During the visit, the employees were taken through the historical events that shaped the area from 1959 up to the execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi in April 1994.
They were also told the tragic story of how Tutsis who had sought refuge at Ntarama Church were brutally murdered, despite believing it to be a place of salvation.
Clementine Nyinawumuntu, a resident of Ntarama Sector in Bugesera District, gave a testimony on how she survived as one of seven siblings, though she was left with a disability.
“We had fled to Ntarama Church, hoping that at the very least the Interahamwe would fear attacking a house of God, but it ended up becoming a slaughterhouse for Tutsis,” she recounted.
COPEDU Plc’s Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Joseph Ntabwoba, expressed condolences to the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi and assured them of the institution’s solidarity and continued support.
“Those who planned and executed the Genocide wanted to wipe you out, but you survived. Good triumphed over evil, light overcame darkness, and life prevailed over death. Stay strong and continue to remember as you rebuild,” he stated.
Ntabwoba urged the youth to take the lead in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again, to fight against genocide ideology, and to actively seek knowledge of the country’s history so they can confront those who attempt to distort it.
Pakistan declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as persona non grata. The official has been ordered to leave the country within 24 hours, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Indian Charge d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a formal démarche was issued conveying the decision, the foreign office said, adding that it called on the Indian mission to ensure that its personnel refrain from actions inconsistent with their diplomatic responsibilities.
According to Indian media, the Indian government announced earlier it had expelled an official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and asked him to leave the country within 24 hours.
The Pakistani diplomat, who was declared “persona non grata” by the Indian authorities, was “indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India”, according to India’s foreign ministry in a statement.
The signing took place on May 13, 2025, at the U.S. Department of State and was witnessed by Kim Harrington, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources.
The letter of intent outlines plans to develop a sustainable and transparent supply chain for Rwandan tin, classified by the U.S. as a critical mineral, in support of broader economic and national security objectives.
“This type of critical minerals project supports U.S. onshoring, strengthens our national security, and advances economic prosperity,” reads a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources.
The preliminary agreement paves the way for a more formal and comprehensive collaboration. It forms part of America’s efforts to secure strategic mineral inputs for domestic manufacturing across various sectors, including electronics, glass production, and electric vehicle batteries.
The partnership also comes just weeks ahead of an expected broader mining cooperation framework between Rwanda and the United States, set to be formalised in June 2025. The upcoming agreement is anticipated to cover mineral exploration, responsible sourcing, and increased trade.
Trinity Metals began operating in Rwanda in 2022 and currently extracts key minerals such as wolframite (tungsten), coltan, and tin.
The company has already invested over $40 million in its Rwandan operations, which include mining sites at Nyakabingo, Musha, and Rutongo. Collectively, these sites span 17,294 hectares and employ more than 700 people.
In 2024 alone, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 tonnes of tin, tungsten, and coltan. The company projects that by 2029, its exports could more than double to 5,201 tonnes as global demand for critical minerals increases.
The campaign to completely eliminate asbestos roofing and ceiling materials began in 2011, at which point buildings across the country were found to have over 1.692 million square metres of asbestos. Currently, only around 300,000 square metres remain to be removed.
The dangers of asbestos in roofing materials arise when the materials become damaged or deteriorate over time, releasing microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs and lead to serious diseases, including cancer.
RHA’s Director General, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, told members of Parliament from the Public Accounts and Budget Committee that the new allocation amounting to Frw 2,102,929,920 is expected to accelerate the removal of remaining asbestos roofs, ensuring safer living and working environments in line with national health and safety standards.
He noted that although the project has been ongoing for years, it has frequently encountered challenges related to the unexpectedly large quantities of asbestos, which often exceeded initial budget estimates.
He indicated the goal is to complete the full removal of asbestos roofing by 2027.
In 2024, Mathias Ntakirutimana, the National Coordinator of the Asbestos Removal Project at RHA, told IGIHE that the project was nearing completion.
At that time, about 130,000 square metres of asbestos remained on buildings owned by citizens, churches, and religious institutions, while government buildings still had approximately 180,000 square metres to be removed.
Ntakirutimana said that adequate disposal sites have been prepared to safely bury the asbestos roofing and ceilings without harming nearby ecosystems.
These are specially dug pits using modern methods, some measuring 60 metres long and 20 metres wide, while others are 20 by 30 metres, with a depth of six metres. A pit is considered full when it is just two metres from the surface and is then sealed off.
In the Southern Province, such pits are located in the districts of Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara. In the Eastern Province, they are found in Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Kayonza, Ngoma, and Bugesera.
In the Northern Province, pits are located in Musanze, Gicumbi, and Rulindo. In the Western Province, they are in Karongi, Rubavu, Ngororero, and Rusizi—areas where asbestos was once commonly used.
Once filled, these pits are covered with soil and trees are planted on top. The trees help purify the air and hold down the soil to prevent any asbestos dust from rising.
During a session with Members of Parliament from the Public Accounts and Budget Committee, the ministry presented key priorities for the coming fiscal year. The Ministry of Infrastructure and its affiliated agencies have been allocated Rwf 615.1 billion, which will fund a wide range of projects covering transport, energy, water, sanitation, and housing.
According to Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the government plans to continue expanding access to clean water, electricity, road networks, and environmental conservation measures.
A particular highlight is the ongoing construction of the Rusizi port, now 80% complete, with plans underway to initiate works on new ports in Karongi and Nkora following the identification of development partners.
In the energy sector, over 280,000 households are expected to gain access to electricity. The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) revealed that projects such as Nyabarongo II, with a generation capacity of 43.5 megawatts, and the expansion of the Nasho power plant are among those planned for the year.
Additionally, REG aims to replace the transformer at the Mukungwa power station and extend power to residents in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts. The Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) has been allocated Rwf 200 billion to implement these initiatives, including partnerships with the European Investment Bank and the Korean EDCF.
In terms of road infrastructure, the government plans to build 143 kilometres of new roads and rehabilitate 110 kilometres of existing ones. A further 131 kilometres of feeder roads to support agriculture will also be constructed. Major road projects include the Huye–Kitabi (53 km), Ngoma–Ramiro (53 km), and Muhanga–Rubengera (Nyange–Muhanga) routes.
Other urban transport improvement efforts include the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project (KUTI) and upgrades to key roads such as Sonatube–Gahanga–Akagera and Nyabugogo–Jabana–Nyacyonga (40 km).
To improve access to clean water, the government aims to provide safe drinking water to 500,000 new households. By the end of the fiscal year, Rwanda expects to have added 25,000 cubic metres of daily water treatment capacity, progressing toward the 2029 target of 180,000 cubic metres per day.
The plan also includes the rehabilitation of 665 kilometres of water pipelines and repair of 122 damaged rural water systems. WASAC Group has been allocated Rwf 110.3 billion to lead these efforts.
Sanitation also features prominently in the budget. The Ministry announced that work on upgrading the Nduba and Musanze landfills will be completed, alongside ongoing efforts to centralise and treat waste from latrines.
In the housing sector, the government aims to relocate 1,500 households from high-risk zones in 2025/2026. By 2029, this figure is expected to exceed 6,000.
Dr. Gasore noted that slum upgrading efforts have already led to the construction of 688 housing units, with another 879 planned for the next fiscal year. Redevelopment of informal settlements has so far covered 282 hectares, with plans to cover an additional 213 hectares in 2025/2026 and a total of 1,160 hectares by 2029.
In the area of environmental protection, more than 100,000 clean cookstoves will be distributed in 2025/2026, contributing to the national goal of reaching over 800,000 households by 2029.
In a recent episode of the Long Form Podcast, Haba unpacked the forces driving Kigali’s property surge and the challenges of delivering homes for the city’s middle- and low-income earners.
Kigali’s property prices have soared, undeterred even by the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by a staggering demand for housing.
Haba cited city statistics showing a need for 183,000 housing units, up from 34,000 just five years ago, driven by rural-to-urban migration, rising incomes, and the city’s expansion into areas like Kabuga. Yet, supply lags far behind, with fewer than 1,000 units built annually against a yearly need of 34,000.
“Because the supply is trying to catch up with an ever-growing demand, we are not about to see that bubble anytime soon,” Haba said, dismissing fears of a market crash.
The boom is most visible in high-end neighbourhoods like Nyarutarama and Gacuriro, where developers are erecting luxury apartments and commercial spaces. However, Haba emphasised that this masks a critical shortfall: the greatest demand lies in affordable and middle-income housing, segments developers often avoid.
Haba explained that building affordable homes is “not worth the headache” for private developers. High land costs, expensive financing—often at 15% interest or more—and slim profit margins deter investment in low-cost housing.
“If it’s going to cost you RWF 45 million to build a house and the market is telling you to sell it at RWF 46 million, you’ll just not do it,” he said.
Instead, developers target wealthier buyers, where margins are higher and demand remains strong, leaving low-income earners struggling to find decent rentals.
The disparity has created a stark divide. While bare hills in areas like Bumbogo and Masaka signal untapped potential, private investment remains concentrated in affluent zones. Haba noted that this trend mirrors regional patterns, where developers shift to affordable housing only when higher-end markets saturate—a stage Kigali has yet to reach.
Compounding the affordability crisis is the increasing practice of landlords pricing rentals in U.S. dollars, a trend Haba links to inflation concerns.
“Almost all business people… will cushion themselves against inflation or rising prices… either to mark up significantly or to dollarize whatever good or service that they are selling,” he noted.
This practice, despite being illegal under Rwanda’s central bank regulations, burdens tenants, as landlords demand payments in dollars for homes previously priced in Rwandan francs.
Haba criticised the informality of Kigali’s rental market, where many tenants lack tenancy agreements, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary hikes. He urged renters to formalise contracts with clauses limiting rent increases, citing examples where agreements cap rises at 5% annually.
Government steps in
Recognising the private sector’s reluctance, the Rwandan government is taking action. Haba highlighted a forthcoming special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Rwanda Housing Authority to build affordable rental housing, targeting low-income earners.
Additionally, rehousing projects in Mpazi, Nyamirambo, and several other areas are densifying informal settlements, allowing residents to stay in urban areas with upgraded homes.
“They don’t move them away. They build for them more densified housing,” Haba said, praising initiatives that place 10 homes on plots once holding two.
Haba remains optimistic about Kigali’s market, buoyed by infrastructure like widespread tarmac roads and urban ambitions, including potential F1 hosting. However, he urged young Rwandans to invest in land, noting its 20-25% annual appreciation outpaces loan interest rates.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was presided over by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central European country.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and warmly received by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjártó.
The mission, which began operations in 2024, becomes a valuable addition to Rwanda’s expanding network of diplomatic missions. It is expected to play a vital role in fostering bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, education, sports, and investment.
Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.
“This embassy, one of the newest in Rwanda’s growing diplomatic network, reflects our efforts to expand our global engagement and build ties with like-minded partners like Hungary,” he said.
“The presence of a resident ambassador here in Budapest has already begun to bear fruit, facilitating more direct exchanges, stronger institutional ties, and meaningful collaborations across sectors.”
He added that there was strong potential to deepen cooperation through mutually beneficial projects that connect businesses and institutions in both countries.
Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government and people for their support and hospitality.
“This embassy will serve not just as a diplomatic mission, but as a bridge—fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and building enduring friendships between our peoples,” he said.
Boglárka Illés, Hungary’s Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary’s commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.
The inauguration follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at enhancing Rwanda-Hungary relations. Earlier this month, Ministers Nduhungirehe and Mukazayire met with Zsolt Mészáros, Hungary’s Ambassador to Rwanda, in Kigali to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Ahead of the embassy opening on Monday, bilateral talks were held between Nduhungirehe and Szijjártó, where both sides reviewed the progress of existing partnerships and explored new opportunities in education, trade, and sports.
The latest engagements build on an expanding relationship anchored in 2023 when President Paul Kagame met with then-Hungarian President Katalin Novak, who had visited Rwanda.
President Kagame met with Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-organiser of the Africa CEO Forum 2025. Their discussions focused on the group’s growing partnership with Rwanda and preparations for the next edition of the forum, set to be held in Kigali.
In a separate meeting, President Kagame held talks with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The two explored avenues to deepen cooperation, particularly in widening access to finance as a driver of inclusive economic growth and private sector development in Rwanda.
President Kagame also met with Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, to discuss ongoing collaboration with Rwanda. The conversation touched on the mobilisation of private capital for infrastructure and development projects, a priority area in Rwanda’s economic strategy.
On the sidelines of the forum, President Kagame also held bilateral discussions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania. The leaders discussed strengthening the growing ties between Rwanda and Mauritania, with a focus on mutually beneficial cooperation.
He also met with President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, host of this year’s Africa CEO Forum. The two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum has become a premier platform for public-private dialogue and cross-border investment in Africa.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the forum alongside fellow Heads of State, President Kagame emphasised that recent policy decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including the cutting of aid, should serve as a wake-up call for African leaders to intensify efforts towards self-reliance.
“We should have been building momentum in terms of what we need to do to make Africa self-dependent and resilient, and how Africa works with other continents and countries,” said President Kagame, who was on a panel with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.
“It is as well that President Trump decided to do what he did; if that was only to add to many other reminders that should wake us up as Africans to be able to do what we ought to do.”
The annual forum, themed “Africa in a Transactional World: Can a New Deal between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”, has brought together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and around the globe.
Located in Kigali, the new facility is designed to provide high-quality ingredients and tailored flavour solutions to local manufacturers, reinforcing Kerry’s commitment to localisation and sustainable production in emerging markets.
The company says the move is part of a broader €1 billion strategy to accelerate growth and sustainability across the global food industry, with a focus on fast-growing regions like Africa.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), local academic institutions, manufacturers from across the country, and Jill Clements, the Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda and Rwanda at the Embassy of Ireland.
“The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realising our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers,” said Jad Neaime, General Manager of Kerry Africa.
“As the only global taste and nutrition solutions company producing in East Africa, we aim to partner with our customers to help them solve their unique challenges and grow their business by leveraging our innovative technologies and global network.”
Kerry’s new plant is built with sustainability at its core, incorporating zero waste to landfill operations, high-efficiency utility systems, and a custom-designed wastewater treatment process. The company emphasised that these features align with its global environmental targets and commitment to responsible manufacturing.
The Kigali facility strengthens Kerry’s presence in East Africa, which began in 2018 with the opening of a technology and innovation centre in Kenya. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint to seven manufacturing sites across Africa, including operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria, and now Rwanda, along with sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.
Neaime highlighted Rwanda’s dynamic food processing sector as a key driver behind the company’s decision.
“Producing in Rwanda strengthens our localisation plans and brings us closer to our customers and their needs,” he said.
“This includes building local partnerships, expanding local sourcing, and recruiting and upskilling local talent to drive community-level growth.”
The facility is expected to play a central role in delivering flavour and nutrition solutions tailored to local preferences, while enabling Kerry to scale up support for food and beverage manufacturers across the region.
The City of Kigali has outlined key development projects for the upcoming budget year, starting in July 2025. These include the upgrading of the Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, urban planning improvements in various parts of the city, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents in informal settlements.
The City plans to spend over Frw 251 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with this figure projected to increase to Frw 263 billion the following year, and Frw 306 billion by 2027/2028.
Upgrading settlements in Mpazi, Nyabisindu, Nyagatovu, and Gatenga
The City of Kigali continues its programme to improve residential areas across the city. Through the RUDPII project, upgrades will be made in Mpazi (Nyarugenge), Nyabisindu and Nyagatovu (Gasabo), and Gatenga (Kicukiro).
The entire project is estimated to cost over Frw 53.9 billion, with Frw 26.9 billion allocated in the 2025/2026 budget. This initiative is jointly implemented with the Ministry of Infrastructure and is expected to significantly improve living conditions in these areas.
Revamping Nyabugogo Bus Terminal
One of the most highly anticipated projects is the revamp of the Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, which includes the creation of a dedicated bus lane.
The total project cost is projected at Frw 288.6 billion, with completion expected by June 2030. Approximately Frw 13 billion is allocated for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Though implementation was supposed to begin earlier, the project was delayed due to a funding shortfall, specifically Frw 1.2 billion, or 18% in taxes, which the government has yet to disburse.
Completing road construction under the KIP project
The Kigali Infrastructure Project (KIP), launched in 2020, aims to build 215 kilometres of roads.
Completion is scheduled for 2030/2031, with a total projected cost of $404 million. So far, Frw 299 billion has been spent, and Frw 15 billion is allocated for the 2025/2026 budget.
Challenges facing this project include a $150 million loan and a Frw 88 billion budget gap that the City is still working to cover.
Upgrading settlements in Rwezamenyo and Kagugu
Another significant housing project focuses on upgrading Rwezamenyo (Nyarugenge) and Kagugu (Gasabo) settlements.
The total budget for this project is Frw 92 billion, with Frw 20 billion allocated for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. However, implementation still awaits a Frw 2 billion tax contribution (18% share) from the Government of Rwanda and a Frw 9 billion resettlement compensation fund.
Community-cooperative road construction
The City is also partnering with residents to build community access roads. Under this scheme, citizens contribute 30% of the cost, while the government covers the remaining 70%.
So far, Frw 1.1 billion has been raised for the 2025/2026 budget. However, the project is challenged by the City’s limited capacity to supplement the numerous requests for road construction.
Other planned developments
Improvement of informal settlements in Mpazi and Nyabisindu, with Frw 1.47 billion allocated.
There is also the installation of automated streetlights, with the project expected to cost over Frw 5 billion. The budget for next year includes ¥502 million (over Frw 4.9 billion) allocated for this project.
