This high-profile event, attended by ministers, former ambassadors, and experts, marked a significant moment for Rwanda’s growing influence in global diplomacy.
Amb. Shyaka’s recognition on December 11, speaks volumes about the strength of Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in Poland, and its expanding role in fostering strategic global partnerships.
Commenting on the development, Amb. Shayaka expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked the leadership of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) for the award.
“This award is both a surprise and an encouragement to continue spurring Rwanda- Poland relations, which are win- win in nature, and growing in the right direction,” he noted. ” Africa sees Europe as its strategic partner to shape its future. I hope that Europe can see Africa as its strategic partner, in years to come,” Amb. Shyaka added.
The conference focused on critical issues such as the challenges of a multipolar world, digital sovereignty, and global security.
It also explored topics such as transatlantic relations, European digital sovereignty, and the shifting role of the United States in global governance, issues that benefit from African perspectives.
Amb. Shyaka’s involvement reinforced the importance of integrating Africa’s voice in shaping discussions around security, the digital economy, and Europe-Africa relations.
Rwanda, known for its remarkable economic transformation, strong governance, and technological innovation, has consistently positioned itself as a leader in these areas.
Amb. Shyaka’s presence at such a high-level forum provided an invaluable platform to showcase Rwanda’s economic potential, while also opening doors for collaboration across a range of sectors, including investment, technology, academia, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
Receiving the “Diplomat of the Year” award also represents a form of soft power, enhancing Rwanda’s global profile. It highlights the country’s diplomatic achievements and promotes the image of a forward-thinking nation eager to forge meaningful international partnerships.
The event also recognized ambassadors from Italy and Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in addressing shared global challenges.
The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.
The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed “Owning Your Growth,” where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.
According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.
Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.
A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.
Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.
“My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,” she said.
Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,” he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.
Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.
The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.
“We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,” she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.
“This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,” she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.
She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.
Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.
“Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,” she said.
Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.
“The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,” she said.
Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.
The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.
The promotion runs until December 31, 2025. The cashback reward aims to encourage customers to download the MoMoApp and experience the convenience of digital merchant payments during the festive season.
Customers simply make five payments to different MoMoPay merchants within one day, and qualifying users will automatically receive 5% cashback.
Commenting on the 5% cashback holiday initiative, Chantal Kagame, CEO of MoMo Rwanda said: “We want every smartphone user in Rwanda to experience the convenience of the MoMoApp. This cashback reward gives customers an immediate benefit while encouraging them to build digital payment habits, especially during the busy festive season.”
The MoMoApp allows customers to send and receive money, pay merchants and bills, move funds to and from their bank accounts, access remittance services, and manage their daily financial needs securely and conveniently.
The end of the year draws to a close, MoMo Rwanda has extended its heartfelt appreciation to all customers and stakeholders for their continued trust and partnership, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026.
{{About Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd }}
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27th April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda.
The company has about subscribers, over 65,000 Mobile Money agents, and over 5 9 6 million 0,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country.
With continuous innovations in services such as MoMoPay, MoKash Loans & Savings, Tap&Go bus payments, Bill Payments, International & Regional Remittances, and more, Mobile Money Rwanda is taking the lead in driving financial inclusion and supporting the digital economy in Rwanda.
Speaking to The Athletic, Afrika shared that the country is “in the race to possibly hold a Formula One event here in 2029,” with progress being made but the talks “not yet concluded.”
He highlighted that these negotiations are tied to the development of a new international airport, which will support the creation of a “new city” alongside the F1 racetrack.
“We actually want to use the airport as an opportunity to practically develop an entire new city,” Afrika explained.
The project could extend beyond F1, with potential for hosting Formula Two and Formula Three races as well.
Afrika emphasized the broader vision, stating, “F1 as a whole is a sport of great interest for us, even beyond bringing the racetrack, in terms of what we could do in the future because it’s the sport of global CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals, and it is far more targeted.”
According to F1 sources, Rwanda is emerging as Africa’s most advanced contender to host a future F1 race, with 2030 also being considered as a possible date.
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire expressed confidence, saying, “Talks are going well.” “F1 is something huge, so you as a country really need to prepare in terms of different aspects. Their calendar is getting busier and busier, but we have proven to be a trustable partner and a strategic partner, so we believe we will get there.”
With Rwanda positioning itself as a trusted partner in sports, the F1 event is seen as an opportunity to boost the country’s global profile and open doors to investments in both sports and business.
“It opens doors for investment into the nation but also into sport,” Mukazayire added.
The new Bugesera Airport is expected to open in phases, with the first phase set to be completed by 2027.
This phase will have the capacity to accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually. The second phase, scheduled for completion by 2032, will expand the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year.
President Paul Kagame confirmed Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the country on Friday, December 13, 2024.
The Head of State made the announcement during the FIA General Assembly held at the Kigali Convention Center, following months of reports of Rwanda’s push to host the high-profile sporting event.
In his speech, Kagame expressed delight at the progress made so far, acknowledging the positive discussions with Formula 1 officials, led by CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Rwanda’s bid to host the Grand Prix is part of a broader strategy to attract high-profile sports events to Africa—a continent that has not hosted a Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is beginning to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix. A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at Formula 1 for the good progress in our discussions so far,” President Kagame stated.
“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of,” he added.
For Rwanda to host an F1 event, it requires race tracks that meet global standards, including both “Street Circuits” and specialized “Race Tracks.”
The cost of building a new track typically starts at $400 million, depending on the design and scale of the project.
“From the very beginning, Ukraine’s desire was to join NATO, these are real security guarantees. Some partners from the United States and Europe did not support this direction,” he told reporters.
“Article 5-like guarantees from the United States and from European partners, as well as from other countries — Canada, Japan … would provide an opportunity to prevent another arrival of Russian troops,” Zelensky said, adding, “It is already a compromise on our part.”
Zelensky said he was not yet ready to disclose specific details of the proposed security guarantees, saying they would be known in a day or two.
Zelensky arrived in Berlin on Sunday afternoon for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders.
German newspaper Bild reported that Zelensky may also hold talks with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump, but did not elaborate further.
Addressing Council members on Friday, December 12, during a briefing on the DRC and the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, Amb. Ngoga urged the Council to base its decisions on verified facts from the field, particularly amid worsening violence targeting the Banyamulenge and other Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities in South Kivu.
He stressed that as MONUSCO’s mandate comes up for renewal, Rwanda expects a mission firmly anchored in the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Framework, which he described as the only viable pathways to sustainable peace.
Critics say MONUSCO has failed to stabilize eastern DRC, despite more than 20 years of UN peacekeeping and tens of billions of dollars in funding.
Amb. Ngoga said the next MONUSCO mandate must prioritise strict impartiality and political neutrality, effective support to ceasefire implementation, political dialogue, and robust compliance with human rights due diligence policies.
He cautioned against offensive operations targeting parties previously engaged in political processes and called for a realistic, resource-conscious focus on stability, accountability, and political solutions.
“MONUSCO’s effectiveness will depend on how well it aligns its operations with the political tracks that offer the only viable path forward,” he said, reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to fully implement its obligations under the Washington Peace Agreement.
{{Early warning signs of atrocity crimes in South Kivu
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Turning to the situation in South Kivu, Amb. Ngoga delivered a detailed account of what he described as systematic persecution of the Banyamulenge community dating back to 2017.
He told the Council that more than 85 percent of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu have been destroyed, while an estimated 700,000 cattle, the community’s main economic lifeline, have been raided or killed.
He cited multiple incidents from 2025, including ultimatums issued by Wazalendo militias and elements of the Congolese army (FARDC) demanding that Banyamulenge civilians leave Uvira or face death, denial of access to water points, abductions, killings, and attacks accompanied by chants calling for the community’s extermination.
“These are early warning indicators of atrocity crimes, discrimination, dehumanisation, forced displacement, and the denial of basic services,” he said.
Amb. Ngoga also raised alarm over the deployment of tens of thousands of Burundian soldiers into South Kivu at the invitation of the Congolese government, operating alongside FARDC, the FDLR, and allied militias.
He said coordinated military blockades imposed on Banyamulenge areas, particularly in the Minembwe Highlands, have deprived civilians of food, medicine, and humanitarian access for nearly a year.
He further highlighted repeated air attacks carried out by Congolese government forces and their allies, including drone strikes near internally displaced persons’ camps in Mikenge and Nzibira, and said at least 50 air attacks were recorded between March and December this year.
“No one is speaking about this,” he told the Council, adding that Rwanda has repeatedly raised these concerns with mediators, Council members, and regional mechanisms without response.
Drawing on historical parallels, Amb. Ngoga recalled how diplomats in the same chamber spoke out during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, despite never having been on the ground, and said their courage saved lives.
“As a former investigator, I know the importance of recreating the scene,” he said, urging the Security Council to use its authority to establish the factual reality in South Kivu rather than rely on silence or denial.
He also reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing concern over the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC, describing it as an existential threat to Rwanda and its people, and accusing successive Congolese governments of supporting the group despite existing UN resolutions. The militia group comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to eastern DRC.
Amb. Ngoga’s remarks come against the backdrop of rapidly changing dynamics in South Kivu. On 10 December 2025, the rebel coalition AFC/M23 confirmed the capture of the strategic city of Uvira, marking its deepest advance in the province this year.
The group described the takeover as a liberation and accused Kinshasa of repeated ceasefire violations, hate speech, and attacks against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities. It also cited direct military involvement by Burundi and cited the prolonged blockade of Minembwe, which has forced thousands of civilians to flee, many seeking refuge in Rwanda.
Addressing the escalating situation, Amb. Ngoga stressed that Rwanda is not seeking war and has no intention of engaging in conflict with Burundi. He called for renewed international support to ongoing mediation efforts, particularly those led by the United States and Qatar, and urged all parties to implement agreed commitments in good faith.
“This conflict has gone on for too long,” he said. “If we all commit to the Washington Agreement and fully support the Doha process, there is still a possibility for a peaceful solution.”
The attacks resulted in six fatalities and eight injuries, all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, the UN chief said in a statement.
Guterres expressed his “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the government and people of Bangladesh and to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” he said. “There will need to be accountability.”
In the statement, the UN chief reiterated the call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the strike, a claim the RSF has denied.
Diana Orembe, co-founder of Tanzania-based biotech company NovFeed, won the top prize of $300,000 (approximately Rwf 437 million). NovFeed converts food waste into sustainable fish feed, helping smallholder farmers reduce costs while increasing yields and profitability. Orembe’s solution has already benefited more than 2,000 farmers, demonstrating the practical impact of biotechnology on African aquaculture.
Second place went to Adriaan Kruger of South Africa, founder of nuvoteQ, a digital platform for clinical trials that strengthens Africa’s healthcare research capacity. The South African pocketed $250,000 (Rwf 364 million) in grant funding for his venture.
Abraham Mbuthia from Kenya, founder and CEO of Uzapoint Technologies, finished third, receiving $150,000 (Rwf 218 million). His company provides digital infrastructure to over 3,500 SMEs and facilitates more than $200 million in transactions. The remaining seven finalists each received US$100,000, bringing total grants awarded to $1.5 million.
“These entrepreneurs are not only innovating and creating jobs within their sectors; but are inspirational examples of resilience and execution,” said Jason Pau, International Executive Director of the Jack Ma Foundation, during the awards ceremony in Kigali.
This year’s top ten finalists, selected from over 32,000 applicants, represented seven African nations and a variety of high-impact sectors. Kenya had three finalists: Wyclife Onyango of BuuPass (transport and digital ticketing), Janet Kuteli of Fortune Credit (fintech), and Abraham Mbuthia of Uzapoint Technologies.
Rwanda was represented by Diane Mukasahaha of DIKAM Ltd, a textile enterprise empowering women and youth. Tanzania’s Baraka Chijenga of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa joined Orembe in showcasing AgriTech innovation. Other finalists included Siny Samba of Senegal, Gohar Said of Egypt, and Jean Lobe Lobe of Cameroon.
The summit, themed “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” brought together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders. Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang, Nigerian banker Ibukun Awosika, and Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, served on the judging panel. Yang praised Kigali as a hub for Africa’s future, noting that the event highlighted the continent’s problem-solving spirit.
“This is my first time to Rwanda [and] what a joy it is to start here in Kigali; to see the focus, the intention and forward-looking” nature of the entrepreneurs, said Yang.
The Africa’s Business Heroes competition, organised by the Jack Ma Foundation since 2019 and supported by Alibaba Philanthropy, aims to recognise 100 outstanding African entrepreneurs over a ten-year period through grant funding, training and ecosystem support. Since its launch, the initiative has received more than 150,000 applications.
Rwanda hosted the ABH finale in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, which congratulated the winners and lauded the platform for convening innovators from across Africa.
The disasters have caused extensive infrastructure damage. BNPB data listed damage to about 1,200 public facilities, as well as 219 health facilities, 581 educational facilities, 434 houses of worship, 290 office buildings and 145 bridges.
Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Data and Information Center, said at a press conference on Friday that data verification and cross-referencing with civil records are ongoing at the sub-district level. He noted that victims are being confirmed by name and address and that the verification process continues in several districts.
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said during his visit to disaster-hit areas in Aceh on Friday that the government continues to work to fulfill various basic needs of the community.
“Together we will improve this situation. The government will step in and help with everything,” Prabowo said.
He also called on all citizens to remain steadfast and keep their spirits up during the recovery process, expressing hope that community activities, including teaching and learning for children, can return to normal soon.
Jack Ma and Jerry Yang are in Kigali for Africa’s Business Heroes, Alibaba’s flagship initiative supporting African entrepreneurs and job creation.
The seventh edition of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Summit opened Friday at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together leading innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners as 10 outstanding entrepreneurs compete for a share of $1.5 million (approximately Rwf 2.2 billion) in grant funding.
The two-day summit, hosted in Kigali for the third consecutive year under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” celebrates African entrepreneurship and showcases homegrown solutions transforming sectors from agriculture and biotech to fintech, health, and manufacturing.
The programme, founded by Alibaba Philanthropy and inspired by Jack Ma’s 2017 visit to Africa, has grown into one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurship competitions.
This year, ABH attracted a record-breaking 32,000 applications from across the continent, with the top 10 finalists now battling for cash prizes that include a $300,000 (Rwf 437 million) grand award, $250,000 (Rwf 364 million) for the first runner-up, $150,000 (Rwf 218 million) for the second runner-up, and $100,000 (Rwf 146 million) for each of the remaining seven finalists.
Since 2019, many Rwandans have emerged as winners in the Alibaba initiative. These successful entrepreneurs include Albert Munyabugingo, founder of Vuba Vuba; Francine Munyaneza, founder of Munyax Eco; Yvette Ishimwe, founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group; Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda; and Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founder and CEO of UZURI K&Y.
The 2025 ABH Grand Finale follows the 7th ABH Semi-Finals, which was held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025.
Winners will be announced on Saturday, December 13.
