In a statement published on February 7th, 2020, S&P noted that the outlook is stable as Rwanda is expected to continue to achieve above-average real GDP growth and establish balance against risks of fiscal slippages and rising government debt.
S&P credit rating is used by sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and other investors to gauge the creditworthiness of Rwanda thus having a big impact on the country’s borrowing costs. In the future, S&P predicts a raise in Rwanda’s rating if the economic growth materially outperforms.
In June 2018 however, S&P warned that debt held by state-owned enterprises (SOE) has rapidly increased over the past two years, and stood at about 6% of GDP and that it might lead to re-evaluate Rwanda’s ranking.
GDP growth in Rwanda is mostly driven by construction projects, constant improvement in the industry and service sectors as well as a trade which is backed up by a great performance from RwandAir, the carrier airline of Rwanda.
S&P predicts an increase in GDP by 7.7% every year from 2020 to 2023 due to the improvement in infrastructures, energy projects, stadiums, schools, health centers, and residential homes. In addition, an improvement in agriculture and industries is expected brought about by investment. The mining industry will also contribute to stimulating economic growth.
The positive outlook reflects S&P view that the upcoming pipeline of investment projects, along with higher exports and consumption, will drive strong medium-term growth prospects.
Analysts say B+ is a good economic indicator for Rwanda and that it will allow investors to assess the overall performance of the market in Rwanda.
Audio and video produced by MadeBeats and R Day respectively, the song themes about a girl who fell in love with a celebrity despite her brother’s disapproval. Her brother thinks falling in love with a celebrity is not promising and will break his sister’s heart.
Auddy Kelly has told IGIHE that, while he had put his music aside for a long time, he is returning with a bang.
“You see, when you work and realize it is not going right, you pause and work on what is wrong and once fixed, you come back.”
About the cause of his absence on the music scene, Auddy Kelly has said that it is a lot.
“There are loads of things that make one step aside, gather your pieces, and once you realize you have gotten all you need, you return with a lot of energy. I promise my fans that I have returned and won’t disappear again,” he promised.
He said that during the time he was absent in the music industry he still went to the studio and recorded songs which he will be releasing.
He said, “2020 is my year. Watch me.”
In his new song, he said the main message is to tell people that life of fame does not go far from real life.
“[In the story] I fall in love with a girl, but her brother tells her that musicians are unstable people, promising her to find for her another lover. However, the girl insists I am the one.”
Auddy Kelly who mainly sings on love had previously released gospel songs “Imvura” from the Bible in which he featured alongside Jody Phibi, “Umuvandimwe” from the Bible which was proposed by his mother, “Igitangaza”, “Reka Nkubyinire”, and “Arakomeye”.
He came to prominence with such songs as “Ndakwitegereza”, “Sinzagutererana” alongside Jody Phibi who it was said he dated, “Ubyumve”, “Sinkakubure” and others.
The funeral service was held today at Nyayo stadium located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and brought together thousands of Kenyans and friends of Kenya.
Presidents at the funeral service included Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Paul Kagame and Yemi Osinbanjo, the vice president of Nigeria.
They were given time to pay tribute to him for the last time where his body was laid at the parliament buildings.
President Uhuru Kenyatta who chaired the ceremony called President Moi ‘The father of the country and a champion of Pan-Africanism’
President Moi will be buried on Wednesday, February 12th in Kabarak where he was born. Kabarak is located 220 kilometers away from Nairobi.
Daniel Arap Moi was President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. He was known as a popular and personable leader who succeeded to maintain peace and security in Kenya at a time where neighboring countries were facing political crisis and war.
However, to others, he was a despot and was known for dealing pitilessly with his opponents as well as perpetrating corruption.
On Sunday, February 9th, 2020, Rwanda National Police (RNP) in Gasabo District apprehended 50-year old Rurangirwa Louis, 29-year old Uwiragiye Philippe and 29-year old Nshimiyimana Jean Bosco.
They were caught red-handed as they plotted to scam a resident of Bumbogo sector, Gasabo district for Rwf 3 million.
CIP Marie Gorette Umutesi, RNP spokesperson in Kigali said that Rurangirwa was the leader of the group and that he was caught with a bag containing $5000 counterfeit dolar bills that he was going to exchange for Rwf 3 million.
“They convinced the victim they had legitimate dollar bills and first exchanged Rwf 48,000 with real bills of $50. They wanted to gain the victim’s trust so that they could give him the counterfeit bills later without him suspecting anything.”
However, the victim had heard rumors that Rurangirwa and his mates were involved in fraud schemes and immediately alerted the police. Uwiragiye and Nshimiyimana had just finished a sentence for counterfeiting.
After the three scammers were apprehended, they immediately admitted they made counterfeit bills and gave out one other accomplice who they say is their leader.
CIP Umutesi warned the general public of the increasing number of scammers in Kigali and that they must be careful at all times.
The suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Bumbogo station as further investigation is being conducted.
Article 269 of the Penal Code states that any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.
They are liable for not less than five years’ imprisonment and not more than 7 years.
On Monday, February 10th, 2020, the new urban district leaders were welcomed to their new positions in a handover ceremony that was held at City of Kigali headquarters.
Rwamurangwa Stephen, former Gasabo district mayor was replaced by Umwali Pauline as Gasabo District Executive Administrator. Kayisime Nzaramba, former Nyarugenge District Mayor was replaced by Ngabonziza Emmy as Nyarugenge District Executive Administrator while Solange Umutesi was appointed District Executive Administrator replacing Emmanuel Baingana.
Julian Rugaza was appointed City Manager and Emmanuel Asaba Katabarwa as City Engineer.
Rubingisa welcomed the newly appointed urban district leaders promising them collaboration.
“We welcome newly appointed urban leaders and other appointed officials. The new responsibilities they have been entrusted with require thoughtfulness and play a vital role in the wellbeing of citizens but with collaboration, we expect the best results. We also cannot forget to thank their predecessors who relentlessly contributed to the development of the City of Kigali.”
The new law governing the City of Kigali stated that urban district leaders should be appointed starting July 31st, 2019 as it was published in the official gazette. Urban leaders elected in each district will take up responsibilities for former district mayors and their vice mayors.
The reform saw members of the City of Kigali Council drop from 33 to 11 members.
Dr. Bayisenge Jeannette, President of the City of Kigali Council reminded newly appointed leaders of the many responsibilities awaiting them and that they must fulfill their duties at all times.
“There are so many things expected from you and you should do your best not to betray the trust the government of Rwanda put in you.”
In the new reform, the title mayor was replaced by the District Executive Administrator and the Deputy District Executive Administrator.
Newly elected leaders have a three-year term in office after which they will eligible to run for two additional terms.
The house caught fire at around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, destroying property worth millions of francs.
One of the residents at the house told authorities that as she entered one of the bedrooms next to the living room, she saw smoke after which took her child and left calling for help.
The Secretary-General of Nyarugunga Sector, Uwamahoro Geneviève, told IGIHE that they suspect the fire to have been caused by an electric short circuit.
“We suspect an electric short circuit to have caused the inferno. This is because the person who was in the house says that the fire started from a room.”
She added that an investigation has started, but that it is not yet known how much worth was the damaged property.
Rwanda police fire department extinguished the fire.
CIP Umutesi Marie Gorette, RNP Spokesperson in Kigali City confirmed the incident happened at around 9 in the morning.
“The victim’s name in Ntatinya Audace and from Gicumbi district. He was coming to replace his colleague who worked the overnight shift. He took his firearm and shot himself.”
CIP Umutesi advised the general public that in case they experience a problem they are unable to handle, they should consult professionals or seek the advice of a friend instead of resorting to taking their own lives.
“If you face a setback, it is better to seek professional advice or talk to a friend before it is too late.”
About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” originally designated on January 24th in 2014.
Local government officials, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools and higher education institutions gathered to collectively work for the creation and development of sustainable peace through the DPCW.
The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is a comprehensive document, which clarifies the role of members of the international society to prevent and resolve conflicts.
It is in the process of being introduced to the UN as a draft resolution and eventually be implemented as a legally binding document to sustain peace globally.
About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” designated on January 24th in 2014.
The City Mayor together with local government officials of Cotabato City, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools headed by the Schools Division Superintendent and higher education institutions gathered to establish collaboration for the sustainable development in Mindanao and the implementation of the DPCW.
In 2014, Chairman Man Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) signed a peace agreement with the former Governor of Maguindanao, Hon. Esmael Mangudadatu, and His Excellency Fernando Capalla, who are now serving as the Congressman and Archbishop-emeritus of Davao, respectively.
Since then, HWPL has cooperated with local organizations in Mindanao to open the channels for peacebuilding including peace education for students and inter-religious dialogues for mutual understanding.
In her speech, Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag, Cotabato City Schools Division Superintendent, commended the success of the most recent two-part Peace Education Writeshop held on January 17-18 and January 31-February 1, 2020, respectively.
A total of 85 supervisors and writers from 55 schools participated to contextualize the 12 Lessons proposed by HWPL by creating a teaching guide for the integration of Peace Education to all schools in Cotabato City.
“I am extending my heartfelt gratitude to the HWPL for the partnership we have established to better serve our Filipino learners as we prepare them for life,” said Dr. Balawag.
The Department of Education Cotabato City Schools Division expressed its full support toward the integration of Peace Education by signing a Memorandum of Agreement with HWPL.
Moreover, HWPL’s affiliated youth organization, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) continuously work with local youth organizations especially with Gallant Adolescent New Generation (GANG) for the advancement of the DPCW and the civic betterment of Cotabato City.
“Violence has never been the solution,” said Rauf Lumabao, the President of GANG. He emphasized the significant role of youth being at the “frontline of peacebuilding” in advancing the DPCW as an instrument to “make this society free from violence.”
As one of the highlights of the event, city officials led the “Kadsapa sa Kalilintad” or Peace Promise Padlock with the pledge for sustainable peace in the presence of Cotabato City. Afterwards, all shouted a unified call, urging the President to support the implementation of DPCW, “We want peace. President Duterte, please support DPCW.”
Graham Nazer Dumama, Vice Mayor of Cotabato City and the Director of HWPL led the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the HWPL Peace Monument which will serve as a visual representation of the peace movements initiated and the partnership declared with Hon. Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, Mayor of Cotabato City.
The coffee farmers are from Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Huye,Nyaruguru and Muhanga and sell coffee to 9 industries owned by IMPEXCOR in Shangi, Kinunga,Nyakabuye, Muhari, Shyogwe, Nyakabuye,Muhari,Kiyumba, Gatare and Busanza sectors.
Normally, a kilo of coffee was sold between Rwf 190 and Rwf 195 but recently, US based San Fransisco Bay Coffee LTD which also exchanges with the farmers, requested an upgrade in the purchasing price to Rwf 300 per kilo.
Oreste Baragahorana, the Executive Director of IMPEXCOR LTD said that after coffee buyers praised the good quality they were provided with, IMPEXCOR LTD found it only just to upgrade the value of the coffee by increasing it’s purchasing price.
“We normally purchase a kilo of coffee from the farmers at between Rwf 190 and Rwf 200 but given the good quality provided by farmers, we increased the price by Rwf 100. We have been working with San Fransisco Bay Coffee LTD since 2014 and they requested for this change after countless praises for the coffee we obtained from Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Muhanga, and Nyaruguru ”
Coffee farmers in Shangi, Bushenge, and Nyabitekeri told IGIHE that with the increase of the purchasing price, they will be able to cover financial expenses and also improve the quality of the coffee they sell.
Muramira Pheneas, one of the farmers said that since he started growing coffee in 1971, not once has he felt that he received the just value of his coffee but that the new price will at least solve his financial needs.
” I have just collected Rwf 300,000 for 3 tons of coffee and I will also collect another amount in Shangi where I own a coffee farm as well.”
Uzamushaka Theresia said that she had just collected Rwf 52,000 after yielding from more than 500 coffee trees. “It is wonderful news that we will now be paid rationally. My children were out of school but I will immediately pay the school fees.”
Baragahorana called upon coffee farmers to treat their coffee so that the purchasing price could keep increasing.
Coffee farmers in Rwanda have long suffered from being at the wrong end of the value chain. With the increase in the purchasing price of coffee, farmers will be able to solve financial needs including school fees, medical insurance and other life necessities they could not afford.
Through IMPEXCOR LTD, 8096 coffee farmers will receive Rwf 202, 286, 745 in total for 2,056,441 tons sold.
IMPEXCOR LTD is a Rwandan company which buys, processes and sells coffee. It was established in 2008 and currently operates 20 coffee industries in three provinces in Rwanda. It works hand in hand with more than 20,000 coffee farmers across the country.
Arsenal Football Club is based in Islington, London and plays in the Premier League.
However, its recent performance has been questionable given that the team has dropped to 10th place in the Premier League and last took the cup in 2004.
For five years now, Arsenal FC has not participated in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) as it keeps failing to appear in the top 4 teams which qualify directly to the group stages of the UCL.
President Kagame said that he has often criticized the performance of the team especially when Unai Emery was the head coach of Arsenal and said that something needs to be changed.
“Arsenal used to be in the top three teams to qualify in the Premier League but its performance downgraded with time to a point it is ranked 10th now. Something needs to change.”
Even after Unai Emery was sacked in 2019, Arsenal has not improved its performance and remains at the 10th place. Mikel Arteta Amatriain is currently Arsenal head coach and was formerly an attacking and defensive midfielder.
President Kagame said he has hope that the team will improve since the new coach knows the field and is more qualified than his predecessors.
He suggested that the new head coach should be given the means to buy new players since those currently playing in the team were transferred under Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.
“I still am a big fan of Arsenal and I am hoping they will win more championships in the future. As a fan, I have no say to how the players should perform but I can only watch with the hope they will win. I will keep supporting them regardless.”
On the partnership with Arsenal FC through the ‘Visit Rwanda’ initiative, President Kagame was asked if the partnership was necessary. He said that he undoubtedly believes it will contribute to the tourism sector.
“The partnership has so far borne fruits. The number of visitors in Rwanda has remarkably improved and the Government of Rwanda earned at least five times the amount invested.”
Rwanda also expects profits from the recent partnership agreement that was signed between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Paris st. Germain with the aim of enhancing tourism.
