This marked Ambassador Dombe’s first official visit to the Rwandan Senate, aimed at familiarizing himself with the institution and its operations.
Following the meeting, Senate President Dr. Kalinda stated: “We discussed the strong existing relations between Rwanda and Angola, which are founded on cooperation across various sectors. The two countries have signed multiple bilateral agreements in areas such as the economy, technology, education, and agriculture. We specifically emphasized the importance of implementing these agreements, with a particular focus on trade and investment.”
Rwanda and Angola maintain bilateral agreements in mining and diplomatic cooperation, and have also waived visa requirements for each other’s citizens, further strengthening ties.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Olivier Nduhungirehe, in November 2024, reaffirmed the growing partnership between the two nations.
He also commended Angola’s role in facilitating peace dialogues on the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and assured Rwanda’s continued collaboration with Angola to promote peace, security, and regional development.
The Commission’s trade spokesperson, Olof Gill, said the decision was adopted under an emergency procedure and will require formal approval by a simple majority of member states within two weeks. The tariffs were scheduled to take effect on Aug. 7.
“The Commission has today adopted necessary legal procedures to suspend the implementation of our European Union (EU) countermeasures,” Gill told a press briefing in Brussels, adding that the regulation would be published in the EU’s official journal later the same day.
Ahead of this announcement, there has been mounting criticism from key member states, including France and Germany. German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has expressed frustration at what he described as a “weak” negotiating stance by the EU during the trade talks with the United States.
“I think we were too weak. We can’t be satisfied with the result that was achieved,” Klingbeil said, referring to the agreement reached late last month between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Under the deal, most EU imports to the United States will face a 15-percent tariff, while the bloc has pledged to purchase more American energy products and increase investment in the U.S. market.
Gill expressed surprise at Klingbeil’s remarks, noting that member states had been “fully briefed” and had supported a negotiated outcome to avoid tariff escalation.
The spokesperson said the suspension would remain in place for six months, during which implementation of the broader understanding would continue. If commitments are not met, Gill noted, the EU retains the right to reactivate its countermeasures. (1 euro = 1.16 dollar)
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe made the announcement during a strategic engagement with Harare City Councillors and municipal officials on Monday. He emphasised that informal trade has severely undermined the viability of formal businesses in Harare’s central business district.
“The proliferation of street and night vending has destroyed the viability of formal businesses in our city,” Minister Garwe stated.
“The government has therefore moved to ban the importation and sale of second-hand clothes, as well as all forms of street vending.”
According to Garwe, informal trading spaces have not only disrupted regulated commerce but have also become hotspots for illicit drug activities and other underground dealings, posing threats to public health and national security.
To ensure effective enforcement, the Minister urged Harare City Council to collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). He also called for a humane and community-sensitive approach when implementing the new directive, referencing past incidents in which vendors were mistreated during clean-up campaigns.
“Enforcement should not be about being tough or brutal,” he said. “Let us engage with vendor associations and educate the public while upholding law and order.”
In addition to the crackdown on informal trading, Garwe pressed city authorities to urgently address Harare’s worsening traffic congestion, which he described as “unacceptable.”
He encouraged the reinforcement of municipal by-laws to improve the capital’s overall functionality and flow.
“Restoring order in our city is not optional,” he added. “We must act now to preserve the integrity of formal businesses and the safety of our communities.”
The ban is expected to impact thousands who rely on vending for their livelihoods.
This financing agreement represents a major step forward in Rwanda’s industrial transformation agenda under Vision 2050, the country’s long-term development framework aimed at achieving high standards of living for all Rwandans through sustained economic growth, social transformation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Located just 10 kilometers from Bugesera International Airport and 50 kilometers from Kigali, BSEZ is strategically positioned to become a dynamic hub for light manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.
By mobilizing local capital to fund early-stage infrastructure development, including internal roads, utilities, and site readiness, BK and BRD are turning a long-term vision into tangible progress.
A key highlight of this agreement is the inclusion of $10 million in green financing, offered at concessionary rates to support initiatives aligned with national sustainability and climate resilience objectives.
BSEZ spans 335 hectares and is being developed in phases. Phase 1, covering approximately 75 hectares, is already operational and hosts a growing number of regional and international manufacturers across light industry, agro-processing, and logistics.
It provides plug-and-play infrastructure, ready-to-use plots, and access to utilities, demonstrating the zone’s capacity to deliver on Rwanda’s industrial vision. The zone forms a cornerstone of Rwanda’s strategy to attract high-value investment, promote export competitiveness, encourage import substitution, foster local raw material transformation, and create sustainable jobs.
Commenting on the development, the Managing Director of BSEZ Arnab Bose, stated:
“Today marks a defining milestone as BSEZ achieves financial closure, reaffirming ARISE IIP’s commitment to Rwanda’s industrial future. With $52 million secured, $33 million from BK and $19 million from BRD, including $10 million in green financing. We are proud to partner with BK and BRD to catalyze inclusive, sustainable industrial development.”
Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali also expressed the bank’s pride in funding the project. “The Bugesera Special Economic Zone is a bold step toward realizing Rwanda’s industrial vision. At BK, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey. Financing a project of this scale is not just a demonstration of our confidence in its potential, but a testament to Rwanda’s growing ability to shape its own development path. We are honored to help turn this vision into reality,” she noted.
Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, CEO of the Development Bank of Rwanda, added: “We are excited to be backing a project that ticks every box: it’s strategic, it’s sustainable, and it puts Rwanda’s people and potential front and centre. This is the kind of investment that moves the needle, not just for industrialization, but for inclusive and sustainable growth. We are proud to collaborate with BK and Bugesera SEZ Ltd. to deliver meaningful, long-term impact.”
As part of its commitment to green finance, BRD continues to champion climate-resilient investments through initiatives like Ireme Invest, which ensures that large-scale infrastructure projects like BSEZ are developed with environmental sustainability at their core. By integrating climate considerations into its financing decisions, BRD is helping to ensure that Rwanda’s industrialization is not only inclusive but also aligned with the country’s long-term climate goals.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels. The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations. BK continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
{{About the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD)}}
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), established in 1967, has played a vital role in financing projects that advance national development, especially in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, affordable housing, green finance, and export growth. With a strong mandate to support Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, BRD provides long-term, affordable, and tailored financing to sectors critical to national progress. It remains a key enabler of the National Strategy for Transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
{{About Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ)}}
Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) is Rwanda’s leading industrial hub. Formed in 2023 through a public-private partnership between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE IIP, BSEZ represents a $100 million investment. Strategically located 50 kilometers from Kigali and 10 kilometers from the new Bugesera International Airport, the 335-hectare zone offers serviced industrial land, world-class infrastructure, and direct access to regional and global markets.
Designed as a fully integrated ecosystem, BSEZ promotes sustainable manufacturing, raw material transformation, and export-led growth, contributing directly to Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a competitive, green industrial economy.
He made these remarks on August 4, 2025, while presenting the ratification bill for the peace agreement to the Rwandan Senate. The agreement was signed in Washington D.C., United States in June 2025.
The accord includes four key components: the dismantling of the FDLR rebel group, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, economic cooperation between the two countries, and a political section that commits both governments to support ongoing talks between the DRC and the M23/AFC, as well as facilitation for the voluntary repatriation of refugees.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe emphasized that while Rwanda remains optimistic about the deal, there are still notable concerns, which have also been communicated to the mediators involved in the process.
First, he pointed out that it is not the first time Rwanda and the DRC have signed peace agreements that were never fully honored.
“There have been many agreements signed by the Government of the DRC over the past 25 years, more than ten, but most of them have never been implemented. Many of these agreements specifically addressed the need to dismantle the FDLR and to resolve the long-standing persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities,” he said.
The second concern, according to Minister Nduhungirehe, relates to the inconsistency between the spirit of dialogue and the actions taking place on the ground in the DRC.
“We informed the mediators that the Congolese government is continuing to acquire weapons, including drones, and has recently hired new foreign mercenaries from Colombia to replace previous ones from Romania. FARDC [the Congolese army] has also deployed additional troops near areas controlled by the M23,” he explained.
The third concern raised was the conduct of some Congolese officials who, after signing peace commitments, begin to distort the content of the agreements in public statements.
He recalled a specific incident involving Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula during negotiations with Dr. Vincent Biruta in Luanda in 2024, where Minister Lutundula committed to providing a clear plan to dismantle the FDLR. But once he returned to the DRC, he publicly denied even knowing who the FDLR were.
He also referenced the recent shift in rhetoric by Vital Kamerhe, Speaker of the DRC National Assembly. “On July 16, he gave a commendable speech supporting peace and called for both parliaments to endorse the agreement. Yet just days later in Geneva, he launched a harsh attack against Rwanda, making numerous unfounded accusations that completely undermined the peace message.”
{{Can mediators hold the DRC accountable?}}
Minister Nduhungirehe said all these concerns have been clearly communicated to the mediators, who have to ensure that the DRC honors its commitments. He stressed that while failure to implement the agreement would be unfortunate, Rwanda will remain vigilant.
“If the agreement is not implemented, it will be regrettable. But regarding our national security, Rwanda will continue to take precautionary measures. Our defense strategies will remain in place until the agreement is fulfilled,” he said.
He expressed hope that the broad coalition of mediators involved in the Washington agreement could influence the DRC’s compliance, especially since many of them hold significant regional and global weight.
“What’s new in this agreement is the number of mediators involved—more than in previous efforts—including actors like the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission. We believe that this expanded and more powerful group of mediators could help make a difference in ensuring this agreement is actually implemented,” he added.
Ntahontuye was appointed just eight months after he was named Minister of Finance, Budget, and Planning.
His new role was officially confirmed by the Burundian Senate on the same day, shortly after it elected its new leadership, headed by Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Ntahontuye holds a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Burundi. He has worked in the fields of planning and research with several international organizations, including Care International, Oxfam, and the Global Fund, both within Burundi and across the region.
Before being appointed Minister of Finance in December 2024, Ntahontuye served as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee responsible for monitoring public resource management, finance, economic affairs, and national planning.
Addressing provincial leaders in North Kivu during a high-level meeting held in Goma on August 4, 2025, Gen. Makenga stressed that meaningful change cannot be achieved through words alone but must be reflected in actions on the ground.
“Change must be demonstrated through action,” he said. “As leaders, the people you serve must see the difference in the way you govern. The country has been in disarray for far too long, and restoring order will take time. But the roadmap exists and with collective effort, including yours and ours, transformation is possible.”
He emphasised that the process of change must begin from within the movement itself, urging fighters and leaders to embody the values they aspire to promote.
“Transformation starts with us. We must show our people and the world that we are not the same. You cannot change someone else if you have not changed yourself,” he added.
Gen. Makenga also denounced the practices that have plagued the Congolese state, including the looting of national resources and systemic corruption. He said the AFC/M23 must commit to ending such behaviours and focus on restoring peace and stability in the country.
The rebel group controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC and is currently in talks with the Kinshasa administration in a Qatar-led process to end the longstanding stalemate.
The crises in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been driving an average of 600 people to cross the border daily in search of safety and lifesaving aid, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing, citing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Uganda is already the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the third largest globally, said Haq.
Uganda’s progressive refugee policy allows refugees to live, work and access public services, but funding shortfalls are drastically impacting aid delivery and threaten to undo years of progress, he said.
Currently, Uganda’s refugee response is only 25 percent funded, and UNHCR is calling for more urgent and sustained international support and solidarity to ensure refugees and their local communities can live safe and more dignified lives, said the spokesperson.
The milestone event brought together local leaders, long-standing clients, and community members, alongside the bank’s leadership and board. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to BPR’s founding values.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, served as the guest of honor, accompanied by Kayonza District Mayor, John Bosco Nyemanzi, and Nkamba Sector Executive, Emmanuel Bisangwa.
Senior management and board members of BPR Bank were also in attendance.
As part of the celebration, BPR Bank Rwanda PLC donated 20 sewing machines to the Ruramira Tailors’ Cooperative and pledged 3,000 roofing sheets to the Kayonza District administration to support vulnerable families in need of shelter.
The bank also refurbished the building where it first opened its doors five decades ago. This building was transformed into a modern hub for the Ruramira Tailors’ Cooperative, supporting entrepreneurship and local skills development.
Ludoviko Nsengiyumva, 79, the first person to open a BPR Bank account, shared his inspiring story. He recalled how he lost his savings in a house fire while living in a traditional grass-thatched home—a painful experience that prompted him to entrust his money to the newly established bank.
He praised BPR’s contribution to community development, highlighting how it instilled a culture of saving and financial security. “Thanks to BPR Bank Rwanda PLC, many of us have been able to grow and achieve economic stability,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of more than 80 tailors, Aulerie Kantarama expressed heartfelt gratitude for the bank’s donation.
“We will use these tools to improve our lives and contribute to the development of our district and the country,” she said. “Young mothers facing hardship will now have a place to learn and grow. In the past, we lacked a permanent workspace, but today, we finally have a stable home where our business can thrive.”
In her remarks, BPR Bank Managing Director Patience Mutesi reflected on the bank’s origin and impact: “This place holds not only our origin but our enduring promise to the people of Rwanda. Fifty years ago, BPR began with a simple but powerful mission — to bring banking closer to the people and to empower communities. Today, we honor that legacy not just in words, but by transforming this former branch into a space where women in Nkamba can gather, tailor, train, and grow together.”
This transformation is repurposed into a safe and practical space for women to carry out tailoring activities, peer-to-peer learning, and build self-reliance. The initiative is a tangible example of the bank’s tagline: “For People, For Better.”
George Rubagumya, Chairman of the BPR Board of Directors, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to continue walking with customers along the development journey.
“This is more than a celebration. It’s a reaffirmation of our promise. The trust we’ve built over five decades is what carries us forward. What we launch here today is not only a tribute to our past, but a statement about our future — empowering communities, one step at a time,” he noted.
Pascal Nyiringango, Board Director representing local shareholders, reaffirmed the Board’s support toward inclusive growth initiatives, while also outlining plans for continued investment in communities that shaped the institution’s growth.
Governor Rubingisa also hailed the bank’s legacy of empowering citizens. “What we witness today is more than a commemoration — it is a powerful reminder that when institutions stay rooted in community, they grow with the people. BPR Bank’s legacy in Nkamba is proof that sustainable progress begins at the grassroots, and I commend this initiative that empowers our citizens, especially women, with dignity and opportunity,” he noted.
Looking to the future, the bank announced a pledge to donate roofing sheets to Kayonza District in support of a planned construction project in 2026, reinforcing BPR’s long-term commitment to impactful partnerships.
This celebration is part of a series of events commemorating 50 years of BPR Bank’s transformation journey, rooted in values of closer, connected, and courageous.
The legislation, comprising 111 articles, was passed on August 4, 2025, following a thorough article-by-article review that lasted several hours. According to the Chamber’s Committee on Social Affairs, which scrutinised the draft, 20 articles were added for clarity while 29 were removed.
Committee chairperson Uwamariya Veneranda noted that one of the most debated provisions concerns assisted reproduction, which will be available to married couples where a qualified medical professional confirms that natural conception is not possible.
Lawmakers also agreed to lower the minimum age for independent consent to some healthcare services from 18 to 15. MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite supported the move but stressed the need for education and preventive measures, including condom distribution.
“Why don’t we put more effort into giving them condoms, which can also prevent diseases such as HIV?” she said.
Several MPs proposed that parents be informed when minors seek certain services, including family planning.
The law also permits the preservation of gametes and embryos for future reproductive use, as well as surrogacy for individuals with medically confirmed infertility, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
State Minister for Health Dr. Yvan Butera clarified that the provisions do not grant unrestricted access to all family planning services for 15-year-olds.
“The services for adolescents will be clearly defined in the regulations. For instance, permanent sterilisation will not be allowed,” he said.
The bill was first tabled before Parliament on November 5, 2024, before undergoing review by the Committee on Social Affairs.
