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While addressing the “Meet China in Africa” event held at an urban agriculture demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, said agricultural cooperation constitutes an important cornerstone of win-win cooperation between China and Africa.

“China’s agricultural technical assistance and transfer of advanced agricultural technologies have enriched the grain bags and vegetable baskets of the African people, and contributed to the steady advancement of agricultural modernization in Africa,” Jiang said.

He highlighted that China has established over 20 agricultural technology demonstration centers and promoted more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies in Africa, benefiting over 1 million smallholder farmers.

Noting that China has also deployed over 500 agricultural experts in Africa and offered training for nearly 9,000 agricultural talents, Jiang said China will continue to support Africa’s modernization drive to improve the well-being of its people through ensuring food security.

Patience Mhuriro-Mashapa, an agriculture and food security expert at the AU Commission, commended China’s unwavering partnership with Africa, particularly through numerous capacity-building training programs.

“Modernized agriculture can redeem Africa from perpetual food security. The best practice China is promoting aligns well with the AU agenda 2063 aspirations and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program’s vision of building a sustainable agri-food system,” she said.

She added that China’s support for Africa’s modern agricultural development has significantly strengthened skills, enhanced institutional capacity, and fostered knowledge exchanges in the sector.

The Chinese agricultural experts at the demonstration center have introduced new agricultural technologies, provided inputs, and upgraded agricultural infrastructures for local communities, according to Melese Anshebo, deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa City Administration Farmers and Urban Agriculture Development.

The project, named Kinigi Horticulture Hub, covers 1,250 square metres on the outskirts of the park and uses modern agricultural technology to cultivate flowers, vegetables, and fruits. It is part of a larger $50 million (approximately Frw 72 billion) initiative aimed at increasing the park’s area and enhancing local livelihoods.

The expansion plan includes the creation of Smart Green Village, a model community set to accommodate 510 households. The Kinigi Horticulture Hub represents a small portion of this village, with an investment of $3.4 million. The village will be built on 50 hectares with environmentally sustainable homes powered by solar energy and equipped with water purification and reuse systems.

The village will feature three main sectors—agriculture, livestock, and tourism—each designed to generate income while protecting the environment. Initial crops planted include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are expected to generate Frw 45 million annually against a setup cost of Frw 11 million. The area will be managed by the local Volcano Community Association, which has already trained 211 residents in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and food quality standards.

The livestock sector will accommodate chickens, sheep, and pigs, while the tourism section will focus on biodiversity conservation, handicrafts, and cultural activities.

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and spans 16,000 hectares. The park’s expansion will add 3,740 hectares—23% of its current area—to improve habitat space for the endangered gorillas.

The overall expansion project is planned to be implemented in phases over 10 to 15 years, with a total estimated cost of $230 million, funded by the Rwandan government, development partners, loans, and donations.

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At the inauguration, RDB Director General Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the connection between tourism growth and local development.

“The goal is to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and empower youth and women. When tourism grows, community development also increases,” he said.

The government has allocated Frw 600.4 million to Musanze and Nyabihu districts, Frw 450.3 million to Burera, and Frw 150.1 million to Rubavu to support community welfare near the park.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde described the project as the first phase of the park expansion.

“This initiative addresses key challenges faced by local communities, including land pressure due to population growth and human-wildlife conflicts,” he said.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture.

“These solutions are sustainable and will increase productivity. Market-oriented agriculture will allow farmers to expand beyond local demand to other districts and even abroad,” he said.

Since the launch of the tourism benefit-sharing programme 20 years ago, 10% of park revenues have been invested in community projects. RDB reports that these initiatives, valued at Frw 18 billion, have supported schools, housing, health centres, agriculture, livestock, and conflict mitigation efforts.

In 2025, 83 community projects worth over Frw 4 billion were implemented across 14 districts, with plans to increase support to more than Frw 5 billion in 2025–2026.

The high rating reflects CCXI’s assessment of Afreximbank’s strengths including high strategic positioning, sound risk management system, flexibility in business development, very strong profitability, prudent liquidity management and very high coverage ratio of current assets on short-term debts.

The rating agency further said that it believed that Afreximbank’s ratings would remain stable over the next 12 to18 months, even after consideration of downside credit risks to the macroeconomic and operating environments affecting the Bank.

Reacting to the rating announcement, Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, noted that the rating affirms the Bank’s systemic relevance to Africa and its prudent risk management.

He noted it will enhance funding diversification opportunities, particularly in China’s Panda bond market, supporting Afreximbank’s development mandate and trade facilitation between Africa and China.

Denya reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting trade finance in Africa and the Caribbean, even during challenging times. He noted the Bank’s commitment to its member states and all clients was unwavering and this resilient track record had significantly contributed to its formidable rating.

He said the Chinese rating affirmed the Bank’s preferred creditor status among its 53 member states in Africa and 13 in the Caribbean.

“CCXI’s rating is a remarkable achievement amid a challenging operating environment, and it is a demonstration of Afreximbank’s systemic relevance to Africa and the Caribbean, our key focus regions,” Denya noted.

Denya added that the rating exemplified the Bank’s resilience and would enable it to leverage the breadth and depth of the Panda market as it diversifies its funding sources globally.

The CCXI rating is expected to galvanise greater support for Afreximbank’s funding plans in the Chinese market and enhance the Bank’s market presence and credit position.

In April this year, Afreximbank successfully issued its landmark inaugural Panda bond in the China Interbank Bond Market, raising RMB 2.2 billion (US $ 303 million).

The issuance was a significant success, being oversubscribed and attracting high-quality investors, which underscored strong market confidence in the Bank’s credit profile.

This pioneering transaction not only provides Afreximbank with a new source of diversified funding in Chinese Renminbi but also establishes a crucial benchmark for other African borrowers and marks a key step in deepening financial cooperation between Africa and China.

The celebration, dubbed the Tambali Ceremony, was held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Deco Center Hub in Kigali. The event brought together parents, facilitators, alumni, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the achievements of the 111 learners, including 67 males and 44 females, who completed the programme.

Opening the ceremony, Cedric Nsengiyumva, Pathway Learning Experience Community Analyst for Kigali, congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to the families and facilitators who supported them throughout their academic journey.

His words of praise and encouragement set an uplifting and celebratory tone for the rest of the evening.

The Pathway curriculum combines academic and entrepreneurial training, with courses ranging from Business Finance and Statistics to Computing and Venture Creation. Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasises personal growth, leadership, and soft skills development. Learners described the journey as transformative, with many highlighting improved confidence, communication, and critical thinking.

Parents also praised the programme’s impact. Jovite Sinzahere, father of graduate Lisette Mukiza, who secured a full scholarship to the African Leadership University in Mauritius, described the achievement as life-changing.

“This scholarship has saved me 220 million Rwandan francs in school fees for the next four years. Such an opportunity is not only life-changing for my daughter but also a testament to the quality education ALX offers. Beyond the academics, I have seen how the program has built her soft skills in communication, personal branding, and critical thinking. It has shaped her into a confident, well-rounded individual ready for the future,” he shared.

Learners, too, reflected deeply on their journeys.

“When we started the program, we could barely stand in front of an audience. But over the course, we have built such confidence in ourselves, and moving forward, the transformation in our confidence is clear,” Happy remarked.

The impact of the Pathway program was also evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by the learners. Seventeen learners received full Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, while more than 10 others secured partial scholarships through the program.

Several learners also won external scholarships, and some remain on competitive waitlists. In total, more than 70 university admissions have already been secured, while others are still awaiting placement. A number of alumni from the Pathway program have also found alternative routes to pursue their dreams, including student loans and self-sponsorship.

Closing the event, Dare Daramola, ALX Head of Learning and Community, thanked parents for their unwavering support and recognised three learners for outstanding performance. He described the programme as a “launchpad for possibility,” urging graduates to continue inspiring others.

ALX Pathway provides High School graduates in Africa a unique opportunity to access degree programmes at leading global universities. With a focus on tech, Pathway supports and prepares young people across eight African cities for their application to one of ALX’s partner universities.

In addition to university application support, Pathway offers access to scholarship opportunities and finance partners that help make university accessible and affordable.

For more information, visit [https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] or watch this recap of previously awarded scholarships.

Moloko, 27, previously featured for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC and AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrives at AS Kigali after spells in Iraq with Al Sadaqa and Diyala, and most recently in Algeria with ES Mostaganem.

The Kigali-based side struggled for goals during recent friendly matches, particularly in the Inkera y’Abahizi pre-season tournament, where their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly. The club will now look to Moloko to provide attacking depth alongside Rudasingwa Prince and Iyabivuze Osée.

AS Kigali will kick off their 2025/26 league campaign on September 14, 2025, when they face Amagaju FC.

On August 28, 2025, RIC organized a training session for leaders from different faiths and denominations, focusing on the value of AI, how it can be used productively, and the potential risks it poses. The aim was to equip them with the knowledge to guide their congregations—particularly the youth—towards the responsible use of the technology.

RIC Chairperson and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr. Laurent Mbanda, noted that AI can play a supportive role in evangelism by assisting with research, helping to prepare and refine sermons, and enhancing learning.

“Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used today. It has an influence on churches, and people cannot simply ignore it because it is very useful. It is also beginning to change the way we live and work.” he said.

“It is a tool for learning, for research, and for providing accurate information. But we must also acknowledge that it can be misused—spreading harmful content, misleading youth, or providing false information. That is why we must understand both its benefits and its dangers, because we cannot run away from it,” he added

Dr. Mbanda urged religious leaders to familiarize themselves with AI so they can help their followers use it wisely: “You can use AI to research the Bible and to prepare ways of teaching the Word of God, but we also need to apply our own discernment.”

He stressed that as technology continues to advance, churches should embrace it and use it responsibly. He pointed out that many churches now share sermons and messages on platforms such as YouTube, X, and Instagram, allowing them to reach wider audiences in a short time.

Julie Kandema, Deputy President of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), said faith leaders are ready to strengthen the use of AI in their work, confident that it will make evangelism easier.

“The whole world is moving toward AI, and religious institutions must also understand it. Many church leaders often dismiss such innovations as unnecessary, but AI also carries benefits. Learning about it helps us know how to use it properly in evangelism,” she noted.

She added that AI could also be applied in writing and composing songs for choirs, as well as in preparing different teaching materials.

Technology expert Dr. Mwangi Chege also reminded participants that AI can be highly beneficial if used well, but warned that it can also be misused—for instance, to discredit preachers through fabricated stories and false narratives. He encouraged churches to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI.

The commitment was announced on August 27, 2025, during a preparatory workshop for the 11th International Conference of the Rwanda Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RSOG), which is set to convene more than 200 doctors from 15 countries.

Addressing RSOG members, Denis Gahizi, Head of Institutional Banking at BK, said the bank is ready to provide financial support to help doctors establish hospitals and other health-focused enterprises.

“Today we are here to join hands with you because while you are focused on safeguarding people’s health, we have a responsibility to support you with financing so that together we can continue driving the country’s development forward.” he said.

“The bank has come in as a partner to promote healthcare and to empower women working in this field. Whether one wants to build a hospital, purchase medical equipment, or invest in health-related businesses, BK is here to support those ambitions,” Gahizi added.

Kenneth Ruzindana, Secretary General of RSOG, emphasized that BK is a strong partner that not only helped organize the conference but also continues to support members in various ways.

“BK is a key partner because it has not only sponsored the organization of this conference but also supports many of our members by providing loans and services that help them advance professionally,” he stated.

Ruzindana further noted that RSOG members are eager to learn new knowledge and exchange experiences with other participants.

“This conference is a platform to share insights related to our profession, especially scientific exchanges aligned with our mission to improve the health of women and children. It will enhance the knowledge of our members and expose them to the latest developments in our field.”

Dr. Mireille Aimée Uwineza from King Faisal Hospital said the leadership training offered ahead of the conference would strengthen doctors’ confidence and ability to take on leadership roles.

“We came here for leadership training, which will help us become better physician leaders. In the past, most of us focused only on treatment and didn’t see leadership or decision-making positions as our role. But we have realized that they matter because they allow us to influence decisions and ensure that our goals as doctors are achieved,” she noted.

“I urge the council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing,” he told a Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Security measures must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fueling the violence in Haiti. This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them, said Guterres.

Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, said Thursday that her country and Panama are tabling a draft Security Council resolution on the establishment of a “Gang Suppression Force” and a UN Support Office.

She explained that the UN Support Office would ensure the mission has the tools at its disposal to fight the gangs and ensure that the Haitian state can meet the foundational needs of its people.

The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian National Police. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit flows fueling instability, she said.

Currently, a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is deployed in Haiti. Although the MSS is endorsed by the Security Council, it is not a UN operation.

It remains unclear whether the proposed Gang Suppression Force will replace the MSS or will be built on it.

In 2024, Rwanda’s total imports were valued at $6.5 billion, more than double the $3.1 billion recorded in 2017. This sharp rise widened the trade deficit to $2.3 billion, underscoring the challenge of narrowing the gap between imports and exports.

Fuel remains by far the largest item on Rwanda’s import bill. In 2024, petroleum products worth $680 million entered the country, compared to $621 million the previous year — a 9.5 percent increase largely driven by rising global prices and growing domestic demand.

Rice was the second most imported commodity. Despite being widely grown in the country, imports surged to $317 million in 2024, up from $239 million the year before — a jump of nearly 33 percent.

According to official data, national rice demand stood at almost 597,000 tonnes, while domestic production was limited to just under 142,000 tonnes.

Farmers, however, remain optimistic about closing the gap. Jean Baptiste Bucyanayandi, president of a cooperative in Gisagara District’s Cyiri Marshland, said his members cultivate more than 250 hectares, producing around 1,000 tonnes annually.

The rice is processed at Gikonko Rice Factory for the local market. With improved seed varieties that mature within four to five months, he believes Rwanda has the potential to significantly scale up its production and eventually satisfy domestic demand.

Other essential goods also continue to weigh heavily on the import ledger. Sugar imports reached $238 million in 2024, up from $192 million the previous year. Cooking oils, particularly palm oil, accounted for $207 million, though this was a decline compared to $237 million in 2023. Motor vehicle imports were valued at $108 million, slightly down from $113 million, while cement purchases rose sharply to $94 million, up from $67 million.

Fish imports also increased, reaching $92 million in 2024, compared to $70 million of the previous year. The demand for electrical cables and equipment climbed to $85 million, up from $62 million.

Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, meanwhile, registered a slight drop to $82 million from $91 million, and imports of electronic goods such as televisions and audio systems fell considerably, from $142 million in 2023 to $75 million in 2024.

Despite the reliance on these imports, Rwanda has set ambitious targets to expand exports. Government projections indicate that export revenues will more than double, rising from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion by 2029. At the same time, the ratio of exports to imports is expected to improve significantly, from 61 percent in 2023 to 77 percent in 2029.

Central to this plan is the Made in Rwanda policy, which aims to increase domestic manufacturing and promote local value addition. Authorities expect the value of exports to grow at an average annual rate of 13 percent, driven by investment in agro-processing, light manufacturing, and service industries.

Ujiri, a prominent voice in sport and youth empowerment, joins Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani advocate for inclusion and disability rights, in the latest cohort of influential leaders tasked with accelerating global progress on the 17 SDGs.

“The SDG Advocates play a vital role in inspiring global action and ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Masai Ujiri and Ms. Muniba Mazari to this distinguished group of leaders.”

Through his non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, Ujiri has long used basketball as a platform to inspire young people, break down barriers, and provide opportunities across the continent.

Most recently, the Giants of Africa festival was staged in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2 2025, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. The festival was also a major public spectacle, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators.

At the 2025 edition of Giants of Africa in Kigali, Masai Ujiri also unveiled Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to promote youth development, gender equality, and community engagement.

Beyond providing a space for basketball and recreation, the facility is envisioned as a hub for education, leadership training, and social impact initiatives, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.

Reflecting on his appointment, Ujiri said: “Sport doesn’t just unite people – it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honour, and I’m excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.”

Mazari, widely known as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan,” has inspired millions through her personal journey and her tireless advocacy for disability rights, inclusion, and gender equality.

“Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. I am proud to be an SDG Advocate and to elevate the voices of those who are often unheard,” she said.

The Secretary-General praised the pair’s dedication and highlighted the importance of their work in advancing the SDGs, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.

The SDG Advocates, chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, bring together a diverse group of global leaders, from royalty and heads of foundations to business executives, entertainers, and activists.

Current members include Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Graça Machel, Jeffrey Sachs, Lilly Singh, and Microsoft President Brad Smith, among others.