The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District, was opened on Friday, December 6, 2024, during a ceremony graced by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, alongside Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner.
The port is poised to revolutionize trade and connectivity, particularly between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Gasore hailed the port as a “key milestone” in Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and regional integration. He emphasized that Rubavu Port would play a pivotal role in improving community livelihoods by boosting trade and creating job opportunities.
Rubavu Port boasts impressive capabilities, with a capacity to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. The two-hectare facility includes cargo and passenger terminals, a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and accommodations for staff.
Since its pilot phase began in June 2024, the port has been fully operational, with traders already benefiting from its modern infrastructure. The facility also provides significant employment opportunities for Rubavu residents, engaging cooperatives of porters to load and unload cargo.
Rubavu Port operates as a One-Stop Border Post, offering seamless services from agencies such as the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), Rwanda Revenue Authority, and Rwanda National Police Marine Unit. Beyond facilitating trade, it caters to tourists exploring the scenic attractions of Lake Kivu in Rwanda’s Western Province.
The port is part of the broader National Strategic Transformation (NST1) plan, which includes the construction of three additional ports on Lake Kivu—Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora. Once completed, these ports are expected to further ease the transport of goods and passengers, solidifying Rwanda’s position as a regional trade hub.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, the DRC is Rwanda’s second-largest export destination, with $16.2 million worth of goods exported in June 2024 alone.
Traditionally reliant on land routes, the launch of Rubavu Port marks a significant shift toward utilizing Lake Kivu for maritime trade, unlocking new opportunities for regional economic integration and growth.
The launch is expected by January 2025 and will be spearheaded by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). It will mark a major step forward in the country’s efforts to curb new infections and offer innovative treatment solutions for individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.
The drug, known as long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is a new form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, requiring only a bi-monthly injection following two initial doses spaced four weeks apart.
Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, CAB-LA has been described as a “safe and highly effective prevention tool” for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
According to Dr. Basile Ikuzo, Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at RBC, the drug will initially be introduced on a pilot basis at two health centres.
“We aim to assess client acceptability and determine if it can be a new intervention. If the feedback is positive, we plan to scale it up across the country,” Dr. Ikuzo said in a recent interview with The New Times.
Rwanda’s adoption of CAB-LA also addresses the challenges of adhering to oral PrEP. Many individuals find it difficult to maintain a daily pill routine, making long-acting injectables a more convenient and reliable option.
The rollout will initially target high-risk groups, including female sex workers and discordant couples. Currently, over 10,000 individuals in Rwanda use oral PrEP, representing 30% of those identified as high-risk. The new initiative aims to expand access to prevention services and further lower HIV prevalence among vulnerable groups.
The introduction of CAB-LA aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to meeting and surpassing the UNAIDS “95-95-95” targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Rwanda has made notable progress in addressing HIV/AIDS, with prevalence rates among high-risk groups showing a steady decline. For instance, HIV prevalence among female sex workers has decreased from 45% a decade ago to 35%. Overall, the HIV prevalence rate among Rwandans aged 15-64 stands at 3%, according to the 2019 Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA).
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of maintaining preventive measures while embracing new solutions.
Minister of Health, Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, believes that long-acting injectables could alleviate the burden on individuals who require lifelong HIV treatment.
“This approach offers a practical alternative to the daily regimen, ensuring better adherence and improving quality of life,” Dr. Nsanzimana said during a previous address.
The House unanimously gave a nod to President Paul Kagame’s nominees during a sitting on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The approval followed thorough vetting by the Senate Committee on Political Affairs and Governance.
“After vetting the qualifications of the nominees and conducting interviews with them, as well as reviewing the responsibilities of the Supreme Court, the Committee concluded that the nominees have the knowledge and experience that would enable them to perform the duties they have been nominated for,” the Committee Chairperson, Senator Usta Kaitesi, told the Senate.
President Kagame [made the appointments on Tuesday, December 3->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/domitilla-mukantaganzwa-appointed-president-of-the-supreme-court?var_mode=preview], with the nominees expected to serve for a five-year term, renewable once.
Mukantaganzwa will succeed Faustin Ntezilyayo as Rwanda’s Chief Justice. She is set to become the country’s sixth Chief Justice since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the second female to hold the top position, following Aloysie Cyanzayire, who led the Rwandan judiciary from 2003 to 2011.
Until her appointment, the 60-year-old served as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC), a position she assumed in December 2019.
She is renowned for her central role and contributions to the success of the Gacaca Jurisdiction, which was tasked with handling cases related to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She led the institution from 2003 until 2012 when she concluded its mandate and presented a comprehensive report to the government.
Mukantaganzwa was also one of the commissioners who drafted the 2003 Rwandan Constitution.
On the other hand, Justice Hitiyaremye has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda since 2019.
DJ Sonia triumphed in the Zikomo DJ category at the awards ceremony held on November 30, outshining 15 other nominees from various African nations.
The 25-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, promising to put in more work to elevate her craft even to higher heights.
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. It means so much to me because it represents not just my hard work but also the passion I pour into every set,” she told The New Times.
“Being recognized at this level gives me the motivation to push even further, elevate my craft, and inspire others who dream of being DJs. This is not just a win for me; it’s a milestone in my journey and a reminder that music truly connects us all.”
This year’s awards also celebrated other outstanding talents from Africa. Kenya’s Sarah Hassan was named Best Zikomo Actress of the Year for East and Southern Africa, while Malawian musician Onesimus Muzik took home the Artist of the Year accolade.
DJ Sonia’s victory follows her earlier nomination for DJ of the Year at the Youth Excellence Awards (YEA), cementing her place as one of Africa’s leading entertainment figures.
The Zikomo Africa Awards, established in 2020 by Blessing Ouddar in Zambia, honour excellence across various fields, including music, fashion, sports, and humanitarian efforts.
Derived from the Zambian word meaning “thank you,” the awards aim to recognize individuals making significant contributions to their communities while fostering unity and positive change across Africa.
This year’s event featured an expanded roster of categories and high-profile nominees, including Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa.
{{France’s Minority Government falls in historic no-confidence vote
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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government was o Wednesday evening ousted by a no-confidence vote, marking a historic first since Georges Pompidou’s administration was toppled in 1962.
The vote followed Barnier’s controversial move to push through the 2025 social security budget without parliamentary approval. With 331 lawmakers supporting the motion, Barnier’s tenure as prime minister—already the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic—came to an abrupt end.
The no-confidence motion was spearheaded by the New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-leaning parties, and supported by the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen. This cross-spectrum alliance reflects the increasingly fragmented nature of French politics.
President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in June had already set the stage for a deeply divided legislature following snap elections in July.
With new elections constitutionally barred until mid-2025, the political landscape in France remains fraught.
President Macron must now navigate the complex process of appointing a caretaker government, which will oversee operations in the short term but faces significant challenges in achieving long-term stability. Financial markets have already shown signs of concern, with France’s borrowing costs spiking amid the turmoil.
This development places France at a critical juncture, further complicating the European Union’s dynamics as Germany grapples with its own electoral uncertainties and the U.S. prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
{{Kenya sued at East African Court of Justice
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Kenya is facing a legal battle at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over its decision to grant diplomatic immunities to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The case, filed by Kenyan petitioners Sigi Waigumo Mwanzia and Gichohi Waweru on November 28, 2024, accuses Kenya of breaching the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and its own Constitution by failing to ensure transparency, public participation, and accountability in the process.
The immunities, granted through a gazette notice on October 4, 2024, sparked public debate. Critics argue such privileges are typically reserved for diplomatic missions, not private entities.
The petitioners demand an explanation of how the foundation qualified under Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act and access to related documentation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also filed a separate case, leading the High Court to suspend the immunities pending a hearing.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, had earlier defended the decision, emphasizing the foundation’s substantial contributions to development and adherence to legal frameworks. However, questions linger about the broader implications of extending diplomatic protections to philanthropic organizations.
{{Karua returns to Kenya after delays in obtaining practice license in Uganda
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Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has returned to Kenya after failing to secure a temporary practicing license from the Uganda Law Council, delaying her plans to lead the defense of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Karua visited Uganda on December 1, 2024, to obtain the necessary certification but was unsuccessful. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, a member of Besigye’s legal team, stated that the team remains hopeful the license will be approved soon.
The legal team sought an adjournment in Besigye’s case to allow time for Karua’s certification, but the General Court Martial rescheduled the hearing to December 10, 2024, citing scheduling conflicts.
Besigye and his ally Abeid Lutale face charges including illegal possession of firearms and activities undermining national security following their controversial arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, while in the city to attend the launch of Karua’s book. Both remain remanded at Luzira Prison.
The charges have drawn criticism from rights activists, who argue they are politically
motivated, with questions raised about the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.
Besigye, a veteran opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has faced repeated arrests for anti-government protests.
{{Trump nominates Jared Isaacman to head NASA
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United States President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and private astronaut, to lead NASA.
Isaacman, known for funding and participating in SpaceX’s private space missions, would replace the outgoing administrator, Bill Nelson, if confirmed by the Senate.
Isaacman, 41, is the founder of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished fighter pilot. He collaborated with SpaceX in 2022, making history with the first private spacewalk while testing customized spacewalking suits. His nomination signals NASA’s continued reliance on private companies like SpaceX, which plays a central role in the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the moon.
Isaacman’s leadership is expected to deepen NASA’s focus on commercial partnerships and expand exploration efforts, including missions to Mars.
Trump highlighted Isaacman’s potential to drive breakthroughs in space science, technology, and exploration. Critics have noted Isaacman’s lack of government experience but acknowledged his expertise in private space ventures.
This early appointment aligns with Trump’s push to accelerate space exploration and expand the commercial space sector, with support from Elon Musk, a close collaborator and major donor to Trump’s campaign.
{{Rwanda to unveil Rubavu Port
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Rwanda is set to officially launch the Rubavu Port on December 6, a state-of-the-art facility designed to boost regional trade and connectivity, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Situated on Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba Sector, this two-hectare port features cargo and passenger terminals and has been operational in a pilot phase since June 2024. It can handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually, with facilities including a wastewater treatment plant, petrol station, and accommodations for staff.
The project, funded by Invest International and TradeMark Africa, aims to lower trade costs and improve efficiency in transporting goods like cement, beverages, and dairy products across Lake Kivu. It also supports local communities by creating jobs and fostering tourism. Officials anticipate significant economic benefits, including streamlined logistics, reduced tariffs, and fewer cross-border trade bottlenecks.
Rubavu Port is part of a larger initiative, the Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which includes the development of additional ports in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora.
The project aims to transform Rwanda into a regional trade corridor, reducing the cost per metric ton of goods transported across Lake Kivu by nearly 60% while promoting greener and safer alternatives to road transport.
Located in the vibrant Remera neighbourhood, the hotel opened its doors in 2014 and has since become a key player in the country’s hospitality sector, helping shape the experience of both travellers and business professionals.
Since its inception, Grand Legacy Hotel has been committed to providing world-class accommodation, hosting international conferences, and offering a wide range of amenities. These include two restaurants, a gym, aerobics facilities, a steam room, sauna, massage services, and a pool for guests to enjoy.
The hotel has also established itself as a trusted venue for events, offering catering services for meetings and private parties, ensuring guests’ needs are met with unparalleled hospitality.
With 43 rooms, including 33 superior rooms, and exclusive facilities for business conferences and meetings, Grand Legacy Hotel has earned a stellar reputation for its professional and welcoming service. The hotel has hosted over 3,000 guests at notable events, such as the African Development Bank’s Annual Meeting, earning accolades from both customers and international organizations.
In 2015, just one year after opening, the hotel won the prestigious “Best 2nd Hotel for Excellent Service” award at the Gateway Tourism Expo in Nairobi, surpassing some of the world’s largest hotel chains. This recognition was followed by glowing reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Booking.com, where the hotel earned praise for its exceptional service and guest satisfaction.
Reflecting on this milestone, Christian Ndagijimana, CEO of Grand Legacy Hotel, said, “When we started, there were few hotels in Rwanda. Our goal was to contribute to the development of the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made. Today, we’ve seen our hotel grow in both reputation and clientele, and we look forward to continuing our support for Rwanda’s tourism industry for years to come.”
François Nsengimana, Development Manager at Salvation Army and one of the hotel’s most loyal clients, expressed his satisfaction with the hotel’s services, saying, “Grand Legacy Hotel is a modern establishment with professional staff who pay attention to every detail. Its location—close to the airport and Kigali’s key attractions—makes it an ideal place for both business and leisure.”
To celebrate this significant achievement, Grand Legacy Hotel will host a special anniversary event at its premises in Remera on December 6, 2024.
The event will bring together local dignitaries, loyal clients, business partners, and media representatives to reflect on the hotel’s journey and future endeavours.
During the event, the management will unveil plans to expand its offerings with a new eco-friendly resort on Nkombo Island, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to environmental sustainability and Rwanda’s tourism development.
Looking ahead, Grand Legacy Hotel plans to continue expanding its influence on both the local and international hospitality landscape. With several new projects in the pipeline and an unwavering dedication to excellence, the hotel is poised to play an integral role in shaping the future of Rwanda’s tourism industry.
In this article, we highlight notable events and achievements in the tech sector over the past 12 months.
{{Launch of Kigali Innovation City}}
After more than a decade of conceptualization, Rwanda, in September, laid the foundation stone for Kigali Innovation City in Gasabo District.
Spanning 61 hectares, the project aims to promote innovation and technology-driven growth. With an estimated cost of $2 billion, the development will host international universities, technology companies, commercial facilities, and more.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in collaboration with Africa50, an investment platform focused on infrastructure projects that drive development across Africa.
Kigali Innovation City will feature a state-of-the-art center with specialized bases for Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. Notably, some buildings will feature solar-powered roofs, and electric vehicles will serve as the primary mode of transportation within the area, further promoting efforts toward environmental sustainability.
Dr. Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, lauded the project as a major milestone for Rwanda in its quest to establish a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
“We are here to celebrate this achievement for our nation, its leadership, and the people of Rwanda, who are committed to building a knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
Once fully completed, the project is expected to generate $150 million annually from the technology developed there and attract $300 million in foreign investment.
{{Rwanda Unveils National FinTech Strategy to Spur Financial Growth
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Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT launched a five-year FinTech Strategy (2024–2029) on November 28, 2024, aiming to foster a robust FinTech ecosystem and position the country as a regional financial hub.
The strategy prioritizes improving financial literacy, expanding access to investment, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and developing digital infrastructure.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey as we launch our national fintech strategy. This strategy represents not just a policy document but our country’s commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading fintech hub in Africa,” Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said during the launch in Kigali.
Rwanda aims to attract 300 FinTech players, generate 7,500 jobs, and raise $200 million in investments by 2029.
{{AI Connect Hackathon}}
In September, Irembo, a Rwandan technology company behind the development of the government’s one-stop service platform, hosted its first-ever hackathon on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The 48-hour competition, co-hosted by Irembo and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), brought together more than 20 teams of talented software developers to create solutions addressing real-world challenges and driving meaningful impact in sectors such as public services, healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity.
21-year-old duo, Cedric Izabayo and Libériste Clarence, emerged as the winners of the hackathon, which was hosted in Nyarutarama from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.
The young software engineers’ AI project, dubbed Bwenge, was ranked first among 18 projects reviewed by judges, securing them Rwf 5 million in cash prizes and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025.
Bwenge is an AI-powered chatbot that allows any citizen with a phone, even without internet access, to make a call and access digital government services. The winning team integrated the bot with IremboPay, ensuring seamless payments.
Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, said the project has the potential to revolutionize access to information, especially for persons with limited internet access.
The second place went to a team of four developers with a technology titled Immersive AI. It’s a platform that enables businesses and individuals to create their own AI workflow agents to automate processes and improve productivity. The project developers included Dirac Murairi, Landelin Gihozo, Julien Barezi and Kevin Nkusi.
Somatek AI clinched the third place. The project was also undertaken by group of four young software developers, who built an AI-powered browser extension that simplifies complex technical documentation. The team, comprising Janvier Ntwali, Laura Celine Ishimwe, Dean Daryl Murenzi, and Leny Pascal Ihirwe, developed the extension to assist the government in its recently rolled-out scheme to train one million coders under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by 2029.
The two teams won Frw2 million and Frw1 million, respectively.
The hackathon underscored Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable development.
{{Digital Innovation in Museums}}
The introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology in Rwandan museums on August 30, 2024, has revolutionized the visitor experience by offering immersive historical and cultural exhibits.
The initiative was launched in partnership with Innorios, a local tech company specializing in the implementation of VR solutions.
The project offers two distinct types of virtual tours: a self-guided 360-degree virtual tour accessible via smartphones and computers and a more immersive VR experience using headsets. With this solution, one can experience facilities such as the Ethnographic Museum in Huye from the comfort of their living room.
“The self-guided virtual tour allows users to navigate through the museum’s exhibits at their own pace. With just a few clicks, visitors can move from one section to another, exploring artifacts in stunning 3D detail,” said Musa Shumbusho, Founder of Innorios, during the launch.
{{Broadband and Connectivity Developments}}
Over the past 12 months, Rwanda has continued its efforts to expand high-speed internet access nationwide, contributing to its Smart Rwanda Master Plan.
Partnerships with global tech firms have bolstered infrastructure for digital services and e-governance. For example, MTN Rwanda, the country’s largest telecommunications company, and Ericsson, on November 5, 2024, announced the completion of the expansion and modernization of MTN’s network in Kigali, Rwanda, to extend network coverage, enhance user experience in the country, and prepare the network for the full rollout of 5G.
With the expansion and modernization, communities in the country are expected to benefit from boosted connectivity and digitization, better access to education and healthcare, and more. These benefits are expected to bolster stronger social connections, stimulate economic development, and empower communities.
{{Hanga Pitchfest 2024}}
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), successfully organized the 2024 edition of the Hanga Pitchfest in November in Kigali.
The competition, held annually, supports young entrepreneurs with ideas that could contribute to Rwanda’s development and technological progress.
The Hanga Pitchfest 2024 concluded with five youth-led projects winning a combined total of Frw110 million, aimed at promoting innovative, technology-driven solutions.
This year’s winner, Sinc-Today Ltd, received Frw50 million for its platform that revolutionizes event planning and coordination.
The second and third prizes went to Geuza Ltd (which manufactures assistive devices for people with disabilities) and Afya Wave (focused on producing ultrasound devices for medical use), receiving Rwf 20 million and Frw15 million, respectively.
The competition recognizes projects addressing diverse issues, from waste management to healthcare innovation. Finalists were selected from over 300 entries and awarded based on their potential impact.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth through investment and collaboration to drive sustainable development.
He stressed the need for further investment in technology skills, which are essential for job creation and economic growth in the digital age. Additionally, the government launched the Hanga Hubs initiative, in partnership with the EU, which aims to support entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Rwanda’s districts.
Since its inception in 2021, Hanga Pitchfest has supported over 200 projects and invested over Frw600 million in entrepreneurial development, cementing its role as a key player in Rwanda’s technological and economic future.
Meanwhile, one of the high-level tech events scheduled for this year, the Global AI Summit on Africa, which was originally set for October, was rescheduled to April 2025. The event is being organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
According to the organizers, the summit will bring together distinguished government and business leaders, along with experts from academia and civil society, to engage in an in-depth, collaborative dialogue on AI’s transformative role in shaping Africa’s future. The summit will be held under the theme, “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
The organizers stated that the event was postponed as part of a strategic effort to broaden perspectives, ensuring the achievement of their collective goal of fostering impactful discussions and forging transformative partnerships that will advance Africa’s AI agenda.
In a post on X, President Kagame described the incident as unfortunate and pledged solidarity with the families of the victims during this difficult time.
“My sincere condolences to my brother, President General Mamadi Doumbouya @presi_doumbouya, and to the people of Guinea for the lives lost during the unfortunate incident at the stadium in N’Zérékoré. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Guinea,” the post shared on Tuesday night read.
My sincere condolences to my brother, President General Mamadi Doumbouya @presi_doumbouya and to the people of Guinea for the lives lost during the unfortunate incident at the stadium in N’Zérékoré. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Guinea.
The deadly stampede, which occurred in Guinea’s second-largest city, Nzérékoré, was reported to have been triggered by a controversial refereeing decision.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened following chaotic scenes as football fans scrambled to exit the stadium in the final minutes of the game.
The match was part of a tournament held in honour of President Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in September 2021.
The highly anticipated concert will take place at BK Arena and promises to keep fans entertained well into the night.
The event marks Ruger’s return to Kigali after two years. The ‘Asiwaju’ hitmaker’s last performance in the Rwandan capital was on February 19, 2022, at a concert held at Canal Olympia in Rebero.
The memorable show also featured performances by Rwandan artists, including Gabiro Guitar, Okkama, Kenny K-Shot, Ish Kevin, Ariel Wayz, Gustave Fuel, and Afrique.
Victony, who is making his debut in Kigali, was initially slated as a guest artist for Davis D’s Shine Boy Fest concert held last weekend. However, last-minute changes saw Nasty C being invited instead.
The 23-year-old, born on January 5, 2001, in Orsu, Imo State, effortlessly blends rap and singing. He is known for hits like Soweto, Kolomental, and Stubborn (a collabo with Asake), among many others.
On the other hand, Ruger is currently one of Nigeria and Africa’s most prominent rising stars. The 25-year-old’s career took off after signing with D’Prince’s Jonzing World Record label.
In judicial appointments made on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, President Kagame also named Justice Alphonse Hitiyaremye as Vice President of the Supreme Court.
The appointment of Supreme Court judges is carried out in accordance with Article 154 of the Rwandan Constitution, which stipulates that the Head of State shall appoint judges following consultations with the Cabinet and the High Council of the Judiciary.
The President then submits a list of candidates, equal to the number of vacant posts, to the Senate for approval.
Until her appointment, Mukantaganzwa served as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC), a position she assumed in December 2019.
She is renowned for her central role and contributions to the success of the Gacaca Jurisdiction, which was tasked with handling cases related to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She led the institution from 2003 until 2012, concluding its mandate and presenting a comprehensive report to the government.
Mukantaganzwa was also one of the commissioners who drafted the 2003 Rwandan Constitution.
The 60-year-old holds a Master’s degree in Peace and International Relations from the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) at Hekima University College, part of Hekima University in Kenya. Additionally, she pursued a legal studies course at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), where she earned a law degree.
On the other hand, Justice Hitiyaremye has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda since 2019.
Prior to this, he held various positions within the Government of Rwanda, including Judge of the Court of Appeal (2018–2019), Judge of the Supreme Court before the 2018 reform (2013–2018), Deputy Prosecutor General (2006–2013), Inspector General of Prosecution (2004–2006), Regional Chief Prosecutor (Procureur de la République) (2000–2004), Human Rights Officer in the Ministry of Justice (1999), Advisor to the Minister of Justice (1998), and Communication, Documentation, and Legal Information Officer at the Rwandan Embassy in Paris (1996–1997).
Justice Hitiyaremye holds a Master’s in International Public Law from Kiev State University (1995, Ukraine).
He has participated in various trainings, including one on the legal aspects of economic reconstruction organized by the International Development Law Institute, conflict resolution (TPN, Third Party Neutral) training organized by the Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution, an internship in the Human Rights domain at ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and Strasbourg (France), and a program on the United States Court System organized by The National Center for State Courts (USA).
In addition to his role as a Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Hitiyaremye also heads the Bureau of the Anti-Corruption Committee within the Judiciary of Rwanda.
