IGIHE English

Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

  • EV boom, $215M funding & rider savings: Spiro Rwanda MD Amit Chawla speaks out (Video)

    EV boom, $215M funding & rider savings: Spiro Rwanda MD Amit Chawla speaks out (Video)

    In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla discussed the company’s growth, Rwanda’s role in its expansion strategy, and the rising demand for electric motorcycles following the government’s push toward cleaner transport.

    Spiro recently received the Local Impact Champion Award at the Africa CEO Forum, an accolade Chawla said reflects Spiro’s growing influence on livelihoods and the wider adoption of electric mobility in Africa.

    “We are very honoured and humbled to have received this award,” he said. “It means Spiro as an organisation has been able to touch the livelihoods of people, and electric mobility is getting its roots on the ground.”

    Spiro recently received the Local Impact Champion Award at the Africa CEO Forum.

    $215 million investment to scale across Africa

    Spiro recently secured $215 million in funding backed by international investors, one of the largest investments in Africa’s electric vehicle sector. Chawla said the capital will accelerate expansion across multiple markets, with Rwanda remaining a key hub.

    “Rwanda is a very strategic place to be in,” he noted, adding that the country will receive a significant share of the investment to expand assembling facilities, energy infrastructure, and operations.

    While the funding will support the wider group across Africa, he emphasised Rwanda’s importance in Spiro’s long-term growth plans.

    Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla, during a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE.

    Rwanda at the centre of EV expansion

    Spiro has operated in Rwanda for about three years, during which it has become one of the leading electric motorcycle and battery-swapping providers in the country.

    Chawla said the company currently has around 25,000 electric motorcycles on the road and approximately 350 active battery swapping stations, with rapid expansion underway.

    “The demand has outpaced supply, especially after recent developments,” he said. “We are actively adding 50 to 60 new swap stations every month.”

    The company plans to expand its network beyond Kigali into all 30 districts, supported by ongoing investment in energy infrastructure and logistics systems.

    Spiro Rwanda has approximately 350 active battery swapping stations, with rapid expansion underway.

    Rider savings driving adoption

    A major driver of adoption, Chawla explained, is cost savings for riders.

    He said electric motorcycles are significantly cheaper to operate compared to fuel-powered alternatives.

    “A Spiro bike costs around 1 million Rwandan francs compared to 2.2 to 2.5 million for a fuel bike,” he said. “On running costs, riders save close to 50 percent daily.”

    He added that one electric charge can cover about 80 kilometres, compared to roughly 40 kilometres for fuel usage under similar conditions.

    Chawla said electric motorcycles are significantly cheaper to operate compared to fuel-powered alternatives.

    Spiro’s model is centred on energy infrastructure rather than traditional vehicle sales.

    “The real business revolves around the energy infrastructure,” Chawla explained. “Customers swap drained batteries for fully charged ones, and we generate revenue through swapping.”

    He noted that each battery is used for nearly 20 hours a day, making the system highly efficient and scalable.

    Spiro has around 25,000 electric motorcycles on the road.

    Manufacturing, jobs, and local skills development

    Spiro also operates a facility in Rwanda’s Special Economic Zone in Masoro, focused on assembly and workforce training.

    Chawla said the company is currently assembling motorcycles locally while importing components from Asia, but is gradually moving toward deeper local manufacturing.

    “We are training 225 young Rwandan engineers and technicians with the goal of moving toward local component manufacturing,” he said.

    Across its operations, Spiro employs more than 1,650 people, with women making up 38 percent of the workforce, a figure the company aims to increase to 45 percent.

    Chawla estimated that Spiro currently holds between 15 and 25 percent of the market, noting that the sector remains capital-intensive.

    He also acknowledged that demand growth has created operational pressure.

    “Demand has really outpaced our expectations,” he said. “We are blessed to be in this position.”

    The MD revealed that Spiro is training 225 young Rwandan engineers and technicians with the goal of moving toward local component manufacturing.

    Safety, reliability, and infrastructure

    Responding to concerns about reliability and safety, Chawla said electric mobility is still an emerging sector requiring user education and training.

    He maintained that Spiro’s bikes undergo rigorous testing and highlighted the importance of rider training and safety as electric mobility adoption grows.

    On operational challenges, he acknowledged occasional delays at swapping stations during peak hours but said expansion is underway to ease congestion.

    “We are opening new stations aggressively and working with partners to increase electricity capacity for charging,” he said.

    Government policy and market growth

    Chawla credited Rwanda’s policy environment for enabling rapid growth in the sector, particularly the government’s decision to halt new registrations of fuel motorcycles from January 2025.

    He said such policies have accelerated adoption and strengthened investor confidence.

    Beyond Rwanda, Spiro is expanding into markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia. Chawla said Rwanda will continue to play a key role as both a market and operational base.

    “Spiro Rwanda is more than willing to support neighbouring countries with knowledge, operations, and best practices,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Chawla said success for Spiro would mean tens of thousands more electric motorcycles on the road, expanded infrastructure, and wider access to clean, affordable transport across Africa.

    “Electric mobility will become embedded in every part of transportation,” he said.

    Watch the full interview below:

  • Kagame challenges investors to see Africa as “a strategic lever, not a risk”

    Kagame challenges investors to see Africa as “a strategic lever, not a risk”

    President Paul Kagame has urged global investors and financial institutions to view Africa as “a strategic opportunity, not a risk,” saying the continent should be seen as a driver of growth rather than a high-risk destination.

    Speaking at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame emphasised that Africa’s transformation depends not only on policy reforms but also on how capital is mobilised into key sectors such as aviation.

    “Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth,” he said.

    Kagame called on development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to play a stronger role in financing infrastructure needed to improve air connectivity, including airports, maintenance facilities and fuel supply chains.

    He noted that financing alone is not sufficient, stressing that regulatory reforms and policy coordination must accompany investment to unlock the sector’s full potential.

    The President highlighted persistent structural barriers in African aviation, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said remain among the highest globally.

    He pointed out that such costs limit mobility, discourage investment and weaken trade links across the continent.

    Kagame stressed the need for predictable and harmonised regulatory frameworks, arguing that a single aviation market can only function effectively when rules and standards are aligned across countries.

    He described the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as the right framework for integration but said it requires clear timelines and measurable outcomes to deliver results.

    The President also cited Rwanda’s visa liberalisation policy as an example of how openness can stimulate economic activity.

    “In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities,” he said, adding that the policy had contributed to increased business activity, tourism and expanded air links.

    Kagame noted that Africa’s growing youth population will play a central role in driving future trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for governments to create enabling conditions for development.

    He underscored that Africa’s experience demonstrates openness and cooperation are powerful drivers of development, stressing that no region can reach its full potential while remaining fragmented.

    Speaking at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame emphasised that Africa’s transformation depends not only on policy reforms but also on how capital is mobilised into key sectors such as aviation.
    President Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé.
    Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.

  • President Kagame calls for urgent reforms to boost air connectivity across Africa

    President Kagame calls for urgent reforms to boost air connectivity across Africa

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.

    “For decades, we have spoken about integration, trade and free movement. We know what has to be done. We just have to do it,” he said.

    Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.

    The Head of State noted that although Africa is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population, it accounts for only a small share of global air traffic. He attributed this gap to the high cost and difficulty of travel within Africa, observing that in many cases the fastest route between two African cities passes through another continent.

    “This weakens trade, discourages investment and prevents business from operating at scale,” Kagame said.

    He emphasised that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) provides the right framework for transforming the sector but requires stronger implementation.

    “What it now needs are clear timelines and measurable outcomes,” he said.

    Kagame also highlighted the importance of investing in modern airports, aircraft maintenance capacity and reliable fuel supply chains to support the growth of the aviation industry.

    He urged development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to view investment in Africa as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk.

    “Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth,” he said.

    The President further called for urgent action to address barriers that continue to hinder the sector, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said are among the highest in the world.

    “Reducing these costs is vital,” Kagame said, adding that regulatory alignment across countries is equally important to ensure predictable and consistent standards throughout the continent.

    He also pointed to Rwanda’s visa liberalisation policies as an example of how removing barriers can stimulate economic activity.

    “In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities,” he said, noting that the move contributed to stronger business activity, increased tourism and expanded air links.

    Kagame said Africa’s growing young population will increasingly drive trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for leaders to create conditions that enable future generations to succeed.

    He described the convention as an important platform for building consensus on the future of African aviation and called on leaders and stakeholders to turn commitments into results.

    “The task ahead of us is very clear,” Kagame said. “I’m sure all of us are prepared for that task.”

    President Kagame arrived in Togo on Monday and is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.

    President Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé.
    In his address, President Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.
    Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.

  • EAC launches two-week public consultations in Rwanda on political confederation

    EAC launches two-week public consultations in Rwanda on political confederation

    The consultations will run until June 27 and form part of a broader regional exercise being conducted across EAC Partner States to shape the governance framework of the Political Confederation, the transitional model towards the eventual Political Federation of East African States.

    Speaking during the launch at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, Chairperson of the EAC Team of Constitutional Experts, Justice Dr. Benjamin Odoki, said the process had entered a critical phase after years of legal, institutional and comparative studies undertaken by experts appointed by the EAC Council of Ministers.

    “The Summit of Heads of State and the Council of Ministers entrusted us with the responsibility of drafting the Constitution for the East African Political Confederation as a transition towards the ultimate goal of establishing a Political Federation, one people, one country,” Odoki said.

    He noted that the team, composed of constitutional experts from the eight EAC Partner States, had already completed consultations in Burundi, Uganda and Kenya, where citizens overwhelmingly expressed support for deeper regional integration.

    The consultations seek to collect views from citizens and stakeholders that will inform the proposed model of the Political Confederation before the drafting of the Constitution begins.

    According to the EAC Secretariat, consultations in Rwanda will be conducted in Kigali and other designated centres, including Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare, bringing together representatives from government institutions, Parliament, the judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth and women groups, faith-based organisations, persons with disabilities, political parties and the media.

    EAC Secretary General Ambassador Stephen Mbundi said the consultations reflect the Community’s commitment to a people-centred integration process, as required under the Treaty establishing the EAC.

    “This is not merely an exercise. The Treaty is very clear that the Community is people-centred, and therefore, citizens must be consulted when major decisions about our integration are being made,” Mbundi said.

    He said the views gathered across the region would provide the foundation for drafting the Constitution of the Political Confederation and help define the governance structures that will guide the next phase of East African integration.

    Mbundi also revealed that the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State had directed Partner States to complete the consultation process this year, with progress expected to be reported to the 26th Summit.

    The Political Confederation was adopted by EAC Heads of State in 2017 as a transitional model towards the Political Federation. It represents the fourth pillar of regional integration after the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union.

    While significant progress has been made under the first three pillars, EAC leaders believe stronger political cooperation is necessary to accelerate integration and address shared challenges in governance, peace and security, foreign policy, economic development and regional competitiveness.

    Launching the consultations on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Usta Kaitesi described the exercise as a significant milestone in Rwanda’s contribution to the regional integration agenda.

    “The future of our region cannot be shaped by governments alone. It must be informed by the views, aspirations and expectations of the citizens whose lives will be affected by the decisions we make,” she said.

    Kaitesi emphasised that Rwanda hopes to hear from all segments of society, including youth, women, entrepreneurs, farmers, academics and religious leaders, to ensure that citizens have ownership of the integration process.

    She noted that a more integrated East Africa could create larger markets, more opportunities for young people, stronger institutions and a greater collective voice for the region on continental and global issues.

    The consultations come as the EAC continues implementing the Monetary Union Protocol, with Partner States targeting 2031 for full implementation. During a media engagement, officials acknowledged that challenges such as macroeconomic convergence requirements, the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shocks had delayed some integration milestones.

    However, Secretary General Mbundi said practical measures such as cross-border mobile money transfers are already being implemented to strengthen financial integration and prepare the ground for a future common currency.

    As consultations continue across Rwanda over the next two weeks, EAC officials say the process will help ensure that the proposed Constitution reflects the aspirations of East Africans and lays the foundation for a more united, prosperous and politically integrated region.

    The consultations will run until June 27 and form part of a broader regional exercise being conducted across EAC Partner States to shape the governance framework of the Political Confederation.
    The launch took place at the Kigali Marriott Hotel.
    Chairperson of the EAC Team of Constitutional Experts, Justice Dr. Benjamin Odoki, said the process had entered a critical phase after years of legal, institutional and comparative studies undertaken by experts appointed by the EAC Council of Ministers.
    Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Usta Kaitesi described the exercise as a significant milestone in Rwanda’s contribution to the regional integration agenda.
    EAC Secretary General Ambassador Stephen Mbundi said the consultations reflect the Community’s commitment to a people-centred integration process, as required under the Treaty establishing the EAC.
    The consultations come as the EAC continues implementing the Monetary Union Protocol, with Partner States targeting 2031 for full implementation.

  • New Life Leadership Academy and New Life Christian Academy Kigali celebrate a decade of Accelerated Christian Education curriculum in Rwanda

    New Life Leadership Academy and New Life Christian Academy Kigali celebrate a decade of Accelerated Christian Education curriculum in Rwanda

    Founded in 2016, NLCA-K and NLA were established with a vision of combining academic excellence with Christian values through the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum, raising the next generation of leaders in Rwanda and beyond.

    The anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the New Life Bible Church Kigali Auditorium. The event will bring together students, parents, staff, alumni, partners, and members of the wider community to reflect on the schools’ journey and achievements over the past decade under the theme drawn from 1 Samuel 7:12: “Ebenezer—thus far the Lord has helped us.”

    Over the past 10 years, the schools have grown to serve 371 students across two campuses, offering education from nursery through high school. The institutions seek to equip learners not only with academic knowledge but also with leadership skills, strong moral character, and a Christ-centered worldview.

    Pastor Fred Isaac Katagwa, Executive Director of Africa New Life Ministries, expressed deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness over the decade.

    “Ten years ago, we stepped out in faith to establish these schools as beacons of Christ-centered excellence. Today, seeing 371 students equipped with academic rigor, moral character, and a biblical worldview is a powerful testimony of what God can do through obedient hearts. As we celebrate this Ebenezer moment, we remain committed to raising a generation of leaders who will transform our nation and the nations for the glory of God.”

    NLA Students celebrate their success during a sports tournament hosted by Ntare Louisenlund School, highlighting the schools’ commitment to developing well-rounded learners through athletics, leadership, and character formation.

    The celebration will feature worship, reflection, and recognition of the students, teachers, families, and partners who have contributed to the schools’ growth and development over the years.

    Ms Ingrid Kaneza, Principal of New Life Christian Academy – Kigali, said the schools remain committed to nurturing both the academic and personal growth of their students.

    “What we see in our students every day—their curiosity, compassion, and faith—is proof that when a school holds firmly to its values, it shapes more than minds; it shapes the future of a nation. We are immensely proud of every child who has walked through these doors, and we look forward to the next ten years with great expectation,” she said.

    Students engage in focused independent learning at the school’s learning center, reflecting the ACE model’s emphasis on self-paced education, character development, and academic excellence.

    As part of the celebrations, the schools will launch a 10th Anniversary Yearbook, documenting key milestones, student life, and the growth of both campuses since their inception.

    Looking ahead, Africa New Life Ministries has outlined plans for the next decade that include expanding campus facilities, strengthening partnerships with churches and educational institutions across East Africa, and building relationships with leading universities around the world, including Ivy League institutions.

    Students, staff, and community members of New Life Christian Academy–Kigali gather in remembrance during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, honoring the lives lost and reaffirming a commitment to unity, resilience, and a future free from hatred.

    The anniversary event will also serve as a platform to unveil this vision for the future as the schools seek to broaden opportunities available to their students while maintaining their commitment to christian-centered education.

    Africa New Life Ministries is a Christian organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities across Rwanda through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Acts of Compassion. Through education, sponsorship, leadership development, and community initiatives, ANLM works to equip individuals and families to thrive and contribute positively to society.

    Graduates celebrate a significant milestone during the New Life Leadership Academy graduation ceremony, marking the culmination of years of academic achievement, leadership development, and faith-centered learning.
  • President Kagame arrives in Togo for continental air transport summit

    President Kagame arrives in Togo for continental air transport summit

    The high-level Convention is hosted by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, and jointly organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Union. It brings together transportation ministers, civil aviation authorities, airline and airport executives, aircraft manufacturers, investors, and other key stakeholders from across the continent.

    The forum seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) while promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive aviation sector across Africa.

    President Kagame is expected to deliver remarks during the official opening ceremony of the Convention, highlighting Rwanda’s engagement in regional and continental efforts to strengthen air transport connectivity and cooperation.

    On the sidelines of the summit, President Kagame will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.

    President Paul Kagame was received by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo.
    The high-level Convention is hosted by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, and jointly organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Union.
    President Kagame will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.

  • Victoire Ingabire tells court she is not ready for trial, prosecution objects

    Victoire Ingabire tells court she is not ready for trial, prosecution objects

    Ingabire is facing multiple charges, including forming and participating in a criminal group, inciting public disorder, undermining government, spreading false information and propaganda intended to damage Rwanda’s reputation abroad, disseminating false rumours, plotting against state authorities, and incitement to protest.

    The charges are linked to training sessions conducted in 2021 involving members of the then-unregistered political group DALFA Umurinzi. Prosecutors allege that participants received training from foreign instructors using material including the book Blueprint for Revolution by Serbian author Srdja Popovic.

    The sessions were reportedly coordinated by Sibomana Sylvain, who is also a co-accused in the case.

    Request to postpone proceedings

    Before the prosecution presented its case, Ingabire raised her hand and informed the court that she was not prepared to proceed.

    “I understand the prosecution is about to present its case, but I am not ready to stand trial due to several obstacles,” she told the court.

    She later explained that her legal team, Me Gatera Gashabana, Me Bikotwa Bruce, and Me Gashema Félicien, had written to the court on June 10, 2026, outlining challenges affecting her ability to prepare a proper defence.

    Ingabire argued that she was not in a suitable condition to proceed, citing physical, emotional, and other constraints affecting her preparedness.

    Grounds presented by the defence

    She outlined four main grounds for requesting a postponement.
    First, she said she had been unable to meet with her co-accused, who attended the same training sessions, which she considers necessary for preparing a coordinated defence. She stated that prison authorities had denied such meetings.

    Second, she raised concerns over limited communication with her family, who are abroad. She said she has only been allowed to communicate with her husband, who is currently hospitalised, and has not been able to speak with her children. She argued that this restriction undermines her ability to prepare adequately, citing international standards on the rights of detainees to maintain family contact.

    Third, she cited health and detention conditions, stating that basic personal care items, including toothpaste and skin lotion, were not consistently provided, affecting her well-being.

    Fourth, she said she had been restricted in practising her religion and requested the court to ensure her basic rights, including freedom of worship, are respected.

    Her lawyers informed the court that they had submitted multiple written complaints, including letters dated May 18, June 2, and June 11, 2026, outlining the difficulties faced in preparing the defence.

    Me Bikotwa Bruce argued that there was no legal justification preventing Ingabire from meeting co-accused persons to prepare her case. Me Gatera Gashabana further requested that the trial chamber conduct a visit to the detention facility to assess her conditions firsthand and address the concerns raised.

    Prosecution response

    The prosecution dismissed the objections, arguing that none of the issues raised constituted valid legal grounds for adjournment.

    “These are not legal obstacles to the continuation of the trial; they are emotional claims by the accused and her lawyers. We consider them delaying tactics,” the prosecutor stated.

    The prosecution further argued that the inability to meet co-accused persons does not violate any legal provision and therefore cannot justify suspending proceedings. It added that concerns about communication with counsel would be more relevant, but no such restriction had been demonstrated.

    On religious practice, the prosecution maintained that detainees in Rwanda retain the right to worship. Regarding complaints about hygiene items, it argued these were unrelated to the merits of the case and did not justify postponement.

    Court’s direction

    The presiding judge asked Ingabire how many meetings she would require with her co-accused to prepare her defence. She responded that at least four meetings would be necessary.

    The court also instructed the defence to submit all documentation supporting claims that formal requests had been made to prison authorities and relevant institutions regarding access to co-accused and other facilities.

    After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the session and scheduled the hearing to continue on June 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

    Victoire Ingabire is facing multiple charges, including forming and participating in a criminal group, inciting public disorder, undermining government, spreading false information and propaganda intended to damage Rwanda’s reputation abroad, disseminating false rumours, plotting against state authorities, and incitement to protest.

  • AI summer camp in Kigali seeks to bridge students with future job market skills

    AI summer camp in Kigali seeks to bridge students with future job market skills

    In response to this shift, HC Solutions, an HR consulting and talent acquisition firm, is planning the Inzira AI Summer Camp, an initiative aimed at equipping secondary school students with practical artificial intelligence skills during the upcoming school holiday.

    The organisers say the program is designed to introduce students to AI in a structured and guided environment, with a focus on aligning learning with real-world employment needs.

    According to Jane Kalisa, Senior HR Consultant at HC Solutions, the initiative reflects the company’s broader vision beyond traditional recruitment services.

    “HC Solutions is not just an HR firm. We also have a Department of Technology,” she said. “In this department, we will be providing AI training during the summer holiday. This camp targets students in Senior 4 to Senior 6.”

    She explained that the goal is to keep students meaningfully engaged during the holiday while preparing them for future careers in a technology-driven economy.

    “We are going to engage the students so they learn how to use AI and remain productively occupied during the holiday,” Kalisa said. “This will not only help the students, it will also help parents and the country at large. Once they complete the program, they will be able to apply this knowledge in their daily lives and future careers.”

    Beyond training, HC Solutions also sees the initiative as a long-term bridge between education and employment, with plans to connect trained students to job opportunities in the future.

    “As an HR firm, we are building a strong database,” Kalisa added. “When these students finish school, we will be able to connect them with clients who need professionals with AI expertise.”

    From an industry perspective, experts warn that the impact of AI on the labor market is already visible, with companies increasingly seeking candidates who can work with automation tools and deliver faster, more efficient results.

    Igor Kabirigi, Tech Lead at HC Solutions, said the demand is already reshaping recruitment expectations.

    “It’s not only children who need this. The labor market is also being heavily affected by AI,” he said. “Every company we work with is now asking for new hires who can automate processes and produce reports in a short time using modern AI tools.”

    He emphasized that early exposure is critical in ensuring students are not left behind as workplaces evolve.

    “That’s why children matter. It is far better to train them while they are still in school so that when they enter the workforce, they already understand how the new world operates,” he explained.

    The Inzira AI Summer Camp is scheduled to begin on July 13 at Kigali Parents School in Kimironko. The curriculum is built around current labor market needs and includes modules such as AI automation for business processes and prompt engineering, which focuses on how to effectively communicate with AI systems to generate accurate outputs.

    Organizers say the program will also include interactive and practical activities designed to make learning engaging while maintaining critical thinking skills.

    “Our lead coach has extensive experience and has implemented similar programs in Kenya and Nigeria,” Kabirigi said. “We have developed a safe approach to teaching AI that does not make students lazy and preserves their critical thinking skills.”

    HC Solutions believes the initiative represents a model for future skills development programs linking education to employment readiness.

    “We believe this will be the first of its kind run by a company with deep roots in the labour market,” Kalisa said. “It will bring a dynamic shift in how students see themselves now and in the future.”

    The organisers also plan to expand the training beyond students, targeting working professionals who may need support adapting to AI-driven workplace changes.

    “In everything we do today, incorporating technology makes work better,” Kabirigi said. “Finance uses it, health uses it, every sector benefits from technology to improve efficiency, save time, and reduce costs. After this program, we plan to scale it to the existing labour force.”

    Rwanda recently strengthened its national focus on artificial intelligence through the approval of a new National Artificial Intelligence Agency by the Cabinet on June 8. The move is part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at promoting innovation, strengthening AI governance, and ensuring the safe and responsible use of emerging technologies across sectors.

    The new agency is expected to coordinate AI development, support capacity building, and enhance data governance frameworks while encouraging innovation in both the public and private sectors. It also reflects Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a regional leader in responsible AI adoption, with a strong emphasis on ethical standards and inclusive technological growth.

  • Protest staged in Geneva against upcoming G7 summit

    Protest staged in Geneva against upcoming G7 summit

    The protest is organized by a “No G7” coalition of multiple groups and organizations, in what they describe as an effort to resist “fascism and imperialism”.

    Swiss police had earlier expected that about 50,000 people would participate.

    Protesters gathered at a park beside Lake Geneva and started to march slowly along a designated route across the town. A white boat was seen passing by on the lake, with words on its sail reading “No G7”.

    Protesters held up various placards with slogans such as “G7 = no future” and “No to G7”.

    The protest proceeded largely peacefully and in an orderly manner, until explosions were heard and black smoke was seen rising. A Tesla car was seen set on fire.

    The Geneva cantonal police announced that they have seized dangerous objects and items of camouflage, including knives, axes, gas canisters and firecrackers, among other things, near the demonstration areas.

    The protest has caused disruptions to public transport in Geneva, with several trolleybus lines suspended from noon, the tram network largely adjusted, and some bus routes also modified, according to authorities.

    The G7 summit will bring together leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, as well as the European Union (EU), to discuss responses to what France described as an increasingly unstable international environment.

    The G7 summit triggered major riots in Geneva in 2003 when it was first held in the French town of Evian, less than 50 kilometers away from Geneva.

    Ahead of this year’s summit, the Swiss authorities have announced the deployment of some 4,000 military personnel while closing most of its 35 border crossings with France.

    The protest proceeded largely peacefully and in an orderly manner, until explosions were heard and black smoke was seen rising. A Tesla car was seen set on fire.
    A person throws a tear gas canister, amid clashes with riot police officers during a protest against the upcoming G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains in France, in Geneva, Switzerland, June 14, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
    Protesters held up various placards with slogans such as “G7 = no future” and “No to G7”.
  • President Kagame, EU special representative discuss eastern DRC crisis and regional stability

    President Kagame, EU special representative discuss eastern DRC crisis and regional stability

    According to a communiqué from the Office of the President, the meeting centered on the need for concrete action to tackle the root causes of insecurity in eastern DRC and advance a sustainable path to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

    The discussions come at a critical moment for regional peace efforts. Rwanda and the DRC signed the Washington Accord on December 4, 2025, a landmark agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict and mistrust in the region.

    Among its key provisions is the dismantling of the FDLR, an armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that Rwanda maintains continues to pose a security threat. The agreement also outlines the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures upon the neutralisation of the group.

    At the same time, parallel peace talks between the AFC/M23 rebel coalition and the DRC government remain pending in Doha, Qatar. The negotiations are viewed as an important complement to regional and international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
    Ambassador Borgstam’s visit is part of EU efforts to support ongoing initiatives to restore peace and stability in the region.

    Separately on Sunday, President Kagame also received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth and reviewed preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be hosted in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

    Their discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and continued collaboration within the Commonwealth as Rwanda works closely with member states on shared development and governance priorities.

    President Paul Kagame on Sunday met with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Great Lakes Region Ambassador Johan Borgstam at Urugwiro Village, where discussions focused on regional developments and ongoing efforts to address the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
    President Kagame also received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth and reviewed preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be hosted in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.