The announcement follows the successful ACCS 2026 held in Livingstone, Zambia, from 23–25 September 2026. Ethiopia is scheduled to host the 2027 edition, ahead of Rwanda in 2028.
Rwanda was well represented at ACCS 2026 by the Marketing Society of Rwanda (MSR), Rwanda Convention Bureau, ICT Chamber, and representatives of the supply chain and procurement profession.
The delegation demonstrated Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening collaboration across marketing, ICT, supply chain and procurement in support of Africa’s commercial transformation.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Moses Kazoora, President of the Marketing Society of Rwanda, said: “Securing the opportunity to host ACCS 2028 is a proud moment for Rwanda and its professional community. We commend the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Convention Bureau, for leading this successful bid, and appreciate the collaboration of our partners across marketing, ICT, supply chain and procurement.
“Hosting ACCS 2028 presents an important opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s capabilities, strengthen professional networks, promote innovation and create meaningful partnerships across Africa. MSR looks forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver a successful summit that advances professional excellence and contributes to Rwanda’s business and economic development.”
ACCS 2028 is expected to bring together professionals and stakeholders from the marketing, communications, ICT, supply chain, creative industries and business sectors across Africa for knowledge exchange, networking, innovation and strategic partnerships.
MSR calls upon industry stakeholders, professional associations, private-sector organizations, government, institutions and development partners to support the preparations and successful delivery of ACCS 2028, ensuring a meaningful and impactful summit for Rwanda and the continent.
The Marketing Society of Rwanda is the national professional association dedicated to advancing marketing excellence, professional development, industry collaboration and the promotion of best practices in Rwanda’s marketing profession.
MSR works with government, private-sector institutions and regional and international partners to strengthen the marketing profession and contribute to Rwanda’s business and economic development.
Rwanda has been selected to host ACCS 2028 following a successful summit in Livingstone, Zambia.Moses Kazoora, President of the Marketing Society of Rwanda, has described the opportunity to host ACCS 2028 as a proud moment for Rwanda.The Rwanda delegation has brought together representatives from marketing, ICT, supply chain and procurement at ACCS 2026.
In a message posted on X on September 28, 2026, Bisimwa said the decision sends a worrying message about the conduct of authorities in Kinshasa.
“The reinstatement of Gen Sylvain Ekenge as spokesperson for the armed forces of the Kinshasa government, after a long period of silence over discriminatory remarks targeting Tutsi women, is a worrying sign that the authorities are determined to continue along the same path,” Bisimwa said.
He said no explanation had been provided on how the authorities addressed the remarks Ekenge made on state television or what measures had been taken to prevent similar statements from being repeated.
“No explanation has been given to help understand how the authorities in Kinshasa addressed these remarks or what measures are in place to prevent their repetition. Instead, this decision shows that hate speech is being given space within state institutions,” he said.
Bisimwa added that when a state representative targets citizens based on ethnicity, it undermines public trust in national institutions and affects relations between communities.
“We condemn the reinstatement of this person who spreads hate, and we reiterate our opposition to the policy of persecuting and marginalising people based on ethnicity,” he said.
Bisimwa said AFC/M23 supports peaceful relations among people of different ethnic backgrounds, with respect for the dignity of every individual.
Gen Maj Ekenge was temporarily suspended in late 2025 after remarks he made on state broadcaster RTNC on December 27. At the time, he warned Congolese men against marrying Tutsi women and made remarks targeting them based on their ethnicity.
FARDC distanced itself from the comments, saying they did not represent the position of the army or the government, although subsequent developments pointed to a different course.
While Ekenge was suspended, FARDC spokesperson duties were temporarily assigned to its deputy spokesperson, Lt Col Mak Hazukay Mongba.
Reports of Ekenge’s return to the position emerged after he signed a FARDC statement concerning a plane crash in Kenge, Kwango Province, on September 25, 2026.
FARDC has not yet explained the reasons for his reinstatement.
AFC/M23 has condemned Gen Ekenge’s reinstatement as FARDC spokesperson.
The consensus was reached during a tea chat at the White House attended by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, and Trump and his wife, Melania Trump.
Xi said the trip to Washington was his first state visit to the United States in 11 years.
During the visit, the two sides added new substance to the vision for the China-U.S. relationship, and agreed to jointly build a constructive relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, Xi said.
The two sides also achieved mutually beneficial outcomes in the economic and trade fields, which will be welcomed by the people of both countries and the international community, he added.
Stressing that the future of China-U.S. relations is bright, Xi said that it reflects the trend of history.
The road to a bright future is often winding, with difficulties and challenges bound to arise along the way, Xi said, adding that it is in line with the laws governing the development of things.
Xi said he is willing to work with Trump to write a new chapter in the history of China-U.S. relations with the courage and a sense of responsibility to history.
Calling Xi’s state visit to the United States constructive and very successful, Trump said that the two sides held in-depth exchanges on U.S.-China relations and major international and regional issues, achieving positive outcomes that will benefit both countries.
He said he looks forward to maintaining close contact with Xi and jointly guiding the development of U.S.-China relations.
After the tea chat, Xi and Peng, accompanied by Trump and Melania, visited the U.S. National Archives. They walked together into the central hall, where they were briefed on the National Archives and its exhibits.
The archives carry the wisdom of the forebears and offer insights for the future, Xi said, adding that over the past 250 years, the American people have pursued the American Dream and built a prosperous country and a beautiful home on the North American continent.
The Chinese people, inheriting 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, have continued to make new achievements on the new journey toward realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Xi said.
As two distinctive countries, China and the United States have different histories and cultures, social systems and development paths, Xi said.
However, the people of the two countries share the same aspiration for a better life despite the differences, he said.
If the two countries recognize and respect their differences, deepen mutual understanding and learn from each other, seek the biggest common denominator, expand the list of areas for cooperation, and properly manage differences, China-U.S. relations will enjoy steady and sustained growth, Xi said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, pose for a group photo at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Sept. 25, 2026.Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan have a chat over tea with U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Sept. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visit the U.S. National Archives, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, after their tea chat in Washington, D.C., the United States, Sept. 25, 2026.
The two leaders conducted sincere and in-depth exchanges and reached common understanding on many issues, which has added new substance to the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability, and provided new strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations.
Putting vision into action
“I am ready to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relationship on a steady course toward the future,” Xi said at the welcome ceremony at the White House.
Xi’s visit comes less than half a year after Trump’s state visit to China in May, when the two presidents agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.
Later at his White House meeting with Trump, Xi called for translating that vision into action and finding the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other.
The two sides need to work toward a relationship featuring cooperation as the mainstay, moderate competition, manageable differences, and promises of peace, Xi said.
Xi noted that China and the United States should, and fully can, achieve mutual benefit and win-win results through practical cooperation, help each other succeed through healthy competition, properly manage differences by seeking common ground while respecting differences, and build peace by fostering mutual trust, so that a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability can better benefit the two peoples and people around the world.
Trump, for his part, said he and Xi are good friends who have maintained in-depth and close communication, and expressed confidence that U.S.-China relations would be handled well under the leadership of the two heads of state.
The meticulous arrangements for Xi’s state visit, down to the details and with care and consideration, reflected the importance Trump attached to Xi’s trip.
After receiving Xi in person at the airport one day earlier, Trump hosted the grand welcome ceremony at the White House.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, watched a performance by the United States Marines in the company of the U.S. presidential couple. The ceremony also featured a military review, with U.S. honor guards from different military services performing traditional drills and playing instrumental music. Multiple combat aircraft flew over the White House in honor of the Chinese and U.S. presidents and their wives.
Following the talks, the two presidential couples met again for the state dinner. Inside, red blossoms and red linens decorated the room, a choice a White House release said reflected the color’s longstanding cultural significance in China.
“In less than half a year, the Chinese and American presidents have exchanged state visits, making history in our bilateral engagement,” Xi said at the state dinner hosted by Trump.
The strongest signal to the world is that the leaders of the world’s two most consequential major countries, though overtly competitive, can meet in harmony and with good spirit, which is the headline achievement, commented U.S. scholar Robert Lawrence Kuhn.
Cooperation goes both ways
From Beijing in May to Washington in September, practical cooperation has remained high on the agenda of China-U.S. interactions.
At the ceremony, Xi called on the two countries to “cooperate with sincerity.”
Xi said the two sides share “deeply intertwined” interests and ample room for cooperation, noting that China-U.S. collaboration “may not solve every problem in the world,” but many would be hard to resolve without it.
During his talks with Trump, Xi said the latest round of trade and economic consultations between the two countries had produced a new joint arrangement, calling it good news for industries and people of both countries, as well as the global economy.
Noting that cooperation is a two-way street, Xi said as long as the two sides uphold the spirit of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, they can find a way out of problems.
The state dinner offered another glimpse of the breadth of economic ties between the two countries. Executives from major U.S. aviation, technology and financial firms were among the guests, including some who had accompanied Trump to Beijing in May, such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was another area discussed by the two leaders.
While China and the United States compete in AI, they have even more reasons to cooperate, Xi said, urging the two major countries in AI to leverage respective strengths rather than guard against each other.
The two sides should keep AI under human control, uphold a human-centered approach and use AI for good, ensuring that it serves human progress, Xi added.
Trump also stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue on AI, calling it the technology that bears on the future of humanity.
Carrying on friendship
At the state dinner, both presidents looked back on the long history of exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples, underscoring the importance of people-to-people ties.
Xi recalled how the two peoples stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Japanese militarist aggression more than 80 years ago, and how Ping-Pong Diplomacy reopened the door to bilateral exchanges more than half a century ago.
He also recounted the story of American Ronald Sakolsky, who supported Chinese desert control worker Yin Yuzhen’s tree-planting efforts more than 20 years ago, calling it a shining example of friendly exchanges between the two peoples.
Such exchanges, Xi said, have promoted heart-to-heart communication between our peoples and strengthened public support for China-U.S. friendship and cooperation.
Trump, meanwhile, reviewed the long history of U.S.-China exchanges, pointing to early commercial ties and the exchange of “goods, knowledge, customs and ideas.”
“As the leaders of our two nations, President Xi and I both understand that we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure, and we’ve never gotten along better,” Trump said.
New steps are now being taken to carry that friendship forward.
At the welcome ceremony, Xi announced that two pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will soon arrive at Zoo Atlanta and meet the American people. He also invited 100,000 young Americans to visit China for exchange and study programs over the next five years.
“The hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in our people, and its future lies with the young,” Xi said.
In 2023, during his visit to San Francisco, Xi announced a similar initiative inviting 50,000 young Americans to China over five years. That target has already been achieved.
“President Xi announced that he wants to double the number of students over the next five years. That’s very positive, very significant, because I believe that those kinds of exchanges and students going back and forth are very, very important,” said Kenneth Quinn, president emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a welcome ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to the United States, at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Sept. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
“I am now signing the text that reads as follows: ‘Pursuant to Article 116, paragraph 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, I submit my resignation from the office of President of the Republic.’…Ana, this goes to the Parliament, and tomorrow you go to the handover,” said Vucic.
Under Serbia’s Constitution and Law on the president, the president’s term ends when the written resignation is formally received by the National Assembly, without requiring approval. The Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabic then assumes presidential duties for up to three months and must call a presidential election within that period.
Vucic also said he would take part in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled on Oct. 25 as an ordinary citizen.
The Serbian parliament was dissolved on Sept. 9. Under the Constitution, a dissolved parliament has limited powers, while the government continues to perform its duties until a new government is formed.
On Sept. 5, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) nominated Vucic as head of its electoral list and its candidate for prime minister in the upcoming snap parliamentary elections.
Following the Oct. 25 elections, the process of forming a new government will begin. The acting president, after consulting representatives of the elected electoral lists, proposes a prime minister candidate to the National Assembly. The candidate then presents the government’s program and cabinet members, which must be approved by a majority of all lawmakers.
Vucic, born in Belgrade in 1970, had served as defense minister, first deputy prime minister and prime minister. He was elected president in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. Under the Constitution, the presidential term is five years, with a maximum of two terms for any individual.
Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a press conference in Belgrade, Serbia, Sept. 27, 2026. Aleksandar Vucic signed and submitted his resignation on Sunday, stepping down as president. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)
“I expect more talks with Iran [this week],” Trump said in a phone interview with U.S. online news outlet Axios.
Citing two regional sources, Axios reported that another round of indirect dialogue between the United States and Iran could take place as early as Monday, although it remained unclear whether the two sides could bridge their differences.
Asked whether he was considering resuming strikes against Iran, Trump said: “I am always thinking about it.”
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a new round of indirect negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last Tuesday.
According to Axios, Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within a week, on the condition that the United States lifts its naval blockade, removes sanctions on Iranian oil sales and restore a regional ceasefire.
Trump rejected the Iranian proposal on Saturday.
Araghchi told NBC on Sunday that Iran still wanted a diplomatic solution despite Trump’s rejection.
“Although we heard from President Trump that he’s rejecting this deal … we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators,” Araghchi said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he expects the United States and Iran to hold more talks this week
Three decades ago, electricity in Rwanda was scarce. In the mid-1990s, only about 1% of households were connected, and outages were frequent. Today, that picture has changed dramatically. By 2025, electricity access has surpassed 85% of households (almost 100% in urban areas and 60~70% in rural areas), supporting urban development, industrial growth, and improved living standards across the country.
This transformation has been driven first and foremost by Rwanda’s strong national vision and leadership, implemented through institutions such as the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Rwanda Energy Group (REG), EDCL, and EUCL. Over the past 20 years, JICA has supported these efforts by providing not only financing but also technical expertise and long-term capacity development.
Two decades of partnership and progress
Since the early 2000s, JICA’s cooperation with Rwanda has evolved alongside the country’s needs. Rather than focusing solely on short-term infrastructure delivery, JICA has taken a long-term approach—strengthening both infrastructure and human capacity to ensure sustainable power supply.
Between 2011 and 2020, JICA implemented a three-phase project to upgrade Rwanda’s substations and distribution infrastructure:
Phase I (2011-2014) focused on rehabilitating substations and expanding networks in key areas such as Kigali, Huye, Musha, and Rwinkwavu, addressing voltage instability and system losses.
Phase II (2016-2018) introduced new infrastructure, including the Ndera substation and transmission lines, to meet growing demand in high-consumption zones like the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
Phase III (2018-2022) further strengthened the system through the construction of the Gasogi substation and additional distribution facilities.
The Ndera Substation Project, involving the construction of a new substation and 20 km of distribution lines.
These investments came at a critical time, as Rwanda’s electricity demand was rising by roughly 10% annually and urban centers were expanding rapidly.
In Huye, electricity demand grew rapidly in tandem with the population increases of the 2000s and 2010s. However, much of Huye’s distribution infrastructure at the time had been built in the 1980s. Equipment deterioration and aging had progressed significantly, and because the specifications were older than those of other developing cities, spare parts were difficult to obtain. This meant that any malfunction could potentially trigger a large-scale power outage.
The Project for Improvement of Substations and Distribution Network (Phase I), launched in 2011, carried out rehabilitation and upgrades of substations in Kigali, Gikondo, and Birembo at the heart of Rwanda; Musha in the Eastern Province—which encompasses the Rwamagana district where an industrial park development plan was advancing; and the Rwinkwavu substation serving tourism facilities in and around Akagera National Park. In addition, the project extended and upgraded the distribution networks in Kigali City and Huye District.
This project improved the distribution network and made the line standards similar to those used in other cities. As a result, power outages were reduced, and the electricity supply became more stable and reliable.
Jean Paul Karinganire, an engineer involved in the projects, explains how system upgrades transformed operations:
“The new substations improved flexibility by separating feeders. In the past, a fault in one line could disrupt electricity for many users. Now, faults can be isolated, and maintenance can be done without affecting the entire network.”
Reliability that supports growth
At the same time, JICA’s emphasis on “knowledge transfer” has ensured that these systems are effectively managed. Engineers trained through JICA’s technical assistance are now leading operations across Rwanda, maintaining infrastructure and responding to technical challenges with growing expertise.
Impact beyond infrastructure
While substations and transmission lines are often invisible to the public, their impact is deeply felt in daily life.
Reliable electricity has improved healthcare services, particularly at night, created better learning environments for students, expanded digital connectivity, and made communities safer and more productive.
Economic benefits are equally evident. Small businesses—such as salons, welding workshops, and carpentry services—can operate longer and more consistently. Larger industries benefit from fewer interruptions, reduced equipment damage, and increased efficiency.
The expanded capacity provided by projects like the Gasogi substation has supported electricity access for homes, schools, hospitals, hotels, and industrial facilities—helping create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Building for the future
As Rwanda’s energy system becomes more complex, the importance of technical expertise continues to grow. Over the past 20 years, JICA has contributed not only infrastructure, but also systems for planning and management, including GIS-based tools and improved maintenance practices.
Crucially, these solutions have been adapted to Rwanda’s specific context.
“Japan’s approach is not to replicate, but to adapt,” JICA officials note. “By aligning with Rwanda’s priorities, we ensure long-term sustainability and relevance.”
A Ministry of Infrastructure official stated, highlighting the dual importance of investment and skills development:
“Rwanda’s progress has been driven by national leadership, but partnerships like this have strengthened the technical foundation needed to sustain that progress.”
A milestone and a continuing journey
Over the past two decades, JICA has contributed to Rwanda’s development in many ways, with its impact visible across the country—in upgraded substations, in trained engineers, and in the growing reliability of the electricity network.
But perhaps most importantly, they can be seen in everyday life: in homes illuminated after sunset, in businesses operating without disruption, and in communities increasingly connected to opportunity.
Rwanda’s energy transformation is far from complete. Demand continues to rise, and new challenges lie ahead. Yet the past two decades have demonstrated the value of sustained, collaborative partnership.
As Rwanda advances and modernizes its energy sector, JICA’s two-decade partnership reflects a shared journey—supporting Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure and drive long-term growth and resilience.
Guided tour of the Gasogi Substation power control room on inauguration day. Between 2011 and 2020, JICA implemented a three-phase project to upgrade Rwanda’s substations and distribution infrastructure.
The summit, scheduled for September 30 to October 2 at the Kigali Convention Centre, will bring together policymakers, health leaders, innovators, investors and development partners under the theme, “Wellness for All: Powered by Intelligent Health Systems.”
The event is co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Smart Africa, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and implemented by Dala Africa Group.
Among the speakers listed are Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya, Rwanda’s Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire.
Other speakers include Angola’s Minister of Health Dr Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta, Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
The summit will examine the use of artificial intelligence in areas including early disease detection, patient safety and sovereign AI, alongside digital public infrastructure and health data.
Primary healthcare will also feature prominently, with sessions focusing on digitalisation, community health systems and governance.
Other discussions will cover sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning, gender equity and solutions targeting young people.
Delegates will also discuss non-communicable diseases and mental health, with a focus on disease prevention, mental health services and digital therapeutics.
Health innovation financing will be another focus, particularly how African health technology companies can secure funding to move solutions from proof of concept to wider adoption.
A separate consultation on the draft African Continental Health Data Governance Framework will take place on September 30. Organised by Africa CDC and Transform Health, it will bring together governments, regional institutions, civil society, academia, youth and women’s groups, innovators and private-sector representatives.
The summit will also feature a CEO and Investors Forum aimed at facilitating partnerships, investment and cross-border collaboration, as well as an Innovation and Wellness Exhibition showcasing health technologies and solutions.
Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the Africa HealthTech Summit has brought together more than 5,000 leaders from over 190 countries, according to organisers.
The fifth edition comes as African countries seek to expand the use of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and data to improve healthcare delivery and make health systems more responsive to the needs of their populations.
Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the Africa HealthTech Summit has brought together more than 5,000 leaders from over 190 countries, according to organisers.
Xi visited the United States from September 23 to 25 at Trump’s invitation, with the two leaders holding talks at the White House on September 24. They discussed the future of China-U.S. relations, economic and trade cooperation, AI and major international and regional issues.
During the talks, Xi said China and the United States should strengthen communication, manage differences and expand practical cooperation.
“China and the United States are great countries, and both the Chinese and American peoples are great peoples,” Xi said.
He said the two countries, as influential global powers, have a historic responsibility to contribute to human development and progress.
Xi recalled that during his meeting with Trump in May, the two countries agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship based on strategic stability. He said he was ready to work with Trump to guide the relationship toward a stable future.
He also said that through sincere and continuous dialogue, China and the United States could better understand each other, find common ground, manage disagreements and build mutual trust.
According to Xi, cooperation between the two countries may not solve every global challenge, but many problems would be more difficult to address without it.
On artificial intelligence, Xi said China and the United States have both the ability and responsibility to ensure that AI is developed responsibly. He stressed that the technology should remain under human control and serve the interests of people.
During the visit, the two countries announced eight deliverables and understandings aimed at advancing bilateral relations.
They agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, with the goal of achieving greater strategic stability. They also agreed to support each other in hosting major international gatherings, including the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit.
Xi and Trump discussed international security issues, including Iran, agreeing that Tehran should respect its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They also stated that no country or institution should be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways.
On economic relations, both sides supported the implementation of agreements reached by their economic teams, including the establishment of the Board of Trade and other cooperation platforms, as well as an arrangement involving a $30 billion reciprocal tariff reduction.
The two countries also highlighted progress in law enforcement cooperation, particularly in combating drug-related crimes involving New Psychoactive Substances, precursor chemicals and criminal networks.
China and the United States further agreed to establish a China-U.S. AI Dialogue for officials and experts to exchange views on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence. The next discussion is expected in November, while a communication channel for AI-related incidents will also be created.
As part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, the United States welcomed two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, which will be hosted at Zoo Atlanta under a lease agreement with China.
Beyond the eight understandings, the Chinese and U.S. militaries agreed to work toward a memorandum of understanding on crisis communication and prevention. Xi also announced that China would invite 100,000 young Americans to visit China over the next five years for educational and cultural exchanges.
President Trump welcomed Xi’s visit, saying the relationship between the two countries was built on mutual respect and shared interests. He said the two leaders would continue discussions on trade, security, artificial intelligence and technology, with the aim of contributing to peace and prosperity.
The visit marked a renewed effort by Beijing and Washington to deepen dialogue, expand areas of cooperation and manage differences as the two countries continue shaping one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships.
Xi visited the United States from September 23 to 25 at Trump’s invitation.They discussed the future of China-U.S. relations, economic and trade cooperation, AI and major international and regional issues.During the talks, Xi said China and the United States should strengthen communication, manage differences and expand practical cooperation.
The recommendations were made during the International Coffee Conference, which concluded in Kigali on September 25, 2026.
Organised by Sustainable Growers, the conference brought together participants from more than 17 countries, including Rwanda, to discuss the development of the coffee value chain from production to the final cup.
Michel Ruzindana, a Senior Programme Officer at Fairtrade Africa, an umbrella organisation representing Fairtrade-certified producer organisations, said international certification can help coffee cooperatives access better markets and strengthen their businesses.
“For every coffee cooperative we certify, the first thing we help them establish is a minimum price. This helps farmers when market prices fall, allowing them to sell their coffee at a price that still gives them enough return to continue farming. We also provide cooperatives with additional funds on top of the coffee price to support activities that improve their profession,” he said.
Fairtrade Africa, which works with some coffee cooperatives in Rwanda, encouraged more producers to join the organisation, saying new regulations are expected in the coffee sector. Certification can help producers meet the requirements and maintain access to international markets.
Delphine Chassaigne, a coffee buyer at French coffee processing company Destination France, said consistent quality is key to building long-term relationships between cooperatives and buyers.
“When we work with a cooperative over a long period, we are confident that we will continue receiving coffee with consistent quality, similar to what we bought before. That is more important to us than buying coffee just once. For that relationship to last, the cooperative needs to continue supplying us with that quality, and we buy it at a good price so that it can continue working with us,” she said.
Chassaigne added that coffee producers need strong systems to manage their production, enabling them to work effectively with long-term buyers, showcase their coffee and obtain international certification that provides important information about the product.
Mukamusoni Ruth, President of Mayogi Coffee Cooperative, which grows and processes coffee in Gicumbi District and receives training from Sustainable Growers, said access to financing is increasingly important for cooperatives seeking to operate professionally.
“So far, we have not had any problems with the banks we work with, such as failing to repay loans or struggling to make repayments. We repay the loans according to the agreements we have made, and sometimes we even repay them before the agreed deadline,” she said.
Mukamusoni encouraged other farmers to seek financing where their cooperatives have strong management systems. She also called on banks to speed up loan processing, saying delays can affect farmers’ ability to invest and expand their businesses.
Dunia Muhindo, who assesses coffee quality in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said consistent quality can help cooperatives gain the confidence of buyers, banks and investors.
“When cooperatives demonstrate that they can consistently produce quality coffee, they gain the confidence of buyers, banks and investors. This opens the door to partnerships and access to larger markets,” she said.
Augustin Nkundimana, founder of Rwanda-based Agric AI, which develops artificial intelligence technology for agriculture, said the company has started helping Rwandan coffee farmers identify diseases and pests affecting their crops through images.
He encouraged farmers to adopt the technology, saying its information is currently between 70% and 90% accurate. This, he said, gives farmers an opportunity to identify problems affecting their coffee plants early and take action to protect their crops.
The conference concluded with a fundraising dinner to support Sustainable Growers’ coffee-related initiatives.
Coffee farmers, particularly those from across the region, shared their positive takeaways from the coffee conference held in Rwanda.Participants discussed developments in the global coffee industry.Delphine Chassaigne, a coffee buyer at French coffee processing company Destination France, said consistent quality is key to building long-term relationships between cooperatives and buyers.Mukamusoni Ruth, President of Mayogi Coffee Cooperative, which grows and processes coffee in Gicumbi District and receives training from Sustainable Growers, said access to financing is increasingly important for cooperatives seeking to operate professionally.Augustin Nkundimana, founder of Rwanda-based Agric AI, which develops artificial intelligence technology for agriculture, said the company has started helping Rwandan coffee farmers identify diseases and pests affecting their crops through images.Participants at the coffee development conference came from more than 17 countries.The conference concluded with a fundraising dinner to support Sustainable Growers’ coffee-related initiatives.
