Category: Science &Technology

The launch is being hailed as a pivotal moment for the continent’s collective ambitions in space, offering renewed hope for African youth and aspiring space professionals.

The event marked the culmination of nearly a decade of strategic groundwork that began in January 2016, when the African Union Assembly adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy during its Twenty-Sixth Ordinary Session, establishing the framework for a coordinated continental approach to space activities.

The ceremony, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, brought together high-level delegations from African Union Member States, global space agencies, and international stakeholders.

The event underscored a growing commitment to collaborative space exploration and self-reliance in space capabilities across the continent.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AfSA and the European Space Agency (ESA), laying the foundation for future collaboration in Earth observation, satellite development, data sharing, and capacity building.

The agreement is expected to accelerate Africa’s integration into the global space community and strengthen technical exchange and innovation.

Established under the auspices of the African Union Commission, the Africa Space Agency is tasked with coordinating space activities across the continent, supporting member states in leveraging space applications for sustainable development, and promoting homegrown technologies. Its mandate aligns with Africa’s broader goals to address challenges in climate monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and connectivity through space-based solutions.

The inauguration also sets the stage for the upcoming New Space Africa Conference (April 21–24, 2025), where space experts, investors, and policymakers will gather in Cairo to shape the future of the African space industry.

Rwanda’s Space Agency CEO Gaspard Twagirayezu, who attended the launch, acknowledged the importance of the milestone.

“The establishment of the African Space Agency provides a continental drive in the development and utilization of space technology,” he remarked.

The CEO also emphasised Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to the continental agenda: “Rwanda, through the Rwanda Space Agency, looks forward to playing a part in the success of the continental efforts that the African Space Agency will be spearheading.”

As Africa charts its course into space, Rwanda is already making strategic strides. The Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), established in 2020, has been actively engaging in both regional and international partnerships to advance the use of space technologies for development.

From its pioneering Earth observation satellite, RwaSat-1—launched in 2019 and still providing vital data for precision agriculture—to its ongoing collaboration with TRL Space to build Rwanda’s first hyperspectral satellite, the country is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s space ambitions.

The hyperspectral satellite, currently under development and slated for launch in 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will provide high-resolution data for agricultural monitoring, environmental protection, and resource management.

Beyond satellite development, RSA has also signed agreements with global partners such as the Polish Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and UNOSAT, and is investing in national awareness campaigns and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engagement initiatives to cultivate a future-ready space workforce.

For African youth with aspirations beyond the atmosphere, the launch of AfSA stands as a powerful symbol; it signals a continental commitment to shaping the future not just on Earth, but in orbit.

The company, headquartered in Kigali, announced the vehicle on Tuesday, highlighting its purpose-built design for African conditions and a significant 10-year or 1-million-kilometre battery warranty.

According to IZI Electric, the Impala E30 is the first commercial vehicle on the continent to feature CATL’s BC5 battery system, a key factor in the extended warranty offering.

CEO Alex Wilson stated that the warranty addresses long-standing concerns about battery longevity in electric vehicles, potentially boosting confidence for operators and financial institutions considering the transition to electric fleets.

The Impala E30 is slated to join IZI’s leasing fleet in June, with initial deployments focusing on intercity routes exceeding 400 kilometers daily. The company reports having already secured over 50 pre-orders from transport operators across East Africa, indicating early market interest.

IZI Electric stresses the potential for significant cost savings with the Impala E30 compared to traditional diesel buses. They estimate that over a 10-year period, fuel costs for the electric bus could be up to 87% lower than for a comparable diesel vehicle, translating to savings of over $200,000 per vehicle.

The company also highlighted that the Impala E30 was designed specifically for the diverse terrains and climates of Africa, featuring marine-grade anti-corrosion materials, reinforced waterproofing, optimized suspension for varied road quality, and an advanced thermal battery management system.

Furthermore, each Impala E30 will be equipped with IZI Connect, a fleet management platform offering real-time vehicle monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, driver behavior insights, and smart route optimization.

IZI Electric is strategically positioning the Impala E30 as a direct replacement for the widely used “Coaster” minibus, which serves as a backbone of public transport across the continent. The company estimates that replacing even half of Africa’s existing diesel coaster fleet with the Impala E30 could lead to substantial fuel cost savings and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

“If we replaced just half of Africa’s existing diesel coaster fleet with the Impala E30, the continent would save over $1 billion in fuel costs every year and reduce carbon emissions by more than 2.7 million tonnes a year” Wilson noted. “The economic and environmental impact would be extraordinary.”

The company also pointed to the increasing availability of renewable energy resources in several African countries, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as a factor that further strengthens the economic and environmental case for electric vehicle adoption in the region.

Founded in 2023, IZI Electric aims to accelerate the adoption of affordable and sustainable electric vehicle solutions in Africa’s transportation sector.

The feature allows users to turn their Google Docs into audio overviews, with AI reading out articles or other written work. Available through the Gemini-powered updates to Google Docs, the feature acts as an AI narrator, offering a fresh, hands-free way to consume written content.

The functionality had previously grabbed attention when it was offered as part of the NotebookLM research tool and is now being integrated more broadly across Workspace accounts, set to roll out in the coming weeks.

In addition to the podcast feature, Google has introduced a variety of other Gemini-powered tools for Workspace users. One such feature is a prompt called “Help me refine,” which offers suggestions to improve drafts rather than simply rewriting them.

This tool is especially useful for those who don’t have access to a human editor, providing helpful feedback to tighten up documents. It will be available later this quarter.

Gemini’s influence doesn’t stop there. The update also includes a tool designed to assist with spreadsheet management in Google Sheets.

Currently, Gemini can help generate visuals and answer specific questions related to data in spreadsheets.

Looking ahead, a feature called “Help me analyze” will offer broader capabilities, guiding users to identify trends and helping them make sense of data. This tool is expected to be available later this year.

The team, consisting of Kalisa Ineza Giovanni, 18, and Bisizi Muhire Ighor, 19—both graduates of Rwanda Coding Academy—along with Iradukunda Moustapha, 19, a student at SOS Technical High School in Kigali, impressed judges with their ingenious AI-powered solution designed to bridge the communication gap between people with hearing disabilities and those with speech impairments.

Their innovation, Signal AI, is an application primarily aimed at schools, promoting an inclusive environment by converting sound and text into sign language in Kinyarwanda and vice versa.

“With this application, teachers will no longer struggle to teach students who are deaf or have speech impairments. They simply speak, and the application translates everything into sign language using a 3D model,” Giovanni explained.

“It can also translate sign language for someone who doesn’t understand it, converting it into text or sound for the other person,” he added.

Giovanni noted that the technology is scalable and can be applied in various real-life situations, including assisting traffic officers and accident victims in communicating during emergencies.

The team’s lead developer described the hackathon as an incredible experience that allowed them to apply their skills in a real-world setting and expressed excitement about their victory in the highly competitive event.

“This has been an incredible experience. We utilised both our skills and the resources provided to us, which helped us address the challenges faced by those who feel excluded due to hearing or speech impairments,” Giovanni said.

The team plans to use part of their RWF 5 million award—sponsored by AI and open data company Digital Umuganda—to further develop their solution.

Held at the Irembo campus in Nyarutarama from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, the 48-hour hackathon was hosted in partnership with Irembo, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), and several other institutions that sponsored the awards. Twenty teams participated, competing for innovation glory.

Other Winners

The second-place winners, who took home RWF 3 million, developed ScholarSphere, an AI-powered platform designed to help users upload content and receive personalised career or subject paths based on their submissions. Once users upload content, the platform generates a summarised graph outlining a clear learning or career trajectory.

The third-place award went to a team of two developers for their project, Maitress, an AI-powered educational tutor assistant. This virtual “teacher” speaks multiple languages and utilises computer vision. By pointing a camera at a question, Maitress can interpret what it sees. Users can either speak to it or show it something, and it will analyse the input. When asked a question, it processes the query and delivers a step-by-step solution.

Libériste Clarence and his teammate, Ndizihiwe Regis, won RWF 2 million for their project. This marks Clarence’s second podium finish, having previously won the first edition of the hackathon with Cedric Izabayo for their AI-powered chatbot, Bwenge.

Speaking about his victory, Clarence couldn’t hide his excitement, sharing his determination to turn his ideas into reality.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m eager to push these impactful ideas forward so that they can start providing value to society.”

The second and third-place prizes of RWF 3 million and RWF 2 million were sponsored by Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and Proto, respectively.

Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, termed the second edition of the hackathon a big success, revealing that the teams presented even more impactful projects than in the previous edition.

“The candidates delivered amazing solutions, including voice AI, translation tools, contextual education platforms, and even a farming solution to identify plant diseases. We saw a wide range of impressive projects, and it was really tough to pick a single winner,” Djomga remarked.

In developing practical AI solutions, the participants leveraged large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies. Teams also had the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, provided access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI models for voice-enabled applications.

Beyond the innovative displays and prizes, the hackathon aimed to bridge the gap between concept and real-world application.

Addressing the potential commercialisation of the projects, Djomga highlighted the practical outcomes already emerging.

“Our goal isn’t just to award prizes but to create a space where ideas can grow into viable solutions. Take last year’s event, for instance. The previous winner joined our team and is already accelerating our internal services,” Djomga stated, referring to Cedric, who recently joined the company.

He further encouraged participants to leverage their ideas, networks, and experience gained to launch startups.

Patrick Ndjientcheu, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Irembo, echoed this optimism, emphasising the hackathon’s role in showcasing Rwanda’s digital potential.

“What I saw made me think, ‘If these people keep doing what they’re doing, Rwanda will be on the world map for digital innovation,’” Ndjientcheu said.

He praised the participants for transforming ideas into working solutions in just 48 hours, noting that the event provided the right tools and energy to unlock their problem-solving skills.

The Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) was also represented at the closing ceremony. Odilo Rugamba, a software architect at RISA, praised the projects presented, noting their potential to revolutionise public services and beyond, aligning with the government’s National Strategy for Transformation goal of training one million developers by 2030.

“What we saw today was spectacular,” Rugamba remarked. “The projects they completed in just 48 hours were truly remarkable. We’re thrilled to see the talent and technical capabilities on display and hope this momentum continues to grow into the future.”

The hackathon came just days before Rwanda hosts Africa’s inaugural two-day summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI), scheduled for 3–4 April.

The Global AI Summit on Africa will convene world leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to accelerate AI innovation, mobilise investment, and promote strategic policy alignment to bolster Africa’s AI capabilities for competitiveness and inclusive growth.

In recent years, its focus has increasingly shifted towards fostering media partnerships and driving innovation within the Global South.

At the December 2024 Media Forum, CCTV, together with the Asia-Pacific Radio and Television Union, the Arab States Radio and Television Union, the African Radio and Television Union, and the Latin American Press Union, launched the “Global South Media Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism” and successfully held the first “Global South Media Dialogue.”

During a visit of international journalists at CCTV headquarters, highlighting the significance of this initiative, Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief at CCTV, Gao Wei stated, “That also helped to further discuss innovative cooperation in the various fields, such as AI, media, convergence, and other fields.”

As part of its commitment to leveraging technology in media, CCTV Plus has introduced a “multi-language intelligent translation platform and a customized service platform for integrated media.”

Additionally, it has launched “MediaPix,” a tool that “can complete the creation and editing of text, audio, pictures, videos, very conveniently, and also help to increase the efficiency of our work.”

These technological advancements reflect a broader effort to streamline media production and enhance storytelling capabilities within the Global South.

On the basis of existing collaborations, CCTV Plus is spearheading efforts to establish a “Global South Media Partnership Mechanism through a multi-dimensional cooperation.”

This initiative underscores China’s strategic interest in fostering deeper media ties among Global South countries. “For CCTV Plus, we are also committed to further enhance the media competitiveness and international influence of the Global South countries,” Wei emphasized.

CCTV’s global strategy is informed by the rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological landscape. “At present, the world landscape is undergoing profound changes. China and the countries of the Global South share a will and a hope in the spirit of working together for global cooperation and a hope to build a platform for news reporting and also to realize the mutual benefit of the cooperation,” he remarked.

With this vision, CCTV has invited media stakeholders worldwide to join its efforts in strengthening media cooperation across the Global South.

“And here, I would also like to invite our media friends presenting here today to join the Global South Media Cooperation Mechanism and work with us to push the media cooperation of countries in the Global South to a higher level that we talk about. And the Global South Media Cooperation Mechanism actually already includes a lot of friends. We hope to see you there as well. And hope to see you all.”

CCTV’s approach aligns with its broader goals of technological leadership and cross-border media collaboration. By harnessing AI, media convergence, and multilingual platforms like MediaPix, it aims to solidify its role as a global media powerhouse.

As the organization continues expanding its influence, its partnerships within the Global South will play a critical role in shaping the future of international media cooperation.

The first edition of the hackathon was held in September last year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Rwanda’s tech landscape, led by Irembo—a company renowned for digitizing and streamlining government services through innovative digital platforms.

The 2025 team comprises 63 young and ambitious software engineers from diverse backgrounds, working in groups of two to four, eager to leave their mark in the annals of technology.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the hackathon at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama, Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, rallied the participants to seize the moment and push boundaries to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in society.

“This is your chance to show the world what you’re capable of,” Djomga declared. “Take these 48 hours, use the latest AI tools, and build solutions that don’t just win prizes but change lives—because that’s where the true value lies.”

He noted that the participating teams were selected from more than 80 submissions, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for AI innovation in Rwanda. This rigorous preselection process narrowed the pool down to 20 standout teams with a total of 63 participants.

The hackathon’s timing is strategic, aligning with Rwanda’s upcoming inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa, scheduled for April 3-4, 2025.

Djomga explained that hosting the event now positions Irembo as a key player in the nation’s artificial intelligence landscape, amplifying the country’s push to become a regional tech hub.

“We’re setting the stage for the Summit,” he remarked, “showing that Rwanda isn’t just following global trends—we’re shaping them, starting with these innovators right here.”

In developing practical AI solutions, the participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies. Teams will also have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI models for voice-enabled applications.

Other sponsors of the event include the World Economic Forum (WEF), RSSB, and Digital Umuganda, among others.

Coding for the projects is expected to close at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, when the participants will submit their projects. Presentations of the solutions to a panel of distinguished judges will then commence and conclude by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

After the evaluations, the winners will be announced and awarded during a ceremony to be held later that evening at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama.

The stakes are higher this year, with the top prize remaining at 5 million Rwandan francs, while second place has increased to 3 million, up from 2 million in the first edition, and third place now stands at 2 million, up from 1 million.

Beyond the cash rewards, all participants gain invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance for career boosts. Djomga noted that last year’s winner, Cedric Izabayo, joined Irembo—a hint at potential paths for this year’s standouts—while emphasizing that the true goal is crafting solutions to streamline digital services.

As Rwanda races toward its National Strategy for Transformation goal of a million developers by 2030, this 48-hour hackathon is a microcosm of that ambition. Djomga framed it as a quality-driven effort: “It’s not about the number—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Participants like Hirwa Venuste, a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with over a decade of tech experience, see it as a chance to make a mark.

“I’m excited to create something the community can benefit from—AI can solve so many problems today,” he told IGIHE.

Likewise, Kerianne Nabampema, a graduating Carnegie Mellon University student, aims to inspire: “I’m a go-getter—I had this crazy idea, and I want to show what’s possible, especially for women in tech.”

By Sunday evening, the efforts of these ambitious tech enthusiasts will not only crown new winners but also shine a spotlight on Rwanda’s rising tech stars in the fast-paced tech industry.

Weibo is a leading social media platform in China for people to create, discover and distribute content. The tour covered everything from high-tech data centers to collaborative workspaces, from leisure areas filled with gaming stations to well-equipped gyms, classrooms, and expansive dining halls.

Weibo, often compared to Twitter, is more than just a microblogging platform; it is a technological powerhouse that has built its empire on self-reliance and localized innovation.

Since its inception in 2009, Weibo has charted its course independently, avoiding reliance on external tools or foreign technology. The platform has grown to host 590 million monthly active users, with 260 million logging in daily.

Unlike other social media giants that often depend on third-party solutions for data management and content moderation, Weibo has developed its own in-house systems, including real-time data correction tools that ensure accurate trend analysis.

This level of technological sovereignty does not only enhance security but also allows Weibo to fine-tune its platform to better serve local preferences and needs.

What sets Weibo apart is its deep integration into the Chinese digital ecosystem. It has seamlessly blended social interaction with commerce, media, and governance.

The platform’s vertical content fields cover everything from government affairs to entertainment, sports, and anime, allowing for a dynamic and engaging user experience. Trending topics are updated in real time using proprietary algorithms, analyzing searches, discussions, and views within seconds.

The precision of these tools ensures that Weibo remains at the forefront of public discourse, with 30% of topics revolving around social issues, another 30% focusing on niche interest circles, and 40% dominated by entertainment content.

Weibo’s user distribution is another testament to its localized approach. Weibo has expanded its reach into Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, which together account for nearly 60% of its user base. Furthermore, 80% of its users are from the 90s and 2000s generations, leading to people calling it a digital home for China’s youth.

Beyond social networking, Weibo has played a critical role in shaping China’s digital economy. Its monetization model is uniquely tailored to local businesses, influencers, and e-commerce platforms.

Unlike other models that rely heavily on traditional digital advertising, Weibo’s revenue streams include a sophisticated mix of direct brand partnerships, influencer-driven marketing, and interactive engagement strategies such as fan interactions.

The platform’s commitment to technological self-reliance extends even further. The tools used for real-time data processing, content moderation, and trend detection are all built in-house.

This level of autonomy ensures that Weibo operates with full control over its infrastructure, a strategic advantage in an era where data security and digital sovereignty are paramount.

After my tour of Weibo’s headquarters in Beijing, I came to a realization that “For developing economies, true digital sovereignty comes not just from adopting technology but from building it.”

Photos by Christian Mugisha

One app for everything essential in Rwanda

Rwandans rely on multiple apps to manage their digital lives with services such as applying for government services, settling traffic fines, paying for utilities, accessing healthcare, ordering food, reading news, and accessing other essential services usually means navigating a fragmented digital landscape.

Each service requires a separate app or platform, leading to cluttered devices, wasted storage, and a frustrating user experience. Difficulty juggling multiple accounts, remembering passwords, and managing security settings across different apps also increases the risk of data breaches.

IremboApp aims to solve these challenges by bringing the most essential services into a single, secure platform. Instead of switching between different apps, users can manage key services in one place, saving time while ensuring their data remains protected.

Starting with the most requested services

The first version of IremboApp, which is available in Kinyarwanda, English and French, focuses on high-demand government services that affect millions of people.

Citizens can apply for birth, celibacy, and marriage certificates or access them securely and easily in the app’s safe box, protected by the phone’s PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID.

Additionally, citizens can easily check and pay for community-based health insurance (mutuelle de santé) in just a few taps.

Finally, most people only realize they have traffic fines when checking manually or getting stopped by the police. With IremboApp, citizens receive an in-app notification when a fine is issued, and they can pay with one tap to avoid late penalties.

IremboApp 1.0 also comes with time-saving personalization and convenience features such as saving their MTN MoMo or Airtel Money number in the app and use it whenever they need to make a payment without repeatedly entering their payment details. They can also save their car details in the app to never miss a traffic fine again.

“IremboApp is a vision for a simplified, personalized, and localized digital future for Rwanda’s consumers,” said Israel BIMPE, CEO of Irembo.

“We are starting with the most popular government services because they impact everyone’s life. But this is just the beginning. We aim to create a comprehensive super app that delivers breakthrough convenience and safety in consumers’ digital lives by putting essential services they need right in the palm of their hands,” he added.

Early users are already feeling the impact

For example, motorcycle taxi riders can use the IremboApp to manage some essential services. With it, everything comes through effortlessly. You can get notified whenever there’s a fine and can pay it easily and at any time.

The good thing is that the app is available in Kinyarwanda, unlike most phone apps, which are commonly either in English or French.

How to get started

IremboApp is available now on Google Play and the App Store. After downloading the app, getting started is quick and easy;

Begin by logging in with your Irembo account or create one using your phone number and National ID. Add your car details (license plate and TIN) to receive real-time traffic fine notifications and pay with one tap. Easily access your certificates or apply for one in a few taps.