The UNECA said in a statement issued on Friday that informal cross-border trade in Africa is known to be large and an important contributor to the livelihoods of millions of Africans, but there are no agreed methods to measure it accurately.
“Understanding the scale, magnitude and characteristics of informal cross-border trade will be instrumental in accurately monitoring intra-African trade, as well as the development of appropriate economic policy,” a UNECA statement quoted Melaku Geboye Desta, coordinator of the African Trade Policy Center at the UNECA, as saying.
Desta noted that official trade statistics often capture formal trade and leave out informal trade, leading to an underestimation of the magnitude of intra-African trade.
He said the size of informal cross-border trade in Africa means that the level of intra-African trade is probably much higher than the figure that is often used by experts.
Acknowledging that there were some estimates of informal cross-border trade in Africa, Desta observed that the lack of an agreed definition of the phenomenon and common methodological tools used by different national statistical agencies have diminished the quality and utility of the resulting estimates.
According to the UNECA, there is no universally agreed definition of informal cross-border trade, as it has often been conflated with smuggling and other illegal practices.
It said informal cross-border trade has been broadly defined to include informal or unregistered traders and firms operating entirely outside the formal economy and the formal or registered firms, fully evading trade-related regulations and duties, for example, avoiding official border crossing posts.
The UNECA made the call during the first physical meeting of the task force on developing a harmonized methodology for informal cross-border trade data collection.
The task force was established by the African Union, in collaboration with the UNECA and the African Export-Import Bank, with a mandate to provide political and technical guidance to the process of developing the continental methodology for informal cross-border trade data collection and overseeing its implementation.
The ceremony was held at two Genocide Memorials in Kicukiro and Rubavu districts on Wednesday 26th April 2023.
Attendees included Bralirwa employees, relatives of the deceased former employees, representatives from public institutions and IBUKA, the umbrella organization of Genocide survivors.
The commemoration event commenced with a reverent tribute to the victims characterized by the laying of wreaths at a memorial monument for the slain employees at Bralirwa’s plants in Kigali and Rubavu. Subsequently, Bralirwa employees held a walk to remember heading to Genocide memorials, where commemoration talks were delivered.
At the commemoration event held at Nyanza Memorial in Kicukiro, attendees were taken through the harrowing ordeal of the Tutsis, where 3000 victims were killed in the area for innate personnality.
Amb. François Xavier Ngarambe, who delivered a talk, reminded the gathered mourners that the Genocide was the culmination of a long-term plan of the former regime, which fomented ethnic divisionism. He further implored them to shun Genocide ideology.
Pelagie Mukandinda from Kicukiro and Mukarurema Shadia from Rubavu recounted their agonizing experiences of hiding day and night until the Genocide was halted.
They emphasized that commemoration should be maintained as a crucial tool for learning from the past and standing up against evil.
Gerard Mbarushimana, the President of IBUKA in Rubavu District, expressed gratitude to Bralirwa for their unflinching support to families of former employees, stating that continued remembrance of the fallen employees was a significant milestone towards sustaining resilience, unity, and reconciliation.
Laetitia Uwera, Human Resources Director at Bralirwa urged participants to take responsibility for educating children on the country’s history. She emphasized that commemoration helps to foster strength, pave the way for prosperity and contribute to national development.
The Managing Director of Bralirwa, Etienne Saada, affirmed that the company attaches great significance to remembering the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and pledged continued support to families of former employees and Rwandans in general along their journey of resilience.
Rubavu District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe, commended Bralirwa for their initiative to stand in solidarity with the families of the Genocide victims, calling for such initiatives to be emulated by other companies.
Paul Rukesha, the Director General of Communication and Partnership Cooperation at MINUBUMWE, called on Rwandans, especially the youth, to fight trivialization of Genocide against the Tutsi.
The donation is part of a 10-year partnership between Liquid, MINUBUMWE, and Imbuto Foundation aimed at preserving Genocide memorials in the country. The company has also pledged to donate $100,000 annually towards this initiative. The cheque was presented to MINUBUMWE at its head office in Kacyiru on April 28, 2023.
The funding provided by Liquid will be used to preserve Genocide memorials with a special focus on digitisation, enabling visitors to access evidence of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the particular area where the memorial is located.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday 28th April 2023, Sam Nkusi, the Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda, emphasized that digitalising the history of the Genocide was crucial for preserving it and helping younger generations to remember and rebuild.
Nkusi also highlighted that Liquid’s initiative will facilitate collaboration on research and documentation related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and its history and consequences. This, in turn, will help implement programs focused on civic engagement and promote Rwandan cultural values among the youth.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Jean Damascene Bizimana praised Liquid Intelligent Technologies for its support and revealed that the digitalisation of Genocide memorials will begin at Nyange, Ntarama, and Murambi Genocide memorials.
As he said, the project aims to provide visitors with electronic access to all information through videos and audio, enabling them to visit the memorials without the need for a guide.
Bizimana explained that the data collection process had been ongoing since last year, with available information, including testimonies, pictures, and trial information, being gathered to ensure the project’s success.
Sandrine Umutoni, Director-General of Imbuto Foundation, said their partnership with Liquid aligns with their youth empowerment program aimed at equipping young Rwandans with the necessary information and tools to become productive and active citizens.
Umutoni added that the digitisation of Genocide memorials would make the preservation of memory more sustainable and enable young people to use technology to empower themselves with information.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a pan-African technology group with a presence across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, and operates state-of-the-art data centers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare, and Kigali.
The voluntary human security exercise was supervised by the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT).
It is in line with the agreement signed between the RNP and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in March 2017, to partner in aspects of health and security related healthcare.
The RNP deputy spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga said that voluntary blood donation has become part of the RNP cultural values to save those in need.
“Beyond just policing, the health of the people is also part of security, and as guided by the agreement signed between the RNP and RBC (Rwanda Biomedical Centre), it has become a periodic exercise for Police officers across the country to donate blood to save lives,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The long-term partnership between the RNP and RBC also focuses on blood donation, fighting narcotic drugs especially among the youth; mental health interventions and fighting sexual and gender based violence.
“Voluntary blood donation is now part of the RNP human security activities, either here in Rwanda or in other countries where they are deployed in peacekeeping missions. It is an aspect of health security,”
Irène Uwamahoro from the National Center for Blood Transfusion, thanked Police officers for their continued humanitarian spirit to save those in need of blood.
“We work well with Rwanda National Police and the turn up of officers to donate blood voluntarily is always high, either here in Kigali or upcountry where they are deployed,” Uwamahoro said.
The inaugural GITEX Africa will make its historic debut from 31 May-2 June 2023, welcoming more than 900 exhibitors, start-ups, and visiting delegations from 95 countries for three days of intensive outcome-focused public-private sector collaborations in the world’s next biggest digital economy.
GITEX Africa is held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD), the public entity leading the Moroccan government’s digital transformation agenda under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
Commenting on the development, Dr Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, said: “The Kingdom of Morocco is honoured to host the 1st edition of GITEX Africa Morocco in 2023, an event which constitutes a real opportunity for our country to deepen the efforts made and the work carried out in recent years in the field of digital transition and technological innovation.
“It falls perfectly in line with the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco to strengthen South-South cooperation in the digital field, and to contribute to the influence of the African continent on the international level. GITEX Africa Morocco will thus aim to promote multi-sector technological innovation and the digital transformation of the continent, pursuant to the Orientations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him.”
“The potential for tech on the continent of Africa is limitless and the time for action is now,” added Mohammed Drissi Melyani, General Director of the Digital Development Agency (ADD). “As the catalyst for Morocco’s digital transformation, ADD is involved to promote innovation in many sectors and to push all the involved partners of the ecosystem to ensure Smart digital transition.
“As the African continent is beginning to create an enabling environment for technology innovation to thrive, GITEX Africa Morocco is a real opportunity to gather the tech moguls and promote investments and we are deeply engaged to contribute to this first edition’s success.”
GITEX Africa 2023 is affiliated with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and start-up show hosted in Dubai. “Africa has a great story to share with the world in their digital cities evolution powered by a talented youth generation and future focused governments,” said Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX Africa’s organiser KAOUN International, who announced the event’s expansion plans during a Moroccan tour recently meeting key tech stakeholders, exhibitors, government entities and media.
“That GITEX Africa is so well received in its inaugural edition is a strong validation of the world’s confidence and optimism in the growth of the African digital economy. Every company with an internationalisation strategy must partake in the digital revolution of the world’s most watched continent.”
{{Converging transformational technologies at Africa’s showpiece tech event}}
With the African Union’s bold mission to unify the continent into a secure Digital Single Market by 2030, GITEX Africa exhibitors are rousing optimism about the proliferation of trends shaping the continent’s tech ecosystem, from increased internet connectivity and a rampant start-up scene, to the rise of artificial intelligence and a flourishing fintech sector.
IBM, a global technology and consulting company, will utilise GITEX Africa 2023 to amplify their commitment to the continent. Badrane Kaddour, Africa Partner Ecosystem Leader at IBM, said: “Our portfolio is built around hybrid cloud and AI, the two most transformational technologies of our time. Our go-to-market approach brings together the necessary software, consulting, and infrastructure that our clients require, from across our expanding ecosystem of partners.
“Attending the inaugural GITEX Africa is an opportunity for us to highlight our commitment to the continent, expand our presence and market reach through our ecosystem of partners as well as showcase our latest technological innovations that are helping our customers increase productivity, reduce costs and fuel growth.”
With an African presence spanning more than two decades, global cybersecurity heavyweight Kaspersky is another exhibitor investing in Africa’s vast potential. CEO Eugene Kaspersky commented: “For more than 20 years now we’ve been working to protect Africa’s businesses and ordinary users – securing the continent’s technologies and fast-growing economies.
“It’s important that we share expertise and exchange knowledge needed for protection against cyberthreats, which are constantly growing in both volume and sophistication. Today, we’re glad to be part of the first edition of GITEX Africa, the continent’s largest tech event – participation in which we deemed simply essential in helping to build a more secure digital world together.”
Major players from Morocco’s tech landscape have also signed on for this much-awaited business venture, in-line with the North African country’s unifying economic mission, where 60 percent of its foreign investment is directed towards Africa.
Maroc Data Center (MDC); MTDS, a leading cybersecurity and technological solutions provider; Ribatis, a provider of e-Gov platforms for African public administrations; and CASANET, a pioneer in the ICT industry, are among the Moroccan exhibitors with a joint mission to elevate Africa’s thriving tech revolution.
Yassir Lamrani, CEO at CASANET, said: “As one of the Moroccan tech pioneers, we would not miss this inaugural event that marks the start of a new era for Africa’s bold digital ambitions. The African tech ecosystem is one of the fastest growing in the world, and since GITEX Africa is the most sought-after tech event in the continent, we’re hoping to meet Africa’s brightest IT minds, and to connect with the African youth who hold the future of tech in Africa.”
{{GITEX Africa DIGITAL SUMMIT leads power-packed conference programme}}
Leadership dialogues and outcome focused meetings will meanwhile dominate at GITEX Africa via a power-packed multi-sectoral conference programme including The GITEX Africa DIGITAL SUMMIT and the GITEX AFRICA CEO Forum.
The GITEX Africa DIGITAL SUMMIT will unify 250-plus government and private sector leaders, policy makers, investors and academics, to steer Africa’s transformation into a single digital market. Critical themes covered at the world’s most influential forum for dialogues, exchanges and collaborative intentions, range from analysing the current state of play in the continent’s digital economy, to fast-tracking an integrated and inclusive digital public infrastructure.
Lacina Koné, the DG and CEO of Smart Africa – the pan-African organisation driving the continent’s digital transformation – is a headline speaker at the two-day summit.
Smart Africa is an alliance of 36 African countries tasked with Africa’s digital agenda, to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.
“I am pleased to see GITEX coming for the first time to Africa, the land of all digital opportunities,” said Kone, who will be part of a panel discussion titled: ‘Uniting Towards One African Market,’ adding that Smart Africa aims to achieve an inclusive multi-stakeholder approach that encourages innovation through data sharing and cross-border data flows while protecting individuals’ rights. “We look forward to promising insightful exchanges at GITEX Africa where businesses will meet and decisions will be made.”
{{North Star scales African imagination converging 400-plus start-ups}}
GITEX Africa 2023 has also partnered with North Star, the world’s largest start-up event, to deliver North Star Africa, converging more than 400 start-ups – including 100 Moroccan start-ups – from across the globe to extend engagements, build connections, and scale imaginations in an African tech ecosystem where investment reached US$6.5 billion in 2022.
Saudi-headquartered food tech company NOMU Group is among those looking to foster prosperous partnerships in Africa. “Africa’s start-up ecosystem has matured significantly with banks and governments creating mechanisms that support the start-up community,” said Shehab Mokhtar CEO & Co-Founder at Nomu Group, which operates the Jumlaty and Appetito e-grocery and food-tech start-ups in Saudi, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.
“The African continent is emerging as a hotbed for foreign investment, due to the rise of mobile penetration, better internet infrastructure and a growing fintech start-up ecosystem. At GITEX Africa, Nomu Group looks forward to connecting with tech innovators, start-ups, investors and global innovation hubs, while at the same time collaborating, and exploring new ventures in the world’s rising tech continent.”
In a letter addressed to EAC Secretary General, Peter Mathuki, Maj Gen Nyagah explained the reasons which pushed him to leave, citing an “aggravated threat” against his security and a “systematic plan to thwart the efforts of the regional force” as the primary reasons.
Maj Gen Nyagah revealed that he was physically threatened by mercenaries and deplores having been subjected to political pressure.
He also cited an attempt to intimidate him in his former residence, stating that “foreign military contractors” whom he calls “mercenaries” placed surveillance devices, flew drones, and carried out physical surveillance of his residence in early January 2023, forcing him to move.
Among others, Maj Gen Nyagah pointed out that the DRC government failed to pay for administrative costs, including Force Headquarters offices, accommodation for staff officers, electricity, and salaries of the civilian personnel, in accordance with Article 9 (c) and (d) of the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA).
“This situation is also aggravated by the failure of the DRC government to pay for administrative costs, including Force Headquarters offices, accommodation for staff officers, electricity as well as the salaries of the civilian personnel, in accordance with Article 9 (c) and (d) of the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA),” he wrote.
Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi recently announced that his country won’t engage in negotiations with M23 despite the rebel group’s withdrawal from previously occupied areas as recommended by regional mechanisms.
Instead of respecting the process of political negotiations, DRC has been mounting pressure to regional forces deployed in the country accusing them of failure to fight M23 rebel group which is against their mandate.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army’s general commander, gave initial approval for the extension of the cease-fire late on Wednesday for another 72 hours, the army said in a statement, reiterating it unilaterally approved the truce extension.
In response, the RSF said in a statement on Twitter that it agreed “to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional 72 hours” starting at midnight Thursday.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the humanitarian truce, considering the circumstances of the Sudanese people and to facilitate the evacuation of diplomatic and foreign nationals,” the statement said.
The current truce failed to stop fighting in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and other regions, but it created a lull for foreign countries to evacuate their diplomats and citizens from the conflict-ravaged country.
The armed conflict that broke out between the Sudanese army and the RSF on April 15 has killed at least 459 people and wounded over 4,000 so far, according to the World Health Organization.
Commenting on the development, Ms. Ingrid Karangwayire, the Executive Secretary of the BK Foundation reiterated BK Group commitment to avert climate change impact to promote a more inclusive and greener economy.
“Our commitment to respond to climate change impacts in our communities and ensuring that we have a greener and equitable future forms the foundation of this year’s program. We want to promote sustainable businesses and innovations focusing on circular economy, waste management and other environmentally and socially conscious businesses to create a greener and more resilient economy,” she said.
Winners will not only receive a 6-month mentorship program from Inkomoko, which included training, consulting, and business advice, but also have the opportunity to transform and scale their businesses, create more jobs, and secure an interest-free loan from the Bank of Kigali.
Aretha Mutumwinka Rwagasore, Inkomoko Rwanda Managing Director disclosed that they are excited to partner with the BK Foundation to identify and support ambitious enterprises that are leading the way toward a greener economy.
“Together, we can help them grow and create a lasting positive impact in our communities,” she commented.
As per the applications guidance, the deadline to apply for the BK Urumuri Initiative is 19th May 2023. The 25 winners will participate in Inkomoko’s accelerator program from June to November.
To be eligible for this program, businesses must be based in Rwanda, have annual revenue under Rwf500m, be registered for at least 1 year, and demonstrate financial profitability and/or a plan to reach profitability within the next year as well as show a track record in innovating in environmentally friendly production and practices.
Entrepreneurs are eagerly encouraged to join the BK Urumuri Initiative 2023 and compete for expert consulting and zero-interest loans by applying online at www.inkomoko.com or contacting +250 788 358 639 for more details.
{{About BK Foundation }}
BK Foundation was born from the BK Group, which has been an integral part of the local and international Rwandan community for many years, by giving back to the less privileged to benefit from the overall development of the country.
It is widely recognized as a responsible corporate citizen, a pacesetter, and industry thought leader.
Wanting to amplify its efforts to further benefit its community and country, BK Group launched a philanthropic Foundation to effectively support communities through initiatives that align with BK Group’s overall mission and corporate goals.
The BK Foundation provides grant funding to organizations to achieve measurable impact for the betterment of the people and the Country of Rwanda by addressing unmet needs in the areas of Education, Innovation, and Environmental Conservation, plus engaging strong partners.
BK Foundation supports key opportunity areas within Rwanda, most importantly, aiming to become the leading entity within Rwanda making a meaningful difference through its influence and investments in the communities. For more information and partnering with BK Foundation visit www.bkfoundation.rw
{{About Inkomoko}}
Inkomoko is a consulting firm that supports micro and small enterprises across Africa so that they can grow to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and create thriving communities.
It started its work in Rwanda eleven years ago and has now opened offices in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Inkomoko provides entrepreneurs with business development services, including sales and marketing, branding, bookkeeping, inventory management, taxes among others.
The company also offers one-on-one consulting so that they can put these lessons into practice.
Through in-house investment fund, Inkomoko offers financing to grow these businesses.
The details emerge after he was summoned for interrogation on alleged forgery on Thursday 27th April 2023 where it was decided to hold him in detention while investigations continue.
He was suspected for the crime after posting a photo of his passport claiming that it was issued with his preferred gender of ‘female’.
RIB Spokesperson, Dr. Murangira Thierry has told IGIHE that drug abuse has been added to the crimes Turahirwa is being accused of after Rwanda Forensic Laboratory tests confirmed that he illegally used cannabis.
The fashion designer has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent months.
Just a few weeks ago, he made a claim that he is permitted to smoke cannabis publicly, even on the streets despite the fact that the use of this psychoactive drug is illegal.
In January of this year, the fashion designer was also in the spotlight after a video surfaced on social media platforms showing him engaged in an intimate act with other men.
He later shared his photo with a caption ‘a prostitute in Paris’.
The two countries have a shared aspiration to improve the lives of their citizens, and President Kagame emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for Africa’s entrepreneurial youth.
As he said, the relationship between Tanzania and Rwanda continues to flourish.
“The seeds of Tanzania and Rwanda relations were planted decades ago, and they continue to bear fruit today,” he noted.
In August 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania visited Rwanda to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries. During her visit, agreements were signed in various sectors aimed at promoting social and economic growth for both nations.
Trade and investment are among the key sectors of cooperation between the two countries. Tanzania’s exports to Rwanda increased to $277.8 million in 2021, up from $60.1 million, while Rwanda’s exports to Tanzania increased to $2.2 million, up from $1.3 million in the same period. Rwanda primarily uses the port of Dar es Salaam for much of its inbound and outbound cargo through the Central Corridor.
Several popular Tanzanian businesses operate in Rwanda, including Azam Group, Bakhresa, and Matelas Dodoma, while Rwandan companies like Sulfo Rwanda and Pharmalab have set foot in Tanzania. Additionally, some of Rwanda’s submarine sea cables for IT infrastructure go through the port of Dar es Salaam.
Both countries have also committed to cooperate closely on border control and crime prevention, information and intelligence sharing on terrorism, and other transnational crimes. In 2018, they agreed on joint construction of a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Isaka in northwestern Tanzania to Kigali, which will facilitate movement of goods between the two countries.
President Kagame’s visit to Tanzania further strengthens the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and Tanzania.
As the two nations continue to collaborate on various fronts, they are well positioned to achieve their shared aspirations of improving the lives of their citizens and promoting economic growth.
