Field Marshal Jula was received by General MK Mubarakh, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura during a series of engagements on Monday. He also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described the visit as a key opportunity to deepen the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Discussions between the military leaders are focused on expanding collaboration in defence and related sectors, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing regional peace and security.
Field Marshal Jula’s visit follows a recent trip by General Mubarakh to Ethiopia on March 13 2025, during which the two defence chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.
As part of his itinerary, the Ethiopian military chief is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as Rwanda marks the 31st commemoration of the tragedy.
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Rwanda and Ethiopia have enjoyed over 20 years of military cooperation, initially focused on joint military training. The partnership has since expanded to include collaboration between the police forces of both countries.
Beyond defense and police cooperation, Rwanda and Ethiopia share strong bilateral ties in sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, and more.
Over the past seven years, the two nations have also signed agreements in air travel services, allowing for seamless cooperation between their airlines, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
The rise was driven by strong performances in both goods and services exports, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerging as the country’s top export destinations.
Rwanda’s top exports include minerals such as gold, coltan, and wolfram, as well as agricultural products like coffee and tea.
The UAE led Rwanda’s export market with a 63.9% increase, reaching over $1.5 billion in value. The DRC followed with a 32.3% rise to approximately $229.5 million.
Exports to Luxembourg surged by an astonishing 243.8%, reaching $55.4 million. Other top markets include China ($83.6 million) and the United Kingdom ($36.1 million).
According to the report, Rwanda’s export growth has been underpinned by targeted interventions from RDB. In 2024, 243 companies across key sectors—including manufacturing, agro-processing, horticulture, services, and handicrafts—were facilitated to access both regional and international markets, generating $164.1 million in export revenues.
To enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and boost Rwanda’s participation in international trade, the Rwanda Development Board rolled out a range of targeted support programs in 2024.
A total of 152 companies received hands-on coaching focused on international trade standards, pricing strategies, product packaging, and compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) requirements.
At the same time, 155 businesses enrolled in the E-Commerce Readiness Program, with 15 completing advanced training to expand their digital sales channels. In addition, 124 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefited from business development services that included access to affordable financing, grant opportunities, and tailored advisory support.
To help firms meet global quality requirements, 52 SMEs were supported in obtaining internationally recognized certifications.
Furthermore, 112 SMEs took part in trade fairs and expos held in Senegal, South Sudan, and Rwanda, providing them with platforms to showcase their products, generate immediate sales, and forge new business contracts.
A new report published by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicates that the growth was driven by resilient performance across various segments, including conservation, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and domestic tourism.
According to the report, gorilla tourism led the surge, with revenues rising by 27% to exceed $200 million, fortifying Rwanda’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
The country welcomed over 1.36 million visitors, with new tourism segments like education and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) also showing growth at 16% and 5% respectively. RwandAir’s non-resident ticket sales jumped by 11%, further signaling international demand.
In total, Rwanda welcomed more than 1.36 million visitors in 2024. The East African Community (EAC) remained the largest source market, contributing over 1.09 million travellers, while steady flows from Europe (83,076 visitors), North America (52,805), and Asia (36,256) highlighted Rwanda’s reputation as a premier global destination.
Rwanda also continued to strengthen its MICE sector, hosting 115 high-profile events and welcoming 52,315 delegates. Notably, the country became the first in Africa to host the FIA Annual General Assemblies & Prize Giving Ceremony, showcasing its world-class hospitality and event infrastructure.
The impact of tourism extended beyond conferences. Rwanda’s national parks experienced a 10.7% increase in visitors and 8.5% growth in revenue, reaching 138,000 visitors and $38.8 million in park-generated income. Nyungwe National Park led the growth with a 20% increase in visitors, followed by Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks.
Local engagement also played a key role, with 54,800 domestic visits and steady domestic park revenues of $793,000, reflecting strong local interest in the country’s natural heritage.
Highlighting Rwanda’s forward-looking agenda, RDB Chairman Itzhak Fisher remarked: “The coming years present an exciting chapter of transformation, where strategic collaboration and bold ambition will drive Rwanda toward even greater economic success.”
In 2025, RDB aims to surpass $700 million in tourism revenue, bolstered by continued investment in conservation, tourism infrastructure, and global events.
“We aim to generate tourism revenues exceeding USD 700 million by showcasing Rwanda as a leading global destination for leisure, wildlife conservation, and international events,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB.
According to an annual report recently published by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a total of 612 investment projects were registered throughout the year, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country’s business climate and economic trajectory.
The manufacturing sector led the way, attracting $1.35 billion. This was followed by the financial and insurance sector, which drew in $811.2 million, and real estate activities, which secured $377.7 million. Together, the three sectors accounted for nearly 78% of all registered investments.
Notably, Rwanda’s industrial base continues to expand, with manufacturing also generating the highest number of expected jobs. Of the 51,635 jobs projected from 2024’s investments, 22,500 are expected to come from the manufacturing sector alone.
Among the largest investment projects registered were Bio Usawa Biotechnology Ltd, National Cement Holding Ltd, Parklane Group Ltd, and TTEC CX Solutions Rwanda Ltd, reflecting diversity across biotech, construction, technology, and clean energy. International giants such as Rio Tinto Exploration also featured prominently.
In terms of foreign direct investment, China and India emerged as top contributors, accounting for $460 million and $445.1 million, respectively. Other key investors came from the USA ($442.3 million), Nigeria ($313 million), the UK ($144.6 million) and the Netherlands ($103.9 million).
Despite strong foreign participation, Rwandan-origin investments, including joint ventures, represented the largest share by number, accounting for 24.4% of all registrations—highlighting a growing local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond manufacturing and finance, notable investment flows were directed toward information and communication technologies, agriculture, accommodation and food services, and mining. While manufacturing topped job creation, the real estate sector also stood out with 6,600 projected jobs, reflecting growing demand for urban infrastructure.
The financial sector, in particular, recorded rapid expansion, signaling increased investor interest in Rwanda’s fintech landscape and a strong push for financial inclusion and digital finance.
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Rwanda’s broader economic performance in 2024 underpinned the strong investment momentum.
According to RDB, tourism revenues reached $647 million, with over 1.36 million visitors. The country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry generated $84.8 million, welcoming 52,315 delegates across 115 events. Gorilla tourism alone saw a 27% revenue boost.
Exports rose to $4.2 billion, a 22% increase from 2023, driven by high demand in markets such as the UAE and Luxembourg, along with a 33% increase in cargo exports.
More than 240 companies were supported to access international markets, generating $164.1 million in export earnings.
Rwanda’s reform-driven economic agenda earned the country a top ranking in the World Bank’s B-READY Report, placing 1st in Africa and among the top 10 globally for ease of doing business. The recognition underscores Rwanda’s growing reputation as a competitive and innovation-friendly investment destination.
Looking ahead, RDB is targeting over $3 billion in new investments and $700 million in tourism revenue in 2025.
Key initiatives will focus on expanding Special Economic Zones, digitizing government services, and promoting innovation, conservation, and entrepreneurship.
Rwanda is also set to host major international events, including the 20th Kwita Izina ceremony and the UCI Road World Championships. The UCI event, scheduled for September, will be held in Africa for the first time.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, during its Imvo n’Imvano program, BBC Gahuza aired a story about a Rwandan named Joseph Semafara, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Semafara has since overcome that traumatic history and now runs a successful company, Solvit Africa, valued at $10 million.
However, instead of stating that Semafara survived the Genocide against the Tutsi, the BBC’s Kinyarwanda and Kirundi service referred to him as having survived “the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994”—a phrase the broadcaster has often used and which is widely criticized for distorting the facts about the genocide.
Among those who condemned the phrasing was Minister Nduhungirehe.
Taking to his official X account, the minister wrote: “I wish to remind @bbcgahuza that Semafara didn’t survive ‘the genocide committed in Rwanda in 1994’, but survived the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda.”
He went on to denounce what he described as the UK’s long-standing failure to bring genocide fugitives to justice, and criticized the BBC for continuing to distort the narrative of a crime recognized by both the UN General Assembly and an international tribunal.
“For over 31 years, the UK has refused to extradite or prosecute even a single genocide suspect living on its territory,” he said.
“And the BBC remains the only major international broadcaster that continues to downplay a genocide confirmed by a UN court. At the very least, they should remain silent during these 100 days of commemoration.”
Minister Nduhungirehe’s remarks come at a time when Rwanda is observing the annual 100-day period of mourning and remembrance for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The BBC has faced repeated criticism in the past for using language perceived as minimizing or denying the Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed a million lives.
Organized by Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP) Canada, the event—whose name “Ku Gicaniro” means “at the bonfire” in Kinyarwanda—served as a symbolic gathering space for community reflection and healing. It brought together youth, survivors, and allies in an artistic tribute to the more than one million lives lost during one of the 20th century’s darkest chapters.
The evening began with a moment of silence, a reading of victims’ names, and a candle-lighting ceremony that transformed grief into collective reverence. The moments honoured not just those who died, but who they were: students, sisters, fathers, dreamers.
A curated exhibition welcomed guests before the formal program, offering a powerful walk through visual and written testimonies. The intention, organizers said, was not to consume history, but to carry it—to resist forgetting through art and storytelling.
Art was at the heart of the program. Musical performances and a stage play provided emotional expression where words alone might fall short. The performance reminded the audience that “art remembers what history tries to forget.”
One of the most moving moments came when genocide survivor Mukarukundo Godelieve, known as Maman Casta, publicly shared her story for the first time in a heartfelt conversation with her daughter, Casta. The dialogue between mother and daughter became a powerful handoff of memory: an intimate, courageous act of intergenerational truth-telling.
A documentary screening followed, exploring how to teach the history of genocide to children. It posed a challenging but necessary question: How do you explain a wound this deep to a child? The film emphasized the importance of teaching with honesty, compassion, and clarity, especially as survivor voices grow fewer with time.
In his address, Pascal Kanyemera, President of the Humura Survivors Association, praised the youth-led effort, highlighting the role of digital platforms in combating genocide denial. He also spoke about Humura’s ongoing memorial initiatives to preserve truth and history.
The Rwandan Ambassador to Canada, Prosper Higiro, offered a powerful reminder that genocide is not an accident but a deliberate political crime. He spoke candidly about the ideology that preceded the 1994 atrocities and urged the youth to stand firm in defending unity, dignity, and truth.
The evening closed with remarks from Danny, Representative of PLP Canada, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to remembrance and youth engagement. He stated that the aim of PLP Canada is to create safe, intentional, and powerful spaces, where young people can remember, reflect, and reconnect with their identity and history.
The evening left attendees moved, inspired, and reminded that while the genocide against the Tutsi ended 31 years ago, the responsibility to remember — and to resist forgetting — lives on through the voices and visions of Rwanda’s youth.
The sombre ceremony was marked by prayers led by different religious leaders, testimonies from Genocide survivors, as well as the laying of wreaths on mass graves at the site.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Amb. Joseph Rutabana told thousands of mourners that the same ideology which fuelled the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda continues to spread in neighbouring countries.
“We currently see it in the Eastern DRC, where local populations are mobilized to kill Congolese Tutsi (whom they relate to Tutsis in Rwanda). This is coupled by hate speech and other precursors of genocide incitement,” he said.
Rutabana emphasised that education remains one of the most powerful tools to preserve the memory of the victims and to combat the ideology that led to their deaths.
“It is important to reflect on the root causes and consequences of the Genocide so that not only Rwandans, but the world at large, take the necessary steps to punish the crime of genocide and prevent it from happening again,” he said.
Grief filled the air as mourners—mainly youth and a delegation from the HUMURA Lake Victoria Warakoze Genocide Survivors’ Association—sat in the tents, remembering the brutal and inhumane ways their loved ones were killed during the Genocide.
Alice Kaboyo, Uganda’s State Minister for the Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle and the guest of honour, noted that the rise of misinformation and hate speech, particularly online, poses a serious threat to social cohesion and peace.
“Education must therefore be at the forefront of our efforts to combat these dangers. By fostering critical thinking, promoting human rights education, we can equip Africa’s youth to reject division and violence and build a more inclusive society. Schools and universities must serve as spaces for dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect,” she said.
A total of 10,983 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried in various memorial sites across Uganda. Kasensero Genocide Memorial site in Rakai District is the resting place of 2,875 victims; Lambu Genocide Memorial site in Masaka District holds 3,337 bodies; and Ggolo Genocide Memorial site in Mpigi District is home to 4,771 victims.
The announcement was made on Saturday in the capital, Dodoma, by Ramadhani Kailima, Director of Elections at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While defending the commission’s tough stance, Kailima stressed that the code is a vital tool for ensuring fair and transparent elections at all levels—presidential, parliamentary, and local.
“The code of conduct is fundamental for guaranteeing integrity in the electoral process. All political parties were required to sign it,” Kailima stated, adding that Chadema was the only party out of 19 registered groups that refused to do so.
The code outlines expectations for ethical political behaviour ahead of the October polls, and failure to comply was previously flagged by the electoral body as grounds for disqualification.
Chadema’s rejection of the code stems from its longstanding call for sweeping electoral reforms.
The party has insisted that meaningful changes—such as constitutional amendments, the establishment of a genuinely independent electoral commission, and updated electoral laws—must be implemented before it agrees to participate in elections.
John Mnyika, Chadema’s Secretary General, reiterated the party’s “No Reforms, No Election” stance, arguing that the current framework is skewed in favour of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Although the government enacted limited reforms in 2024, Chadema maintains these changes fall far short of addressing systemic imbalances.
The ban marks a deepening standoff between the opposition and the state, further complicated by the recent arrest of prominent Chadema figure Tundu Lissu.
A former presidential candidate and one of the party’s most vocal leaders, Lissu was detained after a public rally where he called for electoral reform.
On Thursday, the 57-year-old politician was charged with treason after being accused of inciting rebellion and attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The offence carries a potential death sentence.
The agreement was sealed at the conclusion of a two-day visit by Chery’s Chairperson, Xu Hui, and his delegation on Saturday, April 12. They were received by RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika, who signed the MoU on behalf of Rwanda.
The partnership aims to accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a green economy and boost strategic sectors aligned with the country’s development agenda.
Chery Automobile Co. Ltd, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui, China, is one of China’s leading automakers, known for its focus on independent innovation and global expansion.
Chery has been China’s number one passenger vehicle exporter for 22 consecutive years, maintaining the top spot in 2024. In 2023, it ranked first in export volume among Chinese automakers, surpassing SAIC Motor.
With a revenue of $39.09 billion, the group ranked 385th on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list, which ranks the top 500 corporations worldwide by revenue.
In a notice quietly posted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Friday evening, the administration revealed that smartphones, computer monitors, semiconductors, and various electronic components — including memory chips and flat-panel displays — will be excluded from the 145% reciprocal tariff introduced earlier this week.
The exemption, which is retroactive to goods shipped or released from bonded warehouses on or after April 5, does not extend to the separate 20% levy targeting China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking.
The move marks a significant shift in the White House’s trade posture, following an outcry from technology firms over the potentially devastating impact of the tariffs on supply chains and consumer prices.
“This is a game-changing development for the tech sector,” said Dan Ives, a technology analyst at Wedbush Securities. “Big Tech can exhale. These exemptions remove the black cloud hanging over companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.”
Analysts had warned that without the exemption, U.S. consumers could see the price of an iPhone surge to more than $3,000, with ripple effects across the broader economy. Apple, which relies on China for around 90% of its iPhone manufacturing, was particularly exposed. The tech giant has reportedly lost over $600 billion in market value since Trump’s tariff announcement last week.
Despite the tariff relief, the White House maintains that the long-term goal remains the repatriation of tech manufacturing.
“President Trump has made it clear: the United States cannot remain dependent on China for critical technologies,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday.
“These exemptions are temporary — they provide breathing room while companies accelerate plans to onshore production.”
Trump echoed that sentiment during a brief exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One.
“We’re taking in a lot of money,” he said. “But we’re also being strategic. There will be exceptions — smart ones — to protect American jobs in the long run.”
The tariff exemptions, covering 20 product categories, are part of a wider recalibration of Trump’s trade strategy.
Earlier in the week, the president imposed a universal 10% tariff on imports from most countries — excluding China — while granting a 90-day grace period to nations that had not retaliated against U.S. trade measures. China, however, remains subject to heightened penalties after its own retaliatory tariff hike of 84% on U.S. goods.
Notably, the exemptions apply to components that are difficult or costly to source domestically, such as microchips and flash storage. These are vital to the operations of not only American tech firms but also Asian manufacturing giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix, which may benefit from continued U.S. demand.
Even as the exemptions ease immediate concerns, questions linger over the long-term trajectory of U.S.-China trade after China on Friday announced a 125% retaliatory tariff on products imported from the U.S.
