Announced via Rwanda Development Board (RDB)’s official X account, the partnership will include a range of services and the development of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility aimed at improving public service delivery and reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing.
E7 Group, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, specializes in secure printing, identity management, packaging, publishing, and logistics.
Originally established in 2006 as United Printing & Publishing (UPP), the company rebranded to E7 Group in January 2024 to reflect its broader mandate and alignment with the UAE’s strategic vision. The name “E7” symbolizes the unity of the UAE’s seven emirates and the company’s forward-looking mission.
As a subsidiary of ADQ—one of the region’s key investment vehicles established in 2018 to drive economic diversification—E7 Group brings significant expertise in secure, high-tech solutions.
Rwanda, meanwhile, continues to make notable progress in industrial development. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), industrial output grew by 5% in March 2025.
Earlier that month, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente highlighted that the country’s industrial production has tripled since 2017, increasing from Frw 591 billion to Frw 1.68 trillion, largely driven by value-added investments across sectors.
Industrial parks have been central to this progress, with 230 factories now fully operational nationwide and another 98 in the pipeline.
Employment in the sector has also surged—from 180,000 in 2017 to 259,000 in 2024—reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to industrialization as a key pillar of economic transformation and job creation.
More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China, the Soviet Union and other countries fought side by side and secured victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, opening a new chapter in human history.
As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, the international community demands greater global efforts to face common challenges, and to build a community with a shared future.
Xi’s upcoming visit is expected to inject new momentum into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Moreover, it will demonstrate the two major countries’ commitment to working with the rest of the world to safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and maintain world peace and stability.
{{LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIP}}
History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development, Xi said in his phone conversation with Putin in February.
The coming visit marks Xi’s 11th trip to Russia since he became Chinese president. The two heads of state have met more than 40 times on different occasions over the years. Their close communication provides strategic guidance, under which China-Russia relations have matured into a resilient and stable partnership characterized by deepening political trust, closer strategic alignment and sustained practical cooperation.
In 2024, bilateral trade rose to 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years. In December 2024, the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline was fully completed. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, e-commerce, bio-medicine, scientific and technological innovation, as well as green energy continues to expand.
The two countries’ long-lasting friendship has grown increasingly popular among the two peoples. The mutual visa exemption agreement for group tours has encouraged more robust two-way travel. Hundreds of cultural events have been held in succession with the framework of the China-Russia Year of Culture.
Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian ambassador to China, said the strategic guidance of the two heads of state is a key factor in ensuring the steady and long-term development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
The two leaders are expected to hold extensive and in-depth discussions on both bilateral cooperation and multilateral issues, and the Russian side has high expectations for that, he added.
{{INDELIBLE CONTRIBUTION}}
Over 80 years ago, China and Russia, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during World War II, made tremendous sacrifices and indelible contribution to the final victory.
In a signed article published by the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his visit to Russia in 2015, Xi quoted Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky as saying, “If we lost the memory of our past, our mind and soul would be lost in the darkness,” in a bid to express his remembrance of the history of the World Anti-Fascist War and earnest expectations for the two nations to join hands to maintain world peace and stability.
The bitter lessons drawn from World War II have taught mankind that the strong preying on the weak, the law of the jungle, warlike or hegemonic policies, the winner-takes-all mindset and zero-sum game do not benefit coexistence, peace or development of mankind, Xi wrote in the article.
Noha Bakir, a professor of political science at American University in Cairo, said China and Russia, drawing lessons from history, shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding international stability and cooperation amid today’s complex global landscape.
By studying, restoring and spreading the true history, people can better understand World War II and the post-war international order, thus they will resist the attempts to distort historical facts, he added.
Andrey Fesyun, deputy director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia will further jointly advocate the correct historical view of World War II, and work together to maintain global strategic stability, so as to make the due contributions of responsible major countries to the advancement of international fairness and justice.
{{SPEARHEADING PROGRESS}}
Eighty years ago, representatives from multiple countries, including China and the Soviet Union, gathered in the U.S. city of San Francisco, and signed the Charter of the United Nations, laying the cornerstone of the post-war international order.
The preamble to the charter solemnly states the commitment “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”
China and Russia have natural responsibilities to make joint efforts to steer and promote global governance in a direction that meets the expectations of the international community and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi when meeting with Putin in March 2023. And it was during Xi’s first visit to Russia in 2013 as Chinese president that he first proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, China and Russia have been working closely on the world stage. Beijing and Moscow firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, as well as the fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They are also advocates of true multilateralism.
The two nations have also joined hands to promote political solutions to international and regional hot-spot issues. They have strengthened communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS and the Group of 20, and are jointly committed to advancing a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.
Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan scholar on international relations, said that China and Russia collaborate through platforms like the SCO and BRICS, which has not only promoted a multipolar world, but also empowered the Global South with a greater voice in global governance and a bigger role in shaping the rules on major international issues.
Ilgar Velizade, head of the South Caucasus Club of Political Scientists from Azerbaijan, said that the growing strength of multilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the SCO and BRICS represents a powerful embodiment of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
If countries engage in an active, constructive and sustainable dialogue focused on common interests, the world will be safer, the global economy more sustainable and humanity’s future far more promising, he said.
The Ministry of Sports is coordinating the event, ensuring it aligns with national development goals. Visit Rwanda contributes its hospitality experience, curating memorable experiences for athletes and visitors, while FERWACY offers technical expertise gained from organizing the Tour du Rwanda. Through this collaborative effort, Rwanda is steadily bringing its vision to life.
Rwanda’s hosting strategy relies on its well-established security framework, developed through the successful management of various international events. This includes sports gatherings such as the FIFA Congress in 2023, the FIA Awards ceremony in December 2024 (a first for Africa), and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals, hosted repeatedly since 2021 in Kigali.
Notably, the successful 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda in February 2025 demonstrated Rwanda’s effective safety protocols, as the race navigated diverse regions smoothly, allowing all participants to concentrate fully on competition.
Infrastructure development progresses steadily to welcome the global cycling community. Kigali’s hospitality sector has mobilized to meet anticipated demand, while transport networks are optimizing for seamless connectivity between race routes and cultural attractions. The championship routes themselves will display Rwanda’s lush landscapes, from Kigali’s colourful urban environment to the diverse and unique scenery found throughout Rwanda’s various provinces and districts.
Rwanda continues to ensure accessibility through straightforward travel policies. Visitors from all nations can secure visas upon arrival, with citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and Francophonie member states benefiting from free 30-day visas. The efficient e-Visa system via the Irembo online portal offers added convenience.
Clarifying some misconceptions, yellow fever vaccinations are required only for travelers arriving from at-risk regions, consistent with standard WHO guidelines. Travelers can access detailed and current information on visa requirements and application procedures on the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration of Rwanda’s official website, the reliable source for immigration-related matters.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the races, the 2025 Championships promise a lasting legacy. The event will inspire young athletes across Africa and solidify Rwanda’s position as a premier destination for international sports. As preparations enter their final stages, Rwanda welcomes the world to witness this historic moment in cycling and African sports.
Regular updates on venues, tickets, and related events are available through official channels as the countdown to September continues.
The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President, Urugwiro Village.
Relations between the two countries have significantly improved in recent years, especially after President Macron acknowledged France’s historical responsibility in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and expressed a desire to rebuild ties and promote reconciliation.
This renewed partnership has been further reinforced through high-level visits and ongoing diplomatic engagement.
In 2021, President Macron paid a landmark two-day official visit to Rwanda aimed at deepening bilateral ties and cooperation.
During the visit, he toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest.
There, he laid a wreath and delivered a powerful speech acknowledging France’s role in Rwanda’s history.
“As I stand with humility and respect at your side on this day, I come to recognise the magnitude of our responsibilities,” Macron said.
The visit also included a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference, during which the two heads of state witnessed the signing of two key agreements: one outlining a framework for bilateral cooperation and another focused on sports and talent development.
President Kagame most recently visited France in October 2024, accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, to attend the 19th Summit of La Francophonie, co-hosted by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Wednesday.
The talks come after the new U.S. administration imposed a series of unilateral tariff measures, which China said have disrupted bilateral relations and global trade order.
In response, China took firm [countermeasures,->https://en.igihe.com/business/article/trade-war-heats-up-as-china-strikes-back-with-125-tariffs-on-u-s-goods] defending what it calls its legitimate rights and interests.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the U.S. recently expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, prompting China to agree to talks after careful consideration of global expectations, national interest, and feedback from U.S. industry stakeholders.
China emphasized that any negotiation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit, warning against the use of dialogue as a tool for coercion or blackmail.
The spokesperson added that China would not compromise on its core principles and reiterated its commitment to fair international trade, the World Trade Organization, and multilateralism.
The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by Pakistan’s Minister of Defense in a televised address.
Earlier that day, India’s Ministry of Defence stated it had carried out strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming the action was in retaliation for a terror attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir that left over 20 civilians dead.
In response, Pakistan strongly condemned the Indian strikes, calling them an unprovoked act of war and a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement that the Indian Air Force had violated Pakistan’s airspace using standoff weapons to target civilian areas.
The strikes reportedly hit Bahawalpur and Sheikhupura districts in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli districts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani army, said that at least 26 people were killed and 46 others injured after India carried out strikes on six civilian settlements in Pakistan.
In a statement issued Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning: “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
He had earlier described the situation as the most dangerous in years between the two South Asian nuclear powers, urging both governments to resolve their differences diplomatically.
“A military solution is no solution,” he emphasized, offering his good offices to help ease tensions.
The Secretary-General also condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it “unacceptable” and urging that those responsible be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.”
The attack occurred on May 3, 2025, in the dense Katupa forest, located in Macomia District.
According to RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the ambush was carried out by insurgents. He noted that while Rwanda suffered casualties, the enemy incurred significant losses.
“Yes, it happened on May 3 in Katupa forest. The soldiers were on duty when they were ambushed. Three were killed and six injured, but they are recovering. The enemy suffered heavy casualties,” Brig Gen Rwivanga told IGIHE.
Katupa forest, in northern Macomia, is one of the regions where insurgents regrouped after being expelled from other areas of Cabo Delgado. The area was previously under the control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission.
In late 2023, Rwandan forces engaged in intense fighting in the region and successfully rescued approximately 600 hostages held by insurgents.
The latest attack comes as Rwanda is also involved in training Mozambique’s national forces to strengthen their capacity to independently protect their country once international missions conclude.
Mozambique’s Army Chief, Maj Gen Tiago Alberto Nampele, previously stated that 95% of insurgent activity had been eliminated by the end of 2023.
However, he acknowledged that small militant cells remained in areas like Katupa, where they operate from mobile camps and avoid setting up fixed bases.
In response, Rwandan forces have intensified surveillance using helicopters, particularly after the discovery of landmines planted by insurgents in the forest. In 2024, a Mozambican military vehicle was destroyed by one such explosive in Katupa.
Since Rwanda’s initial deployment to Mozambique to combat the Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah insurgent group, several high-ranking militant leaders have been eliminated.
In August 2023, RDF troops killed the group’s top commander during a targeted ambush on August 16. Most of the group’s original leadership has since been dismantled and replaced by new operatives.
Currently, Rwanda’s security operations in Mozambique are led by Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who commands the Joint Task Force (JTF).
He is supported by Brig Gen Justus Majyambere, the Task Force Battle Group Commander. The Rwandan police contingent in Mozambique is headed by CP William Kayitare, with ACP Francis Muheto serving as his deputy.
He urged the officer to remain focused on their duties and the overarching goals of their mission, highlighting their critical role in maintaining peace and security, and particularly protection of civilians.
The two contingents–Rwanda Formed Unit One (RWAFPU-1) of 140 officers and Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Two (RWAFPU-2) of 180 officers will replace their colleagues in Bangui and Kaga Bandoro, respectively.
RWAFPU-1 is commanded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bernardin Nsengiyumva while RWAFPU2 is under the command of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jules Rutayisire.
DIGP Sano reminded the officers of the significance to carry the Rwandan flag with honor and dignity to uphold the Rwandan legacy.
He further emphasized the core values such as teamwork, discipline, loyalty, and patriotism towards a successful tour-of-duty.
The Deputy Police Chief also reiterated the importance of operational readiness, handling contingent owned equipment well, mental resilience, and cultural sensitivity.
“You are entrusted by your country to undertake Police related duties under the UN flag. The guidance you receive reinforces the training you have undergone, and it is essential to integrate this knowledge into your work. By conducting yourselves with professionalism, you will enhance the reputation of the nation you represent,” DIGP Sano said.
“You are deployed to contribute to peace and restore security in the CAR. To fulfill your responsibilities effectively, it is essential to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors with professionalism, integrity, commitment, and diligence” the Deputy Police Chief said.
Rwanda started its peace support operations in CAR in 2014, and currently maintains four contingents there–three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU)
PSU also operates in the capital Bangui while RWAFPU-3 is deployed in Bangassou.
The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.
He was presenting the 2024 Annual Audit Report to both chambers of Parliament on May 6, 2025.
The report, covering the fiscal year ending 30 June 2024, also detailed other improvements, including a reduction in unlawful expenditure and significant recoveries through preventive audits.
The increase to 94% of public entities earning unqualified opinions on their financial statements reflects growing adherence to financial standards.
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) expanded its audit coverage, examining 239 public entities and issuing 242 financial audit reports and 243 compliance audit reports, compared to 222 and 220, respectively, in 2023.
Additionally, the OAG conducted 18 performance audits, 7 information systems audits, and 10 special audits requested by stakeholders.
Compliance with laws and regulations improved, with 75% of entities receiving unqualified opinions, up from 69%. Value-for-money audits also advanced, with 66% of entities achieving unqualified opinions, compared to 59% in 2023.
Preventive audits were a key success, enabling the recovery or adjustment of Frw 9.29 billion in inflated bills out of Frw 9.39 billion identified since 2023.
Unlawful expenditure decreased to Frw 2.04 billion in 2024 from Frw 2.57 billion in 2023, reflecting enhanced oversight.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including delayed contracts, stalled construction projects, and idle assets.
The implementation rate of audit recommendations rose slightly to 60% from 59%, indicating a need for better follow-through.
