The vehicle was unveiled on November 5, 2026, bringing together advanced technology, off-road capabilities and a range of features designed to enhance comfort, safety and convenience for drivers and passengers.
Speaking at the launch, CFAO Mobility Rwanda Sales Officer Augustin Nkotanyi said the BYD Ti7 DM-P can cover up to 80 kilometres on electric power alone, while its combined electric and petrol systems give it a driving range of up to 710 kilometres.
He explained that the combination makes the vehicle suitable for both everyday journeys and longer trips, allowing drivers to choose between electric power and petrol depending on their needs.
Beyond its driving range, the BYD Ti7 DM-P is designed to handle a variety of road conditions, including dirt roads, steep slopes and uneven terrain. According to Nkotanyi, this capability is supported by a system that distributes power to all four wheels depending on the conditions.
“The vehicle features Intelligent Electric Four-Wheel Drive technology, which distributes power to all four wheels according to the terrain. This enables it to navigate dirt roads, steep slopes and other uneven surfaces,” he said.
The vehicle also offers flexible charging options, giving owners the convenience of charging it at home rather than relying entirely on public charging stations.
It comes with a 7 kW home charging unit, known as a Wall-box Charger, as well as a portable 3.3 kW Mobile Charger. These allow owners to charge the vehicle in different settings, depending on their location and access to electricity.
Nkotanyi said CFAO Mobility Rwanda has also put in place after-sales support services to ensure customers can access maintenance and repairs when needed.
“We have a garage, spare parts and technicians trained by the manufacturer, meaning that our team at CFAO Mobility Rwanda can address any problem that may arise with the vehicle,” he said.
Inside, the BYD Ti7 DM-P comes with a range of technology and comfort features designed to improve the experience for everyone on board.
These include a panoramic sunroof that allows natural light into the cabin, Four-Zone Intelligent Voice Control, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The vehicle also features electrically adjustable front seats with massage functions, as well as a dedicated compartment that can cool or warm food and drinks.
Speaking at the launch, Pauline Bakashaza, chief Financial Officer of CFAO Mobility Rwanda, said the company’s partnership with BYD reflects a shared commitment to advancing modern technology and promoting sustainable development.
“We chose to partner with BYD because it is a leading company in new energy technologies, with significant investment in research and technological development, as well as a vision of building a more sustainable future,” she said.
Bakashaza added that the BYD Ti7 DM-P was developed with customers’ needs in mind, bringing together comfort, modern technology and the ability to adapt to different road conditions.
“The vehicle combines contemporary design, advanced technology, spacious interiors that provide comfort, and the ability to adapt to different road conditions through plug-in hybrid technology, which combines electric power and petrol,” she said.
CFAO Mobility Rwanda said it is the only officially authorised distributor of BYD vehicles in Rwanda, with the authority to sell them and provide manufacturer-backed warranties.
Customers purchasing the BYD Ti7 DM-P are offered an eight-year battery warranty or coverage of up to 200,000 kilometres.
The vehicle itself comes with a six-year warranty or coverage of up to 150,000 kilometres.
Pauline Bakashaza, who represented CFAO Mobility Rwanda at the event, said the company’s partnership with BYD is driven by a shared vision of advancing technology.
Abizera secured her place in the final after finishing fifth in Sunday’s semi-final, clocking 57.29 seconds and improving her previous personal best of 58.33 seconds.
She is scheduled to compete in the final on Monday, November 9, 2026, starting at 6:50 p.m. Kigali time at Complexe Iba Mar Diop, where she will be vying for a medal.
Rwanda is represented at the Games in several disciplines, including athletics, swimming, Kung Fu Wushu, cycling and Taekwondo.
In swimming, Rwandan athletes have completed their competitions, with several recording personal bests, while one also established a new national record.
Mugabo Aragsan set a new Rwandan national record in the 50m freestyle, clocking 29.94 seconds.
He also improved his personal best in the 50m backstroke, finishing in 36.33 seconds.
Ntwali Jayden also delivered strong performances, clocking 27.15 seconds in the 50m freestyle and 28.66 seconds in the 50m butterfly, setting personal bests in both events.
Kalisa Keza improved her personal best in the 50m butterfly, recording 36.11 seconds. She also set a new personal best in the 200m backstroke, finishing in three minutes, six seconds and 58 milliseconds.
Murenzi Sheja Kean competed in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle events.
In the 100m butterfly, she improved her personal best by 4.75 seconds, clocking one minute, three seconds and 89 milliseconds.
One place separates Mugisha François from Wushu final
In Kung Fu Wushu, Mugisha François, who represented Rwanda in the Changquan and Gunshu events, finished ninth overall.
He scored 7.966 points in Changquan and 7.863 points in Gunshu, giving him a combined score of 15.829 points.
Only the top eight athletes qualified for the final, leaving Mugisha just one place short of advancing.
In road cycling, Akimana Donatha finished 22nd out of 41 participants in the women’s 59.5-kilometre race.
She encountered a setback after falling while attempting to accelerate and catch up with the other competitors. However, she managed to finish the race, trailing the winner, Angelina Novolodskaya of Russia, by one minute and 47 seconds.
In the men’s race, which covered 69.5 kilometres, Shema Emmanuel finished 29th among the 39 participants, although six riders did not complete the race.
Both cyclists will return to competition on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for the Individual Time Trial (ITT).
They will each cover an 8.5-kilometre course along Corniche Ouest. These will be Rwanda’s final cycling events at the Games.
On Monday, November 9, Uwamahoro Françoise will also compete in Taekwondo in the women’s under-49kg category.
She is scheduled to face Australia’s MacDonald Mackenzie in a bout set for 1:20 p.m. Kigali time at Complexe Iba Mar Diop.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are being held in Senegal, bringing together athletes aged under 17 from different countries around the world.
Mugisha François narrowly missed out on qualifying for the medal-deciding final in Kung Fu Wushu.Mugisha finished ninth, while only the top eight athletes advanced to the final.The Rwandan swimmers have completed their events, recording improved times compared to their previous personal bests.Uwamahoro Françoise is set to compete in Taekwondo on Monday.Abizera Sonia Eli-Elohe qualified for the 400m final, where medals will be decided.Abizera Sonia Eli-Elohe competed in the 400m semi-final.The men’s and women’s road cycling races were held on Sunday.Akimana Donatha competed in the women’s race.Shema Emmanuel leads the race as the cyclists ride together in a peloton.Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal, Festus Bizimana, poses for a photo with cyclist Shema Emmanuel.Rwandan team officials pose for a photo with cyclist Shema Emmanuel.
When Elina Mwanga first travelled to Africa at the age of 20, she intended to volunteer with children in Uganda for just one month. What began as a short humanitarian experience eventually became a 12-year commitment, shaping her professional journey and influencing the work she continues to pursue in Rwanda.
Originally from Israel, Mwanga has lived in East Africa since 2009. After spending more than a decade in Uganda, she relocated to Rwanda four years ago, where she has established two businesses focused on children’s development: Tintin Children’s Centre and Petits Artistes, an arts-based daycare and preschool in Kigali.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Mwanga said her decision to settle in Rwanda was influenced by the country’s safety, business environment and the opportunity to raise her children in a supportive community.
“I could live anywhere in the world. I chose Rwanda because it is safe, especially safe to raise kids,” she said.
She recalled being pleasantly surprised by the country’s cleanliness, infrastructure and sense of security when she first arrived.
“I was expecting Africa, but I felt like I had arrived in Europe. Everything was so clean and safe, and you could move around freely with your phone,” she said.
Mwanga also praised Rwanda’s business environment, saying that establishing a business had been easier than she initially expected.
“They don’t make your life very difficult. On the contrary, they even support you. They support you to open a business, to invest in Rwanda, and I loved it so much,” she said.
Before relocating, Mwanga spent 12 years working with Little Light, a non-profit organisation in Uganda, where she served as a board member and manager.
Children participate in creative learning activities at Petits Artistes, an arts-based daycare and preschool in Kigali.
The organisation operated a kindergarten, scholarship programme, clinic, women’s empowerment group and youth initiatives. It provided education and daily meals to more than 320 children annually, alongside medical care and other forms of support to thousands of community members.
Her experience working with vulnerable children strengthened her belief that every child deserves love, care and opportunities to develop, regardless of their background.
“Ever since I can remember, I have loved working with children because I see them as pure human beings,” she said.
She added that children share similar needs and natural abilities regardless of where they grow up.
“They laugh the same. They want the same things. They have the same needs: the need for love and care, the passion to learn and the natural curiosity,” she said.
Creating spaces where children can thrive
Mwanga established Tintin Children’s Centre three months after moving to Rwanda. The idea emerged from her personal experience as a mother who struggled to find suitable places where her daughter could spend time outside school.
She wanted a space that offered more than conventional entertainment, particularly an environment where children could explore, create and participate in meaningful activities.
“I was looking for something quieter, that could give a child a home experience out of home, with more quality activities,” she explained.
Tintin subsequently developed into a children’s activity centre catering to children aged one to 10, offering activities including baking, swimming, arts, sports, competitions, holiday camps and birthday celebrations.
The centre has also organised large family events, including a festival that brought together thousands of children and featured entertainers and content creators.
Mwanga said her understanding of the Rwandan market evolved considerably after establishing the centre, as she realised that some services she initially considered necessary were not necessarily what local families needed.
Her experience also taught her the importance of understanding the community before introducing a business idea.
After operating Tintin for several years, parents began expressing interest in having a school that followed the same child-centred philosophy.
This eventually led to the establishment of Petits Artistes in 2025, a bilingual English-French daycare and preschool for children aged one to six.
Art and play form an important part of the learning experience at Petits Artistes.
Using art to transform early childhood education
At Petits Artistes, Mwanga has introduced an educational philosophy she developed called the Canvas Approach.
The approach considers every child a masterpiece in progress, with educators responsible for providing the environment, materials, guidance and support children need to develop their individual abilities.
Under this model, art is not treated as an additional classroom activity but as a central tool for learning and self-expression.
Children explore different subjects through painting, sculpture, music, drama, movement, nature, gardening, construction and scientific experiments.
“Every child is a masterpiece in progress. We let them create their own canvas, paint their canvas, and the role of the adults is only to give them the tools, the safe environment, the love and the care, to guide them, but not to create it for them,” Mwanga said.
She believes children are naturally creative and that education systems should provide more opportunities for them to express their ideas rather than limit learning to memorisation and conventional teaching methods.
“I keep telling my teachers that they are more creative than you. So, when you want to explore something, you let them lead because they know better,” she said.
According to Mwanga, creativity should be an essential part of children’s development because it equips them with the ability to think independently, approach challenges differently and find solutions.
She also believes the early years of childhood are particularly important in establishing the foundation for future learning and personal development.
“I really want to invest in it and give my best to the kids until they go to primary. I want to build the best foundation for them for the rest of their lives,” she said.
Her message to parents who may still be uncertain about the importance of creative education is that creativity extends beyond childhood activities and has lasting benefits in adulthood.
“Creativity is the key to success in life in everything as adults. Creative thinking is crucial in business, even in managing the family. Any challenge in life, if you have creative thinking, you can solve anything,” she said.
Beyond her educational initiatives, Mwanga is developing SATI, an integrated community development initiative in Rwanda that seeks to connect child nutrition, education, agriculture, energy and livelihood opportunities.
She hopes to develop the Canvas Approach into a professional educational model that can train educators and be introduced in additional schools in Rwanda, Uganda and eventually other countries.
For Mwanga, her journey has been about bringing together the experiences and knowledge she gained in Israel and Uganda with the family, businesses and community she has built in Rwanda.
Asked to describe Rwanda in three words, she chose “peace, light, and friendship.”
Elina Mwanga, an Israeli-born social entrepreneur and early childhood educator who has made Rwanda her home.Mwanga believes children should be given the freedom to explore, experiment and develop their own ideas.Through the Canvas Approach, Mwanga encourages children to explore their abilities and express themselves through different forms of art.Colourful pencils and art materials are used to encourage creativity, imagination and self-expression among children at Petits Artistes.Children enjoy swimming activities at Tintin Children’s Centre, where play and physical development are part of the learning experience.
He is among the genocide perpetrators who received psychosocial support and lessons on unity and resilience, aimed at helping them reconcile with the people they wronged. The initiative was organised by the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR) in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
ADEPR said it launched the programme in 2021 to bring together genocide perpetrators and survivors through reconciliation activities.
Since then, more than 6,000 people have participated in the programme. They have formed 36 self-help groups focused on income-generating activities, with combined savings exceeding Rwf 9 million.
The groups engage in agriculture, livestock farming and vocational activities. Members also hold regular discussions aimed at strengthening relationships and promoting peaceful coexistence.
One of the groups, based in Rulindo District, grows pineapples. On October 30, ADEPR donated five cows to its members to support their efforts to rebuild their lives.
Nkuyubwatsi Jean Marie Vianney, who participated in the reconciliation programme, apologised to the family of the person he killed, saying that he had been burdened by guilt before finding relief after telling the truth.
The Rulindo resident said he used to struggle with guilt even when sleeping.
“I would lie down to sleep, but I could feel my heart pounding,” he said.
Mulisa said that although he had been released after completing his sentence, he returned home overwhelmed by shame and fear because of his involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
“When I returned, I was filled with shame and fear. I remember being released at 5 p.m., but I only arrived home at 8 p.m., even though the vehicle had dropped me off in Shyorongi at 6 p.m.,” he said.
He explained that after reaching Shyorongi busines centre, he got off and walked along the road leading to his home, afraid that residents might kill him because of the crimes he had committed. However, he was warmly received when he finally arrived.
“I walked down through the bushes, afraid. I kept thinking, ‘If I go down there, they will kill me anyway.’ But when I arrived, people welcomed me warmly. They even started visiting me at home, and I also began visiting them. I came to feel that I had completed my sentence and had no other crimes to answer for,” he said.
Mulisa said he later received lessons on how to reconcile with the people he had wronged. After completing the sessions, he felt compelled to ask for forgiveness.
“I later met this group, which taught us. After completing the lessons, my heart told me, ‘Go and ask those people for forgiveness,’” he said.
Mulisa subsequently apologised to the family of Nsabimana. He explained that when he was 20 years old, he took part in an attack on their home, during which Nsabimana’s younger sibling was taken away and killed.
A survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi said she had experienced severe trauma. Whenever she saw people convicted of genocide crimes being released from prison after serving their sentences, she would nearly collapse.
“There was a time when I lived in constant fear. I was overwhelmed by grief because the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi had left me with nothing. I lost all my siblings and my father, leaving me with only an elderly woman who was 85 years old,” she said.
She added: “It was a long journey. Whenever I saw people, I would nearly collapse, especially those released from prison after being convicted of genocide crimes.”
However, she said she has since regained her strength.
During the reconciliation event, some genocide perpetrators knelt down as they asked survivors for forgiveness, saying they felt relieved and were committed to living peacefully with those they had wronged. The survivors accepted their apologies, and the two groups embraced.
A woman from Rubona Cell, Shyorongi Sector, whose parent was killed during the Genocide, said she had been able to forgive the perpetrators because they had humbled themselves and sincerely asked for forgiveness.
“You cannot kill my parents and expect me to forgive you. But because you have knelt down and asked for forgiveness, we have granted it,” she said.
Murebwayire Alphonsine, President of IBUKA in Rulindo District, commended those who had chosen reconciliation, saying Rwandans should work towards building a country free from hatred and genocide ideology.
However, she warned that some parents continue to instil divisionism and genocide ideology in their children. She called for continued education to promote peaceful coexistence.
“Even today, we still have irresponsible parents who continue to plant hatred in their children, including divisionism and genocide ideology. It is therefore our responsibility to continue teaching our children about love and peaceful coexistence. We must also explain the true history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, starting with what happened in our own communities,” she said.
She stressed that children should be told the truth and properly educated so they can challenge those who attempt to distort the country’s history, particularly the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Senior ADEPR Pastor Ndayizeye Isaie said that 632 people had reconciled through the programme nationwide in October alone, bringing the total number for the year to 982.
“These are activities we started in 2021. Today, we are pleased with the results of the discussions we have conducted. More than 6,000 people have now gone through this process, and they are living peacefully, contributing to development and rebuilding their families,” he said.
Pastor Ndayizeye said the number was still relatively low, calling on ADEPR pastors to work with local government authorities to continue educating genocide perpetrators who have been released from prison and survivors, with the aim of strengthening reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
An event marking the end of Unity and Resilience Month, organised by ADEPR to promote reconciliation between Genocide perpetrators and survivors, was held in Shyorongi Sector.A Genocide survivor recounts the severe trauma she experienced whenever she saw a released genocide perpetrator.Mulisa Sylvain (second from right) said he was afraid to return home during the day because of the fear and shame over the crimes he had committed.They were then prayed for, asking God to strengthen them as they embark on a new journey.Genocide survivors in Rulindo forgave those who wronged them, saying they were ready to live peacefully alongside them.Genocide perpetrators raised their hands to demonstrate their repentance before God and the public.
After asking for and receiving forgiveness, they embraced as a sign of their commitment to unity.Pastor Ndayizeye Isaie said that since 2021, ADEPR has brought together more than 6,000 people through the programme.
The discovery offers new insights into how human eyesight develops before birth and could eventually contribute to research into treatments for conditions that cause vision loss.
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examined the foveola, a small area located at the centre of the retina that enables people to see fine details, read and recognise faces.
Led by Associate Professor Robert J. Johnston Jr., the researchers used laboratory-grown miniature human retinal tissues, called organoids, to study how cells in the eye develop over time.
Their observations revealed that during early fetal development, some cells that initially detect blue light may change into cells responsible for detecting red and green light.
The transformation is influenced by retinoic acid, a substance derived from vitamin A, and thyroid hormones, which play important roles in regulating growth and development.
The researchers found that retinoic acid helps organise the developing retina by restricting the formation of blue-light-sensitive cells in its central region.
Meanwhile, thyroid hormones appear to trigger some of the remaining blue-sensitive cells to develop into red- and green-sensitive cells.
The discovery challenges a long-standing scientific explanation, which suggested that blue-sensitive cells simply moved away from the centre of the developing retina without changing their function.
Instead, the new findings indicate that some of these cells may undergo a transformation, adopting different roles as the eye develops.
“This is a key step toward understanding the inner workings of the center of the retina, a critical part of the eye and the first to fail in people with macular degeneration,” Johnston said.
The findings could help advance future research into treatments for vision-threatening conditions, including macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Scientists hope that further improvements in laboratory-grown retinal tissues could eventually make it possible to develop specialised light-sensitive cells capable of replacing those damaged by eye diseases.
However, the technology is still at an experimental stage, and further studies will be necessary to determine whether it can safely and effectively restore vision in patients.
The research provides new insight into the biological processes that enable the human eye to develop the ability to distinguish fine details.
Researchers have discovered how vitamin A and thyroid hormones contribute to the development of sharp human vision.
The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas and presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), suggest that lifestyle changes could offer an effective approach to managing early-onset Type 2 diabetes.
The research was conducted by scientists led by Professor Kaberi Dasgupta of McGill University in Canada and Professor Thomas Yates of the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.
The clinical trial involved 96 adults aged between 18 and 45 who had Type 2 diabetes and obesity but were not using insulin.
Participants were recruited at research centres in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Of the 96 participants, 50 were assigned to an intensive lifestyle programme, while 46 continued receiving standard medical care.
Those in the lifestyle group followed a diet providing between 800 and 900 calories daily, alongside supervised aerobic and resistance exercises twice a week and an additional independent exercise session.
After 12 weeks, participants moved to a diet designed to maintain their weight loss while continuing physical activity.
After 24 weeks, 27 of the 50 participants in the intensive programme had achieved remission, representing 54%.
In comparison, only two of the 46 participants receiving standard care achieved remission, equivalent to approximately 4%.
Researchers also recorded greater weight loss among participants following the intensive programme.
Their average body weight decreased by 8.4 kilogrammes over six months, compared with 1.2 kilogrammes among those receiving standard care.
The programme also focused on preserving muscle mass through resistance training while reducing body fat.
However, the intensive approach was associated with more side effects.
Forty-three participants in the intervention group reported at least one adverse event, compared with six in the standard-care group. Common problems included constipation, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. No severe adverse events were reported.
Researchers emphasised that remission does not necessarily mean diabetes has been permanently cured.
It refers to blood sugar levels falling below the diagnostic threshold without glucose-lowering medication for a specified period.
They said longer-term studies are needed to establish whether participants can maintain remission and weight loss over time.
The findings could offer new insights into treating early-onset Type 2 diabetes, which is associated with a higher risk of developing complications earlier in life.
A new study has found that combining a low-calorie diet with regular exercise can help young adults with Type 2 diabetes achieve remission.
The study, published in the journal National Science Review, suggests that magma under extreme pressure can absorb additional oxygen beyond what its usual chemical composition would predict.
The findings could help scientists better understand how Earth’s interior, volcanic activity and atmosphere have interacted over geological time.
The research was led by scientists from the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research in China, working with colleagues from Northwestern Polytechnical University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
To investigate the process, the team recreated conditions found deep inside Earth in laboratory experiments.
They heated a synthetic form of mid-ocean ridge basalt, a volcanic rock, at temperatures between 1,200 and 1,800 degrees Celsius and pressures reaching seven gigapascals.
At the highest pressure, the material contained more than five per cent excess oxygen by weight when platinum oxide was added to create an oxygen-rich environment.
Samples tested under similar conditions without the added platinum oxide contained much lower amounts, between 0.2 and 0.5 per cent.
The researchers used Raman spectroscopy to check whether the extra oxygen was present as trapped gas bubbles.
They found no detectable evidence of oxygen gas, suggesting that the additional oxygen had become part of the glass structure formed when the molten samples cooled.
Computer simulations supported the experimental findings, showing that magma’s capacity to hold excess oxygen increases with pressure.
The models also suggested that oxygen atoms can form different chemical arrangements as more oxygen enters the melt.
The team proposes that magma formed in oxidised parts of Earth’s mantle could absorb extra oxygen deep underground.
As magma rises towards the surface and pressure falls, some of that oxygen might be released and participate in chemical reactions affecting the mantle, crust and atmosphere.
This possibility may be relevant to a period between about 2.5 billion and two billion years ago, when atmospheric oxygen increased significantly and large volcanic regions formed.
The researchers calculated that if ancient eruptions released excess oxygen equal to just 0.27 per cent of the magma’s weight, the theoretical amount could equal the oxygen currently present in Earth’s atmosphere.
However, this calculation does not prove that volcanoes supplied that oxygen. Further research is needed to determine how much oxygen natural magma can carry and how much could reach the atmosphere.
The findings may also help researchers investigate the evolution of other rocky planets and the conditions that allow habitable environments to develop.
Researchers have found that magma deep inside Earth can store additional oxygen under extreme pressure, potentially offering new insights into the planet’s atmospheric evolution.
Agaseke Center is a cultural and handicrafts hub located on Rebero Hill in Kigali, Rwanda.
The three-month programme focused on creative skills, gender equality, reproductive health and women’s rights, as part of a partnership between the Chinese Embassy, the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center to expand vocational training and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said women’s empowerment remained an important area of cooperation between China and Rwanda.
“China and Rwanda both attach great importance to women’s empowerment. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in this area, with one of the highest shares of women in Parliament in the world. That is truly admirable,” he said.
Amb. Gao said the Embassy had supported several training programmes at Agaseke Center, covering business creativity, weaving, women’s rights and other subjects.
The support has also helped the Center participate in the China International Import Expo and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, giving trainees opportunities to showcase their products and explore wider markets.
Amb. Gao announced that Agaseke Center would participate in the 2026 China International Import Expo, with support from the Embassy.
“I wish you a fruitful trip, and I hope more outstanding Rwandan products will enter the Chinese market,” he said.
He described Agaseke’s traditional basket weaving as a link between cultural heritage and economic empowerment.
“The name Agaseke comes from the traditional Rwandan woven basket, a symbol of prosperity, culture and friendship,” he said.
Amb. Gao added that the embassy would continue working with the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center to help more women and young people acquire skills and pursue their ambitions.
“Looking ahead, the embassy will continue to work with the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center, to help more women and youth gain skills and realize their dreams,” Amb. Gao said.
Martine Urujeni, Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Socio-Economic Affairs thanked the Chinese Embassy for its continued support of initiatives aimed at empowering women and young people, expressing interest in further cooperation with Agaseke Center.
According to the City of Kigali, the three programmes conducted between 2024 and 2026 reached 125 beneficiaries.
The first programme, held from June to October 2024, trained 50 participants in financial literacy, e-commerce, marketing and storytelling.
A second programme, conducted from June to October 2025, benefited 35 participants through training in creative arts, gender-based violence awareness and improved weaving skills.
The latest programme trained 40 participants between August and October 2026.
Participants include women from cooperatives under Ihuriro ry’Agaseke Cooperative Union and young people from Gatenga Sector who have completed secondary education and are seeking opportunities in the creative industry.
Representing the graduates, Isingizwe Marie Grace said the training had equipped participants with practical skills in weaving, crochet and making imigongo, a traditional Rwandan art form.
She added that participants had gained life skills, developed friendships and become better equipped to pursue financial independence.
“Some of us previously depended on our parents for almost everything, but today we are becoming independent,” she said.
Graduates display their certificates after completing creative skills training at Agaseke Center.Chinese Ambassador Gao Wenqi addresses graduates at Agaseke Center on October 28, 2026.The programme has benefited 125 women and youth over three years.The event featured traditional performances Trainees perform a cultural dance during the graduation ceremony.Officials tour Agaseke Center’s exhibition and workshop rooms.
Nyiranyamibwa, who died on October 16, 2026, aged 83, was laid to rest following a funeral attended by family members, friends, fellow musicians and fans who gathered to pay tribute to her contribution to preserving and promoting Rwandan traditional music and culture.
Those in attendance included the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, former Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Edouard Bamporiki, and several musicians, including Mariya Yohana and Cyusa Ibrahim.
The farewell ceremony began in the morning and was followed by a requiem Mass at Regina Pacis Parish. The service was led by retired Bishop Philippe Rukamba before her body was taken to Rusororo Cemetery for burial.
The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on her life and the legacy she left in Rwandan music.
The final farewell followed a night vigil held on October 23, 2026, during which family members and friends celebrated her life.
Nyiranyamibwa was one of the musicians who played a significant role in preserving Rwandan traditional music. She was known for songs including Telefone ko ititaba, Ni muberwe bakobwa, Ese mbaze nde?, Ndavunyisha and Nkumbuye iwacu.
She was also among the founders of Itorero Isamaza, a cultural troupe that played a role in supporting Rwanda’s liberation struggle. Her musical works celebrated patriotism, Rwandan culture and the country’s history. Some of her songs have also been used in commemorations of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In 1973, Nyiranyamibwa fled Rwanda to escape persecution targeting the Tutsi. She initially lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before moving to Belgium, where she spent many years. She returned to Rwanda in 2016.
15. Nyiranyamibwa was laid to rest after farewell ceremony and requiem Mass4. Minister Bizimana attendsed funeral of traditional music icon NyiranyamibwaA requiem Mass was held at Regina Pacis Parish
The Beijing-based company announced the changes on Saturday, October 24, 2026, ahead of plans to release the model’s underlying weights on November 4.
These files allow developers to run, modify and adapt an AI model on their own computer systems.
According to Reuters, Moonshot removed cybersecurity-related data from the model’s training material and reinforcement-learning environments while retaining its general coding capabilities.
The company said the decision was intended to prevent the public release of a model that could significantly expand the ability to conduct sophisticated cyberattacks.
“We aim not to release open weights that would extend the absolute frontier of cyber capability,” Moonshot said.
The move comes as governments, technology companies and cybersecurity researchers increasingly warn that advanced AI systems could help malicious actors identify software weaknesses and automate parts of cyberattacks.
AI models capable of writing code, using software tools and completing complex tasks could make it easier to discover vulnerabilities in computer systems, including those supporting critical infrastructure and government services.
Moonshot said its risk-reduction measures had lowered the model’s performance on an internal cybersecurity benchmark.
The company reported that Kimi K3.1 Pro scored 81.0% on a controlled test involving the identification and exploitation of software vulnerabilities, compared with 90.5% for a similar version without the additional restrictions.
The results have not been independently verified.
Despite the reduction, Moonshot said the new model still outperformed its predecessor.
The company maintains that openly available AI models can also improve cybersecurity by helping organisations identify weaknesses and protect their software, particularly older systems that may not receive regular security updates.
However, releasing model weights publicly presents additional challenges because developers have less control over how the technology is used once the files are widely distributed.
The announcement follows China’s proposed export controls on certain AI-driven malware-generation technologies and tools that use AI to identify software vulnerabilities.
The proposed measures reflect growing concerns about the potential misuse of increasingly capable AI systems.
Kimi K3.1 Pro features a context window of one million tokens, allowing it to process large amounts of information in a single interaction.
Moonshot also introduced a faster version, K3.1 Pro Highspeed, which the company says operates two to three times faster than the standard model.
Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI has introduced restrictions on the cyber-offensive capabilities of its Kimi K3.1 Pro model ahead of its planned release to developers.
