President Kagame co-chairs the Commission alongside Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim.
Sunday’s session was led by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The event celebrated 15 years of progress in advocating for meaningful and inclusive broadband connectivity, especially in underserved regions.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, was among the leaders who attended the online session.
Established in 2010 by the ITU and UNESCO, the Broadband Commission serves as a high-level public-private partnership promoting digital cooperation. Its founding members include President Kagame and Carlos Slim, both of whom have played a pivotal role in elevating broadband to the forefront of global development discussions.
The Commission brings together more than 50 leaders from across sectors, including CEOs, policymakers, UN agencies, academia, and civil society, working to advance broadband adoption and digital inclusion globally. Its mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing broadband as a foundational enabler of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the years, the Commission has produced influential policy recommendations and flagship reports, including the annual State of Broadband report. Its advocacy has focused on bridging digital gaps, promoting affordable and safe connectivity, and shaping national broadband strategies, particularly in the Global South.
Speaking to RBA in a recent interview, he emphasised that over the past 31 years, the RDF has built robust capabilities to safeguard Rwanda’s security, sovereignty, and borders, with capacities that even extend to assisting other nations.
Brig Gen. Rwivanga stated that no one should doubt the RDF’s ability to guarantee full security, as its capacity is evident in its operations.
“I want to assure Rwandans that security is fully ensured. We are protecting our borders, and this is clear because any attempted attacks are swiftly repelled. Our forces are ready and are doing their job as they should. We pledge to keep improving in order to provide complete security,” he said.
He went on to explain that the RDF’s capabilities have significantly improved across the board, enabling the military to not only defend Rwanda comprehensively but also support other countries.
“We have the capacity. We’ve been trained, and we can defend our borders while also helping others to achieve what we have. Our capabilities have increased in terms of training, equipment, knowledge, and professionalism, all of which are at a high level. RDF will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty to the fullest extent possible.”
The Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Lt Gen Humphrey Nyone, recently praised the professionalism and effectiveness of Rwandan troops, noting that their presence brings tangible peace.
“Due to the trust they have earned and the excellent work they are doing, they have earned trust and respect. People want to see tangible results rather than hear unfounded stories. Their actions speak for themselves,” Nyone said in March following discussions with the Rwandan Army Chief of Staff for Land Forces, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, who visited the MINUSCA headquarters in the Central African Republic.
Among the eight pillars of governance in Rwanda, the security pillar consistently ranks highest, thanks to strong public satisfaction.
According to the Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS), an annual survey conducted by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the 2024 edition, released in November, showed that security and citizen tranquillity were the most appreciated aspects of governance that year, scoring 93.82%.
The concert took place on Saturday evening, in Texas, as part of the ongoing convention scheduled to close today, July 6.
Hosted by renowned media personality Ally Soudy, the event brought together Rwandans from across the globe for a night of celebration, culture, and music.
The evening kicked off with a nostalgic performance by Navytune [MYP], a veteran of the iconic group KGB. Midway through his set, he surprised fans by inviting his children on stage, creating a heartfelt moment as they sang together.
He was followed by TMC, formerly of the popular duo Dream Boyz, who took the audience down memory lane with a selection of their classic hits. His solo set was a reminder of the group’s lasting impact, even years after their split.
A live band then took over, setting the stage for Kevin Kade, who performed four of his trending tracks, marking his debut performance on American soil. Element followed with a powerful set of his own hits, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
In one of the night’s standout moments, Kevin Kade returned to the stage to join Element and The Ben for a joint performance of their collaboration “Sikosa.” After the energetic trio performance, Element and Kade exited the stage, leaving The Ben to take centre stage for a memorable headlining set.
Having lived in the U.S. from 2010 to 2017, The Ben’s performance was both a homecoming and a celebration. He treated fans to a mix of old favourites and newer hits, with the crowd singing along throughout.
The evening ended on an emotional note as The Ben was presented with a framed portrait of his late grandmother, who passed away last year, a touching tribute to close out a night filled with energy, unity, and musical excellence.
Fairbanks was speaking on Saturday, July 5, at the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Dallas, Texas, a gathering of Rwandans in the diaspora attended by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
A central theme of his message was the contrast between dysfunctional and thriving value chains. Drawing from a personal experience in Colombia, Fairbanks illustrated how closed systems, lack of accountability, and absence of competition can stifle economic development.
“In Colombia,” he said, “everyone in the leather supply chain blamed someone else for failure, from the ranchers to the tanneries, until the blame landed on the cows themselves. They said, ‘We have dumb cows.’ That’s when I knew the problem wasn’t the cows, it was a broken system with no incentive to innovate or cooperate.”
In Rwanda, Fairbanks noted, the opposite is true. “We embrace competition as a positive force,” he said. “Even when we fail, we learn why we failed.”
He highlighted several key characteristics that have enabled Rwanda’s value chains to flourish. Among them is a spirit of healthy competition, where open market dynamics and clearly defined rules encourage innovation and raise the standard of quality across industries.
Fairbanks also pointed to the strength of cultural continuity, an enduring sense of shared identity among Rwandans, including those in the diaspora. This deep-rooted connection fosters strong bonds of trust and purpose, a phenomenon he described using political scientist Francis Fukuyama’s term, “spontaneous sociability.”
Another defining trait is collective accountability. In contrast to his Colombian case study, where stakeholders deflected blame at every level, Rwandans tend to confront challenges directly and take ownership of outcomes.
Finally, he emphasised the nation’s optimism and clarity of vision. Rwanda’s well-structured governance and unified national goals provide a roadmap that aligns stakeholders and drives coordinated progress.
“You pay your taxes better than most, you believe in the future, and you know where you’re going. That’s why Rwanda’s value chains are working—and why the future is so bright.”
He also commended the diaspora for preserving Rwandan culture, citing traditional games and shared experiences that kept communities connected across borders.
“Whether in Congo, Burundi, Uganda, or Brussels, Rwandans played the same games and ate the same food. That unity matters,” he said.
The Rwanda Convention in Dallas is a diaspora-led initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Rwandans abroad and their homeland, recognising the diaspora’s vital role in national development through investment, remittances, and knowledge exchange.
The state-run institution currently manages assets worth over Frw 3.5 trillion (approximately $2.5 billion), with a strategic focus on channeling the resources into sectors that drive economic growth, social impact, and long-term returns.
Speaking to the Rwandan diaspora during the Rwanda Convention 2025 held in Texas, USA, on July 5, Louise Kanyonga, Deputy CEO of the RSSB, emphasised the institution’s dual mission, social protection and nation-aligned investments, and highlighted key opportunities available both in Rwanda and abroad.
“RSSB is truly owned by every single Rwandan,” said Kanyonga. “We manage assets of about $2.5 billion across all the different asset classes… we invest towards the transformation of the country.”
A highlight of RSSB’s efforts is Ejo Heza, the national long-term savings scheme now being actively marketed to the diaspora. Designed for both informal sector workers and Rwandans living abroad, Ejo Heza offers an impressive 10–11% annual return, compounded over time.
“If you want to make sure you’re securing a long-term financial future for your loved ones and families back home, I really encourage you to learn more about Ejo Heza,” said Kanyonga.
“It’s a super attractive opportunity for you. You too can save and watch your savings grow over time,” she added.
The scheme not only ensures retirement security, but also reinforces financial inclusion in a country where most of the population works outside the formal economy.
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In real estate, RSSB continues to lead the market as Rwanda’s largest developer. Two major housing projects were spotlighted at the convention:
Vision City II, set to begin construction in September 2025, will be three times larger than the first phase, featuring a diverse range of villas, apartments, and townhouses.
“The residential units you have in Vision City I are almost sold out… We’re starting the second phase in September,” Kanyonga confirmed.
Heza Estate, another upcoming development, will cater to the middle-income segment with approximately 500 units priced from $70,000. The estate will include both apartments and standalone homes, offering options for homeowners and investors alike.
“Please check it out at the stand. Pricing is very competitive and attractive… It’s a really exciting opportunity,” she said.
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Kanyonga also announced the creation of a new $30 million SME fund, aimed at unlocking long-term capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund is expected to grow to $100 million, with regulatory clearance anticipated by August 2025.
“This SME fund is really for you,” she told diaspora entrepreneurs. “We want to be exposed to the real economy and actually finance real businesses.”
Unlike commercial bank loans, which can be expensive and short-term, the RSSB fund will offer patient capital, including equity and flexible financing terms tailored to the realities of local businesses.
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RSSB is already firmly embedded in several of Rwanda’s most strategic and high-impact sectors, according to Kanyonga. In healthcare, the institution manages Mutuelle de Santé, the national health insurance program that now covers advanced medical services such as kidney transplants and cancer treatment, a major step toward reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical referrals.
In the realm of innovation, RSSB has positioned itself as a forward-thinking investor, having been an early backer of Zipline, the drone delivery company revolutionising medical logistics across Rwanda. It has also directed capital into pharmaceutical manufacturing, further strengthening the country’s healthcare self-sufficiency.
RSSB is also making major contributions to hospitality and tourism, with investments in landmark assets such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the newly upgraded Kigali Golf Club, and hospitality infrastructure around Akagera National Park, bolstering both domestic and international tourism.
Beyond Rwanda’s borders, the institution is participating in pan-African investment through the $250 million Buranga Fund, a joint venture with the Qatar Investment Authority, which is already supporting Rwandan companies and eyeing broader regional opportunities.
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Closing her remarks, Kanyonga urged the diaspora to move beyond remittances and take part in long-term investment.
“Let’s think about moving beyond just remittances to actually investing actively in the economy. There’s so much you can do,” she said. “Every single franc we invest [should] bring in three times the productivity.”
She also encouraged young professionals abroad to consider careers with RSSB, which operates a digital factory employing up to 60 Rwandans and building high-impact tools in-house.
“We’re building amazing products and services… 11 million Rwandans are our clients directly because of a service we offer,” she added.
Addressing a vibrant audience, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivered a stirring message that especially resonated with young Rwandans, urging them to “carry the torch of Kwibohora” and lead the next chapter of Rwanda’s transformation.
“To the youth of Rwanda, the leaders of tomorrow, I say this: your generation carries the torch of Kwibohora. You carry a huge responsibility to take Rwanda even further,” he said. “The future is in your hands — and it is bright.”
Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora, commemorates July 4, 1994 — the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and ushered in a new era of unity and hope.
It marked the end of a brutal regime defined by ethnic division, exile, conflict, and mass killings. The liberation struggle, which began on October 1, 1990, culminated in the military defeat of genocidal forces under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, heralding a new dawn for Rwanda.
“Kwibohora is more than just a day to celebrate our freedom,” said Amb. Kimonyo. “It is a day to recognize how far we have come as a nation and to reflect on the progress we have made together — as we look to the future.”
The Ambassador highlighted Rwanda’s extraordinary post-genocide transformation — from a deeply broken society to one of Africa’s most admired nations.
With an average economic growth rate of 8%, major investments in technology, infrastructure, and industry, and leading global rankings in governance and safety, Rwanda is steadily building toward its Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high-income country.
But beyond the statistics, Amb. Kimonyo emphasized values: unity, resilience, and responsibility. He urged young Rwandans not to take the legacy of liberation for granted, but to embody its spirit in their actions and ambitions.
“The liberation we celebrate today is not an end in itself,” he said. “It calls for sustained hard work, discipline, and commitment to our founding ideals.”
The ceremony also featured remarks by Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of the People’s Republic of China. He praised Rwanda’s leadership and progress, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
“Rwanda has successfully taken control of its own destiny and is making solid progress toward realizing its Vision 2050,” said Amb. Lei. “China is ready to continue supporting Rwanda through high-level cooperation, infrastructure development, and enhanced market access.”
China remains one of Rwanda’s most significant development partners, contributing to transformative projects such as Masaka Hospital, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, and technology-focused initiatives like satellite remote sensing.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Kimonyo called on all Rwandans to safeguard the hard-won gains and reject the forces of division.
“Let us pledge to protect and uphold the progress we have made,” he urged. “This is a journey that will ensure future generations live in a society where justice, equality, and peace are their birthright.”
As Rwanda marks Kwibohora31, the focus shifts from military victory to a new kind of liberation — one that will be won through innovation, purpose, and the unwavering resolve of a united people, with the youth at its forefront.
Speaking during a conversation with members of the press on Liberation Day, President Kagame shared personal and national insights, emphasising the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance.
“For me, at a personal level, it’s been a very tough but enjoyable journey,” the president said in his opening remarks.
He highlighted the significance of the struggle, noting, “This is the best thing one can do to be part of the many years of struggle to put things right for our country, for our people, for ourselves all together.”
When asked about the personal convictions that drove him to fight for Rwanda as part of the group of refugees who formed the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which liberated the country and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame offered a deep reflection on the challenges and rewards of the liberation struggle.
“The tough side was what was confronted and dealt with, being of such a magnitude that for the half-hearted, they would just collapse under the weight of its first day,” he said.
Yet, he found inspiration in the collective effort: “The enjoyable part… is understanding the story itself, where you are coming from and where you are going, and then finding yourself in the middle of it, being one among many to be looked up to… It gives a sense of pride, inspiration.”
Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, acknowledging the unexplainable nature of survival.
“I cannot account for why I’m still alive. I could have easily gone the way of the others who didn’t make it,” he admitted, adding, “We remember them. We honour them. We respect them for what we know they are associated with or they did when they were still there.”
He emphasized that the struggle’s purpose was to create a better future, stating, “What comes out in the end must reflect that difference between what you really fought against and what you are creating. They have to be different.”
The president also addressed Rwanda’s progress toward self-reliance, responding to a question about a 2012 speech where he criticised Western powers for scapegoating Rwanda.
“Rwanda has constantly been changing, but those powerful countries and how they see us or maybe see other Africans has really not changed,” Kagame said, asserting, “We don’t owe our living to anyone. Never will it happen again.”
“It’s not bragging. It’s an act of survival,” he declared, encapsulating the spirit of a nation forged through struggle and determination.
“We reached an agreement in Washington, D.C., but it is not up to Washington to implement it. It’s those who reached the agreement who must actually implement what we agreed,” President Kagame stated during a conversation with the media on Rwanda’s Liberation Day on Friday, July 4.
Expressing his optimism about the deal succeeding, he explained that resolving such complex issues requires Cooperation and flexibility.
“You don’t get 100% of what you want because there are many parties concerned with the problem. Each one may get a piece of what they wanted, another gets a piece of what they wanted, and together, stability comes out of it. So, for me, I think there is a chance that we may get somewhere with that,” the president noted.
The Washington-mediated agreement was signed on June 27 to address tensions in eastern DRC. It focuses on joint security measures to neutralise the FDLR militia, which Rwanda has identified as a persistent threat along its border.
During the interview, the head of state affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to its end of the bargain and insisted that the DRC do the same by eliminating the threat along the border with Rwanda.
“If FDLR is not removed, the problem continues to be there, and Rwanda will always do what it has to do,” Kagame warned.
“You will never find Rwanda at fault when it comes to implementing what we have agreed to do. Never,” he added.
President Kagame highlighted that the deal with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration rests on three interconnected pillars: political, economic, and security, stressing that focusing solely on one aspect, such as the region’s mineral wealth, oversimplifies the conflict.
He criticised past approaches that reduced the crisis to economic motives, noting, “They talk about minerals as the centre of the whole problem. They should also blame themselves.”
He argued that the Trump administration’s holistic approach, unlike previous efforts, acknowledges the complexity of the conflict, including political issues like the denial of citizenship to Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and the internal dynamics within the DRC.
The president also pointed to a parallel Qatar-mediated process involving the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, describing it as addressing the “internal matters” of Congo, which he said are often wrongly framed as solely a Rwanda-DRC issue.
“Congo has always tried to make this problem only a problem between Rwanda and DRC, but there is a bigger component that is DRC’s problem,” Kagame said, citing the need to resolve issues like the marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities within Congo.
Kagame expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for prioritising the region’s challenges, contrasting their engagement with the indifference of previous Western powers.
“I thank them that they even paid attention to the problem at all,” he said, noting that global focus often centres on conflicts in the Middle East or Ukraine.
Addressing criticisms that the Trump administration’s approach is exploitative, Kagame challenged detractors to reflect on their own inaction.
“You were here all these years, doing nothing except doing the wrong thing,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of past sanctions and UN missions in Congo, which he accused of perpetuating biased narratives.
He specifically criticised the UN’s Group of Experts for focusing blame on Rwanda and M23 while ignoring the FDLR’s role in spreading “genocide ideology” and destabilising the region.
“You will never find them writing anything comprehensively about FDLR. You’ll never find them writing anything comprehensively about how government institutions are connected with FDLR in spreading hate ideology, genocide ideology—things that are being done in broad daylight for everybody to see,” Kagame said. “So you wonder, how can experts not see that?”
President Kagame was also adamant about his stance on Rwanda’s broader journey toward self-reliance.
“We don’t owe our living to anyone,” he declared, emphasising that Rwanda’s progress over the last three decades reflects a commitment to never again be “sheep to be slaughtered.”
In a post on X shared on July 4 to mark Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora31, Gen Muhoozi extended warm wishes to the people of Rwanda, recalling the immense sacrifice made by those who stopped the genocide and restored hope to a devastated nation.
“My dear friends in Rwanda, I wish you a happy #Kwibohora31. We remember the heroes who stopped the genocide and restored hope and development,” Muhoozi wrote. “President Paul Kagame and his army carried out a heroic act that the whole world will always remember.”
He also used the occasion to reflect on the shared history and ties between Rwanda and Uganda, calling for lasting peace and deeper cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
“Rwanda and Uganda are nations bound by history and blood. We desire lasting peace, deep friendship, and strong cooperation between our peoples,” he added.
Gen. Muhoozi, who has long expressed admiration for Kagame, has played a notable role in strengthening ties between Rwanda and Uganda.
Rwanda’s Liberation Day commemorates the victory of the RPA, under the leadership of then-commander Paul Kagame, in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed a million lives. It is a day of reflection, celebration, and honouring the resilience of the Rwandan people.
Held on the night of Thursday, July 3, 2025, the concert set the tone for Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, dubbed ‘Kwibohora31’, immersing the crowd in a blend of cultural pride, music, and modern technology.
The venue was packed to capacity, with every seat taken by fans of traditional Rwandan music and dance. Maji Maji, backed by a live band, opened the night with an energetic set, followed by the powerful rhythms and choreographed brilliance of Ishyaka ry’Intore.
The Inyamibwa troupe then took the spotlight before a collective of performers closed the show with moving renditions of wartime songs that once inspired Rwanda’s liberation fighters.
Midway through the show, the audience was caught off guard, in the best way possible. As Inyamibwa performed, the skies above Kigali lit up—not with fireworks, but with a fleet of drones spelling out words and symbols in perfect harmony.
The aerial spectacle featured glowing messages honouring President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle, as well as sky-written images of the Rwandan flag and the country’s map—a powerful fusion of tradition and tech that brought the house to its feet.
This marked the first-ever edition of the ‘Urw’intwari’ concert, and organisers from Ma Africa told IGIHE the event is set to become an annual highlight on Rwanda’s entertainment calendar.
