Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving ”, the event builds on the success of the first edition organized in 2025.
The initiative aims to provide young Rwandans with a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, while supporting their personal, academic, and professional development and reinforcing their connection to Rwandan values.
Equipping young people to thrive in a changing world
Students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as young people born and raised in Germany, represent a generation navigating a multicultural and constantly evolving environment.
This reality offers numerous opportunities, but also raises important questions related to identity, belonging, civic responsibility, and integration into social, professional, and economic systems that can sometimes be complex.
Rwandan Youth Connect Germany seeks to create constructive spaces where young people can share experiences and develop solutions adapted to their realities.
This second edition will focus on several key themes, including cultural identity in the digital age, personal development, resilience, social responsibility, and the skills needed to succeed in international professional environments.
Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for collaboration between Rwanda and Germany.
The goal is to encourage young people to develop critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and become positive contributors within their communities.
Strengthening the connection between the diaspora and Rwanda
Beyond the discussions, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between Rwandan youth in the diaspora and Rwanda itself.
Organizers aim to encourage young people to leverage their international experiences to contribute to the country’s development and foster cooperation among Rwandan communities living abroad.
The summit is supported by the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, which continues to promote youth engagement and empowerment within the diaspora.
With this second edition, Rwandan Youth Connect Germany reaffirms its ambition to become a sustainable platform serving a new generation of young Rwandans.
Photos from the previous edition
The initiative aims to strengthen identity, skills, and future readiness among young Rwandans living in Germany.The event focuses on key themes including identity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and opportunities between Rwanda and Germany.Organizers say the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the Rwandan diaspora and Rwanda while empowering youth to contribute to national development.Rwandan Youth Connect Germany provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration among young members of the diaspora.
The 60-day agreement is intended to pave the way for broader negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. Among its 14 key provisions are the cessation of hostilities between the two sides in the Middle East, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the reopening of Iranian ports.
Iran is required under the deal to halt nuclear weapons development, while the United States has agreed to ease sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds held in international banks. Washington has also committed to contributing an estimated $300 billion for reconstruction of war-damaged areas.
Following the announcement, global oil prices quickly dropped back to pre-conflict levels. During peak tensions, crude oil had risen to as high as $120 per barrel, but it has since fallen to around $77.69. U.S. crude is trading at approximately $74.90 per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes daily, is a critical route for energy and trade shipments between the Middle East and global markets.
The earlier spike in international oil prices had a direct impact on Rwanda, where fuel prices reached historic highs. On June 5, 2026, a litre of petrol cost 2,938 Rwandan francs, while diesel rose to Rwf 2,927, driven by global market volatility.
Speaking to the media on June 6, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva said that without government subsidies, a litre of diesel would have cost Rwf 3,581, meaning the state was covering about 18.16% of the cost through subsidies.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the agreement while attending a G7 meeting in France. Iran also confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document on June 17.
Speaking to the press on June 16, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa said that while the agreement was welcome news, Rwanda would take a cautious approach.
“So far, we have received good news that there are initial agreements on the war in the Middle East. But our principle is to wait and see. There are two main reasons for this. First, we want to see whether the agreement is actually effected and whether it holds for a long period of time,” he said.
Fuel prices in Rwanda are reviewed every two months, and the country also maintains strategic reserves to cushion against supply shocks.
Shipping routes from ports such as Dubai or Bandar Abbas typically take between six and 12 days to reach Mombasa in Kenya or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with additional time required for transport into Rwanda. This means that goods already in transit or stored in warehouses may still reflect earlier, higher prices.
Murangwa noted that even if global conditions normalize immediately, local markets would continue to feel the effects of previous disruptions.
“Second, even if everything were to stabilize today, there would still be a backlog of issues. So, we still expect that we’ll continue to see the effects of the blockage that happened.
“It is not yet clear when this will be resolved. We will have to observe how the global business and supply chain communities manage to unlock the backlog of goods that were stuck in the Gulf,” he said.
The initial agreement also provides for the removal of naval mines and other maritime obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. During this period, shipping volumes are expected to return to pre-conflict levels, with the United States withdrawing naval forces deployed in the area.
The agreement stipulates that commercial shipping should return to normal levels under Iranian supervision.
Rwanda maintains that its fuel reserves have not been affected since the start of the Iran conflict and says it is working to ensure stable supply in the domestic market, along with other essential goods.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, consumer prices increased by 12.9% in May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments.
The decision was made following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security, which assessed the suitability of the nominees.
Among those approved is Lt Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, who was nominated as Rwanda’s ambassador to China.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja said Karenzi Karake brings extensive experience and expertise that will enable him to effectively carry out his diplomatic duties.
His previous roles include serving as a consultant at the Ministry of Interior, advisor to the President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, and Commander of the Rwanda Peace Academy, among other senior positions in the Rwanda Defence Force.
Karenzi Karake said he intends to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Rwanda and China, with a focus on security, technology, trade, industry, and existing partnership agreements between the two countries.
Maj Gen Aimable Bayingana, who was approved as Rwanda’s ambassador to Israel, has also held several senior positions, including chairing a committee on the history of Rwanda’s liberation struggle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Vice Chairperson of the National Itorero Commission.
He said he will focus on learning from Israel’s innovation systems, strengthening security cooperation, preserving the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and combating its denial and distortion, and promoting technology-driven agriculture.
He also emphasized the importance of attracting Israeli agricultural experts to Rwanda, arguing that this would be more effective than sending Rwandans abroad for training. He further highlighted the need for Rwanda to learn from Israel’s vocational education system.
Col (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga was approved as Rwanda’s ambassador to Poland.
He previously served as Secretary-General of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF, among other roles.
Ruhunga said he will focus on providing accurate information about Rwanda to European countries, many of which, he said, still hold misconceptions about the country.
He also pledged to learn from Poland’s development model, strengthen cooperation in education, improve social welfare collaboration, and identify new areas of partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka will become Rwanda’s first resident ambassador to Spain. Until now, Rwanda’s representation in Spain was handled through its embassy in France.
As the new ambassador, she pledged to contribute to the implementation of defense cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Spain, attract Spanish investors to Rwanda, explore opportunities for Spanish universities to open branches in Rwanda, and strengthen cooperation on gender equality, among other priorities.
Senator Murangwa also noted that senators urged the new ambassadors to play a role in combating genocide ideology, learn from their host countries, and strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as education.
Senator John Bonds Bideri said the nominees have the experience and capacity needed to fulfill their responsibilities.
“There is no doubt they have the willingness to serve their country. Many of them contributed to the liberation of Rwanda and have continued to serve in different capacities over the years. Their appointment gives us confidence that they will perform well,” he said.
Senator Sosthène Cyitatire noted that the ambassadors have a strong commitment to serving their country, given their long history of public service since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He also welcomed the decision to appoint ambassadors with military backgrounds to key countries such as China, Israel, and Poland, saying modern diplomacy increasingly includes military diplomacy.
He said, “It was a timely decision because modern diplomacy today includes military diplomacy.”
Among other appointments approved by the Senate were Florien Habiyaremye Rurihose, who was reappointed as Deputy Chief Gender Monitor in Charge of Gender Mainstreaming; Maximilien Byilingiro, appointed Director General of the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL); and Michelle Umurungi, appointed Deputy CEO in charge of investments at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
Lt Gen (Rtd) Karenzi Karake has been approved as Rwanda’s ambassador to ChinaCol (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga has been approved as Rwanda’s ambassador to PolandMaj Gen Emmanuel Bayingana pledged to strengthen Rwanda–Israel relationsAmbassador Nkulikiyinka will oversee Rwanda’s interests in Spain
The DRC national football team secured a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal in its opening match at the FIFA World Cup.
Tshisekedi, who watched the match from the stadium, saw Les Léopards earn their first-ever World Cup point and score their first goal in the tournament. The DRC is making only its second World Cup appearance, 52 years after its debut.
Instead of focusing solely on the team’s achievement, Tshisekedi later addressed members of the Congolese diaspora in the United States, linking the result to the ongoing conflict in his country.
He praised the players for their performance despite the challenges facing the DRC, saying many had expected them to struggle against a Portuguese side featuring global football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Turning to politics, Tshisekedi claimed that his government had identified individuals collaborating with the AFC/M23 coalition, which controls large parts of eastern DRC. He said he had initially believed such collaborators were based only in Rwanda but had discovered they had also infiltrated Kinshasa.
“Do not betray your country. Sorcerers exist. We thought they were only in Rwanda, but they have infiltrated our country.”
Tshisekedi said that after the rule of Mobutu Sese Seko, the DRC had a good leader in Laurent-Désiré Kabila, but that later those he called enemies entered their country and removed him from power, installing someone he referred to as a “dog” and training him to do what they wanted.
In addition to targeting Joseph Kabila, Tshisekedi told Congolese citizens living in the United States that, in the near future, they would retake the cities of Goma and Bukavu, which have been outside government control for more than a year.
“I am confident that in the coming days, the whole of Congo will be liberated,” he said. “Our brothers and sisters in Goma and Bukavu will celebrate with us. We have learned lessons from what has happened and must now build something stronger.”
Reacting on X, Rwanda’s government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the DRC team’s performance had united and inspired Africans, but Tshisekedi had chosen to undermine the occasion.
“The Leopards gave Africa a moment of great joy during their opening World Cup match. President Tshisekedi chose to spoil that moment by insulting Rwandans and Congolese alike and, while on U.S. soil, declaring his intention to continue military offensives in eastern DRC.
“Tshisekedi not only exploited a remarkable sporting achievement for petty political purposes, but his belligerent rhetoric also demonstrates disregard for both the letter and spirit of the Washington Agreement,” she said.
The Washington Agreement, signed between Rwanda and the DRC on December 4, 2025, outlines measures aimed at addressing security concerns in the region. It includes commitments by the DRC to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Once those measures are implemented, Rwanda is expected to lift defensive measures taken along its border. The agreement also includes provisions on refugee repatriation.
Beyond security, the deal provides for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries. Rwanda and the DRC are expected to strengthen collaboration on the Rusizi III hydropower project, a 206-megawatt plant expected to supply electricity to more than 300,000 people. The $800 million project is scheduled for completion by 2030.
The agreement also promotes cooperation in the minerals sector, encouraging both countries to move beyond raw mineral extraction toward local processing and value addition. It further calls for harmonized regulations to enhance the security and transparency of mineral trade.
In addition, the agreement envisages joint efforts to extract methane gas from Lake Kivu and convert it into electricity. Despite the signing of the deal, implementation on the Congolese side has reportedly been slow.
The Rwandan government maintains that both countries have significant opportunities to benefit from cooperation and believes that fully implementing the Washington Agreement could contribute to lasting peace in the region.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) made the announcement in a statement carried by Iranian media hours after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump signed the MoU, electronically.
The SNSC said under the MoU, no fee will be charged for 60 days for passage by ships requesting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, and all the expenses will be covered by the Iranian government.
Vessels seeking to transit the waterway are required to send their requests to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), it said.
“Given the specific circumstances and existence of some safety hazards along the passage route, and due to the necessity to ensure safe traffic and prevent maritime accidents, it is necessary for ships to pass through along the announced route and at the announced time,” it said, giving the assurance that traffic in the waterway would gradually increase.
It said the executive arrangements and technical details for passage through the strait will be announced through the PGSA.
Iran, the United States and Pakistan early Monday announced the finalization of the MoU aiming to end conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon. Pezeshkian and Trump signed the MoU electronically early Thursday.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows merchant vessels stranded in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, near Khasab, a small town in northern Oman, May 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)
“We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold,” he added.
Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Wednesday with Iran in France, launching a 60-day negotiation period beginning Thursday aimed at reaching a final agreement.
The MoU calls for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” However, Israel has said it does not intend to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.
Twenty-one new confirmed cases, including six deaths, were reported Wednesday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, the health ministry said in its daily update. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, has affected 33 health zones across three eastern provinces –Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Health authorities said 383 patients were either in isolation or hospitalized, while 78 patients had recovered, including 11 newly declared recoveries following negative control tests.
A total of 151 suspected cases, including 35 deaths, were also reported on Wednesday. Authorities said 6,367 contacts were under follow-up across the three provinces, of whom 4,525 were reached during the reporting period, representing a follow-up rate of 71.1 percent.
The report said the number of confirmed cases continued to rise week by week, indicating ongoing community transmission. It also warned that rapid geographic spread remained possible if public health measures were not implemented swiftly.
The current outbreak, the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak, was officially declared on May 15.
Twenty-one new confirmed cases, including six deaths, were reported Wednesday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, the health ministry said in its daily update.
Barone, who now practices at New Health Therapy Centre in Kigali, says the country’s safety, welcoming people and favorable climate convinced him to settle in Rwanda after years of working abroad.
“I spent many years in a very dangerous country, and I was looking around for a very safe place,” he said. “I’ve never been here before, and I think I found a little paradise here. It’s very safe, people are very kind, and the weather is nice.”
Having previously worked in countries including Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia, Barone established his practice in Rwanda last year. After initially operating in Kimihurura, he later relocated to Kacyiru, where he now provides osteopathy, chiropractic care and other natural therapies.
According to Barone, his interest in alternative forms of treatment began with a personal health challenge.
“I started with this because I had a problem myself. Conventional medicine did not find a solution,” he explained. “When I was young, I tried chiropractic treatment for the first time, and it helped me. So I came to trust that kind of medicine, natural medicine.”
At the centre, Barone focuses on helping patients improve spinal alignment, posture and overall wellbeing. He explained that chiropractic treatment is based on the belief that proper spinal alignment supports the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
“The body is smart and it can heal itself,” he said. “We are helping people put the spinal column back in the right position.”
Beyond treatment, he also emphasizes prevention by teaching patients proper posture, sleeping positions and healthy exercise habits.
“People don’t know how to sit properly, especially when spending a long time seated in an office. The same applies to students in school and university,” he noted.
Barone describes the therapies offered at the centre as natural and non-invasive, arguing that they work with the body’s healing processes.
“All are natural therapies. They are not invasive,” he said. “We provide chiropractic, osteopathy and other natural treatments. These help the body heal itself.”
He also encouraged people to be cautious about relying excessively on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
“Sometimes they can lead to dependency, making the problem worse and worse,” he said. “People should become more comfortable with natural therapies such as chiropractic treatment and try them one time.”
Looking to the future, Barone says he hopes to continue building his practice in Rwanda and expand its services to reach more patients.
“I would like to stay here, maybe forever,” he said. “I would like to grow into a bigger place and continue improving for the benefit of patients. I want to grow together with them.”
Barone helps patients improve posture, spinal alignment and overall wellbeing through osteopathy and chiropractic care.The Italian practitioner hopes to expand his services in Rwanda as he continues helping patients explore natural approaches to health and wellness.Italian osteopath and physiotherapist Filippo Barone provides natural, non-invasive therapies at New Health Therapy Centre in Kigali.Filippo Barone says Rwanda’s safety and welcoming environment convinced him to settle in Kigali after years of working abroad.
The camp, which targets children aged between 10 and 16 years, will be held at NSL in Bugesera from July 20 to 31, 2026.
Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, which collaborates with Ntare Louisenlund School, told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage.
“We wanted to contribute to the development of knowledge among Rwandans, which ultimately feeds into the country’s economic growth,” he said.
He noted that during the holiday period, the program will focus on teaching children Rwanda’s history and governance, along with other skills-based learning activities.
“People often say that a tree is best straightened while it is still young. If we are already offering training to adults, what more can we do for younger children, especially when they are on holiday after completing their studies? That is why we decided that Rwanda needs a summer camp to help shape responsible young citizens who will contribute positively to the country,” he added.
Children will also have time to relax mentally, as activities will be delivered through games and interactive experiences rather than a formal classroom environment.
Participants will come from various schools across Rwanda and the diaspora. In 2025, the camp attracted children from six countries.
Karangwa said that in partnership with Ntare Louisenlund School, the initiative is designed to build well-rounded individuals through education, recreation, and sports, all aimed at nurturing responsible and capable young Africans.
“If we say that our country’s development will be driven by the knowledge of its people, then the same applies to the entire African continent,” he noted.
Among the subjects to be taught are governance, artificial intelligence and robotics, debates, and various sports activities.
He further explained that children themselves will lead discussions, form groups, and engage in conversations that help them build confidence in public speaking.
Understanding one’s roots
Karangwa said the 2026 summer camp was also designed to help children understand their origins, which he described as essential in shaping responsible future Africans.
“How can these children begin asking where they come from? What is our history as Rwandans and Africans, regardless of where a child comes from? This helps them prepare for the future and take ownership of it for their own development and that of their countries. As the saying goes, if you do not know where you come from, you cannot know where you are going,” he said.
He also encouraged parents from different countries to give their children the opportunity to attend such programs in Rwanda, noting that they offer a valuable chance to connect with their roots in a well-structured learning environment.
Registration is open via info@k2careercenter.com or k2hrservices@gmail.com, or by calling +250 788 335 286 / +250 788 673 730
Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, has told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage. Students also engage in sports activities, including basketball.Those who wish can swim in a well-equipped swimming pool.Children learn in groups, sharing and exchanging knowledge.Children study various subjects using modern equipment.Children also get ample time for play and recreational learning.Children are also trained in public speaking.The most recent summer camp was attended by children from six different countries.
Karame Twaje reflects the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that customers can access banking services within the proximity of where they live, work, and do business, without necessarily having to visit a branch.
Through a growing network of authorized agents located within communities across Rwanda, customers can now conveniently access a wide range of banking services, including: account origination, cash deposits, cash withdrawals, facilitation of utility bill payments (EUCL and WASAC) as well as SchoolGEAR fee collection services and payments to RURA, RRA, RSSB, Irembo, and other service providers.
The launch marks another important milestone in the Bank digital and financial inclusion journey, aimed at expanding access to banking services while enhancing customer convenience and experience.
Commenting on the launch, Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said the move reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience.
“We promised to always be on your side! Karame Twaje Agency Banking is a tangible expression of that promise. We understand that banking should fit into our customers’ daily lives, not the other way around. By bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda, we are removing barriers, saving customers time, and making financial services more accessible to everyone,” he said.
Mutimura added that the initiative supports the Bank’s broader ambition of driving financial inclusion while delivering innovative solutions that respond to customers’ evolving needs.
“Karame Twaje is more than an agency banking network; it is a platform for empowerment. Whether you are a small business owner, a student, a farmer, or a salaried professional, we want quality banking services to be within your reach whenever and wherever you need them.”
The launch also reinforces the Bank’s continued investment in technology and alternative service channels designed to offer customers greater flexibility and convenience.
“Today’s customers expect banking to be fast, reliable, secure, and available wherever they are. Karame Twaje combines technology, accessibility, and convenience to create a seamless banking experience beyond the traditional branch network. This initiative complements our digital banking ecosystem and ensures that customers can access essential services closer to home and within their communities,” said Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc.
Obike noted that the agency banking platform has been designed with robust security measures and operational controls to ensure that customers enjoy a safe and trusted banking experience at every authorized agent location.
With Karame Twaje, the Bank continues to strengthen its position as a customer-centric Bank committed to innovation, financial inclusion, and delivering banking solutions that meet customers where they are.
Karame Twaje comes on a backdrop of Tsinda na Banki Muhorana, where the Bank incentivized customers and engaged them on using its various platforms day to day, including the App, internet banking, and *227#.
I&M Bank Rwanda has invited all eligible businesses that meet the Bank’s Agent Banking due diligence requirements, including fully registered and compliant enterprises with sufficient liquidity, secure premises, and a strong reputation within their communities, to visit their nearest I&M Bank branch to submit an application and explore the opportunity to become authorized Karame Twaje agents.
By partnering with I&M Bank, local businesses can benefit from increased customer traffic, enhanced business visibility, and the opportunity to earn competitive commissions while offering essential banking services to their communities.
Customers can locate their nearest Karame Twaje Agent by visiting:www.imbankgroup.com/rw/agents.
Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said “Karame Twaje” reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience by bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda. Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. I&M Bank (Rwanda) headquarters
