With twelve million Rwandan Francs (12,000,000), two (2) sustainable hand pump boreholes will be drilled and installed to serve two communities in Ruhango District.
Once the construction is complete, they will be fully owned and managed by the Water User Management Committees under the guidance of the district with technical support from Living Water International.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, George Kagabo, an MTN Rwanda Executive, said “At MTN, the surrounding communities we operate in are part of the Yello family and we are happy to be playing our role in contributing to their sustainability. Clean water supply systems are crucial for the proper functioning and development of societies. We believe with the two boreholes we won’t just see healthier lives or time saved from fetching water distances away, but this clean water will contribute to long term benefits such as economic growth, and even environmental management in those communities. Therefore, we would like to thank Living Water Rwanda for partnering with us to ensure the communities in Ruhango witness change for the better.”
Under the Environmental and Social pillar mandate of MTN Rwanda’s focus on ESG the company aims to ensure that social impact initiatives carried out are guided by promoting environmentally friendly solutions.
Boreholes serve as eco-friendly technologies, providing sustainable and renewable solutions for drinking and other water uses within communities. This is in line with the country’s agenda to promote and ensure the protection of the environment and sustainable management of natural resources.
Hastings Banda, Living Water International- Rwanda Country Director commented on the partnership stating “Constant water supply is an everyday necessity that cannot be overlooked any longer. We are grateful to MTN Rwanda for not just trusting our products and service by partnering with us to provide safe clean water to the people of Ruhango District but for propelling our mission to serve vulnerable communities in Rwanda.”
{{About Living Water International-Rwanda}}
Living Water International is a faith-based non-profit organization that helps communities around the world to create sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in response to the global water crisis. Living Water International started its operations in Rwanda in 2007 and it is currently implementing WASH Programs in Ruhango and Nyanza Districts.
About MTN Rwandacell
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and are the country’s No 1 network. MTN Rwanda offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings.
Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, age group, and gender are now be able to submit their applications, in either French and English, for a chance to become one of the Top 10 finalists.
The official slogan of the competition, “It’s African Time”, is a bold call to action to all talented African entrepreneurs who are challenging stereotypes associated with “African time” – creating local impact and building a better, more inclusive future through their businesses.
At the grand finale later this year, 10 finalists will take the stage to present their businesses to a panel of business legends to win a share of the US$1.5 million grant. The journey to the Finale will also include access to a community of international leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors and accelerators, as well multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions to help the finalists take their businesses to the next level.
Today also marks the television premiere of the 3-episode series for the ABH 2021 competition. The show follows the journeys of the top 10 finalists from 2021 as they geared up for the grand finale. The show aims to provide a masterclass in entrepreneurship, as audiences can see first-hand how the top entrepreneurs from across Africa refined their final pitches and faced tough questions from legendary business figures. It was filmed in 12 African countries and will premiere on CNBC Africa on March 25. It will also be broadcast across Africa on StarTimes, DSTV, VoxAfrica and a number of African local TV stations, including Rwanda Television. The show will also air on ABH’s official YouTube channel later this year.
“I was beyond proud to have been named the winner of the 2021 ABH competition. I hope that my win inspires many people across Africa to feel that they can make a difference and be impactful. I learned so much throughout the competition and will take those learnings to continue growing PraxiLabs. We will remain focused and determined to change how Africa learns and teaches science, one virtual lab at a time,” Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy, Founder, PraxiLabs.
“Entrepreneurship in Africa is experiencing a strong upward trajectory and it is so encouraging to see. But there are still so many entrepreneurs whose inspiring stories and impactful businesses need a spotlight, and who could benefit from additional support. The Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition is encouraging extraordinarily talented entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every single sector, age group, and gender to apply in either English or French for a chance to win their share of a $1.5 million grant, access to training, mentorship, and more.
We want to enable entrepreneurs that are not only building successful businesses, but who are also running mission driven organizations that generate growth for their local communities across Africa. If this sounds like you, join the Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition today. It’s African Time,” said Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, ABH.
ABH is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over a 10-year period, ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs. This year, ABH has revamped the brand identity to better reflect its ethos. The new logo focuses on the concept of the “Hero” as they are the one who drive changes on the continent.
The interconnected lines capture a sense of connectedness, which reflects the goal of creating a community of African entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, trainers and business service providers. The logo also aims to evoke a sense of dynamism, which reflects the inherent nature of true entrepreneurship and ABH’s own drive for innovation. Lastly, the logo features African geometric designs, which speaks to ABH’s pan-African focus and goal of enabling the African entrepreneur ecosystem. ABH has also upgraded the application system by adding in-process tutorials such as former heroes’ sample videos and tips, streamlining the applications process and adding in fun, interactive elements such as Avatars, etc.
Applications will be open online until 6th June 2022 with semi-finalists announced in October and the top ten finalists for 2022 unveiled in November.
Interested entrepreneurs can apply via provided website link https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/register and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
ABH marked the official opening of applications with launch events on 24th March 2022 both online and in five locations across Africa – Kigali, Rwanda; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Cairo, Egypt, Johannesburg, South Africa; and Lagos, Nigeria. More than 1,600 entrepreneurs from 63 countries and 21 industries registered to join the launch events.
Throughout the year, ABH will be partnering with a wide range of organizations to drive the call for applications, support African entrepreneurs and to spotlight their inspiring work. Partners include the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, African Management Institute (AMI), Ashesi University, Briter Bridges, Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (MCISE), The Room – an initiative of African Leadership Group, RiseUp, VC4A and more.
As part of an expanded suite of offerings to ABH Finalists, many of these partners will provide training programs aimed at supporting finalists to scale their businesses.
For example, select finalists will have the opportunity to participate in AMI’s Management Development Program. They will also be able to participate in an Investment Readiness Program designed and facilitated by VC4A, access “The Room” and talent sourcing benefits as well as attend key entrepreneurship events on the continent such as the South Africa Innovation Summit and the RiseUp Summit.
{{About Africa’s Business Heroes}}
The Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition is the flagship philanthropic initiative spearheaded by the Jack Ma Foundation aimed at supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors, who are building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future of the continent.
Over a ten-year period, ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and commit to allocating grant funding, training programs, and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each year, the ABH prize competition and show will feature ten finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of $1.5 million in grant money. Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation, created the prize after he made his first trip to Africa in 2017 and was inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he met with.
Speaking at the event, Brig Gen Didas NDAHIRO, the Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) congratulated the graduates for the immense effort, hard work, resilience and commendable performance in all course activities.
The four months course prepares the officers to effectively undertake tactical level command and staff duties.
The pass-out ceremony was graced by RDF and Police Senior officers and attended by spouses, parents, friends, relatives of the graduates, religious leaders and local authorities in the Northern Province.
Over the past 10 years, the American Corner has offered thousands of youth leaders, students, English teachers, women entrepreneurs, public relations officers, and journalists, and members of the public free information and programs highlighting American culture, history, English language, and education and training opportunities in STEM and other fields.
Speaking during celebrations held on 24th March 2022, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Deb MacLean said that the American Corner provides a welcoming atmosphere where many visitors gain their first insights into America.
“The American Corner is a U.S. Embassy partnership with UTB that demonstrates the U.S. commitment to building strong bonds with the people of Rwanda,” she said.
The ceremony was also attended by UTB Vice Chancellor Prof. Callixte Kabera and Mayor of Rubavu District, Ildephonse Kambogo.
Prof. Kabera underscored that American Corner has helped students improve their English proficiencies and study abroad among other advantages.
“We already have partnerships with various institutions which help the students to study abroad. English language proficiencies acquired from American corner are very helpful as they pursue studies,” he said.
Over the 10 years of partnership, the American Corner has become known throughout the province and neighboring cities as a source of information and programs.
In a typical year, American Corner Rubavu hosts an average of 250 programs a year and approximately 24,000 visitors. It is open to the public on Monday through Friday.
American Corners are part of a U.S. Department of State initiative started after World War I. There are currently 600 American Spaces in approximately 140 countries. These spaces serve as places for people to connect with the United States, access information, experience American culture, improve their English language skills, and learn about educational opportunities in the United States.
These countries include Botswana, Gambia, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and Somalia which have been benchmarking on Rwanda’s know-how for seven days through Rwanda Cooperation.
Rwanda Cooperation is mandated with the promotion of Rwanda’s innovative Home-Grown Initiatives and Good Practices, and the coordination of study trips for countries interested to learn about the country’s policies and systems.
During the visit, Delegates from these countries had a chance to gain insights into best practices in different areas of development including education, infrastructure, technology and other innovations that have significantly contributed to Rwanda’s transformation journey for the past 28 years.
At a reception hosted by Rwanda Cooperation for the delegates, they revealed that the insights gained from Rwanda’s experience will be leveraged to spur the development of respective countries.
Ebrima Ceesay who led the delegation from The Gambia’s Public Procurement Authority revealed that they learnt much from Rwanda, particularly with regards to electronic procurement.
“We gain a lot from Rwanda because it is an organized country. We were particularly inspired by the country’s use of technology in public procurement processes, and we want to apply the same back home,” he said.
“Through Rwanda Public Procurement Authority, we learnt how the online procurement system operates and the key tools used, and this will make it easier for us to emulate it in our country,” Ceesay added.
Jocelyne Kiogora, A Communication Officer at Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company in Kenya said that she was impressed by best practices of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) in terms of clean water distribution policy.
“We wanted to learn from Rwanda owing to the country’s fast development pace. We visited WASAC and witnessed the quality of its water distribution systems, as well as the cleanliness of the distributed water. It has inspired us to do much more,” she noted.
The Chief Executive of Rwanda Cooperation, Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka said that Rwanda also gains a lot from such visits.
“We benefit from these visits which give us an opportunity to share some of the achievements that our efforts have yielded. But in the spirit of South-South Cooperation, we too get to gain insights from their development approaches, thereby contribution to mutual growth. Our work also involves the conceptualization of different projects in collaboration with our foreign partners, as well as joint resource mobilisation through development partners, to support implementation,” she disclosed.
Rwanda Cooperation was established in 2018. It has so far hosted over 342 delegations from 54 countries from Africa, Southern Asia and Europe. The institution is also working with the Chadian Finance Ministry in digitizing the country’s public finance management and tax revenue management systems.
The payment platform dubbed ‘CyberSource’ introduced in partnership with Visa is different from the existing digital payment methods. It offers several features like invoicing (payment links), secure acceptance, direct API integration and payments tokenization.
CyberSource offers a much-needed payment solution to businesses in key sectors that include hospitality, tourism & e-commerce. CyberSource is also suitable for payment aggregators and service providers who receive payments through their websites and / or apps.
The platform gives users different payment options in currencies of their choice, making payments with Debit Card, Credit Card and soon, Mobile Money wallets will be integrated.
Jean Jacques Kajuga, the Head of Payments & Digital Channels at Equity Bank Rwanda PLC has said that the new platform will contribute to efforts aimed at driving Rwandans into cashless transactions.
“COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges requiring businesses to opt for technology. Besides, clients’ mindsets have changed. Many people prefer to make payments electronically as the Government expends much effort to embrace cashless transactions. It is against this backdrop that Equity Bank always strives to become the most preferred financial institution among Rwandans,” he said.
“We have maintained the lead in digital financial services. By introducing the Cyber Source platform, we want to make our services more efficient for all clients. It is simple and reliable and helps users to monitor business transactions,” Kajuga added.
The E-Commerce Manager at Equity Bank Rwanda, Patrick Gakuba has said that the new payment method is reliable and accessed through websites of merchants interested to use the technology. Businesses using Cyber Source can receive payments from anywhere across the world.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Yves Iradukunda has said that technology continues to take center stage for the development of Rwanda particularly in business transactions and urged members of the private sector to contribute to this case.
The Country Manager of Visa in Rwanda, Salma Ingabire has observed that making electronic payments is the only reliable payment method for clients.
“Regarding investment, it tackles challenges arising from the circulation of money, reduces pressure of customers expressing lamentations for prices, increases customers and sells merchandise,” she said.
Ingabire went on to explain that shopping online has become popular among clients where online payments and e-commerce are expected to promote investment along the journey towards economic recovery.
The report released on Thursday 24th March 2022 is based on archives of French foreign intelligence agency (DGSE) compiled between May and August 1994.
It discloses the role of French mercenaries Paul Barril and Bod Denard in supporting the genocidaire Government.
As the report shows, Paul Barril and Bob Denard and their friends worked closely with individuals from the genocidaire Government who fled to France. Those include Agathe Habyarimana, the wife of former President Juvenal Habyarimana.
It is said that the two men had entered agreements with the interim Government to provide intelligence report and weapons used during the Genocide.
The recent report indicates that they organized different activities overseen by DGSE which also reported the situation to Élysée, the office of Prime Minister and other ministries.
François Crétollier, one of contributors of the report released by Survie has revealed that France was aware that the mercenaries, Bob Denard, Paul Barril and their friends had been dispatched to Rwanda.
“French Government behaved as if it knew nothing about the issue for several years. This is a lie,” he said.
Crétollier also revealed that the Government of Habyarimana was at the axis of these activities to dodge imposed sanctions.
Robert Denard who died in 2007, was a French soldier who served as a mercenary and was involved in different activities under false identity by changing his names to “Gilbert Bourgeaud” and “Saïd Mustapha Mahdjoub”.
It is said that Denard used to send his subordinates to Rwanda during the Genocide with different missions and paid through BNP Paribas, a French international banking group.
The bank was recently taken to court for role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi due to the money released on the request of officials in the then Rwandan Government to buy weapons yet UN had imposed sanctions against the country.
As both countries celebrate the 60th Anniversary of unwavering diplomatic relationships, Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, Ambassador of Rwanda to Japan, and Mr. Masahiro Imai, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda exchange their views on the past, present and future of the Rwanda-Japan relationship.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{Q. What has built the sound and friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries? How do you evaluate achievements made by both countries and people?}}
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo: }}
Rwanda and Japan share an unbreakable bond of friendship which is built on mutual trust, shared interests, solidarity, growing people-to-people contact and cultural connection; and shared belief in multilateralism coupled with strong political will of the leadership of the two countries. There has been high level connection between the political leaders of Rwanda and Japan. H..E. President Paul Kagame has participated in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Summits. In January 2019, the President made an official visit to Japan and held high level meetings with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. The President also visited Japan in August 2019 to participate in TICAD 7 in Yokohama and again held productive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister ABE. The President also worked very closely with former Japan Prime Minister, Yoshihide SUGA on the global fight against Covid-19 and mobilization for global equitable access to covid-19 vaccines for developing countries.
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
People-to-people exchange and mutual support, from top-level to local community, have created mutual trust as a foundation of the friendship between two countries. Besides the high-level connection, at local level, the City of Kobe has the partnership agreement with Kigali City for economic cooperation. Hachimantai, the host city for the Rwandan Olympic athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, has a good relation with Rwanda in the area of floriculture. Most importantly, Japan still remembers that we received warm messages and financial support from the Government and the people of Rwanda during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Through those collaborations, both Governments and people work together, learn from each other and have developed solid mutual-trust between two countries and people, which are irreplaceable achievements we have made.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
In this regard, Japan has over the last decade sent over 300 Japanese overseas volunteers who bring critical skills in a varied number of sectors across Rwanda. These return to Japan after two years’ experience and knowledge of the country as Ambassadors who promote people-to-people connection between Rwanda and Japan.
Japan has been one of the reliable partners in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction; and implementation of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and the current Vision 2050. Since 2005, JICA has intervened in 22 projects valued at more than US$201 million. Between 2022 and 2026, it is projected that Japan through JICA will have supported 42 domestic projects and 3 East African integration projects worth over US$337 million.
The projects focus on critical development priorities for Rwanda in economic infrastructure, agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, education, ICT and private sector development. Notable projects include Rusumo – Kayonza road, Ngoma – Ramiro Road, Nzove – Ntora principal water transmission pipeline, electricity transmission lines and substations, WASAC utility turn-around with Kaizan approach project and projects to promote basic education, early child-hood development and nutrition.
The relationship between the two countries continues to flourish under the current challenging global context including on issues of climate change, implementation of sustainable development goals, coronavirus pandemic, global peace keeping and security.
{{Q2. Which areas do you think should be given priority? }}
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
The most important driver of growth for Rwanda will be foreign direct investment. Rwanda looks to tap into Japan’s private sector investment. The country has significant amount of capital and renowned corporates and financial institutions. Rwanda’s strategic investments in infrastructure like the Kigali International Financial Centre and Kigali Innovation City would greatly benefit from Japan’s resources and technology. Our Embassies in Kigali and Tokyo continue to work in tandem with Rwanda Development Board to promote investment opportunities in Rwanda and to woo Japanese investors. There is already good progress with Japanese businesses collaborating with Rwandan private sector partners in areas of start-ups in the ICT sector, innovation and technology development.
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
I hope to see more Japanese business investing in Rwanda. By taking advantage of Rwanda’s pleasant climate and geography, some Japanese companies produce agriculture products and export them to the American and European markets, which contributes to Rwandan economy. I have been told that some of these products are quite popular. This started in small volume but it has been steadily increasing in quantity & quality over the last several years.
Needless to say, Japan also continues to contribute to sustainable growth, poverty reduction and job creation in Rwanda through supporting “Economic Infrastructure Development”, “Agricultural Development”, “Social Service Improvement” and “Human Resources Development for Sustainable Growth and Job Creation”.
{{Q3. What do you want to achieve as Ambassador to strengthen bilateral relationship?}}
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
Before I arrived here about 2 years ago, I received an order from the then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to boost up our bilateral economic cooperation. My journey is still halfway through to that goal, and I intend to do my best to produce tangible results in this commemorative year of the 60th anniversary of Friendship and of holding the TICAD 8 in this August. In my understanding Japan’s technology, discipline and ethics as well as finance are what Rwanda wants to introduce and invite from Japan. I will work to build mutually supportive economic cooperation and win-win bilateral relation, which makes our two countries enjoy the fruits of our efforts and mutual benefits.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
The relationship between Rwanda and Japan is strong and enduring. We will continue to nurture it and ensure it grows to even greater heights. Negotiation and signature of the bilateral investment treaty and avoidance of double taxation agreement between Rwanda and Japan will be very important milestones for the two countries. These will create an environment conducive for increased trade, investment and technology exchange. Our countries will also work for continued people-to-people and cultural connection between our citizens.
{{Q4. What message do you have for readers?}}
{{Ambassador Imai: }}
We have a saying in Japanese, “Sanpo Yoshi”, which shows a business philosophy; meaning a triple-win for the buyer, the seller, and society. As it applies exactly the same with diplomacy, I would like to put our efforts together to realize a triple-win for Japan, Rwanda and the world. Rwanda is full of the motivated youth and women and I expect that they will play more important roles in the future. I believe that if we work together on our mutual trust which has been nurtured through a lot of exchanges and collaborations on various levels in the past 60 years, we can make a big difference.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
Celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Japan is an important milestone for the two countries and our people. This remains an exemplary relationship built on mutual trust, respect and solidarity. It continues to be productive and mutually beneficial for the people of Rwanda and Japan. We encourage our people to reap the benefits of this flourishing friendship through increased trade and business connection, people-to-people contact and cultural exchange. We look to increased travel and tourism between the two countries.
The campaign was jointly launched on Thursday, March 24, in the City of Kigali by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) and Rwanda National Police.
It targets owners of fossil-fuel powered vehicles and machines using petroleum products to properly service and keep them in good working conditions to reduce emissions, which contribute to global warming.
It also aims to urge owners of automobiles to use fuels that comply with national standards, in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to preserve air quality for all.
During the campaign, mobile emissions testing will be conducted in the City of Kigali as well as Huye, Rwamagana, Musanze and Rubavu districts.
The public will also be engaged through radio and TV talk shows to be encouraged to share their personal efforts to fight air-pollution.
Air pollution is the leading environmental threat to human health. Today 90% of people globally breathe polluted air and approximately 7 million of people die from air pollution related causes every year.
The Deputy Director General for REMA, Faustin Munyazikwiye said that most of pollutants are generated by petrol and diesel powered vehicles and machines.
“Rwanda has built a nationwide monitoring system that provides real-time data on the quality of the air at 23 sites across the country. The system highlights the dominant air pollutants responsible for air quality degradation, and most of those pollutants are related to vehicular emissions and machines using fossil-fuel like petrol and diesel,” said Munyazikwiye.
He urged the public, where possible, to shift from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric ones.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to regularly service their vehicles, use fuel complying with rational standards, and shift from fossil-fuel powered vehicles to electric vehicle where possible, to ensure clean air for all,” Munyazikwiye added.
He pointed out that the number of vehicles on Rwanda’s roads is expected to double by 2030 and so pollution, climate impacts as well as societal costs linked to congestion and health will also rise if nothing is done now.
A study released by REMA in 2017 indicated that vehicle emissions are the biggest contributor to poor air quality in Rwanda’s cities.
On his part, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, the RNP pokesperson, said that emissions inspection and testing is an obligation to all vehicles in Rwanda to prevent air pollution.
“The contribution of vehicles to the city’s ambient air pollution cannot be ignored. All motor-vehicles in Rwanda are required to undergo emissions inspection and testing at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Any vehicle that does not meet applicable emissions standards is not authorized to operate in Rwanda,” said CP Kabera.
The Traffic Police, he added, also has mobile hand-held vehicle emissions inspection equipment for on-the-spot emission checks.
In 2019 and 2020, Rwanda Standard Board published standards for air quality and emissions limit for road vehicles as well as automotive fuels equivalent to euro 4.
Those standards serve as bench marks for the control of air pollution, testing and inspection of vehicle emissions with a view to protecting the environment, health and safety of the Rwandan population.
Under the Ministerial Order on air pollution and emissions, the owner or operator of a machine using petroleum products must service the machine and maintain it in line with the best technical practices to keep it within the authorized air pollutants emissions limits.
Similarly, under the law of preservation of air quality and prevention of air pollution in Rwanda, any person owning any means of transport of people and goods which is an emission source must control the production and emission of air pollutants.
Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world.
It draws much attention on seven areas of focus namely; disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, environment protection, peace and conflict resolution.
Rotary Club International was established 116 years ago. It is currently comprised of 1.2 million members from 200 countries.
The club has been in Rwanda for more than 20 years where it has established 10 clubs that contributed to the country’s development in different areas.
On 14th March 2022, Edgar Cyr Tougouma began visit to Rwanda aimed at witnessing the achievements of the 10 clubs established in Rwanda.
During his ten-day sojourn, Tougouma visited different projects and interacted with members of Rotary Clubs in Rwanda to discuss challenges, the way forward and remind them of Rotary International broader vision.
On 19th March 2022, Rotary Club Virunga hosted a dinner party to bid farewell to Governor Tougouma.
The event brought together different dignitaries including members of the private sector and Government officials led by the Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa.
As he addressed participants of the event, Governor Tougouma urged members of Rotary Club in Rwanda to beef up efforts in activities meant to transform citizens’ livelihoods.
“We must take a giant stride in activities bringing impact to the society,” he said.
The event also saw two new clubs launched. These include Rotary Club Senior which began with 60 members led by Gérard Mpyisi as its President.
The second club launched during the event is Karisimbi Rotary Club which started with 25 members led by Kelechi R Anyanwu who is the Vice President of Nigerian diaspora in Rwanda.
New members who joined different clubs in Rwanda recently were also welcomed aboard. These include seven members of Rotary Club Virunga, four of Rotary Club Senior and two members of Rotary Club Karisimbi.
Governor Edgar Cyr Tougouma also commended the Government of Rwanda for supporting Rotary to achieve its goals.
He disclosed that the organization seeks to launch clubs in every district of the country in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government.
As of today, there are 40 volunteers interested to start a new Rotary Club in Gicumbi District.
The District 9150 of Rotary International is constituted of ten countries including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroun, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Tchad and Sao Tomé-et-Principe.The district has 100 clubs.
Rotary Club Rwanda is comprised of ten clubs namely; Rotary Club Kigali, Rotary Club Butare, Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, Rotary Club Kigali Gasabo, Rotary Club Musanze Murera, Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Rotary Club Kivu Lake, Rotary Club Kigali Senior and Rotary Club Kigali Karisimbi.
