The digital learning platform is expected to equip banking professionals with the skills needed to integrate ESG principles into their operations as the sector responds to growing sustainability, regulatory and market expectations.
The platform provides continuous, accessible and locally relevant training through structured modules covering ESG fundamentals, climate risk management, sustainable finance, governance, ESG disclosure, financial inclusion, nature finance, and environmental and social risk management.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, Rwanda Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Officer, Tony Francis Ntore, said sustainability has become a core element of modern banking and financial risk management as climate change, social inequality and governance challenges continue to reshape the global financial landscape.
He noted that Rwanda has already laid a strong foundation through initiatives such as the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions and the Green Taxonomy, prompting the banking sector to strengthen its own sustainability efforts.
Ntore revealed that the association’s journey began with the ESG Awareness Guidelines for Banks before evolving into an ESG Community of Practice that brings together banks, regulators and development partners to exchange knowledge and best practices.
“The platform’s value goes beyond training,” he stated. “It strengthens risk management, supports stronger Environmental and Social Management Systems, improves readiness for new regulations, and helps finance Rwanda’s sustainable development goals more effectively.”
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, who underscored the critical role financial institutions play in financing Rwanda’s transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.
“Every day, banks make decisions that shape the future of our economy,” she remarked. “The projects you finance, the risks you assess and the clients you support can accelerate our transition to a greener and more competitive economy, or expose businesses and financial institutions to growing environmental and climate-related risks.”
She added that economic prosperity and environmental protection are mutually reinforcing, arguing that countries and businesses investing in sustainability and resilience are becoming more competitive, more attractive to investors and better prepared for future shocks.
Also speaking at the launch, IFC Resident Representative to Rwanda and Uganda, Jiyeon Janice Ryu, highlighted the importance of strengthening the banking sector’s capacity to identify, assess, and finance sustainable investments.
She said that as Rwanda advances its climate, development and economic transformation agenda, financial institutions will play an increasingly important role in directing capital towards projects that generate both financial returns and sustainability outcomes.
Ryu added that continued collaboration among banks, regulators, policymakers, development partners and the private sector will be essential to building a more resilient and sustainable economy.
The launch of the ESG e-learning platform marks another milestone in Rwanda’s sustainable finance journey, with the initiative expected to serve as a key resource for building the expertise needed to translate the country’s sustainability ambitions into practical action across the financial sector.
The Rwanda Bankers Association is the umbrella body for licensed banks operating in Rwanda and works to promote collaboration within the banking industry while advancing initiatives that support a stable, innovative and inclusive financial sector.
The Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has launched a new ESG e-learning platform aimed at strengthening environmental, social and governance (ESG) knowledge and advancing sustainable banking practices across Rwanda’s financial sector.Tony Francis Ntore, said sustainability has become a core element of modern banking and financial risk management as climate change, social inequality and governance challenges continue to reshape the global financial landscape.The launch was officiated by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye.IFC Resident Representative to Rwanda and Uganda, Jiyeon Janice Ryu, highlighted the importance of strengthening the banking sector’s capacity to identify, assess, and finance sustainable investments.Teddy Mugabo, CEO Rwanda Green Fund, attended the launch.The digital learning platform is expected to equip banking professionals with the skills needed to integrate ESG principles into their operations as the sector responds to growing sustainability, regulatory and market expectations.Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Romeo Ngarambe (right) chats with IFC Resident Representative for Rwanda and Uganda, Jiyeon Janice Ryu (left), during the launch event.The launch was officiated by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye (fourth from left), seen here in a group photo with IFC Resident Representative for Rwanda and Uganda, Jiyeon Janice Ryu (immediately to her left), and Rwanda Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Officer Tony Francis Ntore (immediately to her right).
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than 270,000 people, mostly women and children, are sheltering in over 60 sites across the province of Ituri, many of which lack adequate access to water, sanitation and health services.
The office said the United Nations has received reports from local partners that, between Wednesday and Thursday, at least 13 people died in two camps in Bunia, the capital of Ituri. Response teams are urgently investigating whether these deaths are linked to Ebola. Since April, at least 62 deaths have been reported in camps around the city.
“These deaths are occurring amid a broader Ebola flare-up in Bunia, where mistrust of health facilities, congestion, gaps in prevention measures and unsafe handling of bodies are driving transmission risks among people in displacement camps,” OCHA said. “This is particularly concerning as Ituri province remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for more than 90 percent of confirmed cases.”
The office said that as of Wednesday, local authorities had reported 896 confirmed Ebola cases across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
OCHA said it is working with its partners and local authorities to strengthen community engagement and scale up health and sanitation efforts in the camps. The current measures are insufficient, given the scale of the needs.
“The Ebola epidemic is unfolding against the backdrop of a broader humanitarian crisis,” the office said, adding that the 2026 humanitarian response plan, which calls for 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, seeks to respond to the full spectrum of humanitarian needs, including food security, protection, water and sanitation, health care and education, for 7.3 million of the DRC’s most vulnerable people.
Yet the appeal is only just over half funded, OCHA noted.
A drone view of displaced people from the Kigonze camp attending the burial of Ebola victims at Nyamurongo Cemetery, one month after an outbreak was declared, in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, June 18, 2026.
The decision, issued on June 19, confirms an earlier ruling by the Kicukiro Primary Court of May 26, 2026, which found that there are strong grounds to suspect the accused of committing multiple offenses.
The alleged offenses include human trafficking, complicity in human trafficking, unlawful arrest and detention, issuing threats, failure to report a serious crime, and forgery, alteration, and use of falsified documents.
Dr. Semwaga is separately charged with complicity in human trafficking, failure to report a serious crime, and forgery, alteration, and use of falsified documents.
Prosecutors say the case arises from a fertility arrangement set up by Nsabimana and his wife Mukahigiro, which connected infertile couples with women willing to carry pregnancies on their behalf. Authorities allege that the arrangement later became commercialized and involved illegal practices.
It is further alleged that women who agreed to carry pregnancies were promised medical and social support during pregnancy, but that these commitments were not fulfilled. Some of the women were also allegedly threatened when they raised concerns.
Investigators allege that Dr. Semwaga was involved in embryo transfer procedures for participating women. However, the prosecution maintains that the procedures were carried out outside approved legal and institutional frameworks, and without the knowledge of the hospital where he worked.
Dr. Semwaga had requested provisional release, arguing that he needed to continue providing medical follow-up for women who had undergone embryo transfers and were nearing delivery. He also offered bail of 20 million Rwandan francs, which the court rejected.
On May 28, the accused filed an appeal at the Nyarugenge High Court, which was registered on June 1, seeking to overturn the lower court’s decision to keep them in custody.
During a closed-door appeal hearing held last week, Dr. Semwaga reiterated his request for release, stating that the women involved still required his medical attention and continued to consult him from the Nyarugenge Correctional Facility for treatment guidance.
The co-accused also argued that they were not a flight risk and should be released pending trial. The court, however, dismissed all arguments and ordered that they remain in provisional detention pending the substantive hearing of the case.
Dr. Emmanuel Semwaga and his co-accused will remain in provisional detention.
According to the DRC government, the term refers to the millions of Congolese who were killed during the plundering of the country’s natural resources, particularly strategic minerals needed for modern technology such as coltan, tantalum, tungsten, and others. The DRC argues that these tragedies should be recognized as genocide and acknowledged as such by the international community.
Although the issue concerns the Congo, its implications extend to neighboring countries, including Rwanda. Rwanda sees it differently. It argues that “Genocost” is a political tool intended to distract attention from the DRC’s internal problems, overlook the role of the Kinshasa government in conflicts that have persisted for decades, and attempt to rewrite the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The controversy has gained greater significance as relations between Rwanda and the DRC continue to deteriorate, particularly over the presence of the FDLR armed group in eastern DRC and the conflict involving FARDC and AFC/M23.
A controversial term
Although “Genocost” is now used by senior DRC officials, it is not a long-established concept in the country’s political history. The term was introduced in 2013 in London by activists from the Congolese Action Youth Platform (CAYP) as a combination of the words “genocide” and “cost,” intended to describe what they considered a genocide driven by economic interests.
They designated August 2 as a day of remembrance for crimes committed in the DRC since the 1990s. The date was chosen because it coincides with the launch of the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie (RCD), a movement that fought against the government of Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1998 during the Second Congo War.
However, even within the DRC there is no consensus about the date from which “Genocost” should begin. Some associate it with 1998, others with 1996, when Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s AFDL was launched. Meanwhile, Fonarev—the DRC government fund responsible for compensating victims of war-related violence and serious crimes—argues that the history should begin in 1993, before the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
This lack of agreement itself highlights a major issue with the term: there is no consensus regarding the period it covers, the crimes it encompasses, the perpetrators involved, or the specific group that was allegedly targeted in a systematic manner, as required under international legal definitions of genocide.
Although “Genocost” is now used by senior DRC officials, it is not a long-established concept in the country’s political history.
The DRC says it is about justice and dignity
From Kinshasa’s perspective, “Genocost” represents an effort to give a name to the suffering of Congolese people who, for years, have been killed, raped, displaced from their homes, or turned into internally displaced persons within their own country.
Supporters of the term argue that conflicts in the DRC cannot be explained solely as ethnic wars or internal political disputes. Instead, they contend that foreign interests and the trade in mineral resources are fundamental drivers of the violence.
In 2023, after “Genocost” was incorporated into DRC law through legislation adopted on December 26, 2022, which also established Fonarev, President Félix Tshisekedi presided over the first official state commemoration. In 2025, the DRC inaugurated a “Genocost” memorial and announced plans to build six additional memorials across the country.
Tshisekedi has also raised the issue at the United Nations, arguing that the international community has both political and humanitarian obligations to recognize what happened in the DRC as genocide.
Why Rwanda views “Genocost” as a political campaign
Rwanda says the issue is not about denying that Congolese people have died or suffered abuse. It acknowledges that the DRC has experienced severe tragedies involving war, killings, violence, and decades of poor governance.
What Rwanda opposes, however, is the attempt to label those crimes as “genocide” in a manner it argues is inconsistent with international law and is being used politically to accuse Rwanda and diminish the significance of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has stated that genocide is not a term that can be used arbitrarily. He argued that genocide is defined under international law, while crimes driven by economic exploitation or resource looting already have established legal classifications, including corruption, poor governance, embezzlement of public funds, war crimes, or crimes against humanity, depending on the circumstances.
This forms the basis of Rwanda’s argument that the extraordinary suffering experienced by the DRC does not automatically mean every mass killing constitutes genocide.
Under international law, genocide requires proof of an intent to destroy a protected group defined by ethnicity, nationality, race, or religion.
Without evidence of such intent, crimes may qualify as war crimes or crimes against humanity, but not necessarily genocide.
“Genocost,” a term that targets an ethnic group
According to the article, the version of “Genocost” promoted by Fonarev includes language that assigns collective blame to an ethnic group.
Fonarev defines “Genocost” as killings of “Congolese people” allegedly planned by what it describes as “Tutsi from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.” Rwanda has frequently argued that such language is dangerous because it risks turning public suffering into a tool for promoting ethnic hatred.
This rhetoric comes at a time when eastern DRC has witnessed statements and actions targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly Congolese Tutsi. On various occasions, videos have circulated showing Tutsi individuals being killed, burned, or subjected to violence because of their appearance or perceived identity.
For this reason, Rwanda argues that the DRC government should not present itself as a champion against genocide while anti-Tutsi rhetoric and actions continue within the country.
Stephanie Nyombayire, spokesperson for Rwanda’s Office of the President, has stated that the Kinshasa government is “inventing a genocide” to conceal its own shortcomings. She argued that many Congolese who died in the past and those who continue to die today are victims of poor governance, as the state has failed to protect its citizens while leaders prioritize their own interests over public security.
“Genocost” has become a propaganda tool
The DRC’s international campaign to promote recognition of “Genocost” has coincided with renewed fighting in eastern DRC, where Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23.
Researcher Pierre Boisselet of the Ebuteli Institute has suggested that the way Kinshasa uses the term may be intended to portray Congolese suffering as equal to, or greater than, the suffering of Rwandans during the Genocide against the Tutsi. According to him, this could undermine what he described as Rwanda’s “unique moral standing” derived from the events of 1994.
Experts in international law have also pointed out that promoting a term that has not been recognized in legal frameworks may be difficult because states cannot be compelled to accept a concept that has never been internationally agreed upon.
Rwanda therefore argues that if crimes have been committed in the DRC, they should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice, but not through the creation of a new term used to wage a political battle.
President Tshisekedi has prominently used the term “Genocost” in political discourse.
Some Congolese disagree with the government
The activists who originally launched the “Genocost” campaign have themselves begun expressing concerns about how the DRC government is using it.
CAYP, the organization that introduced the term, has criticized Kinshasa’s approach, arguing that it has become overly focused on conferences, discussions, and symbolic public events rather than implementing concrete measures to protect civilians and assist victims.
Some critics also question how the government can claim to pursue justice for war crimes while including officials who have been associated with past conflicts. One example frequently cited is Jean-Pierre Bemba, who serves within Tshisekedi’s administration but is also linked to the history of the Second Congo War.
Others argue that the pursuit of justice should not involve distorting history, assigning blame to an entire ethnic group, or attempting to compete with the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Genocide against the Tutsi has a documented history, identified perpetrators, a clear extermination plan, organized hate propaganda, state institutions that implemented it, and rulings from international courts confirming its occurrence. Comparing it to a newly coined term that lacks recognition under international law may therefore be viewed as a form of genocide minimization.
Saibari struck after just 71 seconds, netting the fastest goal of the tournament so far and handing the Atlas Lions a crucial three points. The victory lifted Morocco to four points from two matches and into second place in Group C, level with leaders Brazil but behind on goal difference.
The decisive moment came almost immediately after kickoff. Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the top, and Saibari timed his run to perfection after being played onside by Grant Hanley.
The PSV Eindhoven midfielder controlled the ball expertly before unleashing a powerful finish beyond Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Morocco, who drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening match, dominated possession and looked dangerous whenever they attacked. Bilal El Khannouss squandered a promising opportunity before the break, while Saibari came close to doubling his tally early in the second half when his effort struck the crossbar following a deflection from Jack Hendry.
Gunn kept Scotland in the contest with a fine save from an El Khannouss header moments later, ensuring the margin remained just one goal.
Scotland, buoyed by their opening victory over Haiti, struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a disciplined Moroccan defence. Their first real threat arrived in first-half stoppage time when Andy Robertson’s cross found John McGinn, but the midfielder could not direct his effort on target.
Steve Clarke’s side improved after the interval, with Ryan Christie firing over from a promising position and Scott McTominay striking the side-netting late on. However, they failed to register a shot on target as Morocco comfortably absorbed the pressure.
Later on Friday, Brazil climbed to the top of Group C with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored twice on his first start of the tournament, while Vinicius Junior also found the net as Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced a much-improved display following their draw with Morocco. The result eliminated Haiti and left Brazil and Morocco level on four points, with Scotland on three heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Elsewhere on Matchday 9, the United States became the first team from Group D to secure a place in the knockout stage after defeating Australia 2-0, while Paraguay boosted their qualification hopes with a 1-0 victory over Türkiye.
Morocco will book their place in the last 32 with a positive result against Haiti next week, while Scotland face a daunting encounter with five-time champions Brazil as they fight to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Saibari struck after just 71 seconds, netting the fastest goal of the tournament so far and handing the Atlas Lions a crucial three points.Morocco, who drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening match, dominated possession and looked dangerous whenever they attacked.
If no deal is reached within 60 days beginning Thursday, “we will do things that won’t make them happy,” Trump said at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. “But I don’t think it’s going to get to that.”
The text of the MoU states that the two sides commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal within a maximum of 60 days, extendable with mutual consent.
U.S.-Iran talks scheduled in Switzerland on Friday have been postponed, with neither side offering an official explanation. Multiple media reports said that Iran withdrew from the talks in response to the latest Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Earlier on Friday, Trump told NBC News that he had spoken with Israeli leaders and urged them to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
“It’s a positive,” Trump said in the phone interview. “It’s a little icing on the cake.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department said that a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Washington, D.C. next week.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday, June 19, 2026, that he expects Iran to agree to a final deal within 60 days of the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Having operated in Rwanda for the past five years as a global delivery hub, TeKnowledge has contributed to the development of local talent, training and employing Rwandan professionals to support enterprise technology environments across the globe.
With this launch, the company is introducing a broader portfolio of services designed to build leadership capability, develop digital skills, and enhance cybersecurity resilience across the region.
A strategic step toward Rwanda’s Vision 2050
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 outlines a clear path toward building a knowledge-driven economy powered by skills, innovation, and technology.
During the event, TeKnowledge emphasized the need to accelerate capability development in parallel with rapid technological change, particularly as AI continues to reshape industries, skills requirements, and economic models.
Delivering leadership, skills, and cyber resilience
The launch focuses on three key areas that TeKnowledge considers essential for building a competitive, AI-ready economy.
These include an Executive AI Training Centre designed to help leaders develop a practical understanding of artificial intelligence, its risks, and governance requirements; large-scale training academies aimed at equipping people with skills in AI, data, cybersecurity, and digital services that match evolving job market needs; and cybersecurity services supported by a Security Operations Centre to enhance protection, awareness, and resilience across organizations.
Together, these initiatives are intended to move beyond strategy and enable large-scale implementation, supporting digital transformation across both the public and private sectors.
Supporting Rwanda’s next phase of growth
TeKnowledge’s launch reflects its commitment to partnering with governments, enterprises, and local organizations to translate ambition into execution, particularly in complex, regulated environments such as financial services and the public sector.
A key highlight of the event was the strengthening of TeKnowledge’s ongoing partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing youth employment and digital skills development in Rwanda.
Building on this collaboration, TeKnowledge will deliver a structured six-session AI training program to youth enrolled in Harambee’s programs, focused on developing practical, in-demand capabilities. Participants will earn certifications and digital learning badges, enhancing their employability and supporting their transition into the workforce.
This partnership reflects a broader ambition: to drive tangible, scalable impact. Alongside leadership enablement and secure technology deployment, TeKnowledge aims to support Rwanda in accelerating job creation, advancing digital capabilities, and positioning itself as a global hub for next-generation services.
Speaking at the event, TeKnowledge President and CEO, Aileen Allkins, said: “Rwanda has already shown what is possible when leadership aligns around a clear vision. The next phase will be defined by execution—building capability at pace in the areas where demand is evolving fastest. AI is already reshaping how decisions are made and how value is created. The opportunity now is not whether to adopt it, but how to lead, govern, and scale it responsibly.
“Equally important is ensuring that this transformation translates into real opportunity. Through our partnership with Harambee, we are equipping young people with practical AI skills and recognized certifications that strengthen their path into employment.”
Through leadership enablement, workforce development, and cybersecurity resilience, TeKnowledge aims to help accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a knowledge-based economy while creating new pathways for talent, innovation, and inclusive economic growth
About TeKnowledge
TeKnowledge is a trusted expert technology services company that partners with companies and countries to navigate the complexities of becoming AI-first, managing the full lifecycle from data to security, adoption, and ongoing support.
Operating across 10+ global hubs, TeKnowledge delivers 24/7 operations through more than 4,000 experts.
Founded in 2010, TeKnowledge is part of the YNV Group, a privately held global holding company operating across three sectors: Technology, Real Estate, and Financial Services, including an EU-licensed financial institution.
TeKnowledge President and CEO Aileen Allkins has emphasized the importance of turning ambition into execution as organizations and countries navigate the opportunities created by artificial intelligence. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT & Innovation also graced the event. A key highlight of the Kigali event was the strengthening of TeKnowledge’s ongoing partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
The call was made on June 18, 2026, during a forum that brought together women entrepreneurs, many of them young professionals from various organizations. The event focused on raising awareness about investment opportunities, particularly in stocks and savings products.
BK Capital emphasized that investing does not require large amounts of money. Participants were informed that one can start investing with as little as Rwf10,000, with returns that can reach around 10%, especially when investments are maintained over the long term.
The company also highlighted that 52% of the work performed by women globally is considered unpaid care and domestic work, despite its significant economic value. While such contributions often go uncompensated, women were encouraged to build financial security through saving and investing the income they earn.
BK Capital Managing Director Pacific Tuyishime said women still account for less than 40% of the company’s investors and shareholders, indicating that their participation remains relatively low.
“Although women have made significant progress in various sectors, including finance, they are still underrepresented in investment and stock ownership. There is therefore a need for greater collaboration to increase their participation, promote economic inclusion, and help them take advantage of opportunities available in the capital market,” he said.
Lyna Muganwa Kadigwa, an official at BK Capital, noted that women often juggle multiple responsibilities, leaving investment low on their list of priorities. She encouraged them to view the current period as an opportunity to invest and secure their future as well as that of future generations.
Josephine Mbabazi, head of corporate services at Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Rwanda, said many women and young people still perceive investing as something beyond their reach, largely due to limited awareness and information.
She noted that sustained awareness campaigns would help change perceptions and encourage greater participation in investment activities.
BK Capital has operated in Rwanda since 2012 and is one of the subsidiaries of BK Group Plc. It is among Rwanda’s leading investment and financial services firms, offering stock brokerage, asset management, and financial advisory services.
BK Capital has encouraged women to save by investing in different sectors.She Invest is a campaign aimed at increasing the number of women investors.BK Capital Managing Director Pacific Tuyishime said women still make up less than 40% of investors and shareholders at BK Capital.BK Capital official Lyna Muganwa Kadigwa encouraged women to invest to secure their future.
Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving ”, the event builds on the success of the first edition organized in 2025.
The initiative aims to provide young Rwandans with a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, while supporting their personal, academic, and professional development and reinforcing their connection to Rwandan values.
Equipping young people to thrive in a changing world
Students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as young people born and raised in Germany, represent a generation navigating a multicultural and constantly evolving environment.
This reality offers numerous opportunities, but also raises important questions related to identity, belonging, civic responsibility, and integration into social, professional, and economic systems that can sometimes be complex.
Rwandan Youth Connect Germany seeks to create constructive spaces where young people can share experiences and develop solutions adapted to their realities.
This second edition will focus on several key themes, including cultural identity in the digital age, personal development, resilience, social responsibility, and the skills needed to succeed in international professional environments.
Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for collaboration between Rwanda and Germany.
The goal is to encourage young people to develop critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and become positive contributors within their communities.
Strengthening the connection between the diaspora and Rwanda
Beyond the discussions, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between Rwandan youth in the diaspora and Rwanda itself.
Organizers aim to encourage young people to leverage their international experiences to contribute to the country’s development and foster cooperation among Rwandan communities living abroad.
The summit is supported by the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, which continues to promote youth engagement and empowerment within the diaspora.
With this second edition, Rwandan Youth Connect Germany reaffirms its ambition to become a sustainable platform serving a new generation of young Rwandans.
Photos from the previous edition
The initiative aims to strengthen identity, skills, and future readiness among young Rwandans living in Germany.The event focuses on key themes including identity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and opportunities between Rwanda and Germany.Organizers say the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the Rwandan diaspora and Rwanda while empowering youth to contribute to national development.Rwandan Youth Connect Germany provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration among young members of the diaspora.
The 60-day agreement is intended to pave the way for broader negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. Among its 14 key provisions are the cessation of hostilities between the two sides in the Middle East, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the reopening of Iranian ports.
Iran is required under the deal to halt nuclear weapons development, while the United States has agreed to ease sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds held in international banks. Washington has also committed to contributing an estimated $300 billion for reconstruction of war-damaged areas.
Following the announcement, global oil prices quickly dropped back to pre-conflict levels. During peak tensions, crude oil had risen to as high as $120 per barrel, but it has since fallen to around $77.69. U.S. crude is trading at approximately $74.90 per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes daily, is a critical route for energy and trade shipments between the Middle East and global markets.
The earlier spike in international oil prices had a direct impact on Rwanda, where fuel prices reached historic highs. On June 5, 2026, a litre of petrol cost 2,938 Rwandan francs, while diesel rose to Rwf 2,927, driven by global market volatility.
Speaking to the media on June 6, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva said that without government subsidies, a litre of diesel would have cost Rwf 3,581, meaning the state was covering about 18.16% of the cost through subsidies.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the agreement while attending a G7 meeting in France. Iran also confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document on June 17.
Speaking to the press on June 16, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa said that while the agreement was welcome news, Rwanda would take a cautious approach.
“So far, we have received good news that there are initial agreements on the war in the Middle East. But our principle is to wait and see. There are two main reasons for this. First, we want to see whether the agreement is actually effected and whether it holds for a long period of time,” he said.
Fuel prices in Rwanda are reviewed every two months, and the country also maintains strategic reserves to cushion against supply shocks.
Shipping routes from ports such as Dubai or Bandar Abbas typically take between six and 12 days to reach Mombasa in Kenya or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with additional time required for transport into Rwanda. This means that goods already in transit or stored in warehouses may still reflect earlier, higher prices.
Murangwa noted that even if global conditions normalize immediately, local markets would continue to feel the effects of previous disruptions.
“Second, even if everything were to stabilize today, there would still be a backlog of issues. So, we still expect that we’ll continue to see the effects of the blockage that happened.
“It is not yet clear when this will be resolved. We will have to observe how the global business and supply chain communities manage to unlock the backlog of goods that were stuck in the Gulf,” he said.
The initial agreement also provides for the removal of naval mines and other maritime obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. During this period, shipping volumes are expected to return to pre-conflict levels, with the United States withdrawing naval forces deployed in the area.
The agreement stipulates that commercial shipping should return to normal levels under Iranian supervision.
Rwanda maintains that its fuel reserves have not been affected since the start of the Iran conflict and says it is working to ensure stable supply in the domestic market, along with other essential goods.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, consumer prices increased by 12.9% in May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments.
