Category: Science &Technology

Rwanda is set to establish a new institution dedicated to training in cybersecurity and technology-related fields, according to the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire.

The upcoming Cyber Academy is expected to provide education on digital security and the application of technology across various sectors.

The minister revealed the plans while addressing Rwanda’s Parliament, specifically the Governance, Gender, and Social Affairs Committee, in response to questions related to the 2023-2024 performance report of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

Minister Ingabire confirmed that the academy will be operational before the end of 2025.

Boosting digital skills in Rwanda

The minister emphasized that the academy will play a crucial role in enhancing Rwandans’ knowledge and skills in technology use.

“We are setting up the Cyber Academy, which will offer courses in cybersecurity. The goal is to equip young people with the knowledge to develop digital solutions while ensuring their security and contributing to national strategies,” she stated.

“The academy will be launched this year, and we will collaborate with various partners to ensure the successful delivery of its programmes in Rwanda,” she added.

Minister Ingabire also provided an update on the country’s digital progress, revealing that 22% of Rwandans currently use digital services, despite internet coverage reaching 96% of inhabited areas and 75% of the entire national territory.

She reaffirmed the government’s target of achieving 100% internet coverage across the country by 2029.

Additionally, the number of Rwandan households with fixed internet connections has increased from 7,501 to 79,107, reflecting a significant improvement in digital connectivity.

However, the minister acknowledged that challenges remain, including the high cost of internet services, expensive digital devices, and limited digital literacy among the population.

Despite these obstacles, Minister Ingabire highlighted ongoing initiatives to increase digital adoption, stating that 68.5% of Rwandans aged 10 and above now possess basic digital skills. The government continues to invest in awareness campaigns to ensure that all citizens can independently access and utilize online services.

The uncrewed rocket, which launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, disintegrated mere minutes after takeoff, scattering debris over the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The 403-foot (123-metre) rocket had been expected to complete a full orbit of Earth before re-entering over the Indian Ocean. However, just like its predecessor in January, the spacecraft encountered a failure that led to what SpaceX describes as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

During the test, the Super Heavy booster successfully separated and returned to the launch site, where it was retrieved using SpaceX’s innovative mechanical arm system. However, soon after booster separation, the upper stage of Starship appeared to lose stability.

SpaceX’s livestream showed the vehicle beginning to spin uncontrollably before engineers lost contact. The company later confirmed that an “energetic event” in the aft section of the spacecraft led to the loss of several Raptor engines, resulting in a complete loss of attitude control and eventual mission failure.

SpaceX issued a statement acknowledging the mishap, saying, “Final contact with Starship came approximately nine minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. Our teams have initiated coordination with the FAA, air traffic control, and other safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses.”

The explosion had an immediate impact on aviation operations in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced temporary flight restrictions, causing delays at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Greg Chin, Communications Director at MIA, confirmed that departures were briefly halted due to falling debris from the failed mission. The FAA later activated a “Debris Response Area,” but normal flight operations resumed shortly thereafter.

Despite the setback, SpaceX reassured that safety measures had been in place to protect marine life and the surrounding environment, stating that debris was expected to fall within designated areas with minimal ecological impact.

This marks the second consecutive failure for SpaceX’s Starship programme in two months. In January, a similar test flight ended in disaster when the spacecraft’s engines shut down unexpectedly, leading to an uncontrolled descent. The company has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and rectify the issues before future flights.

While this failure is a blow to SpaceX’s ambitions, the company remains determined to refine Starship for future deep-space missions, including lunar landings and eventual crewed flights to Mars. With continued regulatory approvals from the FAA, further test flights are expected as SpaceX works to enhance the reliability of its next-generation spacecraft.

However, in 2025, the processor isn’t the only aspect to consider. Memory, technically known as random access memory (RAM), plays a crucial role as well, especially in the era of AI.

Before we discuss how much RAM your next device should have, let’s first understand its importance in smartphones and laptops.

RAM is like your phone’s or laptop’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores the data and apps you are currently using so that your device can access them quickly, without reloading from scratch.

When you open an app or a file, it loads and stays within RAM. With more RAM, you can run multiple apps simultaneously without slowing down your device.

If the memory is full, the device may lag or become slow. Similarly, AI apps, which process large amounts of data in real time, also benefit from more memory.

While it won’t be much of an issue as long as you are using cloud-based AI platforms like Gemini or ChatGPT, having more RAM is crucial, especially if you plan on using hybrid or on-device AI features.

Ramu Morampundi, the General Manager at SHREECOM LTD, the official authorized reseller and service center of Apple products in Rwanda, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing RAM when purchasing new devices.

“In today’s world, AI applications are becoming more advanced and are deeply integrated into our daily tasks. Devices with limited RAM may struggle to keep up with the growing demands of these applications, he explains.

Speaking from his outlet at Pension Plaza, Ramu advises that while processors remain critical, having more RAM ensures seamless multitasking and better overall performance.

“We are seeing a significant shift in how devices handle AI workloads. For example, Apple’s latest iPhones and premium MacBooks are equipped with increased RAM to accommodate complex tasks like on-device language models and real-time data analysis,” he says.

Industry trends reflect this shift. Apple’s iPhone latest lineup now comes standard with 8GB of RAM, an increase from previous models, to support enhanced AI capabilities.

For laptops, the baseline is also rising. While 8GB of RAM was once sufficient for everyday tasks, the integration of AI applications now makes 16GB the recommended minimum for a smooth and future-proof experience.

“Consumers should think long-term. With the pace at which AI is advancing, devices with insufficient RAM will quickly become outdated. Choosing a device with ample RAM is the smartest decision you can make,” he says.

At Ramu’s bustling tech store, a variety of cutting-edge gadgets are available. The sleek iPad Pro, powered by the M4 chip, stands out with up to 16GB of unified memory, perfect for professionals juggling heavy tasks.

For those seeking a lighter yet capable device, the iPad Air with its M3 chip offers 8GB of memory and is ideal for daily multitasking and smooth performance.

Across the aisle, the vibrant iMac with up to 32GB of unified memory, ensuring seamless performance for creative projects and demanding workloads. Nearby, the ultra-portable MacBook Air with the M3 chip in 8GB and 16GB memory options are also available.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro lineup dazzles with its range of memory configurations. The M3 model offers 16GB or 32GB of memory for power users, while the M4 Pro version pushed boundaries with up to 64GB, perfect for advanced workflows.

At the pinnacle, the M4 Max variant delivers an astonishing 128GB of memory, a dream for creative professionals handling intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

For smartphone enthusiasts, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus provid a modest 6GB of RAM, sufficient for everyday use. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max upgraded to 8GB of RAM, enhancing speed and efficiency.

The remarkable iPhone 16 series are available with all models; whether standard, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max offering 8GB of memory. This boost in RAM ensures fluid multitasking and future-ready performance, making each device a powerhouse in its own right.

With an experience of over 20 years as a tech distributer in Rwanda, Ramu has gained extensive knowledge and a wide base of clientele comprise public institutions such as ministries and others in major public and private agencies.

Organized in partnership with the US Embassy in Rwanda and Case Western University, the science fair aimed to provide students with opportunities to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative ideas.

During the event held on February 14, students pitched their projects to a panel of judges, with the top 7 out of 21 competing projects receiving awards.

Before the science fair kicked off, a three-day training of trainers (ToT) was held end of last year to equip the trainers with the necessary skills they needed to effectively train students ahead of the competition. After the ToT, the trainers went on to train 457 high school students in the three higher learning institutions, out of which 50 with the best projects were selected for the National Science Fair.

According to STEMpower Rwanda Country Director Espoir Serukiza, the inaugural science fair is of great significance.

“We are happy to witness first-hand innovative prototypes by our very able students, projects that respond to real-world challenges. At STEMpower we believe that inside every child is a scientist regardless of their background and that by empowering that child we can change the world. We have no doubt that if these students take forward the projects they have showcased today they will address some of the pressing challenges we are faced with today,” he said.

He added: “We are grateful to all our partners, especially the US Embassy in Kigali and Case Western University, for bringing this initiative to life. We look forward to more impactful partnerships that benefit our young people who are not just the future, but also the present.”

Thindal Niyomahoro, a student from Gitwe Adventist College who received the award for best project, applauded STEMpower’s efforts to support young people.

“I am grateful to STEMpower and our schools for equipping us with hands-on STEM skills through their STEM centers, and going a step further to organize such competition that allows us to showcase our innovations and learn from each other,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Marissa J Polnerow, Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Kigali, noted that the science fair represents months of hard work and imagination.

“I’m inspired by STEMpower Rwanda, and as Albert Einstein said, ‘imagination is more important than knowledge’. I encourage you [students] to use not just skills and information, but your imagination to create what’s possible. I’m deeply grateful for the leadership and vision of STEMpower as an organization,” said Marissa during the event.

Alexis Ntare, CEO of Rwanda ICT Chamber which, prior to the science fair, provided trainers who prepared students for the competition thanked the students for applying their creativity and energy, and demonstrating curiosity to learn and create.

“While infrastructure and world-class trainers are essential, they would be meaningless without the students’ commitment, innovation, and creativity. We consider it a privilege to have been part of this dynamic and innovative community for such an extended period,” he said.

STEMpower plans to hold more science and engineering competitions, as the organization seeks to enhance hands-on STEM learning. Besides Rwanda, the organization has held successful science fairs in other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa such as Ethiopia and South Sudan.

STEM Centers

So far, STEMpower has established 10 STEM centres in Rwanda, strategically located to provide diverse communities with hands-on computer and electronics skills and, ultimately, bridge the digital divide.

Every STEM centre consists of a computer laboratory and an electronics lab. By working closely with the higher education institutions that host these STEM centres, the organisation ensures that students obtain hands-on training to supplement their theoretical classroom learning.

Overall, STEMpower has established 135 similar facilities in different countries across Sub-Saharan Africa such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Lesotho, Uganda, Burundi, Burkina-Faso, Mali and many others.

The announcement, made on Sunday, February 2, comes at a time when the AI landscape is heating up with competition, notably from the Chinese AI model DeepSeek, which has recently made waves in Silicon Valley.

Deep research is an agentic capability within ChatGPT designed to undertake multi-step research on the internet for complex tasks. With this tool, users can pose a query, and ChatGPT will independently find, analyze, and synthesize hundreds of online sources to produce a comprehensive report that matches the quality of work by a professional research analyst.

This new feature promises to accomplish in “tens of minutes what would take a human many hours.”

The tool is powered by an advanced version of the upcoming OpenAI o3 model, optimized for web browsing and data analysis. It uses reasoning to navigate, interpret, and analyze vast amounts of text, images, and PDFs online, adjusting its approach based on the information it encounters.

This feature targets professionals in fields like finance, science, policy, and engineering, who require thorough and reliable research. It’s also beneficial for consumers looking for detailed, personalized recommendations for significant purchases. Each output from deep research includes clear citations and a summary of its methodology, ensuring transparency and verifiability.

To use deep research, users simply select the option in the ChatGPT interface, input their query, and can even attach files to provide additional context. The tool could take from 5 to 30 minutes to deliver its findings, during which users can continue with other tasks, receiving a notification when the research is complete. The result is presented as a detailed report within the chat, with plans to soon include embedded images and data visualizations for enhanced clarity.

The model behind deep research has set new benchmarks in public evaluations like Humanity’s Last Exam, achieving a score of 26.6% accuracy across a broad spectrum of subjects. This performance indicates significant advancements in the AI’s ability to handle real-world, domain-specific inquiries with depth and detail beyond superficial summaries.

The introduction of deep research coincides with heightened competition from DeepSeek, which has caused a stir in the tech world due to its performance and cost-effectiveness.

DeepSeek, released on January 20th, has quickly climbed to the top of Apple Store’s download charts, capturing the attention of AI experts and the entire tech industry. The model’s ascent has been nothing short of a phenomenon, astonishing investors and leading to a notable downturn in some tech stocks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has labelled DeepSeek’s rise as a “wake-up call” for American companies, urging them to focus on “competing to win” in the global AI landscape.

DeepSeek’s unique selling point is its development at a fraction of the cost compared to leading models like those from OpenAI, achieved by utilizing fewer advanced chips.

This efficiency has directly challenged the established market dynamics, causing chip-making giant Nvidia to lose nearly $600 billion in market value in just one day – marking the largest single-day drop in U.S. stock market history.

Meanwhile, OpenAI says the deep research tool is available to Pro users, with plans to roll it out to Plus, Team, and eventually Enterprise subscribers, marking a significant step towards the company’s broader goal of advancing towards artificial general intelligence (AGI).

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.