Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

‘Believe in the giant within you,’ President Kagame tells youth at Giants of Africa festival in Kigali

He made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.

Addressing over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered at BK Arena, President Kagame praised Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri and his team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.

“Masai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,” said Kagame. “Through him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.”

In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival.

“I want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,” he told the youth. “Put in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in you—and that’s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.”

He added: “Africa should not remain lagging behind the rest of the world. In a small way, through this festival, we are reminded that we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and continue to make Africa proud.”

The President reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa’s youth.

“We welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you’ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.”

The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme “A Borderless Africa.”

The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.

The opening ceremony at BK Arena reflected the energy and vibrance of the festival. South African DJ Uncle Waffles, born Ungelihle Zwane, set the arena alight with a high-energy set that blended her signature Amapiano hits like “Asylum” and “Yahyuppiyah” with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd.

A breakout star in Africa’s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.

Also returning to the stage was the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whose young performers blended dance with basketball choreography in an inspiring showcase of creativity and movement. Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned choreographer and philanthropist, thanked both Masai Ujiri and President Kagame for creating platforms that empower African youth.

Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.

“You are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent something—and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,” he said.

Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness.

“We all grew up in Africa. We wore our pants the same. We walked barefoot to school. If we can do it, you can do it even bigger and better.”

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.

“Giants of Africa is more than basketball, it’s a celebration of African excellence,” she said. “Thanks to President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa’s future is shaped with purpose.”

Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.

“Believe in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.”

Beyond the courts, the festival integrates community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion. Among the highlights is the unveiling of new basketball courts through the Built Within initiative and a showcase of African fashion under the “Threads of Africa” event.

Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries.

July 27, 2025
Rwanda’s Nyandungu Eco-park recognised among world’s best wetland educators

Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for “People” and “Biodiversity,” highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.

The award, presented by Wetland Link International (WLI), is the only global quality mark dedicated to wetland educators and visitor attractions, recognising sites that promote conservation and public awareness of wetlands such as rivers, marshes, and coasts.

Located in Kigali, a Ramsar-accredited Wetland City, Nyandungu Eco-Park has rapidly become a flagship urban nature sanctuary. Since opening to the public in July 2022, following six years of extensive restoration, the park has seen a steady rise in visitors, welcoming 76,754 people in 2024, up from 67,222 in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022.

Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of rehabilitated wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 62 indigenous plant species.

The transformation from a degraded wetland to a thriving ecosystem was made possible by a Frw 4.5 billion investment led by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), with funding from the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme.

Nyandungu offers visitors a unique combination of recreation and education with features such as a medicinal garden, the Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10 kilometres of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.

July 27, 2025
The Dice Kid talks life, music, and staying true (Video)

Whether performing live, crafting verses in the studio, or connecting with fans online, he embodies a new generation of Rwandan artists determined to push creative boundaries.

In a recent appearance on IGIHE Kulture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz, The Dice Kid opened up about his journey as an artist, his growth, and the values that guide his music. Candid and grounded, he reflected on how it all began at the age of 16.

For him, music has never been just a career; it’s a calling.

“I want to lay a foundation for future artists in Rwanda’s fresh music industry,” he shared.

His name, like the many sides of a dice, reflects his diverse interests in music, fashion, film, and storytelling, all of which come together to form his artistic identity.

The Dice Kid’s latest body of work, Infinity Pack, created in collaboration with Eers, dives deep into themes of peace, love, patience, and kindness, virtues he says are essential in navigating life’s never-ending journey.

One of the standout tracks, “Luckily Unlucky,” has resonated strongly with fans. It’s an honest reflection on navigating hardship and remaining grounded in the face of adversity.

“It’s about the journey, the highs and lows,” he explained, capturing the emotional core of the song.

Another hard-hitting track, “Salty Rappers,” addresses hypocrisy, jealousy, and industry toxicity. With sharp lyricism and spiritual insight, he confronts fake alliances, chasing fame, and the loneliness that can come with success.

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When it comes to making music, The Dice Kid is all about energy. He prefers a minimal, mood-driven studio setup of LED lights, solitude, and just the beat to guide him.

“Crowded studios kill the vibe,” he noted, favouring a focused, organic creation space.

Working closely with elite local producers like Khabib, Juny Quickly, and Kuba, he builds most of his tracks from scratch, blending traditional hip-hop sounds with soulful, afro-fusion, and alternative influences.

He also shared the albums that shaped his sound: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Hair by Nasty C, 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole, and Graduation by Kanye West. With confidence, he added Infinity Pack to the list, believing it will leave its mark on Rwanda’s musical history.

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Off-stage, The Dice Kid embraces life in Kigali, his city, his muse. A fan of genuine conversations and hangouts with close friends, he highlighted his favourite chill spots like Three Chaps, Buns, and Gate 10, where creative energy and good vibes flow freely.

In the interview, he spoke with humility and clarity about success, growth, and consistency. He encourages emerging artists to stay grounded, ignore noise, and value even the smallest wins.

“Appreciate every single win. Consistency makes you a master,” he shared. “Celebrate getting 400 monthly listeners the same way you’d celebrate 40,000.”

He believes his philosophy, rooted in self-awareness and spiritual growth, sets him apart in a music industry often driven by trends and instant fame.

Watch the full interview below:

July 27, 2025
How the night unfolded at Kigali’s retro-inspired Oldies Music Festival (Photos)

Hosted by the ever-charismatic MC Tino, the night opened in style as DJ RY hit the decks around 8:00 PM, warming up the crowd with a rich blend of classic American hip-hop, old-school Rwandan tracks, and pan-African favourites. The nostalgia was palpable, and the dancefloor filled up quickly as the beats echoed through the retro-themed venue.

The lineup kept the energy high all night. Brek The Entertainer took over with a vibrant Rhumba set, spinning hits from icons like Madilu System, before handing over to DJ Nicolas Peks, who turned up the tempo with crowd-pleasing Reggaeton, Bongo Flava, and chart-toppers from across East Africa.

In a crowd full of sequins, bell-bottoms, and bold vintage looks, comedian Clapton Kibonge and Delphine Umuhoza (wife of media personality Benjamin Gicumbi) stole the spotlight. They were crowned Best Dressed of the night, each walking away with special experience gifts from Kigali Universe.

Clapton wowed the audience with a full-on 1970s African musician look—complete with flared bell-bottom trousers, platform shoes, a vintage cassette player, and a classic radio, channelling the spirit of a bygone era with striking authenticity.

Delphine, on the other hand, embodied old-school American hip-hop glam with oversized pants, bold jewellery, and attitude to match.

The crowd was a vibrant mix of familiar faces and fashionistas, including Fuadi Uwihanganye, DJ Pius, Coach Gael (architect of Kigali Universe), Kenny Mugarura of 1:55 AM, Michelle Iradukunda, and Aissa Cyiza, all contributing to the night’s electric atmosphere.

As the festival drew to a close, DJ RY and DJ Nicolas Peks joined forces in a unique tag-team set, each alternating tracks to keep the party going late into the night, an unforgettable moment that perfectly encapsulated the festival’s spirit of musical unity across generations.

This year’s edition followed the success of the 2024 event held at Juru Park in Rebero, and if last night is any indication, the Oldies Music Festival has solidified its place as a must-attend celebration on Kigali’s cultural calendar.

July 27, 2025
Cricket: Rwanda women secure promotion to Division One in World Cup qualifiers

The historic achievement came after Rwanda defeated Sierra Leone by 51 runs in the final.

Rwanda batted first and posted a total of 135 runs in 20 overs, with Sierra Leone managing to take seven wickets. In response, Sierra Leone was bowled out for just 84 runs in 18.1 overs, falling short of the target and handing Rwanda a commanding victory.

With this win, both Rwanda and Sierra Leone have secured promotion to Division One, where they will join Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The eight teams will face off in September 2025 in Namibia during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.

Only one team will earn a coveted spot to represent the continent at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India later this year.

July 27, 2025
CAR’s ruling party nominates incumbent president as candidate in upcoming elections

The decision was reached during an ordinary congress of the party in the CAR capital, Bangui.

The supporters of the MCU praised Touadera for his commitment to peace, stability, and national development in a country affected by ongoing conflict with armed groups, according to local media.

Touadera was elected CAR president in 2016 and reelected in 2020. In his acceptance speech, Touadera announced the decision to run for a third term in the upcoming December 2025 presidential, legislative and local elections.

July 27, 2025
11 wounded as man goes on stabbing spree in US supermarket

According to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, the 42-year-old suspect, a Michigan resident, acted alone and was taken into custody within minutes of the attack, thanks in part to assistance from bystanders.

“Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” Shea told reporters during a press briefing.

The stabbing spree reportedly began near the checkout counters before the attacker moved through the store’s pharmacy section, injuring customers indiscriminately. Witnesses described scenes of panic, screaming, and confusion as shoppers fled or tried to help the wounded.

“It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,” said Tiffany DeFell, who was in the car park at the time of the incident. “This is something you see out of the movies.”

Six of the 11 victims remain in critical condition, while the other five suffered serious injuries. At least three of them required emergency surgery. The victims include six men and five women. Their ages have not yet been disclosed, and none are believed to be Walmart employees.

The Munson Medical Center, which received all 11 victims, said its emergency department experienced a sudden surge in patient volume following the attack.

Sheriff Shea emphasized that the assault was “very unusual” for Traverse City, a popular tourist destination along Lake Michigan. “These were random acts. The victims were not pre-selected,” he said.

Footage posted online showed a heavy police presence in the Walmart parking lot, with multiple ambulances on site. Local and federal agencies, including the FBI, have launched an investigation into the incident. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that federal personnel are providing full support to local authorities.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence and said she was in contact with law enforcement.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence,” she said in a statement.

Walmart has also responded, stating that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement and is focused on supporting those affected.

“Violence like this is unacceptable,” a Walmart spokesperson said. “We’re thankful for the swift action of first responders.”

The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

July 27, 2025
“We are here to stay” — AFC/M23 on leaving Goma and Bukavu

AFC/M23 is currently engaged in talks with the Congolese government in Doha, Qatar, aimed at achieving lasting peace in the eastern region, which has suffered insecurity for 30 years.

Key principles for the peace agreement include restoring government control over all parts of the DRC.

Oscar Balinda, AFC/M23’s deputy spokesperson, recently said the country is divided among armed groups exploiting resources, with many areas beyond government reach. He emphasised that where AFC/M23 controls, peace and development have returned.

“There are many problems in Congo; large areas near Kinshasa and in Mai-Ndombe and Ituri are controlled by armed groups beyond government reach. Here, we have restored peace, security, and development. Schools are open, hospitals are operating, and commerce is thriving. We are currently the governing authority, which is why we must work with Kinshasa to restore government control nationwide,” he said.

Balinda added that during talks in Doha, they are not making demands but seeking sustainable solutions.

“We have no demands from Kinshasa. We are here to find lasting solutions together.”

He stressed that AFC/M23 respects its commitment to cease fighting but reserves the right to defend itself and protect civilians if attacked.

Asked if they had agreed to leave Goma and Bukavu, he responded, “We are here and we will stay; this is our home.”

AFC/M23 seized Goma and Bukavu in early 2025 after defeating a coalition of government forces, FDLR rebels, Wazalendo militia, European mercenaries, Burundian troops, and SADC forces.

The rebels accuse the government of sustained persecution and marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, as well as poor governance that has left the country in anarchy.

July 27, 2025
Tanzania eyes deeper ties with Rwanda through trade, air links, and language cooperation

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the ministerial session of the 16th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Tanzania, the two countries signed bilateral cooperation agreements aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening overall collaboration.

One key agreement includes the establishment of a Kigali office for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), a major step towards boosting trade between the two nations.

The agreements were signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Tanzanian counterpart, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo. Both ministers emphasised that the cooperation is driven by shared goals of national development, improved livelihoods, and regional progress.

Amb. Kombo noted that while Rwanda and Tanzania already have several agreements in place, there is a strong interest in expanding cooperation into new areas.

Citing the fact that he and most of his delegation flew into Kigali aboard RwandAir, Kombo said discussions are underway to enable Tanzania’s national carrier, Air Tanzania, to resume direct flights to the Rwandan capital.

“I learned that 90% of our delegation, myself included, came here with RwandAir. It’s performing even better than our own airline. This encourages us, because easing travel is essential to any form of cooperation,” he said.

“Air travel cooperation is still under discussion, and we are working on reviving Air Tanzania’s Kigali flights. The airline previously operated this route but stopped due to various reasons. Now that we have new aircraft, we’re actively exploring its return.”

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The long-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kigali and Dar es Salaam remains a critical infrastructure project for landlocked East African countries. More than two decades since it was first proposed, it is still seen as a game-changer in reducing transport costs and facilitating trade.

The proposed railway would enter Rwanda through Rusumo, pass through Kigali—where Dubai Ports is developing a dry port in Kicukiro—and extend 18 more kilometers to Bugesera International Airport.

An agreement for a 532-kilometer section of the railway was signed on March 9, 2018. While construction has advanced on the Tanzanian side, progress on the Rwandan section has stalled.

Amb. Kombo said that after learning of the delay, he began closely following up with Tanzanian stakeholders, including contacting two ministers to push for the development of a coordinated implementation plan.

He emphasised that the railway remains a strategic priority with the potential to significantly boost trade across the region.

Tanzania and Rwanda also share the Rusumo Falls hydropower project with Burundi, which is expected to enhance energy access and improve livelihoods in the tri-border area.

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Minister Nduhungirehe described Tanzania as a vital trade corridor for Rwanda, noting that more than 70% of Rwanda’s imports pass through Tanzanian ports.

He added that Tanzania is Rwanda’s second-largest source of imports, accounting for 15% of all goods brought into the country over the past three years.

A functional railway, he said, would further ease the cross-border movement of goods and people and reinforce regional connectivity.

{{Kiswahili teachers to support language promotion in Rwanda
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Amb. Kombo also highlighted plans to support Kiswahili education in Rwanda. He praised Rwanda for being among the few African countries with four official languages, including Kiswahili.

“Rwanda is one of the few nations with four official languages. In Tanzania, we have only two, one of which is Kiswahili, and we are its custodians, along with its headquarters. So, we have a responsibility to do more,” he said.

He announced plans to send Tanzanian teachers to Rwanda to support Kiswahili instruction and to supply learning materials, including textbooks.

The Tanzanian minister also highlighted the continued expansion of Tanzanian investments in Rwanda, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors. Tanzanian firms are involved in building petroleum storage facilities and setting up manufacturing plants.

The two countries also have existing cooperation agreements covering media, ICT, and internet infrastructure.

Discussions during the visit further explored new areas of cooperation, including tourism development, environmental protection, energy, healthcare, and investment promotion.

“The foundation of our partnership is strong, and today we’ve taken another step toward building a future of shared prosperity,” said Amb. Kombo.

July 27, 2025
Smart Applications launches mobile app to simplify healthcare access in Rwanda

Held under the theme “Enabling Healthcare Access through Digital Innovation,” the event brought together industry leaders, insurers, healthcare providers, and government stakeholders to celebrate Smart’s suite of cutting-edge solutions designed to streamline healthcare access across Rwanda and beyond.

The Smart Access app, now available on Google Play, allows users to manage their healthcare needs seamlessly, with features such as biometric verification, real-time insurance information, provider location services, and wellness tracking.

With roaming capability across 12 African countries, members can access healthcare services without pre-authorisation or coverage concerns, making it a vital tool for regional mobility. The platform also supports uninsured patients by enabling them to locate nearby healthcare providers and access educational health content, promoting inclusive access to care.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s journey toward a digitally empowered healthcare system,” said Cleophas Obiero, Country Manager for Smart Applications International Rwanda.

“Our goal is simple yet powerful: to enable every individual, regardless of where they are, to access quality healthcare with dignity and ease.”

Reflecting on his own experience in 2013, when a hospital visit in Kigali took three hours due to manual insurance verification, Obiero highlighted the app’s transformative impact.

“With Smart Access, you provide your member number, place your fingerprint, and you’re served. Claims are sent instantly, and hospitals are paid on time.”

Operating in 680 Rwandan healthcare facilities and over 9,000 across 12 African countries, Smart Applications manages transactions worth approximately 290 billion Rwandan Francs (Ksh29 billion) for 1.7 billion people on the continent.

Obiero emphasised the company’s commitment to local innovation, citing how the app eliminates the need for physical insurance cards.

“A child in Burera can now get treatment with just a member number and a fingerprint, without someone travelling from Kigali,” he said.

Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director of Smart Applications International Limited, praised Rwanda’s progressive approach to digital healthcare.

“Rwanda ranks first in East Africa in the Universal Health Coverage Essential Services Index, thanks to its commitment to digitisation and patient-centred care,” Muiru said, noting Rwanda’s 53% score on the World Health Organisation’s Universal Health Coverage Essential Services Index.

“Rwanda’s conducive environment for digitisation allows us to contribute to patient-centred care,” Muiru added, emphasising compliance with global data privacy and protection standards like HIPAA and GDPR.

He highlighted how Smart Applications has supported this progress by integrating identity management, claims processing, and data analytics into a unified ecosystem that serves insurers, hospitals, and patients alike.

“This digital ecosystem eliminates cumbersome paperwork and lengthy communication processes,” Muiru noted. “It enables real-time data-driven decision making for better inventory management, underwriting, and ultimately, improved health outcomes.”

The Group Managing Director and his team showcased the company’s broader ecosystem of solutions, including SmartHealth+ (a hospital management ERP), SmartInsure (a medical insurance ERP), SmartAnalytics (real-time data dashboards), and SmartLink, which enables seamless patient access to hospital services.

“Every second, about 80,000 healthcare transactions are managed on our platform,” Muiru said.

Lessons from the app’s 2022 launch in Kenya have shaped its rollout in Rwanda, with a focus on versatility and user-centric design.

“We’ve made the app navigable and empowering, catering to scenarios like a child falling sick at school,” he explained.

Andrew Kulayige, CEO of Britam Insurance (Rwanda) Ltd and Chair of the Association of Insurers in Rwanda, praised Smart’s solutions as a catalyst for increasing insurance penetration, currently at 2%.

“Platforms like Smart Access allow us to reach every corner of this country, offering accessibility, reliability, and flexibility,” he said.

Mendies Mhiribidi, Chairperson of the Rwanda Insurance Brokers Association, called Smart Access a “human face to insurance.”

She noted its role in reducing fraud and enhancing transparency, allowing members to view benefits, entitlements, and hospital charges in real time.

“Hospitals can’t overcharge or add unnecessary services anymore,” Mhiribidi said.
Urging the public to embrace the technology, she added, “This innovation simplifies your life and improves your healthcare experience.”

With the Smart solutions and the visionary leadership in the country, the leaders affirmed that Rwanda is well-positioned to leverage Smart’s solutions for medical tourism and universal health coverage.

The company’s AI-driven tools, real-time analytics, and interoperable platforms like SmartLink further enhance operational efficiency, from inventory management to claims processing, aligning with national digital health initiatives.

Integration of AI to enhance service delivery, such as generating and previewing e-claims, is designed to minimise rejections, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

“We are here to work together for smart, secure, seamless healthcare,” Muiru noted, calling for continued collaboration.

July 25, 2025