Atete Nancy Donatienne is one of the trio who grew up with a passion for jobs that are typically performed by men, including construction and driving.
Fortunately, she was given the opportunity to study civil engineering at the University of Rwanda (UR). After graduation in 2016, Atete looked for construction jobs to hone her skills and get familiar with the labor market. Today, she heads Espoir Construction Ltd, a company founded by three girls who studied civil engineering.
Atete explained that their inspiration for starting the company came while working together on projects for Reserve Forces. Upon completion, they decided to create a group with a shared vision and started working together. At the beginning, they were worried about the future of their project but defied the odds and developed confidence.
“We started serving one client who appreciated our services and recommended us to others,” Atete noted.
Espoir Construction Ltd now positions itself as a trusted company that handles various construction projects, including building residential houses and apartments, among others.
The company handles projects from the design process to the completion of the project and produces appealing designs tailored to suit clients’ needs while erecting robust, eco-friendly buildings.
Since the three girls started working together in 2021, the company has provided job opportunities to 300 during the execution of different projects across Kigali City.
Atete expressed optimism for their dreams to come true, noting that their success will inspire other girls to follow suit and join the construction sector.
She also hinted at some challenges faced, where some people tend to undermine the works of women and girls. Atete has however emphasized that executing one’s project with great perfection proves them wrong and attracts more clients.
If you are interested in their services, you can contact Espoir Construction Ltd at their office located on the third floor of the Diamond House building, before IPRC Kigali.
You can also reach out to them via provided phone numbers: 0782385874 or 0783092586.
Malaria is endemic in 93 countries across the world. In 2015, WHO adopted a strategy aimed at reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates.
The strategy sets the target of reducing malaria cases by 40% by 2020, 75% by 2025, and 90% of global malaria incidence and deaths by 2030.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr. Ngamije stated that the Global Malaria Control Programme is responsible for implementing these strategies.
He explained that this programme will coordinate partners involved in malaria control, as well as others who conduct advocacy to mobilize resources.
Partners include the Global Fund, the Presidential Malaria Initiative of the United States of America, European countries, researchers, and others.
Dr. Ngamije is a physician and public health specialist who served as Rwanda’s Minister of Health from February 2020 to November 28th, 2022, when he was replaced by Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. Before this, he served as the Director for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases in WHO’s Country Office based in Kigali.
From 2007-2017, Dr. Ngamije spent ten years coordinating the mobilization of resources and implementation of projects funded by multilateral and bilateral partners of the Ministry of Health through a single project’s implementation unit. He has also served in various leadership positions throughout the entire Rwandan Health System since 1995.
During his time as Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ngamije led the development and successful implementation of the COVID-19 comprehensive response plan.
His appointment as the Director of the Global Malaria Control Programme is a significant step forward in the fight against malaria and recognition of the critical role that African leaders and experts play in achieving global health goals.
These three Rwandan companies mine the 3Ts (Tin, Tantalite and Tungsten) and are involved in the exploration of Lithium.
The merger officially took place at the end of May 2022, when after a period of two years of negotiation between the various shareholders and the Government of Rwanda agreement was reached to join forces to form the Metals Group.
The merger has cemented Trinity as a leading mining company and probably among the largest non-seasonal employers in Rwanda with approximately 5000 Rwandans employees of which more than 97% come from the local communities around our mining operations.
The merger builds upon the strengths of each of the three companies to achieve operational synergies such as increased production capacity, greater supply chain leverage, improve career growth opportunities for employees and stronger community and government relations.
“The aim is to build a modern and professional mining Company in Rwanda”, says Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals Group.
Trinity plans to invest US$30m in its existing tin and tungsten projects over the next two to three years with the focus on the construction of Process Facilities and opening up new mining areas on its mining concessions.
The Company is also fast progressing it’s Lithium exploration program at Ntunga.
The Company is considering possible listing opportunities in the medium term.
The official launch ceremony for the company will take place on 23rd March 2023 from 8:30am to 2pm at Nyakabingo Mine (Eurotrade International) located in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, about 20Km drive from Kigali town (CBD).
Muhadjir Hakizimana opened the score for the RNP inside the first ten minutes of the opening football match played at Kigali Pele Stadium but PNB cancelled the lead in the 27th minute through Titi Hakizimana.
Striker Didier Mugisha and Bosco Kayitaba scored a goal each in the second period to seal the well deserved victory for the hosts.
Kayitaba, who came in for Mugisha put his name on the score sheet with his first touch when he utilized the corner kick to nod in the third goal.
The RNP football team coach, Vincent Mashami, said: “This was an entertaining match playing a good side from Burundi. It is the first time that Rwanda has hosted the EAPCCO Games and this was the opening game of the tournament, so this win was important for us and for the host country.”
In the volleyball game played at BK Arena, the RNP team also came out victorious winning three straight sets; 25-17 in the first period, 25-20 in the second period and 25-22 in the third period.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that both leaders discussed various areas of cooperation including trade and investment. Their discussions were also attended by ministers from both countries.
Kagame later attended a luncheon hosted in his honor.
Sheikh Thani is a friend of Rwanda and President Kagame. He has visited Rwanda several times and was in Rwanda in June 2022 to attend CHOGM as a guest of honor.
Meanwhile, Qatar nationals continue to increase investment in different areas in Rwanda.
Since the launch of the program, it has had a remarkable impact on digital inclusion and financial empowerment, with more than 14,000 loan bookings recorded.
According to BK, this is a testament to the positive impact of the program, which is designed to make smartphone ownership more accessible and affordable.
Of the 14,000 loan bookings, 87% of the customers were not previously customers of Bank of Kigali, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in reaching new and underserved segments of the market.
Besides, the Macye Macye program has helped to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable access to the internet, allowing customers to stay connected and access digital services that were previously out of reach.
The Macye Macye program was recently recognized with the prestigious GSMA Chairman Award, further highlighting its impact on digital inclusion and financial empowerment in Rwanda.
This award recognizes initiatives that leverage mobile technology to drive positive social and economic impact.
To sign up for the Macye Macye program, customers can dial 18212# or visit MTN branches to check their eligibility.
The requirements for the program include being on the MTN network for the past 12 months, being an active MTN customer on MoMo, Data, Voice & SMS, and having cleared Mokash’s (mobile money) loan.
Customers can pay for the device plan in daily, weekly, or monthly installments until the device is paid off. They can pay the installments over the full period of the term or pay off the device’s total price at any time through mobile money or a bank account (Only for Corporate Plans).
Being a Bank of Kigali customer is not a prerequisite for the program.
Braverman responded by urging the Labour Party to “get off Twitter” and visit Rwanda, where she recently made her first trip as Home Secretary.
She pointed out the recent success of the government’s deal with France to increase cross-Channel cooperation and measures to detain and remove illegal migrants.
Braverman also met with refugees who have successfully been resettled in Rwanda and saw the accommodations people will be using.
In contrast, Braverman criticized the Labour Party’s lack of action and stated, “What has the Labour Party done? Well, the shadow home secretary has been on Twitter. She is very good on Twitter.”
She then suggested that the Labour Party “get to Rwanda” to learn how to stop the boats, rather than solely relying on social media.
The Head of State arrived in Doha in the morning of Tuesday.
Rwanda and Qatar enjoy existing bilateral relations in different areas strengthened by the signing of cooperation agreements.
In April 2019; the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
At the time, both heads of states also visited Akagera National Park which is home to the big five animals.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements meant to promote various development sectors between both countries.
These include 4 agreements in sectors of culture, sports, tourism and business events and aviation travel and logistics.
They were added to existing ones signed in Doha, Qatar when President Kagame visited the country at the end of 2018. These were related to air service transport services, promoting and protecting joint investment and cooperation in trade and technical areas among others.
In May 2017, Rwanda and Qatar signed agreements in diplomatic cooperation.
On 26th May 2015, both countries signed cooperation agreements to fight against drug abuse on the sidelines of Qatar International Anti-Drug Forum held in Doha.
Among others, Qatar’s interests in Rwanda include a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction and a 49% stake in RwandAir.
Qatar also mulls constructing new hotels in Rwanda expected to give boost to the country’s ambitions to become tourism hub.
On Wednesday 14th July 2021, Qatar inaugurated a new embassy building located in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the launch of the new embassy is another milestone to deepen bilateral relations further.
{The 21st March 2023 marks a milestone: the 60th anniversary of Korea-Rwanda diplomatic relations. Six decades have passed – and we have come so far. Korea and Rwanda initiated their bilateral relations in 1963. Yet it was not until around 2010 that the two countries embarked upon a more thriving and substantial cooperation with the establishment of their embassies in the respective capitals. (Rwanda first established its full-fledged Embassy in Seoul in 2009, and the Korean Embassy settled in Kigali in 2011.) }
Rwanda has been one of the priority partner countries of Korea since 2010. There are many similarities between them. Both Korea and Rwanda have a lack of natural resources. They both pursue an economic development strategy focusing on innovation in agriculture and technology, education, and capacity-building for human resources. With these common elements Korea and Rwanda have worked closely on a range of projects. They have shared lessons learned.
{{Two Countries’ Common Features – Expanding the Horizons of the Cooperation}}
The Korean War, which resulted in the deaths of 2.4 million Koreans, left the country in ruins. As a person from a country which emerged from the rubble of the Korean War (1950-1953) to achieve industrialization and democratization, I am delighted to see Rwanda’s remarkable success in rebuilding the country within a generation since the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Our success stories resonate with each other. Rwanda has sustained steady economic growth rates of over 7% over the last 20 years. With political stability and gender equality, it has placed itself 38th in the ease of doing business index and as the 54th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries in the world in 2022. It also achieved 4G network coverage for 97% of the population in 2021 and ranked first in Africa in terms of Internet speed in 2023 – no wonder the world is taking a great interest in Rwanda as the leading low-income country in East Africa.
Korea has been a solid partner for Rwanda in equipping institutions and nurturing human capital with knowledge and technologies, and hard and soft infrastructure for its economy. KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), the leading cooperation agency of the Korean government, supported a variety of grant-based projects focusing on ICT and institutional innovation, TVET and agricultural productivity of a value of $173 million as of 2022.
The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM Bank) is cooperating through its EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) on developing the infrastructure of the University of Rwanda and on expanding electricity infrastructure. In addition, KEXIM bank is cooperating with the Rwandan government to map out Rwanda’s priority projects, such as building principal roads, strengthening district hospitals and TVET schools and centres of excellence which hold great promise for having a real impact in boosting Rwanda’s economy.
From the private sector, Korea Telecom has established 4G broadband networks around the country by investing $80 million in a joint venture with the Rwandan Government in 2013, contributing to Rwanda’s fundamental digital infrastructure. Korea will continue to commit to strengthening its partnership with Rwanda to achieve its aspiration to become a Middle-Income Country by 2035 and a High-Income Country by 2050 through the National Strategy for Transformation. The aspiration of Rwanda touches our hearts because we ourselves travelled such a path. And we know how great it feels to achieve such lofty goals.
Korea and Rwanda are creating an affinity and synergy in the cultural realm too. More and more Rwanda people take an interest in learning Korean language and experiencing Korean culture as K-content is gaining more popularity in Rwanda. Seeing the increased number of participants and support for the Embassy events such as the ‘Korean Song Festival’ and ‘Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship, it is clear that cultural exchanges are playing a crucial role in connecting the peoples of the two nations.
{{Shared Values and Way Forward for the Future Cooperation}}
Korea and Rwanda have witnessed extensive high-level exchanges in recent years between the Foreign, Defence and Infrastructure ministries. In October 2022 the Korean National Assembly Speaker H.E. Jin-pyo Kim visited Rwanda to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly held in Kigali, marking the first such visit to Rwanda from the Korean National Assembly.
The two nations share a firm belief in the power of multilateral cooperation. We both prize the importance of the United Nations principles and core mandate to build and maintain peace and security in the international community. With this as a firm basis, the two countries are enjoying an ever-deepening partnership at the governmental and parliamentary levels.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced his intention to host the first Korea-Africa Summit in 2024. This is indeed a reflection of his deep wish to strengthen relations with Africa. Indeed, this is in tune with Korea’s goal of serving as a global pivotal state. Korea will indeed give genuine thought to and further explore mutually beneficial ways to cooperate with African countries. Korea has a heartfelt wish to work together with our friends in the wonderful African continent which is set to truly flourish for the sake of development, for the sake of prosperity for humankind.
In this spirit, Korea is exerting wholehearted efforts to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan, the greatest port city, a city of tremendous charm and energy. With the main theme of “Transforming Our World, Navigating toward a Better Future”, the World Expo 2030 Busan will guide Korea and Rwanda towards the nurturing of yet more substantial bonds of partnership to address global challenges. And indeed it is our heartfelt aspiration that it will serve to diversify Korea-Africa relations more broadly.
{{Celebrating the year 2023}}
This year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda is arranging several events.
First of all, the ‘Korea-Rwanda 60th Anniversary Logo Design Contest’ is under way in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Seoul. The logo selected will be the symbol for this year and used at every occasion hosted by the respective embassies.
Second, the Embassy will introduce Korean films with a variety of genres on the occasion of the ‘Korean Film Festival’. We hope you will enjoy this event which will take place from May 5th to 7th at the Century Cinema in Kigali. This will provide an optimum opportunity for audiences to explore Korean screenplays that have proved popular among Koreans and indeed people all over the world.
Third, the Embassy is planning to host a seminar on development cooperation in May. I believe we can take stock of what has been achieved in the path traveled. And indeed share perspectives which will serve as a guiding light on the path ahead.
Lastly, a Taekwondo demonstration team from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) will perform at BK Arena on June 3rd and 4th. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the much respected demonstration team will visit Rwanda. They will display not only the dynamic movements but indeed the spirit of Taekwondo. Your participation will be most sincerely welcomed and appreciated.
As you can see, Korea and Rwanda have indeed continued to develop the bilateral partnership in a whole spectrum of areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1963. I look forward to the two countries further strengthening the shared efforts in a spirit of cooperation and achieving common prosperity in the decades to come.
So far, investors have set up hospitality facilities including Twin Lakes Recreational Resort, a project expected to expand through the establishment of Twin Lakes Recreational Island Hotel. It takes a 20-minute drive to reach Burera District and more than 10 minutes sailing from Ntaruka hydropower station to arrive at the islands.
Patrick Masozera and his wife Kerry Ann Kimone, from Jamaica have invested on the islands that remained unexploited for long. They established Twin Lakes Recreational Resort located in Buhembe Village, Mariba Cell, Gitovu Sector, in Burera District.
Masozera and Kerry Ann lived in the United Kingdom. In 2014, they came to Rwanda where they visited Rwanda’s attractions in Rubavu and Muhazi among other places. They later visited Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes.
As they explored the islands, one of them was thirsty but could not find anywhere to buy water. When they visited Lake Burera for the first time in 2017, the couple was impressed by its magnificence.
At the time, Kerry had a six-month pregnancy and failed to find a place to buy food or soft drink despite the strong need to re-energize her body.
As Masozera disclosed, the couple started considering the establishment of a hotel in the area or other recreational facility. He said that they took photographs of the area and returned to the UK.
After attending the Rwanda Day event that was held in Amsterdam, the couple that had traveled from London decided to return to Rwanda to invest in the land.
As Masozera said, they negotiated with residents, bought land from 30 individuals and began construction in 2019. More preparations continued in 2020 and 2021 where they used boats to take cows and other essentials to the island.
In August 2022, Twin Lakes Recreational Resort was successfully set up and has increasingly gained popularity that many tourists express interest in visiting the place.
Artiste Gaël Faye is among guests who recently enjoyed an amazing experience at the facility. Tented structures ordered from the UK have been assembled at the village for guests’ camping.
Masozera went on to explain that the facility currently consisted of tents, and two cottages, with six rooms that can accommodate between 12 and 14 guests.
He however disclosed that they have a large land where an individual can bring his/her tent to be used while exploring the area.
The tents are structured in separate units so that families can enjoy comfort in their own settings.
Masozera said that there are plans to build self-contained cottages once the land use status is changed. The entire island is lit with solar energy. The lights on the island are installed on different corners and emit light in different colours.
Guests spending nights at this island, Masozera said, wake up in the morning for bird watching experience and consume the attractiveness of Lake Burera.
Kerry Ann says that she had had a desire to visit Rwanda following the tragic history the country was reported to have experienced. As he visited the country in 2014, Kerry discovered that some people did not tell her the truth about the country. The hotel was built in an area that previously had no electricity or access to safe water.
Kerry said that they were aware of those enormous challenges but did not get discouraged as they wanted to run a project with an impact to the community.
With this mindset, they started the project that attracted public attention gradually.
One of the challenges was the lack of roads along the lake but there are plans to build them. The investors recently overcame some of the barriers as the land was classified under areas designated for tourism activities.
As of today, water used at the island is still fetched using jerry cans but there is a plan to introduce a water treatment system.
However, the couple affirms that challenges are being solved gradually
{{Cow-based tourism}}
Apart from exploring the beauty of Burera, Twin Lakes introduced cow-based tourism where guests are taught to milk cows and other aspects of cow farming as one of domestic animals holding great significance in Rwanda’s culture.
Masozera revealed that they are also considering introducing the Masozera Farm Initiative, to donate cows to residents in the surroundings of the hotel.
They are mainly farmers where a cow can be a source of milk, compost and improved livelihoods.
{{Plan to build state-of-the art hotel}}
The structure of the place and anticipated projects give hope for creation of many jobs for the youth and others to supply different items. Buildings at the facility used stones available in the area. It also used water fetched by residents and stored in reservoirs as an alternative before finding a way to purify water from Lake Burera.
However, the projects to distribute safe water and electricity to residents in the surrounding communities of the hotel are in advanced stages. Masozera says that Burera is among places where tourism is not advanced where they want to take advantage of the situation to improve its visibility with eco-friendly practices.
He also disclosed that the facility wants to use food supplied by residents in the surroundings or produced from their own fields. Masozera said that they want to develop the area and build five more cottages with each having two rooms and three beds.
The project is expected to be rolled out in three phases, with the first comprising existing structures. The second will have five cottages and a multi-storey bar and restaurant while more structures will be developed in phase three.
The project was initiated from the couple’s savings but has optimism to generate returns and expand activities.
For Kerry, her dreams will come true once the project thrives and brings positive transformations in the area. Keery has expressed optimism that a state-of-the art hotel will be built in the area going hand in hand with other activities attracting more investors with projects impacting the community.
Apart from a hotel, they also want to operate a modern boat that will transport guests to the facility. The couple wants to implement the project through collaboration with other investors even though the time has not yet come. It is expected to cost US$500 million.
{{Investment opportunities in Rwanda}}
Masozera said that they detected investment opportunities in Rwanda and decided to settle in the country to follow up their project.
He explained that their visits to Rwanda impressed her wife who realized how beautiful the country is. It did not take much effort for the couple to agree on settling in Rwanda.
Kerry who worked in the health sector for over 10 years says that it is time for her to explore other opportunities even though she still stands a chance to work as a health professional licensed in Rwanda.
