The contest will now accept applications until 15th September 2025. This extension comes in response to growing interest and requests from startups who needed additional time to finalize their submissions.
The Tangira Startup TV Contest is Rwanda’s maiden startup TV Contest designed to empower young entrepreneurs with mentorship and most importantly a platform to showcase their ideas to a wider audience, while they also win cash prizes that will help them grow and scale their businesses.
Speaking on the extension, the organizing team described it as an oportunity for more startups to prepare strong applications and join the ‘exciting journey’.
“We are inviting entrepreneurs that have been left out in so many projects like this due to language barriers. This time round we have our own Kinyarwanda StartUp Contest where all sectors are invited to participate and also women are encouraged to showcase in our local language,” said Remmygious Lubega the executive producer of the show and CEO of RG-Consult Inc, the curators of this project.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the official website www.tangira.rw and take advantage of this extended opportunity or simply click on this [link->https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YFLWheLsyWlgLatDQplCMl9LlI-pATVYGzhFWJehzNg/viewform?edit_requested=true.] for the application form.
With the extended deadline, organizers hope to see even more innovative ideas and ambitious projects from across the country where outstanding startups will win over Frw 10m cash prize and so much visibility and great opportunities to scale their businesses.
Jacqueline Nyirahabimana, who plays for Muhazi WFC, and Sandrine Mutuyimana, a player for Inyemera WFC and the Rwanda women’s national team, say they are often ridiculed over their bodies, with Jacqueline in particular targeted for having facial hair.
At many football pitches where Jacqueline plays, fans gather to cheer her on. Yet some spectators question her gender, claiming she is not a woman because she shaves her facial hair and has small breasts. For Sandrine, her speed and football skills, combined with a lean physique, also lead many to doubt that she is female.
In an interview with IGIHE, both players admitted that their appearance sometimes causes them embarrassment. They explained that constant remarks suggesting they are men make them feel uncomfortable, even though their passion for the game remains strong.
“People often ask me, Jacqueline, why don’t you have breasts, why do you have facial hair, why do you look like a boy? They wonder how I can play in women’s football. But I was born this way. It’s God who determines our bodies. No one can give themselves breasts. Everything comes from God, who created us,” Jacqueline said.
She added that while she ignores taunts during matches, she plays to inspire other girls with similar traits not to hide in shame.
“We live in a peaceful country where there is security everywhere. I no longer feel the shame I used to. People may stare at me daily, but I’ve accepted myself. I encourage others like me to also embrace who they are.”
Jacqueline recalled that the stigma began years ago when she attended Nyakiganda Secondary School in Nyagatare District, where both teachers and students often questioned her gender because of her appearance.
“I urge others like me to be confident, because people’s words cannot stop your progress. I also ask people to refrain from using hurtful language, calling someone a man when she is a girl. It’s deeply painful and should stop,” she said.
Sandrine explained that while fans’ stares do not disturb her during matches, she sometimes feels embarrassed off the field.
“What hurts is when I walk in public and see people staring, whispering that I don’t have breasts. It makes me feel bad because it’s not my fault. I am only 18 years old, and I believe they will come with time. There’s no reason to despair. To other girls like me, I say: don’t be ashamed of your bodies. We didn’t create ourselves.”
Both players appealed to the public to stop making derogatory remarks about girls with different physical traits. They encouraged young women with facial hair, deep voices, or other uncommon features to accept themselves and live confidently instead of hiding.
Since its launch in 2016, Zipline Rwanda has grown to make over 600 deliveries daily. Initially focused on transporting urgent blood supplies, it now delivers more than 200 types of medicines across ten product categories. Its operations are based in Muhanga (Shyogwe Sector) and Kayonza, with nearly 35% of deliveries comprising livestock semen.
At a recent Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Zipline introduced its new Platform 2 (P2) drones, which will begin operating in cities from 2026. The drones are expected to support health services, restaurants, businesses, and other tech-driven enterprises.
President Paul Kagame, highlighting Zipline’s impact, said: “This technology does not only save time; it also saves lives. Our collaboration has been very successful, and together we are exploring how to extend it to urban deliveries.”
{{Next-generation technology
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The P2 drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to operate efficiently in densely populated areas. Unlike traditional drones, they can take off vertically without a launcher, navigate tight spaces, and safely lower cargo using a precision tether system.
Kayitana Pierre, CEO of Zipline Rwanda, explained: “It took us ten years to develop this drone. It is reliable, easy to operate, and capable of navigating cities with high-rise buildings.”
Each drone features two main wings and four auxiliary wings for lift, flies at speeds up to 100 km/h, and operates at altitudes between 100 and 400 metres. They can continue Zipline’s legacy of medical deliveries while handling heavier cargo for commercial purposes.
The new drones are capable of multi-stop deliveries, allowing them to drop off goods in one location, such as Remera, and then continue directly to another destination, like Kanombe, without returning to the hub.
The technology has been tested in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with Walmart, delivering goods to residents. A single drone can carry enough food to feed 12 people, with plans to expand its load capacity and range.
Zipline plans to introduce these drones in Kigali for the first time in Africa, ensuring full technical familiarisation before launch. The company is currently seeking regulatory approvals for operations in Rwanda.
The drones will be integrated with a mobile application, allowing users to select and pay for products, which are then automatically packed and delivered by the drone.
Currently, 50 local tech specialists are working on the P2 project, in addition to 150 staff operating existing drones. While older drones cost over 20 million Rwandan francs, the new P2 models will be priced lower to make services more accessible.
“We aim to make drones widely available to meet growing demand. This is just the beginning of a new era in urban delivery in Rwanda,” Kayitana stated.
Since starting in Rwanda, Zipline has grown internationally, operating 30 sites across countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Japan, European nations, and the U.S. states of Arkansas and Utah.
Today, the spotlight is on TRL Group, a Czech Republic–based company that has expanded footprints in Africa through its subsidiary in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.
The company has two divisions including TRL Space, which develops satellites, and TRL Drones, which manufactures drones for agriculture, security, and defense.
TRL Group recently showcased its technologies at the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, where President Paul Kagame visited its exhibition stand.
TRL’s satellites are launched into orbit to observe global activity. They monitor agricultural growth, detect crop diseases, analyze soil conditions, and assess construction activities—including identifying unauthorized buildings.
The satellites, powered by artificial intelligence, process large volumes of data and generate actionable insights.
The company’s drones complement satellite systems by providing more detailed, ground-level data. On a 5,000-hectare farm, for example, satellites can give an overview of crop health, while drones can pinpoint specific diseases or localized problems.
Founded by Petr Kapoun, TRL Group entered Rwanda three years ago to take advantage of the country’s innovation-friendly environment. Within a year, it had launched production of drones for agriculture and security, alongside satellite services for multiple sectors.
“The reason we have those two divisions is to combine all the data, since satellites provide a wide view of the land while drones deliver detailed information,” said Kapoun highlighting the company’s dual approach.
Artificial intelligence drives both systems, enabling them to detect risks and provide critical information.
“We came to Rwanda with the vision of making it a hub for satellites and drones in Africa,” Kapoun noted.
TRL manufactures a wide range of drones. Among them are VTOL drones, which are fully electric and support agriculture and environmental protection. These models can fly at speeds of up to 250 km/h and cover areas within a 200 km radius.
The company also produces military-grade drones designed for security and defense. These aircraft can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms, including explosives, fly at speeds of 500 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to six kilometers.
Equipped with advanced engines and radar systems, they can detect and respond to threats in real time.
Annual output will depend on demand, but Kapoun pointed to the company’s capacity in Europe as a benchmark: “In the Czech Republic, we produce 200 drones per month. Since Rwanda will serve as our African headquarters, we expect to surpass that figure as we expand across the continent. However, it will take some time and depend on the customers.”
Currently, TRL Group operates a small assembly facility for drones. In 2026, it will begin constructing a larger factory in Rwanda, with completion expected in about two years. While some components will be imported, others will be sourced locally.
The company has already trained 10 Rwandan specialists in drone and satellite production, with a target of 50 in the near future. These experts will work in both manufacturing and operations, creating high-value jobs.
TRL is also equipping drones with advanced imaging systems, enabling them to capture visual data even when signal connections are disrupted.
The company works closely with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and national security institutions.
Drone prices vary by design and capability. For example, a VTOL drone with a three-meter wingspan can cost up to $250,000.
Although TRL initially focused on civilian applications, Kapoun emphasized that the shift to security followed naturally.
“First of all, the company was founded to serve civilian purposes. The defense aspect came naturally because once we developed technologies for agriculture and the environment, it became clear they could also be applied to other areas, such as border surveillance,” he said.
Smaller drones run on electric power, while long-range models use fuel engines, offering flexibility for different missions.
The awards, organised by Bridgevision in partnership with Rwandan and global institutions, aim to celebrate exceptional authors whose works contribute to education, inspiration, and cultural preservation across Rwanda and Africa.
The five-member jury comprised Francois Nyangezi, a Literary Arts and Design Industry Specialist representing the Ministry of Youth and Arts; Dr. Calixte Kabera, Professor and Vice-Chancellor at East African University; Dr. Karlene N. Jennings, Librarian and America’s Regional Public Engagement Director for Central Africa at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali; Jerome Kajuga, Director of Cultural, Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO Rwanda; and Mr. Thomas C. Ngwabije, Book Industry Promotion Officer at the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy.
The jury selected winners in five categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Young Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Female Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Male Rwandan Writer, and Outstanding African Writer.
Bridgevision CEO Joe E. Sully commended the jury’s work, saying the panel had done “an honourable job in selecting and elevating books meant to educate, inform, inspire, challenge, and comfort readers across the continent.”
This year’s award partners include the Ministry of Youth and Arts, UNESCO Rwanda, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, East African University, IGIHE and Mille Collines Hotel.
The identities of the five winners will be formally revealed during the Radiate Rwanda Awards ceremony on November 7, 2025, in Kigali.
The winners of the inaugural Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards included Yolande Mukagasana, who received the Outstanding Woman Writer Award. Other recipients were Bishop Alexis Kagame and Bishop Aloys Bigirumwami.
According to reports, the clashes that erupted on Sunday, September 7, 2025, saw AFC/M23 seizing Mafuo, Biholo, Shoa, Bwambaliro, Busoro, Kinyeere, Burora, and Ngesha villages—all located in Osso Banyungu sector.
Following their defeat, FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters retreated to the localities of Kazinga and Mahanga, on the border between Masisi and Walikale territories.
Local media outlet Actualite reported that both FARDC and Wazalendo militias are regrouping in preparation for counteroffensives aimed at retaking the lost positions.
Although AFC/M23 currently controls much of Masisi’s administrative center, parts of the territory remain under government authority.
Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has stood as a testament to Rwanda’s conservation journey. Over the past two decades, the ceremony has evolved from a cultural tradition into an international platform that showcases Rwanda’s leadership in protecting endangered mountain gorillas, promoting sustainable tourism, and empowering local communities.
This year, the celebration highlighted two decades of remarkable achievements that have placed Rwanda at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
Bank of Kigali, a proud sponsor of the event, aligns its commitment to conservation with its broader mission of being a bank for Rwandans and supporting Rwanda’s development, through Nanjye ni BK.
By also standing alongside the Rwanda Development Board and local communities, the Bank contributes to initiatives that safeguard biodiversity, preserve forests, and create opportunities for families living around Volcanoes National Park.
“At Bank of Kigali, we believe that protecting Rwanda’s treasures is protecting Rwanda’s future. Our support for Kwita Izina reflects our commitment to conservation, community development, and national pride,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali.
Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become a true conservation success story, with mountain gorilla numbers steadily rising.
It has also fueled tourism-driven growth, positioning Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination.
At the same time, the ceremony has contributed to community development, ensuring that conservation efforts translate into better livelihoods for the people living around the park.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels.
The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations, and continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a more prosperous future.
Its excellence has been consistently recognized, with multiple wins as Best Bank in Rwanda from Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2021, 2024, 2025) and Global Finance Magazine, most recently in 2025 for the 5th time.
His passing deeply saddened many who knew him, with tributes describing him as a man of integrity, humanity, and unwavering dedication to duty.
In a message shared on X, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, remembered him as “a truly remarkable individual.” She wrote:
“Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the life of Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana. I feel deeply saddened to lose a friend, yet I’m grateful for the time we shared.”
Recalling his role as Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., she said: “During my early days as ambassador, he was more than just a colleague – he was a trusted partner and sounding board. His strategic mind, diplomatic finesse, and unwavering dedication to Rwanda embodied the very values of a Rwandan officer.”
She also praised his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and growth, all for the benefit of Rwanda.
Amb. Mukantabana concluded that his legacy lives on through his wife Sabine and their children—Monia, Brave, Brandon, and Noria—“who have grown into fantastic individuals.”
The Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, also expressed her sorrow, saying: “Gen Kabandana was known for his integrity, wisdom, and boundless love for his family and for his country. Those of us who lived and worked with him are deeply saddened by his sudden passing, but the legacy he leaves behind on this earth is a source of comfort.”
{{A lifetime of service}}
Lt Gen Kabandana joined the Rwandan Patriotic Army in 1990, playing a crucial role in the liberation of Rwanda and in halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience in operations and leadership. He served as Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., Chief Instructor at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, and Deputy Force Commander in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Within the RDF, he held senior positions including Head of Logistics, Commandant of the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Commander of the Special Forces.
The squad, accompanied by coaching and support staff, checked into Radisson RED Hotel on Monday morning, September 8, 2025. They are set to train at Orlando Stadium ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Rwanda leads Group C with eight points, while Zimbabwe sits fourth with four points. The two sides last met at Huye Stadium in Rwanda, where they played out a 0-0 draw.
The fixture comes after a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a result that complicates Rwanda’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the first to wear the wristband, during his visit to the Games’ pavilion, highlighting his support for the event and the values it represents.
The launch reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering community engagement, encouraging active lifestyles, and promoting unity through sport.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “The launch of the official wristband for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 represents a significant milestone in our preparations for this global event. It reflects the unwavering support of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination that brings the world together through sport, while inspiring the adoption of a healthy and active lifestyle.”
He added: “The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is fully committed to supporting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 by providing all the facilities and resources needed to ensure the success of this landmark event, being hosted for the first time in the Middle East. The Council is also dedicated to encouraging the participation of sports enthusiasts from around the world, underscoring its mission to advance the role of sport as a strategic driver in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global centre of sporting excellence and a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.”
The wristband serves as a symbolic identifier of the Games and will accompany athletes, participants, and supporters as they prepare for the multi-sport event scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 15 February 2026.
With thousands of athletes expected to take part in more than 30 sports, the Games will bring together diverse cultures and sporting communities from around the world.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will feature a wide range of sports, including traditional sports that have long been an integral part of Emirati heritage, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s role as a global destination for sporting excellence and cultural exchange.
