Following the presentation of credentials, President Rinkēvičs and Amb. Dushimimana held talks on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, notably in the areas of trade and investment.
Amb. Dushimimana also oversees Rwanda’s interests in the Netherlands. The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Latvia officially began in 2007. Rwanda appointed its ambassador to Latvia in January 2022.
Latvia is one of the smaller countries in Europe, covering an area of 64,589 square kilometers. Its capital city is Riga, founded in 1201.
The country has a population of less than two million people. Over 50% of Latvia’s land area is covered by forests, which explains its strong timber industry and overall wealth in wood-related trade.
Latvia gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The official and most widely spoken language is Latvian, one of the oldest languages in Europe.
The impressive results were driven by diversified revenue streams, strong subsidiary performance, and continued recovery in the Kenyan banking business. The Group recorded a Return on Average Equity (RoAE) of 26.4% and a Return on Average Assets (RoAA) of 4.1%, underscoring robust profitability across markets.
“The execution of the strategic business plan has started to reflect on the balance sheet and performance of the Group in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade and investment, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that populate the eco-systems of the formal sector,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO. “This is likely to significantly and increasingly transform the structure and performance of the Group.”
{{Strong regional growth across markets}}
Equity’s regional subsidiaries continued to strengthen their contribution, accounting for 50% of deposits, 53% of the loan book, 50% of total banking assets, and 49% of Group banking revenue. Collectively, these subsidiaries contributed 45% of Profit Before Tax and 42% of Profit After Tax for the banking business.
In Kenya, Equity Bank reported a 51% rise in Profit After Tax to Kshs 31.1 billion, up from Kshs 20.6 billion. Net interest income grew by 27% to Kshs 53.6 billion, supported by a 34% decline in interest expenses. Total equity rose by 36% to Kshs 171.4 billion, while the bank maintained leadership in MSME lending, disbursing 45% of Kenya’s Kshs 201 billion MSME loans between January and July 2025.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Profit After Tax rose 21% to Kshs 13.8 billion, with loans and advances up 19% to Kshs 302.7 billion. In Uganda, Profit After Tax increased 61% to Kshs 2.9 billion, while Rwanda recorded 34% loan growth and an 18% rise in total equity to Kshs 19.6 billion. Tanzania posted the highest growth rate, with Profit After Tax jumping 88% to Kshs 1.5 billion and shareholders’ funds rising 83% to Kshs 12.1 billion.
Dr. Mwangi praised the regional performance, noting, “We are particularly proud of our regional subsidiaries, which have demonstrated resilience and contributed significantly to our overall performance.”
{{Efficiency and digital transformation}}
The Group’s operational efficiency improved markedly, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 50.6% from 55.1% last year. Asset quality remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio at 71.4% and the cost of risk contained at 1.9%.
“Technology remains central to the Group’s strong operational performance and strategic resilience,” Dr. Mwangi said. “During the quarter, we further improved system reliability, launched key digital integrations across markets, strengthened fraud controls, and advanced our AI and data governance frameworks.”
Over 98% of transactions now occur outside branches, with 87.4% executed through digital channels. The Group invested heavily in scalable, next-generation technologies powered by machine learning and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), aligned with international standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS for cybersecurity and compliance.
“These investments assure data protection and safeguard our digital ecosystem as transaction volumes and API integrations scale,” added Dr. Mwangi.
{{Strategic transformation and ARRP vision}}
Equity Group’s Q3 2025 results come amid implementation of its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) and 2030 Strategic Plan, which target presence in 15 countries and service to 100 million customers by 2030.
The Group’s evolution is anchored in its Tri-Engine Business Model, comprising banking, insurance, and technology, to position itself as a “Transformation Finance Institution,” bridging commercial capital with development finance and philanthropy.
“The ARRP is demonstrating how financial institutions can catalyze inclusive and sustainable growth by aligning private capital with national and regional development priorities,” the Group noted.
{{Growth in insurance and non-banking ventures}}
Equity Group’s foray into insurance continued to deliver strong results. With three licenses for life, general, and health insurance, the Group reported a 36% growth in profit before tax to Kshs 1.46 billion, supported by a 71% rise in gross written premiums to Kshs 6.55 billion.
Equity Life Assurance grew its gross written premiums by 28% to Kshs 4.9 billion, serving 6.8 million unique customers with 17.8 million policies issued to date. It achieved a Return on Average Equity of 37.7% and Return on Assets of 4.5%.
General Insurance, in its first year, posted Kshs 1.67 billion in gross written premiums and Kshs 140 million in profit before tax, while Equity Health Insurance, licensed in July, recorded Kshs 23 million profit before tax in its debut quarter.
These subsidiaries are “poised to contribute towards increased profitability and return on equity to the overall Group performance,” according to the Group’s statement.
{{Commitment to SMEs }}
Throughout its digital and structural transformation, Equity Group reaffirmed its focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This transformation marks our evolution into a one-stop financial services provider, offering borrowing, investing, insurance, payments, and savings solutions seamlessly, 24 hours a day,” said Dr. Mwangi.
He emphasized that despite the transformation, Equity remains “unwaveringly committed to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises,” highlighting that 45% of all SME loans disbursed in Kenya between January and July 2025 originated from Equity.
Dr. Mwangi added, “Our focus has shifted to product innovation, with our product houses actively rolling out new offerings to empower our customers and unlock greater opportunities for wealth creation.”
{{Social impact and inclusion}}
The Equity Group Foundation (EGF) continued to advance its mission of transforming lives through social impact investments across education, enterprise, health, and climate resilience. In Q3 2025, 145 Equity Leaders Program scholars secured fully funded global university scholarships worth Kshs 3.8 billion (USD 29.47 million), including 16 placements to Ivy League universities.
Through its Enterprise Development and Financial Inclusion pillar, 30,000 entrepreneurs were trained, while 91,000 MSMEs accessed Kshs 38 billion in credit. The Foundation also facilitated loans worth Kshs 78 billion to MSMEs under the Young Africa Works program in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The Foundation’s Food and Agriculture and Energy, Environment, and Climate Change pillars trained 80,000 farmers in climate-smart agriculture and distributed over 535,000 clean-energy solutions, impacting 2.1 million people and planting 39.6 million trees. Its health arm, Equity Afya, expanded to 147 medical centers in Kenya and the DRC, serving over 4.3 million patients.
Equity Group’s continued innovation and resilience earned it the African Banker Award 2025 for “Best Regional Bank in East Africa” and recognition as Kenya’s Most Valuable Brand for the second consecutive year.
In a communiqué adopted during its 1308th emergency meeting on 28 October 2025, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) PSC expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in El Fasher, following atrocities committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Scores of people have been killed in attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their recent capture of the city of el-Fasher in Sudan’s western Darfur region, according to a medical group and researchers.
On Wednesday, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that the RSF, which has been fighting Sudan’s military for control of the country, had killed at least 1,500 people over the past three days as civilians tried to flee the besieged city. The group, which tracks the country’s civil war, described the situation as “a true genocide”.
The Council strongly condemned the RSF’s takeover of the city, which has left civilians trapped without access to food and essential services since May 2024.
Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the council directed the Chairperson of the Commission to work closely with the PSC Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, under Museveni’s leadership, to facilitate negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.
The directive also includes plans for holding an AU Special Summit on Sudan aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire and political settlement.
The Council reiterated that there is no military solution to the Sudanese crisis and called for a genuine, inclusive political dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders.
It also warned against any external interference that fuels the conflict and urged regional and international coordination between the AU, the United Nations (UN), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other partners.
The AU also requested a fact-finding mission by the Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities to report within three weeks, alongside measures to identify and sanction external actors supporting the conflict.
The disclosure was made on October 30, 2025, as BRD officials appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment.
Through the carbon market, developing countries which contribute the least to global carbon emissions enter into agreements with wealthier nations. The latter cover the cost of initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, allowing them to offset part of their own emissions.
This includes projects such as tree planting, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection that absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. It also covers initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and other environmentally friendly practices.
In the carbon market, buyers voluntarily purchase carbon credits. One carbon credit (equivalent to one ton of CO₂) is priced between $40 and $80, although prices can vary depending on the type of project and agreements between countries.
The carbon market is one of the financial solutions supporting environmental sustainability, helping Rwanda reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.
According to Innocent Gatete, head of strategic projects and implementation at BRD, the bank has already registered on the carbon market and is among the first Rwandan institutions benefiting from it.
He explained that the approved carbon credits were based on BRD’s projects implemented between 2020 and 2025.
Gatete revealed that BRD has already received an initial payment of $214,000 (about Frw 310 million) and expects to receive over $2 million by December 2025, followed by $16 million in 2026.
“These funds help us expand our projects and improve where we previously faced challenges. They also help address the issue of cooking energy, as we plan to offer subsidies from these funds,” Gatete said.
He added that Rwanda sold its carbon credits at $15 per ton but expects to negotiate higher prices in the future.
Among the BRD projects that generated carbon credits is “Cana Uhendukiwe”, which provided solar energy solutions to 510,847 households and attracted $48.94 million in investment.
Another project, EAQIP 3B (Tekera Aheza), is set to conclude in 2026, with 73% of its budget already utilized. The project distributes improved cookstoves to households, helping reduce carbon emissions.
EAQIP is expected to cut over 600,000 tons of greenhouse gases and generate more than $10 million, which will be reinvested in renewable energy programs, improved cooking technologies, and the production of clean fuels.
BRD continues to encourage the private sector to seek loans from the bank for similar green initiatives. For example, it financed a government project to construct 17,000 cubic meters of biogas storage facilities used for cooking.
Apart from BRD, other institutions may also benefit from the carbon market once their projects are approved.
They were received by the RSF Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, Major General V. Gatama, and other RSF commanders, who briefed them on the current security situation within the RSF Area of Responsibility.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the purpose of the visit was to welcome the newly deployed Rwandan Security Forces under the command of Major General V. Gatama, who currently relieved their colleagues in Cabo Delgado.
The visit also aimed to strengthen the longstanding friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two forces.
During the visit, the CGS announced that the Joint Command and Coordination Centre will be relocated from Pemba to Mocímboa da Praia City to enhance coordination of future operations.
He encouraged both the Rwandan and Mozambican Forces to continue working together to achieve their operational objectives.
General Jane reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Joint Forces in successfully accomplishing their mission.
He commended the outstanding efforts of both the RSF and Mozambican Forces in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado and praised the RSF for its significant contribution to restoring peace and security in the province.
At a news conference, Governor Kathy Hochul announced 65 million U.S. dollars in new state funds for emergency food assistance and promised to provide 40 million meals to New Yorkers.
The prolonged U.S. federal government shutdown is putting millions of people at risk of missing their food stamp benefits, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital lifeline for low-income households.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told state agencies to hold off distributing November benefits “until further notice” because of insufficient funds.
“As the GOP federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation,” Hochul said.
In recent days, several states have stepped up efforts to ensure SNAP recipients can afford food in November.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency declaration last week to fund SNAP benefits for recipients who rely on the program, while Vermont lawmakers on Wednesday approved a plan to fund food stamp benefits for state residents through Nov. 15.
In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that her state will provide 30 million dollars in emergency food assistance to residents through EBT cards, backfilling SNAP benefits temporarily.
Democratic governors and attorneys general from 25 U.S. states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, challenging its conclusion that it lacks the authority to use emergency funds to maintain food assistance for millions of Americans next month.
They called on the court to compel the USDA to use contingency funds appropriated by Congress to keep the program running.
SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program serving approximately 42 million people. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by the atrocity reports in the capital of North Darfur state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city over the weekend.
“Local sources report widespread killings, abductions, maiming and sexual violence, alongside the detention and killing of aid workers,” OCHA said. “Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside El Fasher, while many others are stranded at Garni, about 20 kilometers away, unable to flee due to insecurity and lack of transport.”
The office said those still inside the city face life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care. Aid workers are blocked from entering the city.
The UN Security Council on Thursday voiced grave concern over escalating violence in and around El Fasher and condemned the assault by the RSF on El Fasher and its devastating impact on the civilian population.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the council that the situation in El Fasher has descended into “an even darker hell,” with credible reports of widespread executions after RSF fighters entered the city.
OCHA said that civilians who managed to escape El Fasher are sheltering in the open in the localities of Kebkabiya, Melit and Tawila, where families lack necessities.
“Conditions in Tawila are particularly dire,” the office said. “Safe water meets less than half of daily needs, markets have collapsed, and supplies of food, fuel and medicines are nearly exhausted. Diseases are spreading.”
A UN-led assessment screened 715 displaced children and found nearly 60 percent of them to be acutely malnourished.
OCHA said the world body and its partners are scaling up response efforts despite enormous security and access challenges.
In Tawila, mobile health clinics are providing urgent medical and nutrition services for the newly arrived. Humanitarian partners have established health and nutrition sites, distributed reproductive health and cholera kits, and pre-positioned more than 8,000 cartons of therapeutic food, with another 6,000 cartons en route.
OCHA said that more than 30 nutrition sites remain operational, while community kitchens, cash distributions and temporary shelters continue to support newly displaced families. Psychosocial activities for children affected by trauma are to begin this week.
“The United Nations and partners are also sustaining water, sanitation and hygiene operations across Tawila, Melit and surrounding areas, trucking safe water, installing latrines, distributing hygiene kits, and conducting cholera prevention campaigns,” the office said.
OCHA warned that explosive ordnance contamination continues to endanger civilians and humanitarian workers in and around El Fasher, limiting safe movement and delaying assistance. Sustained access for mine action teams and equipment is urgently needed to survey and clear hazardous areas.
The office reiterated its call for all parties to immediately halt hostilities, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained, unhindered humanitarian access.
Her journey from the streets of Europe to the heart of Rwanda’s cultural stage is a story of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of dance.
Hilde was born in New York but grew up in Belgium, where she moved frequently with her family due to her parents’ work. Early exposure to different environments shaped her adaptability and curiosity about cultures beyond her own.
From a young age, she found herself drawn to cultural dances rather than classical Western forms like ballet or jazz. Hip-hop, flamenco, and Egyptian dance were her first loves, each reflecting a unique cultural rhythm that fascinated her.
In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Hilde revealed that after earning a degree in mathematics and physics, she briefly taught at a school in Belgium. However, the classroom could not contain her creative spirit.
In 2004, she moved to England to pursue dance and visual arts at the University of Brighton. Her formal dance journey had begun, but it was not until her first visit to Rwanda in 2006, when she came for a friend’s wedding, that she discovered her true calling.
“I had never been to sub-Saharan Africa, so for me it was mind-blowing,” Hilde recalls. “Everything felt different. Seeing women walking with baskets on their heads was so inspiring. The beauty, the colours, the culture, it all captivated me.”
At the Ubumuntu Festival, she watched Inganzo Ngari, a troupe formed in 2006 to promote Rwandan dance, music, and culture, perform for the opening night. The female dancers in their flowing umushanana left her breathless.
“They were flowing like water, and I felt goosebumps all over,” she says. “I thought, this is magical. I want to learn this dance.”
Hilde returned to Europe, hoping to find a teacher who could guide her in Rwandan dance, whether in England or elsewhere in Europe. She soon realised that there was no substitute for learning the art in its homeland.
Over several years, she made repeated trips to Rwanda, studying intensively for short periods. After a few visits, she decided that the only way to truly master the dance was to move to Rwanda. In 2018, she took the life-changing step of relocating to study traditional Rwandan dance full-time.
The journey was not without challenges. “Some styles, like Ikinimba, are like fire,” Hilde explains. “My essence is flowing like water, so these dances demand a different kind of energy. But that’s the joy, you are always learning.”
Beyond the physical demands, cultural adjustments tested her patience. Homesickness and unfamiliar customs initially made her question her path. Yet, over seven years, Hilde found a rhythm not just in dance, but in life in Rwanda.
Her dedication extends beyond personal mastery. Hilde’s seven-year-old son shares her passion for traditional dance, already beginning lessons with aspirations of performing alongside his mother.
“It would be my dream to share the stage with him,” she says. Hilde also hopes to inspire other foreigners to experience Rwandan culture, whether through intensive workshops, retreats, or collaborative performances with local artists.
Today, Hilde Cannoodt is more than a Westerner dancing with Inganzo Ngari. She has become a bridge between cultures, a living testament to the idea that art can transcend borders. Through her dedication, she shows that when passion meets culture, it can flow as effortlessly as water, resilient, adaptable, and profoundly moving.
Curious to see her in action? Watch the full interview and experience Hilde Cannoodt’s mesmerising Rwandan dance moves below.
The tournament brings together top amateurs from Rwanda and the region in a contest that blends competitive sport with NCBA’s broader vision of community impact and sustainable growth.
“Coming back for a second year is a statement of intent,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our goal is to keep building on this platform that connects East Africans through sport, opportunity, and shared purpose. Golf has proven to be one of the most effective ways to do that.”
Building on the success of last year’s debut, this year’s edition carries added significance as Rwanda hosts the final regional leg of the NCBA Golf Series before the Grand Finale on November 28th at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
The finale will feature top golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda competing for the 2025 regional title. The first edition in Rwanda drew over 200 players, culminating in a thrilling finale where the top three Rwandan golfers, Paul Ntaganda, Alphonsine Murekatete, and Bethlehem Umuzabibu, represented the country at Muthaiga Golf Club. Their performance placed Rwanda firmly on the regional map and ignited fresh enthusiasm for the sport in the local golfing community.
The event also welcomes a new partner, the brand new Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, which will co-sponsor the tournament and host the official prize-giving ceremony, marking the hotel’s first official event.
“It’s a privilege to open our doors with an event that celebrates excellence, community, and regional unity,” said Media Rutayisire, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. “Hosting such a prestigious event perfectly reflects our values of hospitality and shared success.”
Since its inception, the NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of East Africa’s premier amateur tournaments, attracting over 5,000 golfers across more than 20 tournaments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The Series has become a regional stage for golfers of all levels, from emerging juniors to seasoned club champions, and a platform for building friendships, business connections, and cross-border collaboration through sport.
“Our commitment is to consistency, to showing up for the sport, our partners, and the communities where we operate,” added Toroitich. “The NCBA Golf Series is now part of a regional story that celebrates progress, partnership, and purpose.”
As Kigali tees off this weekend, all eyes turn to Nairobi, where the best from across the region will meet at Muthaiga to close another thrilling chapter of golf, unity, and achievement in East Africa.
The unrest, which has affected major cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, and Arusha, saw demonstrators vandalising and setting fire to a number of commercial establishments.
Among the first affected was an electronics shop owned by rapper Billnas, followed by Shishi Food, a popular restaurant chain run by musician Shilole. Fashion entrepreneur and singer Juma Jux also reported significant losses after his boutique was destroyed.
Protesters have voiced frustration over the perceived closeness of some celebrities to political authorities, accusing them of supporting the ruling party. Many in Tanzania’s entertainment sector have expressed concern about being caught in the crossfire.
Beyond businesses, some entertainers are also actively participating in the political sphere. Musician and social media personality Baba Levo is running for an elective seat, with support from fellow artist Diamond Platnumz, demonstrating the growing intersection between celebrity influence and political engagement in the country.
The election period has been marked by demonstrations, curfews in certain areas, and heightened security presence. While the situation has caused disruptions, authorities continue to encourage citizens to observe peace and maintain public safety.
