Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

RwandAir’s new Brussels-Paris-Kigali route opens horizons to Africa and beyond

RwandAir flies this route three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flights from Paris to Kigali depart Paris at 3:30 pm and arrive in Kigali at 6:00 am the next day.

During the launch of the first flight to Paris in June 2023, Yvonne Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir, highlighted the importance of this new milestone for the company and for the relations between France and Rwanda.

She stated, “This new route is of great importance to RwandAir and to Rwanda, as it connects Rwanda to the rest of Africa and to France. It is a long-term project that we have worked on in collaboration with various partners.”

Makolo also indicated that this route constitutes an excellent market, efficiently connecting Africa and Europe, with Kigali as the central hub.

This destination complements the other routes already operated by RwandAir, thus offering travelers from Paris the opportunity to continue their journey to other African countries via Kigali.

RwandAir does not just transport passengers; it plays a crucial role in connecting people, families, and various activities.

Passengers also benefit from the tourism opportunities offered by Kigali, thus contributing to the local economy through the purchase of products and services.

On May 28, 2024, IGIHE reporter Karirima Ngarambe met with passengers on board the RwandAir flight on this route to evaluate the evolution of this service a year after its launch.

The passengers, predominantly Africans, expressed their pride in traveling with RwandAir, highlighting the quality of service and the cleanliness of the aircraft, comparable to other airlines.

A Rwandan passenger stated, “This is the fruit of good governance; boarding the Rwandan airline’s plane, it feels like being at home. When I arrive in Paris from America, I take RwandAir, and I feel like I’m already in Rwanda as soon as I board and greet the people in Kinyarwanda.”

RwandAir uses modern and spacious aircraft, ensuring optimal comfort for all passengers, regardless of their travel class.

The multilingual staff, proficient in English, French, and Kinyarwanda, provide quality service to all passengers.

Three factors encourage travelers to choose this route: the excellent services of RwandAir, the time saved on stopovers, and the possibility of resting in a hotel offered by RwandAir if necessary. For example, a flight from Paris to Kigali can quickly continue to Cotonou, Benin, avoiding long waits (a maximum of 45 minutes for the stopover).

RwandAir flights are in high demand, with load factors consistently between 85% and 100%. Since operating with only 12 aircraft in 2017, RwandAir transported 765,000 passengers. In 2024, with an expanded fleet of 14 planes, they anticipate carrying around 1.1 million passengers.

The company continues to expand its operations, serving more than 28 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

In 2021, an agreement with Qatar Airways added 65 Arab destinations to its network, with direct flights from Kigali to Doha.

In addition to passengers, RwandAir also focuses on cargo. In late 2022, it acquired a Boeing B737-800SF freighter, capable of transporting at least 23,904 tons, thus meeting the growing demand for freight transportation.

In the coming years, with the completion of the Bugesera International Airport, RwandAir plans to multiply its flights by five. This airport is expected to accommodate 8.2 million passengers and 150,000 tons of cargo per year in its first phase, with its capacity doubling in the long term.

{karirima@igihe.com
}

June 7, 2024
#BNR60: PM Ngirente woos investors to tap into Rwanda’s financial and banking sectors

Speaking during the 60th anniversary of the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) on Friday, June 7, the PM said the central bank had accomplished “great work” over the last six decades, contributing significantly to the growth development of the economy.

“I would like to invite investors to take advantage of the conducive business environment in Rwanda and consider investing in our financial and banking sectors,” Ngirente stated at the event where he represented President Paul Kagame.

According to Ngirente, the central bank’s sound policies have helped the country achieve sustained and broad-based economic growth, leading to a slight increase in GDP per capita over the last thirty years and a halving of the poverty rate during the same period.

He noted that the inclusive economic development of the country has led to even more achievements in the social sectors, promoting the well-being of citizens as witnessed in the increase of life expectancy from 29 years in 1994 to 69.6 in 2022.

“We all recognize that this development would not have been possible without effective coordination of our monetary policies and regulation of our financial systems in general,” the PM noted.

“Indeed, this coordination is commendable and has played a key role in maintaining a stable and well-regulated macroeconomic environment. And we thank the Central Bank for that.”

In order to address emerging risks including uncontrolled use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), money laundering and cybercrimes in financial institutions, the Prime Minister challenged Central Banks and other financial institutions to constantly update their regulatory tools and stay alert to counter these threats.

He also emphasized the need for Central Banks to build their own capacity and understanding to address global geopolitical and climate change challenges, saying the emerging issues have made forecasting future economic variables more complex.

Speaking at the same event, Central Bank Governor John Rwangombwa affirmed that Rwanda’s financial landscape has witnessed tremendous growth over the last three decades, evolving from seven financial institutions before 1994, to a thriving sector today, with 11 banks, 461 microfinance institutions, 12 pension schemes, 18 insurers, 33 payment service providers, 78 foreign currency dealers,50 non-deposit-taking financial institutions, and a credit reference bureau.

“This growth is reflected in a twenty-one-fold increase in the financial assets of our financial institutions from 500 billion in 2006 to 10.5 trillion last year in 2023, and a twenty-two-fold increase in credit to the private sector from 177 billion to 4.2 trillion, over the same period,” he said, adding, “As our financial sector developed, we transitioned to a forward-looking, price-based monetary policy in 2019 to better achieve our inflation goals. Rwanda’s economic performance remained strong, maintaining an average inflation of 5.9% from 2006-2020.”

June 7, 2024
Why NEC rejected presidential bids from Diane Rwigara and five others

NEC Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa, approved the candidature of three candidates and rejected bids from six others, citing noncompliance with electoral guidelines.

Those who met the criteria include Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) chairman and incumbent president Paul Kagame, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is running for the presidency on an independent ticket.

Six independent candidates, who had expressed interest in the country’s top seat, had their candidature invalidated for various reasons.

Herman Manirareba had his nomination rejected after he failed to submit a list of 600 registered voters supporting his candidature, in line with the commission’s requirements. To qualify to run for the presidency in Rwanda, a candidate must submit a list of 12 registered voters supporting their candidacy from 30 districts across five provinces.

NEC said Innocent Hakizimana submitted voter lists from 28 districts, falling short of two districts. Fred Sekikubo Barafinda’s nomination was invalidated for lacking a valid doctor’s certificate and signatures from twelve districts.

On the other hand, Thomas Habimana suffered a setback in his bid to be president after he failed to provide a list of 12 voters supporting his candidacy from five districts.

Diane Nshimyimana Rwigara, the only woman interested in the race, did not provide a criminal record certificate, citizenship certificate, and a list of voters from eight districts. The law requires that a person running for president must be a Rwandan citizen by origin, with at least one parent being a citizen of Rwanda. The candidate must not hold dual citizenship.

Jean Mbanda only provided a list of signatures from three districts out of the 30 required by the commission.

The law requires that all incomplete documents be submitted before the final list is published on June 14.

The NEC boss, however, announced that the list of voters supporting a candidate cannot be submitted after May 30, 2024, which was the deadline for submitting candidatures. This locks out all six candidates from the much-anticipated poll.

Regarding the parliamentary election, the commission approved lists submitted by six political parties, adding that only one independent candidate met the criteria.

Additionally, NEC approved the list of 181 Women parliamentary candidates, 23 Youth Parliamentary candidates, and seven candidates representing persons with disabilities.

The final list of approved candidates will be unveiled on June 14, with the official electoral campaign period scheduled to commence on June 22.

June 7, 2024

Rwanda starts issuing and accepting e-Apostilles from other countries

The initiative rolled out on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, makes the legalization process for public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates faster, simpler, and digitized through the use of electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles).

“Rwandan documents intended for use abroad will be processed digitally and accessible through the Irembo e-government platform [https://irembo.gov.rw->https://irembo.gov.rw]. Foreign documents apostilled abroad will be directly usable in Rwanda,” officials said, adding, “This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to deliver digital and citizen-centred public services.”

Additionally, the Irembo portal has expanded its services to include:

-Legalization of Power of Attorney for property transfer
-Issuance of diplomatic plate numbers
-Recommendation letters for Rwandans abroad for land-related services
-Issuance of Note-Verbale for Rwandan officials on official missions

Notably, the new e-Apostilles service is only available to members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

The members are:

#	Country
1	Albania
2	Andorra
3	Antigua and Barbuda
4	Argentina
5	Armenia
6	Australia
7	Austria
8	Azerbaijan
9	Bahamas
10	Bahrain
11	Barbados
12	Belarus
13	Belgium
14	Belize
15	Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
16	Bosnia and Herzegovina
17	Botswana
18	Brazil
19	Brunei Darussalam
20	Bulgaria
21	Burundi
22	Cabo Verde
23	Canada
24	Chile
25	China
26	Colombia
27	Cook Islands
28	Costa Rica
29	Croatia
30	Cyprus
31	Czech Republic
32	Denmark
33	Dominica
34	Dominican Republic
35	Ecuador
36	El Salvador
37	Estonia
38	Eswatini
39	Fiji
40	Finland
41	France
42	Georgia
43	Germany
44	Greece
45	Grenada
46	Guatemala
47	Guyana
48	Honduras
49	Hungary
50	Iceland
51	India
52	Indonesia
53	Ireland
54	Israel
55	Italy
56	Jamaica
57	Japan
58	Kazakhstan
59	Kosovo
60	Kyrgyzstan
61	Latvia
62	Lesotho
63	Liberia
64	Liechtenstein
65	Lithuania
66	Luxembourg
67	Malawi
68	Malta
69	Marshall Islands
70	Mauritius
71	Mexico
72	Monaco
73	Mongolia
74	Montenegro
75	Morocco
76	Namibia
77	Netherlands
78	New Zealand
79	Nicaragua
80	Niue
81	North Macedonia
82	Norway
83	Oman
84	Pakistan
85	Palau
86	Panama
87	Paraguay
88	Peru
89	Philippines
90	Poland
91	Portugal
92	Republic of Korea
93	Republic of Moldova
94	Romania
95	Russian Federation
96	Rwanda
97	Saint Kitts and Nevis
98	Saint Lucia
99	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
100	Samoa
101	San Marino
102	Sao Tome and Principe
103	Saudi Arabia
104	Senegal
105	Serbia
106	Seychelles
107	Singapore
108	Slovakia
109	Slovenia
110	South Africa
111	Spain
112	Suriname
113	Sweden
114	Switzerland
115	Tajikistan
116	Tonga
117	Trinidad and Tobago
118	Tunisia
119	Türkiye
120	Ukraine
121	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
122	United States of America
123	Uruguay
124	Uzbekistan
125	Vanuatu
126	Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)

June 6, 2024

Relief as fuel prices drop in June review

The retail price for gasoline decreases by RWF 101, to retail at RWF 1,663 per litre for the next two months, while diesel will retail at RWF 1,652, down from RWF 1,684.

The new pump prices will take effect at 9:00 pm on Wednesday.

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“These adjustments are based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” RURA Director General Rugigana Evariste explained.

New fuel pump prices for the next two months, effective from 05 June 2024, at 9:00PM. pic.twitter.com/jlTHENxOro

— Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority – RURA (@RURA_RWANDA) June 5, 2024

Before the last review in April, which saw the retail price of fuel revised upwards, gasoline was priced at RWF 1,637 per litre, and diesel at RWF 1,632 per litre.

Brent crude oil averaged $90 per barrel in April with the conflict between Ukraine and Russia exacerbating the oil market’s instability.

The price of Brent oil per barrel has been fluctuating ever since to retail at $77.1 on Tuesday, May 4, 2024. Further, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil plummeted by 1.5 per cent to retail at $73, down from the $77.3 on Monday.

Last month, the price of Brent oil was around $85 per barrel, while WTI oil prices hit $81 in May.

June 5, 2024
President Kagame conferred with honorary doctorate by top Korean University (Photos)

The Head of State, credited with spearheading various policy and economic transformations in Rwanda, was honoured during his trip to South Korea, where he attended the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit.

“I would like to thank you for the tremendous honour you have bestowed on me and my country with the award of this honorary doctorate,” Kagame stated in his acceptance speech.

“This is my fourth visit to Korea but my first to the Yonsei campus, I wish that our connection had started much earlier,” he added.

In his speech, President Kagame emphasized the importance of public policy in nation-building, especially in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, saying, “The purpose of public policy is to make our citizens safe, united, free, creative, and prosperous, more or less in that order.”

“We inherited a country that was completely broken and devastated physically, financially, and spiritually. Our people were displaced and divided. Establishing security was our first policy objective; without it, nothing else is possible.”

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of the top private Universities in South Korea. The university boasts of 158 research centres.

The South Korean varsity has multiple campuses, with the Sinchon campus in Seoul as its main location. Other locations include the International Campus in Songdo, which opened in 2010, and the Wonju Campus.

During his visit to the university’s campus in Seoul, President Kagame held discussions with Professor Dong-Sup Yoon and faculty members about furthering the partnership and increasing the number of Rwandan students.

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During the Korea-Africa summit that attracted 48 African leaders, President Paul Kagame called for more partnerships between Africa and South Korea, emphasizing that the two regions stand to benefit from each other’s immense resources and potential.

President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.

“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address on Tuesday.

President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.

“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.

Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

June 5, 2024
President Kagame explains why Korea is an ideal development partner for Africa

Speaking during the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul on Tuesday, June 4, President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.

“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address.

President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.

“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.

Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Partnerships with Korea have focused on the cutting edge of innovation, helping bring the latest technologies to Rwanda and Africa more quickly. This summit serves to remind us that even more can be done. From artificial intelligence and robotics to small model nuclear reactors to driving the energy transition with critical raw materials, Africa and Korea should be working side by side.”

He insisted that Africa, on the other hand, has much to offer in its partnerships with Korea, especially in ongoing efforts to create a single continental market for goods and services in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Notably, by taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) connecting with Africa, particularly with our very capable young people will pay dividends for decades to come. Africa will be a central driver of global trade before too long so long as we don’t take our future for granted. We have to keep on the path of partnerships such as these one between Africa and Korea. In doing so we may also enhance our cooperation on other matters of mature concern in the global arena.”

During the summit attended by 48 African leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology.

Yoon said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around $10 billion by 2030 and separately provide $14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.

June 4, 2024
Over 1,400 enter job market after graduation from University of Kigali

The graduation ceremony, held at Intare Conference Arena in Gasabo District on Friday, was attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, university representatives, university administrators and parents.

Among the graduates, 388 completed their Master’s degrees, while others graduated with Bachelor’s degrees and PGDE

The graduates included 103 in Education, 595 in Business and Economics, 257 in Computer Science and Technology, and 85 in Law.

Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, one of the university’s founders, stated that the university was established with the goal of offering high-quality education by instructing required courses, particularly because it had become apparent that there was a void in this industry.

He added that the quality has increased, as those who started it had received extensive and complete education themselves, which has continued to guide its excellence.

“At that time, there was confusion in the universities due to various reasons. That’s when we decided to bring in education suitable for Rwandans, providing necessary courses for the job market, but also giving students practical lessons.”

Prof. Nshuti reminded the students that Rwandans expect results from their studies, to improve themselves, represent their university well, and contribute to the country’s development.

“For both graduates and current students, learning is a journey. Learning never ends; as you progress, knowledge evolves. Because an educated person strives to increase their knowledge, reaching a level where the country relies on your ideas as an intellectual, strive for that honour.”

Fanny Umunyana, who excelled in Business, Economics, and Finance, expressed confidence in the comprehensive knowledge she received, stating that she would use it to tackle challenges in her field.

She said, “I got the knowledge I wanted, and God helped me to be among the top. It requires nothing but setting goals, avoiding distractions, listening to teachers, and seeking knowledge beyond the classroom. There is no other secret. By collaborating with others, the knowledge I have is a resource that will help me achieve my goals.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kigali, Prof. Danson Musyoki, noted that despite various challenges during these times, the values of unity, inclusivity, determination, perseverance, and striving to achieve goals instilled in these students will help them continue to progress in whatever they undertake.

“I urge you, even after graduating, to maintain the values of resilience, determination, and inclusivity, collaborating with others in different sectors. Let all these be guided by the pursuit of success in the areas you engage in. Continue striving to ensure that your future is marked by the values you acquired at the University of Kigali.”

The Vice-Chancellor assured parents that their children received education of international standards, thanking them for their cooperation throughout this period. He also thanked the university staff for their dedicated efforts, ensuring students received up-to-date knowledge.

Among the 1,428 graduates from the University of Kigali, there were 769 female and 659 male students. Prof. Musyoki highlighted that these numbers reflect how the university provides equal opportunities for everyone to access quality education.

June 4, 2024
Jeanine Munyeshuli dismissed from Cabinet

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente announced President Paul Kagame’s decision to drop Munyeshuli from the Cabinet on Monday evening, citing Article 116 of the Rwandan Constitution regarding the appointment of Cabinet members.

“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, especially in its Article 116, today, 3 June 2024, Ms. Jeanine Munyeshuli has been dismissed from her position as Minister of State for Public Investment and Resource Mobilization in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN),” Ngirente announced.

However, the Prime Minister did not disclose the reason for Munyeshuli’s sacking.

Communiqué from the Office of the Prime Minister | Itangazo riturutse mu Biro bya Minisitiri w'Intebe pic.twitter.com/T9HCZp4rmi

— Office of the PM | Rwanda (@PrimatureRwanda) June 3, 2024

Munyeshuli joined the Cabinet in August last year. She was the first person to occupy the new ministerial portfolio following the dissolution of the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatisation and the transfer of its functions to the Finance docket.

Previously, the economist and yoga teacher served as a board member of the AZAHAR Foundation.

Cabinet members in Rwanda are appointed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister.

June 3, 2024
Tales of forces who made Gitex Africa 2024 expo tick

The three-day expo, which ran from May 29 to 31, attracted a large pool of investors, exhibitors, and visitors from more than 130 countries across the globe. As the curtains came down on the event, one could not help but notice that it was a resounding success, not only due to the prominent figures and influential leaders but also thanks to the tireless commitment of a small, dedicated staff.

This group, consisting of logisticians, technicians, security agents, and maintenance personnel, worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event ran smoothly.

IGIHE’s Christelle Butoyi spoke with some of them. They shared their day-to-day experiences.

A major event like this requires a lot of effort. For Elharti Abdel Hamid, an official catering provider, normally the day starts very early for setup.

“We get up at 5 a.m. to start work at 7 a.m.,” he said.

There are many challenges, particularly satisfying people with different temperaments, according to Abdel Hamid.

Badr, a cleaner, also opened up about his routine. According to him, his team starts work from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. They begin their routine by cleaning the premises before people enter. It is certainly a tiresome job, but he doesn’t feel it because his colleagues are like family to him.

Hiba Moustanjidi, an agent at Armonia Facilities, is usually in charge of the Media Lounge and is tasked with checking badges for access to the venue. She told IGIHE that before starting work, the team begins the day with a briefing to ensure there are no complaints.

“Gitex is always number one in Morocco, so we try to manage and meet the challenges as best we can,” she emphasised.

Another staff member, Rokaya Abdelmoujoud, plays an important role in handling VIPs, especially welcoming them and escorting them to their seats.

“On my first day, I escorted the Prime Minister of Guinea. I accompanied her for an AI visit, then to her seat,” said Rokaya, noting that “it’s a crucial task.”

IGIHE learnt that most of Rokaya’s colleagues are students who are happy to have side gigs after school. However, the biggest challenge of her job is dealing with people who use disrespectful language.

In achieving its goal of promoting innovation and fostering tech collaborations on the continent, Gitex Africa 2024 could not have succeeded without the invaluable involvement of these behind-the-scenes workers.

Their dedication and professionalism enabled a seamless event, demonstrating that behind every great success, there is a devoted team ready to go to any length to achieve excellence.

This edition of Gitex Africa not only highlighted African technological advancements but also underscored the importance of each individual contributing to the realisation of these grand ambitions.

{ {{Additional reporting by Christelle Butoyi}} }

June 3, 2024