The Rwandan Presidency confirmed that the message was delivered by Hichilema’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe, on Friday afternoon.
However, the Presidency did not disclose any further details regarding the content of the message.
The relationship between Rwanda and Zambia has been longstanding, marked by collaboration aimed at promoting the well-being of both countries’ citizens.
During President Kagame’s visit to Zambia in April 2022, both nations signed several bilateral agreements covering areas such as taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
As part of that visit, the Zambian government granted Rwanda 10,000 hectares of land for agricultural projects, reinforcing their commitment to advancing agricultural development.
In June 2023, President Hichilema visited Rwanda at the invitation of President Kagame, accompanied by officials from various sectors, to discuss ways to further strengthen their partnership.
The two presidents also met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2024, during the African Union summit, where they held talks to deepen bilateral ties.
The fires, which erupted earlier this week, have devastated neighbourhoods and left the nation’s second-largest city on high alert.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has obliterated more than 5,300 structures, while the Eaton Fire has accounted for over 5,000.
Both fires rank among California’s five most destructive wildfires, with damage estimates reaching as high as $150 billion.
Entire communities in scenic areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu have been reduced to ash, leaving behind only smouldering rubble and charred remnants of landmarks like the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel.
Efforts to contain the fires have been met with significant challenges. Hurricane-force winds earlier in the week spread embers that ignited hillsides, while dry conditions have kept the flames alive.
Although calmer winds allowed some progress, meteorologists warn that this respite may be brief. Adding to the challenges, a firefighting plane was grounded after being struck by a civilian drone, an act that is both illegal and dangerous.
The fires have not only destroyed homes but also ravaged vital community structures, including schools, places of worship, and businesses. The Hollywood Hills fire, which threatened the iconic Hollywood Bowl, was successfully subdued with water drops from aircraft, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted.
“All our memories, all our sentimental attachments, things that were gifted from generation to generation to generation are now gone,” one of the victims told the media.
Among the 10 confirmed fatalities are Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy. They were unable to evacuate in time. Cadaver dogs are combing through the rubble as officials fear the death toll may rise.
California’s escalating wildfire crisis is linked to climate change, which has extended fire seasons and created conditions for larger and more destructive blazes.
The state has experienced an increase in so-called “weather whiplash,” where wet winters encourage vegetation growth, only for subsequent dry periods to turn it into tinder. This cycle has made January wildfires—once rare—a grim new reality.
While firefighters made significant gains on Thursday, containment remains elusive. Dry winds, including the notorious Santa Ana winds, are forecast to return, complicating efforts. The state’s prolonged drought and the lack of substantial rainfall since May have exacerbated the situation, leaving Los Angeles uniquely vulnerable to these disasters.
As evacuation shelters fill and residents face the loss of homes and livelihoods, curfews have been imposed to prevent looting. The psychological strain on those affected is immense, further compounded by a mistaken countywide evacuation warning sent to millions.
With two of the fires now ranked among the most destructive in California’s history, Los Angeles faces a long road to recovery.
Despite falling inflation, improving labor market conditions, and monetary easing, global growth is predicted to remain below the pace seen before the pandemic, and the world economy continues to face significant uncertainties, the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report says.
The report forecasts the world economy will increase 2.9 percent in 2026.
The report says that lower inflation and ongoing monetary easing in many economies could provide a modest boost to global economic activity in 2025. However, uncertainty still looms large, with risks stemming from geopolitical conflicts, rising trade tensions and elevated borrowing costs in many countries.
These challenges are particularly acute for low income and vulnerable countries, where sub-par and fragile growth threatens to further undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Growth in the United States is projected to moderate from 2.8 percent in 2024 to 1.9 percent in 2025, as labor markets soften and consumer spending slows.
Europe is expected to recover modestly, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from 0.9 percent in 2024 to 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by easing inflation and resilient labor markets, though fiscal tightening and long-term challenges, such as weak productivity growth and an ageing population, continue to weigh on the economic outlook.
East Asia is forecast to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025 — driven by China’s projected stable growth of 4.8 percent — supported by robust private consumption across the region.
South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region, with GDP growth projected at 5.7 percent in 2025, led by India’s 6.6 percent expansion.
Africa is forecast to grow modestly from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025, thanks to recoveries in major economies including Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Despite continued expansion, the global economy is projected to grow at a slower pace than the 2010-2019 (pre-pandemic) average of 3.2 percent, the report says. “This subdued performance reflects ongoing structural challenges such as weak investment, slow productivity growth, high debt levels, and demographic pressures.”
Global inflation is projected to decline from 4 percent in 2024 to 3.4 percent in 2025, providing some relief to households and businesses. Major central banks are expected to further cut interest rates this year as inflationary pressures continue to ease.
Yet, inflation in many developing countries is expected to remain above recent historical averages, with one in five projected to face double-digit levels in 2025.
In particular, food inflation remains elevated, with nearly half of developing countries experiencing rates above 5 percent in 2024. “This has deepened food insecurity in low income countries,” the report warns.
For developing economies, easing global financial conditions could help reduce borrowing costs, but access to capital remains uneven, according to the report. Many low-income countries continue to grapple with high debt-servicing burdens and limited access to international financing.
The report emphasizes that governments should seize any fiscal space created by monetary easing to prioritize investments in sustainable development, especially in critical social sectors.
The report calls for bold multilateral action to address the interconnected crises of debt, inequality, and climate change.
“Monetary easing alone will not be sufficient to reinvigorate global growth or bridge widening disparities. Governments must avoid overly restrictive fiscal policies and instead focus on mobilizing investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and critical social sectors such as health and education,” it says.
Initially expected to grace the occasion, Netanyahu’s absence has sparked speculation over the reasons behind the decision, which range from personal health concerns to legal and diplomatic challenges.
A senior aide to the prime minister confirmed the cancellation, noting that Netanyahu had not received a formal invitation to the ceremony.
While Trump reportedly extended informal invitations to several global leaders, including allies and adversaries, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu was ever invited.
Health concerns were cited as a significant factor where Netanyahu underwent prostate surgery late last month and has been advised to rest, making the trip inadvisable.
However, the decision is also seen in the context of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November, citing alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Although the United States has refused to recognize or enforce the ICC warrant, Netanyahu’s travel risks are heightened by the possibility of an emergency landing in a country that complies with the court’s directives.
This would have been Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since the ICC issued arrest warrants against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The charges stem from the conflict in Gaza, which escalated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, leaving 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to significant destruction and casualties in Gaza, with over 46,700 Palestinians reported dead.
Trump, who has often broken with diplomatic norms, invited several foreign leaders to his inauguration.
These invitations included controversial figures such as Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for his role in a 2023 attempted coup. Bolsonaro has confirmed his invitation but is working to secure his passport in time for the event.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed interest in attending but has not yet confirmed, citing scheduling conflicts. Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation but will send senior officials as his representatives.
Argentine President Javier Milei, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are among the other invitees. Orbán, a close ally of Netanyahu, has publicly assured the Israeli leader that Hungary would not act on the ICC warrant.
Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump has oscillated between camaraderie and tension. The two leaders collaborated closely during Trump’s first presidency, but the bond soured in 2020 when Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory, a move Trump viewed as disloyal.
The relationship appeared to recover in recent months, with Netanyahu visiting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and congratulating him on his election win.
However, Trump’s decision to share a controversial video this week, in which an American professor called Netanyahu a “dark son of a bitch” and accused him of pushing the US toward war with Iran, has reignited questions about the strength of their alliance.
Netanyahu’s decision to cancel his trip underscores the complex challenges he faces, balancing domestic issues, international legal threats, and delicate diplomatic relationships.
For Trump, the absence of a key ally at the ceremony highlights the unpredictable nature of global politics as he prepares to take office as the 47th US president.
It overtook the US to top the latest Global Innovation Scorecard, a biennial ranking of 74 countries and the European Union that the Consumer Trade Association (CTA), a US trade body, has tabulated since 2019.
Out of 25 countries that were named global innovation champions, Singapore received the highest composite score, a jump from its 15th position in 2023.
Rounding off the top five innovative countries were the US, New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland ranked across 16 categories and 56 metrics, making it the most comprehensive analysis to-date, according to the CTA.
The other innovative champions include Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Singapore was presented with the Global Innovation Champion award on Jan 9 at CES, the world’s largest tech fair where companies showcase their latest products and prototypes, in Las Vegas. The four-day exhibition, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, concludes today January 10, 2024.
CTA said its scorecard measures countries on the basis of their political, economic and demographic realities to see how well-placed they are to fuel tech innovation, with the latest edition evaluating countries on a wider range of metrics than before.
While the 2023 scorecard had 40 indicators, the latest one had 56, comprising a range of data sources from agencies such as the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Singapore achieved top scores in four of the 16 categories measured: business environment resilience and data transparency; the pro-innovation nature of its legal environment; its friendliness towards start-ups and small businesses; and its tax policies for companies.
It also scored well in other categories, such as the ethnic and immigrant diversity of its workforce; openness to telehealth and cross-border data flows; and broadband speeds.
CTA chief executive officer Gary Shapiro said in a brief ceremony that the scorecard looked at whether countries have the conditions that catalyze their innovators to invent a better future.
“That means not just evaluating the investment in cutting-edge sectors or red tape for start-ups, but also recognizing that countries that ensure freedom of speech create opportunities for workforce diversity and respect people’s fundamental freedoms,” he said.
“By celebrating the best of the best, our innovation champions, we encourage other countries to follow their lead. As always, the countries that rank highest on the scorecard demonstrate the best of collaboration between government and industry,” he added.
In a Facebook post on Jan 9, Enterprise Singapore said the Republic is proud to be the highest-scoring innovation champion of all the countries evaluated.
“This top honour recognizes Singapore’s skilled workforce, advanced broadband connectivity, entrepreneurial climate and openness to new technologies,” it said.
The event, centered on advancing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, underscored the urgent need to pivot toward self-reliance in food production.
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, set the tone by highlighting Africa’s paradoxical reliance on food imports despite its abundant natural resources. Her call to action was that Africa must harness its potential and invest in its agricultural systems to break this cycle of dependency.
“Our continent spends billions annually importing food while sitting on fertile soils and vast arable lands. This is a contradiction we can no longer afford and innovative solutions must be adopted to transform Africa’s agricultural sector,” she remarked.
Ministers explored avenues for enhancing agricultural productivity, such as policy reforms, research investment, and the adoption of climate-resilient practices. Emphasis was placed on mechanization, irrigation, and value addition to agricultural products as means of creating sustainable food systems.
Nabbanja also underscored the need for regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which she described as a “catalyst for intra-African trade and cooperation.”
Discussions also revisited lessons from the 2023 CAADP review, which revealed persistent challenges in achieving food security and sustainability. Ministers were urged to align their strategies with the Kampala CAADP Agenda, a blueprint for fostering innovation and climate adaptability in agriculture.
Particular focus was given to breaking trade barriers that hinder regional agricultural markets, enabling nations to capitalize on their strengths and share resources effectively. The summit’s resolutions aim to redefine Africa’s agricultural priorities, emphasizing food security, increased productivity, and regional cooperation.
These strategies, once refined, will be presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for adoption. The hope is that these efforts will serve as a turning point for a continent poised to feed not only itself but also the world.
The President criticized the DRC government for continuing to blame Rwanda for the presence of these rebels, despite being well aware of their origins.
Speaking at a press briefing on January 9, 2025, President Kagame stated that the M23 fighters are Congolese, a fact acknowledged by the DRC government, and explained that they are fighting for the rights of their fellow countrymen who were persecuted and forced to flee.
“These are Congolese even to the admission of Congo’s leaders, the past and the present. Now, why are they fighting? Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda originating from that region? Is it because Rwanda wants refugees and attracted them from Congo to come to Rwanda? Do they like fighting?” he wondered.
The President further questioned the narrative that labels the rebels as foreigners, pointing out that such accusations are unfounded.
“[They are involved] in the fighting that is happening in eastern Congo, and you call that violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity. How does it arise? On one hand these are Congolese, on the other hand, they are foreigners. How do they combine these two identities?”
President Kagame emphasized that those who call M23 fighters foreigners are either unaware of or are deliberately ignoring the complex history of the situation in eastern DRC.
He explained that the roots of this conflict go back to colonial times when borders were arbitrarily drawn, and that the M23 rebels did not originate from Rwanda when they resumed fighting in November 2021.
He reminded that when the rebels fled in 2013, most of them went to Uganda, where they regrouped and took up arms again to confront the DRC’s forces in 2021.
This was due to the failure of the Congolese government to address the persecution of Rwandophones, particularly Tutsis.
President Kagame noted that one of the reasons Rwanda is blamed for the situation in eastern DRC is because M23 fighters speak Kinyarwanda, and speaking Kinyarwanda in the DRC has become a pretext for the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
Additionally, President Kagame explained that Rwanda is also blamed due to the presence of the genocidal militia group FDLR in the DRC, which poses a security threat to Rwanda.
He recalled that United Nations peacekeepers deployed to eastern DRC had to handle issues including the dismantling of the FDLR, but despite spending significant resources, they have not made substantial progress.
The President also pointed out that some countries, including former colonial powers in Africa, have created groups of so-called experts to assess the security situation, but when they are in the region, they tend to conceal the truth.
“Those who were involved in the colonial times and who were blamed for it have the power to manipulate and always fall short of doing what is right.
“You find they have groups they create, they say ‘Groups of Expert’, expert in doing what? You find these experts are led by people who are supposed to come and really cover up the blame that should be leveled against those who are responsible for those crimes of colonial times,” Kagame stated.
He stressed that anyone wanting to understand the realities of the situation in eastern DRC, and to find solutions, does not need to rely on experts but rather seek peace and security for the Congolese people.
President Kagame reiterated that FDLR plays a major role in destabilizing eastern DRC, and that the problem of this group should not be ignored.
He explained that Rwanda approached the DRC government offering support to eliminate FDLR but they refused despite having allowed Burundi and Uganda to cross into the country to fight armed groups threatening their security.
President Kagame made these remarks during a New Year press conference on January 9, 2025, where he addressed various topics.
In response to a question from an Al Jazeera journalist about what new developments might be expected from the new U.S. administration regarding issues in the DRC, President Kagame stated that he respects the changes that have occurred in the country, acknowledging that they were made for good reasons.
“I respect the change that has taken place in the United States, because for it to happen, it must have been for very good reasons that The Americans endorsed in their vote,” he said.
Kagame also noted that although there has been a change in leadership through democratic processes, the country’s approach to political issues is expected to evolve.
“There are many things, even geopolitically, at least the approach, that are going to change for sure […] I think that it will be the same to the approach of how African matters may be dealt with generally and also specifically with Eastern Congo. The same might see change happen,” he said.
“That’s what I think from a distance and just waiting for what will follow,” he added.
The President highlighted that changes are taking place not only in the United States but also across the globe at a “terrific pace” and stressed the importance of hard work to thrive in this “whirlwind.”
Donald Trump, of the Republican Party, won the U.S. presidential elections held on November 5, 2024. He defeated his main rival, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, securing 277 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 224.
After the elections concluded, President Kagame congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and pledged to continue cooperation between Rwanda and the U.S. for mutual benefits in the years ahead.
Trump is expected to take the oath of office as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, 2025.
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized that restoring America’s dignity would involve refraining from interventionism, focusing instead on strengthening America as a global hub, and improving the quality of life for Americans.
He was responding to a question about the replacement of five ministers since the new government was sworn in after last year’s presidential elections.
The press conference, which included both local and international media, covered various issues, including the security crisis in eastern DRC.
Regarding the replacements, Kagame explained that further changes are still expected.
“Changes in the government are not over. We are still at the beginning,” he said. “This process is guided by various factors, including the context of the time, the nature of the people, and the leadership’s desire to ensure efficiency, minimize time waste, and reduce costs while achieving our goals.”
He added that these decisions are aligned with the country’s current needs, trying to work at a manageable to address challenges in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, the private sector, and other key areas.
Kagame compared the process to a blueprint. “It’s like having a plan for everything—how things are done, who does them—and this plan guides the outcome. As things progress, adjustments are made where necessary,” he explained.
The President reiterated that the primary focus is on the people, ensuring that their needs are met in the best possible way.
He acknowledged the limitations posed by the country’s resources but emphasized that the government works to make the most of what is achievable.
He also highlighted the importance of accountability, stressing that leaders must focus on serving the people rather than prioritizing personal interests.
“We must consider whether someone performs well in their current role, or if they might be more effective elsewhere. It’s about ensuring that the focus remains on the people, not on personal interests,” Kagame said.
Before making any appointments or replacements, he follows a thorough process to ensure the leaders selected truly represent the interests of the citizens.
“I go through all these steps first. If I see a need for change, I don’t hesitate. Even if I appoint someone overnight, but realize the next day it’s not working, I will remove the person,” Kagame affirmed.
Kagame further emphasized that his decisions are not swayed by personal feelings.
“I don’t care if someone gets upset or not. What matters to me is whether I’ve addressed an issue for the people and ensured that things are done properly,” he concluded.
In an interview with RBA, Minister Sebahizi emphasized the importance of key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining as pillars of the national economy.
He underscored the ministry’s dedication to strengthening mineral extraction to fuel economic growth.
“There remains significant untapped potential in mining, especially with the entry of new investors who add value to processed minerals. This is why we are focusing on increasing investment in industries to drive production and sustain economic progress,” he said.
Bosco Kayobotsi, Managing Director of Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd, highlighted the significant growth in gold and silver processing during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
“Our production has grown steadily, with the past two years showing the most substantial rise compared to the previous five years,” he noted.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the industrial sector’s overall output grew by 14.7% in November 2024 compared to November 2023.
The mining and quarrying sector alone registered a remarkable 45.2% growth, while electricity production increased by 9.6%, and water and sanitation services rose by 12.8%.
Oreste Mukiza, Public Relations and Communication Specialist at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), attributed this growth to initiatives supporting the mining sector, such as providing electricity to remote mining sites.
“These electricity provisions enable the use of heavy machinery and advanced technology, making operations more efficient and significantly boosting production,” Mukiza explained.
Research conducted in 2017 identified 52 mineral-rich areas across Rwanda.
The nation’s underground mineral reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $154 billion.
The RMB reported that Rwanda’s mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, a 43% increase from $772 million in 2022.
