The forum was organized in partnership with the International Observatory for Participatory Democracy in Africa (IOPD Africa) and the Union of Local Elected Officials of Senegal.
As confirmed by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) via X on November 14, the award recognized Rwanda’s strong reforms in digitizing local service delivery and its continued commitment to citizen-centered governance.
The award was received on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, by Rwanda’s envoy to Senegal, Amb. Festus Bizimana.
Over the past 31 years, Rwanda has implemented various programs aimed at empowering citizens. This has led to enhanced inclusive participation in governance, with over 80% of citizens now playing a role in solving problems. This figure has risen from 65.63% in 2018.
Besides, decentralization of leadership in Rwanda began in 2000, strengthening local government structures and improving their performance and service delivery.
This is reinforced by the district advisory councils that oversee the implementation of planned activities, thus making citizens’ participation more evident.
The councils are also functional at the Sector, Cell, and Village levels. This has led to improvements in service delivery in sectors like healthcare and education, and it helps leaders easily identify what citizens need most.
This governance model that Rwanda adopted after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and the Liberation War is an example of how the country rebuilt itself by empowering citizens, ensuring inclusivity, and promoting technology.
It has allowed Rwandans to actively participate in and safeguard initiatives, as they should in a country that upholds democratic governance.
The integration of technology into governance has also further enhanced governance by promoting transparency and accountability among leaders, while citizens have easy access to information and a platform to engage with their leaders.
This approach that Rwanda has chosen has become a valuable lesson for other countries facing similar challenges to those Rwanda has overcome.
Recently, the contest launched a mentorship program focused on social impact and sales and marketing. The social impact session aimed to help contestants align their ventures with community needs and sustainable values.
The main objective of the mentorship on social impact was to inspire founders to design business models that not only generate profits but also contribute to solving pressing social challenges.
Phiona Ingabire, a coach on social impact emphasized the importance of building ventures that leave a lasting impact within the community.
“Sustainable businesses are built on trust, customer loyalty, and good conduct,” stated Ingabire, further emphasizing that, “ success is not just about numbers but about integrity and community impact”.
During her session, she also highlighted key focus areas of social impact including the value of trust and ethics, building long-term customer loyalty and ensuring sustainability through responsible entrepreneurship.
One of the contestants, the founder of Examira Group Ltd shared that they learned how crucial community trust and ethical practices are in building sustainable businesses.
After the sessions on social impact, the contestants faced a panel of judges including coach Gael Karomba (Inventor & CEO, Legacy Group Kigali Universe) ,Phiona Ingabire ( Program, Partnership Management, Entrepreneurship Coach and Business Development) and Charles Haba (CEO Century Real Estate) in an intense evaluation session.
The judges commended the contestants for their creativity and passion. As part of the process, two founders were eliminated, narrowing the remaining contestants to ten.
The next session on marketing and sales was moderated by Coach Tadhim Uwizeye, an expert in business marketing and sales management. Her session equipped contestants with practical tools for customer engagement and business visibility.
Uwizeye urged contestants to make the most of social media and digital platforms to reach their audiences.
Her sessions focused on leveraging social media for business growth, the use of metrics and customer behavior analysis to make data-driven decisions and developing customer-focused marketing strategies.
One of the contestants who is the founder of Mindtech Innovation Ltd reported gaining new insights into how to position their brands and to tailor their communication effectively.
The session boosted their confidence to apply modern marketing tools to scale their startups. It concluded with a judging panel featuring Tadhim Uwizeye (Founder and CEO Olado.rw/ Techwomen 2023 Emerging leader) and Charles Haba (CEO Century Real Estate). The judges evaluated the contestants’ progress leading to elimination of two founders.
This saw 8 founders advancing to the next session of mentorship, which will focus on HR, finance, and financial management, following their exposure to social impact and marketing.”
The Tangira startup TV contest is powered by RG CONSULT INC, and supported by a wide array of sponsors including IGIHE, 250 startups , ICT Chamber, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, ABA VIP, RSE, BPN, BRD, Capital FM, Royal FM, Itara Filmz, BTN TV, ATV, ESP and Nepfilms.
Agricultural and livestock products remain among Rwanda’s strongest foreign exchange contributors. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the country earned more than $839.2 million (over 1.2 trillion Rwandan Francs) from the export of agricultural produce.
Coffee continues to play a central role in this performance. This year alone, the crop generated $78.71 million, reinforcing Rwanda’s reputation for producing high-quality speciality coffee that enjoys strong international demand.
To boost future earnings, NAEB is intensifying efforts to expand and rejuvenate the country’s coffee plantations. This year, 2,902,145 seedlings will be planted across 1,043 hectares, while an additional 443 hectares of ageing, low-yield trees, many of which have produced for more than three decades, will be replaced. Last year, farmers planted 1.3 million seedlings as part of the same long-term expansion strategy.
A significant driver of this growth is the Promoting Smallholder Agro-export Competitiveness (PSAC) project, which runs until 2029. Under PSAC, 9 million coffee seedlings are set to be planted on 3,050 hectares. The initiative supports smallholder farmers to increase both the volume and quality of export crops, enabling them to compete more effectively in global markets.
PSAC is currently active in six major tea- and coffee-producing districts: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, and Rulindo.
NAEB Chief Executive Officer Bizimana Claude emphasised the importance of collaboration with farmers to drive export growth.
“Working closely with coffee farmers across the country, we aim to increase exports by replacing old trees and expanding cultivation areas,” he said. “NAEB is providing new seedlings and fertilisers to ensure higher yields and better quality, helping farmers secure improved prices.”
For many farmers, the impact is already visible. Seth Ndutiye, a veteran coffee grower from the Mubuga sector in Karongi District, has cultivated coffee for 30 years.
“I began planting coffee at 15 and now have 2,000 trees,” he said. “Thanks to the new seedlings supplied by NAEB, our production has increased significantly.”
Ndutiye added that ageing trees had long been a challenge, with some producing fewer than three kilogrammes per tree for decades. In contrast, the new varieties are already yielding up to 12 kilogrammes per tree, offering hope for higher incomes and a more sustainable future for coffee farming.
Rwanda’s renewed push in the coffee sector is expected to sustain its export growth trajectory while strengthening the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers nationwide.
This joint initiative is designed to equip smallholder farmers with essential skills in climate-smart, appropriately scaled business-oriented mechanization and conservation agriculture practices.
The Sustainable Agriculture Mechanization through Farmer Field School (SAM/FFS) initiatives represents a milestone partnership between three leading institutions at the forefront of Rwanda’s agricultural transformation.
Through this joint effort, FAO, RICA, and RAB, the initiative is strengthening capacity across agricultural mechanization ecosystem, including local producers, farmer facilitators, cooperatives, and repair service providers to adopt and integrate environmentally, economically and socially responsible mechanization practices that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources.
Dr. Nomanthema Mhlanga, FAO Rwanda Representative (a.i), underscored the collective commitment to sustainable agricultural transformation, advancing support for smallholder farmers through Farmer Field Schools: “By joining hands with RICA and RAB, FAO Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to transforming smallholder agriculture through innovation and collaboration.
“Together, we are championing sustainable, climate-resilient mechanization that empowers producers to increase productivity, protect natural resources, and secure a more prosperous future for rural communities, “ stated Dr. Mhlanga.
Thirty FFS facilitators from Gatsibo, Bugesera, and Kirehe districts have already successfully completed a two-week hands-on training course at RICA. This intensive program utilized the participatory Farmer Field School (FFS) model to foster experiential learning.
During the initial part of the training, FFS Facilitators acquired practical skills in sustainable agricultural mechanization (SAM) and conservation agriculture (CA), including basic machinery operation and effective farmer-centered learning techniques. They were also guided on how to integrate these technical areas into locally adapted FFS curricula using core FFS principles, and processes.
Highlighting the strategic significance of such capacity-building initiatives, Dr. Olusegun Adedayo Yerokun, RICA’s Interim Vice Chancellor, articulated the strategic importance of the collaboration for farmer productivity.
“This collaboration underscores RICA’s mandate to equip farmers with specialized knowledge, thereby enhancing their production capabilities. It is intrinsically linked to our Conservation Agriculture approach, a strategy that demonstrably cultivates better soil health and yields greater productivity,” said Dr Yerokun.
The SAM-FFS learning curriculum emphasizes safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable machinery use, demonstrating how the right tools and practices can significantly increase smallholder productivity while protecting vital soil, water resources, and efficient utilization of farming inputs.
Additional core component of the SAM-FFS program is the integration of enterprise development. The project specifically empowers FFS Facilitators with the capacity to guide farmers in recognizing mechanization not just as a production tool, but also as a viable business opportunity.
This strategic focus aims to strengthen local mechanization ecosystem and services, improve small-scale producer’s access to essential equipment, and create new income streams for farmer cooperatives in rural communities.
The program directly addresses critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers, such as limited access to suitable mechanization services, the necessary technical skills for safe and effective machinery operation.
By equipping FFS facilitators with comprehensive skills and knowledge in sustainable agricultural mechanization (SAM), conservation agriculture (CA), and robust business models, the initiative seeks to stimulate sustainable farming practices, foster resilient, and market-oriented rural livelihoods.
Highlighting the importance of community engagement for successful adoption, Dr. Solange Uwituze, RAB’s Acting Director General, reaffirmed RAB’s commitment to mobilizing smallholder producers across the target districts and providing them with continuous technical backstopping and post-training follow-up crucial for successful adoption.
“Active engagement with grassroots communities is critical to accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural mechanization and conservation agriculture. This approach enhance productivity and strengthens the resilience of farmers throughout Rwanda.
“It is expected that the project will contribute to promote the modernization of crop production in the current farm management model known as Food Basket Site (FoBaSi) as the project pilots are part of consolidated sites country wise,” stated Dr. Uwituze.
By strengthening the technical and advisory capabilities of facilitators, the SAM/FFS program is set to accelerate adoption of climate-smart mechanization solutions across Rwanda’s smallholder producers, ushering in an era of enhanced agricultural productivity, create youth employment and engagement in agriculture, promote sustainability, and contributing to building a resilient agrifood system.
Her remarks come amid long-standing international concern over alleged DRC military support for the group and ongoing instability in the region.
In a recent interview on Al Jazeera, Kayikwamba denied any government support, stating, “We do not. They are Rwandans. They have been on our territory for the past 30 years. They have been preying predominantly on our population, not on the Rwandan population.”
International human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly reported that the DRC has at times supported the FDLR depending on its political relations with Rwanda. When pressed on these accusations, Kayikwamba dismissed them: “It isn’t. You are talking about 2009 when we are in 2025.”
She also sought to downplay the UN Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted in February 2025, which condemned DRC military support for the FDLR and called for its cessation, describing such incidents as isolated cases.
“Well, if there are cases of support to the FDLR, and I think this is the important distinction we need to make, it is not state policy. We are talking about individuals. We are talking about individuals within the army. And when we have evidence of that, we also have mechanisms to hold them accountable and to sanction them,” she said.
Pressed on why the Security Council addressed the Congolese military rather than the individuals allegedly involved, she insisted: “No, because these random members are still part of the army. And so the army is held accountable, and is held accountable to make sure that any behaviour that is not in line with its policy is sanctioned.”
She was taken to task over why the military had to issue a formal communiqué on 10 October 2025, if such cases were truly isolated. The directive warned soldiers not to collaborate with the FDLR, raising questions about how widespread such behaviour really is.
Kayikwamba responded: “We clearly communicate to the public and to our army that any discretion will not be tolerated.”
When asked if FDLR fighters had begun complying with disarmament efforts under the Washington agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed in June, Kayikwamba said that some are already laying down their arms through the UN programme for reintegrating former combatants into civilian life.
However, the FDLR’s military spokesperson, Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, recently told Radio France Internationale (RFI) that their fighters have no intention of disarming and are prepared to fight if attacked.
“We are here to defend ourselves and protect the abandoned Rwandan refugees. Asking us to lay down our arms without honouring our request is just a dream,” he said.
FDLR fighters remain active across eastern DRC, including the Walikale territory, and continue coordinating with other armed factions in offensives against the AFC/M23 rebel group, which is engaged in conflict with the Kinshasa administration.
Rwanda Defence Forces spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga said in June that the FDLR comprises between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters. This week, the UN repatriated 12 FDLR combatants, highlighting the slow pace of the disarmament process.
The financing supports DelAgua’s agreement with TotalEnergies Carbon Solutions to purchase Certified Carbon Units generated through the project. Over the next ten years, the project is expected to avoid approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
This investment demonstrates BPR Bank’s growing role as a key player in green financing and marks a strategic step toward achieving the Bank’s commitment to allocate at least 20% of its lending portfolio to green financing.
The project builds on DelAgua’s award-winning Tubeho Neza (Live Well) programme, which has already distributed more than 1.6 million improved cookstoves across Rwanda.
The fuel efficient stoves manufactured by BURN reduce firewood consumption by 71% and lower harmful indoor smoke emissions by 81%, helping to prevent respiratory illnesses and protect forests.
By distributing the stoves free of charge, the project ensures that even the most vulnerable rural households benefit from clean cooking, reduced energy burden, and improved health outcomes.
The clean cookstove project is designed to meet the Core Carbon Principles, representing the highest global standards for environmental integrity.
Measurement and verification will use advanced Stove Use Monitoring Sensors and DelAgua’s established digital monitoring platforms to ensure fully transparent climate impact reporting.
This initiative directly contributes to Rwanda’s target of achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030 and aligns with national efforts toward environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable rural development.
Patience Mutesi, Managing Director, BPR Bank Rwanda Plc expressed commitment to driving sustainable growth by financing solutions that positively impact people and the planet.
She highlighted that the partnership with DelAgua and TotalEnergies demonstrates the bank’s growing leadership in green financing and dedication to supporting Rwanda’s transition to a low carbon economy.
“By bridging the financing of this initiative, which will distribute improved cookstoves to rural households, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also improving the quality of life for thousands of families. This milestone brings us closer to achieving our goal of having 20% of our portfolio dedicated to green financing and reaffirms our purpose,” she stated.
According to Euan McDougall, CEO of DelAgua, this partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation, integrity, and collaboration come together.
He further explained that combining DelAgua’s proven track record in delivering large-scale impact with TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainable development, will be crucial in transforming lives across Rwanda.
“This has been made possible through green finance, which is a proven, viable, and strategic financial model. We are proud to partner with a local financial institution, BPR Bank Rwanda, to deliver this project; setting a precedent for similar investments in Rwanda,” he noted.
Pascal Siegwart, Vice-President Carbon Markets and Economy at TotalEnergies also expressed delight at the company’s support to the project expected to expand cleaner cooking solutions.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to making energy more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. By promoting clean cooking, we aim to deliver tangible benefits for the environment and public health, while also contributing to gender equality. Such projects are key to driving long-term social, economic, and human development in a sustainable way,” he said.
The U.S. draft urges the Council to endorse a comprehensive two-year framework aimed at stabilising Gaza, restoring governance, and addressing longstanding humanitarian and security concerns. The plan outlines the creation of a new governing body, the “Board of Peace,” which would oversee the region’s transition while operating under international oversight.
The U.S. draft calls for the establishment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups in Gaza, ensure the protection of civilians, secure humanitarian corridors, and assist in the demilitarisation of the area.
The force, which is expected to be around 20,000 strong, would not include U.S. troops but would be staffed by international personnel. The draft emphasises the necessity of peace efforts, stating, “Conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” after necessary reforms by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Despite broad support for the idea of creating a “Board of Peace,” several member states raised concerns over the proposed framework. Issues include the lack of clarity regarding the PA’s role in the future governance structure, limited oversight mechanisms, and the vague nature of the ISF’s mandate.
“While the Board of Peace is a positive development, questions remain on how the PA will operate within this new structure,” one UNSC member noted.
In response to the U.S. proposal, Russia, currently engaged in the war in Ukraine, presented a counter-resolution calling for a more balanced approach to achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities. Russia’s draft emphasises “a unified approach” to resolving the Gaza conflict, focusing on the immediate cessation of violence and the addressing of humanitarian concerns.
“The goal is to enable the Security Council to develop a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” Russia’s representative stated.
The context of these diplomatic efforts stems from the October 8, 2025, ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S., which brought about the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.
The ceasefire paused the violence that had claimed over 69,000 Palestinian lives over two years of fighting. While the ceasefire has largely held, Israel’s repeated violations, through near-daily airstrikes and attacks, have exacerbated the fragile peace process, leading to further casualties.
The U.S. mission to the UN emphasised the critical need for adoption of the resolution, framing it as a historic opportunity to “pave a path toward enduring peace in the Middle East.”
“This is a historic moment for the international community to act decisively in securing lasting peace and stability in Gaza and the broader region,” said the U.S. Ambassador to the UN.
While the situation remains fluid and complex, the international community now faces a critical decision regarding its approach to the Gaza crisis. The Security Council’s response to the U.S. draft and Russia’s counterproposal will likely determine the trajectory of peace efforts in Gaza in the coming months.
Known for championing classic R&B and throwback hits in a nightlife scene often dominated by Afrobeats and Amapiano, Spin the Block is switching things up this time with a full-day party experience running from 2pm until 2am. Organisers are encouraging table reservations for those looking to enjoy the event’s premium brunch vibe, complete with Kōzo’s signature ambience.
This edition also arrives at the perfect moment for visitors travelling to Kigali for Davido’s concert at BK Arena on December 5, offering them an easy follow-up activity to keep the weekend energy going.
Staying true to its homegrown spirit, the line-up is 100% Rwandan, featuring seasoned Old Skool selectors DJ Infinity, DJ Khizzbeats, and Nicolas Peks, all known for their deep crates and silky smooth R&B blends. The event will be hosted by Rlutta, the artist behind the popular “Umeze Bon” fame, adding her trademark and charm to the stage.
According to the organisers, Spin the Block’s move to Kōzo marks a new chapter, with the venue becoming its official base for all 2026 editions. The shift signals a long-term vision to grow the brand and establish a consistent home for Kigali’s R&B faithful.
With throwbacks, slow jams, brunch plates and sunset vibes lined up, this December edition promises to be the city’s standout feel-good party of the month.
“This programme is about taking the capital market to the people,” said Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange. “By simplifying account opening and showing how small, regular contributions grow over time, we remove barriers and widen participation practically.”
During the sessions, market players explained how the capital market works, the protections in place for investors and issuers, and the role of the regulator. They also gave new investors a simple step-by-step path to open an account through a licensed intermediary, set clear financial goals and timeframes, and choose suitable products such as shares, bonds, or collective investment schemes.
“Gisagara is proud to host the first stop,” said Jerome Rutaburingoga, Mayor of Gisagara District in the Southern Province. “Financial inclusion is central to our development agenda. When families invest formally, we strengthen resilience, create opportunity, and support the growth of our economy as a whole.”
In Ndora Sector, resident Felix Mirimo opened an investor account and committed to a monthly contribution. “Investing through the capital market gives me a clear plan for my family,” he said. “Even a modest amount each month can grow, helping with school fees today and building a foundation for a small business tomorrow.”
By taking capital market players closer to communities, the campaign helps close information gaps that keep money in short-term or informal savings. A stronger base of local investors supports a more active market, while companies gain better access to long-term funds to buy equipment, expand production, and grow value chains.
Rwanda’s capital market industry plans to extend the campaigns to other districts. Each visit will combine public education with on-the-spot services so that participants leave with better information, an active account, and a clear plan for their next steps in the market.
Resolution 2800 won the support of 14 members of the council, while the United States abstained.
The resolution decides that the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, shall comprise up to 14,046 military personnel and 2,999 police personnel, as well as 108 corrections officers.
It recalls the Security Council’s intention to keep the numbers under continuous review, taking into account progress on the security situation and the objective of transition and eventual drawdown of MINUSCA when conditions are met.
