The AG 431 seed was officially launched on February 5, 2026, in the districts of Gatsibo and Nyagatare.
Research conducted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) shows that the AG 431 maize variety is well adapted to climate variability, performing reliably under different weather conditions.
The seed was selected from four maize varieties that underwent field trials in 2025 and was later approved by the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) for commercial use.
Farmers from Gatsibo and Nyagatare were among the first to be introduced to the new variety, which is currently being multiplied on 60 hectares in the Southern Province. Early adopters say the seed produces nearly double the yield compared to traditional maize varieties.
Haruna Muvunyi, a farmer from Kanyangese Cell in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District, said he planted the maize seed to test its performance and was impressed by the results.
“Considering that this is a new seed, on five acres of land you would normally not harvest more than 50 kilograms. But with this new variety, the yield is double that,” he said.
Muvunyi encouraged other farmers to adopt the seed due to its high productivity.
Djonga Mnyaradzi, Seed Production Manager at AATF, said the AG 431 maize variety is tolerant to both drought and excessive rainfall. He noted that it performs particularly well during dry seasons and yields even better when soil moisture is adequate.
“When rainfall is sufficient or well distributed, the yields are very high. This gives farmers confidence even in the face of climate change, whether it brings heavy rainfall or prolonged dry spells,” he explained.
The RAB Director for Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts, Kayumba John, said all maize seed grown in the country is locally multiplied and urged farmers to use certified seeds for market-oriented farming.
“The advantage of this new seed is that farmers are involved from the beginning. Whenever a new seed is released, we invite them to see and compare it with what they have been using. This removes doubts about quality,” he said, adding that the new variety contributes to national food self-sufficiency.
Currently, Rwanda has about 30 seed multiplication entities, including private seed companies and farmers’ cooperatives. Agriculture officials note that while all improved seeds used in Rwanda are locally produced, adoption among farmers remains below 60 percent.
According to a ministry statement, 143,164 people have been evacuated across several provinces at risk of flooding. The province of Larache, including the city of Ksar El Kebir and surrounding villages, is the worst affected, with 110,941 residents displaced.
The statement added that gradual evacuation operations are continuing based on the severity of potential damage, with logistical support provided to ensure the safe transport of those affected.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology warned Thursday that heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected to continue across numerous provinces in the coming days.
Sassou Nguesso made the announcement at the opening of the country’s first major agricultural fair, which will run through Feb. 15 at the Bambou-Mingali site in the district of Ignie, about 60 km north of Brazzaville.
“I will continue to support the agricultural drive that I decided to launch in 2021. Therefore, I declare myself a candidate for the March presidential election,” he said.
In the election, the incumbent president will run as the candidate of the Presidential Majority, a coalition comprising 18 political parties. The parties signed a joint declaration on Feb. 2 endorsing Sassou Nguesso’s candidacy.
During the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) on February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the progress achieved since the program’s implementation.
NST2 is designed to strengthen Rwanda’s economy over five years, with a focus on strategic sectors that contribute to sustainable growth.
According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda’s economy is growing at an encouraging rate where it currently stands at 8.7%. Quarterly growth stood at 6.5% in the first quarter, 7.8% in the second, and 11.8% in the third.
This growth was driven by agriculture, industry, and services, with agriculture expanding by 7% (up from 5% in 2024), industry by 10%, and services by 9% on average.
“These results show that our economy is steadily gaining momentum, giving confidence that we are on track to achieve our goal,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said.
The growth in production across sectors has been complemented by policies to create jobs for Rwandans. As a result, the unemployment rate fell from 16.8% in 2024 to 11.7% by the end of 2025, down from 24.3% in 2022.
NST2 had set a goal of creating 250,000 jobs annually. By the end of 2025, over 800,000 jobs had been generated since 2024, with more than 760,000 or 93% being non-agricultural positions.
Exports also recorded strong growth, rising from $3.5 billion in 2023/2024 to $5.7 billion, marking a significant increase, on track toward a target of $7 billion by 2029.
“This growth in exports is helping narrow the trade deficit and strengthen Rwanda’s capacity for self-reliance,” the Prime Minister noted.
Revenue collection also improved, reaching 3,000.2 billion Rwandan francs, while domestic savings rose from 12% to 15.6% of GDP. The government continued investing in the “Ejo Heza” saving scheme, with Rwf 52.8 billion mobilized in 2024/2025, alongside reforms to Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs).
Private investment increased from $2.2 billion to $2.7 billion, with a long-term target of $4.6 billion annually.
Dr. Nsengiyumva emphasized that these achievements in just two years demonstrate Rwanda’s potential, while urging continued collaboration to fully realize NST2’s objectives.
In agriculture, fertilizer use has more than doubled since 2017, reaching 74 kg per hectare, with a target of 94.6 kg per hectare by 2029. Irrigated land expanded from 71,000 hectares in 2023/2024 to over 74,000 hectares, with a long-term goal of 134,000 hectares. Terracing projects now cover 146,000 hectares, aiming for 167,000, and mechanized terraces exceed 1.04 million hectares.
In livestock, annual milk production has grown from over 700 million liters in 2017 to more than 1 billion liters.
Industry development continues to be a priority, focusing on mining, agro-processing, livestock, and construction materials. Yet, challenges remain, including low productivity in agriculture, livestock, and industry, which affects prices. Targeted measures are being implemented to boost output.
Industrial zones in Rwamagana, Musanze, Muhanga, Bugesera, and Kigali have been strengthened to increase production, create jobs, and enhance value chains for international trade.
Mining sector output rose by 12% from 9% in 2023, while industrial production in 2025 averaged an 8% increase. Tourism earnings grew to $647 million from $620 million, with a target of $1.1 billion under NST2.
Investments in tourism infrastructure, including Kigali’s new airport and hosting international events, support this growth. In 2024/2025, this sector contributed $108 million, up from $95 million, with a target of $224 million.
Rwanda also hosted global events, including the Cycling World Championship and archery competitions, boosting its international profile.
The development of urban master plans is progressing, with 25 of 28 completed. Access to electricity reached 82.9% of households and 89% in development zones, up from 86% at NST2’s start.
In the energy sector, the government has begun constructing energy storage facilities while expanding electricity generation through several projects.
These include the Nyabarongo II hydropower plant, expected to provide 58 MW; the peat plant in Gishoma producing 15 MW; a methane gas project with a capacity of 100 MW; and the peat power plant in Gisagara, which has been upgraded to deliver 80 MW, up from the current 25 MW.
Access to clean water now reaches 84% of all villages, up from 80% in 2023/2024.
In recent years, water treatment plants have been established, including the Saki plant with a capacity of 11,000 cubic meters per day and the Ngororero plant producing just over 3,000 cubic meters daily. Efforts have also been intensified to reduce water loss in distribution networks.
Road construction and maintenance have been strengthened to improve connectivity for farmers and livestock producers, helping them bring their products to markets. The country now has around 4,200 kilometers of feeder roads, 600 kilometers of national roads, while new projects are expanding heavily used routes in Kigali and modernizing intersections using advanced technology.
To improve public transport in Kigali, the government has introduced the Ecofleet company to enhance service delivery in the sector.
Rwanda has reduced air pollution by 28%, with a target of 38% by 2029. To achieve this, wetland restoration projects have been launched alongside a large-scale tree-planting program aiming to plant 72 million trees, of which over 26 million have already been planted.
In healthcare, the Prime Minister highlighted significant improvements. Maternal mortality has decreased from 105 per 100,000 in 2023/2024 to 97 per 100,000 in 2025, while under-five mortality dropped from 45 to 39.4 per 1,000 children.
The government has prioritized expanding the healthcare workforce fourfold and accelerating key projects, including Masaka Hospital, the expansion of King Faisal Hospital, and facilities in Ruhengeri, Muhororo, and Kabgayi.
In education, major reforms this year have focused on improving the quality of learning and aligning it with labor market needs.
Rwanda continues to work with the private sector to develop technical, vocational, and skills-based schools to produce a more skilled workforce.
The goal is to increase the proportion of students in technical and vocational programs from 38% to 60% of all secondary school students.
The resources will support targeted initiatives to empower women in rural communities, while addressing gaps in other critical sectors.
The plan was officially launched on February 4, 2026. UN Women has already secured $3.5 million, or about 55% of the required funding.
Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative in Rwanda, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with various institutions to bridge existing gaps.
She noted that agreements have been signed with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Equity Bank, and I&M Bank, alongside collaboration with various government agencies.
This strong governmental backing, she explained, provides a foundation for identifying opportunities for further collaboration to continue advancing women’s empowerment.
Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, reaffirmed the government’s long-standing commitment to partnering with UN Women.
She stressed that, amid global economic pressures, unified efforts among stakeholders are essential to propel initiatives that deliver real benefits for Rwandans, attracting further support along the way.
UN Women focuses globally on advancing women’s rights through leadership development, economic self-reliance, and efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
In Rwanda, the previous 2020–2025 strategic period delivered significant results where over 85,000 people received training on gender-based violence prevention while more than 35,000 survivors (including 26,570 women and 8,876 men) accessed support services.
Furthermore, UN Women has helped 9,000 women obtain loans, trained over 24,000 individuals in economic empowerment, and supported 3,000 women in establishing their own small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the country’s notable advancements in women’s rights and leadership.
He emphasized that future efforts should prioritize inclusive economic growth with women at the center, aligning with Rwanda’s ambitions to reach middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.
While international support from the UN, other organizations, and financial partners remains valuable, Ozonnia said, building a robust domestic economic foundation will be crucial for long-term success.
UN Women first began operations in Rwanda in 1996 as UNIFEM and was rebranded as UN Women Rwanda in 2010.
Its ongoing mission centers on advocating for gender equality, empowering women, and combating violence against them, positioning the agency as a committed partner in Rwanda’s development journey.
The Head of State made the remarks during the 20th edition of Umushyikirano, Rwanda’s National Dialogue Council.
“The UN is everybody, but at the same time it is nobody. The international community is all of us, but actually it is none of us when it comes to some of these problems,” Kagame said, arguing that the lack of clear accountability often leaves Rwanda unfairly blamed for issues it did not create.
Kagame highlighted the persistent threat posed by the FDLR militia, formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He noted that while some claim that the fighters are ageing, the ideology is passed down through generations, creating a continuous security risk.
“I meet ambassadors and ministers who ask how many Interahamwe or FDLR are in Congo. […] If you say they are 90 years old, it means they are there. But when children are trained, taught this ideology, and become fighters, how does being 90 years old make the problem irrelevant?” he said.
“The easiest answer for me sometimes is: why don’t you ask the UN forces you put there?” he added.
He also cited the ongoing hate speech from Congolese leaders that perpetuates genocide ideology.
“Even if you think there are few who give such a speech, there are millions who are listening, and among them, they are recruited into that and they become part of the threat that Rwanda faces,” Kagame said.
The President expressed frustration with global actors who, he said, simultaneously create problems that worsen regional tensions. He suggested that this approach has emboldened some leaders, including DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, to continue aggressive rhetoric and policies against Rwanda.
“You can’t create problems for me, blame me for them, and then start threatening me. It’s a daily thing,” he said.
Addressing accusations about the alleged presence of Rwandan forces in the Congo, Kagame dismissed claims that the country is motivated by minerals, saying its posture along the DRC border is purely defensive.
“If we were in Congo for minerals, we would be a hundred times richer than we are now… the threats coming from Congo to do with our security have materialised several times. You just don’t want to see it, you don’t want to hear it,” he said.
He urged the international community to hold the responsible parties accountable rather than placing the burden on Rwanda.
“Congo must own their responsibilities and must not transfer their responsibilities to others who are not responsible for Congo,” Kagame said, stressing that Rwanda’s defensive measures are aimed at protecting its people, not pursuing aggression.
The President concluded by emphasising that solutions exist if the root causes of regional instability are addressed.
“If you address the root causes and simply put responsibility where it belongs and accountability, I think this problem can be resolved,” he said.
Addressing the 20th National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), Kagame dismissed the claims as baseless and used a sharp hypothetical to make his point clear.
“By the way, if we were really in Congo for minerals we would be 100 times richer than we are now,” he said.
President Kagame also challenged the logic behind the repeated questions about Rwanda’s alleged presence in Congo, often centered on minerals.
He explained his standard response to such inquiries: “If you ask whether we are in Congo, do you first ask yourself why would Rwanda be in Congo? Then you would get the answer without asking me.”
He made clear that any discussion of Rwanda’s posture toward eastern Congo must start with long-standing security threats.
“We have told you for the last 30 years about the threats coming from Congo to do with our security and those threats have materialized several times. You just don’t want to see or hear it.”
The Head of State was referring to a threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which continues to spread genocidal ideology.
The group has, at various times, launched attacks on Rwandan territory and has collaborated with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government to shell Rwanda during confrontations with the AFC/M23 rebel coalition. This situation has compelled Rwanda to put in place defensive measures to protect its citizens.
President Kagame also recalled being asked by ambassadors accredited to Rwanda, as well as representatives of other governments, including ministers, whose inquiries appeared to downplay the seriousness of the threat posed by the FDLR.
Reports indicate that as of June 2025, the FDLR was estimated to have between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters, most of whom, including senior leaders, were based in the Walikale and Masisi territories of North Kivu Province.
As he addressed participants of the meeting, Kagame argued that the mineral narrative serves to obscure these defensive necessities and shift blame.
He highlighted that acknowledging Rwanda’s presence, even hypothetically, would conveniently let others “load the problems of Congo on your shoulder,” while ignoring the root causes , persistent threats that have forced Rwanda to take protective measures over decades.
Kagame also recalled a past exchange with a CNN journalist who asked directly about Rwanda’s involvement. His reply at the time was “I don’t know,” which he described as technically safe.
“Simply, that is really technically an answer that I should not have given, but also technically it is an answer that would not take me to court… How would you prosecute an ignorant man who doesn’t even know what you are talking about?”
He stressed that this back-and-forth has trivialized the real issue, security threats originating from eastern Congo, while accusations of mineral motives serve to shift blame away from the actual sources of the problem.
Kagame concluded by reaffirming Rwanda’s position: “We are not responsible for Congo.” He insisted that protecting Rwandans remains non-negotiable: “For protecting our people, that one we shall. There is no question about it.”
In his statement, the military chief did not specify the type or scope of the investigation, but indicated that the ongoing investigation will allow the country “to learn, evaluate and make adjustments” to the transformation plan for Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces, adding that “extremely high technology” was involved.
The remarks were made on Venezuela’s National Dignity Day, an event viewed as a symbol of resistance and political transformation.
Over the past decade, the laboratory has expanded from a single local facility into a national diagnostic provider supporting both public and private healthcare institutions in all four provinces and Kigali City.
The rebrand supports its strategy to integrate regional expertise, standardised quality systems, and scalable operational models to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Commenting on the milestone, Country General Manager Protais Ntezimana said the organisation’s growth has been driven by a focus on efficiency, access, and reliability.
“Over the last ten years, we have focused on building local diagnostic capacity, reducing reliance on overseas testing, and improving turnaround times to support faster clinical decision-making,” he said.
Today, Cerba Lancet Rwanda provides access to advanced diagnostic services that were previously unavailable locally, reducing both the costs of travel abroad and delays for patients and healthcare providers. Turnaround times for specialised tests have been reduced from months to days, supporting improved clinical outcomes and system efficiency.
The laboratory was also the first independent private facility in Rwanda to achieve ISO 15189 accreditation, reflecting alignment with international quality and safety standards.
By forging strategic partnerships with clinics and hospitals nationwide, the organisation has streamlined patient management, improved service delivery, and ensured broader access to timely diagnostics.
Mwende Musunga, East Africa Group CEO, noted that the rebrand reflects Cerba Lancet’s long-term regional strategy. “This transition supports our focus on sustained investment in healthcare systems, knowledge transfer, and operational integration across markets to strengthen diagnostic access and quality,” she said.
The rebrand includes a new visual identity, updated digital platforms, and continued investment in laboratory technology and professional development. These initiatives support the organisation’s long-term objective of strengthening diagnostic capacity while contributing to broader healthcare system resilience.
As Cerba Lancet Rwanda marks its 10th anniversary, it enters its next phase supported by Cerba Lancet Africa’s footprint across 14 countries, technical expertise, and collaborative infrastructure, positioning it to continue expanding access to high-quality diagnostics across Rwanda.
{{About Cerba Lancet Rwanda }}
Cerba Lancet Rwanda is a leading pathology and laboratory medicine service provider in Rwanda. It provides vital diagnostic, monitoring, and screening testing from routine, to specialized and esoteric tests.
It operates ethically, efficiently, and effectively, striving to continually improve its services by remaining at the cutting edge of technology while adhering to international criteria set out according to ISO Standard 15189.
Cerba Lancet Rwanda is part of Cerba Lancet Africa, a leading network of clinical pathology and medical diagnosis in Africa, with the ambition to become the leading diagnostic services provider in Africa, bringing world-class standards of pathology services to patients and medical communities across the continent.
Cerba Lancet Africa operated a network of 160+ laboratories across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Now marking its 33rd edition, Fruit Logistica has drawn 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries, together with trade visitors arriving from more than 150 nations.
The fair functions as a vital global hub, bringing together farmers, suppliers, buyers, logistics specialists, and innovation leaders from across the entire fresh produce supply chain.
Rwanda is represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwandan Embassy in Germany and 15 local companies specializing in horticultural exports.
These participants are using the platform to highlight the quality of Rwandan produce, establish valuable new business relationships, deepen their understanding of international markets, and expand their export opportunities.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar has told IGIHE that the trade fair is a major opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its agricultural produce to the global market.
“This strong visibility helps position Rwanda as an attractive destination for fruit and vegetable exports,” he said.
The Rwandan team has been actively engaging with global counterparts, including following up on partnerships formed during the country’s participation in the previous edition of the fair.
Taking part in such a prominent international gathering is expected to create fresh export pathways for Rwanda and further solidify the country’s presence in the global fruit and vegetable trade.
Rwanda has continued to build momentum in horticultural production and exports. In the final week of January 2026, from January 26 to 30, the country generated more than USD 10.85 million through the shipment of roughly 8,500 tonnes of agricultural products.
This included 427 tonnes of vegetables that brought in USD 474,594, shipped mainly to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, and other African markets.
During the same period, 627 tonnes of fruits were exported for USD 745,216, with principal destinations being the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Spain, and various African countries.
Rwanda also sent 30 tonnes of flowers abroad, earning USD 250,468, primarily to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Beyond these horticultural items, 5,787 tonnes of other agricultural and livestock products were exported, contributing an additional USD 2.9 million, with key markets including the United States, Oman, and African nations.
Earlier, in December 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources confirmed that Rwanda’s combined agricultural exports for the full year had surpassed USD 893 million.
Guided by the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the country is working toward a clear goal of raising annual foreign exchange earnings from these sectors to USD 1.5 billion by 2029, supported by sustained efforts to boost production volumes, improve quality standards, and strengthen access to international markets.
