Established in 2012, the RCOA aims to bolster ongoing efforts in cementing ties between Rwanda and China while fostering collaboration and solidarity among Chinese alumni. The organization’s activities include fundraising initiatives to support vulnerable populations.
During the event, Amb. Wang emphasized that the achievements of the organization reflect the fruitful outcomes of China-Rwanda cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, underscoring the growing energy behind China-Rwanda friendship. He quoted the saying, “If you want to go far, walk together,” noting its relevance to both bilateral relations and the RCOA.
Amb. Wang also highlighted that exchanges between China and Rwanda are swiftly resuming in the post-COVID recovery period. To expedite progress, he proposed three key areas that require significant attention, building upon past accomplishments.
Firstly, Amb. Wang requested the RCOA to strengthen its internal connections and organization.
With a multitude of highly talented members, he expressed his hope for increased participation in daily activities and the contribution of their expertise and strengths to the group.
Secondly, he emphasized the importance of the RCOA playing a more prominent role in connecting China and Rwanda.
Recognizing the valuable assistance provided by many members to individuals traveling between the two countries, he believes that collectively, they can raise public awareness of the organization and transform it into an exceptional platform for both communities.
As an example, this year, the Embassy and the Organization are planning to host a job fair that will generate additional opportunities for people.
Thirdly, Amb. Wang urged RCOA members to share more inspirations and suggestions regarding China-Rwanda relations. As accomplished individuals in their respective fields, they possess extensive knowledge about both countries. According to him, their unique position allows them to offer fresh ideas on how China and Rwanda can collaborate and forge a better future for both nations. He expressed the hope of hearing more from them.
Amb. Wang reaffirmed that China warmly welcomes RCOA members as their second home and stressed the need for further engagement and collaboration for the betterment of both peoples.
Théoneste Higaniro, the head of RCOA, emphasized that studying in China provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and learn from best practices. Janet Umuhoza, who holds a Master’s degree in Meteorology obtained in China, also highlighted that alumni can fully leverage their skills to make a meaningful impact on society.
Marie Elise Umulisa, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China-Rwanda cooperation is essential to support national ambitions in building a knowledge-based economy, as outlined in Agenda 2050.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that the students shared lessons learned from the Peace and Values Education course at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and asked the President about leadership, reconciliation and Rwanda’s transformational journey after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame is among leaders that often deliver talks to students from USA where he shares Rwanda’s resilience journey after Genocide against the Tutsi, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for others who seek to overcome challenges and create positive change.
On Monday 15th May 2023, the Head of State also hosted students from Harvard Business School at Urugwiro Village where he emphasized the importance of resilience and finding a way up, even in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s remarkable transformation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he attributed the country’s success to its refusal to remain mired in darkness.
As he interacted with the students on Monday, Kagame also highlighted that working with people has been the key enabler for Rwanda to achieve current transformations after Genocide against the Tutsi.
A statement by the Directorate of Presidential Communications released late Thursday said the plane crashed at 11:30 a.m., local time, at Matambwe airstrip shortly after taking off.
Another statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said the plane owned by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) crashed shortly before it started its routine patrol in the national park. The killed persons included a retired pilot with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, who was now working for FZS, another employee of FZS and a conservation official, said the statement.
The statement said the fourth passenger on the Cessna 192 5H-FZS plane, a game ranger with the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), was in critical condition.
The seminar, held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, gathered AU Commission (AUC) officials, African diplomats, diplomats from the Chinese Mission to the AU, academia and experts, among others.
Mohammed Belhocine, AU commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, said during the occasion that China has played an important and growing role in executing joint cooperation with AUC and its member states, notably under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
“There is no doubt that this intensified cooperation in various sectors, especially in capacity building, has contributed and will continue to contribute to promoting human capital and a higher economic growth in the continent,” he said.
The AU commissioner expressed his hope that “this dynamic cooperation will keep going in different areas.”
Belhocine’s comments were also echoed by Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, as he asserted the AU’s important role in realizing Africa’s common socioeconomic and political aspirations.
Hu underscored that strengthening solidarity and cooperation with African countries is the priority of China’s diplomacy.
During the seminar, African and Chinese experts and academia delivered presentations on key topics on past experiences, current opportunities and future prospects with regard to China-Africa cooperation.
Among the topics discussed include China’s governance experience and Chinese path to modernization, promoting China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, contributing to lasting peace and security in Africa, as well as enhancing China-Africa health cooperation.
He was speaking on May 18, while opening a two-day dialogue on road safety communication and reporting, at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The dialogue with media practitioners organized in partnership with Healthy People Rwanda (HPR) and Rwanda Media Commission (RMC); was organized in the framework of the 7th UN Global Road Safety Week, which started on May 15.
The biennial event is held under the theme, “Sustainable Transport: Rethink Mobility.”
“The role of the Police and that of the media is to build safer and developing societies for sustainable livelihood. This is another step together in effective communication, best practices in road safety reporting and advocating for safer roads for all,” DIGP Sano said.
He observed that journalists have wide platforms at their disposal to highlight the causes and consequences of road crashes, provide information on road safety measures, and report on best practices to improve road safety.
The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that more than 1.35 million people die globally in road accidents every year, making it the eighth leading cause of death.
It is, however, the first cause of death in children. In developing countries, road crashes constitute the third leading cause of death.
Despite the reduction in accidents, in Rwanda, more than 9400 accidents were registered across the country, last year, claiming lives of over 700 and 4000 injuries.
From January to April 2023, road accidents claimed lives of 250 people.
Of these, 72 were seriously injured while 1550 survivors with minor injuries.
Speeding, distracted driving, driving under influence of drugs or alcohol, wrong maneuvers were highlighted as among the major causes of accidents in Rwanda.
“Road safety is a key component for sustainable security and development of our country. It facilitates business, health, education and all aspects of development.
Such productive engagements provide a platform for the media and the Police to have the same voice to further improve the state of road security,” DIGP Sano said.
The majority road accidents, he added, are preventable. “It’s about mindset change to make road safety a choice and culture.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for HPR, Dr. Innocent Nzeyimana said that road carnage is a serious health concern.
“The word accident suggests that something was unavoidable and beyond control, yet the majority road crashes are preventable. Let us all support and advocate to rethink mobility streets for life and healthy lives,” Dr. Nzeyimana said.
During the two days, the interactive sessions will look at traffic rules and regulations, road safety measures (traffic signs, laws and penalties), sustainable mobility, and road safety reporting.
Against the biggest market correction in recent years, Africa continues to march onwards to empower and unify a continent on the cusp of transformative ICT growth, with the GITEX Africa Digital Summit the new focal point steering a pursuit of a unified digital vision.
The influential summit will spearhead an inspiring conference programme at the inaugural GITEX Africa 2023 – the largest tech and start-up show in the African continent, taking place from 31 May-2 June – unifying 500-plus policy makers, government heads, investors and academics to explore how technology and connectivity are redrawing the boundaries of sustainable social-economic development for African government, business and society.
Lacina Koné, the Director General and CEO of Smart Africa – the pan-African organisation driving the continent’s digital transformation agenda – is a headline speaker. Koné said digital technologies offer new avenues for economic growth in Africa by accelerating job creation and talent development, supporting access to public services and increasing productivity and innovation. However, challenges remain.
“The lack of connectivity in remote and rural regions along with insufficient data protection and high cost of African connectivity have brought new challenges to businesses, governments, and people,” said Koné, who oversees the process of defining Africa’s digital agenda in addition to advancing key continental initiatives. “Intra-governmental cooperation is the key enabler of digital services adoption and acceleration, while mitigating these associated challenges across the African continent.”
Koné will be part of a panel at the GITEX Africa Digital Summit titled: ‘Uniting Towards One African Market’. He will share how Africa’s leaders are building a secure, resilient and sustainable digital future. “Agile enabling regulations are needed to quickly respond to market developments, facilitating entry of new competitors for the benefit of consumers in a united African continent,” he said.
The GITEX Africa Digital Summit will arrive amid a remarkable period of African ICT and broadband growth, with statistics showing the continent has the world’s fastest-growing internet population, up by 20 percent in just one year. Africa’s digital economy has become one of the main drivers of cross-continental progress, coupled with strong talent development and a spike in public private sector investments.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO for the Middle East & Africa at Orange, France; Tonny Bao, Vice President of Huawei, China; and Saad Toma, General Manager of IBM MENA, are among the foremost private sector leaders speaking about the critical pathways advancing the continent’s digital transformation missions, from building a more digital and inclusive Africa to exploring the social and economic impacts of 5G, or how AI can drive business transformation and sustainability.
Other headliners at Africa’s most impactful leadership conference programme include Syed Amin Ul Haque, Minister of Information Technology and Communications in Pakistan; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu the Governor of Lagos Nigeria, who will deliver a keynote address on what is accelerating Africa to become the next Silicon Valley.
The state of play in Africa’s digital economy will be another key discussion point, addressed by Belete Molla, the Minister of Innovation and Technology in Ethiopia; and Cina Lawson Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation in Togo.
“I am honoured to be part of the GITEX Africa hosted by Morocco,” said Molla. “It creates opportunities to governments, innovators and leading experts from around the world to discover new ideas, build new partnerships, and connect with inspiring mentors and investors. It would help Ethiopia to get connected to the global tech space and leading players.”
{{Accelerating the epic race for African AI dominance}}
The next wave of digital transformation accelerated by the power of generative AI along with AI’s impact on African societies will meanwhile stimulate curious discussions at a dedicated AI track on day three of GITEX Africa, where the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers share their insights on AI’s ability to revolutionise industries, from agriculture to finance.
Dr. Adel Alsharji, Chief Operating Officer at UAE-headquartered Presight, the Middle East’s leading international big data analytics company powered by AI, will deliver the keynote address on the Societal Impact of Artificial Intelligence.
“The societal impact of AI is multifaceted and far-reaching globally, and it is already reshaping sectors, such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, education, and manufacturing and therefore the way we live,” said Dr. Alsharji.
“The African continent is showing a speedy AI adoption rate and a readiness to explore and harness the potential of AI for driving economic growth and addressing local challenges, ultimately benefiting the greater good of people.
“As AI advances, we can anticipate further innovation and positive applications. It is crucial, however, to embrace AI responsibly, ensuring ethical considerations are in place as we navigate this transformative landscape.”
Mustapha Zaouini, the Chairman of AI in Africa, will speak on a panel on Responsible Generative AI. He said while Africa has unique challenges such as disparity in internet access, the continent is steadily embracing AI.
“Africa is exploring AI to solve pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” said Zaouini. “However, readiness varies across countries, and there’s a need to invest in infrastructure, education, and policy-making to fully harness this fast-evolving technology.
“Access to AI technologies can level the playing field so it is essential not to be left aside. Ensuring equitable access to technology and bridging the digital divide are crucial steps to prepare for AI’s impact in Africa.”
Digital cities evolution and plotting the path to a net zero future
With the global push towards a net zero economy, technology’s role in advancing sustainability is more important than ever.
A panel at GITEX Africa’s Digital Cities conference track will explore how technology can advance an African-centric Net Zero agenda, addressed by Dr. Shaoshan Liu, Founder and CEO of PerceptIn in the USA; Mohammed Essaidi, MEA Chairman of the Global Cities Alliance, IEEE in Morocco; Laurent Roussel, President of Francophone Africa & Islands at Schneider Electric; and Gilles Babinet, French Government Representative of Digital Champions Group (EU) in France.
Other preeminent speakers at GITEX Africa include Emmanuel Gadret, CEO of Francophone Africa at Deloitte, who will share his insights into charting Africa’s path to prosperity by unlocking economic and data sovereignty; and Dr. Ray Johnson, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute in the UAE, who will dive into generative AI’s ubiquitous role in fuelling economic growth.
{{A historic launch in the world’s next biggest digital economy}}
The inaugural GITEX Africa will make its historic debut from 31 May-2 June 2023, welcoming more than 900 exhibitors, start-ups, and visiting delegations from 80 countries for three days of intensive outcome-focused public-private sector collaborations in the world’s next biggest digital economy.
More than 250 hosted investors from 34 countries with US$200 billion worth of assets under management will also seek breakthrough technologies and potential African tech scale-up co-investment opportunities. As the ultimate start-up incubator and magnet for flourishing VC funds, GITEX Africa will deliver an unmatched scouting platform for these investors, of which 70 percent are coming from outside of Africa.
GITEX Africa is held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD), the public entity leading the Moroccan government’s digital transformation agenda under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
KAOUN International will lead the partnership for this much awaited business endeavour, urging the global tech community to go to Africa, leveraging the power of the trusted GITEX Global brand in Dubai, the world’s largest tech event.
With tech-friendly policies in a continent that is now far more accessible, African investment is rocketing. Analysts predict the tech market is on track to scale from $115 billion to $712 billion by 2050, while according to Briter Bridges, African start-ups raised a total of US$5.4 billion across 900+ deals in 2022.
Meanwhile, a youthful populace coupled with Africa’s rapid urbanisation is accelerating digital economic growth, with 70 percent of the Sub-Saharan African population under 30 years of age and 45 percent of Africans set to live in cities by 2025.
The appointment was made following the resolution of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of BK Group Plc Board held on 19th May 2023.
Jean Philippe Prosper has been consecutively the IFC Vice President of SubSaharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean and the IFC Vice President of Global Clients services from 2013 to 2015.
Between 2008 and 2013, Prosper held the positions of IFC Director for Latin America and the Caribbean and IFC Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Before joining IFC, Prosper was the Regional Coordinator for Mexico, the Andean Countries, Central America, and Panama for the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) of the Inter-American Development Bank.
Between 1986 and 1990, he worked at SOFIHDES, a private development finance company in Haiti, where he became Managing Director.
In addition, Prosper sits on several Corporate Boards as independent Director.
Prosper holds a degree in Mathematics and Civil Engineering and an MBA in Corporate Finance and Monetary Economics. A Haitian national, he is fluent in Creole, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Kiswahili.
{{About BK Group Plc }}
BK Group Plc is a home-grown, award-winning Rwandan institution with deep roots in the African financial space since inception in 1966. Over the years, BK Group Plc has gradually transformed into a premier one-stop-shop, with a full range of financial services offered under a single roof.
Today, it stands as the largest commercial bank in Rwanda by total assets and has strategically positioned itself as the leading commercial financial institution in Rwanda, boasting a diversified portfolio of services that allow it to seamlessly serve a wide breadth of clients, including individuals, SMEs, large corporations as well as other financial institutions in the region.
The Group’s activities range from retail and corporate banking to asset management and investment banking as well as offering a comprehensive range of non-life insurance products as well as innovative enterprise solutions that stimulate growth in the Rwandan digital space.
BK Group Plc is currently listed on both the Rwandan Stock Exchange (RSE), having floated its shares in 2011, and the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2018.
Major General Kiugu who was welcomed on on Thursday May 18, 2023, brings a wealth of experience in military leadership, command, and management in peace support operations.
He previously served as a Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Repatriation Officer with the UN Mission in Eastern DRC from 2003 to 2004.
Additionally, he has served as a Defense Liaison Officer in Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Upon his arrival at the Force Headquarters, Maj Gen Kiugu was received by the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) in charge of Intelligence and Operations, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa, the DFC Administration and Logistics, Brigadier General Ndorarigonya Gregoire, Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Contingent Commanders, and other Force Headquarters Staff Officers.
In his address to the EACRF officers present, the Force Commander acknowledged the significant milestones achieved by the Regional Force since its deployment in November 2022. These milestones include the withdrawal of the M23 from previously occupied areas and the successful execution of tasks such as the protection of civilians and humanitarian support in the operational areas.
Maj Gen Kiugu instructed the contingents to operate in accordance with the Status of Force Agreement and Rules of Engagement.
He also advised them to regularly review their tactics to remain effective in the ever-changing dynamics of the mission. Furthermore, he encouraged the contingent commanders to share their experiences for the success of the Regional Force.
“I am coming to pick up where Major General Jeff Nyagah left off, and according to my assessment, you have done well. However, there are lessons we can learn from past experiences that will enable us to improve and achieve the desired end state. I believe in cooperation and teamwork, and I want to remind each one of us that we are one people of the EAC with the common objective of enabling the citizens of Eastern DRC affected by insecurity to realize peace,” Maj Gen Kiugu stated.
The Force Commander expressed gratitude to the EAC Heads of State for establishing a force to support the ongoing peace efforts and to the Government of DRC for their facilitation.
He urged everyone to remain focused on the mission’s aim and to continue their efforts to ensure the complete withdrawal of the M23 from previously occupied areas, as outlined in the Luanda Roadmap. Maj Gen Kiugu emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders operating in the region, including various civil society entities.
On May 1, 2023, the Ugandan Contingent troops under the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF) deployed in Mabenga, marking the completion of the contingent’s deployment in the Joint Operation Area.
The full deployment of troops in the Eastern DRC has led to the observance of a ceasefire. The EACRF remains resilient, committed, and determined to the peace and stability process in Eastern DRC while upholding and respecting the DRC constitution, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
DRC President Tshisekedi recently threatened to expel the East African Regional Force (EACRF) if their mission does not meet expectations by June.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the regional force’s operational problems and their failure to engage with the M23 rebels.
While the East African Community is satisfied with the work done by their forces, the DRC has criticized them for not executing their mandate, which they consider offensively based.
Tanzanian President Samia Suhulu Hassan recently reminded the public of the non-offensive nature of the troops, while Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reiterated that the mission of his country’s contingent was to enforce agreed-upon regional agreements, not to do the DRC’s job.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister, during a visit to Kinshasa, reminded everyone of the mandate’s nature as a “buffer force,” led by Maj Gen Alphaxard Kiugu.
Premier Ngirente hosted both officials from ILO on Thursday 18th May where their discussions revolved around the smooth organization of the seminar in Rwanda and enhancing skills development and fostering the creation of decent jobs.
ILO’s invitation to President Paul Kagame to participate in the upcoming International Labour Conference in June, where discussions on social justice will be a key focus, was also part of the agenda.
The ILO representatives praised Rwanda for its commitment to social justice and efforts in lifting people out of poverty, expressing the organization’s willingness to support the country.
Olonjuwon highlighted that the seminar achieved record-breaking participation and facilitated fruitful discussions on leveraging the innovative capabilities of Rwanda’s youth for sustainable development.
The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa highlighted that the discussions with Prime Minister also hinted at the support that the ILO is ready to provide for Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) within the broader framework of the United Nations.
The meeting took place on Thursday as disclosed by Rwanda’s Presidency.
This gathering coincided with the ongoing 10th National Security Symposium being hosted by Rwanda that is discussing security challenges facing the continent.
Notably, the meeting occurred amidst a continuing security crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed groups are engaged in conflict with the Congolese Army (FARDC).
According to reports from the United Nations (UN), FARDC has been collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in their operations against M23 rebel group.
