The U.S. Transportation Department on Friday rescinded funding for projects in 11 states, including 435 million dollars for a floating wind farm in California, 47 million dollars to boost an offshore wind project in Maryland, and 48 million dollars for an offshore wind terminal project in New York’s Staten Island.
“Wasteful, wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing America’s maritime industry,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
The canceled funding will be redirected to upgrade ports and other infrastructure in the country, where possible, the Transportation Department said.
This is the latest step by the Trump administration against renewable energy sources, according to U.S. media reports.
In another development, the U.S. Energy Department decided Friday to withdraw a 716 million-dollar loan guarantee approved by the Biden administration to upgrade and expand transmission infrastructure to accommodate an offshore wind project in New Jersey.
The Trump administration has stepped up efforts cutting federal support for wind and other renewable energy sources in recent weeks, slashing funding and canceling projects approved by the Biden administration. Last week, the administration halted construction of a nearly completed offshore project near Rhode Island.
The 54-year-old lawmaker was gunned down at midday in central Lviv. According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the attacker fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. A large-scale police operation, codenamed Siren, was immediately launched to track down the suspect.
Unverified video circulating online appears to show the gunman disguised as a food courier, carrying a yellow delivery bag and leaving the scene on an e-bike. Authorities have not confirmed the footage but described the killing as carefully planned.
President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the murder as a “horrific crime,” pledging that all security resources had been mobilised to capture those responsible.
“All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer,” he wrote on X, extending condolences to Parubiy’s family.
Lviv’s mayor Andriy Sadovyi warned that the assassination underscored the vulnerability of Ukrainians even far from the front lines.
“This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places,” he said.
Parubiy rose to national prominence during the 2013–2014 Euromaidan movement, where he coordinated protest self-defence units that resisted riot police during months of demonstrations demanding closer integration with Europe. After the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, he briefly served as secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council in 2014, at the onset of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
He later held the position of parliamentary speaker from 2016 to 2019 and was an influential member of the committee on national security, defence and intelligence. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Parubiy had also joined Ukraine’s territorial defence forces.
Political leaders paid tribute to Parubiy’s role in shaping Ukraine’s democratic path and strengthening its defences.
Former president Petro Poroshenko described his death as “a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine,” praising him as both a loyal ally and a central figure in building Ukraine’s armed forces.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called him “a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraine’s freedom, independence and sovereignty,” adding that he “rightfully belongs in the history books.”
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called the killing “a profound loss,” urging investigators to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Law enforcement officials have not yet identified the shooter or suggested a motive, though prosecutors have said all possible leads are being pursued, including potential Russian involvement.
Police chief Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi confirmed that at least seven shell casings were recovered at the scene and said the weapon used has not yet been identified.
As investigations continue, the killing of Parubiy – a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty – is being seen by many in Kyiv as both a personal tragedy and a stark reminder of the risks facing the country’s political leadership during wartime.
By tailoring education to each child’s passions, whether it’s art or science, SkillSeed promises to unlock a future where kids don’t just learn, but thrive.
The platform uses artificial intelligence to create unique learning profiles, drawing on data from interactive assessments, engagement with videos and books, and feedback from mentors.
“Based on the data that has been collected, when the child answers questions in the assessment, we get to know what they are interested in, and we now give them the content that aligns with what they like,” says Juliet Kelechi, Wekraft’s Chief Technology Officer.
“We have modals that they interact with as well, and they can create things on their own depending on what their interest is.”
The platform offers gamified challenges, like puzzles and creative tasks, that make learning fun and hands-on. Parents receive detailed progress reports, with stars and badges marking their child’s growth.
“It’s not as serious as I make it sound; it’s more game-like,” Kelechi adds. “A six-year-old watches cartoons, of course, so we use those kinds of avatars to portray, so it’s fun and colourful.”
For co-founder and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Agnes Wambui, SkillSeed’s mission, which started in 2023, is deeply personal. Growing up, she excelled at debating on a national level but felt demoralised by a system that valued grades above all else.
“I felt that I would never amount to anything because I was not really good academically, but I never got much support for these other passions that I had,” Wambui recalls.
“We started Wekraft to show parents there are more levels and more measures of intelligence.”
SkillSeed complements the traditional education system, recognising what Wambui calls “up to nine types of intelligence.” The platform is aimed at nurturing diverse talents like art or debate, even helping kids build digital portfolios to showcase their work globally.
“You have a kid who can draw really well. Why don’t you have a portfolio for them that they can showcase to the rest of the world?” Wambui asks, noting opportunities like international exchange programs that such exposure can unlock.
Wekraft’s journey began with in-person workshops, where kids engaged in hands-on activities to spark their curiosity.
“We started with the in-person program where we were going to schools and having physical activities with the kids,” says Staphord Nkumbuye, Wekraft’s CEO.
The team soon realised the need for a broader reach, leading to the creation of a learning toolkit kids could take home.
“Kids wanted to take some of these activities home… learning continues even after school,” Nkumbuye explains. This toolkit laid the groundwork for SkillSeed’s digital platform, scaling its impact to reach more children with personalised, AI-driven experiences.
The platform’s practical impact resonates with students like Stalon Mbanda, who recently finished high school. Using SkillSeed’s toolkit, he created a vivid illustration of a kidney’s structure.
“It helped me bring out the vivid description of what I had in my mind,” he says, noting how the toolkit bridged theory and practice in his pursuit to become a doctor.
Commenting on the current platform, he noted, “Such programs help me to envision how I would be so that more of my knowledge is no longer theoretical but also practical.”
Beyond academics, SkillSeed connects kids with professionals through virtual mentorships and career excursions, exposing them to fields from science to creative arts.
“The goal is to expose kids to as many careers as possible, including the ones which are not here in Rwanda, because the world is an oyster,” Wambui says.
Recognising the digital divide in developing countries like Rwanda, the platform offers offline content for rural areas through partnerships with schools and community centres.
“We are using a hybrid approach to help children in rural areas access the platform,” Kelechi explains.
Wekraft also runs a donation program, where a portion of each subscription, starting at 15,000 Rwandan francs per month, subsidises access for those who can’t afford it.
The company is calling on organisations to donate refurbished computers to equip underserved schools.
For Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed is about shaping a generation. “We’re trying to tell parents we are in an era where passion and love for what you do take you further than following someone else’s path,” Nkumbuye says.
The journey to build SkillSeed wasn’t easy. But with support from Jasiri, a program empowering high-impact startups in Rwanda and the region, Wekraft found the wings to lift their idea.
“I never believed someone could help me when I just have an idea. Jasiri provided the best coaches in Africa, office spaces, and funding that made it easier to create something really wonderful,” Nkumbuye remembers those early days.
“Entrepreneurship can be brutal, but I was having fun because I loved it,” he adds.
According to Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed has enrolled over 600 students and earned crucial backing from Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.
“We even have the backing from the Rwandan government through the Ministry of Education,” he says, adding that the startup’s journey has been shaped by guidance from experts in early childhood education.
In a recommendation seen by IGIHE, the Ministry of Education states that Wekraft, through the SkillSeed platform, significantly advances inclusive, skills-based education, preparing youth for the future of work.
“Their learner-centred approach equips young people with essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving.
“Their pilot programs have engaged hundreds of learners, demonstrating a commitment to community development through collaboration with schools, educators, and local artisans. The SkillSeed platform also aligns with global frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and decent work.”
Sarah Mukundwa, an educationist and parent, sees platforms like SkillSeed as a game-changer in shaping the next generation of experts across diverse fields.
“My son is 10. He likes football so much. He told me, ‘Mommy, I can be a footballer and a doctor.’ This platform tests his skills, so he can know what he can excel in. It will help kids do what they love, not just what they’re told by their parents,” she says.
Wekraft plans to expand the program to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya in the near future as it gains momentum.
For parents and guardians, the platform is accessible at: [https://parents.wekraft.co/->https://parents.wekraft.co/]
Watch the video to discover more about the platform.
The project, named Kinigi Horticulture Hub, covers 1,250 square metres on the outskirts of the park and uses modern agricultural technology to cultivate flowers, vegetables, and fruits. It is part of a larger $50 million (approximately Frw 72 billion) initiative aimed at increasing the park’s area and enhancing local livelihoods.
The expansion plan includes the creation of Smart Green Village, a model community set to accommodate 510 households. The Kinigi Horticulture Hub represents a small portion of this village, with an investment of $3.4 million. The village will be built on 50 hectares with environmentally sustainable homes powered by solar energy and equipped with water purification and reuse systems.
The village will feature three main sectors—agriculture, livestock, and tourism—each designed to generate income while protecting the environment. Initial crops planted include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are expected to generate Frw 45 million annually against a setup cost of Frw 11 million. The area will be managed by the local Volcano Community Association, which has already trained 211 residents in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and food quality standards.
The livestock sector will accommodate chickens, sheep, and pigs, while the tourism section will focus on biodiversity conservation, handicrafts, and cultural activities.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and spans 16,000 hectares. The park’s expansion will add 3,740 hectares—23% of its current area—to improve habitat space for the endangered gorillas.
The overall expansion project is planned to be implemented in phases over 10 to 15 years, with a total estimated cost of $230 million, funded by the Rwandan government, development partners, loans, and donations.
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At the inauguration, RDB Director General Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the connection between tourism growth and local development.
“The goal is to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and empower youth and women. When tourism grows, community development also increases,” he said.
The government has allocated Frw 600.4 million to Musanze and Nyabihu districts, Frw 450.3 million to Burera, and Frw 150.1 million to Rubavu to support community welfare near the park.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde described the project as the first phase of the park expansion.
“This initiative addresses key challenges faced by local communities, including land pressure due to population growth and human-wildlife conflicts,” he said.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture.
“These solutions are sustainable and will increase productivity. Market-oriented agriculture will allow farmers to expand beyond local demand to other districts and even abroad,” he said.
Since the launch of the tourism benefit-sharing programme 20 years ago, 10% of park revenues have been invested in community projects. RDB reports that these initiatives, valued at Frw 18 billion, have supported schools, housing, health centres, agriculture, livestock, and conflict mitigation efforts.
In 2025, 83 community projects worth over Frw 4 billion were implemented across 14 districts, with plans to increase support to more than Frw 5 billion in 2025–2026.
The celebration, dubbed the Tambali Ceremony, was held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Deco Center Hub in Kigali. The event brought together parents, facilitators, alumni, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the achievements of the 111 learners, including 67 males and 44 females, who completed the programme.
Opening the ceremony, Cedric Nsengiyumva, Pathway Learning Experience Community Analyst for Kigali, congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to the families and facilitators who supported them throughout their academic journey.
His words of praise and encouragement set an uplifting and celebratory tone for the rest of the evening.
The Pathway curriculum combines academic and entrepreneurial training, with courses ranging from Business Finance and Statistics to Computing and Venture Creation. Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasises personal growth, leadership, and soft skills development. Learners described the journey as transformative, with many highlighting improved confidence, communication, and critical thinking.
Parents also praised the programme’s impact. Jovite Sinzahere, father of graduate Lisette Mukiza, who secured a full scholarship to the African Leadership University in Mauritius, described the achievement as life-changing.
“This scholarship has saved me 220 million Rwandan francs in school fees for the next four years. Such an opportunity is not only life-changing for my daughter but also a testament to the quality education ALX offers. Beyond the academics, I have seen how the program has built her soft skills in communication, personal branding, and critical thinking. It has shaped her into a confident, well-rounded individual ready for the future,” he shared.
Learners, too, reflected deeply on their journeys.
“When we started the program, we could barely stand in front of an audience. But over the course, we have built such confidence in ourselves, and moving forward, the transformation in our confidence is clear,” Happy remarked.
The impact of the Pathway program was also evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by the learners. Seventeen learners received full Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, while more than 10 others secured partial scholarships through the program.
Several learners also won external scholarships, and some remain on competitive waitlists. In total, more than 70 university admissions have already been secured, while others are still awaiting placement. A number of alumni from the Pathway program have also found alternative routes to pursue their dreams, including student loans and self-sponsorship.
Closing the event, Dare Daramola, ALX Head of Learning and Community, thanked parents for their unwavering support and recognised three learners for outstanding performance. He described the programme as a “launchpad for possibility,” urging graduates to continue inspiring others.
ALX Pathway provides High School graduates in Africa a unique opportunity to access degree programmes at leading global universities. With a focus on tech, Pathway supports and prepares young people across eight African cities for their application to one of ALX’s partner universities.
In addition to university application support, Pathway offers access to scholarship opportunities and finance partners that help make university accessible and affordable.
For more information, visit [https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] or watch this recap of previously awarded scholarships.
Moloko, 27, previously featured for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC and AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrives at AS Kigali after spells in Iraq with Al Sadaqa and Diyala, and most recently in Algeria with ES Mostaganem.
The Kigali-based side struggled for goals during recent friendly matches, particularly in the Inkera y’Abahizi pre-season tournament, where their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly. The club will now look to Moloko to provide attacking depth alongside Rudasingwa Prince and Iyabivuze Osée.
AS Kigali will kick off their 2025/26 league campaign on September 14, 2025, when they face Amagaju FC.
Ujiri, a prominent voice in sport and youth empowerment, joins Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani advocate for inclusion and disability rights, in the latest cohort of influential leaders tasked with accelerating global progress on the 17 SDGs.
“The SDG Advocates play a vital role in inspiring global action and ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Masai Ujiri and Ms. Muniba Mazari to this distinguished group of leaders.”
Through his non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, Ujiri has long used basketball as a platform to inspire young people, break down barriers, and provide opportunities across the continent.
Most recently, the Giants of Africa festival was staged in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2 2025, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. The festival was also a major public spectacle, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators.
At the 2025 edition of Giants of Africa in Kigali, Masai Ujiri also unveiled Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to promote youth development, gender equality, and community engagement.
Beyond providing a space for basketball and recreation, the facility is envisioned as a hub for education, leadership training, and social impact initiatives, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.
Reflecting on his appointment, Ujiri said: “Sport doesn’t just unite people – it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honour, and I’m excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.”
Mazari, widely known as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan,” has inspired millions through her personal journey and her tireless advocacy for disability rights, inclusion, and gender equality.
“Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. I am proud to be an SDG Advocate and to elevate the voices of those who are often unheard,” she said.
The Secretary-General praised the pair’s dedication and highlighted the importance of their work in advancing the SDGs, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.
The SDG Advocates, chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, bring together a diverse group of global leaders, from royalty and heads of foundations to business executives, entertainers, and activists.
Current members include Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Graça Machel, Jeffrey Sachs, Lilly Singh, and Microsoft President Brad Smith, among others.
The meeting, held at Urugwiro Village in Kigali, came a day after Grandi also met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
In a message posted on X following his talks with President Kagame, Grandi described the exchange as “good,” noting Rwanda’s inclusive and forward-looking refugee policies and the opportunities presented by the Washington peace initiative signed in June between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Solving issues related to refugees from DRC and Rwanda is one of them. UNHCR is ready to play its facilitating role,” he added.
According to the Office of the President, the talks focused on strengthening Rwanda–UNHCR collaboration, including Rwanda’s leading role in prioritising refugee protection, integration, and long-term solutions.
Grandi’s trip to Rwanda and the DRC was announced earlier in the week. On August 25, he wrote that ongoing political initiatives could provide an opportunity to end violence and forced displacement in eastern DRC “if all actors cooperate,” pledging UNHCR’s readiness to contribute.
His visit follows a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, where Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The roadmap, agreed under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements, sets out concrete steps and timelines to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.
The plan is seen as a cornerstone of post-conflict recovery, building on recent diplomatic milestones, including the Washington Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC in June and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
Key provisions of the roadmap include expedited repatriation of Rwandan refugees from eastern DRC, improved coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, and stronger reintegration measures covering housing, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and civil documentation. Donor and partner support is also highlighted as vital to ensuring long-term recovery.
UNHCR has already begun implementing parts of the plan. On August 25, the agency repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to Rwandan authorities.
Grandi’s ongoing consultations with regional leaders are expected to reinforce both humanitarian and diplomatic tracks, particularly in addressing challenges that continue to hinder voluntary returns and sustainable reintegration.
The migrants arrived in mid-August and are being housed with support from an international organisation, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local social services are monitoring their welfare.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the group had undergone vetting before relocation. Of the seven, four have opted to begin a new life in Rwanda, while the rest have shown interest in eventually returning to their countries of origin. Their nationalities were not disclosed.
“Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government,” Makolo said.
The migration agreement, concluded in June, provides for Rwanda to host up to 250 migrants transferred from the United States, with the possibility of expanding that number following further negotiations. The migrants are not required to remain in Rwanda permanently and may relocate to other countries if they choose.
Rwanda retains the authority to decide who is eligible for relocation. Those accepted will be supported with job training, healthcare services, and accommodation to ease their integration. Individuals currently serving prison terms in the U.S., or those with convictions for child-related offences, are excluded from the scheme.
In a past statement, Makolo noted that Rwanda’s willingness to take part stems from its history of displacement and commitment to reintegration.
“Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”
The newly formed unit has been trained in civilian protection, street-level law enforcement, crowd control, and crime investigation. Officers have also been equipped with the necessary tools to carry out their duties.
Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Gen. Makenga stressed that the unit must operate differently from the Congolese government forces, which he accused of corruption, abuse of authority, and discrimination against citizens.
“I ask you to be a police force different from the others we face, different from those troops who fail in their duties, beat people, kill, steal, are corrupt, and discriminate against citizens. That is not the police,” he said.
Gen. Makenga further emphasised discipline and professionalism, urging officers to act as a mirror of the movement and to earn the trust of local communities.
“Be a people’s police; do not be feared, be approachable, and help them,” he said.
He called on the officers to support citizens who have long suffered under the DRC government, providing assistance without discrimination and demonstrating effective governance.
The AFC/M23 controls large swaths of territory in eastern DRC, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Following the establishment of civil administration and the police force, the group plans to set up a judicial system in the future.
