In a national address, Hassan said the government has established a national reconciliation commission aimed at healing divisions and restoring trust among citizens. She urged Tanzanians not to allow ideological or political differences to divide the nation or derail its development agenda.
“Differences are part of democracy, but they must never be used to divide the nation,” the president said, emphasizing that peace, unity, and solidarity are the foundations of patriotism and sustainable development.
Highlighting recent economic performance, Hassan said average inflation stood at 3.4 percent in 2025, while economic growth reached 5.8 percent, up from 5.2 percent in 2024.
Public debt remains sustainable, supported by efforts to refinance high-interest loans and extend repayment periods, she added.
The president said that foreign exchange reserves have risen to 6.6 billion U.S. dollars, enough to cover more than five months of imports.
Looking ahead, Hassan said Tanzania will begin implementing its National Development Vision 2050 in 2026, alongside a three-year medium-term strategy to boost government revenue through expanded use of electronic systems and stronger public financial management.
The Business Ready 2025 report, which assesses 101 economies, evaluates how ready economies are to support businesses and job creation by examining three key areas: the Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency. Rwanda’s performance stands out, especially in the Operational Efficiency pillar, where the country has made remarkable progress compared to many other developing nations.
In the Regulatory Framework pillar, Rwanda scored 71.47 points, significantly above the global average of 66.32. This strong score reflects the country’s well-established legal environment that promotes transparency, fair competition, and property rights, critical factors for attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship. The country has created a legal landscape that supports businesses and entrepreneurs, which is essential for economic growth and development.
Rwanda also excelled in Operational Efficiency, achieving a score of 72.54, well above the global average of 60.03. This result highlights Rwanda’s effective governance in streamlining processes, reducing red tape, and improving service delivery.
However, Rwanda’s performance in the Public Services pillar reflects both notable progress and opportunities for further strengthening. The country scored 59.81, above the global average of 53.97, reflecting steady gains in areas such as digital government platforms, access to administrative services, and efforts to modernise public sector delivery.
According to the report, Rwanda is one of only three countries worldwide, alongside Bahrain and Colombia, to achieve top-quintile performance in at least one of the three core pillars of business readiness, and it is the only country in Sub-Saharan Africa to do so.
“Consistent strong performance is rare,” the report notes, adding that top results are overwhelmingly concentrated in OECD high-income economies, making Rwanda’s placement a notable exception.
The evening opened with electrifying sets from Zuba Mutesi and DJ Shooter, who fired up the crowd with hits like “Plenty Love” by The Ben and “Extra Pressure” by Bien-Aimé and Bensoul. Performances by Shemi, Angell Mutoni, Bruce The 1st, Kenny K-Shot, Bulldogg, Ruti Joël, and Kesho Band kept the energy high as fans sang along to their favorite tracks.
Kevin Kade took the stage around 4:10 AM, performing fan favorites such as “Mazi ya Nyanja”, “Pyramid (TaTa)” with Drama T and Kivumbi King, and “Jugumila”. Shaffy made his Rwanda debut, performing hits like “Bana” and “Serela”.
The night reached its peak when Tanzanian heartthrob Ali Kiba hit the stage. The award-winning singer wowed fans with his signature hits, including “Mwana” and “Aje”, and shared the stage with Kade for their collaborative track “Bebe”. Ali Kiba’s performance brought an electric atmosphere, showcasing why he is one of East Africa’s most celebrated artists.
Rwandan singer Mutima also joined the stage, performing and encouraging fans to support homegrown talent. Bwiza and Bushali kept the momentum with crowd-pleasers like “Ready”, “Ni Danger”, and “Bonane”, while Symphony Band led the audience in welcoming the New Year with “Bonane Remix”. The concert concluded with high-energy performances from Riderman, Diez Dola, and Ariel Wayz.
Beyond entertainment, attendees had the opportunity to hear President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, in which he reflected on Rwanda’s achievements and wished citizens a prosperous 2026.
In his end-of-year message, Kagame said Rwanda remains fully committed to implementing the Washington Accord signed with the DRC on December 4, 2025. The accord, he noted, is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC and restoring regional stability.
The peace deal calls for, among other measures, the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kigali maintains that FDLR continues to pose a security threat due to its entrenched genocidal ideology.
“Rwanda is fully committed to implementing this agreement, but any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. The threat of state-supported violent extremism is unfortunately still very real,” President Kagame stated.
Rwanda has repeatedly accused the Kinshasa administration of collaborating with the FDLR militia group amid the escalating conflict with the AFC/M23 rebels, threatening Rwanda’s security.
In his end-of-year message, President Kagame also reflected on Rwanda’s economic growth and national achievements in 2025, highlighting several milestones that elevated the country’s profile internationally. These included hosting the International Security Conference on Africa, the matriculation of the first class at the African School of Governance, and the launch of a new annual forum on nuclear power innovation for Africa.
Sports achievements also marked the year. Kigali hosted the UCI World Cycling Championships, the first time the event was held in Africa, which Kagame described as a source of national pride. Preparations are underway for the FIFA Series in 2026, aimed at nurturing Rwandan talent and strengthening the country’s presence in global sports.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s path forward, the President emphasised self-reliance, innovation, and collective responsibility as key to sustaining economic growth and national stability. He encouraged young Rwandans in particular to take ownership of the country’s future, acknowledging that progress may require sacrifices from individuals and the nation as a whole.
Speaking in his end-of-year address to Burundians on December 31, Ndayishimiye reiterated allegations he has made repeatedly in recent weeks, accusing Rwanda of undermining peace efforts in the Great Lakes region and of being responsible for insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
He claimed that Rwanda lacks commitment to regional peace, despite what he described as efforts by neighbouring countries to coexist peacefully. Ndayishimiye further alleged that Rwanda was responsible for attacks in the DRC and suggested that Burundi could be the next target, citing what he called hostile rhetoric from Burundians living in exile.
“What is happening in our neighbouring country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, concerns us greatly,” he said. “The country attacking Congo harbours resentment against Burundi because it continues to protect killers who target our country. Nothing reassures us that after Congo, Burundi would not be next.”
The remarks stand in contrast to Ndayishimiye’s own role as a witness to the signing of regional peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC, during which no evidence was presented to support claims that Rwanda had attacked Congolese territory. Throughout the negotiations and accompanying diplomatic engagements, Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict was not established, with Kigali repeatedly rejecting the accusations as politically motivated.
Analysts note that accusations against Rwanda have become a recurring narrative among officials in Kinshasa and its regional allies, often used to deflect attention from the AFC/M23 rebellion and to push for international sanctions against Kigali.
Ndayishimiye’s rhetoric also appears to place Burundi firmly within the political and security alignment of Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, alongside armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, which are actively engaged in fighting AFC/M23 in eastern Congo. The FDLR, in particular, is designated as a terrorist group and is linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In his address, the Burundian president, who closed the border with Rwanda in January 2024, said relations between the two countries would remain strained unless individuals accused of attempting a coup in Burundi in 2015 are handed over.
Rwanda has repeatedly stated that Burundians residing in Kigali who are sought by Bujumbura are recognised refugees protected under international law and therefore fall outside Rwanda’s jurisdiction.
Kigali has also accused Burundi of contributing to deteriorating relations by cooperating with the FDLR and by supporting Congolese military initiatives that, according to Rwandan officials, openly seek to undermine Rwanda’s security.
Despite renewed calls for dialogue, Ndayishimiye’s latest remarks are likely to deepen diplomatic tensions, reinforcing a narrative that regional observers say risks further entrenching divisions rather than advancing stability in the Great Lakes region.
In his end-of-year message, the Head of State noted that Rwanda’s economy performed well in 2025 but stressed that sustaining and raising growth will require innovative solutions, productive use of resources, and the active contribution of citizens.
Rwanda’s economy recorded robust growth in the third quarter of 2025, expanding by 11.8%, driven largely by strong performance in the services and industry sectors, according to recent data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,53 trillion in Q3 2025, up from Frw 4,66 trillion recorded in the same period last year. The expansion marks a continued acceleration in growth, following increases of 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.
“We cannot count on anyone else to finance our development and well-being,” he said, urging young Rwandans in particular to take responsibility for the nation’s future, even when it demands personal or collective sacrifices.
“It is your task, as young Rwandans, to sustain what we have built and take it further. I hope you are prepared for that duty, including when it may require sacrifices from us individually and collectively,” he added.
Reflecting on 2025, the President highlighted several milestones that elevated Rwanda’s international profile, including the first International Security Conference on Africa, the matriculation of the inaugural class at the African School of Governance, and the launch of a continental forum on nuclear power innovation. He described these events as proof of Africa’s growing capacity to define its own path.
Rwanda also hosted the UCI World Cycling Championships from September 21 to 28, 2025, marking the first time the event was held in Africa. Kagame said the achievement brought immense national pride.
“The defining moment of 2025 was undoubtedly hosting the UCI World Cycling Championships. Bringing this competition and its elite athletes to Kigali’s streets was a source of immense pride for our nation,” he stated.
Preparations are underway for the FIFA Series in 2026, aimed at nurturing Rwandan talent and strengthening the country’s global sports presence.
On regional security, Kagame cited the Washington Accord signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 4, thanking international partners, including the United States and Qatar. He warned that any threat to Rwanda’s peace and security is unacceptable, noting the continued danger of state-backed violent extremism in the region.
“Rwanda is fully committed to implementing this agreement, but any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable,” he warned.
The Washington Accord calls for the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and which Rwanda maintains poses a security threat to the country.
Kagame concluded by urging citizens to remain vigilant, ambitious, and responsible, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in advancing national goals.
“The future we deserve is within reach. We must stay the course, remain positive and continue aiming higher. As we celebrate the end of the year, I urge everyone to stay vigilant and mindful of your safety and that of others around you,” he noted.
Earlier in 2025, the group expanded its presence in the volatile eastern region, capturing strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The escalation heightened tensions with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration, leading to bloody clashes.
In a year-end statement issued from Goma on Wednesday, December 31, AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa highlighted conditions in territories under the group’s administration, noting that displaced persons and refugees are returning home, children have resumed schooling, and hospitals are operating normally.
Additionally, Nangaa noted that agriculture and local commerce are gradually resuming, signalling a recovery in the region’s social and economic life.
“In liberated territories, the population now lives in peace, dignity, and regained security. The young administration is settling in. Justice is now in the process of revitalisation,” Nangaa stated.
While emphasising the improvements, AFC/M23 strongly criticised the Kinshasa government for failing to honour Doha ceasefire agreements and for blocking the release of prisoners. Nangaa accused the government of waging attacks on civilians and engaging in ethnic-targeted violence against Congolese Tutsi communities.
“The Kinshasa regime has demonstrated that the agreements were only a smokescreen for it to rearm and reorganise,” he said, also condemning arbitrary arrests and purges within the army.
The statement framed the ongoing crisis as a domestic issue, warning against externalising it and blaming governance failures in Kinshasa for insecurity, corruption, tribalism, and poverty. AFC/M23 called for a “true, just, and lasting peace” based on accountability and an end to impunity.
Looking ahead, the movement said 2026 would focus on consolidating efforts to restore liberty, justice, and state institutions in the areas it controls. Nangaa urged all Congolese to remain united, saying, “The legitimacy and strength of our struggle depend on our unity, which will become the foundation of a better future.”
Nangaa concluded by urging Congolese citizens to stand united and work toward a dignified and prosperous future in 2026.
“2026 will be a year of consolidating our fight for liberty, justice, peace, and the rebuilding of the state,” he said.
The shelling occurred during clashes between the AFC/M23 rebel group, the DRC army, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, and the FDLR militia in South Kivu, particularly in the Rusizi plain.
Heavy shelling targeted areas under AFC/M23 control in Walungu Territory, including Kamanyola and Kaziba.
A resident, who lost his wife and two children during the attack, told Conspiracy Tracker Great Lakes (CTGL) that civilians had no means of escape. “We were indoors when a shell fell on our house. Four people died: my wife, two children, and a neighbour’s child,” he said.
Kamanyola’s local administrator, Hassan Shabani, said the attacks between 2 and 4 December killed eight people.
“Since December 2, Kamanyola has endured intense shelling from Burundi. Around 150 shells hit the town, which spans seven square kilometres and is home to over 100,000 people. Schools, hospitals, and civilian homes were damaged,” he said.
Shabani expressed concern over why Kamanyola was targeted when most fighting occurred 15 kilometres away in Lubarika and Luvungi.
“The fighting was in Lubarika and Luvungi, yet Burundian forces decided to fire shells at Kamanyola. Heavy weapons were positioned and fired here on December 2. On the 3rd and 4th, they moved their artillery from Katoki to Rukana and continued shelling Kamanyola,” he explained.
A doctor at Saint Joseph Hospital in Kamanyola said the medical facility received 55 casualties from the attacks, including 27 people with severe injuries who were later transferred to Bukavu’s main hospital for advanced treatment.
One programme making this possible is the Tony Football Excellence Program (TFEP). By providing structured training, mentorship, and exposure beyond Rwanda’s borders, TFEP is helping promising players take the first steps toward professional football careers abroad.
Now in its third year, TFEP has prioritised building partnerships with international clubs, offering selected players the chance to gain experience by training with professional teams abroad.
This year, the programme facilitated an opportunity for two young Rwandan talents, Kwizera Fils Elysée, from Muyumbu Sector in Rwamagana District, and Sangwa Nabil Nassem, from Nyakabanda Sector in Kicukiro District, to train with Al Nasr FC in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The two players are set to spend ten days training with the club, an experience that remains rare for Rwandan children. Speaking to IGIHE, their families shared the journeys that led to this milestone.
{{Sangwa’s journey to TFEP
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Sangwa’s mother, Iragena Ashoura, revealed that her son’s sporting journey did not begin with football.
“I am not a big fan of football, I love karate,” Iragena said. “When Sangwa was younger, I introduced him to karate at the age of five, six or seven. But when he turned eight, he developed an interest in football. I asked him what he wanted, and he told me he wanted to play football. That’s when he joined Shining Academy in Kimironko.”
According to Iragena, it was Sangwa himself who discovered TFEP and took the initiative to apply.
“He is a very curious child who always looks for information. He was the one who told me about TFEP and even emailed Tony using my phone. They responded and called me to confirm where we lived and when the selection would take place in Kicukiro. That’s how he went, and luckily, he succeeded. I am very proud that he achieved this largely on his own.”
Although she was initially concerned about her son leaving home at a young age, Iragena later came to appreciate TFEP’s balance between football development and education.
“When they told me Tony operates in Musanze, I was hesitant. My son was still in primary school, and I did not like the idea of him being so far away. But after consulting friends and family, I realised it was for his own good. I saw him grow, both in football and academically; he scored 90 per cent. From then on, I fully supported him, wherever his journey may take him.”
{{Sangwa’s determination to seize the opportunity
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Now 13, Sangwa says he is determined to make the most of his training stint with Al Nasr and take another step towards his dream.
“My mother first introduced me to karate, but I always loved football because I admired Neymar Jr,” he said. “The team I played for, Cercle Sportifs, could not take me very far, so one of my relatives helped me join Shining Academy.”
Reflecting on the opportunity in Dubai, Sangwa added, “I plan to perform well, just as I did at Tony. They trusted me not only because of my skills, but because they believed in me. I will continue to give my best, and by God’s will, when I return, more opportunities will come.”
{{Kwizera’s passion for football
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For Kwizera, football has been part of his life from an early age, shaped largely by his family environment. His father, Ndababonye Joël, is both a football fan and a coach.
“The first day I got a football was when my uncle brought one from Kigali,” Kwizera recalled. “I played with my older brother, and at that time, my father was also playing football. We loved watching him. One day, he took me to where he coached, and I played with the under-13s.”
Kwizera narrated that his father later formed a football team, where he continued to develop before joining TFEP.
“I grew up in that team. Later, I did the trials for Tony Football Excellence Program, passed, and joined.”
Kwizera’s father confirmed that he recognised his son’s talent early, prompting him to create a platform for young players in their community.
“I founded Green Lovers Academy in 2018 in Muyumbu, Rwamagana, out of my love for football,” Ndababonye said. “That’s where Kwizera developed his skills and was later recognised by local coaches.”
Kwizera’s mother, Mukeshimana Marie Rose, also believed in her son’s potential, though she admits she worried about the physical risks involved.
“I always knew he would become a footballer,” she said. “Both his father and I love football, and when I saw how committed he was, I told him that one day he would play professionally.”
“Of course, I worried about injuries. Sometimes he would come home hurt, asking for ointment. But despite those moments, I continued to support him.”
{{Kwizera’s dream to go further
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Kwizera says his ultimate goal is to surpass what his father was unable to achieve in football.
“I want to go far and keep improving,” he said. “My father wanted to play at the highest level, but it did not work out for him. I am working hard to fulfil that dream. I believe that when I return from Dubai, even more opportunities will open up for me.”
By 2:00 pm Central Africa Time (CAT) on Wednesday, December 31, several countries in the Pacific and Oceania had already crossed into 2026. Kiribati’s Line Islands became the first place on Earth to welcome the new year at exactly 12:00 pm CAT, followed 15 minutes later by New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Mainland New Zealand, including Auckland and Wellington, as well as the Pacific kingdom of Tonga, ushered in 2026 at 1:00 pm CAT. Fiji, Tuvalu and parts of eastern Russia followed at 2:00 pm CAT.
In contrast, Rwanda and much of Africa were approximately nine and a half hours behind the earliest celebrations, as the New Year’s countdown continued its westward sweep across the globe.
The celebrations were set to roll on rapidly across the Pacific and into Asia. Norfolk Island was expected to ring in 2026 at 2:30 pm CAT, followed at 3:00 pm CAT by much of Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. East Asia, including Japan, South Korea and North Korea, is scheduled to welcome the new year at 5:00 pm CAT.
{{Rwanda readies lights, prayers and fireworks
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As the global countdown advances, anticipation is building in Rwanda, where New Year’s Eve blends modern celebration with spiritual reflection and community tradition.
Kigali has been transformed by festive holiday lighting, with illuminated roundabouts and public landmarks adding colour to the city’s streets as residents prepare for the final hours of 2025. The City of Kigali has confirmed that midnight will be marked by major fireworks displays at several locations, including Kigali Heights near the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, and Canal Olympia in Rebero. In addition, fireworks will also be launched from selected private venues, namely Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and KCC Parkings.
For many Rwandans, however, the New Year begins not with fireworks but with prayer. Thousands are expected to attend “Watch Night” services across the country. Catholic parishes typically begin their services as early as 6:00 pm, while Protestant congregations often gather later in the evening, welcoming 2026 with worship, reflection and thanksgiving.
Celebrations will also stretch beyond the capital. In Rubavu, residents and visitors will usher in the new year along the shores of Lake Kivu, with music, fireworks and the scenic hills framing the celebrations.
{{Africa and the world join the countdown
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Across the continent, cities are preparing to welcome 2026 in their own distinct styles. In East Africa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam are hosting outdoor concerts and beach-style gatherings, with coastal Kenya and Zanzibar remaining popular destinations for those seeking a seaside celebration.
Further south, South Africa is preparing for large-scale festivities, with Cape Town set to host its iconic fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront, while Johannesburg pulses with urban energy through events such as the “Made in Jozi” festival and rooftop celebrations overlooking the city skyline.
In West Africa, Lagos continues its tradition of high-energy New Year celebrations through the Greater Lagos Fiesta, featuring street parties and Afrobeat performances. Accra, Ghana, combines spiritual Watch Night services with the vibrant AfroFuture festivities that often continue into the early hours of January 1.
The United States and American Samoa will be among the last places to welcome 2026, with millions watching the iconic ball drop in New York’s Times Square long after sunrise breaks over Kigali.
