The agreement was signed on Tuesday, May 12, by RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika and Georges Boukazi, representing MOJA Group Inc. through its subsidiary MOJA Rwanda Ltd.
According to a statement from RDB, the company will operate Rwanda’s National Lottery in line with international standards, with revenues expected to support public-interest programmes that benefit communities across the country.
“Today, RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika and Georges Boukazi, Managing Director of MOJA Group Inc., signed a 10-year Operating Agreement to operate Rwanda’s National Lottery,” the statement read.
The statement added that MOJA Rwanda Ltd. will ensure operations meet international benchmarks while contributing to national development priorities.
The National Lotto has been without an operator since October last year, after the licence held by Inzozi Lotto was terminated. The Rwanda Development Board later launched a competitive process to identify a new operator.
Rwanda’s National Lottery was introduced in 2021 with the objective of supporting the development of professional sports in the country. Proceeds from the lottery are channelled to the Ministry of Sports, which invests the funds under the national Sports Development Policy aimed at nurturing local talent.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, May 12, by RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika and Georges Boukazi, representing MOJA Group Inc. through its subsidiary MOJA Rwanda Ltd.
The two-day meeting comes as Washington struggles to contain the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has entered its third month and threatens to overshadow broader talks on trade, technology and regional security.
Trump will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent US business leaders, including Tesla chief Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, underscoring the economic focus of the visit despite rising geopolitical tensions.
Reports suggest the trip could include the announcement of a major order for 500 Boeing 737 Max aircraft and discussions on a new bilateral trade framework.
The Iran conflict remains central to the talks. US officials have reportedly urged Beijing to use its influence over Tehran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route partially disrupted by the war.
China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has called for stability while criticising recent US sanctions on Chinese firms accused of aiding Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed suggestions that Washington needed Beijing’s help in dealing with Iran, telling reporters before departing the White House: “We’ll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise.” He also described Xi as “relatively good” during the crisis.
The summit is expected to address several sensitive issues, including Taiwan, artificial intelligence and ongoing trade disputes. Trump recently indicated he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, prompting concerns that Washington could soften its longstanding support for the self-governing island in exchange for Chinese cooperation on Iran.
China enters the meeting from a position of relative strength, analysts say, with the US facing mounting international pressure over the Middle East conflict. Still, both sides appear keen to preserve a fragile tariff truce reached last year and avoid a further deterioration in relations.
The summit itinerary includes private meetings, a state banquet and a visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. Security across the Chinese capital has been significantly tightened ahead of Trump’s arrival.
The veto power is a special right held exclusively by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Under this system, a single negative vote from any of these five nations can block the adoption of any “substantive” resolution, regardless of how much international support it receives from the rest of the world.
Speaking during a ministerial-level strategic dialogue on UN Security Council reform on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Nduhungirehe said the use or threat of veto has frequently been used to pressure member states and prevent serious consideration of humanitarian interventions.
“For a long time, the use of veto rights or the threat of its use has repeatedly been employed to pressure member states or block serious consideration of humanitarian interventions, thereby paralysing the Council’s primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.
He warned that this has contributed to delays or obstruction in addressing urgent humanitarian situations, undermining the Council’s core mandate.
Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s alignment with the Common African Position, which calls for equitable representation of Africa on the UN Security Council, including permanent seats with full rights and privileges.
However, he stressed that reform efforts must go beyond representation to also address how the Council operates.
“Structural reform must go hand in hand with reforms to the Council’s working methods, including improvements in transparency and accountability,” he said.
The summit, which closes today, is being co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, with President Paul Kagame among the heads of state in attendance.
The two-day gathering has attracted more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 African heads of state and government, according to organisers.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has raised concern over the use of veto powers at the United Nations Security Council, saying the practice has often blocked humanitarian action and weakened the body’s ability to respond to global crises.Nduhungirehe raised the concerns during a ministerial-level strategic dialogue on UN Security Council reform on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Held under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, including CEOs, investors, heads of state, ministers and development finance institutions.
Here are 10 things to know about this year’s Africa CEO Forum.
1. The forum focuses on Africa’s need for scale
The central message of the 2026 summit is that African economies and businesses must scale up through regional cooperation and shared ownership models. Organisers argue that fragmented national markets are no longer enough in a rapidly changing global economy where scale determines competitiveness.
2. Kigali is hosting for the third time
This is the third time Kigali will host the forum after previous editions in 2019 and 2024. The return of the summit to Rwanda highlights the country’s growing role as a continental hub for investment, innovation and business diplomacy.
The 2024 edition of the Africa CEO Forum was held in Kigali under the theme “At the Table or on the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa.”
3. More than 2,000 delegates are expected
The summit is anticipated to attract over 2,000 participants from more than 75 countries. Attendees include over 1,000 CEOs, global investors, policymakers, development finance institutions and journalists covering Africa’s economic transformation.
4. Several African presidents will attend
At least six African presidents have confirmed participation, including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea and Daniel Chapo of Mozambique.
Several prime ministers and ministers from across Africa are also expected to participate, including Prime Ministers Maria Benvinda Levi of Mozambique, Robert Beugré Mambé of Côte d’Ivoire, Amadou Oury Bah of Guinea and Justin Nsengiyumva of Rwanda.
5. The forum was founded in 2012
The Africa CEO Forum was founded in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media Group and is co-hosted by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. Over the years, it has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for public-private dialogue and investment networking.
6. Discussions will centre on shared ownership
The 2026 edition will focus on three strategic pillars: shared equity through cross-border investment, shared infrastructure to connect African markets, and shared regulatory frameworks to support trade and capital flows.
Organisers believe these approaches are necessary to create continental African champions capable of competing globally.
7. The forum goes beyond discussion
The summit is designed not only as a networking platform but also as a deal-making space. Investment sessions known as “Invest In” meetings connect CEOs and investors directly with government officials to discuss investment pipelines and strategic sectors.
Over the past two editions, the forum has reportedly facilitated more than $1 billion in investment commitments.
8. Key economic sectors will be discussed
Panels and meetings will focus on sectors considered essential for Africa’s long-term growth, including energy and mining integration, infrastructure development, industrialisation, real estate financing, digital sovereignty, cross-border trade and payment systems, and institutional capital mobilisation.
The discussions are expected to examine how African countries can work together to strengthen regional value chains.
9. AfCFTA will be a major topic
Ten years after negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area began, the forum will revisit the continent’s integration agenda and the role of free trade in building larger African markets.
Leaders are expected to discuss how to turn AfCFTA ambitions into concrete investments, industrial partnerships and regional business expansion.
10. Leaders say Africa must “scale or fail”
The summit’s central message is “scale or fail.”
Amir Ben Yahmed, Founder and President of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, said Africa must move beyond “economic patriotism” and embrace cross-border African investment and partnerships.
Meanwhile, Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of International Finance
Corporation, emphasised that Africa already has the capital needed for growth, but must deploy it more effectively through trust, shared risk and regional investment cooperation.
According to Jean Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, the forum represents an opportunity for Africa to transform fragmented success into collective economic strength capable of driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
President Paul Kagame during the opening ceremony of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali in 2024.
Speaking at a weekly news conference in Tehran, Baghaei said Iran’s demands included ending the war in West Asia, lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian shipping, releasing Iranian assets frozen abroad, ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and restoring regional stability.
“We have not demanded any concession. The only things we demanded are the Iranian nation’s legitimate rights,” he said.
Baghaei described Tehran’s proposal as “reasonable and responsible,” saying it was aimed at protecting Iran’s interests as well as regional and global security.
He also noted that nuclear issues would be discussed later as Tehran was currently focused on ending the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump branded Iran’s terms for ending the war “totally unacceptable.” Baghaei accused Washington of pursuing “unreasonable demands” influenced by Israel.
Commenting on reports that European countries, including France and Britain, had deployed warships to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei warned against outside involvement in the region.
“Any interference in issues on the Strait of Hormuz and West Asia will only further complicate the situation,” he said.
Iran, the United States, and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Iranian and U.S. delegations later held talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 but failed to reach an agreement. Since then, the two sides have exchanged several proposals through Pakistan, while sporadic clashes have continued in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, Baghaei denied Western media reports that Iran had been dumping oil into the sea because its storage facilities were full.
He called the claims “complete lies” and dismissed reports of an oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island as “fabricated.”
London-based maritime risk intelligence firm Windward said Friday that satellite imagery had detected an oil spill near Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal. The company said the spill was first identified on May 5 and later confirmed through three satellite observations over 20 hours.
After post-ceasefire talks collapsed, the United States imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at restricting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports, which Tehran says is intended to curb its oil exports.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Tehran had sought only its “legitimate rights” in a new peace proposal delivered to the United States through Pakistan.
Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission in January, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed that he obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered around 25 percent.
Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony unfolded under heavy security and strict protocol, bringing together regional heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa.
Security was visibly heightened across Kampala ahead of the event, with security agencies deploying personnel to manage crowds, secure key routes, and ensure a smooth and orderly inauguration process.
Grand ceremonial display at Kololo
The ceremony featured elaborate military and constitutional rituals at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Museveni arrived under heavy security escort, with supporters lining the venue to witness the occasion.
He received the final salute of his outgoing term as Commander-in-Chief, followed by the national anthem, marking the formal commencement of the inauguration proceedings. Museveni later inspected a ceremonial parade and briefly interacted with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the event.
The presidential standard was later lowered, symbolically marking the end of his previous term and temporarily rendering the presidency vacant in line with constitutional procedure.
Prayer, electoral declaration, and oath of office
Religious leaders led national prayers, with Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu offering blessings for wisdom, justice, and good health for the President and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the constitutional segment of the ceremony before Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama officially declared Museveni the winner of the election.
“From the declared results, Museveni emerged winner after satisfying the legal requirement that a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of valid votes cast,” Byabakama said.
Museveni then took the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath before Flavian Zeija, accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire. Military honours were rendered as he stepped forward, drawing applause from attendees.
Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.
A presidential salute was fired, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute as the presidential standard was raised again, signalling the formal start of his new term in office.
Museveni later inspected the military parade as the newly inaugurated President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Regional significance and policy direction
Museveni has consistently emphasised priorities such as infrastructure expansion, economic transformation, and regional integration. In his renewed mandate, he pledged to continue advancing Uganda’s development agenda while strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic growth and stability.
The ceremony comes as East African nations increasingly focus on improving trade links, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding regional connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting economic integration.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been sworn in for a new presidential term following a vibrant and tightly orchestrated inauguration ceremony.Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.President Museveni holding the Constitution.President Museveni receives the national flag of Uganda.President Museveni receives the coat of arms.
The investment package, unveiled during the “Inspire & Connect” Business Forum co-hosted by France and Kenya, combines €14 billion in public and private financing from French companies and institutions with an additional €9 billion pledged by African investors and entrepreneurs.
Speaking at Nairobi’s convention centre, Macron said the initiative would focus on sectors including energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, maritime industries and agriculture. He added that the investments are expected to create around 250,000 direct jobs across Africa and France.
“We are not simply here to come and invest on the African continent alongside you, we need the great African business leaders to come and invest in France,” Macron told delegates. “That too is what underpins this relationship, now entirely free of hang-ups.”
The two-day summit attracted heads of state, investors and thousands of business leaders from across Africa and Europe. Organisers initially expected up to 2,500 participants, but attendance reportedly reached nearly 7,000, with more than 700 business meetings held alongside 32 panel discussions.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is among the heads of state attending the summit and is scheduled to co-chair a high-level roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. The discussion is expected to explore Africa’s growing role in shaping global digital policy and accelerating innovation-led development, an area where Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a continental leader.
In addition to the AI session, President Kagame is expected to address a plenary session bringing together African and French chief executive officers, where discussions will focus on green industrialisation and energy transition.
The summit represented a symbolic shift in France’s Africa strategy. It was the first Africa-France summit held in an English-speaking African country since 1973, reflecting Paris’ effort to strengthen ties beyond its traditional francophone sphere amid declining influence in parts of West Africa and the Sahel.
A significant portion of the financing drive was coordinated by Proparco, the private-sector financing arm of the French Development Agency. The institution announced more than €500 million in agreements during the summit, including a €300 million partnership with Ecobank aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and a €200 million cross-currency transaction with the West African Development Bank.
Proparco also launched the Africa AgriTrade Coalition, a group of 16 financial institutions with combined balance sheets nearing €400 billion. The coalition aims to address Africa’s estimated $50 billion agricultural trade finance gap. Macron used the summit to position Europe as a stable and reliable economic partner in contrast to growing global competition from China and the United States.
The French leader also called for reforms to international financial systems to encourage greater private investment in Africa, saying the continent’s youthful population and economic potential remain underfinanced.
“There is no reason today for there to be so little private investment coming into a continent as full of energy and youth as yours,” Macron said.
The summit comes as France continues to recalibrate its role in Africa following military withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger after coups in those countries between 2020 and 2023. Macron defended France’s previous military presence in the Sahel, saying French forces had operated at the request of local governments to combat jihadist insurgencies.
“When our presence was no longer wanted after the coups, we left,” he said in comments published ahead of the summit. “That wasn’t a humiliation but a logical response to a given situation.”
Macron also addressed the issue of colonial-era cultural artefacts, saying the return of looted African artworks had become “unstoppable.” France recently passed legislation enabling the restitution of African cultural objects held in French collections.
Despite the ambitious announcements, critics questioned whether France’s strategy represents a genuine break from past practices. Togolese economist Kako Nubukpo argued that elements of the old economic system still persist, citing the continued use of the CFA franc and the influence of major French corporate groups across francophone Africa.
Others pointed to contradictions within France’s own fiscal policies. France’s development assistance budget has been reduced several times in recent years, with aid spending projected to fall well below the country’s long-standing international target.
Still, French officials presented the Nairobi summit as evidence of a broader transformation in France-Africa relations, one based on partnership, co-investment and shared economic growth rather than the hierarchical relationships associated with the colonial era.
The investment package, unveiled during the “Inspire & Connect” Business Forum co-hosted by France and Kenya, combines €14 billion in public and private financing from French companies and institutions with an additional €9 billion pledged by African investors and entrepreneurs.
The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that the country’s parliament acted unconstitutionally when it rejected an independent panel report on the Phala Phala matter involving Ramaphosa, reopening the possibility of impeachment proceedings against the head of state.
Citing a statement from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, the South African Government News Agency reported that the parliament will comply with the court’s decision and restart the Section 89 process related to the independent panel report into the Phala Phala farm matter.
The matter relates to the alleged theft of about 580,000 U.S. dollars from Ramaphosa’s private game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020, which later sparked public controversy over whether the funds were properly declared and reported to authorities.
Didiza said that she would determine the program, timelines and institutional support necessary to ensure the impeachment committee completes its work effectively, fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and National Assembly rules.
Details regarding the committee’s composition and operational arrangements are expected to be announced through official channels in due course.
The independent panel, chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence suggesting possible constitutional and legal violations by the president in relation to the Phala Phala matter.
In response, Ramaphosa said Monday that he accepted and respected the Constitutional Court’s ruling, reaffirming his firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
In his address to the nation on Monday night, Ramaphosa insisted that he did not engage in wrongdoing. “Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022, I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money, committed any crime, nor violated my oath of office,” he said.
Ramaphosa said that from the beginning, he had committed to cooperating with all competent institutions, and such cooperation has continued through “all investigations and enquiries into the matter,” and will be sustained going forward.
Turning to the findings of the independent panel submitted in December 2022, Ramaphosa reiterated his disagreement with its conclusions and reasoning. He said that they were based on hearsay and that “no evidence, let alone sufficient evidence,” had been produced to support claims of constitutional or legal violations or serious misconduct.
In his address, Ramaphosa reiterated that he will not resign, saying “I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests.”
South Africa’s National Assembly will reopen impeachment-related proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa following a Constitutional Court ruling, local media reported Monday.
The ruling was delivered on May 11, 2026, with the court stating that there are substantial grounds to suspect him of assault causing bodily harm and insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
According to the complaint, Vuganeza was allegedly assaulted when he attempted to recover the debt, leading to charges related to assault and bodily harm.
Investigators from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) summoned Gatete three times without success. Prosecutors further allege that during his arrest, he tore up an arrest warrant (“mandat d’amener”) presented to him by law enforcement officers, resulting in an additional charge of insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
During the hearing, Gatete denied personally assaulting the complainant, claiming that any physical confrontation involved his employees rather than himself. He also argued that the arrest warrant was accidentally torn while officers were handcuffing him.
However, the court found that witness testimonies placed Gatete at the scene and concluded that the evidence gathered during investigations constituted strong grounds for suspicion.
The court further ruled that provisional detention was necessary, citing concerns that Gatete had previously failed to comply with investigative summonses and could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
On May 10, 2026, a statement posted on Gatete’s X account expressed regret over the incident and apologised for his conduct.
“I regret and apologise for falling short of the behaviour that is expected of me. I own up to all my mistakes and commit to acting differently going forward,” he wrote.
Journalist Mazimpaka Magnus later shared two letters online, one from Gatete apologising to authorities and another from Vuganeza confirming that he had received the outstanding Rwf800,000, along with an additional Rwf100,000 to cover related expenses.
In his letter addressed to the Head of RIB and the Prosecutor General, Gatete acknowledged failing to respond promptly to initial summonses, attributing the delay to bereavements within his family.
Vuganeza, meanwhile, stated that he wished for the matter to be resolved amicably and requested the withdrawal of his complaint.
Under Rwandan law, insulting or obstructing judicial officials, including investigators, prosecutors, and judges, can result in a prison sentence of between one and two years, as well as fines ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million upon conviction.
Intentional assault causing bodily harm carries a sentence of six months to one year in prison and fines ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf300,000 if convicted.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
Held under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnership for Innovation and Growth”, the summit, which closes on Tuesday, seeks to deepen cooperation between Africa and France in trade, investment, and technology, with a strong focus on shifting toward a more investment-driven and innovation-led partnership.
A key highlight of President Kagame’s participation will be his role as co-chair of a high-level roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. The discussion is expected to explore Africa’s growing role in shaping global digital policy and accelerating innovation-led development, an area where Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a continental leader.
In addition to the AI session, President Kagame is expected to address a plenary session bringing together African and French chief executive officers, where discussions will focus on green industrialisation and energy transition. These themes form part of a broader agenda aimed at advancing sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The Africa Forward Summit brings together more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 African Heads of State and Government, alongside more than 2,000 business leaders, innovators, and development partners. It also marks the first time such a high-level Africa-France forum is being held in an English-speaking African country.
Organisers say the summit represents a strategic shift away from traditional aid-based relations toward “bankable investments” designed to attract private capital and support commercially viable projects across African economies. Key stakeholders include governments, private sector actors, African multilateral institutions, and global financial partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Youth engagement is also central to the summit, with around 500 young leaders expected to participate in a dedicated dialogue with Presidents Kagame, Ruto, and Macron. The discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, technology, and the role of young Africans in global decision-making.
The summit will further feature thematic roundtables on agriculture, health, rural development, and energy access, reflecting what organizers describe as a results-driven development agenda.
Rwanda is expected to feature prominently in discussions on artificial intelligence, underscoring its growing influence in digital innovation and technology-driven development on the continent. The cultural and creative industries will also be highlighted, with internationally recognized Rwandan artist Sherrie Silver among participants contributing to conversations on youth empowerment and economic transformation.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Future Africa-France Cooperation, outlining a new framework for partnership between Africa and France.
President Paul Kagame arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, May 11, where he joins other Heads of State and Government from across Africa for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
