The event held in the garden of MAGERWA Ltd, a company that provides logistics services including inland port and bonded warehousing, served as a showcase of Rwanda’s shift from a landlocked country to a “land-linked” logistics gateway, with speakers highlighting the country’s progress in trade facilitation, infrastructure development and regional integration.
AGL President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Labonne praised Rwanda’s operating environment and the company’s journey in the country, saying the firm had grown alongside Rwanda’s development ambitions despite early challenges.
“I think there are no words to express how proud I am of my Rwanda team,” Labonne said, reflecting on the resilience of staff and the company’s expansion in the country. He also commended Rwanda’s governance framework, noting, “Rwanda is an example of how proper governance can create value.”
Labonne emphasized that AGL’s investments in logistics, technology and human capital have contributed to strengthening Rwanda’s position as a strategic hub connecting East Africa and the wider continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi also addressed the gathering, reaffirming Rwanda’s ambition to become a leading logistics and trade centre under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Tonight is yet another opportunity to listen to this story of success, to listen to this story of ‘Made in Rwanda,’” he said, highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving industrial growth.
The Minister noted that Rwanda’s logistics ambitions are closely tied to regional integration, pointing to the role of companies like AGL in strengthening supply chains and trade connectivity. He added that reducing logistics costs remains a key priority for boosting competitiveness across the continent.
“We hope to see in the near future that the cost of transportation and logistics is going to reduce from 40% to probably 20%,” Sebahizi said, calling for increased investment in technology and efficiency in the sector.
CEO Philippe Labonne expressed pride in Rwanda’s team during the AGL reception, highlighting the company’s growth alongside Rwanda’s development.Minister Prudence Sebahizi discussed Rwanda’s ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing the country’s success story.Attendees networked at the AGL reception, showcasing Rwanda’s emergence as a prominent logistics hub in the region.AGL and MAGERWA Ltd. are leading efforts to position Rwanda as a central player in Africa’s logistics and trade infrastructure.
The head of state made the remarks on Thursday during the opening of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali.
Speaking in conversation with CNN journalist Eleni Giokos, Kagame addressed the current geopolitical tensions facing Rwanda and other African nations, framing sanctions as part of a broader pattern of external control over the continent’s resources.
Kagame argued that sanctions are frequently applied based on self-interest rather than principle.
“Sometimes sanctions are just applied in a case of one who provides less than the other,” he said. “So it was in the favor of the highest bidder. When somebody knows they will extract more from a certain place, they will be more favorable to that place, even if they are the ones in the wrong.”
He pointed to the open nature of this power dynamic, stating that major powers no longer hide their intentions.
“The powers that be are holding a whip in their hands, using a stick to beat up whoever they want to beat up. They’re no longer even hiding it. It’s just in the open.”
The President highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy in how some Western powers engage with Africa. He noted that the same actors who lecture African countries on democracy and human rights are simultaneously engaged in resource extraction.
“These powers you see that come here lecturing people on democracy, human rights, and they are doing it with one arm and with the other, they are just taking away everything that people own,” he stated.
“…We can’t just be people who are waiting to be ripped off by somebody who is shrewd enough and has the power to come. No, we must be able to say no,” Kagame added.
Addressing Rwanda’s own situation — facing U.S. sanctions since March this year linked to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo — Kagame made it clear that capitulation was not an option. “I never capitulated in a worse situation,” he stated.
“This is not a bad situation as such. Well, it hurts, absolutely. And that’s what it is meant to do… But I think we would be hurt more by not doing what we are doing.”
He emphasized that saying “no” to unfair deals carries a short-term cost but serves long-term interests.
“It is not so difficult to say no. In fact, it costs more to say yes to the wrong thing.”
Kagame cited recent examples from the continent where leaders pushed back against unbalanced mineral deals tied to infrastructure or social programs, mentioning countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Ghana.
He called for greater African unity and collective action, suggesting African leaders need a stronger coordinated mechanism to protect their interests.
“These pressures… are not entirely bad. I think they force Africa to look within.”
The President concluded his remarks on the subject by expressing long-term confidence, stating that exploitative arrangements ultimately do not last.
“Even those who have been given the gift of messing us up, one day they will not live long enough to see the gains from exploiting people or doing unjust things.”
Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said Africa must accelerate execution and strengthen collaboration between governments and the private sector to turn the continent’s potential into real economic scale.
He highlighted Kagame’s emphasis on shared ownership, noting that Africa’s ambitions cannot be achieved through isolated efforts but through coordinated action and cross-border cooperation.
Afrika also pointed to the need for reducing barriers to investment, improving predictability, and building stronger regional markets to support growth.
“The Africa CEO Forum has become a platform where Africa’s public and private sector leaders come together to shape a common agenda for growth, investment, partnership and execution,” he said.
The 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 runs from May 14–15 at Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together some of the continent’s most influential business and political leaders.
Held under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, including CEOs, investors, heads of state, ministers and development finance institutions.
The 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 kicked off on May 14 at Kigali Convention Centre.President Kagame has urged African unity and self-reliance, saying the continent must resist unfair external deals and protect its interests.
The casualty figures were released during a visit to the disaster area by Chadian Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat and several government members.
Abdoulmahmoud Chine, health delegate of Ouaddai province, told the visiting delegation that 206 people injured in the incident were being treated at various health facilities in the city, while 53 others remained under medical observation.
Several victims were already showing encouraging signs of improvement, he added.
Mahamat and his delegation visited the victims at local hospitals to express their sympathy and support. He instructed local authorities to relocate all fuel depots within the city to areas outside the city limits within 10 days.
More than 200 people were injured in a major fire that erupted Tuesday night at a large fuel depot in Abeche, the capital of Chad’s eastern Ouaddai province.
No severe cases have been reported at this stage, and asymptomatic people will be allowed to leave the vessel, according to the statement.
The “Ambition,” operated by British company Ambassador Cruise Line, arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday evening.
About 1,700 passengers and crew members were initially prevented from disembarking after the death of a passenger aged around 90 on board.
The death may be linked to a “gastroenteritis-like illness,” amid the onset of digestive symptoms in around 80 people.
Epidemiological and biological analyses later conducted at Bordeaux University Hospital confirmed the viral origin of the outbreak.
According to the statement, infected people will remain isolated on board, while quarantine and hygiene measures will continue to be enforced. The cruise operator will decide whether to continue the itinerary pending further medical information.
Highly contagious norovirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis and is known to cause outbreaks in closed settings such as cruise ships.
Ambition is the second cruise ship in the Ambassador Cruise Line fleet, entering service in May 2023 to provide adult-exclusive, British-style cruising.
His discussions with Chapo focused on areas of cooperation, including security partnership, trade, and investment.
Rwanda and Mozambique cooperate in various sectors aimed at strengthening economic development and regional stability, including trade, agriculture, industry, investment, and security.
Relations between the two countries date back to the 1990s, but gained renewed momentum in 2018 with the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation.
Since July 2021, Rwanda’s security forces have been working alongside Mozambican forces to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province, which had been heavily destabilized by the extremist group Ansar al-Sunnah.
The joint operations succeeded in driving militants out of strongholds they had established across different districts. Many fighters fled into forests where they continued to be pursued and neutralized by the security forces.
Following the restoration of security, thousands of displaced residents returned to their homes, while key infrastructure, including electricity services, resumed operations.
In August 2025, the governments of Rwanda and Mozambique renewed cooperation agreements on investment and counterterrorism.
In February 2026, the Government of Rwanda also sent Mozambique 20 tonnes of food and medical supplies to support communities affected by floods.
According to a statement released by Rwanda’s Office of the Presidency, discussions between Presidents Kagame and Tinubu also focused on strengthening the fruitful partnership between Rwanda and Nigeria across key sectors including trade, energy and defense cooperation. President Kagame also hosted President Tinubu and his delegation for a working lunch.
Meanwhile, discussions with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani revolved around key areas of bilateral cooperation, the security situation across the continent, and global issues of mutual interest.
The 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 is taking place in Kigali from May 14 to 15 at Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together some of the continent’s most influential business and political leaders.
Held under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, including CEOs, investors, heads of state, ministers and development finance institutions.
President Paul Kagame welcomed President Daniel Chapo to Kigali ahead of the Africa CEO Forum 2026President Paul Kagame also hosted President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani for discussions on regional security and bilateral tiesPresident Paul Kagame and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and defense
The licence, issued by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Rwanda, allows the group headquarteredin Nigeria to deliver a full-spectrum suite of investment banking and capital markets services, including corporate finance and capital mobilisation, project and infrastructure finance structuring, trade and supply chain finance solutions, structured finance and asset-backed instruments, as well as trusteeship, capital markets advisory, and institutional capacity development.
The move brings one of Africa’s prominent investment banking groups into Rwanda’s growing financial sector and reflects increasing investor confidence in the country’s regulatory environment and long-term economic outlook.
Speaking on the development, CMA Chief Executive Officer Romeo Ngarambe described United Capital’s decision to choose Kigali for its East and Central African operations as a strong endorsement of Rwanda’s financial market credibility.
“When a pan-African institution of United Capital’s calibre and track record makes a deliberate choice to anchor its East and Central African operations in Kigali, it sends a signal that no ranking or report can replicate,” Ngarambe said.
“It tells the world that Rwanda’s market is serious, our institutions are trusted, and our ambition is matched by execution. This is the kind of conviction that changes the trajectory of capital markets, and we intend to honour it by continuing to build a platform worthy of the best institutions Africa has to offer.”
United Capital PLC has operated for more than six decades and currently runs businesses spanning investment banking, asset management, wealth management, securities trading, trusteeship, consumer finance and digital banking across Africa.
Group CEO Peter Ashade said the company’s expansion into Rwanda aligns with its broader pan-African growth strategy built around providing African-led financial solutions across the continent.
“We set out with one intention clear, that Africans are the solution to African challenges,” Ashade said, adding that Rwanda’s governance, policy direction and investment climate made it a natural choice for the group’s next phase of expansion.
He praised Rwanda’s leadership and reform agenda under President Paul Kagame, noting that the country’s transformation across key economic indicators created confidence for long-term investment.
United Capital said it plans to roll out three major business lines in Rwanda initially: investment banking, asset management and trust services. Ashade disclosed that the group expects to deploy at least $120 million (approximately Rwf 175 billion) into its Rwandan operations and related investments during the initial phase.
According to the company, Rwanda’s stable governance framework, legal infrastructure, ease of doing business and strategic geographic location at the crossroads of East and Central Africa were among the key factors behind the decision.
The entry of United Capital is expected to deepen Rwanda’s capital markets by introducing new financial products and expanding access to long-term financing solutions for businesses and infrastructure projects.
Ashade highlighted Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and infrastructure funds among the products the group intends to explore in Rwanda, citing growing demand for real estate financing and infrastructure development across the region.
“Infrastructure is critical for Africa’s development and we believe Rwanda presents significant opportunities for innovative financing solutions,” he said.
United Capital also plans to leverage experience from operations across 10 African countries to tailor products to Rwanda’s market needs, particularly for SMEs and mid-sized businesses.
The company says it currently offers more than 30 financial products across its markets and intends to introduce solutions adapted to local market conditions.
The licensing of United Capital comes as Rwanda continues efforts to attract international financial institutions and strengthen Kigali’s position as a competitive international financial centre capable of mobilising capital for infrastructure, innovation and industrial growth across the region.
For Rwanda, the approval represents another milestone in its strategy to build a sophisticated, regionally connected financial ecosystem that can serve as a gateway for investment into East and Central Africa.
United Capital PLC Group CEO Peter Ashade disclosed that the group expects to deploy at least $120 million (approximately Rwf 175 billion) into its Rwandan operations and related investments during the initial phase.
Upon his arrival at Kigali International Airport on the afternoon of May 13, 2026, President Tinubu was received by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
President Ghazouani was welcomed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta, while President Chapo was received by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.
Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto is also expected in Kigali for the forum.
The opening session of the forum will feature Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean-Guy Afrika, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop and Jeune Afrique CEO Amir Ben Yahmed.
Among the discussions scheduled during the forum is a session focused on investment opportunities in Rwanda. It will bring together officials from Rwanda Development Board, Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton and Rwanda Social Security Board Deputy CEO Louise Kanyonga.
The session, scheduled for May 14, will also feature Trinity Metals CEO Peter Geleta, Duval Group CEO Eric Duval, Elsewedy Electric Chairman Ahmed Elsewedy and IFC Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva will join Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy in a discussion on how major institutions and infrastructure projects can transform Africa’s economy.
In a session dedicated to sports, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire will discuss with partners how sports infrastructure can generate tangible economic benefits, and how competitions, athletes and federations can maximize opportunities in the sector.
The 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 will take place on May 14–15 at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together some of the continent’s most influential business and political leaders.
Held under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, including CEOs, investors, heads of state, ministers and development finance institutions.
President Ghazouani was welcomed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta.President Chapo was received by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja. Upon his arrival at Kigali International Airport on the afternoon of May 13, 2026, President Tinubu was received by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
On May 15, the spacecraft will pass about 4,500 kilometers above the surface of Mars while traveling at nearly 20,000 kilometers per hour.
Scientists say the flyby will allow Mars’ gravity to pull the spacecraft forward, increasing its speed and changing its direction without using much fuel.
The spacecraft was launched in October 2023 and is expected to reach the asteroid in 2029. NASA says using a planet’s gravity in this way, known as a “gravity assist,” helps save fuel and makes long space missions more efficient.
During the flyby, Psyche will also collect images and scientific data from Mars. Engineers will use the opportunity to test the spacecraft’s cameras and other instruments before it reaches the asteroid.
NASA said the spacecraft has already started sending back early images showing Mars as a tiny point of light in space.
Scientists are especially interested in how Mars will appear during the flyby. Since Psyche is approaching from the dark side of the planet, it will first see Mars as a thin crescent rather than a fully bright planet.
Researchers also hope the spacecraft may detect faint dust around Mars, possibly caused by small impacts on the planet’s moons, Phobos and Deimos.
The spacecraft carries several scientific instruments, including tools that can study magnetic fields, radiation, and particles in space.
“Ultimately, though, the only reason for this flyby is to get a little help from Mars to speed us up and tilt our trajectory in the direction of the asteroid Psyche,” said Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the mission’s principal investigator.
NASA and European space missions already orbiting Mars will also help monitor the flyby.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will skim past Mars to gain speed on its long journey to a strange metal asteroid. Along the way, it could capture spectacular images of the Red Planet and gather new scientific data during the high-speed flyby. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU
Researchers followed more than 131,000 nurses and healthcare workers for up to 43 years. During that time, about 11,000 participants developed dementia.
The study found that people who regularly drank moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee or tea were less likely to develop the condition.
The strongest results were seen in adults aged 75 and below. Scientists found that consuming around 250mg to 300mg of caffeine per day, equal to about two to three cups of coffee, was linked to a 35% lower risk of dementia.
However, researchers said drinking more caffeine than that did not provide extra protection for the brain.
Scientists believe caffeine may help by blocking a brain chemical called adenosine, which slows down important brain activity. Caffeine may also reduce inflammation and help regulate blood sugar, both of which are linked to brain health.
The study also found that drinking one to two cups of tea daily may help protect the brain. Researchers noted that tea contains antioxidants and other compounds that could support healthy blood vessels and brain function.
At the same time, experts warned that too much caffeine may have negative effects. High caffeine intake can interfere with sleep and increase anxiety, which may harm brain health over time.
Researchers also observed that people who drank more decaffeinated coffee experienced faster memory decline. They suggested this may be because some people switched to decaf after developing health problems already linked to dementia risk.
Although the study focused on healthcare professionals, researchers said similar findings appeared in 38 other studies they reviewed.
Overall, the evidence suggests that moderate caffeine intake, especially from coffee or tea, may help support brain health as people age.
New research suggests that drinking a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee or tea could help lower the risk of dementia as people age.
An initial budget of Rwf 997.7 million has been allocated to kick-start the works, as part of broader infrastructure projects undertaken by the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
The renovation will include upgrades to the building’s electrical systems, installation of backup generators to ensure power supply during outages, and relocation of transformers linked to the facility’s power infrastructure.
RDB announced temporary closure of the building on May 5, 2026 to allow renovation works to begin.
All institutions and offices that were operating in the building have since been relocated to facilitate the refurbishment process.
Following the temporary closure, Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore told TV10 that initial inspections had identified issues in the building’s wastewater treatment system, particularly in the drainage of wastewater from sanitary facilities, although further assessments were still required.
He said the decision to vacate the building was made to allow a comprehensive review of its condition.
“We can say the main reason is that we decided to fix the issues while the building is empty. We want to reassess everything to ensure that if there are other problems, they can also be addressed at once,” he said.
He further noted that inspections had revealed problems in parts of the electrical wiring system, which affected the performance of elevators, making them operate more slowly than expected for such a modern structure. He added that a full technical study would be carried out during the renovation to identify any additional issues.
The minister also clarified at the time that the building would not be demolished, dismissing speculation that had circulated earlier, and stressing that the works were focused on repairs and improvements.
The Gishushu-based building, covering 42,000 square metres, was purchased by the government for Rwf 42 billion but concerns were raised about its quality. The Rwanda Housing Authority had previously conducted assessments to determine its structural condition.
The evaluation reportedly identified several defects, leading to corrective measures targeting both design and construction-related issues.
Over time, these defects became more visible, with reports indicating that some structural weaknesses worsened, raising safety concerns.
Authorities ultimately decided to temporarily evacuate the building to ensure the safety of occupants while comprehensive renovation works are carried out.
The RDB Building, located in Gishushu, is a 12-storey structure with four underground floors that can be used for various purposes, including parking and gym facilities.
