When asked late Monday about Microsoft’s involvement, Trump responded, “I would say yes,” adding that there is “great interest in TikTok.”
However, he stopped short of naming other US firms potentially interested in the deal.
“I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” Trump remarked while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Miami to Washington, DC.
Both TikTok and Microsoft are yet to comment on the matter.
The video-sharing app briefly went offline in the US on January 18, complying with a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership of the platform or face a nationwide ban.
President Trump’s decision to suspend the enforcement of this law for 75 days upon taking office gave his administration time to seek alternatives.
The move marks a significant policy shift from his previous stance during his first term when he attempted to ban TikTok outright over alleged national security concerns. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump reversed course, pledging to “save” the platform while addressing security fears.
The controversy surrounding TikTok has spanned administrations. Former President Joe Biden signed the law mandating ByteDance’s divestment, citing bipartisan concerns over the platform’s potential to harvest Americans’ personal data and influence public discourse. Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law.
The website, officially unveiled on January 1, 2025, allows car owners to register their vehicles by providing details such as pricing and basic information. Renters can log in, input necessary details, and select the car they need. All transactions require users to create an account first.
The platform is free to use, and cars can be rented from anywhere in the country. It features vehicles from 12 leading car rental companies in Rwanda.
As of January 22—just three weeks after its launch—over 60 vehicles of various types had been listed on the platform. Additionally, the site had received 21,000 visitors, with hundreds of users already registered.
Mbabazi Jean Paul, the founder of Umunota Plus, the company behind Umunota.rw, explained that the platform was designed to provide solutions such as quick and easy access to cars, flexible rental durations, and a seamless process.
He stated: “Currently, finding a car to rent is difficult. It’s even harder to get one for short periods, like five hours, because most rentals are structured around daily bookings.
“We also aimed to tackle unemployment. For instance, we currently have 40 agents across the country. This platform has the potential to create over 100 jobs across various roles.”
The platform offers car rentals starting from as little as one hour. Renters can choose to have the car delivered to their location or pick it up themselves.
Additionally, renters can opt for cars with fuel included or arrange to pay for their own fuel. Pricing is transparent and displayed on the platform, with payment options available through the website’s integrated system or traditional methods.
Currently, services are accessible via the website, but mobile applications for both iOS and Android are set to launch in February 2025.
The platform is available in English, with plans to introduce Kinyarwanda and French versions in the future.
For those looking to rent a car, users need to log in to the website, specify their location (to find nearby cars), and provide the dates for when they need the vehicle and when they’ll return it. Once confirmed, the system provides car options based on the user’s input. The platform utilizes machine learning to enhance its functionality.
Car owners, on the other hand, can list their vehicles by clicking the “List Your Car” option, entering details about the car, and setting their prices.
Mbabazi reassured users about the platform’s security: “While the digital world faces privacy risks, our platform is secure, ensuring that unauthorized access to user data is not possible.”
In the future, the platform plans to introduce a system where drivers without cars, particularly young people, can offer their services. This feature will allow users to rent both cars and drivers if needed.
OpenAI said on Tuesday that it would team up with SoftBank and Oracle to build multiple data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. The companies expect to commit 100 billion U.S. dollars to Stargate initially and invest 500 billion dollars into the venture over the next four years.
“SoftBank and OpenAI are the lead partners for Stargate, with SoftBank having financial responsibility and OpenAI having operational responsibility,” the joint statement noted.
“They don’t actually have the money,” Musk wrote in a series of posts on X on Tuesday. “SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.”
Altman fired back at Musk in an X post Wednesday. “Wrong, as you surely know,” Altman said, responding to Musk’s allegation that SoftBank was short of capital.
Altman added that Stargate is great for the country. “I realize what is great for the country isn’t always what’s optimal for your companies, but in your new role, I hope you’ll mostly put America first.”
xAI, like OpenAI, is hungry for infrastructure to develop its AI systems. Musk’s company is estimated to have spent 12 billion dollars on its single data center in Memphis and could spend billions more upgrading the facility, according to a report by TechCrunch.
The Chinese-owned platform, beloved by 170 million Americans, now faces an uncertain future, though President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at a potential 90-day reprieve after his inauguration on Monday.
In a message displayed to users attempting to access the app, TikTok announced: “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.”
The shutdown comes after years of escalating tensions over TikTok’s ownership by China-based ByteDance, with U.S. lawmakers citing national security concerns.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed last year, required TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese entity or face a ban. ByteDance, however, refused, arguing that divestment was “simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”
The app’s disappearance follows a series of court battles. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that a ban violated free speech rights.
President Joe Biden’s administration left enforcement of the ban to the incoming Trump administration, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.”
TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed hope for a resolution under Trump’s leadership. “On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” he said in a video posted before the app went dark.
Despite Trump’s earlier support for the ban, his newfound appreciation for TikTok’s role in his 2024 presidential campaign has led him to suggest a temporary extension.
“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” he told NBC. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The sudden shutdown has left millions of American users and businesses scrambling. TikTok, a hub for small businesses, influencers, and cultural trends, warned that the app could face glitches and cybersecurity risks without regular maintenance.
Meanwhile, alternatives like China-based RedNote are already gaining traction among displaced users. “This is my new home now,” one user wrote on RedNote, tagging the post with “#TikTokRefugee” and “#Sad.”
Rival platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also expected to see an influx of users, while searches for VPNs surged as Americans sought ways to bypass the ban. Marketing firms reliant on TikTok have described the situation as a “hair on fire” moment, rushing to adjust their strategies.
The ban has further strained U.S.-China relations, with Beijing accusing Washington of unfairly targeting TikTok. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington stated, “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
Back in the U.S., speculation swirls about TikTok’s future. Potential suitors, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Media reports also suggest that billionaire Elon Musk has been involved in talks about a possible sale, though ByteDance has denied the claims.
As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, its CEO plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, reportedly to seek a political resolution. Whether TikTok will return to U.S. devices remains unclear, but for now, an era of short-video dominance in the U.S. has come to an abrupt halt.
According to a statement from the Council of Europe, the accession was formalized on January 10, 2025, when Rwanda deposited the instrument of accession to both the Convention (ETS 185) and its Additional Protocol (ETS 189).
The Budapest Convention, established by the Council of Europe in 2001, is the foremost international treaty aimed at combating cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, enhancing investigative techniques, and fostering international cooperation.
The Additional Protocol, effective since 2006, mandates the criminalization of distributing racist and xenophobic material through computer systems, as well as threats and insults motivated by such biases.
Rwanda’s journey toward this milestone began in October 2023, when it was invited to accede to the Convention. Subsequently, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT, with support from the Council of Europe’s GLACY-e project, initiated reforms to align its domestic legislation with international standards. This included drafting amendments to the existing Law on Prevention and Punishment of Cybercrimes to ensure compliance with the Convention’s provisions.
The Council of Europe, an international organization with the goal of upholding human rights and democracy, has expressed its commitment to continue supporting Rwanda in implementing the Convention’s measures.
The collaboration is expected to enhance Rwanda’s capabilities in combating cybercrime and facilitate more effective international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.
Rwanda’s accession reflects a growing commitment among African nations to tackle cybercrime through international collaboration. By joining the Budapest Convention and its Additional Protocol, Rwanda strengthens its legal framework against cybercrime and aligns with global efforts to promote a safer and more secure cyberspace.
South Africa was the first African country to sign the treaty in 2001, though it has not yet ratified it. Mauritius followed in 2004, committing to strengthening cybersecurity.
Additionally, Nigeria and Kenya have expressed interest in expanding their cybercrime legislation and are expected to play significant roles in the future of African cybersecurity. Other African countries that have joined the Convention include Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, all contributing to regional cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
Other notable countries from around the world that are part of the Convention include Russia, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. These countries, alongside several European nations like France, Germany, and Italy, and North American powers like the United States, continue to collaborate through the Convention, strengthening international ties and advancing collective efforts to combat cyber threats.
Among these was TROLL, a satellite developed by the Czech Republic’s TRL Space, which specializes in small CubeSat satellites. TRL Space also operates a branch in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.
The TROLL satellite will orbit Earth in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region, approximately 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, a common orbit due to its proximity to Earth.
While in orbit, TROLL will partner with the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to gather valuable data on Rwandan crops, supporting research to enhance agricultural productivity.
Beyond Rwanda, the satellite will aid efforts to monitor deforestation and human activities that damage soil and water in the Czech Republic.
Through collaboration with the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO), it will also collect data on rising temperatures and sea levels surrounding the Maldives.
The technology developed for TROLL will play a key role in the creation of a similar satellite being built in Rwanda.
The upcoming Rwandan satellite, equipped with advanced sensors that capture a wide colour spectrum, will provide precise data on crops, soil health, and other environmental factors.
According to Petr Kapoum, CEO of TRL Space Rwanda, the Rwandan satellite is expected to be completed by June 2026, 20 months after October 2024.
Once ready, it will be shipped to the United States for launch from either the Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral in Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
This project highlights Rwanda’s growing role in space technology and its commitment to leveraging space innovations for sustainable agricultural and environmental solutions.
The mission, which departed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:11 a.m. EST, is carrying a suite of NASA scientific instruments and technology demonstrations designed to advance the Artemis program’s goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
The landers, part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, are set to touch down on the Moon on Sunday, March 2, near Mons Latreille in the Mare Crisium region—a vast basin on the Moon’s near side.
The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, includes NASA’s largest payload delivery to the Moon to date. It features cutting-edge instruments designed to study the Moon’s surface, its geological history, and its environment.
The technologies will also address challenges such as radiation protection, lunar dust mitigation, and navigation to ensure future astronauts’ safety and success.
Key features of the mission include instruments designed to explore subsurface thermal activity, analyze lunar soil, test radiation-tolerant computing, and study the effects of rocket landings on the Moon’s surface.
The data collected from the experiments could not only advance lunar exploration but also enhance our understanding of how cosmic forces impact Earth.
“These instruments represent the next step in leveraging what we learned during the Apollo Era,” said Nicola Fox, NASA’s associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. “This mission ensures we’re prepared for the next generation of lunar explorers.”
The payloads will contribute to NASA’s broader goals under the Artemis program, including sustainable exploration and preparation for crewed missions to Mars. By leveraging commercial partnerships like CLPS, NASA is accelerating progress toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface and establishing a permanent presence.
“This mission reflects the strength of American innovation,” said Chris Culbert, manager of NASA’s CLPS program. “It’s an exciting time for space exploration, and this delivery is just the beginning.”
With the Moon increasingly becoming a hub for scientific discovery and innovation, the success of missions like Blue Ghost Mission 1 paves the way for humanity’s next giant leap.
According to Irembo, the upgrade is informed by user feedback and designed to make accessing government services “simpler, faster, and more intuitive.”
As part of the upgrade, the company has introduced various enhancements to help citizens and businesses search for service statuses, apply for and manage service applications, and track certificates and documents online.
Over the coming months, services on the current version of IremboGov ([irembo.gov.rw->https://irembo.gov.rw/]) will gradually transition to the upgraded version ([new.irembo.gov.rw->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/]).
According to Irembo, the migration will occur in phases to ensure uninterrupted access, with groups of services moved together.
“During this time, both versions of IremboGov will remain available, and we have built features and set up clear guidance to help users navigate between them until the upgraded IremboGov becomes the main version for all government services,” the statement reads in part. The company added that users will receive updates throughout the process.
The upgraded IremboGov platform currently offers three services from IPOSITA: registration, renewal, and updating an ePoBox address.
The ePoBox provides users with a secure and convenient way to manage deliveries by storing addresses digitally, offering greater reliability compared to physical postal boxes. For businesses, it simplifies logistics and postal operations with a scalable and efficient solution, enhancing customer service.
{{Redesigned user interface
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The Irembo platform’s user interface has been redesigned to make it simpler and more intuitive, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
{{Unified access to personal and business services
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The upgraded platform enables users who own or represent a business to link their business to their account using the business TIN.
This feature allows direct access to government services tailored for businesses, letting users manage personal and business needs efficiently from a single portal. This streamlined approach simplifies account management, saving time and ensuring an organized experience.
{{Reuse of previous certificates
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With the upgrade, users no longer need to download and scan documents repeatedly for reuse. Instead, they can upload documents once and reuse them for future applications.
Additionally, users can access and attach previously approved certificates directly from their accounts, simplifying processes and saving time.
{{Enhanced security and convenience
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Irembo emphasized that the security of personal information remains a top priority. Engineers have implemented robust measures to protect user data while giving users greater control over how their information is managed securely.
With the upgrade, users can verify their identity directly within their account, ensuring personal information remains secure and accessible only to them. This eliminates the need to re-enter National ID details for every application, saving time and enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, users can now link an email address to their accounts for added convenience and security. This feature simplifies password recovery and ensures that important updates are delivered directly to their inboxes. Once linked, the email address is securely stored, removing the need to re-enter it when applying for services.
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The legislation, set to take effect on January 19, would either force TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an American company or result in a nationwide ban.
Trump’s appeal, filed just weeks before his inauguration, aims to buy time for a “political resolution” to the issue once he takes office.
TikTok’s troubles began when U.S. lawmakers accused ByteDance of posing a national security risk due to alleged ties with the Chinese government—claims the company has consistently denied.
Earlier this year, Congress passed a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok, and President Biden signed it into law. Despite ByteDance’s legal challenges, no buyers have emerged, leaving the app’s future in limbo.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 10 about whether the law infringes upon First Amendment rights. However, Trump’s legal team has requested a stay on the January 19 deadline, arguing that the incoming administration should have the opportunity to address the matter diplomatically.
Trump’s latest stance represents a stark departure from his 2020 efforts to ban TikTok over similar security concerns. His recent shift appears tied to his burgeoning presence on the platform during his presidential campaign, which he credits for his strong support among younger voters.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points,” Trump remarked during a recent press conference, highlighting the app’s impact on his outreach efforts.
In a court filing, Trump’s lawyer, D. John Sauer, stated that the president-elect “takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute” but seeks a delay to “pursue a political resolution” to the complex tensions between free speech and national security.
Trump has also expressed confidence in his ability to broker a deal that would preserve TikTok’s operations in the U.S. without compromising security concerns.
The case has drawn sharp divides. Free speech advocates argue that banning TikTok would set a dangerous precedent akin to authoritarian censorship.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department and a coalition of 22 state attorneys general, led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen, contend that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses an ongoing threat to American national security.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, met with Trump twice in recent weeks, reportedly discussing potential paths forward. While TikTok has long maintained that its U.S. operations are independent—with data stored on Oracle servers and content moderation handled domestically—the allegations have persisted.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could mark a pivotal moment for TikTok and its 170 million American users. If the court declines to delay the deadline and no deal is reached, the app faces an imminent ban just a day before Trump’s inauguration.
Trump’s legal team argues that extending the timeline would allow for a diplomatic solution that avoids litigation.
“The incoming administration has the mandate, expertise, and political will to address this matter in a way that safeguards national security while preserving free expression,” Sauer’s filing stated.
The researchers showcased this AI-enabled technology, which aids coffee farmers in identifying crop diseases and reporting them to relevant authorities for prompt action.
The technology is available as a smartphone application for Android devices and a web-based application. Using a photo of diseased coffee leaves, the system can instantly identify the disease and pinpoint the affected area.
This innovation empowers farmers to report crop health issues early, ensuring timely interventions. The data is transmitted to agencies such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Previously, delays in identifying and addressing issues led to significant losses for farmers.
Dr. Eric Hitimana, a lecturer, researcher, and project lead at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, explained that the technology was developed to simplify reporting for farmers.
“We designed this technology to enable farmers to report crop health issues easily using their phones. Although farmers work with agronomists, one agronomist often serves over ten cooperatives, making it difficult to address all reported issues promptly,” he said.
“Now, farmers can take a photo of a coffee leaf, and the technology will identify the disease. The data will be sent to a central system accessible to various stakeholders like sector-level agronomists, district agriculture officers, RAB, and NAEB.”
He urged stakeholders in the coffee industry to extend the technology’s reach and support its adoption.
“We ask stakeholders to promote and add value to this technology so that it benefits farmers and agronomists nationwide. As developers, we’ll continue collaborating to enhance and upgrade it.”
Dr. Simon Martin Mvuyekure, RAB’s coffee research and promotion specialist, praised the research outcomes, stating that the technology will advance coffee farming through innovation.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to address other aspects of coffee farming.
“This is just the beginning. Coffee diseases affect all parts of the plant, from roots and stems to leaves and berries. This initial focus is promising, and future work will tackle other areas. We highly value technology and AI because they improve efficiency and reduce agricultural costs. This research will help farmers thrive in a tech-driven world where coffee farming must keep pace,” he said.
He added, “We’ll integrate this initiative into national plans. We call for collaboration from all sectors, including the private sector, to ensure its success.”
The technology has been well received by those working closely with coffee farmers, who previously struggled to detect and report diseases, often incurring losses. They expressed hope that similar innovations could extend to other crops.
Josiane Dusenge, a quality controller at KOAKAKA Cooperative in Huye, said, “This technology will help coffee farmers identify issues early, preventing losses. We also suggest making the app accessible on simpler phones for easier reporting.”
Didier Ndinayo, Manager at RWACOF Rwinyoni in Rutsiro District, added, “Previously, we struggled to monitor coffee plantations and diagnose diseases due to the vast number of farmers and scattered fields. Now, farmers can share real-time updates from their fields, allowing us to respond with solutions. This is a valuable project that deserves support and promotion.”
The research, conducted in Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Huye districts, involved 300 coffee farmers from 10 cooperatives, including COCATU, TUMBA COFFEE, NOVACOFFEE, and KOAKAKA.
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Coffee remains a vital export for Rwanda. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the country exported over 20,000 tons of coffee, generating $115.9 million (about 147 billion Rwandan Francs), a 53.39% increase compared to the previous year’s $75.5 million.
