These projects were chosen from a pool of 50 that competed in the initial public voting phase of the competition. The selected projects represent a diverse range of innovative ideas and social impact, with 80% of the selection based on the decisions of a panel of judges and 20% determined by the public through a digital voting system.
The competition aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable knowledge, training, opportunities to network with key industry players, and financial support to help develop their ventures.
In a media interview, Mudenge Ingabire Phionah, representing business mentors, emphasized that the 12 entrepreneurs advancing to the next stage were selected based on the novelty and potential benefits of their projects for the community.
She noted that many young people are eager to start businesses but lack the necessary resources and confidence. “Many young people show a strong desire to start businesses, but the problem is that they are not well-prepared. That is why it is our responsibility to help them develop solid, high-quality projects with a sustainable future,” she said.
Remmy Lubega, the show’s Executive Producer and CEO of RG-Consult Inc, explained that the main goal of the project is to showcase and promote young entrepreneurs and their businesses by giving them a platform to publicize their ideas.
He highlighted that one of the major challenges faced by young entrepreneurs is the lack of visibility, which this contest seeks to address.
“This initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs with more opportunities, such as meeting investors, potential partners, and gaining audiences for their work,” Lubega said.
The 12 entrepreneurs moving forward will receive mentorship and training to refine their projects before presenting them to the judging panel in a televised event.
The Tangira StartUp TV Contest will air on Igihe TV in six phases, with winners being selected each week until the final six projects remain to compete for the grand prize.
The finalists will compete for prizes including over 10 million Rwandan Francs and other valuable rewards.
The Tangira StartUp TV Contest has several partners, including BRD, ICT Chamber, RSE, 250Startups Incubator, BPN, ESP, IGIHE, Aba VIP, Itara Productions, BTN, ATV, Royal FM, Capital FM, Nep Filmz, and RG-Consult Inc.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, John Giusti, GSMA’s Deputy Director General, reflected on the summit’s evolution and the organisation’s strategy to make digital access more inclusive.
“This is my fifth time in Kigali, and it’s always fantastic,” Giusti said. “There’s so much energy. Rwanda has really been a leader, from President Paul Kagame to ICT Minister Paula Ingabire in driving digital transformation both nationally and across Africa.”
Since its debut three years ago, MWC Kigali has evolved from a regional gathering into a major platform showcasing Africa’s digital transformation. Each year, the summit has expanded its focus from mobile connectivity and broadband coverage to fintech innovations, network security, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the continent’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.
Today, MWC Kigali not only convenes industry leaders but also drives concrete initiatives, such as affordable 4G smartphones and AI solutions in African languages, positioning itself at the forefront of digital inclusion.
According to Giusti, one of the most significant milestones has been the expansion of mobile broadband coverage.
“We’ve moved from a point in 2017 where 34% of Africa’s population lacked coverage to today, where only 9% are not connected. This reflects the commitment of operators and supportive government policies,” he noted.
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A central theme of MWC Kigali 2025 is handset affordability. The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, launched in collaboration with six major operators Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, aims to reduce the cost of entry-level 4G devices.
“The biggest barrier to connectivity is the cost of the device,” Giusti explained. “We brought together operators, device manufacturers, and institutions like the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to develop concrete solutions to make smartphones more accessible.”
The coalition has now defined baseline specifications for affordable yet functional 4G smartphones, ensuring devices are both practical and desirable for consumers, whether for business, social life, or daily use. Giusti added that partnerships with governments will be crucial, particularly in reducing taxes and offering innovative financing solutions to lower costs further.
South Africa’s removal of luxury taxes on smartphones priced under USD 150 serves as a model for other countries.
“Smartphones are no longer a luxury; they are a basic necessity, like bread or vegetables,” Giusti said. “Fair taxation policies are essential to ensure everyone can access digital tools.”
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While lowering device costs is key, the GSMA acknowledges other challenges, including digital skills and relevant local content. Only 0.02% of online content is currently available in Africa’s many languages, highlighting the need for content development in native tongues. MWC Kigali 2025 addresses this by exploring AI in African languages, energy resilience, and other initiatives that complement connectivity efforts.
Looking ahead, Giusti emphasised the potential for Africa’s young population to drive innovation: “Seventy percent of Africa’s population is under 30. More people are entering the job market, but too many are still not connected digitally. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy.”
MWC Kigali 2025 will conclude on Thursday. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, driving initiatives that aim to make the continent more connected and digitally inclusive.
Watch the full exclusive interview with the GSMA executive below.
This is one of the fond memories that those who know President Kagame have of him from his childhood. From the Southern Province of Rwanda, where he was born, to the refugee camps in Uganda, including Rukinga, Nshungerezi, and Gahunge, Kagame stood out as a model of excellence, a characteristic that has stayed with him to this day.
Born in 1957, President Kagame entered the world in a family of integrity. His mother, Asteria Bisinda, and his father, Deogratias Rutagambwa, were individuals of principle. Rutagambwa, an entrepreneur who founded Trafipro, was also known for his ethical conduct. Even during their time in exile, he was often chosen to lead the community in the camps.
Kagame was baptized as an infant in November 1957, with Mutembe Ildephonse serving as his godfather, just one month after his birth.
In 1959, as political unrest escalated in Rwanda during the Revolution, which targeted the Tutsi population, Kagame’s family fled their home.
They initially sought refuge in the Mutara region of Rwanda, before eventually crossing into Uganda on November 6, 1961.
During their journey, Kagame and his mother were separated from his father, who passed through Burundi and eventually made his way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and then to Uganda.
While life in exile was undoubtedly difficult, Kagame continued his education in the refugee camps. One of the individuals who knew him from Gahunge camp, recalls that Kagame was a disciplined, neat child, maintaining a level of cleanliness that was rare for many as he studied at Rwengoro School.
Another former colleague remembers Kagame as someone who, despite his youth, would approach older students to inquire about their duties or to remind them of their responsibilities.
“He had a mature demeanor,” said one former peer. “He would often play football with the older boys, but he would also ask us why we weren’t studying.”
Kagame excelled in school, standing out as one of the brightest students. A teacher from that time remembers a foreign visitor who encouraged the students to work hard, promising that those who performed well would be offered a chance to study at Ntare School, a prestigious secondary school. Kagame was among the first to achieve this goal.
Throughout his early life, Kagame exhibited a deep curiosity about Rwanda’s history, often seeking out the stories of older individuals who had fought in the Inyenzi movement. He and his close childhood friend Fred Rwigema spent hours learning from veterans including Maliko, reflecting Kagame’s early passion for his country and its history.
After completing his studies at Ntare School, Kagame attended Old Kampala School before eventually joining the Ugandan liberation struggle. While others pursued university education, Kagame chose to fight for Uganda’s freedom, believing it would provide him with the opportunity to return to his homeland.
Those familiar with Kagame’s early military history note that he joined Uganda’s armed forces by hitching a ride in a truck driven by General Lutaaya, one of Uganda’s top military officers.
He began his military journey by participating in the 1981 attack on the Kabamba Military Training School, which marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
During the war, Kagame held important military roles, focusing on discipline within the ranks and intelligence operations. He was known for his professionalism and dedication, and his soldiers respected him greatly for his integrity and leadership.
Those who served with Kagame during his time in the military recall how he was admired. “He was a man of integrity, and everyone respected him,” said one comrade. “He never tolerated injustice and always acted with fairness.”
Kagame’s early life, from his childhood in the refugee camps to his military service, laid the foundation for the values he continues to uphold as the president of Rwanda today. His commitment to fairness, integrity, cleanliness, and a deep love for his country has been consistent throughout his life.
Today, as Rwanda’s president, Kagame is celebrated for his role in leading the country to freedom, stopping the genocide against the Tutsi, and rebuilding Rwanda into a nation with international stature. He is credited with improving the lives of Rwandans in all aspects, ensuring no one is left behind and fostering national unity.
Kagame has never accepted the colonial idea of dividing Rwandans based on ethnicity, and he continues to reject any notion of division. He once spoke of how a Stanford University expert suggested a scientific method to measure the “genealogies” of Rwandans to justify colonial divisions. Kagame responded by dismissing such ideas, stating that such notions were a form of foolishness.
He emphasized that despite differences in appearance or background, all Rwandans are united as human beings, and the government should focus on unity.
As Rwanda continues to thrive under his leadership, Kagame’s childhood experiences and the values he developed during those formative years remain a testament to his integrity and vision for the future of the nation.
The meeting brought together officials from both countries alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, and the African Union Commission. The session aimed to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, signed on June 27, 2025, which seeks to end hostilities and restore stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Department of State, participants reaffirmed their adherence to the Operations Order (OPORD), the key plan guiding the execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) finalised earlier this month during the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) meeting.
The JSCM reviewed progress since the previous sessions held in September and early October, particularly under Phase 1 of the OPORD, which emphasised preparation through threat analysis and information sharing.
Delegates also discussed coordinated steps toward neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a key objective of the peace roadmap, and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures once security conditions permit. Rwanda maintains that the FDLR, a militia group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to collaborate with the Congolese army and operate in eastern DRC, posing a serious security threat to Rwanda.
While the parties acknowledged progress, the fragile nature of the peace process remains evident. Since the Washington Peace Agreement was signed in June, implementation has faced multiple setbacks amid lingering mistrust and continued instability in parts of eastern Congo. The meeting in Washington was therefore seen as a critical step in sustaining dialogue and maintaining momentum toward de-escalation.
Both the Congolese and Rwandan delegations expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their ongoing facilitation and diplomatic support. The JSCM members agreed to continue monitoring developments closely and to reconvene for a fourth meeting on November 19–20, 2025, to assess progress and address emerging challenges.
All participants reiterated their shared commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
It was officially closed by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
This high-level gathering reaffirmed Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to promoting continental defence collaboration, dialogue, peacekeeping, security, and the exchange of military leadership expertise across Africa.
The symposium brought together Land Forces commanders, defence experts, and key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Minister Marizamunda expressed gratitude to the participants for their insightful contributions throughout the event.
He underscored the importance of partnerships, particularly in joint training and professional exchange, as essential to building a stable and prosperous future for Africa and the wider world.
“You have collectively examined the evolving nature of global and regional security, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the capabilities, professionalism, and readiness of our respective Land Forces,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the discussions had served as a powerful reminder that “we operate in an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment, marked by asymmetric conflicts, transnational threats, and crises that require decisive action.
“In such times, the vital role of Land Forces can not be overstated. They are the first responders in times of crisis, the stabilizing force during turmoil, and the foundation upon which peace is rebuilt.”
Following the official closing, Land Forces commanders visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay the respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Presiding over the ceremony, the UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, commended the Rwandan peacekeepers for their outstanding professionalism and dedication.
He noted that Rwanda is among the top five troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions globally.
Lt Gen Subramanian praised both Rwanbatt-3, and RAU-13 for their discipline, unwavering commitment, and significant contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in South Sudan.
Colonel Leodomir Uwizeyimana, Rwanbatt-3 Contingent Commander and Senior National Representative, expressed his gratitude to the UNMISS leadership for their ongoing support and recognition.
He reaffirmed the battalion’s commitment to upholding Rwanda’s esteemed reputation in international peacekeeping and to fulfilling the mission’s mandate to protect civilians and promote peace.
Col Uwizeyimana also highlighted the importance of cooperation with other contingents, local communities, and all stakeholders, acknowledging their role in the successful operations.
He reiterated the contingents’s dedication to fostering peace and preserving Rwanda’s proud legacy in peacekeeping efforts.
The ceremony was attended by senior UNMISS officials from various sectors and members of the Rwandan community residing in South Sudan.
The event featured a vibrant parade and a martial arts demonstration by Rwandan peacekeepers, showcasing their discipline and cultural heritage.
Held under the theme “Building Trust in Higher Education,” the three-day conference opened on Tuesday, October 21, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and runs through Thursday, October 23.
The event marks a milestone for Rwanda and the region, as it is the first time the IAU International Conference has been held in East Africa. Over 200 delegates from 56 countries are attending, engaging in discussions on how universities can rebuild and sustain public trust amid an era of social, technological, and ideological disruption.
The conference’s focus on trust comes at a time when universities globally are facing heightened scrutiny. Questions are being raised about their relevance, impact, and the trustworthiness of their operations, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. The discussions aim to address these issues and forge new paths for universities to re-establish their credibility in an age marked by political and social unrest.
Andrew Deeks, the President of IAU, set the tone for the conference, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year legacy and its continued commitment to advancing higher education globally. He emphasised that this year’s theme was particularly relevant as trust in universities is being questioned across the world.
“Whether universities are operating for the benefit of the countries they’re in or for the students they educate is increasingly under scrutiny,” said Professor Deeks. “Our goal is to explore how to build and sustain trust in the face of these challenges.”
Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, expressed the institution’s excitement in being part of this global conversation. He noted the unique opportunity for African universities to share their experiences and challenges with their international counterparts.
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Hilligje van’t Land, the Secretary-General of IAU, highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration between universities worldwide.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the higher education community to come together, discuss the key challenges facing universities, and work towards solutions that will benefit the global higher education sector,” she said.
Dr Van’t Land pointed out that the conference’s theme is timely, especially considering the turmoil faced by many institutions in the current political climate. From issues surrounding academic freedom to increasing demands for inclusivity and equity, universities must find ways to remain relevant and trustworthy in an increasingly complex world.
The challenges facing higher education in Africa, in particular, were a focal point of discussion. Professor Muganga emphasised how hosting the conference in Kigali allows African universities to not only learn from their global peers but also showcase their progress and unique challenges.
“By coming together, we can exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and benefit from diverse perspectives,” Prof. Muganga added.
Andreas Corcoran, IAU Deputy Secretary General, reiterated the association’s founding mission to act as the “global voice of higher education” within UNESCO frameworks. He praised Africa’s dynamic academic landscape, describing it as “vibrant, agile, and creative in solving contemporary challenges.”
“Africa is the future,” Corcoran said. “The world has a lot to learn from African universities, their innovative pedagogies, governance models, and adaptability to their specific environments.”
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Prof. Muganga revealed that the University of Rwanda has already signed several Memoranda of Understanding with participating institutions, including a new agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa focusing on technology, mining, and geology.
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One of the most pressing issues discussed at the conference is how universities can rebuild trust in a world where misinformation and mistrust are rampant. The importance of integrity in leadership, transparency in governance, and a commitment to inclusivity were all emphasized as key pillars of rebuilding trust.
Global tertiary education expert Dr Jamil Salmi delivered the keynote address, “Trust and Distrust in an Age of Turmoil,” warning that higher education institutions worldwide face a crisis of confidence.
He cited factors such as widening inequalities in access, rising tuition costs, corruption, ideological interference, and the growing rejection of scientific evidence.
“We live in a paradox where universities are attacked as elitist or irrelevant, even as societies depend on them more than ever for innovation and progress,” he said.
Dr Salmi identified five key principles for rebuilding trust: equity and inclusiveness, student-centred learning, a focus on competencies over credentials, commitment to truth and academic freedom, and social responsibility.
Dr Salmi emphasised that universities can no longer be “ivory towers” and must engage actively with communities, industry, and government. He noted that trust is built when universities deliver real value to society through education, research, and innovation.
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Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also addressed the conference, stressing the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and positioning higher education as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Trust is earned when universities deliver value, by educating citizens to be problem-solvers and generating research that addresses real societal challenges,” said Nsengimana.
He underscored the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, and communities, noting that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to make the country a knowledge-driven, high-income society.
“We see higher education not as an isolated pursuit of degrees, but as a driver of transformation, a tool for social cohesion and a pillar of sustainable development. Our universities are not doing business as usual. They are becoming engines of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Nsengimana urged delegates to envision a future where universities lead change, serving as beacons of truth, innovation, and hope. “Together, we can ensure higher education does not merely survive change but shapes it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the conference also marked the launch of the IAU’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), a peer-to-peer capacity-building initiative for university leaders. The programme begins in Kigali and continues online, with additional modules planned for the 2026 IAU Conference in Perth, Australia, in November 2026.
The competition was attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including the State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Claudette Irere, and the Director General of the Rwanda Education Board, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana.
Representatives from the Rwanda Defence Force, the Rwanda National Police, and delegations from 30 participating countries were also present.
This year’s Olympiad gathered nearly 400 students who showcased their remarkable mental arithmetic skills using the ABACUS method, a technique that blends speed, memory, and concentration in an extraordinary display of numerical mastery.
Among these bright minds, APACOPE stood out impressively, earning the coveted first place overall and securing the highest number of student awards among all participating schools.
The school’s star performers included Alsene Irakooze, who claimed victory in Level 3 for Watching and Listening, and Eddy Nkuranga, who triumphed in Level 3 Written Exams.
Gakumba Ishya Gaelle also took top honors in Level 4 Watching and Listening, while Shima Salom Junior and Kirenga Enzo Yanis brought home second-place finishes in the same category and in Level 4 Written Exams respectively.
This remarkable success builds upon APACOPE’s already stellar reputation. In a previous international competition held in Nigeria, one of its students won a gold medal in the ABACUS Mental Calculation category, an achievement that underscored the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
Adding to its remarkable achievements, APACOPE traditional dance troupe entertained the audience with captivating Rwandan cultural performances, making the event even more vibrant and memorable.
General Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, who once served as President Tshisekedi’s advisor on special military operations, General Franck Ntumba, former head of military operations at the President’s office, and Brig Gen Benjamin Katende Batubadila, the Commander of the Republican Guard in charge of Operations and Intelligence, were all arrested in July 2025.
The three senior officers are accused of organizing a coup attempt against the president. Although their arrests took place several months ago, their trial has not yet begun.
According to sources, security officials have since grown uneasy about other soldiers from the Republican Guard who worked closely with the detained generals.
Fearing possible internal threats, military leadership has ordered the transfer of many of these officers to army headquarters for reassignment.
It is expected that a number of these soldiers will be posted outside the capital, Kinshasa, to prevent any potential threats they may pose.
As of July 2025, more than 70 soldiers, including nearly 30 generals, had been arrested for alleged involvement in the plot against President Tshisekedi. None of them have yet appeared before a military court.
On Monday, the court directed Hisbah, the Islamic morality police, to ensure the couple, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, get married within 60 days.
The couple had posted videos showing themselves hugging and kissing, which is considered inappropriate in Kano’s conservative Muslim society.
“The court decided that since the two are in love and shared their romance on TikTok, they should get married,” said Baba-Jibo Ibrahim, a spokesperson for Kano State’s judiciary. “The marriage must happen within 60 days .”
Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, who has dwarfism, were popular on TikTok before the video raised concerns. Wushirya was arrested for sharing the video, which violated local moral guidelines.
“We have received the court order and are preparing for the wedding,” said Abba Sufi, the head of Hisbah. “The couple has agreed to get married, and we plan to carry out the wedding as soon as possible. We are also contacting Basira’s family, who live more than 300 kilometers away in Zamfara State, to seek their approval.”
Kano is known for its Islamic traditions and is home to Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry. In 2022, local authorities began more closely monitoring social media content, including platforms like TikTok.
Baba-Jibo Ibrahim said that the rise of social media has raised concerns among religious leaders. He explained that videos like the one shared by Wushirya and Guda are seen as conflicting with the moral values of society.
According to him, the court’s decision is meant to protect these traditional values.
The court’s ruling has sparked a debate over the role of social media in societies with conservative moral beliefs. Some see this as a restriction of personal freedom, while others view it as in line with the cultural and religious values of the area.
