CHOGM was due to have been held in Kigali in June 2020 but was postponed twice due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHOGM is customarily held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making gathering. Commonwealth leaders selected Rwanda as host for their next summit when they met in London in 2018.
Through a statement released on Monday 31st January 2022, President Kagame welcomed participants of the meeting expected to discuss, among other things, ways to address COVID-19 related challenges.
“Rwanda is pleased to welcome all delegates and participants to Kigali for a safe and productive CHOGM Rwanda 2022. The last two years have made it clear to us that we are more connected than ever before and we must work together to achieve the tangible and sustainable results we want. The long awaited meeting will be an important occasion to come together to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to build on innovative technological and economic opportunities to solve other key problems facing our citizens,” he said.
The Secretary-General Scotland also expressed delight that the meeting is set to take place following years of adjournment.
“I am delighted that the Commonwealth family can finally be reunited, four years on from our last CHOGM in London. Our meetings in Rwanda will give us a real opportunity to reaffirm the values that bind the Commonwealth together and focus on vital issues, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling climate change and poverty, boosting trade and promoting sustainable development – all issues that can only be dealt with decisively through multilateral cooperation and mutual support,” she stated.
“We have adapted throughout the pandemic, holding ministerial meetings online. It is with great joy and anticipation that I look ahead to a face-to-face Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting,” Scotland added.
Scotland has also commended the Government and people of Rwanda for their outstanding commitment and dedication to delivering an exemplary CHOGM in Kigali.
“I thank all Rwandans for their grace and fortitude in undertaking such detailed preparations to ensure a safe, secure and productive CHOGM that drives the Commonwealth forward in these trying times,” she said.
The upcoming CHOGM due in Kigali will be the first to be held in Africa for over a decade.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of members are small states, many of which are island nations.
Its Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights.
The Commonwealth work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
The Government of Rwanda closed the border with Uganda in March 2019. At the time, Rwanda had started accusing Uganda of supporting dissidents intending to threaten its security and illegally incarcerating Rwandans who were also subjected to torture on accusations of being spies.
[The Government of Rwanda announced the decision to reopen the border->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-to-reopen-gatuna-border-post-with-uganda] on 28th January 2022 through a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The development was reached few days following the visit to Rwanda of Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on 22nd January 2022 where he held talks with President Paul Kagame on restoring bilateral ties to normal.
As IGIHE visited the border on 30th January 2022, preparations for the long-awaited reopening were underway that Rwanda started receiving nationals returning from Uganda.
On the side of Uganda, the upgrading of border infrastructures is ongoing to serve as many as possible passengers.
The former President of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka is among Rwandans who crossed the border for the first time after reopening.
He was heading to Kabale in Uganda to attend the burial of Emmanuel Mutebile, who previously served as the Governor of Uganda’s Central Bank.
Speaking to RBA, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda has said that the reopening of Gatuna border is a great milestone to the normalization of bilateral relations but reminded citizens that it does not completely put an end to issues they have been facing.
He however observed that the move serves as the beginning of a process to bring the situation back to normal.
Facilities for COVID-19 tests have been set up at Gatuna border like other borders linking Rwanda to Uganda.
Gatuna is the first reopened among three land borders connecting Rwanda to Uganda. The remaining borders include Kagitumba and Cyanika. Before the reopening, passengers travelled to Uganda by flight.
Police and local authorities found them congregating at the home of one Marie Rose Nyirahuku, at about 2pm.
All the violators were tested for Covid-19 test, with two of them being positive.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that Police was tipped off by some concerned local residents.
“Residents in Kigeme reported a big group of people, who were congregating at the home of Nyirahuku and making loud noise. An operation was swiftly conducted and they were found overcrowded praying and without face masks,” said SP Kanamugire.
“Out of the 175 violators, who came from different sectors, two tested positive, which raises more concerns about the likely spread among other congregators.
Two people have not taken the Covid-19 jabs while other six had taken only one shot,” he added.
Religious services are only allowed in places of worship that were authorized to resume after fulfilling the required safety measures, but only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to attend the services.
SP Kanamugire thanked residents, who reported the violations and warned those, who continue to disregard the national efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 but rather spread it.
The violators were also educated on Covid-19 prevention health measures, tested at own cost, and handed administrative fines while others were vaccinated.
After holding talks on Sunday 30th January 2022, they also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and TotalEnergies to develop collaboration in various sectors.
Kagame thanked Pouyanné for his visit to Rwanda and launched collaboration through signed agreements.
Pouyanné who also met with member of Rwanda’s Private Sector revealed that TotalEnergies pledged to fast track the implementation of signed agreements in the areas of energy and education among others.
He underscored that the coming to Rwanda is a result of cordial relations between Rwanda and France and urged Rwandan investors to expand footprints to Mozambique where TotalEnergies runs different projects.
The chairperson of the Association of Petroleum Importers in Rwanda (ASIMPER), Eric Mutaganda said that TotalEnergies is set to open doors to Rwanda and expected to provide different opportunities.
TotalEnergies runs operations in more than 130 countries.
The French firm has an investment worth US$20 billion in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique under a project dubbed ’Liquefied Natural Gas’.
During the ceremony held on Friday 28th January 2022, Rotarians also shared dinner with Amb. Vrooman and wished him well in his future endeavours.
They also reminisced on good moments they have had with him during his four-year tour of duty in Rwanda and commended his contribution to Rotary Club.
Rotarians also described Amb. Vrooman as a man with virtues and humility.
“You don’t see that diplomatic fame in him. He is so humble to the Club. There is no activity done for Rwandan community that he missed. He empathized with people and helped vulnerable people and joined members during tree planting exercises among others,” said Rotarian Kelechi Anyanwu Reginald, one of the Club’s members.
“Even though he is in high diplomatic position, he has done extraordinary work and supported the society by contributing to various projects. Vrooman has actively participated in our Club and supported both Rotarians and Rotaracts,” revealed Suman Alla, the President of Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga.
President Suman highlighted that they Rotarians have learnt a lot from values of Amb. Vrooman, particularly, his humility.
“He is a humble man. It took us to great learning from him because you can go far in your professional life, in diplomacy or business but when it comes to Rotary, we are all equal. He has shown it by setting an example by doing what he does,” Suman affirmed.
Rotary Club members also disclosed that Amb. Vrooman was welcoming and open to interact with anyone seeking to engage in discussions on the way forward for particular projects to materialize.
“Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga has been my home for last four years in terms of non- professional work. The Opportunity to practice about self and to support the Rwandan community were possible through the Club,” said Peter Vrooman.
He recalled some of activities in which he contributed through the Club, namely; the construction of a transit accommodation facility for cancer patients in Kibagabaga, supporting schools, improving people’s livelihoods, planting trees and kitchen gardens among others.
Amb. Vrooman pledged to continue working with Rotarians to impact the society positively.
Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga is one of seven Rotary Clubs in Rwanda.
Peter Hendrick Vrooman had presented credentials to President Paul Kagame on 6th April 2018 replacing Erica Barks-Ruggles who had held the position since 2014.
During his tour of duty, Vrooman was particularly admired for friendly interactions with Rwandans and efforts to learn Kinyarwanda where he was heard at different times holding speeches in the language.
Other passengers were rescued by fishers who brought them back to the dock.
The executive secretary of Bushenge sector, Damas Uwimana has told IGIHE that the accident happened as wind gusted the boat when it rained.
He requested passengers traveling with boats to always wear life jackets and notify relevant authorities of their trip and the number of passengers onboard.
Eighteen of passengers onboard were rescued alive while the search for the missing person is ongoing.
At the pass-out, IGP Munyuza was accompanied by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Eugene S. Kayihura, who is also accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The Police Chief is in Lesotho since January 25, at the invitation of his counterpart, Commissioner of Police Holomo Molibeli as the two Police institutions continue to strengthen cooperation in various matters of policing to face emerging security challenges collectively.
The pass out ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro.
Other present at the colourful ceremony was the Minister for Police and Public Safety for Lesotho, Lepota Sekora, Commander of Lesotho Defence Force, Lt. Gen Mojalefa Letsoela, the South African Police Service National Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Khehla Sitole, and Senior Deputy National Commissioner for Eswatini Police, Dr. Lydia Dlamini among others.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Lesotho Mounted Police (LMPS) signed a memorandum of understanding in Kigali in August 2021 outlining key areas of cooperation, including partnership against terrorism, organized and transnational crimes; capacity building in community policing; exchange of information and expertise; as well as training opportunities and expertise development.
Other areas include development and exchange of training materials and curricula, combating proliferation of small arms and light weapons, timely exchange of information on criminals and criminal activities, and joint operations.
During the bilateral meeting between IGP Munyuza and his host Commissioner Molibeli on Wednesday, the two Chiefs of Police recommitted to making the pact a success and to explore other areas of partnership against transnational organized crimes and capacity development.
The raised capital is a sign of trust in the growth of the bank by the shareholders and a way to strengthen its ability to provide financial solutions to its customers.
With the raised capital, the bank is currently positioned to meet market demands and sufficiently respond to the needs of customers.
According to the bank’s management, the Rwf7.4 billion raised from shareholders last year is a testament of confidence and ability of the bank to serve the Rwandan market, contribute to the growth of the Rwandan economy and a proof of continuous growth of the bank as one of the many subsidiaries of BOA Group.
BANK OF AFRICA – RWANDA is a private commercial bank that operates in Rwanda serving businesses, entities and individuals. It began operations in Rwanda in October 2015. So far, the bank has 14 branches, including 8 branches in Kigali and 6 branches in the country. (Muhanga, Huye, Musanze, Rubavu, Rusizi and Kayonza).
The latter is part of BANK OF AFRICA Group (BOA Group) which opened in 1982 with its head office in Bamako, Mali before moving to Dakar in Senegal. BOA Group is present in 18 countries: 8 in West Africa, 8 in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France& changai China
The group also has a network of 17 commercial banks, 1 global holding company, 2 regional holding companies, 1 investment company, 2 technical support subsidiaries, 2 processing and IT support companies, and 1 representative office in Addis Ababa.
Since 2010, BOA Group has been majority-owned by Moroccan Bank of Foreign Commerce (BMCE Bank) whose name recently changed to Bank of Africa, ranked 3rd largest bank in Morocco.
The development was announced on Wednesday 26th January 2022 at the official inauguration of an innovation hub built in Musanze district of Northern Province.
The room is expected, among others, to tackle joblessness through the creation of new jobs.
After entering agreement with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, JICA has built innovation hubs in different districts across the country including Huye, Rwamagana and Musanze.
Speaking at the inauguration of Musanze Innovation hub; the mayor of Musanze district, Janvier Ramuli said that the facility is expected to bring positive transformations and create new jobs through digital innovations.
“This will serve as a platform to bring together the district’s youth for job creation. It will also extend access to technology and nurture their talents. We are confident that expended efforts will yield big for our youth,” he noted.
The Governor of Northern Province, Dancille Nyirarugero also highlighted that the hub signifies a lot to the area considered as a tourism hub.
She urged the youth in the province to tap into opportunities made available given that training and digital access at the center are free of charge.
The Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Masahiro Imai has said that his country and Rwanda have common aspects as countries not rich in natural resources which requires to rely on human resources development.
He explained that Japan has been promoting technology since 2010 with a view to create jobs and attain sustainable development.
“As we all agree, human resources are the foundation for sustainable growth. We are trying as much as we can to support Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Human resources and technology will play a critical role to this journey of building knowledge based economy. Therefore, it is no brainer that Vision 2050 will be achieved by leveraging the power of human capital with digital means,” Amb. Imai said.
Under this program, JICA has agreed to provide training at the center and latest equipment.
The Chief Representative of JICA in Rwanda, Maruo Shin has told IGIHE that attaining needed transformations, requires substantial efforts at different leadership levels to ensure the program is successful.
The youth from Musanze will turn up to the center to craft different innovative artworks.
They can design maps in different shapes, eye catching drawings, writing on sign posts using digital means and carpentry among others.
Desailly Mupenzi who has been undertaking training as a facilitator said that the center is poised to bring positive impact.
“Musanze is a touristic district. The artworks produced at this center are splendid. We are optimistic that the center will help us to generate more than expected money,” he said.
Diana Mutoni Gahima, Business and Market Intelligence Analyst at Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) has stressed that setting up the innovation hubs in secondary cities aligns with programs to discover and nurture new talents in rural areas.
As manufacturing remains one of a strategic contributors national economy, the automobile industry presents huge potential in accelerating Rwanda’s industrialization process, promoting the innovative development of manufacturing industry, increasing employment and promoting consumption upgrading. In the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Rwanda cooperation is expected to accelerate Rwanda’s transportation infrastructure. With the continuous improvement of infrastructure, the range of people using cars is also expanding, and the demand for cars is growing rapidly.
With the rapid development of economy and strong manufacturing capability, China’s automobile industry system improves day by day. China’s automobile production is increasing by a large margin every year. Currently, China has the ability of exporting large-scale industrial technology. In recent years, Chinese automobile brands have been going to southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and many other countries and regions, and the market share is constantly increasing, competing with other well-known international brands. This shows that the product quality of Chinese auto brands has been tested by the market.
As Chinese auto brands are slowly forming influence and competitiveness in the international market, Rwanda has been added to the large network with the coming of two Chinese automobile manufacturing firms namely; Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. and Liuzhou Wuling Motor Co Ltd which have been represented by Carcarbaba in Rwanda.
The latter have thirty years of automobile manufacturing experience, and gradually shift from simple vehicle export to targeting at professional research of localized plant construction and local distribution.
In the future, Dongfeng and Wuling are expected to continue to accelerate innovation and transformation to provide consumers with more comprehensive automobile products. China, which has formed a world-class automobile manufacturing system, would like to share the high-quality cars of these two automobile brands with more Rwandan people
Generally, the biggest challenge of the economic cooperation between two countries is the trade barrier, which will increase the complexity of products entering the market. Therefore, the Rwandan government provides many preferential and convenient policies for the enterprises that come to Invest in Rwanda. Rwanda has a good business environment, which lays a good foundation for the development of Chinese auto brands in Rwanda. Chinese enterprise is not only selling products to Rwanda for the sake of profit but also brings high quality cars in Rwanda and cooperates with the well-known technical colleges IPRC to discuss automobile teaching courses.
If there is no systematic automobile after-sales service system, it will be very difficult for the car brand to thrive in the market. Through joint training repair mechanics, the company provides staff support for auto after-sales service, which raises Rwandan consumers’ confidence and experience of DONGFENG & Wuling automobile. The Chinese company does not only help to upgrade Rwanda’s automobile industry, but also brings more maintenance technology to increase employment opportunity.
Rwandan government is making new energy development strategy as a long-term development goal. It aims to ease air pollution. In line with the natural conditions and economic development planning, green travel is recommended. Dongfeng and Wuling are also expected to actively promote the new energy automotive technology industry research and industrial upgrade. In the future, they plan to continue exploring the deep integration of new energy and automobile industry so that they might meet Rwanda’s future development strategy.
After setting up showroom in Rwanda, IGIHE has caught up with the management to give more details about the new investment, uniqueness of these brands and advantages for local customers.
{{Q1: Why did you choose these two brands–Dongfeng and Wuling?}}
Because Dongfeng and Wuling are very popular with Chinese consumers, the auto groups of both brands sell millions of cars in a year in China. These two brands not only have considerable sales volume in the Chinese market, but also have been recognized by local consumers in South America, Southeast Asia and other markets.
Therefore, we hope to introduce the product lines of these two brands into the Rwandan market to offer local consumers more choices.
{{Q2: In which context did the company set up an automobile showroom in Rwanda?}}
Before I came here, I had heard that Rwanda had a reputation as the “land of a thousand hills”, with clean streets, high levels of anti-corruption and a good business environment, which are all positive signs for foreign investors. Meanwhile, we also know that the local car market in Rwanda is highly competitive, and consumers would like to have more choices to buy cars with higher quality, more competitive prices, and consistent quality service. So, we finally decided to set up our first automobile showroom and garage in Kigali.
{{Q3: Which model is the most recommended for Wuling and Dongfeng?}}
Dongfeng currently promotes an SUV called T5EVO, which is defined as a Trendy SUV. Wuling, on the other hand, promotes RONGGUANG series of small trucks, which can meet the transportation needs of small and medium-sized merchants at a lower price. In short, we have both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, which meets the needs of consumers.
{{Q4: What kind of after-sales service support do you offer?}}
We know that for local car users, perfect after-sales service is the biggest weak spot in their daily use of cars. Accordingly, warranty policies will be provided for different brands of vehicles. Besides, since we are the agent of these brands, customers do not have to worry about after-sales parts. We have professional maintenance engineers dispatched by manufacturers to provide automobile service guidance. Furthermore, we explore to train technical maintenance personnel with local schools. Through these measures, we hope to create a perfect after-sales service system to give users a better car use experience.
{{Q5: What do you think of your brand’s advantage}}?
The Chinese auto industry has the advantage of being a late bloomer. The quality of the core parts is as good as other brands and the design of the exterior and interior is even better. Product quality can be guaranteed while maintaining a reasonable price. And we are the sole agent of the manufacturer, setting up the showroom on behalf of manufacturer, with a strong after-sales service system.
{{Q6: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?}}
In the future, Carcarbaba will set up an automobile sales service chain network in other African countries to provide local people with more choices of high-quality products and offer perfect after-sales service.
{{Q7: Now, Rwanda is promoting green travel. Will you bring new energy vehicles in Rwanda?}}
In the past few years, countries have actively participated in carbon neutralization, including China, and the Rwandan Government is unwilling to lag behind. We have learnt that the Rwandan government issued a policy to provide various free tax incentives for the import of electric vehicles. Our existing electric MPV, electric SUV, sightseeing vehicle, golf cart, new energy truck, new energy motorcycle and other electric vehicles will be introduced to Rwanda in due time to bring more purchasing choices to local consumers. We also plan to set up car charging stations in Rwanda.
{{Q8: How are you positioned to create job opportunities in Rwanda?}}
For now, we have reached a project cooperation with IPRC Kigali, the largest vocational training school in Rwanda, to provide local students with the maintenance technology training of new energy vehicles and of other products, and provide more professional talents for the local automobile after-sales service market.
At the same time, since our business has been localized, we will recruit local employees for sales, operations, after-sales service and other related positions. We hope to expand our business and recruit more local talent in the future.
