Author: Mutoni Yvonne

Feed the future Rwanda Hanga Akazi and Equity Bank Rwanda sign MOU to Boost inclusive economic growth

Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi is a five-year USAID-funded initiative dedicated to creating job opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs in Rwanda’s agriculture sector and related fields like agri-business, finance, business development services, hospitality, and training institutes. Equity Bank Rwanda shares this mission and focuses on boosting agriculture-related jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in collaboration with private sector firms.

The MOU sets the stage for cooperation between the two organizations, emphasizing three main areas: financial inclusion, internship programs, and an entrepreneurship bootcamp partnership. The goal is to improve access to finance and technical skills for women, youth, and people with disabilities, empowering them economically and enabling them to contribute more significantly to the economy.

The partnership will also support the bank’s human capacity development by offering internship programs for young graduates. These internships will provide valuable work experience, help build job-related skills, and enhance the agri-business ecosystem in Rwanda.

In addition, Equity Bank will collaborate with Hanga Akazi, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MOYA), and other stakeholders to organize an entrepreneurship bootcamp. This program aims to nurture young entrepreneurs by providing business development services and coaching. Successful participants will gain access to the bank’s products and services to help grow their businesses.

Timothy Shumaker, Chief of Party at Hanga Akazi, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to improve access to skills and financial resources for young entrepreneurs in Rwanda. “Rwanda has a young population full of innovative business ideas, but many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with finding the necessary capital and access to finance to launch and grow their businesses,” Shumaker said. He noted that the partnership would support young entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector, fostering sustainable business growth and job creation, ultimately contributing to Rwanda’s overall economic development.

Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with Feed the Future Hanga Akazi to boost Rwanda’s agribusiness ecosystem. This collaboration represents a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion and fostering entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector,” Namara stated. He added that by developing joint action plans for job creation, upgrading skills in agri-food systems, and identifying value addition opportunities, the partnership aims to drive sustainable growth and create a more inclusive economic environment in Rwanda.

The MOU between Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc is set to make a significant impact on Rwanda’s agribusiness ecosystem. By promoting financial inclusion, providing valuable work experience through internships, and supporting entrepreneurial growth through dedicated programs, this collaboration will play a crucial role in driving Rwanda’s economic development and creating a more inclusive society.

June 25, 2024
Srinath Vardineni elected President of the newly established Rotary Club Kigali Cosmopolitan

He was given these responsibilities during a ceremony held on the night of Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event was also attended by the Indian Ambassador to Rwanda, Nilratan Mridha.

Rotary International is a global non-governmental organization involved in charitable activities, including helping the needy, supporting services that promote the well-being of the community such as clean water, fighting epidemic diseases, and contributing to development initiatives.

After being inaugurated, the new President of the Rotary Club Kigali, Srinath Vardineni, announced that he would focus on several projects, including providing dental care to over 3000 children.

He said, “We have four major projects that we will undertake, but we will focus heavily on health, providing dental care to 3000 or 4000 children. Additionally, we will collaborate extensively with Rotary Clubs in the United States on various initiatives.”

Vardineni arrived in Rwanda in 2003 and is well-known not only for his various activities but also in the sport of cricket, being one of its pioneers in Rwanda and currently serving as the treasurer of the sport’s governing board.

He continued to express that this opportunity is significant for him, as it will allow him to engage more deeply with the community, even though he has been involved in many social activities before.

He stated, “I have been involved in various activities that connect me with the community, but this position will help me reach people more effectively and continue assisting the government in building the nation. I have been here for the past 22 years and have witnessed Rwanda’s transformation, so we need to stay on that path.”

The Rotary Club Kigali Cosmopolitan is a new club that was founded three months ago, stemming from existing clubs like Kigali Seniors and The Elders. It is particularly comprised of diverse members, including doctors, accountants, and engineers.

This club is one of the 12 that make up Rotary Club Rwanda, which is part of Rotary Club District 9150. This district was established in 1982 and includes countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Sao Tomé and Príncipe.

The Rotary Club is a non-profit organization engaged in charitable activities, including helping the underprivileged, providing clean water to communities, fighting epidemic diseases like polio, and contributing to all activities aimed at societal development.

June 25, 2024
7,000 water meters to be availed to applicants

This announcement follows reports from residents in various parts of Kigali City who told RBA that they have been waiting for a long time for these meters, but their hopes have faded.

One resident said, “We’ve been waiting for about four months since the water was installed in February, but we were told that the meters were out of stock. As people who travel outside, we know that many shops have meters, so I don’t understand why it’s difficult to get them since we requested them. Water is available, and among the issues we face here in Gasogi, water is the main one.”

This resident pointed out that a jerrycan of water is being sold for between 300 Frw and 400 Frw, which is a significant burden for low-income residents.

Another resident added, “We wrote and requested meters, but to this day, we haven’t received them, even though the public taps are full, and water is in the pipes. This has affected us because now we fetch water from places called ‘nangimikoma,’ and it takes a strong person to go there because it involves jumping over ditches.”

Another said, “Our main problem is water. We have been without it for many years, yet there are pipes with water here. Every day, they break, and water goes to waste, but no one has explained to us the water issue clearly or why they don’t open the taps to give us water.”

He continued to say that WASAC should not lack meters when needed, suggesting that the claim of a shortage is just an excuse.

“This is their job; they are responsible for providing water to the public. Even if meters are out of stock, they may be unavailable for one month but not for two months.”

WASAC’s Director General, Prof. Munyaneza Omar, explained that the delay in providing water meters was due to the contractor who was supposed to import them.

“The contractor who was supposed to deliver them had delays of about three months due to issues at the ports through which they were to pass. The good news is that they arrived in Rwanda last week, and we took them to RSB for inspection.”

He added, “Today, we have started transporting them to the districts, and we assure the public that starting this Monday, they will begin receiving them.”

He noted that currently, there are over seven thousand people who had requested water meters but had not yet received them.

Currently, in Rwanda, 82.3% of the population has access to clean water, up from 72% in 2014.

WASAC emphasizes that the goal of providing clean water to everyone will be achieved at a rate of 100% within the next five years.

June 25, 2024
NEC president Oda Gasinzigwa reaffirms independence and transparency ahead of 2024 Rwandan elections

In an interview with Eugene Anangwe of EAMG TV released on June 23, 2024, Gasinzigwa was reminded that after the 2017 Presidential elections, some foreign diplomats criticized how the elections were conducted.

These diplomats are joined by others who criticize that some Presidential candidates were disqualified, claiming that the upcoming elections in July 2024 will not be conducted properly.

NEC explained that these candidates did not meet the required criteria, including the 600 signatures from registered voters.

Gasinzigwa stated that when NEC was preparing various pre-election activities, it engaged in discussions with diplomats working in Rwanda, explaining that the commission operates transparently and does not exclude anyone who wishes to run for office.

She said, “Especially the Ambassadors here in Rwanda, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, we held discussions. We also welcomed various guests from different countries, from international organizations like the Commonwealth. We continue to communicate with them, explaining our transparent operations. We do not hide anything from the public and those who wish to be candidates.”

Gasinzigwa continued, “Some people want us to do what they want, and I don’t think it is right because there is no country in the world where this happens. What Rwanda wants is based on the Constitution, and it is clear that we at NEC do not act on our own desires; we act according to what Rwandans have decided based on the Constitution, the electoral law, and the regulations, all of which are approved by the Parliament. Rwandans, including those who wish to run for office, are given the opportunity to participate.”

The NEC President stated that the commission will perform its duties well and transparently, based on its independence, and will announce the election results based on the votes cast by Rwandans for all candidates contesting from June 22 to July 13, 2024.

The Presidential and Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 14 and 15, 2024, following the conclusion of the campaign activities.

June 24, 2024
President Paul Kagame tells people of Ngororero to work for themselves and for their Country

“We are committed to upholding what we have achieved so far,” the President declared. He reflected on a time when Africans were accustomed to poverty and dependence, believing that they would be sustained by external aid and divine intervention. “In our minds, there was God, there were others, and then there should be us,” he remarked, underscoring the mindset that should prevail.

He highlighted the transformative journey Rwanda embarked on 30 years ago, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and proactive engagement. “What is important is playing our part,” he stressed, adding that this did not mean rejecting external harmony or assistance. Instead, it is about building on what they have , starting from within.

The President concluded his speech by appreciating the efforts of the people of Ngororero, expressing his love for them, and reiterating the importance of working for themselves and the country. His message was clear: self-reliance and unity are the cornerstones of continued progress and prosperity.

June 24, 2024
The Unseen faces of refugee day: A call for compassion and action

Filippo Grandi, head of the UN Refugee Agency, aptly described the situation as “an indictment on the state of our world.” In a divided world, long-term solutions for those forced to flee are pitifully scarce. The number of refugees has more than doubled in the past decade, rising to 35 million from 15 million in 2011. A staggering 76% of these displaced individuals are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, with 70% of refugees finding refuge in neighboring nations.

“These are not numbers on a page,” emphasized UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who previously served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “These are individual women, children, and men making difficult journeys – often facing violence, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse. Four in ten people forced to flee are children. They deserve a home, a childhood, and a future just as much as anyone else.”

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who has firsthand experience with the refugee crisis, provides a poignant perspective. “I grew up in a refugee camp. Thirty years. This so-called human-rights world didn’t ask me what was happening for me to be there for 30 years.” His words resonate deeply, reminding us of the prolonged suffering and neglect that many refugees endure. Yet, Kagame also offers a message of hope and resilience: “Our world faces difficult challenges, but no more so than in the past. Working together in a constructive spirit, we can assure our children the future they deserve.”

The stories behind these staggering statistics are as diverse as they are heart-wrenching. They are stories of families torn apart by war, of children growing up in the shadow of conflict, and of individuals forced to leave everything behind in search of safety and a better life. These stories remind us that refugees are not mere numbers; they are real people with dreams, aspirations, and the same rights to dignity and security as anyone else.

Rwanda stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved with compassion and commitment. Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has welcomed refugees with open arms, providing them not only with safety but also with opportunities to rebuild their lives. This approach embodies the spirit of solidarity and humanity that World Refugee Day seeks to inspire.

As we observe this day, let us remember that the refugee crisis is not just a humanitarian issue; it is a call to action for us all. It is a reminder that we must strive for a world where no one is forced to flee their home, where every child can grow up in safety, and where every person can live with dignity. In the words of Paul Kagame, “Working together in a constructive spirit, we can assure our children the future they deserve.”

On this World Refugee Day, let us honor the resilience of refugees worldwide and reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where their stories of suffering are replaced with stories of hope and new beginnings. Let us recognize that the true measure of our humanity lies in how we respond to the plight of the most vulnerable among us. Together, we can build a future where refugees are no longer seen as a crisis but as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

June 20, 2024
President Kagame reflects on lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic at global vaccine forum

In his address, President Kagame reflected on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed millions of lives and exposed a new dimension of inequality between developed and developing nations. He noted that while no country was spared from the virus, the timely access to vaccines and therapeutics was deeply uneven and unfair.

“The virus did not leave any country unaffected, but timely access to vaccines and therapeutics was deeply uneven and unfair,” he remarked at the event attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prof. José Manuel Barroso, the chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

During the height of the crisis, Africa and its partners vowed to collaborate in building vaccine research and manufacturing capacities for the long term. Despite the temptation to return to business as usual once the pandemic subsided, Kagame emphasized the importance of honouring this commitment.

“In the urgency of the moment, Africa and its partners vowed to work together to build vaccine research and manufacturing capacities for the long term. Once the pandemic passed, it would have been easy to forget this commitment and go back to business as usual,” he stated.

He commended France, the African Union, and Gavi for organizing this important meeting and the actions stemming from it, including the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. This initiative aims to ensure a secure future for vaccine production in Africa.

President Kagame highlighted the inauguration of the first end-to-end mRNA production facility on the continent in Rwanda last December, a process initiated in 2021 by the African Union with Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa. The centre is led by experts from across Africa, showcasing impressive continental collaboration, with the current head being from Nigeria.

“The process which led to this result was initiated in 2021 by the African Union with Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa as initial focal points. The experts leading that centre now come from across Africa. In fact, the expert leading that centre now is from Nigeria, bringing Africa together in a very impressive way,” he noted.

President Kagame also mentioned the recent announcement by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) of $45 million in funding to support commercial-scale manufacturing at the biotech factory and develop robust pandemic preparedness capabilities, including research and development banks, the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (ATF), the African headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute, and the African Medicines Agency.

“These efforts show what is possible with strong partnerships involving governments, scientists, and innovative companies,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the World Health Organization and the European Union, including France, for their support on this journey. Kagame stressed that the primary purpose of these collaborations is not merely to produce the vaccines currently in use in Africa, but to significantly improve access and health outcomes.

“The main purpose of these collaborations is not primarily to produce the vaccines that are currently in use in Africa. That is beneficial but does not really move the needle in terms of access and health outcomes,” he emphasized.

He highlighted the need to continue building Africa’s health institutions, such as the Africa CDC and the African Medicines Agency, and underscored the responsibility of African nations to increase contributions from domestic resources to fund public health initiatives.

“We must also continue building our continent’s health institutions, Africa CDC and Africa Medicines Agency, and that includes a responsibility for all of us in Africa to increase contributions from our domestic resources to fund public health as a continent,” he stated.

President Kagame concluded by reflecting on the lessons learned from recent global shocks, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of Africa’s future and health.

“Recent global shocks have taught us many lessons. Perhaps the most important is to take ownership of our future and our health,” he remarked.

The Head of State reiterated the shared commitment advanced by the forum and thanked the audience for their kind attention. “That is a shared commitment which is advanced by today’s gathering. I thank you for your kind attention,” he concluded.

June 20, 2024
Life has transformed! Happiness abounds for residents relocated to model villages (Photos)

This journey began many years ago and has been given special attention in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) implemented from 2017-2024.

So far, some have experienced the benefits of living in Model Villages and have reported significant improvements in their lives.

In terms of urban development and housing, the Rwandan government aimed to resettle 205,488 families from informal settlements and relocate 10,209 families from high-risk zones.

The government’s efforts to relocate residents from dangerous areas have helped reduce residential land use and facilitated access to infrastructure such as roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, schools, water, and markets.

Residents who have experienced the benefits of living together in Model Villages praise the initiative for alleviating their fears of thieves and natural disasters.

People from various regions acknowledge that the Rwandan leadership has taken their well-being into account, allowing them to smile again.

Those who have been resettled in modern houses in Model Villages across almost all districts of Rwanda often highlight the benefits of having homes with two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, a gas stove, and a television, with access to water and electricity.

Many of these residents express satisfaction with their new living conditions and agree that their lives have greatly improved since being relocated from their previous homes.

Model Villages have become well-known and are inaugurated annually, especially during the Liberation Day celebrations, with new ones built in different areas.

Some notable Model Villages include Rweru in Bugesera District, Horezo in Muhanga, Karama in Kigali City, Shyira in Nyabihu, Gishuro in Nyagatare, Kinigi in Musanze, and Muhira in Rugerero, Rubavu District, inaugurated in 2023.

These inaugurations are celebrated events attended by high-ranking officials, demonstrating the government’s support for its citizens.

For example, on July 3, 2019, President Kagame inaugurated the Karama Model Village in Kigali Sector, Nyarugenge District, where 240 families were relocated from high-risk zones on Mont Kigali.

Other notable inaugurations include Gishuro in Tabagwe Sector, Nyagatare in 2022, and earlier ones such as Karama, Gishuro, Horezo, and Shyira in 2017.

In his speeches during these inaugurations, President Kagame emphasized that these developments illustrate that, after the country’s difficult past, all Rwandans now have equal rights to their country.

– Informal settlements, natural disasters, and the idea of building Model Villages

After Rwandans faced severe issues, including natural disasters that claimed lives, the government prioritized urban development and housing in its seven-year plan, despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rwandan government made significant efforts to find solutions for those living in high-risk areas, relocating over 17,000 families to safer Model Villages across the country.

For instance, in 2018, the country incurred losses of 204 billion RWF due to natural disasters, which claimed 234 lives, mostly those living in high-risk areas, and injured 268 others.

In 2023, districts in the Western and Northern Provinces were severely affected by disasters, resulting in over 130 deaths.

These events further motivated the Rwandan government to continue its efforts to relocate citizens to safer areas.

The 2022 General Population Census indicates that 65% of Rwandans live in Model Villages. Over the past seven years, 87 Model Villages have been built, housing more than 17,000 families.

Currently, Rwanda has over 250 Model Villages, a significant increase from 165 in 2016, with nearly 100 more added in the past seven years.

When President Kagame visited Horezo Model Village in 2018, it was another step in this ongoing journey to provide safe housing for Rwandans.

June 20, 2024
President Kagame has arrived at Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation in Paris

This significant event is hosted by Gavi,Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, helps vaccinate half the world’s children against deadly and debilitating diseases, the Vaccine Alliance, in collaboration with France and the African Union. The forum aims to address critical issues related to vaccine sovereignty and innovation, emphasizing the need for equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

President Kagame’s participation highlights Rwanda’s commitment to global health initiatives and the importance of collaboration between nations to overcome challenges in vaccine distribution and development. The event can be followed live through the official link: [Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation](https://bit.ly/45zg0iJ).

June 20, 2024
Ugirashebuja: Bringing together leaders who had become refugees and those from previous regime was not easy

This message was conveyed in a speech on Rwanda’s journey of reconstruction, delivered at an international conference held in Kigali City on June 17, 2024.

This conference focused on the role of international and Rwandan courts in prosecuting the crimes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and discussing measures to prevent a recurrence of such events.

Minister Ugirashebuja began by noting that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which over one million people were brutally killed, was an act of extreme cruelty comparable to exterminating a nation. He compared it to the eradication of about 40 countries, each with a population of one million, and seven other countries, each with a population of over 10,000, similar to the number of Tutsi killed in a single day.

Minister Ugirashebuja also touched upon the scars left by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, noting that it was extremely difficult to bring together in Village Urugwiro the leaders who had become refugees and those from the previous governments.

He said, “There were meetings held in Urugwiro, and the first challenge of these meetings was to bring together some who had become refugees and victims of persecution, with those who were leaders in the two governments that followed Rwanda’s independence. Bringing them to the same table to discuss the country’s future was not an easy task.”

However, Minister Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel explained that thanks to the good leadership established after the Genocide, which promoted unity, reconciliation, and proper justice, this challenge was overcome.

He also mentioned that significant efforts were made in Rwanda’s justice system to bring to justice those who committed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting that Rwanda continues to request countries where suspects have fled to either extradite them to Rwanda for trial or prosecute them within their own legal systems.

June 19, 2024