He made the remarks on Friday, October 24, 2025, while presiding over the swearing-in of six senators, four of whom are new members, at the Parliamentary Building in Kigali.
President Kagame said Rwanda continues to face numerous challenges, both internal and external, urging citizens to adopt an extraordinary mindset and work ethic in addressing them.
“For Rwanda, even when a neighbour makes mistakes that cause problems, it is Rwanda that gets punished. We are the ones expected to fix them. You must understand this and reflect it in the way you work,” he said. “We cannot operate in the usual, everyday manner like others who don’t face such challenges. We carry a double burden, being accountable for our own issues and those of others.”
The Head of State cautioned against a culture of despair, calling on Rwandans to draw strength from within instead of lamenting or seeking sympathy.
“Instead of sitting in despair or crying out for help, people should find within themselves the strength to confront these challenges,” he noted. “Injustice against Rwanda is not new; it is part of our history. These are not problems we create, but we are the ones who must face them, and they should not derail us from our path.”
President Kagame emphasised that resilience and self-reliance remain central to Rwanda’s development philosophy.
“This requires wisdom and strength, not necessarily physical strength, which we may lack, but strength of spirit and determination,” he said. “We must use those strengths as best we can.”
He went on to remind citizens that Rwandans should never beg for the right to exist, describing such a mindset as a betrayal of the country’s hard-won dignity.
“No one gives us the right to live. We cannot and should not ask anyone for permission to live the way we deserve,” Kagame said. “A Rwandan who fails to understand that, given our history, has lost sight of our values; there’s something wrong. Confrontation is better than begging. Stand firm, face people directly, and tell them what must be said.”
He further underscored that all people are equal, and no one is inherently entitled to dominate or oppress others.
“Those who act otherwise are human beings just like you. No one is created to rule or hurt others. That is Rwanda’s political philosophy,” he said. “Those who fail to understand it, we shall also confront those challenges.”
Among the six senators who took the oath of office, four were appointed by the President of the Republic: Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana, who were reappointed, and newcomers Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and Alfred Gasana. The other two, Dr. Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana, were elected by the Consultative Forum of Political Organisations.
On October 15, 2025, Kabila and his supporters met in Nairobi, Kenya, to launch a new coalition called Sauvons La RDC (“Let’s Save the DRC”), which aims to address long-standing political and social challenges facing the country.
The coalition said it will base its efforts on twelve proposals Kabila presented in May, including ending authoritarian rule, promoting inclusive dialogue, dismantling armed groups, and engaging with neighbouring countries.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, was sentenced to death in September by a military court after being convicted of crimes including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an illegal armed group. The government has maintained that Kabila should not be allowed to take part in national peace talks and, if apprehended, should face the sentence imposed by the court.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently told DRC President Félix Tshisekedi that Kabila is “effectively dead” politically, suggesting he could be removed from influence depending on the loyalty of his supporters.
Political marginalisation within the DRC appears to have driven Kabila to form the new coalition, which includes politicians who fled the country or are wanted by justice, such as former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo.
It remains unclear how Kabila’s allies still in the DRC, including PPRD party President Aubin Minaku, Secretary-General Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, and Ferdinand Kambere, will respond.
On October 23, FCC leaders, mostly PPRD members, held a meeting to discuss the coalition’s formation and Kabila’s plans. In a statement, they confirmed FCC’s membership in Sauvons La RDC and pledged support for all of its objectives.
“FCC, the coalition of His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, comprising multiple groups, political parties, and associations, is a member of Sauvons la RDC. This coalition aims to ensure inclusive national dialogue, oppose constitutional amendments, and end authoritarian rule,” the statement read.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya told Africa Radio on October 23 that Kabila no longer holds power in the country and is unlikely to achieve any tangible results.
“He is a man of the past, who gathered in Nairobi those convicted of crimes and fugitives from justice, united by their opposition to President Tshisekedi,” Muyaya said.
Kabila became a Senator for Life for the DRC upon leaving the presidency in 2019. He was living in exile in South Africa until his return to the eastern DRC in April 2025, which preceded his conviction in absentia by a military court in September 2025 for crimes including treason.
By July 2024, the number of schools in Rwanda had reached 4,986, up from 4,923 the previous year. Of these, 2,077 were government-aided, 1,569 were public, and 1,340 were privately owned.
The distribution of ownership remains relatively stable, with government institutions accounting for 31.5 percent of all schools, the Catholic Church for 28 percent, Protestant denominations for 16.8 percent, parents’ associations for 6 percent, the Adventist Church for 1.7 percent, Islamic organisations for 0.6 percent, and private individuals owning 15.1 percent.
The total number of classrooms in use stood at 86,780 in 2023/24, reflecting an increase of 2,045 from the previous year. Yet, despite this expansion, overcrowding continues to pose a challenge. The national pupil–classroom ratio rose from 50 to 52 learners per room, with congestion most severe in the lower grades, 76 pupils per classroom in Primary 1, 66 in Primary 2, and 61 in Primary 3. Only 43 percent of primary schools meet the national standard of 46 pupils per class, compared to 83 percent in lower secondary and 97 percent in upper secondary.
Efforts to improve the learning environment are visible in other ways too. Nearly half of all schools, 49.1 percent, now have dedicated girls’ rooms, up by 1.7 percentage points from the previous year. However, sports facilities remain limited, with football and volleyball grounds available in only 41 percent of schools, basketball courts in 15 percent, and gymnasiums in barely 0.1 percent.
Overall, the number of learners enrolled across the education system rose to 4,766,125 in 2023/24, representing a 7 percent increase from 4.46 million in 2022/23. This means that more than a third of Rwanda’s population, 35.3 percent, is currently in school.
Early learning has seen the most significant expansion, with combined enrolment in Early Childhood Development and pre-primary centres climbing from 1.13 million to 1.29 million, an increase of 14.4 percent. Within that total, children attending ECD centres rose by 16.6 percent to 692,507, while pre-primary enrolment grew by 11.9 percent to 605,229.
At the primary level, enrolment reached 3,006,709 pupils, up 5.9 percent from the previous year, reaffirming primary education as the foundation of Rwanda’s school system. Enrolment in general and professional secondary schools increased modestly by 1.45 percent to 196,384 students, with girls forming the majority.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes also expanded, with enrolment in Levels 1 to 5 rising by 12.8 percent to 116,791 trainees. Despite this growth, gender disparities persist, with women still under-represented in vocational fields.
Higher education continued its upward trajectory, as the number of students in universities and polytechnics increased from 119,716 to 130,474, an 8.99 percent rise in one year.
In contrast, adult literacy centres experienced a decline, with enrolment dropping by 9.1 percent to 99,255 learners, suggesting a gradual shift towards formal education pathways.
Taken together, these figures depict a system that is expanding not just in size but in diversity, advancing Rwanda’s vision of inclusive and lifelong learning for all.
Enrolment rates also improved across all levels. The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) and Net Enrolment Rate (NER) in pre-primary education rose to 59.5 and 44.7 percent respectively, up from 53.1 and 39 percent a year earlier. At the primary level, GER reached 148.2 percent while NER climbed slightly to 95 percent.
Secondary GER increased to 48.6 percent and NER to 29.1 percent, while higher education GER grew from 8.6 to 9 percent. Girls now outnumber boys in both lower and upper secondary levels, though boys still form the majority in primary, TVET, and higher education institutions.
Student progression data reveal both gains and persistent challenges. Only 13.1 percent of pupils who start Primary 1 complete Senior 6 within twelve years, though the share of those finishing primary school on time increased from 37.5 to 42.7 percent.
In primary schools, promotion rates reached 65.1 percent, repetition dropped to 29.7 percent, and dropout fell to 5.2 percent. Secondary schools recorded similar progress, with dropout declining from 7.5 to 4.4 percent, even as repetition rates rose slightly to 13.8 percent.
Transition rates across education levels shifted unevenly: 79 percent of pupils moved from primary to lower secondary, down by 4.7 points, while 83.3 percent advanced from lower to upper secondary, up by 0.9 points. The proportion proceeding from secondary to higher education declined more sharply, from 64.8 to 49.6 percent. Currently, around 23.4 percent of secondary and TVET learners are enrolled in boarding schools.
The teaching workforce also grew, with 123,818 teachers recorded in 2023/24, a 2.6 percent increase from the previous year. Most are qualified by national standards: 99.4 percent of pre-primary, 99.8 percent of primary, 86.6 percent of secondary, and 80.3 percent of TVET teachers meet minimum qualification requirements.
However, formal pedagogical training remains uneven. Only 52.7 percent of pre-primary, 67.6 percent of primary, 78 percent of secondary, and 25.7 percent of TVET teachers have completed professional training.
This imbalance translates into uneven classroom experiences, with one trained teacher for every 106 pupils in pre-primary, 65 in primary, 36 in secondary, and 77 in TVET. Women dominate teaching in the early years, accounting for 83 percent of pre-primary and 56.7 percent of primary teachers, while men remain the majority in secondary (65 percent), TVET (69.4 percent), and higher education (78.8 percent).
Technology use in education continues to accelerate. The yearbook shows that 35.5 percent of schools now use ICT tools in teaching, 21.9 percent have smart classrooms, and 28.2 percent operate computer laboratories. Connectivity is improving, with 61.8 percent of schools connected to the internet and nearly all (97.4 percent) having at least one computer.
The computer-to-student ratio now stands at one for every nine learners, an improvement from one per ten in 2017. Teachers have an average of one computer for every two individuals, while administrative staff enjoy full access. These figures reflect a system increasingly equipped for digital learning, though rural–urban disparities persist.
Textbook availability has improved, particularly at the primary level, where the average book-to-pupil ratio stands at two to one. Core subjects such as Kinyarwanda, English, and Mathematics have achieved full coverage, with one book per pupil. However, Science and Elementary Technology lag behind at a ratio of four to one.
In lower and upper secondary levels, the average ratio remains at three to one across science, language, and humanities streams. Teacher Training Colleges remain under-supplied, with four students sharing a single book, while pre-primary institutions, where play-based learning dominates, report ratios ranging from one to one to as high as twenty-one to one, reflecting the strain of rapid enrolment growth.
Access to basic utilities in schools has also improved steadily. By 2024, 84.2 percent of schools were connected to the national electricity grid, 18.7 percent used solar energy, 11.9 percent relied on generators, and 1.7 percent operated biogas systems.
Water access expanded as well, with 81.8 percent of schools having tap water, 65.6 percent providing safe drinking water, and 88.7 percent harvesting rainwater. Hygiene facilities are now nearly universal: 93.7 percent of schools have handwashing stations, and 94.8 percent offer separate toilets for girls and boys. However, the recommended ratio of one toilet for every 25 students remains unmet as enrolment continues to rise.
The school-feeding programme has also expanded significantly. The proportion of learners receiving meals at school increased from 92.8 to 96.8 percent, while the share of schools providing meals jumped from 87.4 to 99.3 percent within a single year. Officials attribute this success to improved community engagement and government support, noting that the programme has helped reduce absenteeism and enhance student concentration.
Altogether, these trends point to a rapidly evolving education system that continues to make strides in inclusion, quality, and digital readiness, even as it grapples with enduring challenges such as overcrowding, teacher training gaps, and unequal resource distribution. Rwanda’s ongoing investments suggest a strong commitment to ensuring that every learner, from early childhood to higher education, benefits from the promise of lifelong learning.
The talks aim to address escalating trade tensions between the two nations, focusing on China’s recent expansion of export controls on rare earth minerals and President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1.
The meetings are scheduled to coincide with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which Malaysia is hosting from October 24 to 27. This timing underscores the urgency of resolving the trade disputes to ensure the planned summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping proceeds as scheduled.
The U.S. has expressed concerns that China’s export restrictions on rare earths, critical materials for high-tech industries, are retaliatory measures in response to the U.S. expanding its export blacklist. These tensions have disrupted a recent period of warming ties, including a successful agreement related to the TikTok app and a phone call between Presidents Trump and Xi on September 19.
As the two largest economies in the world, the U.S. and China are under pressure to de-escalate the trade tensions to prevent further economic fallout. The outcome of the upcoming talks could have significant implications for global trade dynamics and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Trump, long known for his staunch support of Israel, expressed frustration with the ongoing political manoeuvring surrounding the West Bank, signalling Washington’s disapproval of unilateral moves that could undermine regional stability.
This latest statement comes after Israel’s government passed a vote that could pave the way for the formal annexation of parts of the West Bank. The move has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians and much of the international community, while Israeli supporters of the annexation have hailed it as a historic step.
The US, under President Trump, has been a vocal supporter of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, but his recent comments mark a shift in tone. “Israel is not going to do anything with the West Bank that goes against US interests,” Trump said in a press briefing. The comment highlights the growing rift between Washington and Jerusalem as tensions mount over the future of the West Bank.
Trump’s remarks also underscore the pressure the US is placing on Israel to stay in line with American policies, particularly as the Trump administration has made significant moves to reshape US foreign policy in favour of Israel. The United States has long considered Israel a close ally, but Trump’s administration has been particularly vocal in supporting Israeli actions, including the controversial decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.
The annexation vote in Israel, which has been criticised by many, has prompted strong reactions from various global leaders. European leaders, the United Nations, and many Arab states have expressed deep concern about the potential implications for the peace process and the stability of the region.
While Trump’s comments seemed to downplay the situation, they reflect the growing frustration in Washington regarding Israel’s actions. The White House, which has been increasingly vocal in its support for Israel’s stance on the West Bank, has warned Israel that failing to align with US expectations could risk future support, including crucial financial and diplomatic backing.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to push for the annexation, calling it an essential step in securing Israel’s future. However, the vote and Trump’s response have created significant diplomatic tension, as the future of the West Bank remains uncertain.
The situation remains fluid, and the US-Israel relationship will undoubtedly continue to evolve as both sides navigate the complex and contentious issue of the West Bank’s future. What remains clear is that the political pressure is intensifying, with both nations feeling the weight of international expectations and their domestic constituencies.
As tensions rise, the future of the West Bank and Israel’s relationship with the United States remains at a critical juncture. The world is watching closely to see how both nations will move forward in the face of growing political challenges.
Electricity restrictions will be in place from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in 12 regions, the company said in a statement on Telegram. The measures will affect households, businesses and industrial users.
Parts of the eastern Kharkiv region and the northern Chernihiv region were completely cut off from power as a result of the attacks.
Overnight Wednesday, Russia launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, firing 405 drones and 28 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Air defense units intercepted 333 drones and 16 missiles.
Speaking during a debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Ngoga reaffirmed Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to accountability, truth, and reconciliation, while highlighting persistent challenges in apprehending fugitives and combating genocide denial.
Addressing the Assembly, Ambassador Ngoga praised the IRMCT and its predecessor, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), as “indispensable pillars” in holding accountable those responsible for the genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, he emphasised that significant gaps remain, particularly in the pursuit of over 1,400 indicted individuals who are still at large.
“Rwanda has repeatedly drawn attention to a pattern of insufficient cooperation by some states, whether through failure to arrest, to extradite, or to prosecute those indicted,” Ngoga stated, noting that in some cases, justice has been delayed for years due to reluctance by certain nations to act on formal requests.
The ambassador underscored Rwanda’s readiness to take on greater responsibility as the IRMCT nears the completion of its mandate. Rwanda has offered to enforce the sentences of 25 convicted persons in compliance with international standards, building on a 2008 agreement with the UN that Ngoga described as a “milestone in cooperation.”
He affirmed that Rwanda views this role not as a burden but as a continuation of its national journey toward justice and reconciliation, which began in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Rwanda remains in strict compliance with the agreement,” Ngoga said, confirming that no obstacles exist to its full implementation.
Ngoga also addressed the situation of six acquitted or released individuals currently relocated to Niger, stressing that Rwanda is prepared to receive them as free citizens.
“There should be no prolonged ambiguity regarding their status or place of residence when the country of origin has expressed readiness to receive its nationals,” he argued, calling for a precedent to guide the management of both convicts and those who have completed their sentences.
The individuals include Major François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, Prosper Mugiraneza (former Labour Minister), Col. Alphonse Nteziryayo, André Ntagerura and Capt. Innocent Sagahutu.
A major concern raised by Ngoga was the growing threat of genocide denial, distortion, and revisionism, which he warned not only reopens wounds for survivors but also seeks to erase the truth established by international justice. To counter this, Rwanda has proposed taking custodianship of the ICTR and IRMCT archives, which serve as vital repositories of testimony, memory, and evidence.
“Building on its experience in preserving Gacaca and other genocide archives, Rwanda possesses the institutional capacity to ensure their security, accessibility, and educational value for future generations,” Ngoga told the Assembly.
The ambassador called for sustained cooperation between the IRMCT, member states, and national authorities to ensure the progress of the past three decades does not fade. He urged the Office of the Prosecutor and UN bodies to continue supporting capacity building and technical assistance for national jurisdictions, enabling them to address genocide and crimes against humanity effectively.
“The nightmare of impunity must not outlast the institutions we built to confront it,” Ngoga declared.
In a direct appeal to the Security Council and member states, Ngoga reiterated Rwanda’s readiness to assume the IRMCT’s residual functions, including hosting convicted individuals and safeguarding the archives. He emphasised Rwanda’s unique position due to its geographic and institutional proximity to the ICTR’s work, making it well-suited to carry forward the achievements of international criminal justice.
“We call upon this Assembly and all member states to renew their cooperation to arrest fugitives, to extradite or prosecute those indicted, and to support the preservation of the archives,” he urged, reinforcing Rwanda’s resolve to ensure that the legacy of the ICTR and IRMCT endures for future generations.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, John Giusti, GSMA’s Deputy Director General, reflected on the summit’s evolution and the organisation’s strategy to make digital access more inclusive.
“This is my fifth time in Kigali, and it’s always fantastic,” Giusti said. “There’s so much energy. Rwanda has really been a leader, from President Paul Kagame to ICT Minister Paula Ingabire in driving digital transformation both nationally and across Africa.”
Since its debut three years ago, MWC Kigali has evolved from a regional gathering into a major platform showcasing Africa’s digital transformation. Each year, the summit has expanded its focus from mobile connectivity and broadband coverage to fintech innovations, network security, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the continent’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.
Today, MWC Kigali not only convenes industry leaders but also drives concrete initiatives, such as affordable 4G smartphones and AI solutions in African languages, positioning itself at the forefront of digital inclusion.
According to Giusti, one of the most significant milestones has been the expansion of mobile broadband coverage.
“We’ve moved from a point in 2017 where 34% of Africa’s population lacked coverage to today, where only 9% are not connected. This reflects the commitment of operators and supportive government policies,” he noted.
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A central theme of MWC Kigali 2025 is handset affordability. The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, launched in collaboration with six major operators Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, aims to reduce the cost of entry-level 4G devices.
“The biggest barrier to connectivity is the cost of the device,” Giusti explained. “We brought together operators, device manufacturers, and institutions like the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to develop concrete solutions to make smartphones more accessible.”
The coalition has now defined baseline specifications for affordable yet functional 4G smartphones, ensuring devices are both practical and desirable for consumers, whether for business, social life, or daily use. Giusti added that partnerships with governments will be crucial, particularly in reducing taxes and offering innovative financing solutions to lower costs further.
South Africa’s removal of luxury taxes on smartphones priced under USD 150 serves as a model for other countries.
“Smartphones are no longer a luxury; they are a basic necessity, like bread or vegetables,” Giusti said. “Fair taxation policies are essential to ensure everyone can access digital tools.”
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While lowering device costs is key, the GSMA acknowledges other challenges, including digital skills and relevant local content. Only 0.02% of online content is currently available in Africa’s many languages, highlighting the need for content development in native tongues. MWC Kigali 2025 addresses this by exploring AI in African languages, energy resilience, and other initiatives that complement connectivity efforts.
Looking ahead, Giusti emphasised the potential for Africa’s young population to drive innovation: “Seventy percent of Africa’s population is under 30. More people are entering the job market, but too many are still not connected digitally. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy.”
MWC Kigali 2025 will conclude on Thursday. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, driving initiatives that aim to make the continent more connected and digitally inclusive.
Watch the full exclusive interview with the GSMA executive below.
The meeting brought together officials from both countries alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, and the African Union Commission. The session aimed to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, signed on June 27, 2025, which seeks to end hostilities and restore stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Department of State, participants reaffirmed their adherence to the Operations Order (OPORD), the key plan guiding the execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) finalised earlier this month during the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) meeting.
The JSCM reviewed progress since the previous sessions held in September and early October, particularly under Phase 1 of the OPORD, which emphasised preparation through threat analysis and information sharing.
Delegates also discussed coordinated steps toward neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a key objective of the peace roadmap, and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures once security conditions permit. Rwanda maintains that the FDLR, a militia group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to collaborate with the Congolese army and operate in eastern DRC, posing a serious security threat to Rwanda.
While the parties acknowledged progress, the fragile nature of the peace process remains evident. Since the Washington Peace Agreement was signed in June, implementation has faced multiple setbacks amid lingering mistrust and continued instability in parts of eastern Congo. The meeting in Washington was therefore seen as a critical step in sustaining dialogue and maintaining momentum toward de-escalation.
Both the Congolese and Rwandan delegations expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their ongoing facilitation and diplomatic support. The JSCM members agreed to continue monitoring developments closely and to reconvene for a fourth meeting on November 19–20, 2025, to assess progress and address emerging challenges.
All participants reiterated their shared commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
Held under the theme “Building Trust in Higher Education,” the three-day conference opened on Tuesday, October 21, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and runs through Thursday, October 23.
The event marks a milestone for Rwanda and the region, as it is the first time the IAU International Conference has been held in East Africa. Over 200 delegates from 56 countries are attending, engaging in discussions on how universities can rebuild and sustain public trust amid an era of social, technological, and ideological disruption.
The conference’s focus on trust comes at a time when universities globally are facing heightened scrutiny. Questions are being raised about their relevance, impact, and the trustworthiness of their operations, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. The discussions aim to address these issues and forge new paths for universities to re-establish their credibility in an age marked by political and social unrest.
Andrew Deeks, the President of IAU, set the tone for the conference, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year legacy and its continued commitment to advancing higher education globally. He emphasised that this year’s theme was particularly relevant as trust in universities is being questioned across the world.
“Whether universities are operating for the benefit of the countries they’re in or for the students they educate is increasingly under scrutiny,” said Professor Deeks. “Our goal is to explore how to build and sustain trust in the face of these challenges.”
Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, expressed the institution’s excitement in being part of this global conversation. He noted the unique opportunity for African universities to share their experiences and challenges with their international counterparts.
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Hilligje van’t Land, the Secretary-General of IAU, highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration between universities worldwide.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the higher education community to come together, discuss the key challenges facing universities, and work towards solutions that will benefit the global higher education sector,” she said.
Dr Van’t Land pointed out that the conference’s theme is timely, especially considering the turmoil faced by many institutions in the current political climate. From issues surrounding academic freedom to increasing demands for inclusivity and equity, universities must find ways to remain relevant and trustworthy in an increasingly complex world.
The challenges facing higher education in Africa, in particular, were a focal point of discussion. Professor Muganga emphasised how hosting the conference in Kigali allows African universities to not only learn from their global peers but also showcase their progress and unique challenges.
“By coming together, we can exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and benefit from diverse perspectives,” Prof. Muganga added.
Andreas Corcoran, IAU Deputy Secretary General, reiterated the association’s founding mission to act as the “global voice of higher education” within UNESCO frameworks. He praised Africa’s dynamic academic landscape, describing it as “vibrant, agile, and creative in solving contemporary challenges.”
“Africa is the future,” Corcoran said. “The world has a lot to learn from African universities, their innovative pedagogies, governance models, and adaptability to their specific environments.”
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Prof. Muganga revealed that the University of Rwanda has already signed several Memoranda of Understanding with participating institutions, including a new agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa focusing on technology, mining, and geology.
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One of the most pressing issues discussed at the conference is how universities can rebuild trust in a world where misinformation and mistrust are rampant. The importance of integrity in leadership, transparency in governance, and a commitment to inclusivity were all emphasized as key pillars of rebuilding trust.
Global tertiary education expert Dr Jamil Salmi delivered the keynote address, “Trust and Distrust in an Age of Turmoil,” warning that higher education institutions worldwide face a crisis of confidence.
He cited factors such as widening inequalities in access, rising tuition costs, corruption, ideological interference, and the growing rejection of scientific evidence.
“We live in a paradox where universities are attacked as elitist or irrelevant, even as societies depend on them more than ever for innovation and progress,” he said.
Dr Salmi identified five key principles for rebuilding trust: equity and inclusiveness, student-centred learning, a focus on competencies over credentials, commitment to truth and academic freedom, and social responsibility.
Dr Salmi emphasised that universities can no longer be “ivory towers” and must engage actively with communities, industry, and government. He noted that trust is built when universities deliver real value to society through education, research, and innovation.
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Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also addressed the conference, stressing the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and positioning higher education as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Trust is earned when universities deliver value, by educating citizens to be problem-solvers and generating research that addresses real societal challenges,” said Nsengimana.
He underscored the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, and communities, noting that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to make the country a knowledge-driven, high-income society.
“We see higher education not as an isolated pursuit of degrees, but as a driver of transformation, a tool for social cohesion and a pillar of sustainable development. Our universities are not doing business as usual. They are becoming engines of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Nsengimana urged delegates to envision a future where universities lead change, serving as beacons of truth, innovation, and hope. “Together, we can ensure higher education does not merely survive change but shapes it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the conference also marked the launch of the IAU’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), a peer-to-peer capacity-building initiative for university leaders. The programme begins in Kigali and continues online, with additional modules planned for the 2026 IAU Conference in Perth, Australia, in November 2026.
