According to a statement released on July 17, this financing approved by the Board of AfDB on July 14, 2025, will be bolstered by an additional €86.92 million (more than Frw 143 billion) from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), bringing the total program cost to €260.76 million (over Frw 433 billion).
This marks the AfDB’s second result-based energy sector operation in Rwanda, following a $305 million program in 2018, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to performance-based financing to bridge its power infrastructure gaps.
Aligned with Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP II 2024–2029), the RBF II program is designed to enhance quality of life, spur economic growth, and alleviate poverty through targeted energy sector investments.
The program focuses on three key areas, namely: modernising and expanding the electricity grid, increasing access to both on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies, and building technical and institutional capacity.
It aims to connect 200,000 households and 850 productive use customers to the national grid, provide 50,000 new off-grid electricity connections, distribute clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting across 200 km of roads in Rwanda’s secondary cities.
As a cornerstone of the AfDB’s High-5 priority areas—“Light up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa”—the RBF II program also supports the ambitious Mission 300 Initiative, a joint effort by the AfDB and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
This initiative complements Rwanda’s remarkable strides in expanding electricity access.
According to a recent report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), household access to electricity significantly increased, from 34% in 2017 to 72% in 2024.
The findings, published in the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) on April 16, 2025, show that 50% of households are now connected to the national grid, while 22% rely on standalone solar systems.
While urban areas experienced an increase in household electricity access from 76% to 88%, the growth in rural areas has been even more substantial. Access in rural areas dramatically increased from 24% in 2017 to 65% in 2024.
Notably, electricity access has also improved for the lowest economic segment, with 53% of households in the lowest quintile now having access, compared to only 9% in 2017.
The files were submitted by Jean Kuete, secretary general of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party.
Kuete told reporters after officially submitting the files that CPDM is “fully ready for the election any time”.
On Sunday, Biya, 92, officially announced that he will run for the upcoming presidential election. He became president in 1982, and was re-elected president in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011 and 2018.
The Elecam said that Biya is among some nine political leaders who have already submitted their application files for the election.
The deadline to submit the application is July 21, according to the country’s electoral code. Cameroon’s presidential election is scheduled for Oct. 12.
The Secretary-General expressed deep appreciation for Tetteh’s leadership and dedicated service during her tenure. Her contributions were particularly noted in advancing peacebuilding and diplomatic engagement across the volatile Horn of Africa region.
Guang Cong brings over 23 years of experience in United Nations peace operations, with much of his work focused on the Horn of Africa. He is currently serving as Deputy Special Representative (Political) for South Sudan and Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
From 2016 to 2020, he served as Director of Civil Affairs in UNMISS, having earlier held leadership roles in several other UN missions. These include his tenure as Chief of Civil Affairs in the UN-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and earlier posts in Jonglei State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
His extensive international service also includes work as Chief of Political Affairs and Chief of Staff at the United Nations Special Coordinator’s Office in Lebanon (2012–2014) and as a senior field officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) between 2002 and 2009.
Before joining the UN, Mr. Cong held a diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shanghai International Studies University and a Graduate Certificate from China Foreign Affairs University. In addition to his native Chinese, he speaks fluent English.
Mr. Cong is expected to bring deep regional knowledge and diplomatic experience to his new role at a critical time for the Horn of Africa, a region facing complex challenges ranging from conflict and displacement to climate-driven crises.
Camp Geille, the largest French military installation in Senegal located in the capital Dakar, and the French air detachment at Dakar’s international airport were officially transferred to the Senegalese authorities at a ceremony attended by Mbaye Cisse, chief of General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, and Pascal Ianni, commander of French forces in Africa.
At the ceremony, Ianni said that the handover of Camp Geille marked the end of France’s permanent military presence in Senegal and the beginning of a new phase in bilateral military cooperation.
For his part, Cisse said that the Senegalese government is updating its defense and security cooperation framework, with a core focus on supporting the autonomous development of Senegal’s military.
“The future direction of Senegal-France cooperation will depend on the political will of both governments and must also show greater respect for Senegal’s sovereignty,” he added.
French troops have been present in Senegal since the country gained independence in 1960.
On Dec. 31, 2024, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged French forces to leave the country, while delivering his New Year’s address.
In recent years, several African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Cote d’Ivoire, have urged the withdrawal of French and U.S. troops and the handover of their military bases.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Berhane Redae, a consultant endoscopic surgeon at KFHR, revealed that the procedure was introduced locally to save patients the cost and inconvenience of seeking the service abroad.
“Gastric balloon placement is a well-established global procedure. For years, patients had to travel to Kenya, Turkey, or elsewhere just to get it done. Now, everything is available here in Rwanda,” said Dr. Redae.
The procedure involves placing a silicone balloon inside the stomach using an endoscope. Once inserted, the balloon is filled with sterile water, occupying space in the stomach and helping patients feel full faster. The result is reduced food intake, smaller portions, and steady weight loss over several months.
According to Dr. Redae, the entire process, from preparation to recovery, takes less than an hour. The balloon itself is inserted in 15 to 20 minutes under light sedation, and the patient can return home the same day.
“We use anaesthesia and so the patient sleeps and feels no pain or discomfort,” he explained. “It’s far less invasive than surgery and completely reversible.”
The gastric balloon remains in the stomach for about six months. During this period, patients are encouraged to adopt healthier habits, particularly around portion control, physical activity, and nutrition.
“The gastric balloon is reversible,” Dr. Redae explained. “If the patient doesn’t follow the recommended lifestyle changes, they can regain the weight, just like with surgery. The idea is that during the six months it’s in place, the patient adapts to a new lifestyle. If they maintain that lifestyle, the weight loss is sustainable.”
{{Who is it for?
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The ideal candidates for this procedure are adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 40, typically individuals classified as overweight or moderately obese. For those with a BMI above 50, Dr. Redae says additional interventions such as surgery may be more suitable.
The expected average weight loss is about 15% of a patient’s starting weight, though outcomes vary depending on personal discipline, diet, and activity levels. “For someone who weighs 100 kg, they might lose around 15 kg within the balloon’s placement period,” said Dr. Redae.
{{Safety and aftercare
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Dr. Redae reassures patients that the procedure is among the safest weight loss interventions available.
“It doesn’t permanently alter the body. If necessary, we can remove the balloon early without complications.”
Complications, though rare, may include nausea, discomfort, or, in very rare cases, balloon leakage (deflation). Patients are educated on warning signs and have access to follow-up care throughout the six-month period.
“It’s a very well-proven silicone product. It won’t burst easily,” Dr. Redae said. “But if there’s a manufacturing defect and water leaks, it can result in dyspepsia or other self-destruction signs, which may happen.”
King Faisal Hospital offers scheduled follow-up appointments at one week, one month, three months, and six months to monitor patient progress, provide nutritional counselling, and support long-term success.
{{Cost }}
At present, the gastric balloon itself must be purchased out-of-pocket from pharmacies, though the endoscopic procedure is covered by medical insurance. Dr. Redae believes that, in time, insurers will begin recognising the value of obesity treatment.
“Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue, it’s a disease,” he said. “By helping people lose weight, we reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and joint problems. It’s preventive medicine.”
With rising urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary habits, obesity is becoming an increasingly pressing health issue in Rwanda, much like in many parts of the world. Dr. Redae believes the gastric balloon is a crucial tool in addressing this challenge.
“This is just one tool,” Dr. Redae said. “But it’s a valuable one, especially for people who’ve struggled with other weight loss options.”
For those considering the procedure, Dr. Redae’s advice is for them to start with a consultation.
“Come in, talk to a physician, and we’ll work with you to find the best path forward.”
Watch the full interview with Dr. Berhane Redae on our YouTube channel.
Yet experts emphasise that no supplement or superfood can replace the powerful effects of healthy daily habits. Building immunity naturally requires a combination of good nutrition, rest, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle choices, as highlighted by leading global health organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and institutions such as Harvard Medical School.
{{Colourful plates, stronger defences
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A well-functioning immune system requires a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, which supports immune cell function. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are especially good sources of this vitamin.
“A healthy immune system needs good, regular nourishment. To give your immune system the upper hand, make an effort to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit saturated fat,” Harvard Health Publishing advises.
Beyond vitamin C, nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and vitamin E play crucial roles in maintaining healthy immune responses. For instance, carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, legumes, and spinach all offer important vitamins and minerals that help fight infections. According to the National Institutes of Health, consuming a diverse range of plant foods helps supply the body with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
{{Sleep is your nighttime defence system
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According to research published by the National Institutes of Health in January 2009, sleep is vital for proper immune function because the body produces infection-fighting proteins called cytokines during deep rest. People who consistently sleep fewer than seven hours per night have a higher risk of falling ill after being exposed to viruses like the common cold.
Good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a consistent bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, is a simple yet powerful way to help the immune system stay strong.
{{Move to protect your health
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According to the American College of Sports Medicine, moderate exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing improves circulation, allowing immune cells to travel more efficiently throughout the body. Regular movement lowers inflammation and helps the immune system respond more quickly to infections.
However, experts caution that extreme physical exertion, particularly without adequate rest, can temporarily weaken immune function. Therefore, balance is crucial; moderate, consistent activity is far more beneficial than occasional intense exercise.
{{Manage stress
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According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function and makes the body more vulnerable to infections. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, and deep breathing have been shown to reduce stress levels significantly.
Cultural traditions around the world, from Scandinavian Forest walks to Asian tai chi to African communal singing and dancing, emphasise the importance of emotional well-being in maintaining health. These practices not only promote mental health but also contribute to stronger immunity.
{{Hydration is essential for immune function
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Staying hydrated helps the body produce lymph, the fluid that carries immune cells and essential nutrients. Even mild dehydration can weaken concentration, physical performance, and immune defence mechanisms.
While the amount of fluid needed varies depending on climate, activity level, and individual needs, health authorities universally recommend water as the best source of hydration. Herbal teas, natural broths, and fruit-infused water can also support hydration without excess sugar.
{{Gut health
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The gut houses nearly 70% of the body’s immune cells, making gut health fundamental to overall immunity. A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation, fend off harmful pathogens, and support healthy immune responses.
Probiotics found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and traditional fermented beverages from different cultures can help maintain this balance. Additionally, fibre-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables feed beneficial bacteria and strengthen the gut lining, further protecting the immune system.
{{Avoid harmful habits
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According to the WHO, smoking damages immune function and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, while excessive alcohol intake weakens the body’s defences and heightens the risk of conditions like pneumonia. Health authorities globally advise reducing or eliminating smoking and drinking in order to protect immunity and overall well-being.
{{Supplements: helpful or not?
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While many people turn to supplements for immune health, the National Institutes of Health states that most individuals who eat a balanced diet don’t need extra vitamins or minerals. However, deficiencies such as low vitamin D levels in people living in regions with limited sunlight may warrant supplementation under medical supervision.
It’s important to remember that no single supplement can “boost” the immune system instantly. According to Harvard Medical School, a healthy lifestyle remains the cornerstone of strong immune function, and supplements should never replace nutritious food.
Across the world, experts agree that a powerful immune system isn’t built overnight. It’s the product of daily habits like eating a colourful, nutrient-rich diet, getting enough rest, exercising moderately, managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding harmful substances.
By embracing these natural strategies, we equip our bodies to fight not only seasonal infections.
Gen Kabarebe, who is also President Paul Kagame’s Special Envoy, held wide-ranging discussions with President Ruto, reaffirming the warm and enduring ties between Kenya and Rwanda.
“We held a productive meeting reaffirming the strong and growing ties between our two nations,” President Ruto said in a statement.
“Our discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace and security, trade, and regional integration.”
The meeting comes amid continued efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration across political, economic, and security sectors. Kenya and Rwanda, longstanding partners within the East African Community (EAC), enjoy cordial relations rooted in history and shared aspirations for regional stability and prosperity.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1965, with Kenya establishing its mission in Kigali in 1986.
Over the years, the two nations have signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding under the Joint Permanent Commission framework, spanning key areas such as air transport, education, agriculture, security, governance, civil service, immigration, justice, and correctional services.
Economic ties between Kenya and Rwanda have also grown significantly. Kenya remains a critical trade partner and a vital transit route for Rwanda’s imports and exports through the port of Mombasa.
In return, Rwanda offers a stable and attractive destination for Kenyan businesses, with Kenyan companies active in sectors including banking, insurance, construction, agribusiness, education, aviation, and tourism.
Currently, more than 6,000 Kenyans live and work in Rwanda.
In a detailed social media post, Nyong’o revealed that she underwent surgery to remove 30 fibroids, describing the experience as both physically and emotionally challenging. Despite the procedure, doctors informed her that there was little she could do to prevent the fibroids from returning.
“When we reach puberty, we are taught that periods mean pain, and that pain is simply a part of being a woman,” Nyong’o wrote. “We must reject the normalisation of female pain.”
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that grow in or around the uterus. While non-cancerous, they can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications during pregnancy.
The condition affects an estimated 70% of white women and up to 90% of Black women by the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Nyong’o’s announcement sheds light on what she describes as a widespread but underdiscussed health issue.
“We are struggling alone with something that affects most of us,” she stated, urging more open conversations and better access to care.
The Kenyan-Mexican actress, best known for her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave, is now leveraging her public platform to advocate for policy change. She recently joined U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to support a package of congressional bills aimed at expanding research, improving early diagnosis, and funding less invasive treatment options for uterine fibroids.
In addition to legislative efforts, Nyong’o announced plans to launch a Uterine Fibroid Research Grant to help develop innovative treatments and improve the quality of life for the estimated 15 million women living with the condition in the U.S.
Her advocacy aligns with a growing movement to address racial disparities in women’s healthcare. Studies have shown that Black women not only develop fibroids at younger ages but often suffer more severe symptoms and face longer delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Nyong’o said it wasn’t until she began sharing her experience privately that she realised how widespread the issue was.
Following Sauti Sol’s indefinite hiatus announced in May 2023, Fancy Fingers discussed navigating life after global tours, the rise of Rwandan artists, and the cultural threads binding East Africa, all while showcasing his innovative Jawaya guitar in a Nairobi studio.
Sauti Sol, formed in 2005 by Fancy Fingers, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi, redefined African music with their storytelling and harmonious blend of Afro-pop, jazz, and traditional rhythms.
After nearly two decades of hits like “Suzanna” and “Kuliko Jana,” the band paused music production to focus on individual pursuits. “We haven’t broken up per se. It’s a hiatus, mostly for music,” Fancy Fingers clarified, emphasizing that the group remains united through ventures like Sol Generation Records, Sol Fest, and other businesses under the Sauti Sol Group.
These enterprises, he noted, keep the band’s legacy active and fuel their continued collaboration. For Fancy Fingers, the hiatus marks a challenging yet exciting transition.
“We’ve not known any other life than the band,” he admitted, describing the need to “put in four times the work” to build his solo identity.
Previously defined by his intricate guitar work, he is now exploring songwriting, production, and themes like African fatherhood. “I’m discovering who I am in music, what my brand is,” he said, aiming to make a “legendary impact” by mentoring young artists and advancing the industry.
His recent solo work, produced in the same Nairobi studio where the interview was recorded, reflects this evolution.
Fancy Fingers’ journey into music defied traditional expectations. Enrolled in actuarial science, a math-heavy course, he juggled university with Sauti Sol’s tours, often missing classes for months.
“Music is very stubborn. If you’re given the gift, it has to come out,” he said, recalling how he paid his school fees through gigs and graduated with honours, though his passion remained with music.
This persistence, he believes, is shifting African parental views on creative careers, with more families now supporting artistic pursuits, “intrepreneurial spirit.
“I paid my school fees through music, as little as it was at that time,” he noted, highlighting how his early success eased parental concerns.
A highlight of the interview was Fancy Fingers’ introduction of the Jawaya guitar, the first premium African guitar brand, crafted from African mahogany and spruce in partnership with Canadian company Graphtech.
“There aren’t African music brands like Yamaha or Fender,” he said, explaining how his childhood dream of building instruments inspired Jawaya’s creation to empower young musicians.
The conversation also explored East Africa’s cultural and musical landscape. Fancy Fingers praised Rwanda’s growing music scene, naming artists like Kivumbi, Bruce Melodie, and Angel Mutoni as global contenders.
“Rwanda is doing something right,” he said, crediting their investment in artist development.
He stressed the power of collaboration, noting that Sauti Sol’s success stemmed from projects like their album featuring “Melanin.”
However, he warned against diluting African identity for global appeal.
“Elevate it, don’t put it aside,” he advised, advocating for authentic storytelling fused with modern production.
Fancy Fingers described East African culture as unified by language, food, and music’s storytelling tradition.
“We’re very melodious, storytellers,” he said, pointing to the region’s choir-influenced, harmony-rich sound. Kenyan music’s edge, he added, comes from Nairobi’s cosmopolitan diversity, where tribal influences blend seamlessly.
“You just jam,” he said, recalling Sauti Sol’s formation without regard for members’ origins.
As a father to a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Fancy Fingers emphasised exposing children to diverse activities to uncover their talents.
“Exposure is everything,” he said, noting that his daughter, surrounded by music, is still exploring her interests.
Fatherhood, he shared, has transformed him, fostering greater empathy and love. “It brings out a you that you didn’t know was there,” he told Sanny.
Looking ahead, Fancy Fingers plans to bring Jawaya to Kigali for an acoustic show, potentially in October, to connect with fans and media.
Through early antenatal care and improved hospital access, Rwanda has made remarkable progress. Hospital deliveries now account for 95% of births, maternal mortality has dropped from 1,070 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203, and newborn mortality is down to 19 per 1,000.
Infant and under-five mortality rates are 33 and 45 per 1,000, respectively.
By 2030, Rwanda aims to reduce maternal deaths to 126 per 100,000 births, or even 70. This progress is driven by more than 140 medical specialists nationwide, with over 200 expected in the next four years, thanks to training in teaching hospitals.
One of the key figures in this transformation is Dr. Emmanuel Nshimiyumuremyi, an obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist trained in Rwanda, the UK, Vietnam, and the U.S. His field focuses on managing high-risk pregnancies and fetal conditions.
“Some risks, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, can now be identified as early as the third month,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi explained. “When caught early, we can prevent up to 90% of such cases. Out of ten at-risk women, nine can avoid complications through timely medication.”
This condition, one of the top three causes of maternal death, can damage the mother’s kidneys or lead to brain hemorrhage, sometimes resulting in the death of both mother and child.
{{First fetal blood transfusion in Rwanda}}
In a groundbreaking procedure, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi and his team at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) recently performed Rwanda’s first fetal blood transfusion. A pregnant woman from a district hospital presented with an unusually growing belly.
At CHUK, doctors discovered not only excess amniotic fluid but also severe fetal anemia caused by Rh incompatibility, a condition where the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells.
“We began transfusions at six months and delivered at nine,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi said. “The baby was treated in neonatal care and survived, something people thought was only possible abroad.”
The success was made possible by skills acquired through training, and availability of specialized tools that can support over 100 such patients.
This milestone was also backed by AI-powered ultrasound machines that can detect fetal abnormalities in real time, devices recently introduced to CHUK.
“We once dreamed of this technology when training abroad. Now it’s here in Rwanda, and it’s changing everything,” he said.
Blood quality also posed a challenge. Fetal transfusions require small, high-quality blood units rich in red cells. Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi worked with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s blood division to increase red cell concentration from 40% to 70%, making the transfusion possible.
{{Genetic testing and fetal surgery}}
Looking ahead, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi envisions the launch of a genetic testing laboratory capable of diagnosing inherited disorders like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) before birth. Current machines can detect indicators, but the goal is to collect fetal samples and analyze them for early, accurate diagnoses.
The project includes acquiring microarray technology, which detects cellular mutations and helps guide future pregnancies with data-driven decisions.
Another major innovation under consideration is fetal surgery, particularly for twins sharing a placenta. Known as monochorionic twins, they risk unequal blood flow, a potentially fatal condition for one or both babies.
“We can detect this at four months and plan to use laser technology to separate shared blood vessels,” he said. “If we succeed, Rwanda could be among the first African nations to offer this procedure.”
The process involves using a camera and laser through a small incision to separate the connecting vessels without harming the babies or the mother, a method successfully practiced in countries like Vietnam.
{{Remaining challenges and hope ahead}}
Despite remarkable progress, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi observes that challenges remain. Rwanda needs more specialists in maternal-fetal medicine (CHUK currently has just one, but needs at least five), and the public still lacks awareness of high-risk pregnancy conditions.
Other risks include pregnancy-induced hypertension, postpartum bleeding, and surgical infections.
But the momentum is clear. Rwanda is no longer simply managing pregnancies, it is diagnosing, treating, and protecting life before it even begins.
