Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Small reactors, big dreams: Rwanda’s nuclear chief speaks on Africa’s energy leap (Video)

The country has been investing in nuclear energy for nearly seven years, including strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada.

In an interview on The Long Form podcast, Dr. Lassina Zerbo, chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board and former prime minister of Burkina Faso, outlined how nuclear energy could transform not only Rwanda but the broader continent, offering a sustainable path to socio-economic development.

Dr. Zerbo, a geophysicist and former executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), says Rwanda’s pioneering nuclear strategy is on track for a 2030 launch.

“If everything goes to plan, we should have the first nuclear power plant in Rwanda by 2030,” Dr. Zerbo who serves as an Energy Advisor and Member of the Strategy and Policy Council in the Office of the President, crediting President Paul Kagame’s disciplined vision.

“It’s a challenging timeline, but not impossible,” he added.

Unlike the massive, costly nuclear plants of decades past, Rwanda is embracing SMRs and micro reactors—compact, innovative systems designed for efficiency and safety.

“Small modular reactors range from 300 to 350 megawatts, while micro reactors can be as small as a 40-foot container,” Zerbo explained.

These “plug-and-play” reactors require minimal infrastructure upgrades, making them a viable option for African nations with developing electrical grids.

“You don’t need to overhaul everything like you would for a 1-gigawatt plant,” he noted, contrasting Rwanda’s approach with larger projects in Kenya and Egypt.

Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety, Zerbo emphasised technological advancements that reduce risks.

“The cooling systems in SMRs and micro reactors, like passive cooling or the use of thorium and molten salt, make them far safer than traditional reactors,” he said.

He also tackled the issue of nuclear waste, a common worry. “Our ambition is to use waste from one reactor as fuel for another. With micro reactors, waste is minimal, and vendors can remove and replace modules after 15 to 20 years.”

Beyond powering its cities and villages, Rwanda’s nuclear program aims to serve as a blueprint for Africa, a vision widely discussed at the recently concluded Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025).

“If we succeed here, it can inspire other African nations,” Zerbo remarked, pointing to countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, which are exploring similar technologies.

In efforts to actualise its nuclear energy ambitions, Rwanda has secured partnerships with global vendors, including Russia’s Rosatom for SMRs and U.S.-based Nano Nuclear Energy and Denmark’s Copenhagen Atomics for micro reactors.

“We’re diversifying to avoid dependency and mitigate geopolitical risks,” Zerbo noted, addressing concerns about aligning with partners like Rosatom amid global tensions.

{{From Burkina Faso to global stages
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Zerbo’s journey to becoming Rwanda’s nuclear chief is as compelling as the technology he champions. Born in Bobo-Dioulasso in 1963, when Burkina Faso was still Upper Volta, he rose from a modest upbringing to a global career in science and diplomacy.

As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a lawyer inspired by a French film about injustice, but a government scholarship steered him toward geophysics. His work in the mining industry and later at the CTBTO, where he monitored global nuclear tests, earned him international recognition.

In 2021, Zerbo briefly served as Burkina Faso’s prime minister, a role cut short by a coup d’état.

Reflecting on the experience, he remained unfazed.

“I never felt threatened,” he said, describing the chaotic night when gunfire erupted in Ouagadougou. “I was watching a football match with the president when it started. I knew I hadn’t done anything to compromise myself.”

His resilience and optimism continue to shine through as he serves Africa, now from Kigali.

Drawing on his experiences in Burkina Faso, where jihadist terrorism remains a growing threat, he stressed the need for regional unity.

“Terrorism thrives where people lack opportunity,” he said, advocating for a dual approach of deterrence and development.

“We need to give people a reason to live, not just fight with guns.”

He sees Rwanda’s stability and progress as a beacon of hope, likening it to a phoenix rising from its ashes after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed more than a million lives and left a trail of destruction.

“Rwanda’s nuclear program is about showing what’s possible when you combine vision, discipline, and courage.”

Watch the full interview with Dr. Lassina Zerbo on The Long Form podcast to hear more about his journey and Rwanda’s energy ambitions.

July 29, 2025
Iran rejects Trump’s claim of interference in Gaza ceasefire talks

Baghaei’s remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments a day earlier, in which Trump alleged that Iran had intervened in the latest round of talks aimed at ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The negotiations, held in Qatar, were suspended last week with both Israeli and U.S. delegations walking out.

Describing Trump’s claim as “absolutely baseless,” Baghaei said the accusation was an attempt to deflect U.S. responsibility for its complicity in what he called Israeli “crimes” against the Palestinians.

Baghaei said that Hamas negotiators were capable of discerning and pursuing the interests of Gaza’s population and did not need any third party’s intervention in that regard.

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s position, shared by many countries, condemning what he called “genocide” in Gaza and supporting any initiative that would lead to an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and the cessation of Israeli actions in the territory.

Trump, in a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, claimed that “I think they (Iran) got involved in this negotiation, telling Hamas and giving Hamas signals and orders.” He didn’t provide further details on the claim.

July 29, 2025
Zimbabwe calls on South Africa to resist US sanctions threats

Speaking at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, ZANU–PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Washington should not “misdirect itself” in its diplomatic approach to South Africa.

He emphasised that such issues could be resolved without resorting to sanctions, but if the US chooses otherwise, Zimbabwe is prepared, having endured sanctions for over two decades.

“These sanctions have not stopped Zimbabwe’s progress. In fact, we are emerging as one of the most dynamic economies on the continent,” Mutsvangwa told the media.

He highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing steel industry as a symbol of the country’s resilience, adding that even the US might view this development with “a bit of jealousy.”

The US has had strained relations with Zimbabwe for more than 20 years. Initially imposed in the early 2000s, sanctions targeted former President Robert Mugabe and senior officials over allegations of democratic erosion.

Last year, Washington imposed sanctions on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of human rights violations following a contested 2023 election. However, on March 4, 2024, President Joe Biden lifted all US sanctions on Zimbabwe, ending the sanctions program.

Mutsvangwa encouraged South Africa to remain optimistic and not be “pushed around by superpowers,” emphasising shared experiences and resources between the two countries.

The call comes amid the introduction of the US and South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, proposed by Congressman Ronny Jackson. The bill could sanction ANC leaders accused of supporting US adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue during a visit to BMW South Africa, acknowledging the legislative process was ongoing. He expressed hope for continued diplomatic engagement with the US and a positive outcome that would strengthen bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the ANC is appealing to US Democrats, especially those who supported the anti-apartheid movement, to oppose the bill.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stressed that the party will resist any efforts to isolate it through renewed sanctions, recalling the isolation they faced under apartheid-era sanctions backed by some Western countries.

The bill has passed key US House committees and now awaits a full vote in the House of Representatives.

July 29, 2025
Rwanda’s Wilderness Bisate to open “wellness sanctuary” this December

Dubbed The Sanctuary, the space goes beyond traditional spa services, featuring a salt-water lap pool, steam room, ice bath, meditation pods, and treatment rooms.

The lodge says the design prioritises stillness and restoration, with natural materials, quiet soundscapes, and minimal distractions from the surrounding environment.

The new facility will be open to guests staying at both Bisate and the nearby Bisate Reserve.

Wilderness, the company behind the lodge, says the launch reflects a broader shift in how it approaches guest experiences. Alexandra Margull, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said wellness would no longer be treated as an add-on but “a natural extension of place.”

The opening at Bisate comes alongside a similar rollout at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana, part of what the brand describes as a more integrated wellness offering across its camps.

Located near some of the last remaining habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla, Wilderness Bisate is known for its conservation-focused model and ultra-private guest experience. The new wellness space adds another layer to what is already one of Rwanda’s most exclusive tourism destinations.

July 29, 2025
Global liver cancer cases to nearly double by 2050, new study warns

The sharp rise is being driven by preventable factors such as hepatitis infections, obesity-related liver conditions, and alcohol consumption, researchers say.

In Rwanda, as in many countries around the world, liver cancer remains a pressing health concern. According to 2020 data, it was responsible for 706 deaths, accounting for 1.22% of all deaths in the country. The age-adjusted death rate stood at 11.48 per 100,000 population, placing Rwanda 24th globally in liver cancer mortality.

The new study, conducted by an international team of experts and drawing from data in the Global Cancer Observatory, warns that if current trends continue, liver cancer will remain among the world’s most lethal diseases, already ranking as the third deadliest cancer globally. By 2050, it is expected to claim 1.37 million lives each year, up from current figures.

Researchers stress that three out of five cases could be prevented through targeted public health interventions.

{{Preventable causes driving the surge
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The study highlights several key risk factors fueling the rise in liver cancer cases, including viral hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

MASLD is increasingly linked to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, particularly in high-income countries and urban areas in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Alcohol consumption alone is projected to cause more than 21% of liver cancer cases by 2050, up from 19% in 2022. Similarly, cancers related to liver fat buildup from obesity are expected to increase to 11%, also up more than two percentage points from current levels.

The study’s authors emphasise that these are largely modifiable risks that require stronger public health messaging and lifestyle interventions.

{{Hepatitis B is still a major threat
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Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B continues to pose a major global threat. The virus remains the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and is expected to be responsible for millions of deaths if vaccination rates do not improve.

The study warns that hepatitis B could cause up to 17 million deaths between 2015 and 2030 unless vaccine coverage, especially in poorer regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, is significantly expanded.

Vaccination at birth is considered the most effective prevention method, but many low-income countries still face barriers in implementing widespread immunisation programs. The study calls for renewed international investment in public health infrastructure to increase access to vaccines and antiviral treatments.

The authors of the study stress the urgent need for global action to reverse these trends. They recommend increasing public awareness around the preventable nature of liver cancer, especially among populations with obesity or diabetes, who may not be aware of the risks associated with fatty-liver disease.

The report also advocates for enhanced screening programs for high-risk individuals and more resources to support early detection, particularly in regions where late-stage diagnoses are common.

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver, forming a malignant tumour. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right abdomen, is responsible for filtering harmful substances from the blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.

There are two main types of liver cancer. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver itself, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form. Other less common types include cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and angiosarcoma.

Secondary or metastatic liver cancer, on the other hand, begins in another part of the body—such as the colon, breast, or lung—and spreads to the liver. This type is more common in many parts of the world than primary liver cancer.

The risk of developing liver cancer is heightened by several factors, including chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver often caused by alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis), obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain inherited liver diseases such as hemochromatosis. Exposure to environmental toxins like aflatoxins can also contribute.

{{Often silent, but deadly
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One of the challenges in combating liver cancer is that it often develops silently. In its early stages, liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, patients may experience pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, swelling or a hard lump under the rib cage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, chalky stools, dark urine, or fever.

Because these symptoms often appear in advanced stages, early detection is critical. Regular screening, particularly using ultrasound, is recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease or other risk factors.

July 29, 2025
President Kagame urges youth to seize opportunities as Zaria Court is inaugurated

Speaking during the official launch of the facility in a question-and-answer session with Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and the driving force behind the Zaria Court concept, President Kagame emphasised the power of enabling environments and investing in youth potential as keys to Africa’s transformation.

“In my mind, thinking about the youth of Africa, I don’t think about borders,” Kagame said. “We need to make sure that everything we do translates their hidden potential into reality. The youth are the first asset the continent has.”

The inauguration ceremony, held on the sidelines of the ongoing Giants of Africa Festival 2025 in Kigali, drew African business leaders, creatives, sports icons, and youth from across the continent. Among them was Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, whom Ujiri praised for championing the African Renaissance initiative aimed at galvanising leadership and economic transformation across Africa.

Construction of Zaria Court Kigali began in August 2023, with President Kagame and Ujiri breaking ground on what was envisioned to be the first of several such hubs across Africa.

The complex now stands complete, featuring an 80-room hotel, multiple restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a gym, co-working spaces, a podcast studio, a broadcast centre, and a large multipurpose arena for sports, concerts, and cultural events.

Outside, the facility includes five-a-side football pitches, a callisthenics area, children’s play zones, and open green spaces. A modular retail park, built from stacked shipping containers, provides affordable space for Kigali’s rising designers, food vendors, and small business owners.

“This is more than a building,” Ujiri said. “It’s an ecosystem. It creates community. It creates value. It shapes economies.”

In the heartfelt conversation with Ujiri, President Kagame shared his personal reflections on sports and leadership, admitting he was never an athlete himself but always saw the value in creating platforms for others to thrive.

“I wasn’t a sportsman by any standard,” Kagame said. “But I was a sportsman at heart, and often thought about what I missed. If I can enable those who can do more and benefit the whole country, then I’m the happiest person.”

He also spoke to the economic impact of sports, pointing to Rwanda’s own experience with the BK Arena and other investments as proof that sports can be a serious contributor to national development.

“This is no longer just about the future. It’s already happening,” Kagame emphasised. “Statistics show that even across Africa, sports can bring in billions to the continent. So, it’s not just a story anymore. The question is whether we choose to be part of reaping those benefits.”

Ujiri, visibly passionate, challenged African governments and private sectors to stop viewing sports as merely recreational and instead recognise it as a business and a growth engine.

“We’re not going to sit down and just let this happen anymore,” declared the former basketball player and president of the Toronto Raptors. “This is a template for Africa, an ecosystem that works. It brings people together. It builds community. And it creates real value.”

He further highlighted how Zaria Court, from design to execution, was a response to the lack of sustained investment in sports infrastructure across African cities.

“In Africa, we have stadiums right in the middle of the city, and they’re all destroyed. They were built 50 years ago with no vision. We paint them before competitions, then leave them to rot. We won’t accept that anymore.”

With plans to replicate the Zaria Court model in cities like Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, Kigali’s success story is expected to serve as a catalyst for more sports-driven urban development across Africa.

During the event, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi underscored the economic potential of sports, stressing that nations sidelining it risk falling behind in development.

“Sports should be an economic priority for every country. If you’re not putting sports at the centre of your economic growth, then you’re already playing from behind,” she declared.

Echoing this, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, said the progress seen in Rwanda affirms the possibility of building a world-class professional basketball league on the continent.

“This gives us confidence that we can build one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world, right here in Africa.”

July 28, 2025
Prosecution seeks six-month sentence for former Tshisekedi advisor François Beya

Beya is on trial alongside Vanda Nowa Biama Guy, Colonel Cikapa Tite Mokili, Commissioner General Lily Tambwe Mauwa, Lieutenant Colonel Kalenga Pierre, and Brigadier General Tonton Twadi Sekele. The group is facing charges, including plotting to harm the President and inciting members of the armed forces to disobey their duties.

With the exception of Brig. Gen. Sekele, who remains at large, the co-accused were previously held in custody but were released on bail while proceedings continue.

Beya was arrested in February 2022 and later granted provisional release in August 2022 to receive medical treatment abroad. He is currently residing in France.

In submissions made last week, the prosecution argued that Beya should be sentenced to a one-year term, half of which would be suspended, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health. If the court accepts the recommendation, Beya would not be returned to custody, as the six-month custodial portion has already been served.

The court is expected to hear final submissions from Beya’s legal team on July 31. His lawyers have consistently challenged the proceedings, describing the charges as unfounded and lacking legal merit.

July 28, 2025
Youth voice their expectations as the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 kicks off in Kigali

With over 320 young participants from 20 countries, the festival’s multifaceted celebration focuses on basketball, education, culture, and entertainment, with the overarching goal of uniting and empowering youth from across the African continent.

Some of the countries represented include Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, South Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal, among others.

IGIHE caught up with some of the participants to hear their stories and expectations as the event gets underway.

Abdul Salam from South Sudan arrived in Kigali with an open heart and eagerness to grow. He expressed that his goal was “to learn a lot, like discipline and how to believe in yourself.”

As the festival progressed, he found himself deeply inspired by the environment around him.

“They inspire me, they motivate me,” he said, referencing the mentors and fellow youth participants. For Abdul, this was more than just a camp; it was a personal turning point.

Once the curtains come down on the event, he said he will head back to South Sudan with a mission to “inspire and motivate people, encouraging them not to lose hope in life.”

For Mary Igwokwo from Nigeria, the festival is an exciting whirlwind of fun, connection, and discovery.

“This whole experience is fun for me, and I’m really enjoying myself big time,” she said enthusiastically.

But beyond the fun, she found a deeper lesson in unity and teamwork. “I learned about collaboration, not just operating alone,” she shared.

Mary plans to return home as an advocate of love, leadership, and unity. “I’ll tell people to love each other, work together, dream big, and be leaders.”

Abdul Rahman Hussein, from Somalia, was on his second visit to Rwanda. His love for the country was evident.

“I love Rwanda. The people are helpful, and the weather is good. Alhamdulillah, everything is good,” he said warmly.

He praised the organisation and impact of the event, calling it “a big event, very amazing.”

What stood out most to Abdul Rahman was the culture of kindness and encouragement he observed in Rwanda.

“I’ll tell people about the love of Rwanda and encourage other African countries to come to Rwanda.”

Yao Yu Fei, a visitor from China, was in Kigali during the festival and decided to attend out of curiosity after seeing it promoted online.

“Rwanda is very beautiful, and the climate is so nice,” he shared. What impressed him most was the atmosphere and energy of the youth. “The young people here are so passionate and positive,” he said. Smiling, he added, “I don’t want to go back to China for now.”

This year’s festival, themed “A Borderless Africa,” includes intensive basketball training, leadership workshops, motivational panels, fashion shows, and live concerts.

During the opening ceremony, President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful and inspiring speech, urging African youth to believe deeply in their continent’s potential.

He reminded attendees, “We must do what great nations do: grow, develop, and stand.” His words strongly resonated with the festival’s theme, encouraging young Africans to lead with confidence and a clear vision for the future.

Masai Ujiri, Co-founder of Giants of Africa, addressed the participants with heartfelt conviction, declaring, “I will always be a son of Africa.”

He emphasised that Africa possesses all the essential elements for success: “its people, its passion, and its power.”

Ujiri reminded the youth that the main objective of Giants of Africa is to empower young Africans not only through basketball but also by nurturing leadership, cultural identity, and community development across the continent. His message was a call for self-belief and collective action to build a stronger, united Africa.

One of the festival’s most impactful moments was the International Youth Day Forum, a central highlight of the week. The forum brought together 2,000 Rwandan youth alongside international participants for a day of interactive and empowering engagement.

Organised in partnership with Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth & Arts, the forum featured motivational talks, practical life skills sessions, and leadership workshops led by respected voices from across Africa and beyond. It was a space where young people could explore ideas, build confidence, and connect with mentors in a meaningful way.

The festival’s cultural showcases dazzled audiences with electrifying performances by some of Africa’s brightest stars. Renowned artists such as Uncle Waffles, Sherrie Silver, Kevin Kade, and Ruti Joel took centre stage, infusing the event with vibrant energy and artistic brilliance. Their captivating acts not only entertained thousands but also celebrated the rich tapestry of African creativity and unity.

July 28, 2025
BRALIRWA Plc reports 2025 first half-year results

July 28, 2025
U.S., EU seal trade deal amid concerns over tariff imbalance

The announcement was made at a joint press briefing Sunday afternoon following trade talks at the Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland.

Although both leaders described the deal as a step toward restoring “trade balance” and promoting more equitable two-way commerce, the agreement allows the United States to impose a broad 15 percent tariff on EU goods while securing zero-tariff access for a range of strategic American exports.

In contrast, the EU has pledged to purchase 750 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of American energy and commit an additional 600 billion U.S. dollars in investments in the United States.

At the press briefing, Trump claimed the agreement would enable American cars to re-enter the European market and make U.S. agricultural exports more accessible in the EU. He also said that pharmaceuticals were excluded from the agreement, while existing 50 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports to the United States will remain in place.

However, at a separate press briefing, von der Leyen clarified that the EU and the U.S. had agreed to include pharmaceuticals under the 15 percent tariff framework. She did not rule out the possibility of further U.S. trade actions in the future.

When asked whether a 15 percent tariff for EU carmakers-up from 2.5 percent under the Biden administration-was a favorable outcome, von der Leyen responded that, prior to this agreement, European vehicles faced a total tariff of 27.5 percent when entering the U.S. market. This included a 25 percent levy imposed during Trump’s previous term in addition to the original 2.5 percent. The new 15 percent rate, she argued, represents a reduction from that level.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, criticized the newly reached deal as “unsatisfactory” and “significantly imbalanced,” warning that it could undermine the EU’s economic stability and job security.

“This is a deal with a slant. Clearly, concessions have been made that are difficult to bear,” Lange said in a statement on Sunday.

Prior to the agreement, over 70 percent of EU exports to the United States were subject to tariffs, including 50 percent on steel and aluminium, 25 percent on automobiles and parts, and a 10 percent duty on most other goods. Trump had warned that if no deal was reached by Aug. 1, the 10 percent tariff would be raised to 30 percent.

July 28, 2025