Emphasizing the nation’s resilience in the face of criticism during end-of-year 2023 address, Kagame asserted the country’s ability to absorb any amount of unjustified critique.
Acknowledging regional insecurities, Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s dedication to assisting fellow Africans in restoring peace and security within the country’s means. Despite global challenges, the President sees adversity as an invitation to become more determined and to achieve more.
The year 2023 brought numerous reasons for satisfaction, with Rwanda hosting major international events, contributing to income, job creation, and the country’s progress.
Kagame pointed out the inauguration of the advanced surgery training center (IRCAD) and the state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility (BioNTech), solidifying Rwanda’s status as an innovation hub for medicine and health.
Expressing gratitude for collective efforts, Kagame acknowledged challenges faced in 2023, including flooding and inflation. He stressed the nation’s proactive measures to address these issues and highlighted the importance of youth voices in shaping Rwanda’s future.
As Rwanda looks ahead, President Kagame extended heartfelt wishes for a joyful and prosperous New Year 2024, emphasizing the significance of hearing the voices of the young generation in charting the nation’s future course.
Beyond commonalities in leadership and ambition, both countries share a commitment to determination, self-discipline, unity, and diligence in fostering their identity for a prosperous future.
Emerging from the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans unite with a shared destiny, gaining international recognition through consolidated efforts and homegrown solutions, mirroring the resilience of the Chinese people in overcoming historical adversities.
Furthermore, both nations’ similarities in development extend to significant strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social protection among others.
Rwanda’s initiatives like Vision 2020, EDPRS, and SDGs have shaped its development, with future plans like Vision 2050 and Agenda 2063 aligning with long-term aspirations. Notable reforms have improved living standards, increasing life expectancy from 51.2 in 2002 to 69.6 in 2022, while poverty rates have dropped from 60.4% in 2000 to 38.2% in 2017.
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China’s GDP per capita has surged from $90 in the 1950s to over $12,000 today, with the effective eradication of absolute poverty nationwide. Diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda, established in 1971, underscore the leadership of Presidents Paul Kagame and Xi Jinping, setting both nations on similar development trajectories.
The bonds between RPF-Inkotanyi and the CPC highlight effective leadership, workmanship, determination, resilience, and discipline as common threads in China and Rwanda’s development.
Both nations reject foreign impositions, relying on unique homegrown solutions and a consensual model of democracy. Over 29 years, Rwanda has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, paralleling China’s historical trajectory.
China’s commitment to its political system has propelled it socially and economically, challenging Western preconceptions, with predictions of surpassing the United States in economic dominance.
This illustrates that democracy is not a one-size-fits-all concept, as exemplified by China and Rwanda’s homegrown approaches rooted in their unique histories.
Despite disparities, Rwanda and China share a profound commitment to their visions, showcasing the power of homegrown solutions and the adaptability of political systems.
Their distinctive paths challenge Western preconceptions, emphasizing the strength of leadership values embodied by Presidents Xi and Kagame.
Acknowledging the sacrifice of those spending the holiday season away from loved ones, President Kagame emphasized the significance of reflection and renewal in the New Year, urging the forces to continue their crucial role in safeguarding the nation and contributing to its development.
Commending the discipline and hard work exhibited by the defence and security forces, President Kagame highlighted their pivotal role beyond national borders.
He underscored their contribution to peace and security on the African continent through active participation in United Nations Peacekeeping and bilateral missions.
The President lauded the forces for representing Rwanda’s values with excellence and professionalism, acknowledging the significant efforts invested in restoring peace in the region.
Expressing solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones in service, President Kagame paid tribute to their sacrifices, assuring them that the nation will always stand by them.
He described the duty of defending the country as an honor and urged the forces to fulfill this duty with courage and diligence.
Efforts begin at the community level, where community health workers play a crucial role, and health posts are established to ensure access to fundamental healthcare services. The infrastructure has undergone extensive renovations and expansions, with the construction of new hospitals strategically located in areas with limited healthcare accessibility.
Rwanda currently boasts 1247 health posts and 512 health centers, accompanied by 40 district-level hospitals, four provincial-level hospitals, and eight referral hospitals. Notable additions include Gatonde in Gakenke District, Gatunda in Nyagatare, Minini in Nyaruguru, Nyabikenke in Muhanga, and Nyarugenge in Kigali City.
The government has invested approximately Rwf137.2 billion in the recent past to construct high-quality hospitals nationwide. This allocation addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals, a challenge expected to quadruple in the near future according to the Ministry of Health. Presently, there is one doctor per 1,000 patients, falling short of the ideal ratio of five doctors per 1,000 patients.
In 2023, Rwanda is witnessing significant strides in the field of medicine. A flagship project is Kigali Health City, located in Masaka, housing various initiatives aligned with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a hub for diverse medical services.
One noteworthy project within Kigali Health City is IRCAD Africa, a subsidiary of the French Institute for Research and Training in Human Surgical Technology. Focused on colorectal cancer research, this center aims to contribute to Rwanda’s goal of increasing annual graduates in medicine, nursing, and midwifery from 2,000 to 8,000. Plans also include the establishment of an international university in Masaka to nurture future medical professionals.
The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, supported by the African Development Bank, is set to be based in Rwanda, contributing to a $3 billion project. This initiative seeks to boost drug and vaccine production on the African continent, encourage research, and leverage technology for life-changing innovations.
Rwanda is also investing in medical capabilities to provide care for infants born at 20 weeks and is pioneering solutions for easy sight replacement for eye patients. A significant milestone was achieved in May with the successful completion of the country’s first kidney transplant at King Faisal Hospital.
On December 18, 2023, the inauguration of the first segment of the BioNTech vaccine manufacturing factory took place in Rwanda. President Kagame highlighted the factory’s origin as a response to the inequities faced by the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The factory, situated in Masoro, Gasabo District, has been in development since June 2022.
Addressing a longstanding issue, reports indicate a rising prevalence of mental health problems in Rwanda, attributed to historical factors and daily life challenges. Caraes Ndera Hospital reported an increase in patient numbers, with more than 70% being young individuals grappling with issues related to drug use. In response, the Ministry of Health has launched campaigns against alcohol, particularly targeting the youth, emphasizing the critical role of individuals in safeguarding the well-being of the community.
Despite Rwanda’s population being considerably smaller at 13.2 billion compared to China’s 1.4 billion, both nations have demonstrated noteworthy achievements. In 2022, China’s GDP surged to a staggering 18.1 trillion USD, while Rwanda experienced a substantial increase in its GDP from $11.07 billion in 2021 to $13.31 billion in 2022.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1971, China has proven itself to be a friendly partner, setting an example with its bold ambitions and impressive strides in poverty alleviation. To this end, the need for interdependence and the sharing of best practices cannot be understated.
China’s prowess in poverty reduction is marked by remarkable progress and innovative strategies. As of 2020, China witnessed an astonishing pace of poverty reduction, lifting one person out of poverty every 2.24 seconds translating into 10 million every year since 2012. The Chinese government’s commitment to this cause is evident in its annual funding increase of US$14.3 billion.
From 2013 to 2019, the disposable income of rural poor citizens in China experienced a notable growth of 19.7%, surpassing the national average by 2.2 percentage points. Key to this success was the substantial improvement in rural infrastructure, providing safe housing for 57 million residents and relocating 10 million to new communities, resulting in a fivefold increase in rural per capita housing area.
China implemented comprehensive rural development initiatives, including paved roads, universal electricity coverage, broadband accessibility, and widespread adoption of universal health insurance in impoverished regions. Impressively, over 95% of impoverished counties in China maintained school retention rates.
China, despite possessing only 9% of the world’s arable land and 6% of its fresh water, manages to feed 22% of the global population. Per capita consumption of staple foods in China grew from 209 kg to 472 kg annually, surpassing the international 400-kg security line. This progress is reflected in the decline of Engel’s coefficient, addressing concerns about food and clothing.
China’s commitment to agricultural advancement is evident through increased subsidies for machinery, surpassing a 70% mechanization rate for major crops, and the abolition of agricultural taxes. Targeted poverty alleviation efforts lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty from 2012 to 2019, reducing the rural impoverished population from 98.99 million to 5.51 million.
China’s comprehensive approach involved officials working in impoverished areas, significant central government funding, and broad societal participation. This collective effort contributed to a global poverty reduction exceeding 70%, with over 700 million people lifted out of poverty since the 1970s.
By 2020, China achieved its goal of poverty alleviation, surpassing the UN Sustainable Development Goals by a decade. In 2021, China declared the eradication of extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978 and establishing a moderately prosperous society.
By drawing inspiration from China’s experience, Rwanda can further its journey toward alleviating poverty and creating a brighter future for all.
In May 2021, the subsidiaries of Jali Group Ltd embarked on a two-year journey with ambitious goals aimed at fostering development and boosting their assets. Key objectives included augmenting assets, implementing a technology integrating asset management with EBM, and obtaining licensing from the BNR to operate as a financial institution.
Within a year and a half, Jali Finance and Jali Partners celebrated the successful attainment of these goals with an event named ‘Success Day.’ During this event, the company expressed gratitude to all contributors, particularly acknowledging the efforts of employees who played crucial roles.
Nkundimana Felix, CEO of Jali Group Ltd, attributed the accomplishment of their goals to the active engagement of various investors. “We navigated the challenging path familiar to all entrepreneurs in building wealth, which demands patience and focus on the essential aspects of growth,” he remarked.
Nkundimana continued, “By attracting numerous investors, primarily from foreign sources, we managed to retain all earnings without sharing profits with shareholders. This dual strategy played a pivotal role in realizing our goals.”
In addition to recognizing outstanding employees, Jali Group took the opportunity to express gratitude to partners who played a significant role in the achievements of 2023. Nkundimana emphasized the importance of acknowledging exceptional contributions, stating, “While we are all compensated for our roles, it is essential to recognize those who go above and beyond their responsibilities.”
Employees and partners who received appreciation expressed their gratitude, noting that such recognition motivates them to exert even greater effort. Shema Jean Luc, an employee at Jali Partners, shared, “Being recognized as the employee of the year is meaningful because it goes beyond mere competence; it acknowledges something special.”
Habumusha Joseph, a customer of Jali Finance, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the acknowledgment signifies the value they receive as stakeholders in the company.
Established in 2013, Jali Group operates subsidiaries in the fields of finance, accounting, and auditing. The ‘Success Day’ celebration not only highlighted the company’s achievements but also served as a testament to its commitment to fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation among its workforce and partners.
The agreement signed on December 28, 2023, stipulates that ILPD will conduct training using various approaches, including the development of short-term courses for employees. These courses will incorporate real-world examples to familiarize participants with practical scenarios.
Established in 2012, KIAC is a collaborative effort between the private sector and the government, aimed at fostering investment by resolving disputes among traders outside the courtroom. This initiative aims to redirect the time and money that would otherwise be spent on legal proceedings towards the development of projects.
The agreement emphasizes the diversity of trained arbitrators, recognizing that they need not only be lawyers but can also include professionals such as doctors, architects, journalists, etc. This diversity ensures a broader understanding of various professions and enhances the effectiveness of dispute resolution.
Resolved disputes in this context are typically non-criminal, involving issues such as contract non-compliance or errors in adherence. Criminal matters are still adjudicated through traditional court processes.
Despite having over 130 arbitrators, KIAC faces a shortage of Rwandan arbitrators, numbering no more than eight. Mugabe Victor, the Secretary-General of KIAC, attributes this scarcity to the nascent nature of arbitration in Rwanda.
The collaboration with ILPD aims to address this shortage by improving the professionalism of Rwandans interested in arbitration and mediation.
Mugabe explains, “This school has a significant number of law graduates. Early education, followed by university, provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying legal principles, making it easier to resolve conflicts without resorting to court.”
The collaboration is expected to alleviate the considerable costs associated with engaging foreign arbitrators, as locally trained professionals can now handle disputes within Rwanda more efficiently.
Increasing the number of Rwandans involved in arbitration is seen as a strategic move, as these individuals possess a deep understanding of Rwandan society, facilitating smoother dispute resolution.
Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, the Rector of ILPD, acknowledged the connection between KIAC’s work and the courses offered by ILPD. He emphasizes the school’s historical role in producing professional lawyers and contributing to the establishment of a legal framework in Rwanda.
KIAC has gained recognition for its success in resolving business disputes, with 67% of cases involving Rwanda. The remaining cases are related to foreign entities. The centre’s efforts have resulted in the resolution of 224 cases within two years, a noteworthy achievement given the typical timeline for the initiation of arbitration systems in other countries.
Mugabe highlights that, in 2020, KIAC ranked among the top three companies globally offering arbitration services, preceded only by South Africa and Egypt. The collaboration with ILPD is expected to elevate Rwanda’s status in this field, aligning it with other countries that have built a strong reputation in arbitration services.
In response, the Office of the Government Spokesperson issued a statement on Friday, refuting the allegations and stating, “there is no truth whatsoever in Burundian President’s allegation referring to Rwanda.” The statement emphasized that Rwanda is not associated with any Burundian armed group.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries since 2020, the statement mentioned Rwanda’s cooperation in handing over Burundian combatants through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism. In 2020, Rwanda delivered nearly 20 rebels and their ammunition to Burundi after intercepting them in southwestern Rwanda, having crossed into Rwandan territory.
The Government of Rwanda urged Burundi to address concerns through diplomatic channels for amicable resolution. The December 22 attack was claimed by RED-Tabara, which asserted that they targeted security forces, not civilians. President Ndayishimiye linked members of the armed group to the 2015 coup attempt against his predecessor, late President Pierre Nkurunziza.
This development follows the strategic move by Equity Group Holdings PLC, which acquired a majority 99.2610% stake in Cogebanque, signaling a unified front with heavyweight backers such as the Rwandan government, Rwanda Social Security Board, Judith Mugurasoni and other minority shareholders.
The merger, which follows a period of diligent planning and adherence to regulatory requirements, reflects the collaborative effort to continuously improve the banking experience for customers.
Hannington Namara, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda and Emmanuel Mugandura , the Ag CEO of Cogebanque have reassured stakeholders of a smooth transition, with a focus on sustaining service excellence and operational superiority.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, a joint communiqué released by both entities detailed the upcoming merger, marking a new chapter in the financial narrative of Rwanda.
The fusion of these two banking institutions is set to enhance the economic landscape, promising a future of innovative banking solutions and a strengthened market presence as the new year approaches.
Concerns have been raised by inhabitants of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kayonza districts, reporting instances where hippos have been grazing and damaging their crops. Karinganire Jean Paul, the Deputy Tourism and Marketing Manager in Akagera National Park, stated that more than 200 hippos are currently residing outside the park, with many of them traversing River Akagera.
Karinganire explained, “Once outside the park, the responsibility extends to various stakeholders, including us. We are actively collaborating with the government and security forces to safeguard the well-being of the local population. Our strategy involves digging one-meter-deep trenches near their habitats, as hippos are deterred from crossing them.
Additionally, we are identifying suitable locations for artificial ponds near the communities, aiming to prevent potential conflicts.”
He emphasized the urgency of finding a solution in cooperation with the government, acknowledging the serious impact on the local population.
“These hippos pose a significant threat by consuming and damaging people’s crops, causing harm to individuals. We are actively seeking a sustainable solution.
A dedicated fund has been established, contributing 5% of the Park’s income to address animal-related damages. However, it proves insufficient to understand the origins of these more than 200 hippos encroaching on the community,” explained Karinganire.
Despite the existence of a fund to compensate for animal damages, residents have expressed dissatisfaction, citing delays and inadequate compensation compared to the extent of the damages incurred by the animals.
