He was speaking in Conakry, Guinea, on Wednesday, at the opening of the Transform Africa Summit (TAS) 2025, organised by the Smart Africa Alliance under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.”
The Transform Africa Summit (TAS), held annually, brings together Heads of State, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.
In his remarks, President Kagame said that Africa’s success in the age of artificial intelligence will depend not only on how fast countries deploy new technologies, but also on how well they apply them to solve real, local problems.
“Artificial intelligence, the theme of this year’s conversation, is a case in point. For Africa, success will not only depend on how quickly we deploy this new tool, but also on which problems we choose to apply it to,” he said.
He added that Rwanda has already laid the groundwork for a national AI policy aimed at guiding innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, with projections showing that AI could contribute up to 5 percent of Rwanda’s GDP in the near future.
{{Closing Africa’s digital gap
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President Kagame noted that despite Africa’s youthful and tech-savvy population, many countries still face challenges in digital infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory frameworks.
“The investment deficit in digital infrastructure, skills, and regulatory framework is what slows us down. Closing these structural gaps requires close collaboration between the public and private sector,” he said.
He commended Smart Africa for spearheading initiatives such as the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council and the AI Fund, describing them as “important foundations to advance our continent’s priorities.”
President Kagame also urged African nations not to be swayed by fears surrounding AI’s impact on jobs and privacy, noting that while some of these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the transformative opportunities AI brings.
“Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence, especially regarding the future of work, privacy, and safety. Some of it is completely unjustified, and some of it is just fear of the unknown,” he said.
“Regardless of the sentiment, this new reality is here to stay with us, and we must learn how to adapt and live with it.”
Technology won’t replace anyone
In a reassuring message, President Kagame emphasised that technological progress has historically uplifted, rather than replaced, humanity.
“This is not the first nor the last wave of technological progress that Africa and the world will witness,” he said.
“Science and technology are powerful engines of creativity and performance that are not here to replace anyone. Almost always, humanity has been better for it. Let’s make the most of these times.”
President Kagame arrived in Conakry on Tuesday, where he joined President Mamady Doumbouya for the launch of the Simandou Iron Ore Project, one of the largest ongoing mining initiatives in the world.
The Simandou deposit is regarded as the world’s largest known untapped iron ore reserve, estimated to contain between 3 and 4 billion tonnes of high-grade recoverable iron ore.
The project, expected to reach full production by 2030, will produce around 120 million tonnes of iron ore annually, positioning Guinea as a key player in the global mineral economy.
Six years later, the Managing Director of Fortis Green Holdings calls Kigali home, a place where business, purpose, and family have found a shared rhythm. The holding company, active in renewable energy, has expanded into housing and now manages 36 assets across eight countries in Africa.
{{From Sierra Leone to Kigali
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Shafer’s African journey began long before Rwanda. In 2008, he moved to Sierra Leone, where he spent nearly seven years investing and working in one of West Africa’s toughest environments.
“It’s where I fell in love with the idea of using business not just to make money, but to make a difference in people’s lives,” he recalls.
After returning to the United States, he and his wife knew they would eventually come back to Africa. Their decision to settle in Kigali, he says, was primarily a family choice.
“We wanted a city that gives us the highest probability of not burning out, safety, pace of life, and access to the rest of the continent. Kigali just felt right.”
Today, the Shafers are firmly rooted. His wife works at the International School of Kigali, their two children are thriving, and the family is building a home in Kibagabaga. “Now that we’re here, this is really where we’re supposed to be,” he says with conviction.
Arriving only two months before Covid-19, Shafer witnessed Kigali’s transformation from lockdown quiet to post-pandemic vibrancy.
“What’s happened since then, from tourism to sports and infrastructure, is incredible,” he says. “It’s an honour to be in Rwanda during this phase of its journey.”
{{A mission to bridge capital and impact
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Through Fortis Green Holdings, Shafer is working to solve a global problem: the lack of electricity affecting more than 600 million Africans. His mission is to attract American capital to invest in sustainable African infrastructure that delivers both financial and social returns.
“Rwanda offers the perfect balance,” he notes. “There’s institutional stability, rule of law, and a genuine partnership spirit from government agencies like REG, EUCL, MININFRA, and RDB.”
Fortis Green today owns three power plants in Rwanda, including the 8.5 MW Agahozo Shalom solar farm, the Rwaza hydropower plant near Musanze, and another project in Nyamasheke.
Beyond the energy itself, Shafer finds meaning in the land that hosts the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, once home to orphans from the Genocide against the Tutsi and now a haven for vulnerable youth.
“Paying rent there supports their work. We even employ graduates from that school. It’s humbling.”
{{Building the Masaka eco-estate
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Last month, Fortis Green broke ground on the Masaka Views Eco-Estate, a $25 million (approximately Rwf 36 billion) project that merges sustainability with community living. Spread over seven hectares, the development includes 33 townhouses, 51 family homes, and about 300 apartments, mixing for-sale and for-rent models.
“Most developers build to sell. We build to own and rent because we believe in Rwanda’s growth story. Selling today means giving up the future value we know this economy will create,” Shafer explains the long-term vision.
He adds that the housing component will play a critical role in supporting broader national development, particularly in the upcoming Masaka Medical City.
“This is core infrastructure that’s required for the Masaka Medical City to operate effectively. As we continue to expand Kigali’s housing stock, we’re creating environments where families and workers can live, thrive, and ultimately go out and impact the economy more broadly.”
The project will deliver its first homes by early 2026 and the first apartments within 12 months. Each unit is designed with EDGE certification, a global green-building standard that ensures energy and water efficiency, solar water heating, and sustainable materials.
Fortis Green offers three finishing options, from basic shell units to luxury packages, giving families flexibility in choosing their home. Three- and four-bedroom single-family houses are priced between $120,000 and $135,000, appealing to middle-income buyers seeking more flexible financing options.
“We want to be here long term,” Shafer stresses. “Our goal is to make quality housing attainable without compromising sustainability.”
{{Nurturing wellness and community
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Fortis Green’s philosophy extends past walls and roofs. The Masaka Eco-Estate is designed as a living community with gardens, recreation areas, and wellness spaces.
“In 18 to 24 months, we’ll have 400 families living there,” Shafer says. “We take that seriously.”
Plans include community gardens, yoga and exercise classes, and partnerships with mental-health professionals.
“We’re still developing these programs, but we want to promote holistic well-being, physical, mental, spiritual, and social.”
{{Rwanda’s investment advantage
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Having worked in more than 15 African countries, Shafer considers Rwanda’s environment unique.
“The professionalism and predictability are unmatched. You can register a business in 24–48 hours, meet officials who show up on time, and have zero tolerance for corruption. That gives investors confidence.”
Most of Fortis Green’s funding comes from the United States, complemented by local financing such as loans from the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). Shafer believes Rwanda’s consistency and transparency are key to attracting more international capital.
“The best way to build trust is through success stories,” he says. “Rwanda is already providing that.”
{{Jobs, growth, and the next chapter
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Fortis Green employs about 40 people across its energy and housing divisions. The Masaka project alone will engage 300 to 400 workers daily during construction.
“Our bigger impact,” Shafer notes, “is in powering and housing the infrastructure that keeps Rwanda’s economy growing.”
The company plans to build 10,000 housing units in 10 years, with several new projects set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, its second energy fund, Green Fund II, targeting $100 million (Rwf 145 billion), is due to launch next year to expand renewable investments across Africa.
{{Basketball, community, and family life
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Outside the boardroom, Shafer’s passion takes him to the court. A former college basketball player, he co-founded the Kigali Hoops League, a youth program that trains over 100 children in the Rwandan capital.
“We get the opportunity to play on some courts around the city. We play at Zaria Court on Saturday mornings, and I’d say it’s probably the best thing I’ve started in Kigali on a personal level,” he shares.
At home, family remains his grounding force. “Our kids have grown up here,” he reflects. “They get to be children longer, with fewer distractions. We’re grateful for that.”
As for his long-term vision, Shafer says his goal is to make Fortis Green a trusted pathway for American investors, creating opportunities that deliver both financial returns and real impact for African communities.
“We’re here to stay. We’re building a lasting business and, hopefully, a legacy that endures here in Rwanda,” he concludes.
Watch Jonathan Shafer’s full exclusive interview with IGIHE below.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore, presented the policy to the Chamber of Deputies, saying it seeks to ensure sustainable, well-planned, and inclusive cities while tackling informal settlements.
The plan aims to increase the proportion of citizens living in urban areas from 27.9% in 2022 to 52% by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
The policy also targets the improvement of existing informal settlements and the creation of safe, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly cities. It is based on four key pillars: collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and partners; efficient use of land through high-density settlements; improved social welfare; and economic development.
{{Defining affordable housing
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During the parliamentary session, MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite asked what affordable housing means for Rwandans, noting that homes currently cost between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million, which remain beyond the reach of many citizens.
Dr Gasore explained that housing affordability is usually measured by whether a household pays more than one-third of its income on housing.
“If you rent a house and pay more than a third of your income, you are living in an expensive house. If you take a loan and pay more than a third of your income, you are in an expensive house. That is why, when we talk about affordable housing, we look at the lowest possible cost at which a house can be provided here in Kigali and still be affordable,” he said.
Dr Gasore noted that, given current income levels and construction costs, strict international affordability standards may not always be feasible in Rwanda.
“Today, the houses costing between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million are what we consider affordable. We are not strictly following the one-third rule; rather, we are looking at what is technically feasible while keeping in mind that there are people who do not have that money and still need a place to live,” he added.
Plans also include providing one-room units for rent to accommodate low-income earners, ensuring access to housing even for those who cannot afford to purchase a home.
“Once the houses are built, we will also provide single-room units that people can rent according to their means,” the Minister noted.
{{Urban living standards
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Dr Gasore also highlighted that city residents must adjust to urban realities, including shared accommodation arrangements.
“People have to accept that in the city, they will live as city residents. There are things we must accept and prepare for accordingly,” he said.
He further emphasised that lowering rental costs will require greater government involvement in housing construction and increasing the overall supply of urban homes.
Dr Bizimana made the remarks on November 11, 2025, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber had earlier flagged issues in the construction of houses for vulnerable genocide survivors, particularly concerning poor smoke ventilation systems in kitchens.
The Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, explained that the problem largely resulted from the use of unsuitable cooking materials by residents. He noted, however, that affected households are being sensitised to adopt safer cooking practices.
PAC Chairperson, MP Valens Muhakwa, questioned the explanation, pointing out that similar complaints had been recorded in different districts. He called for a fresh technical assessment to determine whether structural flaws might have occurred during construction and to ensure corrective action is taken.
Minister Bizimana acknowledged that while some of the issues are linked to how residents use the houses, others stem from construction errors. He assured that the matter is being addressed.
According to the Minister, 6,973 homes for vulnerable genocide survivors need to be rebuilt, and more than 29,000 others will have to be repaired. However, due to budget constraints, only 298 new houses are expected to be constructed during the current fiscal year, as MINUBUMWE received an allocation of Frw 5 billion.
Dr Bizimana further explained that a new integrated approach has been adopted to align housing support for genocide survivors with broader national programmes targeting vulnerable citizens.
“We have agreed that survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi should no longer be treated as a separate category in housing projects. They will now be integrated with other vulnerable groups so that construction efforts move together,” he said.
“This approach not only promotes inclusion but also helps address the perception of genocide survivors as an isolated group.”
The Minister added that standard housing models have been approved to reduce construction costs and ensure uniformity across provinces and districts.
“Each province and district now has an approved design adapted to local building standards, which will help streamline implementation and control costs,” he noted.
Dr Bizimana explained that the new model will also give districts more autonomy in implementing housing projects. They will be able to work with local contractors or existing partners instead of relying exclusively on the Reserve Force (Inkeragutabara).
“We have agreed that where the Ministry of Defence finds it feasible for a district to construct houses at a lower cost through another contractor, the district will be authorised to award that contract. This flexibility will enable more houses to be built within the same budget,” he said.
Findings by RHA indicate that the cost of building one house varies significantly across districts, averaging Frw 17.3 million in Bugesera, Frw 16.5 million in Kayonza, and Frw 20 million in Nyamagabe.
Dr Bizimana cited an example from Rusizi District, where a house built by FPR Inkotanyi members for a vulnerable survivor cost just Rwf 9 million yet was sturdier than some that cost twice as much.
He concluded that empowering districts to oversee construction could lower costs and increase the number of houses built for survivors.
This impasse occurred primarily due to a procedural standoff in the Republican-controlled Senate (53–47 majority). Despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate, and the Presidency (Donald Trump), the minority Democratic caucus leveraged the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule to block the passage of spending bills.
The core negotiations hinged on a central policy dispute opposed by the Democratic minority: the demand for the inclusion of provisions, specifically the extension of enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are crucial for preventing health insurance premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans.
With Republicans firmly rejecting this concession, the funding bill failed, triggering a widespread disruption of critical government services and escalating pressure on citizens and federal agencies.
The consequences of the 43-day shutdown have been immediate and severe across the country. One of the most critical effects has been the disruption and uncertainty surrounding food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting tens of millions of vulnerable Americans.
Beyond social programs, the functionality of the nation was impaired, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facing operational strain that led to cancellations and delays in air travel. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were either furloughed or forced to work without pay, and many federal services, grant programs, and cultural institutions were paused.
Internationally, the shutdown strained diplomatic relations, raising concerns among key allies about U.S. stability and its ability to maintain continuity in intelligence-sharing and security operations abroad.
As of November 12, 2025, the government remains technically shut down, but a major legislative compromise is moving forward. The Senate secured the passage of a funding package on November 10th by a 60-40 vote, with eight members of the Democratic caucus siding with Republicans to break the filibuster.
This package is designed to fund most of the government through January 30, 2026, and includes three full-year appropriations bills for key agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the USDA/FDA.
The deal also guarantees retroactive pay for furloughed federal workers and reverses mass layoffs initiated during the shutdown. Crucially, the final bill does not include the extension of the ACA tax credits that Democrats had demanded, instead securing only a commitment from the Senate Majority Leader for a separate vote on the issue in December.
The political stakes remain exceptionally high as the legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives for a final vote expected today, Wednesday, November 12. House Democrats have signaled fierce opposition, with their leadership vowing to reject the bill for failing to win any concessions on healthcare.
The inability to resolve the policy issue before agreeing to funding underscores the deep partisan gridlock within U.S. politics. The eventual passage of the bill, which President Trump has already endorsed, would end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, but it simultaneously postpones the core fight over healthcare policy, leaving the credibility of U.S. institutions and the stability of critical social programs hanging in the balance.
This announcement comes after technical issues on Rwanda’s electricity lines connecting to neighbouring countries caused power disruptions in many parts of the country on the evening of November 9.
Residents in the Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Gicumbi, and Gasabo districts are expected to experience electricity interruptions at different times of the day. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, electricity will be unavailable in several sectors of Gatsibo District, including Kabarore, Rugarama, Rwimbogo, Kiziguro, Kiramuruzi, Murambi, Gasange, Muhura, Remera, Kageyo, Ngarama, Gatsibo, and part of Nyagihanga.
In Nyagatare District, all sectors will be affected, while in Gicumbi District, the outage will impact Bwisige, Ruvune, Giti, Muko, Bukure, Rwamiko, Rutare, Rukomo, Nyamiyaga, and parts of Rushaki, Mukarange, and Mutete.
Additionally, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, parts of Nyarutarama Cell in Remera Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali, will experience power cuts.
REG has advised the public to exercise caution around electrical installations, noting that power may be restored earlier than scheduled.
“The Management of REG regrets any inconveniences that may be caused by this activity and appreciates your full cooperation,” the power company stated.
The list, released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, highlights clubs penalised primarily for unlawfully terminating contracts or failing to fulfil financial obligations to former staff or players.
Rayon Sports appeared on the list after facing two disciplinary cases in October 2025. One of the cases was filed by Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo, known as Robertinho, who accused the club of wrongful dismissal and unpaid dues. FIFA ordered Rayon Sports to pay $22,500 (over Frw 30 million), but after failing to settle the amount, the club was handed a three-transfer-window registration ban, preventing it from registering new players during that period.
The club was also sanctioned in a separate case filed by Adulai Jalo, a striker from Guinea-Bissau.
Other African clubs facing similar sanctions include Nyasa Bullets, KenGold SC, Township Rollers, AS Arta Solar7, Coton Sport de Garoua, TS Galaxy, Pretoria Callies, Welkite Kenema FC, SCCM, Ismaily SC, Zamalek, Enyimba FC, and Club Sportif Sfaxien.
Succeeding Antoine Anfré, who served in Kigali for four years, Ambassador Aurélie Royet-Gounin arrives with extensive experience on the African continent, having previously worked in Kenya (2000–2003) and Senegal (2006–2009).
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Royet-Gounin admitted that before her appointment, her knowledge of Rwanda was limited to general impressions.
“I had heard a lot about Rwanda, but had never set foot here,” she said. “Before coming, I met with many people in Paris, from ministries, institutions, and organisations connected to Rwanda, to understand the country better and prepare for the mission.”
Her first impressions were striking. Upon arriving in Rwanda, she said what struck her most was the country’s uniqueness, describing it as “a very distinctive blend” unlike any other she had experienced.
“Every country has its own identity, but here there’s something truly special: the hills, the orderliness, the civility. People are determined, respectful, and remarkably calm,” she added, noting that the atmosphere of safety and courtesy makes life welcoming for a newcomer.
{{Between history and healing
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Royet-Gounin takes office at a delicate but hopeful moment in the relationship between France and Rwanda, still shaped by the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She acknowledges that both sides have had to take difficult steps to rebuild trust.
“Our reconciliation, which culminated in 2021, required introspection from France and great generosity from Rwanda,” she said. “We have reset relations and now focus on mutual trust and cooperation.”
Central to France’s engagement, she said, are memory and justice. France has committed to preserving and teaching the history of Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi through research, memorialisation, and education.
“That includes concrete projects: historical research, the creation of a memorial soon to be inaugurated in Paris, and educational programs in French schools to ensure that students understand and remember,” she said.
But the reconciliation narrative also carries a legal dimension. Over the past decade, France has faced mounting pressure to act against genocide fugitives living on its soil, and recent years have seen significant judicial progress.
Laurent Bucyibaruta, the former governor of Gikongoro, was sentenced in Paris in 2022 to 20 years for complicity in genocide, while Philippe Hategekimana, a former Rwandan gendarme who had obtained French nationality, was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Another case, that of Sosthène Munyemana, a former doctor accused of involvement in killings in Butare, has been on trial since late 2023.
Félicien Kabuga, long considered the “financier” of the genocide, was arrested in 2020 near Paris after 26 years on the run and extradited to The Hague. Though declared unfit to stand trial due to dementia, his arrest remains a significant moment.
“France is firmly committed to fighting impunity,” Royet-Gounin said, emphasising close cooperation between France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office and Rwanda’s Office of the Prosecutor General.
{{Development beyond diplomacy
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Beyond the courtroom and symbolic reconciliation, France’s relationship with Rwanda has become increasingly developmental. The French Development Agency (AFD) has invested heavily in Rwanda since the 2021 relaunch of cooperation.
France pledged €500 million in 2021 and an additional €400 million in 2024 to finance joint projects. These include the rehabilitation of Ruhengeri Hospital, vocational training programs, and youth employment initiatives.
“Health, education, and inclusion through sport are key areas,” Royet-Gounin explained. “We also work on climate resilience, a universal challenge where France and Rwanda share a strong sense of responsibility.”
While large-scale projects dominate the headlines, the ambassador insists that cultural and linguistic collaboration remains crucial. “We continue to promote the French language by training teachers, accrediting bilingual schools, and improving language quality across disciplines,” she said.
{{Humanitarian diplomacy and regional engagement
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Asked about her recent participation in the October 30 humanitarian conference in Paris, co-hosted by France and Togo under the auspices of the African Union, Royet-Gounin described it as a show of solidarity rather than a negotiation platform.
“It was a pledging conference meant to support the peace processes underway, the Rwanda–DRC talks in Washington and the inter-Congolese dialogue in Doha,” she said.
France’s position, she explained, was to “demonstrate that the international community has not forgotten the conflict, the displaced, or the victims.”
The meeting raised €1.5 billion in humanitarian pledges for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Great Lakes region.
{{Women, the Francophonie, and feminist diplomacy
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The ambassador also previewed the upcoming Francophonie Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kigali, describing it as both symbolic and strategic.
“We are delighted it’s happening in Rwanda, a very active member of the Francophonie under Louise Mushikiwabo’s leadership,” she said.
The summit’s theme, “30 years after the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the Francophone space,” reflects France’s focus on feminist diplomacy. Royet-Gounin said the discussions align with ongoing efforts to promote women’s rights, inclusion, and equal participation in peace and security processes, noting the continued relevance of commitments made at the Beijing Conference.
“La Francophonie is not just about language or culture, it’s also an economic and values-based community,” she said, pointing out that by 2050, French speakers will number around 700 million, making it the world’s fifth most spoken language.
{{Listening, learning, and walking Rwanda’s hills
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Despite the dense diplomatic agenda, Ambassador Royet-Gounin said her approach begins with humility and observation. “The wise person is first an ear that listens,” she said, quoting an adage she has adopted as her motto.
She plans to spend her early months meeting people from different walks of life and understanding Rwanda beyond official meetings and reports.
“My job is not only to represent France, but also to understand and convey what we observe and feel,” she said.
“I brought my walking shoes. I fully intend to explore this beautiful country as much as possible,” she added.
The official launch is scheduled for late November 2025, during the annual conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), which will be hosted in Kigali.
Currently, companies developing green projects are listed on the exchange alongside other businesses, without a dedicated framework. The new section will provide them with a distinct space to attract investors who prioritise sustainability and environmental protection.
Typically, companies listed on the RSE raise funds by issuing bonds, which investors purchase. The proceeds serve as business capital, to be repaid later with agreed-upon interest, an approach considered a more affordable alternative to traditional bank loans.
RSE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba explained that while the exchange already has segments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and general bonds, the decision was made to introduce a specialised green segment to attract investors interested in climate-conscious initiatives.
“When green bonds are issued specifically for environmental protection, investors focused on sustainability and biodiversity are able to participate more directly,” Rwabukumba told IGIHE.
“Such investors are often willing to commit more capital because they see the value beyond profit, they recognise the broader impact on communities and the planet.”
Rwabukumba noted that the creation of this new section aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to promote a green and inclusive economy, adding that it represents a pioneering step on the African continent.
“This will be the first dedicated green investment segment of its kind in the region, and likely across Africa,” he said. “Sometimes when we talk about building a green economy, people assume there are no tangible implementation measures. This initiative will demonstrate that we are not only committed in words but also in action, through dedicated financial infrastructure.”
The development of the Green Exchange Window is being undertaken in partnership with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, a global leader in sustainable finance. The collaboration aims to ensure the new segment operates to international standards and attracts both local and foreign investors.
Rwabukumba added that RSE has already facilitated green bond issuances, including those by the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), which has raised more than Frw 70 billion for environmentally sustainable projects. These existing instruments will be integrated into the new segment, with other project developers encouraged to participate.
He expressed confidence that the initiative will draw additional investors and partners, given Rwanda’s growing portfolio of green projects and its strong commitment to environmental protection.
Rwabukumba further encouraged companies seeking capital for environmentally friendly ventures to explore this new financing avenue, emphasising that the capital market offers one of the most cost-effective means of raising investment funds in the country.
The event, held under the theme of promoting investment and market access in agricultural and food products, aimed to deepen cooperation between Rwandan producers and Emirati investors across key export sectors, including coffee, tea, honey, and horticultural products such as avocados.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, stated that the forum marked “a significant step in the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.”
Al Kaabi noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Rwanda reached USD 1.698 billion in 2024, representing a 61% increase from the previous year. The UAE remains Rwanda’s leading export destination by value, with Rwandan exports to the UAE rising by 68%, from USD 895 million in 2023 to USD 1.504 billion in 2024.
He added that the UAE’s growing demand for premium, traceable, and sustainable food products presents “natural opportunities for Rwandan producers,” emphasizing that the UAE offers attractive avenues for investment in food processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging, and agri-tech innovation.
Joining virtually from Abu Dhabi, John Mirenge, Rwanda’s envoy to the UAE, commended the ongoing partnership and stated: “Rwanda and the UAE enjoy excellent relations built on mutual respect and trust.”
Amb. Mirenge highlighted that UAE investment commitments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 320 million, with more projects in the pipeline. He added that discussions on a possible Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations are progressing well. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to further strengthen trade and business collaboration between the two countries.
Representing Rwanda’s agricultural exporters, Eric Ruganintwali, Planning Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), underscored the sector’s steady performance and called for stronger coordination to boost Rwanda’s market share in the UAE.
“Over the past four years, Rwanda’s agricultural exports to the UAE have grown by 34% annually, driven mainly by avocados, tea, and coffee,” he remarked. He also encouraged producers to embrace direct sales and large-scale shipments via sea transport to increase competitiveness.
Didace Mparirwa, Head of Agriculture and Livestock at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized that such forums are not only a networking platform but a vital bridge between local producers and international markets.
“These engagements give our agripreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and form valuable partnerships,” he said. “Many farmers and companies have been able to secure contracts and expand their market reach through similar events. This model should not be a one-off activity, it should become a consistent platform for growth and learning.”
Dr. Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea, echoed similar sentiments, calling the forum a timely and practical step toward unlocking Rwanda’s export potential.
“This was a tremendous experience for us because it revealed the true scale of opportunity in the UAE market,” Dr. Mawo noted. “We’ve seen where we stand in terms of exports and identified the gaps we need to address. What matters now is taking concrete action to meet the demand and positioning our products more strategically.”
Presentations from the UAE delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), showcased the UAE’s position as a global trade hub, offering modern infrastructure, favourable tax policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets.
Dr. Khaleifa Mohamed Ali Al Rayssi, Senior Specialist in Investment Support and Inducements at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the UAE’s global connectivity, remarking on its strategic significance:
“The UAE’s geographic position makes it a global gateway in the Middle East. Within four hours, you can reach about 2.5 billion people, and within eight hours, nearly five billion people. This connectivity is why the UAE has become a center of international trade, logistics, and investment.”
The hybrid forum concluded with a mini-exhibition of Rwandan coffee, tea, honey, and fruit products, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to diversifying exports, and attracting sustainable investment from the UAE and beyond.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Rwanda, particularly in agriculture, food security, logistics, and sustainable economic development.
