The ferry, coming from the town of Minova in the South Kivu province, capsized near the port of Kituku, on the outskirts of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province.
In the report addressed to the central government in Kinshasa, the provincial government also spoke of 78 people still missing. The 87 bodies recovered were transported to the morgue of the general hospital in Goma and nine other survivors were taken to hospital.
The number of passengers aboard the boat remains unknown. Local sources, however, told Xinhua a “significant overload” of the boat.
The boat failed to withstand a violent wave before it capsized about 700 m away from the port, said staff of the Kituku port.
Till late Thursday, the population still gathered at the port of Kituku with anxiety and the hope of finding the bodies of their loved ones, observed Xinhua.
The roads between Goma and Minova have been cut off for months due to hostilities between armed groups and the DRC military. Cases of boat accidents are frequent on Lake Kivu due to strong winds and overloading.
The first edition of B-READY assessed the business environments of 50 global economies, focusing on three pillars: regulatory frameworks, public service delivery, and operational efficiency. The report focuses on ten indicators, which include Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services (water, electricity, and internet), Labour Force, Financial Services (access), International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition (Public Procurement), and Business Insolvency.
Rwanda performed exceptionally well in several key areas. In terms of Operational Efficiency, the country earned an impressive score of 81.31%, ranking 3rd globally. For Public Services, Rwanda scored 67.37%, placing 8th in the world. Additionally, the country achieved a score of 70.35% in the Regulatory Framework, securing the 17th spot globally.
The scores position Rwanda as one of the top-performing countries worldwide and the top-performing country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of operational efficiency, Rwanda remains one of the fastest countries in Africa and globally for company registration. This efficiency stands in contrast to global averages of 32 days for domestic firms and 39 days for foreign firms, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional leader in ease of doing business.
Other measures that have encouraged investments include free online business registration, automated tax filing and payments, one-stop center services for business permits and licenses, and support for foreign ownership and ease of profit repatriation.
In Public Services, Rwanda’s digitization of public services has been a key driver of its strong performance. Systems like the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for the judiciary and the e-titles system for land services have streamlined processes, reducing both the time and cost of doing business. These innovations play a vital role in enhancing the overall business environment.
Additionally, Rwanda’s regulatory reforms continue to enhance its global competitiveness. Recent legislative efforts, including the 2021 Investment Promotion Law, the Company Law, and the Insolvency Law, have created a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Furthermore, Rwanda’s commercial courts and streamlined processes for business registration and dispute resolution set benchmarks for the region.
On environmental sustainability, the B-READY report highlights Rwanda’s leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into its business practices. Initiatives such as e-mobility and renewable energy demonstrate the country’s commitment to a green economy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.
Rwanda’s holistic approach to reform also prioritizes good governance, macroeconomic stability, and anti-corruption measures, all of which have contributed to its favourable rankings in the B-READY report.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment, stated that this performance demonstrates the country’s sustained drive to enhance its business environment and foster a welcoming climate for investors.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the RDB, participated in the launch of the World Bank report in Washington, D.C., United States. He acknowledged the good performance and pledged to further improve the business environment. Ongoing initiatives include the digitization of the One Stop Center, upgrades to business and mortgage registration systems, and the integration of trade services under a Single Transaction Portal.
“Rwanda’s performance in the B-READY report reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector growth and investment. These reforms are the foundation of our socioeconomic transformation, and we will continue to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and efficiency to attract investment and grow the private sector.”
According to the World Bank, the B-READY report will offer countries a roadmap to create a business climate that benefits firms, consumers, the environment, and society as a whole. The 2025 report will assess more than 100 economies, and in 2026, the coverage will expand to about 180 economies.
Through the Swedish Energy Agency, the Kingdom of Sweden has voluntarily supported a cooperation initiative for countries willing to reach their respective mitigation targets as per the provisions of the article.
By working together and trading carbon credits, countries can achieve larger emission reductions than what they otherwise would have been able to with their own resources.
The MoU, signed in Kigali, marks a significant step in the joint efforts to
address climate change and deepen the cooperation between the two countries in relation to their climate mitigation efforts.
The partnership sets the stage for both nations to collaborate on areas of mutual interest, particularly in climate change mitigation, as well as in supporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of each country.
Shortly after signing the cooperation pact, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, explains that this will foster joint initiatives such as technical analysis, capacity building, and the development of joint work plans.
According to her, this is very important since it supports Rwanda’s already existing targets on climate change mitigation and paves way for potential legally binding agreements that can further both parties’ joint objectives.
“This partnership with the Swedish Energy Agency reinforces Rwanda’s commitment of implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and advancing our Nationally Determined Contributions,” she said.
“Rwanda is eager to leverage this partnership to not only to meet our climate targets but also foster sustainable development that benefits both our environment and our people,” she added.
Through this collaboration, both Rwanda and Sweden will also engage in dialogue and organize activities and meetings with stakeholders, aiming to promote bilateral cooperation in achieving climate mitigation goals.
Martina Fors Mohlin, Chargé d´affaires Embassy of Sweden in Kigali also highlighted the significance of the agreement, commending Rwanda for its efforts.
“Rwanda has shown that it is possible to combine economic growth with ambitious climate mitigation goals. Through its initiatives for a long-term green transition, Rwanda is an inspiration for other countries,” she said.
Martina emphasized that Sweden is committed to financing high-quality greenhouse gas mitigation activities in Rwanda that provide substantial contributions to the energy transition in the country
The MoU sets the foundation for Rwanda and Sweden to develop a Bilateral
Cooperation Agreement which would enable Sweden to finance emission reduction projects in Rwanda.
According to her, this will support Rwanda and Sweden’s national efforts to meet their climate targets and drive sustainable development.
The Swedish Energy Agency is the country´s lead agency on Article 6, with a mandate from the Swedish government to enter into bilateral agreements with other countries.
In a statement, the government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment in Rwanda said the country has responded swiftly and proactively to contain the virus since the first cases were identified a week ago.
The management expressed confidence that the measures put in place were satisfactory and encouraged businesses to continue operating normally, while also urging business owners to follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and providing hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances.
“These measures are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers,” the statement reads.
Regarding tourists, RDB stated that tourism in Rwanda remains safe, with the health and safety of visitors being a top priority.
“Visitors can travel with confidence, knowing that all necessary action is being taken to prevent the spread of Marburg,” RDB assured.
The agency noted that since Marburg is not airborne and does not spread asymptomatically, the likelihood of travel restrictions coming into effect is minimal.
“Tourists can rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices,” RDB added.
RDB also confirmed that Rwanda, which has become a hub for hosting international events, continues to host events safely, ensuring that the health and safety of attendees are the highest priority.
The agency directed event venues to implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities, and encouraging minimal close contact between attendees.
“This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff,” RDB stated.
The agency also assured investors of government interventions, saying the proactive public health measures put in place effectively balance the need for public safety with the importance of maintaining economic stability. This ensures that Rwanda remains open for investors.
“Rwanda’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors,” the agency added.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak on Friday, September 27, 2024, with 37 cases and 11 deaths reported so far.
To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including heightened contact tracing, suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
He made the disclosure on Thursday during a press briefing on the Marburg outbreak, co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
“We expect around 5,000 doses of Remdesivir for emergency treatment of patients that are highly in need,” he said.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27.
Reports show that five people have recovered, 11 have died, and 21 others are still receiving medical care.
In addition to receiving antiviral treatment, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted ongoing discussions with several organizations to accelerate the development and distribution of a Marburg vaccine, which could be available in Rwanda in the near future.
Rwandan health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus.
Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, reassured travelers that the situation is under control.
“We are flying to Rwanda. I will be in Rwanda, attending meetings. It’s an outbreak that is managed and, as we have outbreaks in all other countries, there is no travel ban. And I repeat it: travellers should not cancel their trips to Rwanda,” Kaseya emphasized.
The Africa CDC has confirmed that it will send specialists to Rwanda next week to support the country’s efforts in managing the outbreak.
Health officials note that individuals infected with Marburg may remain asymptomatic for three to 21 days, although some cases develop symptoms sooner.
Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the condition worsens as the body deteriorates.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend maintaining strict hygiene practices and avoiding the sharing of personal items with individuals exhibiting Marburg-like symptoms.
“This was unveiled on Wednesday October 2, 2024 during the data & information engagement workshop for Protected and Conserved Areas at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, Kenya.
“The workshop offers a platform to showcase our progress on data for Protected and Conserved Areas and to explore how data can drive impactful conservation efforts,” said RCMRD Director General, Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza.
It will serve as a one-stop platform for up-to-date data, interactive mapping, and analytical tools aimed at enhancing ecosystem monitoring and decision-making.
The portal will also enable users to track biodiversity, forest cover, and seascape ecosystems across borders, helping stakeholders respond proactively to environmental challenges.
It is also expected to promote data-sharing between countries and institutions, ensuring cross-border cooperation for effective ecosystem management.
The RCoE data geoportal provides access to key data for the conservation of the ecosystems in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is seen an essential resource for governments, conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities across the region.
At the launch, Dr. Faith Nyokabi the Head of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) at the Ministry of Environment and represented Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary in charge of the State Department for Environment and Climate.
“The ability to track environmental changes in real-time, analyse trends, and predict future scenarios will enable us to make informed decisions that protect our environment while promoting sustainable development,” she said.
The workshop, themed “Leveraging Data Insights for Impactful and Sustainable Ecosystems,” brought together conservationists, policymakers, and data specialists from 24 project countries, including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini and Ethiopia.
Other countries represented were Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the hosts Kenya.
Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, the Chief Executive Officer at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Director General of ICRAF explained that the goal is to equip communities, governments, and organizations with the information and tools they need to manage ecosystems sustainably.
“By bringing together experts from across eastern and southern Africa, we are fostering a culture of shared learning, innovation, and collaboration,” she noted.
The four-day workshop which ends today Friday October 4, 2024, has strengthened relationships with institutions managing data on protected areas and demonstrated the importance of data in decision-making for governance and conservation.
The RCoE’s data management process was showcased and defined its role in helping countries track progress on global biodiversity framework targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The RCoE expressed commitment to providing access to actionable data that will enable various communities to participate in conservation efforts and take ownership of local ecosystem management.
In addition to the five recoveries, it was noted that no fatalities were reported on the same day. Of the 1,009 new tests conducted, one person tested positive, bringing the total number of patients currently receiving medical treatment to 21.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, expressed optimism in a post on X, stating, “Today, five have recovered. They are in good health and will return home tomorrow. Let’s thank the healthcare workers who attended to them. We will defeat Marburg.”
Health officials have explained that Marburg can be contracted without showing symptoms for three to 21 days, although symptoms may sometimes appear sooner.
The initial symptoms of the disease often resemble other illnesses, particularly malaria, and include sudden high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, and digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen, causing the body to deteriorate. Medical experts note that early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
To prevent further transmission, health authorities are urging Rwandans to maintain proper hygiene and avoid sharing personal items with individuals showing symptoms similar to Marburg.
Rwandan authorities have also disclosed that efforts to contain the outbreak are underway, with vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials set to begin in the near future.
Additionally, international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States, and the United Kingdom have pledged their support for Rwanda’s response to the disease.
Strettch was among over 70 startups that participated in the contest organized by the Ministry of ICT and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) under the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, which is currently being piloted. This framework aims to enable public institutions to procure solutions from the innovation ecosystem.
The current research and innovation project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first project focused on health.
The first phase of the project implementation began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a meeting between the partners and Strettch software engineers at the Rwanda Polytechnic Campus in Kicukiro.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Ephrem Musonera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development, and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic; Parfait Yongabo, the Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Research, and Consultancy at Rwanda Polytechnic; Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA; Dr. Said Ngoga, Technology Innovation Division Manager at RISA; and representatives from PWC Rwanda.
PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.
Yongabo stated that the project will create digital solutions for institutional challenges, primarily supporting students and lecturers in their mandate of teaching, learning, and research.
The platform will enable students to document their learning journeys, support the implementation of innovative projects for both students and researchers, and foster collaborations.
The platform will also increase the visibility of students to potential employers through the generation of eCVs or e-portfolios.
“The portal will be able to generate e-portfolios where employers can quickly access a summary of the competencies and skills of the students. If they are interested, they can reach out to them for employment opportunities,” Yongabo explained.
Additionally, the platform will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence assistance to increase its efficiency and save students and researchers time.
Yongabo noted that while many of the companies that expressed interest in developing the platform had good solutions, Strettch provided the best solution that responded effectively to the challenge at hand.
Sauvé Jean-Luc, the co-founder and CEO of Strettch, was ecstatic that their startup won the bid, noting that the victory came after intense preparations and sleepless nights.
“We were very happy to hear that we were among the finalists because we also had to pitch and do intensive work after pitching,” Jean-Luc explained.
“More than 70 startups applied. It was very tough. We had a tight timeline and had to work hard to make the most of every hour. We needed to understand the problem and the client’s needs while being creative, too.”
The 21-year-old made the presentation alongside Libériste Clarance, one of the five founding members of the company. Both are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, an institution they credit for their skills and exposure.
“Rwanda Coding Academy trained us from the ground up as engineers and encouraged us to think outside the box. We gained knowledge across different sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We learned a lot, so we feel the need to give back more than what is expected,” Jean-Luc said.
The startup founders intend to use the new funding to develop the project and scale up their operations to create even bigger impact.
Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, emphasized that the PPI initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of startups by removing obstacles in traditional procurement.
This will allow emerging companies to compete on equal footing with more established firms, helping them gain valuable experience and contribute to innovation.
“For young startups, tendering their solutions through normal procurement procedures is not possible, as it often requires five to ten years of experience to bid for certain tenders. But with this policy, young startups are being supported to participate regardless of the experience they may lack, so it’s a privilege for JICA to support them,” she quipped.
This follows the 45th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie (CMF) held Thursday September 3, 2024 chaired by IOF Secretary General Loiuse Mushikiwabo, also attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Held under the theme “Create, innovate, and do business in French,” the 19th Francophonie Summit, also called Villers-Cotterêts Summit, will have a special focus on youth employment.
During the preparatory meeting, Minister Nduhungirehe announced to his peers the anticipated reception of the 46th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie in Kigali in 2025.
On the first day of the Summit tomorrow, the President and First Lady will attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts, a town 80 km north-east of Paris where French was declared the official language of France in 1539, replacing Latin.
Later in the evening, they will join other dignitaries for a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Élysée Palace.
On the second day of the Summit, President Kagame will attend a closed roundtable session on “Renewed Multilateralism” chaired by President Macron, followed by a closed door session.
The Summit will conclude with the adoption of the Villers-Cotterêts Declaration.
While Israel’s defense systems, supported by the United States, managed to intercept many of the missiles, the situation still posed a significant threat to civilian life.
Speaking with IGIHE, Israel’s ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, described the situation as “surreal,” with over 10 million people forced into temporary shelters across the country.
This latest attack is seen by Israel as part of a broader strategy by Iran to destabilize the region and support militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
{{Unprecedented missile attack}}
The missile barrage came just hours after a deadly train station attack in Israel, which killed seven civilians.
Speaking with IGIHE, Ambassador Weiss recounted the events, highlighting the sheer magnitude of the missile strike.
“We had 181 missiles launched at Israel for an hour, primarily targeting Tel Aviv. The streets, the country was shut down basically,” she said.
Weiss emphasized that the Israeli government’s decision to instruct millions of civilians to take shelter was not taken lightly.
“Think about it—these ballistic missiles weigh around one ton each. Without our defense capabilities, particularly the Hetz missile system, which intercepted many of the missiles, we would have seen thousands of casualties. It’s no wonder the Home Front Command took immediate action.”
Despite Israel’s ability to neutralize many of the threats, Weiss noted that the silence from the international community has been “mind-boggling.”
She expressed frustration that Iran’s direct assault on civilians has not been met with global condemnation.
“If Israel had launched 181 missiles at another country, the international outcry would have been immediate. But when Iran does this, the world remains silent,” she remarked.
{{Facing conflict on multiple fronts}}
In addition to the missile strikes from Iran, Israel is engaged in an ongoing battle with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Ambassador Weiss outlined the scope of the threat, explaining that Israel is being forced to defend itself from all sides.
“We have Hezbollah in the North, Hamas in the South, and now Iran, 2,000 kilometers to the East. This is not a normal situation.”
Israel’s military operations in Lebanon are a direct response to intelligence suggesting that Hezbollah was planning an attack similar to Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel, which left over 1000 civilians dead.
“We had intelligence confirming that Hezbollah was planning an attack on Galilee, using a network of tunnels like those in Gaza. We had no option but to act,” Weiss explained.
She stressed that Israel’s response is driven by the need to protect its citizens and prevent further loss of life.
“These terrorist groups are not leaving us with any option,” she said.
{{Iran’s role in the conflict}}
Following the recent missile attack, Iran’s Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, announced on state television that Iran would target critical infrastructure across Israel if Israel chose to retaliate.
Bagheri warned that the strikes would intensify and focus on key infrastructure sites across the country.
Iran framed the attack as a response to what it described as the “violation of its sovereignty” and the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Tehran in July—a blast for which Iranian officials blamed Israel, though Israeli authorities have not officially claimed responsibility.
The attack is also linked to the killing of Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasralla in Israeli airstrikes on September 27, 2024. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had vowed to avenge Nasrallah’s death.
However, Iran’s involvement in the conflict is seen by Israel as a clear demonstration of its strategy to use proxies to destabilize the region.
Weiss accused Iran of using Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi militia in Yemen as tools to further its agenda.
She also pointed out that Iran’s aggression extends beyond Israel, posing a broader threat to international security.
Despite these threats, Israel continues to call for the enforcement of international agreements, particularly UN Resolution 1701, which demands Hezbollah’s disarmament in Lebanon.
“This is an international resolution, not an Israeli one,” Weiss stated. “Yet it is not being enforced, and Hezbollah continues to operate freely in Lebanon.”
{{Frustration with global inaction}}
Ambassador Weiss expressed deep frustration with the international community’s reluctance to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
She highlighted what she perceives as a double standard in how Israel’s actions are viewed compared to those of its adversaries.
As she said, Iran is being embraced by the international community despite their direct involvement in terrorism while Israel is the one facing criticism for defending itself.
Weiss noted that while Israel is doing everything it can to minimize civilian casualties, including issuing warnings before attacks, the international response remains skewed against Israel.
“We go out of our way to avoid civilian casualties, even putting our own soldiers at risk. When we retaliate and people die for collateral damage, because that’s war, then the blame instead of being on Hamas is being on Israel. Now, the expectation that we do not retaliate is insane.”
This, she argued, is contributing to a dangerous precedent, where terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah are emboldened by the lack of consequences for their actions.
“The biggest winner of this year is Iran. They continue to support terrorism with no repercussions. The international community needs to send a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated.”
{{A call for global support}}
As Israel continues to defend itself on multiple fronts, it is calling for greater support from the international community.
Weiss emphasized that the world cannot afford to ignore Iran’s actions, as the consequences will not be limited to Israel.
“Iran is against everything that is liberal or different from them. They will go after anyone who doesn’t align with their ideology,” she warned.
Despite the challenges, Weiss remains hopeful that Israel’s resilience will see the country through this difficult period.
“Our goal is simple: to protect our people and ensure they can return to their homes safely. We want peace, but we cannot allow these terrorist groups to continue attacking us without consequence.”
{{Way forward}}
As the conflict drags on, Ambassador Weiss made it clear that Israel will not back down.
She explained that Israel has to defend itself noting that the international community cannot expect the country to sit by while its citizens are under attack.
Weiss also expressed concern that Iran’s aggression could spill over into other regions, particularly Europe and Africa and called on the international community to take a stand against Iran’s actions.
