The investment, announced on June 22, follows Spiro’s earlier $215 million equity funding round backed by a consortium of institutional, international and regional investors. The latest financing reinforces investor confidence in Africa’s rapidly growing electric mobility sector and positions Spiro among the continent’s best-funded clean energy and e-mobility companies.
The company said the fresh capital will accelerate the expansion of its battery-swapping network, manufacturing capabilities and next-generation EV infrastructure across high-growth African markets.
Spiro currently operates in seven countries, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Cameroon, where it is helping replace fuel-powered motorcycles with electric alternatives.
The company has deployed more than 100,000 electric motorcycles, established over 2,500 battery-swapping stations and completed more than 30 million battery swaps, making it Africa’s largest operator of battery-swapping infrastructure for electric two-wheel vehicles.
Spiro has deployed more than 100,000 electric motorcycles across its seven markets.
Beyond expanding its network, the partnership with NewTrails Capital is expected to strengthen Spiro’s manufacturing ambitions by supporting the localisation of production and supply chains in Africa, particularly through collaboration with Chinese suppliers.
Spiro Founder and Chairman of Equitane, Gagan Gupta, welcomed the investment, saying it reflects growing confidence in the company’s vision and progress.
“Partnering with NewTrail Capital’s deeply experienced team marks a powerful new chapter for Spiro as we prepare for the next steps of our pan-African and international expansion”, he stated.
NewTrails Capital Founding Partner Yufan Zhang said the investment reflects the firm’s confidence in Spiro’s business model and long-term prospects.
“Spiro’s core strengths lie in its deeply localized operating capabilities, vertically integrated supply chain, digitally enabled ecosystem, sound unit economics, and strong ability to scale rapidly,” Zhang noted.
The latest financing reinforces investor confidence in Africa’s rapidly growing electric mobility sector and positions Spiro among the continent’s best-funded clean energy and e-mobility companies.
Zhang added that the company has successfully integrated electric vehicles, batteries, energy replenishment, payments and service networks into a solution tailored to African markets, and that Chinese financing and supply chains can play an increasingly important role in supporting Africa’s clean energy transition.
The investment comes as many African countries seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and modernise urban transport systems. It also highlights increasing global investor interest in scalable EV infrastructure across the continent.
Founded to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean mobility, Spiro is expanding regional production and assembly operations with the goal of manufacturing electric vehicles in Africa for African and international markets.
Beyond expanding its network, the partnership with NewTrails Capital is expected to strengthen Spiro’s manufacturing ambitions by supporting the localisation of production and supply chains in Africa, particularly through collaboration with Chinese suppliers.
Starmer said he would step down as both prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, but would remain in office until the party elects a successor to ensure an orderly transition of power.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street in London, an emotional Starmer described becoming prime minister as “the proudest moment of my life,” saying his government had helped restore Britain’s international standing, attract investment and strengthen workers’ rights.
However, he acknowledged that many Labour lawmakers no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.
“I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party. I accept that answer with good grace. I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
Starmer’s resignation follows months of growing dissatisfaction within Labour after the party suffered heavy losses in local elections held in May. His government also faced criticism over fiscal policy, welfare reforms and a series of political controversies that weakened his standing among MPs and the wider public.
An Ipsos poll published last week found that 52% of Britons believed Starmer should step down, while only 35% wanted him to remain in office.
His departure comes less than two years after he led Labour to one of its biggest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
The resignation is expected to trigger a leadership contest that could make Britain home to its seventh prime minister in just 10 years. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after winning a by-election, is widely viewed as the frontrunner, although other senior Labour figures could also enter the race.
The next prime minister will inherit significant economic challenges, pressure over public spending and an increasingly complex international environment.
For Rwanda, Starmer’s legacy is associated with his decision to cancel the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership on his first day in office in July 2024. The agreement, signed under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative government in 2022, had sought to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda as part of efforts to deter illegal Channel crossings.
Although Starmer scrapped the policy, his government continued to face criticism over rising irregular migration, an issue that remained politically sensitive throughout his premiership.
Political analysts say the outcome of Labour’s leadership contest could influence the party’s future direction on immigration, public spending and foreign policy as it seeks to rebuild public confidence ahead of the next general election.
Starmer’s departure comes less than two years after he led Labour to one of its biggest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
Unveiled in Lagos by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment over the weekend, the initiative connects Nigeria to key regional markets including Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, while also offering improved access to Nairobi and Johannesburg through RwandAir’s network.
Officials say the corridor is designed to reduce logistics barriers that have long limited the competitiveness of Nigerian exports. Cargo rates on RwandAir-operated routes are expected to fall to below $2 per kilogram for exporters holding AfCFTA Certificates of Origin issued by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Before the rollout of the expanded corridor, exporters reportedly paid between $3 and $10 per kilogram to ship goods to East and Southern African markets, a cost structure that significantly reduced profit margins and restricted market reach.
Officials say the new arrangement is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to translate AfCFTA commitments into practical trade opportunities for businesses.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole said the initiative reflects government efforts to dismantle trade barriers and expand continental market access for Nigerian companies.
“Our goal is clear: to make it easier and cheaper for Nigerian businesses to trade across Africa,” she said, noting that the corridor builds on a previous phase launched in 2025.
She added that the expanded network will particularly benefit exporters in agribusiness, fashion and textiles, cosmetics, processed foods and light manufacturing, sectors seen as key drivers of Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.
RwandAir’s Director of Cargo Services, Jean Bosco Gakwaya, said the partnership will enhance connectivity and strengthen economic ties across the continent by enabling more efficient movement of goods.
“This partnership between RwandAir Cargo and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment enables us to connect Nigerian manufacturers to key markets across East and Southern Africa using our RwandAir network,” he said.
He described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for intra-African trade, highlighting the growing role of air cargo in supporting regional economic development.
The corridor follows an earlier arrangement launched in 2025 in partnership with Uganda Airlines, which connected Nigerian exporters to Entebbe, Nairobi and Johannesburg. The inclusion of RwandAir now broadens destination options and increases flexibility for traders across the continent.
Officials say the expansion is also a reflection of deepening economic cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda, following recent engagements between President Bola Tinubu and President Paul Kagame at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
The Nigerian government has urged exporters, logistics operators and small businesses to take advantage of the new corridor, which is expected to lower costs, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export performance within Africa’s growing integrated market.
Unveiled in Lagos by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment over the weekend, the initiative connects Nigeria to key regional markets including Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, while also offering improved access to Nairobi and Johannesburg through RwandAir’s network.Officials say the new arrangement is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to translate AfCFTA commitments into practical trade opportunities for businesses.The Nigerian government has urged exporters, logistics operators and small businesses to take advantage of the new corridor, which is expected to lower costs, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export performance within Africa’s growing integrated market.
The result marked Egypt’s first win at the World Cup in their ninth appearance, moving them to the brink of qualification for the last 32 and easing the disappointment of previous campaigns.
New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose to head home from a set-piece, putting Egypt under early pressure. However, the African side responded strongly after the break and turned the match around with a dominant second-half display.
Mostafa Mohamed restored parity in the 58th minute after being set up by Salah, before the Liverpool forward put Egypt ahead just nine minutes later with a composed finish in the 67th minute. Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ sealed the historic victory in the 82nd minute, converting from a well-delivered corner to complete the 3-1 comeback.
Salah’s influence was decisive throughout, as he continued to carry Egypt’s attacking threat after a slow start to the tournament, which had included a subdued performance in their opening draw against Belgium. Just when it seemed his World Cup struggles might continue, the 34-year-old delivered a match-winning display to lift his nation.
The win also highlighted Egypt’s resilience, as they recovered from conceding early to produce one of their most important results in World Cup history. It leaves them in a strong position in Group G and on course for a possible place in the knockout stage.
Egypt will now turn their attention to their final group match against Iran, where another positive result could confirm progression to the round of 32.
Salah, who now has 68 international goals, described the victory as “a great achievement for all the players” and praised the team’s spirit in overcoming adversity on the world stage.
Mixed fortunes for other African nations
While Egypt celebrated a historic triumph, the other African representatives in action on Sunday experienced contrasting fortunes as the second round of group-stage matches continued.
In Group H, debutants Cabo Verde produced a stunning, resilient display to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay at Miami Stadium. The Blue Sharks made history in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina swept home a sensational 34-yard free-kick, recording the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
Uruguay responded aggressively before the break, turning the game on its head with quick-fire goals from Maximiliano Araújo and Agustín Canobbio to take a 2–1 halftime lead.
However, Cabo Verde refused to back down. In the 61st minute, forward Hélio Varela capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the Uruguayan box to slot home a deserved equalizer. The hard-fought point keeps Cabo Verde firmly alive in the race for the knockout rounds, leaving them tied with Uruguay on two points in Group H.
It was a far more sobering evening for Tunisia, who were officially eliminated from the tournament after suffering a heavy 4–0 defeat against a ruthless Japan side at Estadio Monterrey. The Group F clash, which marked the historic 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, was entirely dominated by the Asian giants.
Daichi Kamada opened the scoring for Japan after just four minutes, netting the fastest World Cup goal in his country’s history. Striker Ayase Ueda doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark before winger Junya Ito added a third in the 69th minute.
Ueda capped off his stellar performance with a looping header late in the game to complete the rout. The comprehensive loss leaves the Eagles of Carthage bottom of the group without a point, spelling an early exit from the competition.
The victory marked a huge milestone for Egyptian football, ending the nation’s long wait for a first World Cup match win after several appearances on football’s biggest stage.
According to figures released by the DRC health ministry, the country has reported 1,003 confirmed cases, including 254 deaths, with an overall case fatality rate of 25.3 percent.
A total of 365 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized, while 100 patients have recovered, the update said. The contact follow-up rate across the three affected provinces stood at 58 percent.
Despite the rise in cases, Ebola response efforts remain active, with heightened surveillance, intensified community outreach, and ongoing efforts to strengthen case management and diagnostic capacity, authorities said.
Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.
One of the event’s distinctive features was that it was entirely coordinated by young people themselves, demonstrating their sense of responsibility and their ability to mobilize and unite their peers around shared goals.
To attend the gathering, some participants travelled hundreds of kilometres, with several spending more than six hours on the road to reach Hamburg and reconnect with fellow Rwandans living across Germany. Beyond the conference itself, the event represented a rare opportunity to meet, expand professional and social networks, and strengthen ties within a community spread across a vast country.
The main activities on June 20 focused on discussions and thematic panels addressing issues that matter to young people in the diaspora.
The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” moderated by Daisy Igihozo and featuring Gildas Mukunde, First Secretary at the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, alongside Anaïs Usanase and Amani Shema, emphasized the importance of preserving Rwandan values in an increasingly digital world and using digital tools to strengthen community engagement.
The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera, brought together Dr Kaneza Elisabeth, Moise Mwiseneza and Leilla Umutoni to discuss resilience, leadership, responsibility and skills development.
The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi and featuring Ange Bella Kabano, Musafiri Sebiziga, Protogene Hahirwabayo and Guillaume Habarurema, focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the importance of collective investment.
A conversation titled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi with Madame Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, further explored questions of identity, belonging and the role of Rwandans living abroad in shaping the country’s future.
Beyond the panel discussions, participants also took part in open exchanges that allowed them to share personal experiences, daily challenges and powerful testimonies about navigating life between Rwanda and Germany. These discussions revealed a common reality: despite the distance, their attachment to Rwanda remains deeply rooted.
The event also featured a session on youth engagement in Germany, facilitated by Naomi Ikamba and Moise Mwiseneza, highlighting the importance of further structuring youth-led initiatives across the country.
The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.
Addressing the young audience gathered from different German cities, he stressed that the diaspora is considered Rwanda’s “sixth province” and encouraged them to remain organized, united and ambitious.
Drawing on the example of the Rwandan community in Kaiserslautern, he demonstrated how a simple collective initiative can generate meaningful impact, citing a solidarity mechanism that helped finance health insurance for vulnerable people in Rwanda.
He also encouraged young people not to separate their lives in Germany from their Rwandan identity, but rather to transform the skills and experiences acquired abroad into opportunities for Rwanda, including through collaborative entrepreneurial projects.
After the official discussions and speeches, participants gathered for an evening of cultural performances, music and moments of fellowship.
More than a celebration, the evening became a space for meaningful connections among young Rwandans from different parts of Germany. Participants strengthened friendships, built new relationships and expanded a network that now extends beyond regional boundaries.
These moments perfectly embodied the spirit of Rwanda Youth Connect Germany: bringing together young members of the diaspora to share experiences, support one another and jointly contribute to Rwanda’s future.
Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 demonstrated that beyond geographical distances, a united, organized and deeply rooted generation can become a powerful force for national development.
The message that resonated throughout the event was clear: the Rwandan youth in the diaspora are not simply preparing Rwanda’s future; they are already helping to build it.
In 2025, the Rwandan diaspora injected US$639.84 million into Rwanda’s economy, reaffirming its essential role in the country’s development.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” was moderated by Daisy Igihozo.The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” was moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera.The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” was moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi.A conversation entitled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi.Mrs. Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, wife of Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, also contributed to a deeper reflection on issues of identity and the sense of belonging among Rwandans living abroad.Attendees performed and enjoyed traditional Rwandan dances. The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.IGIHE spoke with Ambassador Igor César and his wife, Jeanne Ndatirwa.Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 thus demonstrated that, beyond geographical distances, a united, organized youth deeply connected to its roots can become a true force for development.
Relasss died on the morning of Tuesday, June 16, while awaiting trial at the High Court in Abuja in connection with a financial-related case.
He had been held in pre-trial detention since 2023 after a court denied him bail, citing concerns that, as a foreign national without Nigerian citizenship, he could abscond if released.
According to local media reports, correctional authorities convened an emergency management meeting following his death to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The meeting reportedly also reviewed the state of healthcare services available to other ill inmates.
Sources cited by Sahara TV alleged that inmates are required to pay for basic sanitary supplies for sick prisoners instead of having such essentials provided by the correctional service. The reports claim that inmates are asked to contribute 15,000 Nigerian naira (about $11) for hygiene materials.
The same sources further alleged that prisoners must also cover the cost of being transferred to hospitals outside the correctional facility for specialized treatment, a practice they claim contributed to Relasss’ death after he was unable to access medical care in time.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has not publicly commented on the claims or the circumstances surrounding Relasss’ death. Sahara TV reported that the agency’s spokesperson, CSC Jane Osuji, did not respond to requests for comment.
The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances of the Rwandan national’s death and examine broader concerns over access to healthcare for inmates within Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
Nigeria’s National Correctional Service (NCS) has launched an investigation into the death of a Rwandan national, Benjamin Relasss, who died while in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre, amid allegations that he was denied timely medical care.
The proposal was presented during a high-level symposium held in Kigali on June 19, where government officials, fashion industry stakeholders, and university representatives toured the future campus facilities.
The institution is currently undergoing accreditation in Rwanda and the United States before launching degree programmes in fashion design and fashion merchandising.
Officials said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between creativity and business by training students in design, merchandising, branding, and fashion marketing. They noted that while Africa’s creative economy is valued at more than $58 billion, the continent remains underrepresented in the global fashion industry, currently worth about $1.8 trillion and projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030.
The proposed school is intended to help address shortages in specialized training, infrastructure, and industry support that have limited Africa’s participation in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Kajangwe said the project aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to develop a competitive textile and garment industry capable of serving regional and global markets.
“As we continue our industrialization drive, skills development will be a very important component of that process,” Kajangwe said, adding that the programmes will help develop strong Made-in-Rwanda fashion brands.
Kent State University’s Vice President for Global Education, Marcello Fantoni, said Rwanda was selected after extensive research across Africa because of its strong investment in education and human capital development.
“We are not coming here to teach Rwandans how to do fashion. Rather, we are here to help Rwandans teach the world how they do fashion,” Fantoni said.
The proposed university also plans to incorporate African textile history and trade routes into its curriculum while maintaining international academic standards.
According to officials, graduates will receive qualifications equivalent to those awarded by Kent State University in the United States. Discussions are also underway with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education to facilitate sponsorship opportunities and preferential tuition arrangements for eligible students.
The university says the project is expected to support job creation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and talent development while positioning Rwanda as an emerging hub for fashion, textiles, and the broader creative economy.
The proposal was announced during a high-level symposium held in Kigali on June 19, where government officials, fashion industry stakeholders, and university representatives toured the future campus facilities.
The upgrade of Muyumbu Health Center was officially launched on June 19, 2026, during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by local leaders, health officials, community representatives, and development partners.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between Health Builders, the Ministry of Health, and Rwamagana District, with philanthropic support from the Pace Family Foundation.
Among the supporters are Mr. Al Pace and Ms. Kristin Morch of Canada, whose philanthropy has helped finance the construction of five health centers and three health posts across Rwanda. Through the Pace Family Foundation, they are also the principal philanthropic supporters of the Muyumbu Health Center upgrade project, helping make this important investment in maternal, newborn, and community healthcare possible.
Built in 1987, the health center currently serves a rapidly growing population, but officials say increasing demand, aging infrastructure, and limited clinical space have strained its ability to deliver quality services, particularly in maternal care.
The upgrade project will include the construction of a new maternity block equipped with an operating theatre for surgical and emergency obstetric services, postnatal care rooms for mothers and newborns, and the renovation and reorganization of existing health center buildings.
It will also improve essential utilities, including water supply, electricity, sanitation, infection prevention systems, and overall facility safety.
Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, enhance patient privacy and dignity, increase service capacity, and reduce referrals to Rwamagana Level Two Teaching Hospital.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi said the investment comes at a critical time for the growing population.
“Today, Muyumbu Health Center serves more than 62,000 people, and this number continues to grow. The current maternity unit is too small to adequately meet the needs of mothers and newborns. This project will provide modern maternity and postnatal facilities, improve patient privacy and comfort, and ensure that women receive quality care close to their homes,” he said.
Health Builders Executive Director Michel Musilikare said the project reflects the importance of partnerships in strengthening Rwanda’s health system.
“This groundbreaking represents more than the start of a construction project. It is an investment in healthier mothers, healthier children, and stronger communities,” he stated, adding that collaboration with government and donors helps bring life-saving services closer to communities.
Al Pace, a key supporter through the Pace Family Foundation, said the family’s involvement in Rwanda’s health sector is deeply rooted in personal and generational connections to the country.
“Healthcare has always been an important part of our family’s story. My father was a gynecologist, and Kristin’s father was a cardiologist. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law worked in Rwanda’s health system in 1997, and my sister worked here in 2000. Over time, these family experiences, connections, and conversations inspired us to support health system strengthening in Rwanda, a country that feels like a second home to us,” he said.
“We are honored to partner with Health Builders and the Government of Rwanda to help improve access to quality healthcare for mothers, newborns, and families in communities like Muyumbu,” he added.
Health Builders, a Rwanda-based non-profit organization established in 2007, works with government and development partners to strengthen health systems across the country through infrastructure development, training, mentorship, and equipment support.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between Health Builders, the Ministry of Health, and Rwamagana District, with philanthropic support from the Pace Family Foundation.The upgrade of Muyumbu Health Center was officially launched on June 19, 2026, during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by local leaders, health officials, community representatives, and development partners.Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, enhance patient privacy and dignity, increase service capacity, and reduce referrals to Rwamagana Level Two Teaching Hospital.
In a statement released late Saturday, the club said the decision follows “unacceptable behaviour during GMT 2026 that adversely affected the team.”
The club also reiterated its disciplinary stance, stating that it “maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct” and remains committed to “upholding the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.”
The sanctions come after Gisagara VC arrived late for its quarterfinal match against Police VC, resulting in a walkover defeat and elimination from the competition.
The club recently appointed Kwizera Marchal as head coach, though reports suggest internal tensions within the team, particularly between management and players.
Sources indicate that delayed player salaries have also contributed to unrest, with some players reportedly refusing to feature due to unpaid wages.
The 2026 Kwibuka Volleyball Tournament concludes on Sunday with classification matches across both men’s and women’s categories.
In the men’s category, REG VC will face Police VC in the third-place playoff, while APR VC meet Kepler VC in the final.
In the women’s competition, Police WVC take on Kepler WVC for third place, while APR WVC face KPC WVC in the final.
Gisagara VC has taken disciplinary action against players including Muvara Ronald. Cedric Ngaboyintwari has been suspended for 90 days. Kwizera Marchal is the head coach of Gisagara VC.
