According to university officials, the programme is in advanced stages of development and has already been validated internally. It is now under review by the Higher Education Council (HEC) for final accreditation.
Once approved, it will be Rwanda’s first degree programme dedicated to nuclear science.
Prof. Ignace Gatare, Principal of the College of Science and Technology, said the programme aims to build a skilled workforce to support national goals in nuclear energy and related fields.
“We are looking forward to receiving feedback from HEC in regards to the national framework for accreditation of the new program,” Gatare told the New Times.
The four-year curriculum will start with core courses in physics, mathematics, electronics, and measurement technologies. Advanced years will introduce specialised topics in nuclear technology, aligning with Rwanda’s broader plans to develop peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
This initiative complements Rwanda’s strategy to build a nuclear research centre in partnership with Russia. The centre will focus on producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing agriculture through radiation technologies, and advancing industrial testing methods.
Rwanda’s ambitions go further. The country plans to host Africa’s first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is pursuing small modular reactor (SMR) technology to meet growing electricity demands sustainably. SMRs are compact, safer alternatives to traditional reactors and are seen as key to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals.
Fidèle Ndahayo, CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, previously emphasised the urgency of diversifying energy sources. With national energy capacity currently estimated at 650–700 MW, Rwanda needs to boost output to as much as 4.5 GW by 2050 to fuel economic growth.
The new academic programme is expected to play a critical role in supporting this transition by producing professionals who can contribute to sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and mining.
In his home area of Murundi Sector, Karongi District, Habiyaremye became widely known for the sheer number of people he killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Gacaca court records show he took the lives of more than 300 Tutsis, many of them his neighbours, acquaintances, and even friends.
Today, he still lives in the same region. The once densely populated hills of Gasharu Cell, where many Tutsi families had lived, now bear only terraced slopes and forests.
“That area was home to many Tutsis,” says Mukamatayo Anne Marie, President of Ibuka in Gasharu. “They were completely wiped out. Families like that of Mukakimenyi and Ntoyihuku vanished. No one from those homes is left.”
The story of Habiyaremye resurfaced during a past commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, when the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, cited him as an example of the scale of killings that occurred in the area.
“One striking case is in Nyamushishi Cell, Murundi Sector, where one man was found to have personally killed more people than any other individual identified through the Gacaca court system,” Dr. Bizimana said.
“Habiyaremye Bernard, known as ‘Kimashini’, murdered more than 300 people by name. He even remembers some of them.”
During the Genocide, Habiyaremye participated actively in killings. He recalls how it began:
“We were neighbours. One day, a man said to me, ‘They killed my daughter. Now I have no one to avenge me.’ That’s when I started. His name was Tharcisse Nzabahimana—I killed him. After that, I continued. I felt like it would catch up with me if I didn’t.”
Eventually, Habiyaremye was arrested and tried under the Gacaca court system. After serving his sentence, he returned to live in the same community he had once terrorised.
“Those I killed were close to me—neighbours with whom we shared meals, worked together in the fields, and lived peacefully before the genocide,” he admits. “Some were killed by others, but we had all lived together.”
Surprisingly, Habiyaremye says he was not rejected by his community upon return:
“I’ve never been turned away. I eat where others eat. I can’t say I have enemies.”
On whether he feels remorse, he reflects: “I wasn’t myself—I was like a statue. No one with a heart could do what I did and claim to be a good person.”
He credits Rwanda’s post-genocide education and reconciliation programmes for helping him and others like him to reflect, take responsibility, and rejoin the community.
“Unity and reconciliation have been powerful,” he says. “If you look around Rwanda, it’s clear the country has been rebuilt.”
Habiyaremye believes the fight against genocide ideology is everyone’s duty: “It still exists, but it can be identified and rooted out. That mindset must not find space in Rwanda.”
He says he now lives in peace with genocide survivors—some of whose relatives he killed:
“We live together, eat together, and talk. No one tells me to go away. I don’t hide, and they don’t avoid me.”
He also thanked President Paul Kagame for restoring national unity and said he now plays a role in building the same country he once helped tear apart.
Trump made the remarks while hosting Ramaphosa and his delegation, who are in the U.S. to revitalise diplomatic and economic ties with Washington.
In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on regional conflicts, trade, and African development, Trump singled out the Rwanda–DRC peace process as a highlight of his administration’s recent diplomatic efforts.
The mediation process is coordinated by Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos.
“Looking very good,” President Trump said. “I’m hearing phenomenal reports because what I was hearing before was deaths, deaths and chopping of heads off. It was very horrible over there. It was really brave of you [Boulos], to go there. I really appreciate it. It looks like we have something very substantial.”
The U.S.-led mediation has made significant headway in recent months following widespread tensions that escalated after the takeover of large swaths of territory in eastern Congo by the M23 rebels, fighting what they describe as decades of persecution and marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
While the Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, Rwanda denies this, stating that its main concern is the presence of the FDLR militia group, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and its collaboration with the Congolese army, which poses a security threat along the border with Rwanda.
During the meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Boulos confirmed that Rwanda and the DRC recently signed a declaration of principles and have submitted their respective versions of a peace agreement. A unified draft incorporating both proposals has now been shared with both parties for final review.
“We are in the process of finalising it,” Boulos said. “A couple of weeks ago, the two parties signed a declaration of principle in which they agreed on the way forward. They have both submitted draft peace agreements, and we have compiled one that incorporates their suggestions. It looks very good.”
The U.S. State Department last week also confirmed that a peace agreement draft had been shared with President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC.
If all parties approve the final version, a landmark signing ceremony is scheduled for June at the White House. Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi are expected to attend the event, which will also feature the signing of new economic cooperation deals with the United States.
Before the deal can be finalised, the U.S. has outlined key preconditions, particularly for the DRC. These include disbanding the FDLR militia and enacting governance reforms to ensure a fairer distribution of national resources.
If successful, the agreement could usher in a new era of stability for the long-troubled eastern DRC and boost regional economic integration, with U.S. investments playing a pivotal role.
Trump said his involvement in the conflict was motivated by a desire to save lives, not geopolitical gain.
“I have nothing to do with Rwanda and Congo, but I felt I had a very talented person in this administration, and I sent him there. He did an unbelievable job. He has done the hardest part of the job. I want to save the lives of each and every African—if it’s in Europe, wherever it may be,” Trump told the delegation.
In typical fashion, Trump also drew parallels to other global conflicts, saying that “we settled” tensions between India and Pakistan “in less than two days” through strategic trade diplomacy, while also citing ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“It’s a very small investment for me compared to the consequences,” he added.
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President Ramaphosa thanked the U.S. for its role in pushing forward a peaceful resolution, revealing that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had withdrawn its troops from eastern Congo to make way for diplomatic talks.
His visit to Washington comes amid efforts to reset relations between South Africa and the United States, especially in light of recent tensions and controversy over claims of racial violence in South Africa, which saw Trump offer refuge to white farmers fleeing the country.
Despite disagreements during the meeting, particularly when Trump raised long-standing “white genocide” claims, Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction with the private discussions, calling the visit “a great success” in opening communication channels and advancing trade opportunities.
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As Africa Day approaches on May 25, President Trump shared a broader message of peace and prosperity for the continent, stating that what he wants to see is peace across Africa.
“What I want is peace. I want to see happiness. I want to see health. You have an incredible land that has tremendous value—a lot of countries don’t have that,” he stated.
“We have settled a war that has been raging for years, Rwanda and the Congo, and I think we have done it.”
While addressing the Chamber of Deputies, Trade and Industry Minister Sebahizi Prudence revealed that the government is prioritising the development of both Muhanga and Musanze Industrial Parks in the upcoming fiscal year.
He noted that the Muhanga project alone will require over Frw 16 billion, although the 2025/2026 national budget has so far earmarked Frw 3.2 billion, as it is a multi-year project.
Out of the current allocation, Frw 5.9 billion is designated specifically for compensating property owners within the Muhanga Industrial Park zone.
Minister Sebahizi said that in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, more than Frw 2.2 billion will go towards resident compensation, while Frw 1 billion has been allocated for road construction and other essential infrastructure. However, the full cost of road construction in the area is projected to exceed Frw 10.5 billion.
Sebahizi stressed that the industrial parks initiative is aligned with Rwanda’s ambition to expand its manufacturing base and increase the output of locally produced goods.
The Musanze Industrial Park will also continue to receive attention, with infrastructure development—including roads—expected to cost Frw 7.8 billion. However, only Frw 2 billion is planned for use during the 2025/2026 budget year. Completion of the entire project is anticipated by 2029.
The Ministry confirmed that some residents still occupy land designated for the Muhanga Industrial Park. To date, 157 households have been relocated from 19.4 hectares, with additional families expected to be moved no later than the end of fiscal year 2025/2026.
Between 2022 and 2024, the government disbursed over Frw 2.7 billion in compensation to those already relocated from the Muhanga site.
Once completed, the Muhanga Industrial Park is expected to become one of Rwanda’s most significant industrial zones outside of Kigali.
The industrial park already hosts several manufacturing facilities, including Cheetah Cement, a Chinese-owned plant operated by Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, along with factories producing cookware, tiles, and hygiene products.
The disruption, confirmed by internet watchdog NetBlocks, began on Tuesday evening and affected all major internet service providers in the country, including Airtel, Vodacom, Liquid Telecom, and Habari Node.
“Live metrics show X has become unreachable on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as a compromised police account posts claims the president has died, angering the country’s leadership,” NetBlocks said in a statement on Mastodon shortly after 9 p.m. EAT.
The clampdown came hours after hackers gained control of the Police Force’s verified X account (@tanpol), which has over 470,000 followers. The hackers used the platform to falsely announce the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and even held a live broadcast.
Authorities have since regained control of the account and launched an investigation.
“This circulating information is entirely false,” said the Police Force in a statement. “The Police Force does not, and would never, publish such content through its official platforms.”
The Force vowed to identify and prosecute those behind the cyberattack.
“Legal action will be taken against any individual found to be involved in creating, disseminating, or amplifying such misleading content,” the statement warned.
The attack was not isolated to the police account. Other verified Tanzanian X accounts were also hacked, including Airtel Tanzania, football club Simba SC and media personality Odemba.
The YouTube channel of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), was also compromised, with the same false message regarding President Suluhu’s death appearing across these hacked profiles and triggering widespread panic before official clarifications were issued.
The cyberattack follows a tense political climate in Tanzania, with President Suluhu under fire, particularly from Kenyans on X over a recent crackdown on regional activists. The chaos unfolded amid the ongoing trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, which saw several prominent East African figures deported or arrested upon arrival in Dar es Salaam.
Those affected include Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire and a delegation of legal and civil society figures from Kenya.
Former Justice Minister Martha Karua, ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, LSK Council member Gloria Kimani, and activists Lynn Ngugi, Hanifa Adan, and Hussein Khalid were all detained and deported earlier this week, shortly after arriving in Tanzania to attend a court session related to Lissu’s ongoing treason case.
President Suluhu defended the government’s actions during a televised address on Monday, warning against what she described as “interference” by foreign actors.
“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said, calling on security agencies to guard against external influence.
KIFA’s true significance lies not just in its size but in the rapid, precise, and transparent digital auction system that offers a compelling blueprint for the technological transformation of traditional marketplaces.
In contrast to traditional flower auctions, often characterised by manual bidding, slower transactions, limited access for remote buyers, and a lack of pricing transparency, KIFA’s approach is fast, virtual, and fully synchronised.
Every four seconds, a transaction is completed in a high-tech, 900-seat auction hall. Buyers, whether in the room or hundreds of kilometres away in Beijing or Guangzhou, participate in real time through digital platforms.
Think of it as a stock market for flowers; bidders monitor large screens flashing stem quantities, quality grades, and reserve prices, and then place their bids at lightning speed. The system is designed to be efficient, equitable, and scalable. All flowers go through a standardised grading process before entering the auction, eliminating guesswork and disputes about quality.
This auction model is powered by a robust IT infrastructure that connects growers, traders, and buyers across China and beyond. As a result, flowers sold at KIFA reach over 50 countries, including Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Australia, not just swiftly but also with pricing that reflects transparent supply-and-demand dynamics.
KIFA’s integration of remote access platforms is particularly transformative. Through partnerships with centres like the Beijing Flower Trading Centre, off-site participants bid in real time, expanding the auction’s reach beyond physical boundaries. This has opened up opportunities for small and medium-sized traders across China to compete with large-scale wholesalers on a level playing field.
Moreover, payment is as seamless as bidding. Using the Huashangbao app, traders can finalise transactions instantly, with funds transferred and sales tracked electronically. The auction centre boasts an impressive 94% daily turnover rate, with an average stem price of 2.4 yuan.
In peak periods like the 2024 Spring Festival, KIFA processed 11.6 million stems in a single day, generating 100 million yuan in sales, all tracked and settled digitally.
But what good is a fast auction if the flowers wilt before reaching the buyer? KIFA’s logistics network, enhanced by big data and AI, ensures that doesn’t happen. Companies use predictive analytics to forecast regional demand, automate packaging, and optimise delivery routes. Many deliveries are now completed via air freight and high-speed rail, supported by cold chain technology.
This means roses auctioned in the morning can arrive fresh in cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, or Sydney the next day, still dewy with morning moisture.
The tech transformation doesn’t stop at the auction floor. Many of KIFA’s partner farms employ Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and digital twin systems to monitor soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and fertiliser levels in real time.
Data is uploaded to cloud systems, allowing growers to fine-tune every aspect of cultivation. This ensures consistent flower quality, which feeds directly into the standardised grading at auction, creating a virtuous cycle of precision and profit.
KIFA’s model could well be a glimpse into the future of other agricultural commodity markets, particularly in the Global South. By combining digital platforms, logistics intelligence, and real-time financial tools, it overcomes the classic limitations of traditional markets.
According to KIFA data, over 80% of Yunnan’s flowers pass through the auction centre, and 70% of all fresh-cut flowers in China originate from Dou’nan, making KIFA’s impact national in scope.
With 800 to 1,000 tons of flowers shipped daily and hundreds of thousands of people employed directly and indirectly in the sector, technology is not only modernising trade but also sustaining livelihoods.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, will see Paradigm Tower Ventures acquire 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited, which operates approximately 1,465 tower sites across the country.
The transaction remains subject to government and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.
The transaction reflects an enterprise value of $274.5 million, representing a multiple of 8.3 times IHS Rwanda’s adjusted EBITDA after leases. The valuation is considered a significant premium compared to the broader IHS Towers group’s current market multiple.
“The agreement to sell our Rwanda operations to Paradigm Tower Ventures was carefully
considered as part of our strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value creation options and highlights the value of our Rwanda operations within our wider portfolio,” said IHS Towers Chairman and CEO Sam Darwish.
In a statement reflecting on the company’s successful journey in Rwanda, the IHS boss expressed appreciation for the partnerships and conducive environment that have supported the firm’s growth over the years.
“We have enjoyed more than 10 years of commercial success in Rwanda. We are deeply appreciative to our colleagues and customers, in addition to the Government of Rwanda for its exemplary and investor-supportive framework, who have all helped make IHS Rwanda the success it is today,” he added.
Paradigm Tower Ventures, which is making its first investment under a new platform dedicated to wireless infrastructure growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, hailed Rwanda as a promising market.
“Rwanda represents an exciting market with high demand for shared wireless infrastructure,” said Stephen Harris, Co-founder of Paradigm Tower Ventures.
“The Paradigm team is very much looking forward to building a strong customer-focused business providing high-quality and secure infrastructure to mobile network operators.”
Founded in 2019 by seasoned industry executives Stephen Harris, Hal Hess, and Steven Marshall, Paradigm Infrastructure has been involved in various tower acquisitions and operations across Africa.
IHS Towers, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, operates more than 39,000 towers across eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia.
The delegation, led by Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, met with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza on Monday. The group expressed interest in the pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, real estate, and agriculture sectors.
The delegation also met separately with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr Yvan Butera, in a discussion focused on investment opportunities in Rwanda’s pharmaceutical production, local manufacturing, and regional health security.
Also in attendance were Waseem Hamad, CEO of Philex Pharmaceuticals, and Lee Farrelly, General Manager of Manal Food Factory.
AQI was established in 2002 and operates across a wide range of industries, including construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and medical services. The company is known for providing strategic and operational solutions across its portfolio, and has a growing interest in expanding into new markets.
The visit by AQI and its partners marks a continued strengthening of economic ties between Rwanda and Qatar, with both governments actively facilitating cross-border investments to drive innovation, create jobs, and boost sustainable development.
The visit also reflects Rwanda’s growing appeal to international investors, driven by its strong global rankings in business climate.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 Business Ready (B-READY) report, Rwanda is among the [top-performing countries in terms of ease of doing business->https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/rwanda-ranked-among-top-performers-in-new-world-bank-business-report].
The country ranked 3rd globally for Operational Efficiency, scoring 81.31%, and 8th in Public Services with a score of 67.37%. It also placed 17th worldwide in Regulatory Framework, earning a score of 70.35%.
The campaign was officially launched at the East African University Rwanda (EAUR) Nyagatare campus on May 16, 2025. It is being implemented through the Capital Market Youth Forum, a platform that introduces young people to capital market opportunities.
The initiative, conducted by CMA in collaboration with various partners, will extend to other universities across the country.
During the campaign, students received in-depth insights into how the capital market functions, including strategies for saving through investment, and participated in interactive discussions to deepen their understanding.
Freddy Rukundo, an Accounting student, shared that he learned how to save and invest starting with small amounts of money, and he now plans to join the stock market.
“I used to think that anything under 100,000 Rwandan francs wasn’t enough to invest, but now I know it’s possible. I’ve registered to start investing in the Rwandan capital market, and I hope to graduate with savings that will make it easier to enter the job market,” Rukundo remarked.
Esperance Muhoza, who also registered as an investor, said she learned how to invest while saving at the same time.
“For instance, when parents give us money, I can set aside a small portion and start saving it by investing in capital market products. After school, I’ll use those funds to join others in investing in a business or opportunity,” she explained.
David Mugabo, a Business Administration student and student representative, said EAUR students were impressed by how CMA taught them to become investors using the limited resources they currently have. He noted that they saw great potential and opportunities for future development.
“We have gained knowledge in mid-growth markets as well as investment. The saving culture will provide a better future for the youth of today,” he revealed.
Dr. James Ndahiro, Technical Advisor at the CMA, emphasised that university students were specifically targeted because they are at a pivotal stage, transitioning from academic life into the workforce, making it the right moment to influence their financial mindset.
“Youth, particularly those at the university level, have the capacity, the drive, and the ability to understand important concepts. This is especially true as they are in a critical phase, transitioning from school to the workplace. We are preparing them to not only navigate that transition but also to recognise opportunities beyond traditional employment,” Ndahiro said.
On the importance of financial discipline, he added: “Before they begin investing, we emphasise the importance of learning how to save, shifting from a culture of consumption without saving to one of saving before spending.”
Emmanuel Masantura Ruziga, Head of Marketing and Sales at the Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT) Iterambere Fund—one of CMA’s partners in the campaign—noted that a segment of Rwandans still lacks sufficient awareness and education about saving.
He affirmed that RNIT, a government-established company created to promote a culture of saving among Rwandans, is committed to addressing this gap.
“We believe that there is a generation that has missed out on many opportunities to learn about saving. However, we are confident that with collective efforts and collaboration across all industry players, we can mobilise as many people as possible to understand, adopt, and strengthen this important culture of saving,” Ruziga noted.
“If we want to build a society rooted in a strong saving culture, we must start by engaging young people, especially students in schools, colleges, and universities. Together, we must sit down with the Ministry of Education to ensure that financial literacy and the culture of saving are integrated into Rwanda’s national education curriculum,” he added.
Following the awareness campaign taking place in May, members of the Capital Market Youth Forum will gather in Kigali on June 20, 2025, for a joint training session.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves.
“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump wrote.
“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”
Trump noted that Russia wants to “do large-scale TRADE with the United States” when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country,” the post read.
Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
