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Cabinet approves establishment of AI agency, draft budget 2026/27

According to a communiqué issued after the meeting held at Urugwiro Village, the National Artificial Intelligence Agency will accelerate artificial intelligence development, innovation, adoption, investment and governance in support of Rwanda’s digital transformation and economic growth.

The agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating the country’s AI agenda as Rwanda seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub.

The Cabinet also approved the draft law determining State finances for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The proposed budget prioritises strengthening agricultural production, boosting industrial growth, accelerating job creation and maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The approval follows the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Framework Paper (BFP) to Parliament by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa on May 11, 2026. The government proposed a national budget of Rwf 7.8 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year, representing an increase of Rwf 844.2 billion from the revised budget for 2025/26.

Cabinet was also briefed on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region and Rwanda’s preparedness measures. The Ministry of Health reported that prevention, screening and surveillance efforts have been reinforced at all points of entry to safeguard public health.

The government reassured the public that there are currently no Ebola cases in Rwanda and that all activities continue as normal. Citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines.

Several draft laws relating to financing and development cooperation were approved during the meeting.

Among them were draft laws ratifying loan agreements between Rwanda and the African Development Bank for additional financing of the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Programme, a key initiative aimed at enhancing water resource management and supporting agricultural productivity.

Cabinet also approved the ratification of financing agreements between Rwanda and the International Development Association (IDA) for the second phase of the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities in Rwanda Project, the Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement Project, and the Rwanda Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Financing programme with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option.

The meeting further approved the ratification of an agreement between Rwanda and Botswana for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance.

In a move aimed at expanding Rwanda’s international aviation network, Cabinet approved draft laws ratifying air services agreements between Rwanda and the governments of Algeria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Costa Rica, Guyana, Morocco, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

The agreements are expected to facilitate greater air connectivity, strengthen trade and tourism links, and support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub.

Cabinet also approved the ratification of the agreement establishing the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency, a specialised African Union institution that helps member states better prepare for, manage and respond to climate-related disasters and other natural shocks.

Beyond legislative approvals, Cabinet endorsed several policy and administrative measures.

These include a revised headquarters agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Nile Basin Initiative’s Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme Coordination Unit (NELSAP-CU), approval of applications for mineral and quarry licences, and the lease of state land located in Karongi District to Zipline Rwanda Ltd.

The meeting also granted agrément to newly appointed diplomats and representatives of international organisations.

Those approved include Jérémie Blin as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Rwanda, with residence in Kigali; Dr. Simone Knapp as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Rwanda, with residence in Nairobi; and Dede Ekoue as Country Representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.

Cabinet further approved appointments across several public institutions.

At the Gender Monitoring Office, Habiyaremye Rurihose Florien’s term as Deputy Chief Gender Monitor in charge of Gender Mainstreaming was renewed.

Appointments were also made at the Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Governance Board and the Higher Education Council, covering leadership positions in internal audit, governance, research, service delivery, digitalisation, legal affairs and communications.

The Cabinet was chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency and endorsed the draft law determining State finances for the 2026/27 fiscal year, among a series of decisions aimed at advancing Rwanda’s economic transformation, digital innovation, infrastructure development and international cooperation.

June 8, 2026
PFL Africa eyes Kigali for 2026 championship finals

Speaking in an interview with combat sports journalist Tim Wheaton, PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze said Kigali has already proven itself as a reliable and high-performance host city, and expressed his wish for it to become the “anchor” of the league’s African calendar.

The development follows the successful staging of the PFL Africa Semifinals in Kigali in October last year at BK Arena, where an 11-fight card determined finalists across multiple weight divisions. The event was widely viewed within the organisation as a turning point in proving that Rwanda can deliver world-class MMA production at scale.

Schulze said Rwanda’s appeal lies in its combination of strong infrastructure, safety, and political support, even if MMA remains a relatively new sport for local audiences.

“Rwanda was a unique challenge,” he said. “It has world-class event infrastructure and a very safe environment, but relatively low consumer familiarity with MMA. What surprised us was how quickly people embraced it.”

“The seat for MMA headquarters in Africa is still open,” he said. “Rwanda has the enabling environment, infrastructure, and will to claim it.”

He credited what he called the “Rwandan model”, a strategy focused on deep community integration, for the strong local engagement around the sport. This included fighter homecomings, university activations, gym partnerships, and collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. The organisation said it was surprised by how quickly fans embraced MMA in Rwanda.

According to Schulze, this approach is now being replicated across other African markets as PFL expands its continental footprint. He pointed to key focus markets including Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, and Ivory Coast, with additional interest in Senegal and Tanzania, as well as North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, as part of its long-term pan-African expansion strategy.

Beyond competition, PFL Africa says it is keen to develop a broader MMA ecosystem in Rwanda and other African markets, including training referees, judges, doctors, and production crews, as well as supporting the development of local fighters capable of competing internationally.

“If we host the finals in Kigali, I’m confident we’ll have at least two or three Rwandan fighters on the card,” Schulze noted.

Rwanda was represented last year by James Opio at the PFL Africa event in Kigali. He featured in a highly anticipated East African featherweight showcase bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda.

Organising an event of this scale involves extensive logistics, including transporting and installing specialist production infrastructure such as lighting rigs, broadcast cameras, and regulation cages, alongside coordinating international fighters, coaching teams, and medical staff.

According to Schulze, PFL operates purpose-built cages and production systems across Africa to support back-to-back events in different markets, with South Africa also serving as one of the key established production and staging hubs on the continent. The organisation also works with local partners to recruit technical crews and manage hospitality requirements, including hundreds of hotel room nights for fighters, teams, and officials.

Nigeria set for historic debut after South Africa stop

While Kigali is being positioned as a potential championship hub, Nigeria is set to host a landmark milestone in the league’s expansion, with the continental tour heading to Lagos immediately following its recent stop in Pretoria, South Africa (PFL Africa 1).

The Professional Fighters League will stage PFL Africa 2: Nigeria – First Round on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, marking the country’s entry into the league’s continental circuit.

Because PFL Africa staggers its weight classes to manage the tournament brackets, the Lagos event serves as the official opening First Round (Quarterfinals) exclusively for the Lightweight and Bantamweight tournaments, following April’s opening Welterweight matchups in Pretoria, South Africa.

Schulze described Nigeria as a “must-win market” for the organisation.

“You cannot claim to be a credible operator in Africa and neglect Nigeria,” he said. “It’s going to be a raucous event.”

He added that Nigeria’s strong sporting culture, spanning football, basketball, boxing, and traditional combat disciplines like Dambe, makes it a natural fit for MMA growth. PFL Africa views the country as a potential recurring anchor market alongside Rwanda and other priority destinations.

Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa drew over 4,000 mixed martial arts (MMA) spectators at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18.

President Kagame, WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and MMA legend Francis Ngannou attended PFL Africa matches.

Schulze said Rwanda’s appeal lies in its combination of strong infrastructure, safety, and political support, even if MMA remains a relatively new sport for local audiences.

Rwanda was represented last year by James Opio at the PFL Africa event in Kigali. He featured in a highly anticipated East African featherweight showcase bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda.

June 8, 2026
Kabza De Small set for Kigali performance at “Spinny and Friends” festival

The event, organised by DJ Spinny, will bring together music fans for a two-day experience combining live performances and entertainment activities. On July 18, revellers will enjoy performances from various artists, while July 19 will feature additional entertainment alongside the screening of the FIFA World Cup final.

Kabza De Small, born Kabelo Petrus Motha on November 27, 1992, in Mpumalanga and raised in Pretoria, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Amapiano, a genre that has gained massive global popularity in recent years.

He began his career as a DJ in 2009 and released his debut album Avenue Sounds in 2016. However, his breakthrough came with the rise of Amapiano, which propelled him to international recognition.

In 2018, his hit track Umshove further cemented his status, followed by successful projects including Pretty Girls Love Amapiano, I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, and Bab’Motha released in 2025.

Kabza De Small is also best known for his collaboration with DJ Maphorisa under the duo Scorpion Kings, a partnership that has played a key role in pushing Amapiano onto the global stage, with collaborations featuring artists such as Wizkid and Burna Boy.

This will be the second edition of the “Spinny and Friends” festival, following its debut in 2025, when DJ Spinny marked a decade in music with shows held in Uganda and Rwanda.

June 8, 2026
Kwibuka32: Rwandan community in Leuven honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi

The remembrance event featured a walk from Leuven railway station to Ladeuzeplein, symbolizing solidarity with victims, followed by speeches, testimonies, reflections, and artistic performances dedicated to honoring the memory of those who were killed and reaffirming a commitment to never forget.

The commemoration was coordinated by Édouard Karangwa and attended by Leuven Alderman for International Affairs Lies Corneillie, alongside representatives of associations and members of the Rwandan youth community in Belgium.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Martin Ikomeze, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB) in Leuven, thanked participants who had traveled from different parts of the country.

According to him, remembrance is a responsibility for every Rwandan and provides a unique opportunity to transmit historical truth.

He stressed the importance of honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while continuing efforts toward unity and reconciliation.

Speaking about the role of testimonies, he underlined their importance in preserving memory, combating genocide denial, and transmitting history to younger generations so that such a tragedy may never happen again.

One of the most moving moments of the day was the testimony of Mrs. Jeannette Mukandwari, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Now a mother of two children, she shared a story marked by courage and resilience. Through her personal journey, she demonstrated her determination to overcome the hardships of the past and rebuild her life despite the wounds left by the genocide.

Speaking on behalf of Ibuka, Johan Sebukire highlighted the importance of remembrance for younger generations. He noted that although most young people in the diaspora did not experience the 1994 genocide themselves, they nevertheless carry its legacy through the stories of their families and communities.

He stressed the need to combat genocide denial, preserve the memory of the victims, and pass this history on to future generations.

On this occasion, he also called on the City of Leuven to consider, in consultation with the Rwandan community, the installation of a memorial plaque in honor of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

According to him, such a memorial site would serve as a place of reflection, an educational tool for future generations, and a powerful symbol of the city’s commitment against hatred, racism, and all forms of discrimination.

Lies Corneillie, Alderman for International Affairs of the City of Leuven, emphasized the importance of testimonies, the transmission of memory to younger generations, and the duty of remembrance.

She also expressed the City’s willingness to continue the dialogue on the establishment of a memorial site, with the aim of preserving the memory of the victims and raising awareness among future generations.

The Leuven ceremony also marked the final stage of the national program of the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which had been organized in different cities across Belgium since April 7.

On this occasion, Gakuba Ernest, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB), recalled that remembrance is not limited to a particular period of the year but constitutes a permanent responsibility toward the victims and future generations.

Thirty-two years after the genocide, he noted, the wounds remain deep, and commemoration continues to be both a tribute to those who perished and a commitment to truth, as well as a safeguard against genocide denial and genocidal ideology.

He also referred to the historical factors that led to the genocide and the abandonment of Rwanda by the international community in 1994.

Paying tribute to the soldiers of the FPR-Inkotanyi who stopped the genocide and saved countless lives, he praised their decisive role in the liberation of the country.

Addressing young people, particularly those in the diaspora, he encouraged them to take ownership of this history, transmit it faithfully, and uphold the values of truth, unity, courage, and humanity.

The day concluded with a musical tribute by artist Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne. Through several deeply emotional songs, she honored the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and offered participants a moment of reflection and hope.

Beyond remembrance, this 32nd commemoration highlighted the importance of preserving historical truth, supporting survivors, and passing memory on to future generations.

In his address, Rev. Dr. Martin Ikomeze, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB) in Leuven, welcomed participants who had come from different cities across Belgium to take part in the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Leuven, Mrs. Jeannette Mukantwari, a survivor of the genocide and now a mother of two children, shared a moving testimony of courage and resilience.

Gakuba Ernest, Federal President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB), recalled that the duty of remembrance is not limited to a specific period of the year, but constitutes an ongoing responsibility toward the victims and future generations.

The ceremony was notably attended by Lies Corneillie, Alderman for International Affairs of the City of Leuven

Twagira Mutabazi Eugène, President of Ibuka – Mémoire et Justice, Belgique

Édouard Karangwa served as the coordinator of the ceremony marking the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Leuven.

Johan Sebukire, speaking on behalf of Ibuka, highlighted the importance of the duty of remembrance for younger generations.

Photos showing the second part of the commemoration event

karirima@igihe.com

June 8, 2026
OpenAI plans biggest ChatGPT upgrade since launch

The planned overhaul is expected to transform ChatGPT from a conversational chatbot into a broader AI platform that integrates coding tools, autonomous AI agents and third-party applications. The changes are reportedly set to begin rolling out in the coming weeks through updates to ChatGPT’s web and mobile platforms.

The move comes as the San Francisco-based company seeks new revenue streams ahead of a widely anticipated initial public offering (IPO). While ChatGPT has attracted nearly one billion users worldwide, many continue to use the service for free, prompting OpenAI to place greater emphasis on paid products and enterprise services.

According to the report, OpenAI is redesigning ChatGPT to highlight coding capabilities, image-generation tools and software developed by external partners such as Canva and Booking.com.

The company believes AI agents capable of performing tasks on behalf of users, including scheduling meetings, booking travel and completing workplace assignments, could become more valuable than traditional chatbots focused primarily on answering questions.

OpenAI has also reorganized several product teams under a unified leadership structure led by Thibault Sottiaux, formerly head of the company’s Codex coding product. The long-term goal, he told the Financial Times, is to develop a personal AI assistant that can support users across both professional and personal activities.

The company has reportedly seen strong growth in Codex, whose weekly active user base has risen to more than five million. Business customers now account for about 40% of OpenAI’s revenue, a figure the company expects to increase further this year.

OpenAI has not publicly announced the reported overhaul.

The planned overhaul is expected to transform ChatGPT from a conversational chatbot into a broader AI platform that integrates coding tools, autonomous AI agents and third-party applications.

June 8, 2026
Inkuru Nziza Hospital supports Genocide survivor with housing and prosthetic support

The support was extended on June 5, 2026, as part of activities marking the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The initiative began with a visit by the hospital’s staff and leadership to the Ntarama Genocide Memorial in Bugesera District, where they were briefed on the history of the genocide in the area and toured a recently opened historical exhibition.

They paid tribute to more than 5,000 victims laid to rest at the memorial and laid wreaths on the graves in their honour.

Following the visit, the team travelled to Musabende’s residence, where they handed over a new prosthetic leg valued at Rwf4 million.

They also unveiled a fully renovated house that had previously fallen into severe disrepair and was at risk of collapsing. The home was upgraded to provide safer and more dignified living conditions, and plans are underway to furnish it.

Musabende expressed her gratitude, saying the support had transformed her life after years of hardship.
She explained that she had been struggling to live in a deteriorating house because she lacked the financial means to repair it.

“I am very happy,” she said. “I was living in isolation, unable to do much on my own, while watching the house gradually fall apart. The walls had begun separating, and visitors would often tell me to leave the room because it could collapse at any moment. I would simply tell them that if it happened, I would go the same way others had gone before me.”

Musabende said she initially doubted that the promised renovations would materialise, having previously received visitors who documented her situation but never returned with assistance.

“I thought they were making promises that would never be fulfilled,” she said. “But when I saw construction materials arriving, I realised it was really happening.”

She also welcomed the new prosthetic leg, noting that the one she had been using was worn out and missing some parts, while financial constraints had prevented her from replacing it.

The Director General of Inkuru Nziza Hospital, Dr. Mpatswenumugabo Bosco, said supporting survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi is one of the ways the institution contributes to remembrance and recovery.

“This mother was living in difficult conditions, and we felt compelled to help her secure decent housing so that she can live with dignity,” he said. “As a hospital that specialises in prosthetic and orthotic services, we also decided to provide her with a new prosthetic leg. In a way, it is like extending a helping hand and encouraging her to stand up and move forward.”

Dr. Mpatswenumugabo noted that such initiatives are carried out annually, particularly in Kicukiro District, where the hospital regularly supports Genocide survivors. He added that there are plans to expand the programme to benefit survivors in other parts of the country.

He said the visit to the Ntarama Genocide Memorial was intended to draw lessons from one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history, where people who sought refuge in a church were instead massacred.

“Churches and hospitals are places meant to protect and preserve life, yet those who fled to Ntarama were killed there,” he said. “As a faith-based hospital, this is something we must continue to remember and teach so that such atrocities never happen again.”

Inkuru Nziza Hospital operates under the Inkuru Nziza Church in Rwanda and is known for providing specialised orthopaedic care, rehabilitation services, prosthetics, orthotics and support for people living with disabilities.

Staff of Inkuru Nziza Hospital handed over a renovated home to a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Staff of Inkuru Nziza Hospital were briefed on the devastating effects of ethnic discrimination and genocide ideology.

Eurélie Musabende spoke about the hardship of living in a house that was on the verge of collapsing due to a lack of resources to repair it.

The Managing Director of Inkuru Nziza Hospital, Dr. Mpatswenumugabo Bosco, said supporting Genocide survivors is part of the institution’s commitment to remembrance and rebuilding lives.

Eurélie Musabende, a resident of Nyarugunga Sector in Kicukiro District, was left disabled by the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The recently opened historical exhibition at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial was visited by staff of Inkuru Nziza Hospital.

Staff of Inkuru Nziza Hospital toured various sections of the Ntarama Genocide Memorial.

The prosthetic limb provided to Genocide survivor Eurélie Musabende.

Staff of Inkuru Nziza Hospital paid tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial.

June 8, 2026
Burundi recalls ambassador to France after meeting with OIF chief Mushikiwabo

According to an official diplomatic correspondence dated June 3, Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana instructed Ambassador Njebarikanuye to return to the political capital of Gitega “as soon as possible” to receive an “urgent communication.”

The sudden directive follows a June 2 ceremony at the OIF headquarters in Paris, where Njebarikanuye met with OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo. The meeting was part of a standard diplomatic progression to accredit envoys to the Francophonie body, alongside newly designated representatives from Slovenia, Montenegro, Romania, Gabon, and Greece.

During the session, Njebarikanuye presented authorization to act as President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s representative to the OIF Permanent Council. Briefing notes from the organization indicated that discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, specifically regarding regional literacy campaigns and gender equality initiatives.

Minister Bizimana’s recall letter offered no public justification for the abrupt summons, stating only:

“I have the honour to inform you that you are requested to return to the capital as soon as possible in order to receive an urgent communication concerning you.”

Njebarikanuye assumed her posting in Paris on March 16, 2026, holding concurrent accreditation to Portugal, Spain, Monaco, Andorra, Romania, Malta, and Albania.

It remains unclear whether Njebarikanuye’s recall is for temporary consultations or signals a permanent reassignment, though some observers have speculated that her tenure could be cut short.

Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has abruptly recalled its newly appointed ambassador to France, Spès-Caritas Njebarikanuye, less than 24 hours after she formally presented her credentials to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

The meeting was part of a standard diplomatic progression to accredit envoys to the Francophonie body, alongside newly designated representatives from Slovenia, Montenegro, Romania, Gabon, and Greece.

June 8, 2026
King Faisal Hospital Rwanda deepens regional impact through specialized medical training and capacity building

In May 2026, KFH hosted healthcare professionals from Djibouti and Ethiopia under separate capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening cardiac and mental health services in their respective countries. These initiatives reflect the hospital’s broader commitment to advancing healthcare systems across the continent by sharing expertise, fostering innovation, and building sustainable clinical capacity.

As part of efforts to support the establishment of Djibouti’s new cardiac unit, KFH hosted a delegation of four healthcare professionals from the Military Hospital of Djibouti for a two-week observership program. The delegation comprised a cardiovascular surgeon, two perfusionists, and an anesthesiologist. The observership followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions and forms part of a broader partnership to strengthen specialized cardiac care services in the region.

The observership provided participants with firsthand exposure to the operations of a high-performing cardiac center, allowing them to observe clinical workflows, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient management systems, and best practices involved in running a successful cardiac program. Through interactions with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, perfusionists, and allied health professionals, the delegation gained valuable insights that will support the launch and operation of the Military Hospital of Djibouti’s cardiac unit, expected to commence services in June 2026.

As part of the ongoing collaboration, King Faisal Hospital Rwanda will continue supporting the Military Hospital of Djibouti through technical assistance, mentorship, and operational guidance during the initial implementation phase of its new cardiac unit. To facilitate a successful launch and ensure the delivery of high-quality cardiac care services, KFH will deploy a multidisciplinary team comprising cardiac surgery nurses, a perfusionist, a cardiac anesthesiologist, and a cardiac intensivist. The team will work alongside local healthcare professionals to provide hands-on support, skills transfer, and clinical mentorship as the unit begins operations.

In parallel, KFH completed a three-week Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) training program for a team of mental health professionals from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia. Conducted at the hospital’s Ketamine Treatment and Research Center, the training equipped participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills in KAP, an innovative treatment approach increasingly recognized for managing treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and other complex mental health conditions.

The Ethiopian delegation, comprising psychiatrists, a psychologist, and a psychiatric nurse, received comprehensive clinical exposure covering patient assessment, treatment protocols, safety considerations, psychotherapy integration, monitoring procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to care delivery. The program also provided participants with opportunities to observe real-world clinical applications and engage directly with specialists leading the field at KFH.

The training is expected to support Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College’s plans to establish a Ketamine Center in Ethiopia, thereby expanding access to innovative mental health services and strengthening specialized treatment capacity within the country.

According to hospital leadership, both initiatives highlight the importance of regional collaboration in addressing Africa’s growing healthcare needs. By investing in professional development, mentorship, and institutional partnerships, healthcare institutions can accelerate the development of specialized services while improving access to high-quality patient care.

The programs further demonstrate KFH’s growing role as a hub for clinical excellence, medical innovation, and healthcare workforce development. Through initiatives spanning cardiac surgery, mental health, kidney transplant, and other specialized disciplines, the hospital continues to contribute to the strengthening of health systems across the region.

As demand for specialized healthcare services continues to rise across Africa, collaborations such as these underscore the value of knowledge transfer and south-to-south cooperation in building resilient healthcare systems capable of delivering advanced, patient-centered care closer to home.

Military Hospital of Djibouti delegates and King Faisal Hospital Rwanda staff during a cardiac observership program aimed at strengthening specialized cardiovascular care services.

Mental health professionals from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia, with the KFH Team during the training.

June 8, 2026
Trump urges Iran to halt missile launches, says to call Israeli PM not to retaliate

“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough,” Trump told Fox News. “Get back to the table and make a deal.”

Trump also claimed that Washington and Tehran had been close to reaching an agreement before Iran launched the missiles earlier in the day.

“We’re very close. I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place,” he said.

“It’s certainly not going to help negotiations,” Trump said.

In another interview with U.S. media outlet Axios, Trump said he will call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and press him not to retaliate for Iran’s missile attack.

“I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one,” Trump said.

According to CNN, Iran fired at least 10 ballistic missiles toward Israel in at least three separate waves on Sunday. The Israeli military said all of the missiles were intercepted.

Two Israeli sources cited by CNN said Israel would deliver a “powerful” response to the attack, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.

An airplane is pictured above the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday urged Iran to stop launching missiles at Israel and return to negotiations after Tehran fired a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles.

June 8, 2026
How Rwanda central bank policy rate is used to manage inflation

The move reflects growing price pressure driven by both domestic and global factors, including higher fuel and transport costs linked to international disruptions.

Explaining the decision in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Prof. Kasai Ndahiriwe, Director of the Monetary Policy Department at BNR, said the central bank is guided by inflation projections and the need to keep price increases within a sustainable range.

“When the Monetary Policy Committee observes that inflation is increasing or is expected to rise beyond the BNR target range of 2% to 8%, action is taken. Inflation should ideally not exceed 8%,” Prof. Kasai said.

He added that the policy rate is one of the key tools used to manage inflation by influencing the cost of borrowing and overall demand in the economy.

“When goods become more expensive, people tend to buy less. Conversely, when prices are lower, consumption increases,” he explained.

According to him, raising the policy rate is designed to reduce excess money circulation in the economy by making borrowing more expensive for households and businesses.

“When BNR raises the policy rate, it signals banks and borrowers to be more cautious in their spending. It is essentially a message encouraging reduced spending to help control inflation,” he said.

Inflation pressures driving policy decisions

Inflation in Rwanda has shown a steady upward trend since the beginning of 2026, rising from 8.9% in January to 9.2% in February and March, before reaching 13% in April.

Prof. Kasai noted that both domestic conditions and global shocks have contributed to the rise in prices.

“The inflation projections show that the rate will remain above 8% this year and in the early part of next year,” he said.

He pointed to external disruptions, including geopolitical tensions affecting global oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of global petroleum trade.

“Intense global developments, including conflicts affecting oil transport routes, have impacted fuel prices, transport costs, and ultimately inflation,” he added.

The BNR adjusts the policy rate depending on how far inflation is from the target range. In the current environment, inflation has moved significantly above the upper limit of 8%, prompting stronger action.

Prof. Kasai said the size of the increase reflects the severity of inflationary pressure.

“A 1% adjustment reflects the fact that inflation is far from the desired range for the Rwandan economy,” he said, noting that forecasts for 2026 point to inflation levels around 13.9%.

Economic growth remains strong despite inflation

Despite inflationary pressures, Rwanda’s economy continues to show strong performance. Real GDP grew by 9.4% in 2025, while economic activity expanded further in early 2026, with the Composite Index of Economic Activities (CIEA) rising by 16.5% in Q1 2026.

External trade also strengthened, with merchandise exports increasing by 63.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026, driven by higher coffee and mineral export volumes and stronger prices. Non-traditional exports rose by 64.8%, led by processed cooking oil and wheat flour.

Prof. Kasai emphasised that strong growth and high inflation can occur at the same time, and should be assessed separately.

“When you look at the economy of Rwanda, GDP has continued to grow strongly. That is one side,” he said.

For ordinary citizens, the policy rate increase translates into higher borrowing costs as commercial banks adjust their lending rates.

However, BNR maintains that the objective is to stabilise prices and protect purchasing power in the long run.

The central bank expects inflation to gradually return within its target range by around 2027, depending on how global and domestic pressures evolve.

Explaining the decision in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Prof. Kasai Ndahiriwe, Director of the Monetary Policy Department at BNR, said the central bank is guided by inflation projections and the need to keep price increases within a sustainable range.

June 8, 2026