Global Arcus provides these opportunities worldwide, and in Rwanda, they are collaborating with Mega Global Link to make them more accessible to Rwandans.
To be considered for a scholarship to study in India, you need to [visit Global Arcus’ website->https://www.globalarcus.com/apply-now.aspx?linkid=QVJDVVMxMzE5OA2] and take an assessment that will help determine your eligibility. This assessment is scheduled to open on Sunday, July 7 and close on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
The opportunities are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in various fields, including technology, business, law, health, and more, at different state universities in India, which offer internationally recognized degrees.
If you pass this initial assessment, you will receive a certificate confirming your success. The next step is to visit the Mega Global Link office to proceed with the registration process, obtain a visa, and more.
Those who pass the assessment on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM, along with anyone seeking information (students or parents), will have a chance to meet with Sachin Shekhar, the CEO of Global Arcus from India. He will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
Additionally, successful candidates will be given a free flight ticket to either Mumbai or Delhi Airport in India, from where they will proceed to their respective schools. Classes will start on August 16, 2024, and there will be a team from Global Arcus ready to monitor their progress daily.
Mega Global Link has a proven track record of providing various services for those wishing to study abroad, whether in Canada, America, or Europe, assisting not only students but also those going for work or tourism. Many have successfully achieved their goals through their help.
Starmer announced the cancellation of the scheme introduced by the Conservative Party in his first news conference on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
The prime minister argued that the former administration’s strategy to deter illegal migrants from arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel was “dead and buried before it started”.
“It’s never acted as a deterrent. Almost the opposite,” Starmer stated after holding his first Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing St.
The Labour Party leader had pledged to scrap the Rwanda plan if they won the July 4 general election, and on Friday, the party secured a landslide victory, winning over 400 seats. The poll victory ended 14 years of Conservative rule.
Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party, had earlier announced that the first flights would depart to Rwanda after the polls.
Sunak’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda received a green light in April after Parliament voted to pass the contentious bill declaring the country safe.
The Lords had earlier refused to pass the bill without further amendments, including the inclusion of a provision exempting agents, allies, and employees of the UK overseas, including Afghans who fought alongside the British Armed Forces, from being removed to Rwanda.
The Lords also demanded tighter checks on the safety of Rwanda for asylum seekers to ensure the scheme had “due regard” for domestic and international law.
Despite the passing of the legislation, nobody was sent to Rwanda. Two failed asylum seekers were, however, reported to have been moved to Rwanda voluntarily under a separate agreement that saw them offered a £3,000 incentive.
The Rwanda scheme was first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government following a deal with Rwandan authorities.
The bill was introduced to Parliament after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme was unlawful. The judges argued that genuine refugees being removed to Rwanda faced the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm. The Rwandan authorities denied the claims.
Sunak’s administration planned to offer failed asylum seekers up to £3,000 (RWF 4,866,727) to move to Rwanda under the voluntary scheme.
He says that his choice to establish a home at Bugesera was due to an unwavering desire to disprove negative superstitions that have for long surrounded people living in this area.
“It has always been perceived that the people here are naturally cursed and condemned to die due to distorted historical narratives about this area. By coming here I wanted to prove them wrong,” Kagame said on Saturday, July 6, 2024, during his party’s campaign rally in Ruhuha Sector, Bugesera District.
Historically, Bugesera was an uninhabited region of Rwanda, covered with dense forests and rife with Tse Tse flies.
After the 1959 revolution (during the regime of President Glegoire Kayibanda, and his successor Juvenal Habyarimana), many Tutsis were forcibly relocated to the Bugesera region.
The intention was to massacre them, to the extent that, whoever would survive, could be stung by the deadly Tse Tse flies.
In 1992, massacres that amounted to a rehearsal of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi occurred in Bugesera District. Interahamwe militia of the MRND and Impuzamugambi from CDR political party travelled from Kigali and launched attacks in Bugesera, killing many Tutsis.
From this perspective, Kagame says that he decided to build a home there, to defy that narrative, as a symbol that every Rwandan has a right to life and there is no place where people are cursed.
The Head of State had earlier responded in the affirmative to a request from renowned songbird Ingabire Jeanne Butera better known as “Knowless”, who had pleaded with him to invite his neighbours for a get-together at his country home.
Prior to that, Butera shared her story of a humble beginning recalling how the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi left her with three family members who would die later on, leaving her with only one person in her life.
“My only surviving relative would go early in the morning, leaving me alone in the small house where we lived. Because I was afraid, I adopted a tactic of singing and shouting to scare them away,” she said.
Nine days to voting day, excitement and anticipation are mounting amongst the public, especially first-time voters.
“I can’t wait for the voting day so that I can exercise my responsibility and engage in their country’s democratic process,” said 19-year-old Fulgence Muhawenimana, a resident of Muhima Sector in Nyarugenge District.
The funding framework was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Jeong Woo Ji.
The Finance Ministry has disclosed that the concessional loan will be channelled through the Economic Cooperation Development Fund (ECDF).
The new framework arrangement replaces the previous one signed in 2022, which allocated $500 million for the four-year period from 2022 to 2026.
The agreement, which also spans four years from 2024 to 2028, will be aligned with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Minister Murangwa termed the new partnership a significant milestone in the cooperation between Rwanda and South Korea.
“Rwanda-Korea current bilateral cooperation is aligned to our National Strategy for Transformation and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Rwanda’s human capital for the 21st century, transforming our agricultural sector, establishing a foundation for ICT-led governance, and nurturing a thriving business environment. The framework signed is a significant milestone in our bilateral cooperation and provides assurances to achieve even more results in areas of our engagement,” Murangwa stated.
Ambassador Woo Jin, on his part, said the framework inked on Friday will elevate the relations between the two countries to a “new level”, especially coming a month after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit, which President Paul Kagame attended.
“I trust that the EDCF Framework Arrangement signed today will serve as a robust foundation to elevate the relations between our two countries to the next level after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit where H.E. President Kagame attended. I believe there is more room to cooperate in bilateral relations, especially based on the continuous cooperation in Agriculture, ICT, Education, Health and Infrastructure”.
Rwanda and South Korea enjoy a longstanding history of warm bilateral and multilateral development cooperation dating back to 1963.
Key areas of collaboration between the two nations include education and capacity building, rural development, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
During President Kagame’s visit to South Korea last month, the Rwandan Head of State lauded the Asian country as a strategic partner for Africa.
President Paul Kagame called for more partnerships between Africa and South Korea, emphasizing that the two regions stand to benefit from each other’s immense resources and potential.
“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address.
During the summit attended by 48 African leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology.
Yoon said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around $10 billion by 2030 and separately provide $14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.
During a televised address from State House in Nairobi on Friday, July 5, 2024, President Ruto directed the Attorney General to draft a law to effect the ban on the fundraising tradition which is believed to have metamorphosed into a forum for the raw display of ill-gotten wealth.
“No state official or public servant shall participate in public contributions or Harambees going forward,” Ruto said.
“The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. This measure will be followed by changes in government that I will be announcing shortly,” he added.
The Head of State also announced Ksh177 billion budget cuts to seal the budget hole left after the [withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024->https://en.igihe.com/spip.php?page=mv2_article&id_article=50901].
The Finance Bill 2024 sought to raise Ksh 346 billion in additional taxes for the government. However, the proposed law sparked protests from members of the public, particularly young Kenyans under the pseudonym “Gen Z”, who took to the streets to demand the rejection of what they termed as “punitive taxes”.
Ruto said the Ksh169 billion budget deficit would be raised through additional borrowing.
In the wake of the new economic realities and the need to cut government expenditure, President Ruto announced that 47 state corporations would be dissolved and merged with parent ministries.
He also announced that the number of executive advisors would be slashed by 50% and that funding would be cut for the operations of the Office of the First Lady, the Spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Similarly, President Ruto halted the purchase of new government motor vehicles for 12 months, providing an exception only to security agencies.
He also announced that all public servants who have reached the retirement age of 60 must proceed to retirement immediately and emphasized the suspension of all non-essential travel by state and public officers.
The context in which leadership operates contributes to governance results which get enjoyed or endured by the people, depending on whether they are good or bad.
Leaders may genuinely believe that they are making the right decisions or acting in the best interest of their people, but their actions may also be perceived as ineffective, harmful, or self-serving by others.
For example, a leader who was effective in one aspect (e.g. startup phase) may struggle when the organization grows larger or faces new challenges.
Different situations may require different leadership styles and skills however, organizational culture stands out as a significant player in shaping leadership behaviors and outcomes.
By examining various factors, we can begin to demystify why bad leadership occurs, how it manifests, and what can be done to address or prevent it.
This understanding is crucial for fostering better leadership practices and creating healthier work environments.
In Rwandan history, a toxic or dysfunctional culture enabled bad leadership to thrive. Incompetence, lack of empathy, poor decision-making skills, and ethical lapses are what characterized the country for the past half a century.
Demystifying the paradox of bad leadership involves a willingness to learn from mistakes and feedback. Effective leaders continually seek to improve themselves and their leadership practices.
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one needs not to look beyond the common Rwandan adage that “if you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said.”
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one need not look beyond the common Rwandan adage: “If you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said”.
This can never be more true especially if you engage and pick insights from legendary politician and civil servant Mr. Boniface Rucagu.
Born in Nemba Sector, Burera district, the 76-year-old started engaging in politics at a very young age and lived through different regimes until now when he is still an active member of the country’s geopolitical set-up.
“I started attending meetings and political gatherings under the Rwandese National Union (UNAR) when I was barely 11 years old,” he recalls.
UNAR was a conservative Rwandan political party founded on 3 September 1959 by François Rukeba, and strongly supported by King Kigeri V.
At the time, Rwanda was still under Belgian administration, and UNAR was the leading monarchist party. It called for immediate independence under a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
Thereafter, Rucagu joined the Kayibanda administration shortly after independence. He served as Provincial Executive Secretary of Northern Province (formerly Ruhengeri Prefecture) when Kayibanda’s government was toppled by Juvenal Habyarimana.
Rucagu went on to become a Member of Parliament under Habyarimana’s administration which is widely believed to have orchestrated and masterminded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Most leaders at the time were actively engaged in designing, planning and execution of the Genocide with harsh punishments imposed on those who hesitated or attempted to oppose the government’s narrative of getting rid of the “unwanted and dangerous” Tutsi.
Rucagu remembers that he was vehemently opposed to this narrative and ended up receiving backlash from his own government through media campaigns aimed at portraying him as an enemy and antagonist.
Notably in 1993, Kangura, a state-owned newspaper published in its edition number 46/93, a letter purported to have been authored by Rucagu in support of the ongoing preparations on how to execute the Genocide. He refuted the claims in a response letter dated July 21, 1993.
In his response, he said, “Dear Kangura readers, you may have seen a letter is full of insults, hate, discrimination, immoral thoughts and unethical opinions. I am here to inform everyone that I don’t agree with that document and it was not authored by me.”
“That document was written by an ill-intent person with malicious intentions are meant more to hurt than to help. It is intended to damage my personal reputation.”
He wondered how a person who was brought up with moral values, mingled with neighbours and friends, acquired education and became a publically elected leader could display such ill will, malignity and malevolence.
“The morals I have acquired for over 40 years cannot just vanish in a single day. I have never been party to racial segregation or any other kind of discrimination. I have ultimately decided to sue the newspaper in courts of law for the truth to come to light,” reads the letter in part.
Despite being part of the then government, Rucagu never minced words when it came to clarifying and engaging in what he believed was right.
At one time he openly showed and canvased support for the Rwandan Patriotic Army even when plans were underway to overthrow the Genocidal regime which he served.
On July 15, 1993, Rucagu told the electorate of Cummune Butaro (currently Burera district) where he hails, that Inkotanyi had good intentions for the country and would not hesitate to support them if need arose.
Fast forward, today at the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, Rucagu is responsible for advising the government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare.
In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi, efforts were put in place to pacify the country while trying to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Soon after 1994, the International Human Rights Commission instituted an investigation in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi to establish the magnitude of the Genocide and Rucagu was included as a possible perpetrator but he responded to them through writing proving his innocence.
The courage and unity that Rucagu has exhibited amid widespread diversity is a testament to the good things one can achieve without necessarily being bad to others.
Recently, Dr Bizimana Jean Damascene, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement took a swipe at those who accused Rucagu of Genocide without fully understanding his story in the context of Rwandan history.
“Not everyone who was in MRND as a Member of Parliament was part of the Genocide. I want to state it clearly that the truth he emphasizes in all his opinions is what has characterized him all his life,” Dr Bizimana said in a YouTube video that has since gone viral.
And whether we believe in earthly justice or heavenly rewards or penalties, in whatever you do, always remember that time is the most important factor in life and the truth will always set you free.
Keir Starmer is expected to be formally appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.
“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leadership of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.
Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.
Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.
As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.
{{Brexit, inflation & Covid-19
}}
Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.
Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.
Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.
Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.
Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.
Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth”.
The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.
Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.
{{Mismanagement of public services
}}
The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.
{{Rise of Reform UK
}}
The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.
Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
{{Labour’s Renewed Appeal
}}
Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.
This prestigious recognition highlights the quality, dedication, and innovation that characterize Silverback Tea, making it stand out in the global tea market.
Tea has been a significant part of Rwanda’s economy since its introduction in the 1950s. The country’s ideal climate, fertile volcanic soil, and high altitude create perfect conditions for cultivating premium tea. Over the decades, Rwandan tea has gained international acclaim for its unique flavour profiles, vibrant colour, and health benefits.
Named after the majestic mountain gorillas that inhabit Rwanda’s volcanic ranges, Silverback Tea embodies strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of Rwanda. Established to produce high-quality tea that honours its origins, Silverback Tea’s, mission is to share the joy of the finest from Rwanda with the world.
Silverback Tea Company sources its tea from some of the top Rwandan tea gardens, namely Rugabano, Gisovu, and Pfunda. Each garden possesses a unique attribute suited for the production of high-quality tea that is rich, flavorful, complex, and full of character.
{{Awards and Recognition
}}
Some of the notable awards and recognition that Silverback Tea company has received include:
1. Rugabano Tea Company PvT Ltd: Currently holds the highest average made tea selling price in Rwanda as of May 2024, at 3.96 USD per Kg, according to NAEB’s data.
2. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Awarded the 1st Factory of the Year 2024 trophy during the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.
3. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd. D1: Recognized as the Best D1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy.
4. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd. PF1: Recognized as the Best PF1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy
5. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Honored to host the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.
6. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) as the top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023, according to the EATTA annual report.
7. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Ranked 8th top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023 by EATTA.
8. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by EATTA for having the highest-priced tea in 2023, at 6.84 USD per Kg, an achievement shared with another top Rwandan garden.
9. All Silverback Tea Gardens: Recognized by the Gender Monitoring Office of the Republic of Rwanda, the Private Sector Federation, UNDP, and UN Women for promoting gender accountability through the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme.
{{Quality and Sustainability
}}
Silverback Tea’s commitment to quality begins at the very source—the tea gardens. The company employs sustainable farming practices to ensure that the tea is not only of superior quality but also environmentally friendly. The handpicked leaves are processed using traditional methods combined with modern technology, preserving the rich flavours and aromas that distinguish Silverback Tea.
One of the key reasons Silverback Tea has garnered such high praise is its distinctive flavour profile. The tea is known for its bright, brisk character with a harmonious balance of sweetness and astringency. The high-altitude growing conditions impart unique notes of floral and citrus, making each sip a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed as a morning energizer or a calming evening brew, Silverback Tea which is rich in theanine offers a versatile and exquisite taste.
{{Recognition by NAEB
}}
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) plays a crucial role in promoting Rwanda’s agricultural products on the global stage. Each year, the NAEB evaluates the country’s agricultural exports, recognizing the finest products that meet stringent quality and sustainability standards.
{{Impact on the Local Community
}}
The company’s success translates into economic benefits for the farmers, providing better livelihoods and supporting community development projects. Silverback Tea invests in local education through ECDs and infrastructure, tea tasting events which are open tea enthusiasts fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for its workers and their families.
{{Availability in Local Markets
}}
Silverback Tea has expanded its availability in local markets. Tea enthusiasts can now purchase Silverback Tea at several prominent retail locations, including Simba Supermarket, Tuma250, The Hut Supermarket, Silverback Kigali office and other supermarkets across Rwanda. This increased accessibility allows more people to enjoy the unique flavours and superior quality of Silverback Tea.
For those seeking a tea that is not only delightful in taste but also rooted in a story of dedication and excellence, Silverback Tea stands as the finest choice.
“Silverback tea greatly appreciates the business-friendly climate of Rwanda which allows us to thrive and focus on delivering the highest quality tea,” affirms Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, the Chairman of Silverback Tea Company Ltd.
This initiative was introduced in February encouraging clients to request for EBM receipts every time they purchase things from local enterprises thereby attaining eligibility to receive a reward equal to 10% of the VAT paid on each EBM receipt.
Speaking during the release of the Financial Year 2023/2024 performance results, Batamuliza Hajara, the Commissioner, Domestic Taxes Department, said a total of RWF 16 billion was registered in sales during the period under review, with the government collecting RWF 2.4 billion in VAT.
Hajara confirmed that 10% of the VAT collected will soon be distributed to 23,675 beneficiaries who have registered their claims with RRA.
During the financial year which ended on June 30, RRA collected RWF 2.62 trillion in revenue from taxes, falling short of its target by RWF 17.8 billion (0.7%). However, the revenue netted represents a growth of 12.3% compared to 2022/23.
Additionally, during the financial year 2023-2024, RRA financed 51.2% of the national budget, up from 48.9% the previous year, 2022-2023.
RRA Commissioner General Niwenshuti Ronald attributed the RRA’s performance to several factors, including the increased use of the EBM system by businesses. The number of taxpayers registered on EBM increased from 84,448 in fiscal year 2022/23 to 117,631 in 2023/4.
RRA also credited the VAT reward program and Voluntary Disclosure Incentives for the positive performance. 1,783 taxpayers participated in the disclosure program, revealing a total of RWF 14.3 billion in previously undisclosed income. So far, RWF 6.6 billion of this amount has been collected.
Niwenshuti also attributed the 12% growth in national revenue to the strong economic growth of 9.1% recorded between July 2023 and March 2024 and the automation of key services which simplified communication and service delivery. This year’s economic growth is projected to be 7.4%.
The Commissioner General also expressed his optimism that RRA will achieve its revenue target of 3 trillion in the current financial year.
“This year, our revenue target is set at an ambitious sum of RWF 3,061.2 billion which is 54% of the national budget of slightly over RWF 5,5 billion and we are very optimistic that we shall achieve it,” Niwenshuti remarked.
Currently, Rwanda’s tax revenue stands at 15% of its total GDP of RWF 16.355 trillion.
As the first public listed company in Rwanda since 2011, shareholders were delighted to participate in a physical meeting to discuss the company’s 2023 business performance and future strategic plans.
