Category: News

The membership was formalised on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during a charter signing ceremony at SONARWA Life’s headquarters in Kigali. The event brought together senior executives, financial sector leaders and partners, marking what participants described as a “critical step” towards more inclusive leadership in the industry.

In his remarks, Isaïe Muhoza, Acting CEO of Rwanda’s leading life insurance company, said the company’s decision to join WIFR was not symbolic, but a strategic and values-driven move to institutionalise gender equity across all levels of its operations.

“This membership is not a ceremonial act—it is a serious commitment to systemic change,” Muhoza said. “Today, as SONARWA Life, we make a public commitment to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to grow, lead, and shape the future at our organisation and in the financial sector.”

Muhoza said gender inclusion is embedded in the company’s recruitment, assessment, and promotion practices, noting that building diverse teams was key to delivering sustainable business impact and serving customers better.

SONARWA Life’s entrance into WIFR also presented an opportunity to empower the company’s young female professionals. Three staff members, Esther Mugisha, Ingrid Isimbi, and Chantal Ikirenga, were awarded scholarships to pursue professional qualifications with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

Muhoza celebrated the awarding of scholarships to three female employees, calling them “the future of ethical leadership in the sector.”

Speaking on behalf of the scholars, Esther Mugisha, a Corporate Business Officer at SONARWA Life, expressed gratitude to both WIFR and the company’s leadership.

“This gesture is not only a testament to your commitment to empowering young women professionals in the finance sector, but also a great encouragement for us to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Rwanda’s financial industry,” Mugisha said.

WIFR, a non-profit network launched in 2023, champions diversity and inclusion within Rwanda’s financial services industry. Its work spans banking, insurance, investment, and microfinance, with a focus on, among others, building capacity, promoting mentorship, and advocating for gender-responsive policies.

Annie Nibishaka, CEO of Old Mutual Rwanda and an institutional member of WIFR, welcomed SONARWA Life into the network with a pointed reminder that Rwanda’s financial sector is at a turning point, where good intentions on gender equality must now give way to concrete action.

“The path towards gender balance in the financial sector has reached a critical moment where intention must translate into accelerated action,” Nibishaka said. “Gender balance enhances decision making, improves governance and ultimately delivers better outcomes for all.”

She highlighted some of the Foundation’s key achievements to date, including a research study on the state of women in the financial sector, mentorship cohorts with a pipeline of over 60 mentees, and partnerships with public institutions such as the Gender Monitoring Office and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), all aimed at supporting the organisation’s mission.

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Gatera, Director of the National Standards Division at RSB, announced that Rwanda will, in October, launch the world’s first standalone gender equality certification standard during the ISO General Assembly, which the country will host.

The certification, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Gender Monitoring Office, will be free of charge and available to both public and private institutions that meet the criteria for gender equity in operations and governance.

“We’ve seen transformational change when women are empowered in the workplace,” Gatera said…I would be happy to recognise some organisations that have demonstrated their compliance with gender equality requirements, including members of Women in Finance.”

Jessica Igoma, CEO of Mayfair Insurance, said SONARWA Life’s inclusion comes at a pivotal time, as WIFR prepares to launch a dedicated insurance sector chapter. She pointed to low insurance penetration in Rwanda, currently at 2.1% compared to the global average of 7%, as a challenge that could be tackled through targeted inclusion and awareness strategies.

“Looking at some of the statistics, we have about 92% of women with no insurance in this country, but also 38% of women do not know what insurance is or how insurance works. So, this will give us a good opportunity as women in insurance to be able to create a difference,” Igoma remarked.

SONARWA Life is the fifth insurer and the fifteenth institution to join the growing list of organisations aligned with WIFR’s mission, including Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, Access to Finance Rwanda, Ecobank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Old Mutual Insurance, Coopedu, Mayfair, Sanlam, and Zep-Re.

As part of its membership, SONARWA Life will be expected to uphold the WIFR Gender Charter, monitor internal progress, and participate in sector-wide efforts to achieve parity.

He voiced the appreciation on August 6, 2025, in Kigali, following the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements.

“His words carry significant weight. His support for the cause of justice is highly important in this regard. The call by President Kagame to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe is a significant one, resonating across the African continent. Through the African Union, this resolution is being adopted, bolstered by the support of leaders like President Kagame,” Prof. Murwira noted.

In 2000, under former President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe launched a land reform program that reclaimed large tracts of land previously controlled by white settlers and redistributed them to Black farmers. This move created diplomatic tensions with several Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the European Union.

By 2001, the U.S. had imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe, with the EU and other nations following suit in 2002. These sanctions severely weakened Zimbabwe’s economy and remain in place to this day.

Since 2017—when he chaired the African Union—President Kagame has consistently advocated for the removal of these sanctions.

Prof. Murwira hailed his efforts, disclosing that a United Nations resolution to remove the sanctions could also be passed by December 2025.

“This momentum stems from calls like the one made by President Kagame, emphasising the need to stand for and execute justice globally. Rwanda serves as an example of a country that stands resilient against adversity, advocating for peaceful resolutions and justice in many spheres, including the issue of sanctions,” he noted.

The Minister also stressed that both President Kagame and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, share a common belief in prioritising their citizens and the principle that African countries must find homegrown solutions for their development.

On his part, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, emphasised the importance of African solidarity in addressing the continent’s challenges.

He thanked Zimbabwe and highlighted the country’s strong contributions to regional peace and security, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and across the continent.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe further noted that Rwanda values Zimbabwe’s support for the principle that African problems must be solved with African solutions.

Currently, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed over 25 cooperation agreements. These cover sectors such as health, youth development, policing, energy, and customs information exchange. The most recent of these agreements was signed on August 6, 2025.

Teta Sandra was arrested after allegedly hitting her husband with her car three times, which resulted in injuries to both of his legs. The incident took place on the night of August 6, 2025, at a bar known as Chans in Munyonyo.

Sources from Kabalagala Police, as reported by The Independent, indicated that Teta Sandra admitted to knocking her husband down but explained that the action followed a heated altercation earlier in the day. She told authorities that Weasel had been verbally abusive and had kicked her and their children out of their home. In response, she sought help from Weasel’s parents.

Weasel’s parents reportedly advised her to return home and attempt to resolve the issue. However, Teta Sandra explained that upon her return, Weasel continued to mistreat her physically. Later that evening, Weasel went to the Chans bar, and Sandra followed him there. After another confrontation at the bar, she made the decision to drive her car into him.

The police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed Teta Sandra’s arrest and reported that Weasel was taken to Nsambya Hospital for treatment. He added that the initial investigation revealed that the conflict began at home but escalated at the bar. Although Weasel sustained fractures to one of his legs, he is reported to be in stable condition.

Teta Sandra and Weasel have been living together since 2018 and have two children. However, their relationship has been marked by frequent disputes. In 2022, Teta Sandra left for Rwanda but returned to Uganda in April 2023 and reconciled with her husband.

In May 2025, Weasel was in Kigali attending a concert by his brother, Jose Chameleone, and mentioned plans to visit his father-in-law’s home at the time.

According to a White House release, the duties increase to 15 percent for countries such as Lesotho, Madagascar, and Nigeria, while Libya, South Africa, and some others face a 30-percent tax, effective seven days after the date of the order.

African officials and experts have warned that the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy fuels uncertainty for the continent’s development, while underscoring the need for a strategic and coordinated response across African countries.

{{Challenge to fragile economies }}

In July, amid the harsh winter of the Southern Hemisphere, textile workers roamed an industrial zone of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, to search for new jobs.

Landlocked in Southern Africa, Lesotho is one of the world’s least developed nations, classified by the United Nations, with nearly half of its population living below the poverty line and unemployment standing at around 25 percent.

The U.S. tariff regime has dealt a heavy blow to the country’s textile industry, said Mokhethi Shelile, Lesotho’s minister of trade, industry, business development, and tourism, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Textiles are a cornerstone of Lesotho’s economy as the country is one of Africa’s largest garment exporters to the United States. But since the tariff was announced, many orders have been canceled, potentially leaving around 13,000 workers jobless.

According to Teboho Kobeli, head of Afri-Expo, one of Lesotho’s largest textile companies, the sudden halt in orders has caused a major disruption, even if the U.S.-bound exports account for just 10 percent of their total output. “We had to lay off nearly 500 workers to ease the financial pressure,” he said.

In Madagascar, the vanilla sector has been directly hit. Contributing around a quarter to the country’s export revenues, the industry relies heavily on the U.S. market, which consumes approximately 70 percent of Madagascar’s vanilla exports.

“The current price of vanilla is already low,” noted Noe Rene Solo, director of agriculture and livestock for the Atsinanana region, one of Madagascar’s key vanilla-producing zones.

If further tariffs are imposed, he warned, prices could drop even more, discouraging farmers and potentially leading to the abandonment of vanilla plantations.

{{Move toward self-reliance}}

In the face of such growing uncertainty, experts are calling for faster economic integration across Africa to strengthen the continent’s resilience.

“In Tanzania, the share of exports — such as construction materials and agricultural products — to neighbors like Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been steadily rising. This provides a buffer against external dependencies,” said Humphrey Moshi, professor of economics and director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading in 2021, is emerging as a key lever.

According to Balew Demissie, researcher at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, strengthening regional trade through frameworks like the AfCFTA can encourage trade within Africa, spur industrial growth, and promote diversification, which acts as a safety net against global trade disruptions and reduces external dependencies.

Carlos Lopes, former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, urged “a mindset shift” among African policymakers to move beyond viewing integration into global value chains as the ultimate goal.

“The goal should focus on enhancing domestic value addition, investing in regional infrastructure, and expanding economies of scale to strengthen the negotiating position of African countries on the global stage,” he added.

{{Expand global reach}}

As Africa’s top coffee producer and the world’s fifth-largest exporter of Arabica beans, Ethiopia is seeking alternative markets in response to a 10 percent U.S. tariff.

The Ethiopian government will not accept any decision that harms the coffee sector, said Shafi Umer, deputy director general of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), warning that the Trump administration’s tariff policy could slash about 35 percent of the country’s coffee export revenues.

The ECTA is striving to strengthen trade ties with existing markets such as China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Italy, while exploring new opportunities in the Far East and Middle East regions. The goal for the current fiscal year is to expand coffee exports to 20 countries.

Many others, like South Africa, are also accelerating their diversification strategies toward Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

With the China-Africa economic cooperation gaining momentum, China’s recent decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties has also received a broad welcome.

For Emmanuel Yinkfu, a trader based in Cameroon’s city of Douala, the move is a powerful signal. “This represents a shift toward a more coherent, inclusive, and strategic economic partnership (between China and Africa),” he said.

Joseph Tegbe, director-general of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, believes the policy will unlock trade opportunities and strengthen industrial competitiveness across the continent. Nigeria, he noted, stands to gain substantially from the policy, especially in agricultural exports, value-added manufacturing, and technology partnerships.

Leslie Dwight Mensah, a Ghanaian economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, also views China’s decision as one of the opportunities for African countries to expand their foreign market access, as well as an alternative to help offset losses that might result from the U.S. tariffs.

Minister of Defense Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Murtala Muhammed were killed in the crash, Julius Debrah, chief of staff at the Presidency, announced at a press briefing.

“I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Debrah said.

Other victims include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Three crew members onboard, namely Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah, were also confirmed deceased.

“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah added.

As the country mourns, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast until further notice.

The Rwandan government has set ambitious plans for the area, aiming to develop it into a stable and vibrant tourism center, with infrastructure supporting both tourism and economic development, particularly in business.

This vision complements the construction of world-class hotels, such as Wilderness Bisate, Wilderness Sabyinyo, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Amakoro Songa Lodge, nestled beneath the Virunga mountains. Additionally, hotels in the town, such as Fatima Hotel, Classic Hotel, Virunga Hotel, and Hotel Muhabura, contribute to the region’s appeal.

With ongoing transformations, projections for the next 25 years indicate that Musanze will have been transformed into a thriving urban center, one that many would envy—comparable to the sought-after cities of Europe or America.

To achieve this vision, Musanze’s development requires a comprehensive master plan for land use and organization, aligned with the 2050 vision.

This plan was approved under Ministerial Order No. 006/25/10/TC on July 28, 2025. The projects planned for the region focus on promoting tourism while benefiting the local population and ensuring that infrastructure development meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.

{{A new city vision}}

Musanze is home to some of Rwanda’s most stunning natural wonders, including Volcanoes National Park, which houses the mountain gorillas, Lake Ruhondo, the Buhanga Ecopark (a royal forest), and the Musanze caves. The Musanze aerodrome serves as an essential infrastructure for tourism, with plans to expand the facility to accommodate more visitors with ease.

As part of the newly approved land-use and development master plan, the Mukungwa Urban Eco-Tourism Park will be created.

This sports and eco-tourism zone will span 148 hectares, which represents 2% of Musanze’s urban land. It will feature developments such as Kinigi Eco-Tourism, Musanze Cave Park, Ruhengeri Theme Park, Mpenge River Camping Sites, Agri-Food Park, and integrated lake tourism initiatives.

Furthermore, an additional 163 hectares within the district will be designated for eco-tourism projects.

The region will also have the “Ruhengeri Convention Centre,” a new facility designed to host national and international conferences, complementing the Kigali Convention Centre.

Musanze already has district-level hospitals, 17 health centers, 32 health posts, and six private clinics, with plans to expand health services further. By 2050, the region will have two hospitals, and every sector will have two health centers.

{{Canopy walkway in Volcanoes National Park}}

Similar to the canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park, which allows visitors to walk through the trees while observing wildlife, a new canopy walkway will be built in Volcanoes National Park.

This will enable visitors to explore the park and observe various wildlife, including gorillas, buffaloes, monkeys, and chimps, without the physical strain of hiking up steep slopes.

{{Byangabo business center}}

The Byangabo center, located 12 kilometers from Musanze town, is a bustling market with strong trade connections to Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western Province.

This market significantly contributes to Musanze’s economy. The area, covering 448.9 hectares in the western part of the city, will see the construction of a wood furniture workshop to increase employment opportunities.

As the population continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the market and build a bus station to accommodate travelers along the Musanze-Rubavu highway.

{{Kinkware and Kampara in Nyakinama}}

Kinkware and Kampara, covering 620 hectares, are located 7 kilometers from Musanze’s city center. These areas host key institutions like the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) Musanze College.

These areas will continue to develop with upgraded infrastructure, including road improvements and modern markets, supporting small-scale businesses and the mining sector.

{{Musanze’s planned residential units}}

In line with the district’s 2050 vision, Musanze plans to build modern residential units across its 15 sectors. A total of 200,750 houses will be constructed, including 112,500 in the city, 13,250 in the surrounding centers, and 75,000 in rural areas.

A new model village, Cyahafi, will be built near the Virunga mountains and Sabyinyo. It is expected to accommodate current residents and newcomers, featuring modern homes and amenities such as a designated commercial area and public facilities like schools.

{{Population growth and development projections}}

According to the 2022 national census, Musanze is home to 476,522 people. Projections indicate that by 2035, the population will reach 607,163, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 803,000.

Whether you’re starting a journey to another part of Rwanda or simply navigating your way through the city, Nyabugogo is the gateway that connects it all. The energy here is infectious, and there’s always something happening, making it an exciting place to be.

For those arriving in Kigali for the first time, Nyabugogo offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s fast-paced, yes, but it’s also full of opportunity and connection. Everything feels within reach, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air—this is Kigali’s gateway, where every journey begins.

{{A crossroads for over 200,000 passengers}}

The City of Kigali has revealed that over 200,000 people pass through Nyabugogo every single day, making it one of the busiest and most vital transit hubs in Rwanda.

Located in Kigali Sector, Nyabugogo borders Kimisagara in Nyarugenge District and Gatsata Sector in Gasabo District. It is a dynamic commercial area, bustling with vendors, service providers, and travelers alike. The city estimates that at least 400 individuals work daily in Nyabugogo, engaged in diverse economic activities.

Nyabugogo is especially known for its vibrant food market, particularly around the well-known Kwa Mutangana. Here, vendors, many of whom have been operating for years, begin their days before sunrise. Shoppers arrive as early as 3 a.m. to buy fresh vegetables and fruits transported overnight from different provinces, often at lower prices than found elsewhere in the city.

Dorothe Nyirabagwiza, a vendor with eight years of experience at Kwa Mutangana, shared her story: “This market sustains many of us. Thanks to my business, I’ve been able to live in Kigali and support my three children. I may not live luxuriously, but I’m moving forward because of this trade.”

One of Nyabugogo’s key draws is its central bus terminal, sometimes referred to as an international station, due to its role in connecting Kigali with Rwanda’s provinces and neighboring countries. Most public transportation companies have offices and fleets operating from Nyabugogo, making it a vital bridge between the capital and other regions.

For many, Nyabugogo is a one-stop center — a place where one can find nearly anything, from basic household goods to transportation and mechanical services. Prices are often more affordable compared to other markets in Kigali, attracting buyers and sellers from all walks of life.

“Nyabugogo is our top location. There are always passengers, many of them arriving from outside Kigali or coming here to shop. It’s easy to find customers, affordable goods, and even mechanical services — everything is fast and convenient,” said Elysee Vugugaba, a motorcycle taxi operator.

However, with its popularity comes challenges. The high volume of people and vehicles makes Nyabugogo prone to petty crime, particularly theft, especially during peak hours when the terminal is overcrowded.

Still, Nyabugogo remains a central pillar in Kigali’s daily rhythm — a place of opportunity, energy, and constant motion.

{{Revamp of Nyabugogo bus terminal}}

Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, often referred to as Rwanda’s “international hub,” is the largest in the country, serving as a critical connection point between Kigali and all provinces, as well as neighboring countries. The City of Kigali has announced plans to upgrade the terminal to meet modern standards, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2025.

The renovation project is projected to cost between $100 million and $150 million.

According to Fulgence Dusabimana, the Deputy Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure in Kigali, the upgraded terminal will feature modern and essential infrastructure.

He noted that the redesigned terminal will include separate sections for City public transport, Inter-provincial buses, and Cross-border/international buses.

Dusabimana also revealed that the project includes the construction of additional road infrastructure to address the persistent issue of traffic congestion in the Nyabugogo area.
“There will be roads designed to ease traffic flow in and around the terminal,” he said.

“You’re aware that traffic jams are common at certain hours, especially during peak travel times. The new infrastructure will help us eliminate these challenges—this includes the construction of overpasses to enhance mobility.”

He also emphasized that, given the large number of international passengers passing through Nyabugogo, accommodation facilities will be part of the terminal’s redevelopment.

“Some travelers coming from outside Rwanda may need accommodation nearby. The plan includes lodging facilities to ensure they don’t have to go far to find a place to stay,” he added.

The revamped terminal is set to become a multi-functional transport and commercial hub, reflecting Kigali’s ambition to modernize public infrastructure and meet the demands of a growing urban population.

{{Things to watch out for when visiting Nyabugogo for the first time}}

If you are visiting Nyabugogo for the first time, know that you’ve entered one of Kigali’s busiest urban areas. You may encounter many people trying to “teach you” the city or guide you around — some of whom may not have the best intentions. While Rwanda has modernized and most citizens are now well-informed and urban-minded, a word of caution can still be helpful.

It’s advisable to have clear communication with the person who is supposed to receive you. Agree in advance on your departure and arrival times, so they can be there to meet you.

This will help you avoid getting lost or falling into the hands of people who may try to take advantage of your confusion.

If your host isn’t present or you have to continue your journey alone, avoid being distracted by the many sights and sounds around you. Stay focused on your travel route and proceed without delay. If you are transferring to another location, make your move promptly and don’t linger unnecessarily.

Be cautious of strangers who approach you offering help or information, no matter how friendly or helpful they may seem. Politely decline such offers because it’s often difficult to distinguish between someone with good intentions and a potential scammer. Giving such people your attention could lead to being misled or even robbed.

Keep your valuables safe and secure. This includes items like mobile phones, laptops, cash, or any other important belongings. Make sure they are stored discreetly and out of easy reach, as this will reduce the chances of being targeted by opportunistic thieves.

Lastly, don’t stay too long in the area—especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. While your curiosity may tempt you to explore more, it’s better to move on with your journey. You can always return later with someone who knows the place well or once you’re more familiar with the surroundings.

{{Below are photos offering a glimpse of Nyabugogo}}

The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.

Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s threat with a statement saying that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.

India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and “the United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability,” said the statement.

On July 29, Trump set a 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. The latest punitive tariff on Indian goods is seen as part of the U.S. pressure campaign targeting Russia.