Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

On August 28, 2025, RIC organized a training session for leaders from different faiths and denominations, focusing on the value of AI, how it can be used productively, and the potential risks it poses. The aim was to equip them with the knowledge to guide their congregations—particularly the youth—towards the responsible use of the technology.

RIC Chairperson and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr. Laurent Mbanda, noted that AI can play a supportive role in evangelism by assisting with research, helping to prepare and refine sermons, and enhancing learning.

“Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used today. It has an influence on churches, and people cannot simply ignore it because it is very useful. It is also beginning to change the way we live and work.” he said.

“It is a tool for learning, for research, and for providing accurate information. But we must also acknowledge that it can be misused—spreading harmful content, misleading youth, or providing false information. That is why we must understand both its benefits and its dangers, because we cannot run away from it,” he added

Dr. Mbanda urged religious leaders to familiarize themselves with AI so they can help their followers use it wisely: “You can use AI to research the Bible and to prepare ways of teaching the Word of God, but we also need to apply our own discernment.”

He stressed that as technology continues to advance, churches should embrace it and use it responsibly. He pointed out that many churches now share sermons and messages on platforms such as YouTube, X, and Instagram, allowing them to reach wider audiences in a short time.

Julie Kandema, Deputy President of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), said faith leaders are ready to strengthen the use of AI in their work, confident that it will make evangelism easier.

“The whole world is moving toward AI, and religious institutions must also understand it. Many church leaders often dismiss such innovations as unnecessary, but AI also carries benefits. Learning about it helps us know how to use it properly in evangelism,” she noted.

She added that AI could also be applied in writing and composing songs for choirs, as well as in preparing different teaching materials.

Technology expert Dr. Mwangi Chege also reminded participants that AI can be highly beneficial if used well, but warned that it can also be misused—for instance, to discredit preachers through fabricated stories and false narratives. He encouraged churches to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI.

The commitment was announced on August 27, 2025, during a preparatory workshop for the 11th International Conference of the Rwanda Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RSOG), which is set to convene more than 200 doctors from 15 countries.

Addressing RSOG members, Denis Gahizi, Head of Institutional Banking at BK, said the bank is ready to provide financial support to help doctors establish hospitals and other health-focused enterprises.

“Today we are here to join hands with you because while you are focused on safeguarding people’s health, we have a responsibility to support you with financing so that together we can continue driving the country’s development forward.” he said.

“The bank has come in as a partner to promote healthcare and to empower women working in this field. Whether one wants to build a hospital, purchase medical equipment, or invest in health-related businesses, BK is here to support those ambitions,” Gahizi added.

Kenneth Ruzindana, Secretary General of RSOG, emphasized that BK is a strong partner that not only helped organize the conference but also continues to support members in various ways.

“BK is a key partner because it has not only sponsored the organization of this conference but also supports many of our members by providing loans and services that help them advance professionally,” he stated.

Ruzindana further noted that RSOG members are eager to learn new knowledge and exchange experiences with other participants.

“This conference is a platform to share insights related to our profession, especially scientific exchanges aligned with our mission to improve the health of women and children. It will enhance the knowledge of our members and expose them to the latest developments in our field.”

Dr. Mireille Aimée Uwineza from King Faisal Hospital said the leadership training offered ahead of the conference would strengthen doctors’ confidence and ability to take on leadership roles.

“We came here for leadership training, which will help us become better physician leaders. In the past, most of us focused only on treatment and didn’t see leadership or decision-making positions as our role. But we have realized that they matter because they allow us to influence decisions and ensure that our goals as doctors are achieved,” she noted.

In 2024, Rwanda’s total imports were valued at $6.5 billion, more than double the $3.1 billion recorded in 2017. This sharp rise widened the trade deficit to $2.3 billion, underscoring the challenge of narrowing the gap between imports and exports.

Fuel remains by far the largest item on Rwanda’s import bill. In 2024, petroleum products worth $680 million entered the country, compared to $621 million the previous year — a 9.5 percent increase largely driven by rising global prices and growing domestic demand.

Rice was the second most imported commodity. Despite being widely grown in the country, imports surged to $317 million in 2024, up from $239 million the year before — a jump of nearly 33 percent.

According to official data, national rice demand stood at almost 597,000 tonnes, while domestic production was limited to just under 142,000 tonnes.

Farmers, however, remain optimistic about closing the gap. Jean Baptiste Bucyanayandi, president of a cooperative in Gisagara District’s Cyiri Marshland, said his members cultivate more than 250 hectares, producing around 1,000 tonnes annually.

The rice is processed at Gikonko Rice Factory for the local market. With improved seed varieties that mature within four to five months, he believes Rwanda has the potential to significantly scale up its production and eventually satisfy domestic demand.

Other essential goods also continue to weigh heavily on the import ledger. Sugar imports reached $238 million in 2024, up from $192 million the previous year. Cooking oils, particularly palm oil, accounted for $207 million, though this was a decline compared to $237 million in 2023. Motor vehicle imports were valued at $108 million, slightly down from $113 million, while cement purchases rose sharply to $94 million, up from $67 million.

Fish imports also increased, reaching $92 million in 2024, compared to $70 million of the previous year. The demand for electrical cables and equipment climbed to $85 million, up from $62 million.

Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, meanwhile, registered a slight drop to $82 million from $91 million, and imports of electronic goods such as televisions and audio systems fell considerably, from $142 million in 2023 to $75 million in 2024.

Despite the reliance on these imports, Rwanda has set ambitious targets to expand exports. Government projections indicate that export revenues will more than double, rising from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion by 2029. At the same time, the ratio of exports to imports is expected to improve significantly, from 61 percent in 2023 to 77 percent in 2029.

Central to this plan is the Made in Rwanda policy, which aims to increase domestic manufacturing and promote local value addition. Authorities expect the value of exports to grow at an average annual rate of 13 percent, driven by investment in agro-processing, light manufacturing, and service industries.

The ruling was delivered on August 28, 2025, after the bench considered Ingabire’s application for release. She and her defense lawyer Gatera Gashabana, had argued that her initial 30-day remand order had expired without lawful extension.

On July 18, 2025, the same court had issued a remand order committing Ingabire to 30 days of provisional detention while investigations continued. By statutory calculation, that period ended on August 17, 2025.

Under Rwanda’s Code of Criminal Procedure, a person placed in provisional detention may remain in custody for 30 days, subject to judicial extension. The law permits extensions of up to three months for serious crimes and up to six months for grave offenses. If no extension is granted within the time limit, the accused may petition for release.

Ingabire’s defense submitted that the Prosecution failed to comply with the deadline, since it filed its case on August 18 — one day after the expiration of the 30-day order. On this basis, they requested her immediate release.

The Prosecution countered that its filing was within time, arguing that August 17 fell on a Sunday, a non-working day, and therefore the statutory period lawfully extended to the next working day, Monday, August 18.

In its ruling, the Kicukiro Primary Court considered two issues: whether the Prosecution had filed out of time, and whether Ingabire should be released from custody. The court found that the final day of the 30-day detention was indeed August 17, but that filing on August 18 complied with procedural requirements, as it was the next lawful working day.

On those grounds, the court rejected Ingabire’s application and upheld her remand, ordering that she remain in pre-trial detention. The case has since been referred for further proceedings before the competent judicial body.

Ingabire faces multiple charges, including forming an armed group, incitement to insurrection, undermining state authority, dissemination of false information intended to discredit the Government of Rwanda abroad, spreading rumors, conspiracy to endanger state security, and organizing unauthorized demonstrations.

He made the remarks on August 27, 2025, in Singapore, where he attended the 5th Singapore–Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV).

Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda also organized an investment forum aimed at attracting investors and showcasing the country’s advantages as an investment destination.

Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda serves as a gateway to the African market.

“By investing in Rwanda, you are not only investing in our market. You are also connecting your business to the 3.4 trillion-dollar large African market, and its 1.3 billion consumers,” Amb. Nduhungirehe said.

He further explained that Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for investment in Africa, focusing on innovation and technology-driven growth.

Minister Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s long-term development goals: to achieve Upper Middle-Income Country status by 2035 and to become a High-Income Country by 2050.

By 2035, Rwanda aims to be ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for ease of doing business, and among the top 20 countries with the most resilient economies. By 2050, the country aspires to be in the world’s top 10 performing economies.

To meet these ambitions, Rwanda has set a target for its economy to grow at an average annual rate of at least 12% of GDP between 2018 and 2035, and 10% between 2036 and 2050.

An RDB report shows Rwanda registered new investments worth $3.2 billion (about 4.5 trillion Rwandan francs) in 2024, up from $2.4 billion in 2023. Of this, manufacturing, finance and insurance, and real estate constituted 77.9%.

The Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC), a project designed to transform the country into a globally competitive financial hub has been vital to these endeavors.

Since its launch in 2020, the KIFC has attracted 180 investors, of which 70% are African with 30% coming from other regions of the world.

According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the assaults began on the night of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, when forces from the Congolese army (FARDC), the Burundian military, Imbonerakure militia, FDLR fighters, Mai Mai,Wazalendo militia, and foreign mercenaries launched attacks in Mikenke, Minembwe highlands, and parts of Kalehe Territory.

“Since the night of August 27, the coalition of Kinshasa government forces has been indiscriminately bombing heavily populated areas in Minembwe [Mikenke] and Kalehe [Katana, Kavumu, Katasomwa, Nyabibwe], using CH-4 drones and heavy weapons. The attacks are still ongoing,” Kanyuka said.

The MRDP-Twirwaneho movement confirmed that drones, allegedly operated by mercenaries, first struck Rugezi in southern Minembwe around 1:00 a.m., damaging telecommunication infrastructure.

Additional bombardments were reported in Kahololo village in the Itombwe mountains of Fizi Territory and in Uvira, with reports suggesting Kinshasa had issued direct orders to target Banyamulenge-inhabited villages in Minembwe.

These strikes follow earlier attacks in Kadasomwa on August 26–27 and in Minembwe on August 27, which AFC says resulted in significant civilian casualties.

AFC/M23 argued that the escalation proves President Félix Tshisekedi and his allies have chosen war instead of pursuing negotiations facilitated by Qatar.

The group also reaffirmed that it would continue to “protect and defend civilians” in eastern DRC.

Dr. Kabaasha was appointed CEO of WASAC Group during the Cabinet meeting of July 16, 2025, succeeding Prof. Omar Munyaneza, who had held the position since September 2023.

With more than 10 years of experience in water distribution, Dr. Kabaasha held roles in various government institutions that later merged to form today’s WASAC Group, where he has served since 2007.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he underscored the urgent need to improve water distribution efficiency and reduce the amount of water lost before reaching consumers losses that could otherwise be put to productive use.

{{IGIHE: How prepared are you to take on your new responsibilities?}}

{{Dr. Kabaasha:}}

I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading WASAC Group. I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, for the confidence he has placed in me. I accepted these duties with the full understanding that water is life, it is not just another service.

Drawing on my experience and commitment to serving my country, I am fully prepared to deliver on this mandate.

{{What are key areas that require more effort to ensure that Rwandans have reliable access to clean water?}}

In my view, four priorities stand out. First, professional service delivery is key. As WASAC staff, we must enhance the way we work by adopting modern technologies and developing robust water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. This will allow us to provide reliable, high-quality, and customer-friendly services.

Secondly, we need to place citizens at the center. Our people deserve better services. I will focus on listening to their feedback, providing them with accurate and reliable information, explaining the challenges we sometimes face in service delivery, and ensuring timely responses to their concerns.

Integrity and accountability come third. Every decision we make will be guided by wisdom, honesty, and the public interest. Our ultimate goal is to deliver dependable services built on trust.

Lastly, there is a need to invest in employees. WASAC staff are the institution’s greatest asset. They are central to achieving all organizational goals. I will prioritize staff welfare and foster a positive work environment where they can perform with dedication, showcase their talents, and grow professionally.

{{In recent weeks, different parts of the country have been experiencing water shortages. What is causing this?
}}

Indeed, there is currently a significant shortage of water across the country, particularly in Kigali City. Two main factors are responsible.

First, the dry season has led to a drastic reduction in water levels in the River Nyabarongo compared to previous years, which has in turn reduced the supply capacity of the Kanzenze water treatment plant.

Second, the demand for water among residents has sharply increased during this period.
To mitigate the situation, WASAC Group implemented a water rationing program. However, recent assessments have shown that challenges remain. Some neighborhoods have consistent water access, while others especially in Kicukiro District in Kigali go long periods without any supply.

To address this imbalance, WASAC Group is currently reviewing and improving its water distribution strategy to ensure that areas frequently facing shortages can receive a more reliable supply.

{{What measures are being taken to ensure that everyone has access to clean water?}}

Generally, there is still a gap between the demand for water and WASAC Group’s supply capacity. This challenge worsens during prolonged dry seasons.

In the short term, our solutions include revising the water rationing program and reducing losses caused by leakages, so that all water produced actually reaches the population as intended. We also want to ensure rationing is applied fairly across all communities.

Long-term strategies focus on two main aspects: implementing new projects to build additional water treatment plants and upgrading existing ones to expand capacity nationwide. At the same time, we are working to reduce water losses, which currently stand at more than 38%, to at least 25–30%.

{{Water losses along the network are significant. What is being done to address this?}}

Indeed, WASAC currently has a Non-Revenue Water (NRW) level of about 38%. Over the years, we have worked with several development partners to address this issue. For example, in Rwamagana and Nyagatare branches, we partnered with a Dutch organization called VEI, and water losses were significantly reduced.

Similarly, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supported WASAC in cutting water losses at the Kacyiru branch in Kigali.

These interventions will now be scaled up and applied across other branches in Kigali before the end of this year. We expect this will help bring water losses in the city down from 38% to between 25% and 30%.

{{What progress has been made with the project to install leak detection machines (SCADA)?}}

Currently, SCADA systems are already in use at WASAC’s water treatment plants and in some reservoirs. However, using SCADA specifically to detect damaged water pipelines is still at the pilot stage. We are also seeking partners to help us implement this project at full scale.

What are the major projects currently underway to address Rwanda’s persistent water challenges?
We have several projects across the country aimed at increasing the supply of water and ensuring it reaches the population.

One of these is the project to rehabilitate and expand the Karenge Water Treatment Plant. Once completed, the plant’s capacity will rise from the current 12,000 cubic meters per day to 36,000 cubic meters per day. The water produced will serve the City of Kigali and Rwamagana District.

Another project is the rehabilitation and expansion of the Ntora-Remera water pipeline. This project will rehabilitate and extend 190 kilometers of pipelines in Kigali City, particularly in Gasabo District (Gisozi, Remera, Kinyinya, and Kacyiru Sectors), helping to address the existing water shortages.
There is also a project to rehabilitate the Nzove I Water Treatment Plant, which will then have a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Outside Kigali, there is the Kivu Belt Water Supply Project. It involves constructing a water treatment plant with a capacity of 13,000 cubic meters per day and laying 125 kilometers of water pipelines. This project is expected to increase water supply in Rubengera and Bwishyura Sectors in Karongi District.

The Muhazi Water Supply Project will establish a water treatment plant with a capacity of 12,000 cubic meters per day and build 256 kilometers of pipelines. This project will benefit residents of five sectors in Gatsibo District (Remera, Rugarama, Kiziguro, Kiramuruzi, and Murambi) and three sectors in Kayonza District (Rukara, Murundi, and Gahini).

There is also the Volcano Belt Water Supply Project, which will rehabilitate and expand the Mutobo Water Treatment Plant, raising its capacity from 12,500 cubic meters per day to 43,000 cubic meters per day, along with constructing 178 kilometers of pipelines. Once completed, the project will increase water supply in Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu Districts.

Finally, we are also focusing on the Huye-Nyaruguru-Gisagara Water Supply Project, which will have a capacity of 24,000 cubic meters per day and involve the construction of 473 kilometers of water pipelines.

{{Do you consider prepaid water systems a sustainable solution?}}

Yes, prepaid water systems are a promising solution. They allow customers to monitor their water usage and avoid accumulating arrears. For WASAC, they ensure faster and more efficient revenue collection.

A pilot program has already started at 200 public water taps in Kigali and the Eastern Province. After proving effective, we are now seeking funding to expand prepaid systems to more public taps nationwide.

Additionally, WASAC has invited companies manufacturing household prepaid meters to conduct a six-month pilot program beginning in October this year. The results will provide key insights for deciding on a large-scale rollout to households.

{{Are smart meters still part of your vision?}}

Yes, smart meters remain part of our future strategy. We plan to test two types: prepaid meters (pay-before-use) and postpaid meters (which automatically transmit usage data without requiring WASAC staff to manually read them monthly). These solutions will improve transparency, minimize errors, and enhance customer service.

{{Why is water pricing for large institutions and industries considered very high?}}

It is often said that industrial water tariffs are too high, but this is not entirely accurate. Water tariffs are determined based on the actual costs of treatment, distribution, and ensuring sustainable service delivery.

For industries, one cubic meter of water (equivalent to 50 jerrycans) costs 736 RWF (excluding VAT). Considering the costs involved in producing and delivering reliable water, this rate is not excessive.

Speaking on Thursday, August 28, 2025, during a Business Leaders’ Roundtable, President Chapo shared that his journey to Kigali required a stopover in Addis Ababa, describing the detour as unnecessary and a hindrance to closer cooperation.

The meeting, organized by the Rwanda Development Board, aimed to explore new avenues for investment and strengthen collaboration between the two countries.

Chapo praised President Paul Kagame for the invitation to Rwanda and commended the role of Rwandan troops in helping to restore peace in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, urging business leaders to build on that achievement.

He noted that Mozambique has vast fertile land that can feed Rwanda and beyond, as well as opportunities in energy, maritime resources, and industry. He encouraged Rwandan investors to consider Mozambique as a destination for investment.

Using his own travel experience to illustrate Africa’s air transport challenges, President Chapo explained that he had passed through Addis Ababa before landing in Kigali.

He revealed that he had already raised the issue with President Kagame, proposing the establishment of direct flights between the two capitals.

“We face challenges in connecting our countries through air travel. To get here, we first had to pass through Addis Ababa before coming to Kigali. The other possible option was to go through Johannesburg. Yesterday, I told my counterpart, President Kagame, that we need to establish direct flights linking Maputo and Kigali,” he noted.

At present, airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways operate on the route (Kigali-Maputo), but passengers are forced to connect through other cities.

President Chapo began his state visit to Rwanda on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, holding talks with President Kagame and visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The first day was also marked by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Mozambique’s Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX), signed by RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika and Mozambique’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Amade Miquidade.

The MoU aims to expand trade and investment in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and industry, building on prior frameworks to drive economic collaboration.

A second pact, a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the Support to Fight Terrorism in Mozambique, was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and Mozambique’s Minister of National Defence, Cristóvão Artur Chume.

The agreement extends Rwanda’s military support in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, where Rwandan forces have been deployed since 2021 to combat Islamist insurgents.

Relations between Rwanda and Mozambique date back to 1990 and gained renewed momentum in 2018 with the creation of a Joint Cooperation Commission.