

July 28, 2024
Kagame, Starmer keen to strengthen Rwanda-UK cooperation

The two leaders met on the side lines of the ongoing Olympics in Paris, France, on Saturday.

In a brief statement, President Kagame said they discussed their shared commitment to fruitful bilateral cooperation, including strengthening partnerships in trade, sports, technology, and environmental protection.

The UK and Rwanda have been developing a strong commercial relationship in recent years, with growing interest in expanding trade volume.

The UK is a leading investor in Rwanda, particularly in the tea sector. More than 150 British companies are registered in Rwanda.

Additionally, the UK government is actively involved in supporting Rwanda’s business environment through initiatives like the Rwanda Investment Climate Reform Program.

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Saturday’s meeting was the first since Starmer’s Labour Party was voted into government earlier this month, ending the 14-year dominance of the Conservative Party.

Starmer’s ascent to the high office was, however, marked by controversy following his decision to scrap the UK-Rwanda migration deal introduced by the Conservative Party.

The UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed in April 2022. The deal aimed to deter unauthorized immigration, especially people arriving by small boats, by referring the asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The migration scheme was set to kick off in July after a two-year delay occasioned by court battles and opposition from a section of Members of Parliament.

Starmer argued that the policy was neither a deterrent nor value for money. He has pledged to tackle the issue ‘upstream’ by getting rid of people-smuggling gangs behind the movements.

In response to the termination of the deal, Rwanda reaffirmed that it was committed to addressing the global migration crisis despite the setback.

“We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the Government said.

July 28, 2024