According to a statement issued by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation on July 27, 2026, the nationwide switch-off of 3G services is scheduled for June 30, 2027, while the retirement of 2G services will follow after an assessment of network coverage, service continuity and the adoption of compatible devices.
The transition is being coordinated by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) in collaboration with mobile network operators, government institutions, the private sector and the public.
“This transition will free up network capacity currently used to run two generations of aging technology, allowing mobile operators to invest fully in expanding and strengthening 4G and, over time, 5G coverage across the country,” the statement reads.
For consumers, the change is expected to translate into faster internet speeds, clearer voice calls, fewer dropped connections and improved access to services that increasingly rely on modern mobile networks, including mobile banking, government e-services, education and digital health platforms.
The implementation will be guided by several readiness indicators before the shutdown is completed.
These include ensuring reliable nationwide 4G coverage and quality of service, maintaining uninterrupted voice calls, text messaging, mobile money and emergency services, migrating services that still depend on USSD, 2G or 3G technologies, ensuring the availability of affordable compatible devices, and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns and customer support.
As part of the transition, pilot shutdowns of older networks will be carried out during 2026 while authorities continue expanding 4G coverage and monitoring the country’s readiness for the nationwide 3G switch-off.
MINICT has urged mobile phone users to verify whether their devices and SIM cards support 4G technology. MTN Rwanda customers can check their SIM compatibility by dialing 4561#, while Airtel Rwanda customers can dial 2555*4#. Mobile operators will also notify customers who need to upgrade their devices or SIM cards.
Businesses and public institutions operating equipment or services that still rely on 2G or 3G; including systems used for mobile money, payment platforms, utilities, transport, healthcare, public safety and government services, have also been advised to begin planning for upgrades or replacements.
MINICT and RURA said additional guidance will be issued to service providers and the public as the migration progresses.
The move comes just over a year after MTN Rwanda officially launched its 5G network in June 2025, describing the technology as a key driver of innovation and digital transformation.
At the time, the operator said 5G would deliver significantly higher speeds, lower latency and greater network capacity, with initial deployment focusing on Kigali and selected high-demand locations before wider expansion.
Rwanda is among Africa’s leading countries for internet speed and also ranks among the world’s top-performing nations for internet connectivity.
The latest government roadmap is expected to further support the country’s long-term transition toward advanced mobile connectivity.
The nationwide switch-off of 3G services is scheduled for June 30, 2027, while the retirement of 2G services will follow after an assessment of network coverage.
A statement issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration shows that among those granted Rwandan citizenship, 26 were born in Burundi, 20 in the DRC, nine in Uganda and eight in the United States.
The group also includes six people born in Belgium, five from Cameroon, four from Kenya and three born in Rwanda to parents of foreign origin.
Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Congo, Switzerland and Tanzania each had two nationals among those who acquired Rwandan citizenship.
About 60 percent of the newly naturalised citizens are aged between 30 and 49 years, a demographic group considered to have strong potential to contribute to the country’s social and economic development.
They are followed by those aged between 50 and 64, people above 65 years, and young people below 30 years.
The youngest among the new citizens is five years old, while the oldest is 81.
The newly granted Rwandan citizenship became effective on July 24, 2026, according to a notice published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda.
Rwanda has granted citizenship to 105 people from 27 countries.
At the centre of this transformation is the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), which is helping build the knowledge and skills needed to move the approach from research and demonstration plots into farming communities across the country.
Through its role in a four-year Conservation Agriculture (CA) mainstreaming and scaling-up project worth $5 million, RICA is training agricultural professionals who will support farmers in adopting practices designed to protect soil while improving yields.
The project, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and RICA, aims to integrate conservation agriculture into Rwanda’s agricultural extension system ahead of a nationwide rollout starting with the 2027A agricultural season.
Rather than training every farmer directly, RICA is focusing on strengthening the capacity of the people who work closest with farmers, including district agronomists, agricultural extension officers, environmental officers, Crop Intensification Programme focal persons and young agricultural professionals.
So far, 168 agricultural officers have been trained, while 889 technicians are expected to receive training before the start of the 2027A season.
On July 22, 2026, RICA hosted a two-day training session for 52 young agricultural professionals from districts across the country at its campus in Bugesera, equipping them with practical knowledge they will later transfer to farming communities.
Learning before teaching
At RICA, conservation agriculture training goes beyond classroom lessons.
Trainees are taken through demonstration plots where they observe the difference between conventional farming methods and conservation agriculture practices.
Plots managed through conventional tillage show how repeated soil disturbance can contribute to erosion and nutrient loss, while conservation agriculture plots demonstrate how minimum tillage, soil cover and crop diversification help restore soil health over time.
For RICA, the goal is not only to introduce new farming techniques but also to change long-established perceptions among farmers about what makes a productive field.
For generations, many farmers have considered a well-prepared field to be one that is deeply tilled, free of weeds and cleared of all crop residues after harvest.
However, agricultural experts warn that such practices can gradually damage soil quality, reduce moisture retention and lower productivity.
Heavy rains can wash away exposed topsoil, while uncovered land loses moisture quickly under intense sunlight. Over time, farmers may be forced to invest more in fertilisers and other inputs while getting lower returns.
Dr. Léonce Harerimana, Director of Extension and Irrigation and Water Management Lecturer at RICA, said the institution’s mission is to promote farming methods that protect Rwanda’s limited agricultural land while increasing production.
“As an institution dedicated to conservation agriculture, climate resilience and sustainable farming on small pieces of land, we promote minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, crop rotation, quality seed use, efficient irrigation and fertiliser management,” he said.
“Our mission is to ensure these practices go beyond the campus. We want farmers across Rwanda to embrace conservation agriculture because it protects the soil while improving productivity.”
Changing farming mindsets
Harerimana said one of the biggest challenges is changing traditional beliefs around farming practices.
He explained that excessive ploughing and removing crop residues from fields can negatively affect soil health.
“Sometimes we dig too deeply because that is what we have always done. But excessive tillage makes the soil more vulnerable to erosion. Many farmers also believe that a clean field is a good field, so they remove every residue after harvesting. Yet those residues are exactly what help protect the soil and improve its fertility as they decompose into organic matter with time,” he said.
Under conservation agriculture, farmers are encouraged to leave crop residues on the soil surface, where they act as natural mulch, helping retain moisture, reduce weed growth and restore organic matter.
The approach also promotes efficient use of fertilisers instead of simply increasing the quantity applied.
“Sometimes farmers apply more fertiliser thinking it will increase production. But what matters is applying the right quantity in the right way while maintaining healthy soils,” Harerimana said.
Protecting soil, increasing yields
According to Dr. Christian Nkurunziza, Conservation Agriculture Promotion Project Manager at MINAGRI, the approach is built around three main principles: minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop diversification.
“Conservation agriculture is a type of farming that protects the soil through minimum tillage, recycles nutrients through crop residues, and protects crops by maintaining soil cover. As a result, plants grow under more favourable conditions, and agricultural production naturally increases,” he said.
The benefits of conservation agriculture are already reflected in research findings.
Nkurunziza said maize yields under conservation agriculture can increase by about 40 per cent, while bean production can rise by approximately 70 per cent.
RICA also highlights that maize production can reach up to seven tonnes per hectare when farmers combine conservation agriculture practices with quality seeds, compared with less than two tonnes on degraded soils.
For beans, conserved land can produce more than 1.6 tonnes per hectare, while poorly managed soils may produce below 500 kilogrammes per hectare.
Nkurunziza said protecting soil is becoming increasingly important because Rwanda’s available agricultural land is limited.
“Today, the amount of land available for farming is not increasing, but we want the same land to produce more. Without protecting it, soil would lose its natural qualities. In the past, farmers could leave fields fallow, but that is no longer possible because land must be cultivated every season,” he said.
Taking lessons to farming communities
Among those preparing to take conservation agriculture knowledge to farmers is Vivine Umubyeyi, a young agricultural professional who will work under MINAGRI in Kirehe District.
She said the training changed her understanding of farming and equipped her with skills to help farmers adopt new practices.
“I acquired training in conservation agriculture and I understand how it works and how it can positively affect farmers’ yields while protecting our soils. I will use these skills to help farmers practice conservation agriculture. Most importantly, I want them to understand why these methods work so they willingly adopt them,” she said.
Another trainee, Eric Uwitoze from Ruhango District, said the programme helped him understand the importance of practices such as crop rotation in reducing crop diseases and improving productivity.
He added that conservation agriculture could also help farmers reduce unnecessary costs by improving soil quality and efficiency.
Scaling up across Rwanda
The initiative will initially focus on Rwanda’s major food production areas and districts where land consolidation farming is practised.
It will start with 100,000 hectares during the 2027A agricultural season, expand to 150,000 hectares in the following season and eventually reach 600,000 hectares by 2029.
Priority crops include maize, beans, Irish potatoes and soybeans.
The programme is aligned with Rwanda’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), which seeks to improve productivity while ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
As Rwanda’s population continues to grow while farmland remains limited, RICA says conservation agriculture will be critical in ensuring that the country produces more food without exhausting the soil that supports agriculture.
Rwanda is set to introduce conservation agriculture practices on 600,000 hectares of farmland across the country under a $5 million project.
“We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” Trump said in an interview with U.S. online news outlet Axios.
Asked how long he was willing to give diplomacy, he said, “Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all.”
Trump said he decided to pause strikes on Friday because the countries that are mediating as well as other countries in the region had asked him to give talks with Iran another chance.
Later, the president told reporters that Iran sought talks only after its military was battered by the U.S. military.
“I think there’s a good chance that something could happen,” Trump said aboard Air Force One en route to an event in Michigan. “And if it does, good, if it doesn’t, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago.”
Trump said that his administration and the Israeli government are “pretty close” to being on the same page regarding Iran.
“We have a little difference, but pretty close,” he said of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to visit the White House on Tuesday.
Trump also reiterated that Iranian assets controlled by the United States will be used to cover damage to ships attacked when transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re going to use Iran’s money to pay for the damage they did,” he said.
Negotiations between Oman and Iran have made progress, though no deal has been reached, according to reports citing regional sources.
People attend the funeral procession of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, Iran, July 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati)
Vivo Energy and Mount Meru Group have signed a sale and purchase agreement for Mount Meru’s acquisition of Vivo Energy’s shareholding in Vivo Energy Rwanda and Vivo Energy Malawi, in a combined transaction.
The transaction includes the network of Vivo Energy’s over 40 service stations in Rwanda and over 50 service stations in Malawi, together with the commercial fuel and lubricants operations.
Vivo Energy identified Mount Meru Group as a partner well placed to bring focused investment, local and regional expertise as well as long-term ambition to its businesses in Rwanda and Malawi.
Mount Meru Group, which first entered Rwanda in 2007 and Malawi in 2013, brings an established regional presence and a strong track record in downstream fuel distribution across Africa. The transaction will see the Group significantly deepen its footprint in both markets.
Commenting on the development; Atul Mittal, Director, Mount Meru Group, said: “We are proud to be growing our existing, long-standing presence in Rwanda and Malawi.
“We are committed to investing and growing these businesses and on completion of the transaction look forward to strengthening relationships with channel partners, customers and employees while expanding our reliable service, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility to more consumers.”
Stan Mittelman, CEO, Vivo Energy, said the decision reflects ongoing commitment to ensuring every part of their portfolio has the ownership best placed to take it forward.
“Mount Meru brings deep local and regional expertise and a genuine ambition to invest in these markets, and we are confident this transaction provides a strong opportunity for our employees, dealers and customers in both countries. We have valued working closely with the Mount Meru team throughout this process and look forward to a smooth transition,” he noted.
The transaction is subject to approval from the relevant authorities and the fulfilment of other conditions precedent, and we expect this process to take some months before it completes.
Until completion, Vivo Energy Rwanda and Vivo Energy Malawi will continue to operate as normal, maintaining their focus on the safe, reliable and high-quality service they provide to customers.
Mount Meru Group is a diversified African conglomerate operating in more than 15 countries across energy, consumer products, and logistics.
It runs over 330 fuel stations, supported by strong storage and distribution networks, and offers a wide energy portfolio including LPG, lubricants, jet fuel, and heavy fuel oil. The Group also operates in agro-processing and edible oil refining, backed by an integrated logistics fleet of more than 1,000 trucks.
Meanwhile, Vivo Energy operates across Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands, and Jordan, managing more than 4,200 service stations in 29 markets under the Engen and Shell brands. The company supplies fuels, lubricants, LPG, and chemicals to retail and industrial customers, supported by over 6,000 employees and more than 2.1 billion litres of fuel storage capacity.
Vivo Energy Rwanda was established in 2019, providing Engen products and services as a licensee of the Engen brand.
The meeting took place on July 27, 2026, at Intare Arena, according to Rwanda’s Office of the President, Urugwiro Village.
“The meeting emphasized the importance of members upholding the Party’s values, including people-centered governance and accountability, to advance the Party’s mission of Rwanda’s continued development,” reads a statement released by Urugwiro Village.
From refugee movement to political organisation
The FPR-Inkotanyi traces its roots to 1987, a pivotal year that marked a turning point for Rwandan refugees who had spent nearly three decades in exile.
The period followed remarks by then-President Juvénal Habyarimana, who, when asked about the return of Rwandan refugees, reportedly likened the country to “a glass already full of water,” suggesting there was no room for their repatriation.
The statement reinforced the belief among many refugees that returning home through dialogue was unlikely.
At the same time, the Rwandan Alliance for National Unity (RANU), an organisation established in 1980 to advocate for the return of refugees, began restructuring to pursue its objectives more effectively.
By 1987, many Rwandan refugees, particularly those living in Uganda, were enjoying greater stability following the rise to power of President Yoweri Museveni, whose liberation struggle had included the participation of many Rwandans.
RANU subsequently embarked on organisational reforms, introducing new leadership structures and strategies to strengthen its campaign.
Among those tasked with advancing the movement was Tito Rutaremara, now Chairperson of Rwanda Elders’ Advisory Forum. He helped establish a political training school in Uganda aimed at educating new members on the organisation’s ideology and long-term objectives.
The RPF Cadre School opened in June 1987, preparing members to mobilise support and recruit followers who clearly understood the movement’s mission.
University students were trained and encouraged to pass on the ideology to others, creating a network of mobilisation among Rwandan refugees across Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya and what was then Zaire.
Birth of the RPF and armed struggle
Following the expansion of its support base, RANU convened a General Assembly in December 1987, bringing together members from across the diaspora.
One of the key resolutions adopted during the meeting was to rename the organisation the Front Patriotique Rwandais (RPF) Inkotanyi.
The following year, members met in Washington, D.C., where they reaffirmed their commitment to continue pursuing their objective of returning to their homeland.
As the movement evolved, its leaders concluded that achieving this goal would require an armed wing. They established the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), which launched its first military offensive into Rwanda on October 1, 1990.
Many of the RPA’s senior officers had previously served in Uganda’s armed forces. Among them were Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the campaign in its early stages, and Maj Gen Paul Kagame, who assumed command after Rwigema was killed shortly after the offensive began.
The RPA continued the liberation struggle, eventually ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and paving the way for national reconstruction under the leadership of the FPR-Inkotanyi.
Development gains since 1994
Following the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced severe economic devastation. The country’s economy, already among the smallest in the region before 1994, contracted by about 50 percent in its aftermath.
In 1995, Rwanda’s national budget stood at just Rwf56 billion, with more than 90 percent financed through foreign aid. Per capita income was approximately $111.9, placing Rwanda among the world’s poorest nations.
Over the following decades, the country pursued reconstruction and economic reforms centred on accountability, citizen-focused governance and institutional development.
According to official figures, Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 9.4 percent in 2025, increasing from Rwf19.918 trillion in 2024 to Rwf23.387 trillion.
The national budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year reached Rwf7.7963 trillion, representing a 12 percent increase from the revised Rwf6.9521 trillion budget for 2025/26. Foreign borrowing is projected at Rwf1.9741 trillion.
For many years after liberation, Rwanda sustained annual economic growth averaging between 7 and 8 percent. Life expectancy has also risen dramatically—from about 28 years immediately after the Genocide against the Tutsi to nearly 70 years today, reflecting improvements in healthcare, living standards and social protection.
President Kagame and senior RPF-Inkotanyi cadres convene at Intare Arena to discuss the party’s values, history and contribution to Rwanda’s transformation.President Paul Kagame addresses senior RPF-Inkotanyi cadres during a meeting on the party’s history, values and role in Rwanda’s transformation at Intare Arena.Senior RPF-Inkotanyi cadres listen as President Paul Kagame speaks during a meeting reflecting on the party’s journey and Rwanda’s transformation.
The U.S. Justice Department filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court on Monday, asking it to suspend lower court rulings that blocked the order. The Trump administration said the request was needed to ensure that the new policies could be implemented before the midterm elections.
Signed by Trump in March, the order directs federal agencies to compile lists of eligible U.S. citizens, requires the U.S. Postal Service to send mail-voting documents only to registered voters, and calls for stricter voter registration requirements.
The order was challenged by mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, which argued that Trump had exceeded his authority. A federal court in the U.S. state of Massachusetts blocked the order, and the decision was later upheld by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Trump said the measures were intended to protect election integrity and prevent noncitizens from voting. He has for years questioned the integrity of the 2020 presidential election that he lost. Critics argue that improper voting by noncitizens is rare and that stricter requirements could make it harder for some eligible voters to cast ballots.
According to a research paper by the States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization, nearly one in three Americans voted by mail in the 2024 general election, accounting for more than 48 million votes.
The paper also said that it was a voting option used by about one in four Democrats, one in five Republicans, and one in five voters registered with other parties or with no party.
The Trump administration said the request was needed to ensure that the new policies could be implemented before the midterm elections.
Held under the theme “Conquer the Course,” this year’s championship celebrated much more than competition. It reflected a growing movement to develop confidence, discipline, resilience and leadership among young people through golf while creating opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to discover and excel in the sport.
The competition featured six age and skill categories, producing impressive performances across the field. Malaika Bwimba emerged as the overall champion in the prestigious 18 Holes category with a winning score of 100, ahead of Alifie Wafula (102) and Roshi Shah (103).
Other category winners included Joseph Zane Uwimfura Mutaboba in the 9 Holes – Red Tee Box, Kanyana in the 9 Holes – Second Category, Yosiah Kinuka in the 6 Holes – Category 1, Xu Xu in the 6 Holes – Category 2, and Gihan Nkera, who topped the 3 Holes division, underscoring the growing depth of Rwanda’s junior golf talent.
Investing in tomorrow’s champions
As Rwanda’s only bank with a dedicated and sustained investment in junior golf, NCBA Bank Rwanda views the tournament as part of a broader commitment to youth empowerment and long-term sporting excellence.
The Junior Golf Series is designed to provide consistent competitive opportunities for young golfers while supporting the development of a structured talent pathway that can produce future national and regional champions.
Speaking after the tournament, NCBA Bank Rwanda Head of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship, Babu Emile, said the competition demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to creating opportunities that extend well beyond financial services.
“The future of any sport depends on how intentionally we invest in young people today. Through the NCBA Junior Golf Series, we are creating an environment where talent can be discovered early, nurtured consistently and inspired to dream bigger. ‘Conquer the Course’ is a reminder that every obstacle—whether on the fairway or in life—can be overcome through preparation, resilience and determination. That philosophy reflects our broader purpose of helping young people change the story of their future.”
NCBA Bank Rwanda Managing Director Maurice Toroitich said junior sport plays a critical role in shaping future leaders.
“Golf develops character as much as it develops skill. It teaches integrity, patience, discipline and strategic thinking—qualities that prepare young people for success throughout life.
“At NCBA, we are proud to support a platform that is building Rwanda’s next generation of golfers while contributing to the broader development of youth sport. Every child who participated this weekend demonstrated courage, commitment and the willingness to learn, and those values will serve them well far beyond the golf course,” he noted.
Growing the game
Beyond identifying winners, the NCBA Junior Golf Series continues to expand participation in a sport that has historically had limited youth access. By providing structured competition, visibility and encouragement for young players, the tournament is helping establish a stronger pipeline of talent while inspiring more families to embrace golf.
The event concluded with a vibrant prize-giving ceremony attended by parents, coaches and members of Rwanda’s golfing community, celebrating not only outstanding performances but also the continued growth of junior golf across the country.
As the NCBA Golf Series continues throughout the year, the Junior Golf Series remains a cornerstone of the Bank’s commitment to developing sport, empowering young people and creating opportunities for future champions.
NCBA Junior Golf Series participants displayed determination and skill as they competed across multiple age categories in Kigali.The NCBA Junior Golf Series provided a competitive platform for young players while promoting discipline, resilience and leadership through golf.Parents, coaches and members of Rwanda’s golfing community attended the closing ceremony of the NCBA Junior Golf Series at Kigali Golf Resort.The second edition of the NCBA Junior Golf Series concluded with celebrations of outstanding performances and the continued growth of junior golf in Rwanda.Junior golfers from across Rwanda competed for top honours during the second edition of the NCBA Junior Golf Series in Kigali.NCBA Bank Rwanda continues to support the development of junior golf by providing young players with opportunities to compete and grow.
The park recorded 8,919 paying visitors during the quarter, with average visitor spending reaching US$108 per person.
Revenue was driven by tourism and hospitality activities, including park entry fees, guiding services, accommodation-related income, concession fees and fisheries.
The improved financial performance contributed to progress towards self-sustainability, with Akagera’s sustainability ratio rising from 76 per cent in April to 104 per cent in June, strengthening the park’s ability to fund conservation activities and community programmes.
The quarter also saw the official opening of SALT of Akagera, a new eco-luxury lodge operated by The Lux Collective.
The 60-room facility, overlooking Lake Ihema, replaced Akagera Game Lodge, which had been managed by Mantis Collection since 2017. The launch marked The Lux Collective’s entry into Rwanda and forms part of its wider tourism expansion plans in the country.
Wildlife conservation recorded notable achievements during the period, including the birth of three rhino calves; one black rhino and two white rhinos. The park said the births indicate that its rhino population continues to adapt well and reproduce successfully.
Rhino monitoring teams recorded more than 2,600 white rhino sightings and over 400 black rhino sightings through daily foot and aerial patrols.
At the same time, law enforcement teams conducted nearly 1,600 patrols covering about 35,000 kilometres, with no animals lost to poaching during the quarter. Rangers also removed 12 snares and arrested five illegal fishermen.
Akagera continued investing in neighbouring communities, with local cooperatives generating US$226,263 in income through activities such as fishing, beekeeping, guiding, community centre operations and construction work.
An additional US$229,374 entered surrounding communities through local procurement, bringing the total economic benefit to approximately US$455,637.
Community development initiatives included training for teachers, cooperative members, beekeepers, fishers and vocational learners.
More than 31,000 people were reached through environmental education and outreach activities, while the Akagera Lion Cup tournament brought together communities bordering the park, attracting more than 24,000 spectators across 13 matches.
As the dry season began, the park intensified fire management efforts, clearing more than 52 kilometres of firebreaks along the fence line and around key infrastructure to reduce wildfire risks and support vegetation regeneration.
The park also expanded its conservation research efforts. A June elephant survey identified six new individuals, bringing the elephant database to 115 known elephants, while 85 camera traps across 57 locations were deployed to monitor large carnivores, including lions, leopards and hyenas.
Staff capacity building remained a priority, with ranger refresher training, GIS training involving teams from Akagera, Nyungwe and Gambella National Parks, and knowledge exchanges focused on strengthening conservation skills.
Visitors explore Akagera National Park, which welcomed 8,919 paying guests between April and June 2026.Professional fishing has become a source of livelihood for many communities living around Akagera National Park.Beekeeping cooperatives are among the beneficiaries of efforts to conserve Akagera National Park.SALT of Akagera opened its doors overlooking Lake Ihema as part of Rwanda’s growing luxury tourism sector.Wildlife conservation recorded notable achievements during the period, including the birth of three rhino calves.A June elephant survey identified six new individuals, bringing the elephant database to 115 known elephants .
Tracking rent payments, managing lease agreements, maintaining properties, and communicating with tenants often require either a physical presence or the support of a trusted third party.
To address these challenges, Aristide Shema, a young Rwandan entrepreneur based in Wrocław, Poland, developed DomLift, a digital platform that enables property owners to manage their real estate from anywhere in the world.
In an interview with IGIHE, he discusses his background, the inspiration behind the platform, and his vision for the digital transformation of Rwanda’s real estate sector.
IGIHE: Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your academic and professional background?
Shema: My name is Aristide Shema. I was born in Gisozi, Kigali. Even after leaving Rwanda to pursue my studies and career abroad, I have always remained deeply connected to my country. That attachment has inspired me to stay engaged with Rwanda’s challenges and to think about how I could contribute to its development, even while living thousands of kilometers away.
I studied International Business with a specialization in technology at WSHiU – Academy of Applied Sciences in Poznań, Poland. Today, I work as an IT Support Engineer at Hemmersbach on the Thales Alenia Space project, while based in Wrocław.
This experience has allowed me to combine business management skills with technology expertise, a combination that proved invaluable in building DomLift.
IGIHE: How did the idea for DomLift come about?
Shema: Several factors inspired this project. First, President Paul Kagame’s consistent call for young Rwandans to embrace innovation and develop solutions that address the country’s challenges has always inspired me.
At the same time, I became interested in the real estate sector. The figures speak for themselves: Rwanda currently faces a housing deficit of more than 200,000 units, a number projected to reach nearly 310,000 by 2032. I realized there was a genuine need to modernize property management.
I have always been passionate about real estate. However, I did not have the financial resources to invest in property myself. So I told myself that if I could not contribute as an investor, I could still contribute by building a technological solution that supports those who already invest in the sector.
IGIHE: How did you turn that idea into a working platform?
Shema: I trained myself in software development through online courses for more than nine months. After that, I designed and developed DomLift entirely on my own, from the very first line of code to the platform’s launch.
For me, it was a way to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s real estate sector without having investment capital. I wanted to create a tool that genuinely makes life easier for landlords, property managers, and tenants.
IGIHE: Who are the people working with you to make this possible?
Shema: I am fortunate to have my co-founder, Landry Rudasingwa, by my side. He is originally from Nyakabanda and holds a degree in Hydraulic Engineering earned in China. He is currently pursuing a degree in International Business in Poznań, Poland.
He also works as an Integration Engineer at Jitterbit while serving as DomLift’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His technical expertise plays a vital role in the continued development of our platform.
IGIHE: How does DomLift work in practice?
Shema: DomLift operates through two connected portals: one for landlords and property managers, and another for tenants.
Everything starts with onboarding. Property owners register their properties and individual units, then assign tenants to each unit. From that point onward, every piece of information related to that property is stored in one centralized place.
Rent can be paid through MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, bank transfers, or even cash. Regardless of the payment method, every transaction is automatically recorded, allowing landlords to instantly see who has paid without having to reconcile payments manually.
When maintenance is needed, tenants submit repair requests directly through their portal. The landlord receives a notification, assigns the work, and tracks the request until it is completed.
We have also integrated an internal messaging system that allows landlords and tenants to communicate directly within the platform, eliminating the need for scattered WhatsApp conversations.
One of the features we are particularly proud of is the property inspection system. Landlords can carry out detailed inspections using photographs, notes, checklists, and electronic signatures, creating a reliable record of each property’s condition over time.
This feature becomes especially valuable when an owner wants to sell a property, increase its rental value, or apply for bank financing.
DomLift also generates financial reports that help landlords analyze the performance of their property portfolio. We are currently developing even more detailed reports for each individual unit so owners can track income, expenses, and occupancy history separately.
Our goal is to provide a solution that works equally well for an individual managing a few rental units as it does for a company managing hundreds of properties.
IGIHE: How long has DomLift been available?
Shema: The platform has been publicly available for just over two months. Despite being relatively new, we are already seeing encouraging growth, with between 60 and 150 active users. Our goal is to continue expanding this community and support even more property owners in managing their real estate.
IGIHE: On which platforms is DomLift available?
Shema: DomLift is available on the web as well as through native Android, iPhone, and iPad applications. Users can download it free of charge from Google Play and the App Store. Automatic updates ensure that everyone always has access to the latest features and improvements.
The idea is simple: to allow someone to manage their property portfolio from Kigali, Brussels, London, Toronto, or anywhere else in the world directly from a smartphone or computer.
IGIHE: What is your vision for the coming years?
Shema: Our ambition is for every landlord and property manager to have access to a professional property management system.
We want to go beyond simple rent collection. By providing reliable data, the platform helps property owners analyze their investments, prepare bank financing applications, and make informed decisions when expanding their portfolios.
We also aim to serve professional property management companies. In the long term, our ambition is to expand DomLift across the East African Community after strengthening our presence in Rwanda.
IGIHE: What message would you like to share with Rwandans, especially those living abroad?
Shema: I want to tell Rwandans that technology offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to the development of our country, wherever we may live.
DomLift was born from that belief. We want to provide a modern, reliable, and accessible solution that simplifies property management while helping owners make better investment decisions through accurate data.
Our ambition is to build a platform that will support real estate investors not only in Rwanda but eventually across East Africa.
Aristide Shema i sthe founder of DomLift, a digital property management platform.Landry Rudasingwa, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of DomLift.
