Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.
The meeting was chaired by Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, with all participants agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts to resolve security threats in the region.
Nduhungirehe stated that the ministers endorsed the resolutions of senior military officials from EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which focused on ceasing hostilities, ending provocations, and ensuring humanitarian assistance in eastern DRC.
He further explained that discussions also revolved around the political dialogue framework under the Luanda-Nairobi process, which seeks to resolve the DRC crisis through diplomatic engagement. This process will be facilitated by three mediators.
They are Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya and Desalegn Hailemariam the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
This EAC ministerial meeting precedes a joint session between EAC and SADC ministers, set to take place on March 17, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, where further deliberations on ending the conflict in eastern DRC will be held.
The discussions build on decisions made by EAC and SADC heads of state during their summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, which called for an end to hostilities, cessation of provocations, and facilitation of humanitarian efforts in the conflict zone.
The minister’s remarks followed a statement issued during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, held from March 12 to 14, 2025.
The G7, in its statement, accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and stated that the group’s military offensive was a violation of DRC’s territorial integrity. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these claims.
The bloc further urged all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, supporting the mediation efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Additionally, it called for accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reacting to the G7 statement, Nduhungirehe took to social media to dismiss it as a “recycled formula” that ignores Rwanda’s legitimate security concerns and the key root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo, including decades of persecution of Congolese Tutsi.
“These recycled formulas, forwarded from a western capital to another, 1) which minimise the support of the DRC government to the FDLR genocidal militia, 2) which overlook the security concerns of Rwanda, 3) which condoned the deployment of European mercenaries at our border, 4) which disregard the continued persecution of the Congolese Tutsi in eastern DRC, and 5) which pay lip service to the Africa-led peace process, are really tiresome,” he wrote in a post on X.
He further emphasised that Rwanda remains committed to supporting the ongoing EAC-SADC peace process to find a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC, despite what he termed as “politically and/or economically motivated statements from overseas.”
The G7 forum brings together the leaders of seven of the world’s advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Rwanda recently termed sanctions from some of the members as counterproductive to efforts to restore peace in eastern Congo.
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Rwanda has consistently accused the DRC of harbouring and supporting the FDLR, which it considers a direct security threat.
Kigali argues that the FDLR, which collaborates with the Congolese army, seeks to destabilise Rwanda and push for regime change.
Despite these concerns, international actors, including the G7, have primarily focused on Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 while giving less attention to the presence and activities of the FDLR.
The conflict in eastern DRC has seen renewed violence, with the M23, which insists it is fighting for the rights of marginalised communities in eastern Congo, capturing key territories.
The group is scheduled for peace talks with the Congolese government in Angola on March 18, with the aim of resolving the conflict through a peace deal, after the military solution by Congo failed.
Held in Kigali, the competition’s Grand Finale marked a significant moment for the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, recognizing the top ten most impactful and innovative business leaders selected from nearly 20,000 applicants.
Gueye, whose company EYONE is revolutionizing digital healthcare across Africa, took home the top prize of US$300,000.
His company’s mission is to create a connected healthcare ecosystem that facilitates access to quality medical services for patients while improving coordination between healthcare providers, insurers, and government institutions.
The first runner-up, Dr. Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder and CEO of GREEN WATECH from Morocco, secured US$250,000 for her innovative work in water management solutions.
Kenyan entrepreneur Alexander Odhiambo, Founder and CEO of Solutech Limited, took third place, winning US$150,000 for his company’s efforts in digital transformation for businesses.
The ABH competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has become one of the most prestigious platforms for African entrepreneurs.
This year’s competition was held under the theme “AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact,” highlighting the role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving solutions across industries.
The selection process was rigorous, with the Top 10 finalists pitching their businesses before a live audience and an esteemed judging panel.
The panel featured high-profile business leaders, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre; and Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies.
The judges assessed each entrepreneur based on their business model, scalability, innovation, and potential for social impact.
Speaking after being crowned champion, Gueye said, “I am very proud to be announced as the winner of the 2024 ABH Prize Competition. This achievement is the result of a lot of hard work, and I am incredibly proud of my team. It’s a significant milestone for us, and it serves as an encouragement for us to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses.”
The competition also highlighted the increasing role of AI and technology in Africa’s economic landscape. ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the significance of this year’s innovations.
“Congratulations to Henri and all our finalists! As we celebrate their success, we’re excited to launch the 2025 call for applications and continue empowering Africa’s next business leaders,” she said.
The ABH Summit and Grand Finale brought together over 1,600 participants, including top-tier investors, policymakers, and thought leaders.
The event featured a series of interactive sessions, including TED-style ABHx talks, financing masterclasses, and networking experiences such as the ABH Heroes’ Circle business ‘roast’ and Networking in the Dark, a unique blindfolded networking event.
During the event, ABH judge Ibukun Awosika underscored the importance of leveraging African intelligence and homegrown solutions in shaping the continent’s future.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by those who see challenges as opportunities and take action,” she remarked, stressing the role of purpose-driven leadership and lived experiences in fostering impactful entrepreneurship.
Further reinforcing its commitment to African entrepreneurship, ABH announced that Rwanda will continue to host the Summit and Grand Finale for the next four years.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) were recognized as key partners, with the Bank of Kigali also supporting the event.
On his behalf, Jean-Guy Afrika, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in Africa.
“Entrepreneurship holds enormous significance for Africa’s economic growth, as it fuels innovation, creates opportunities, and builds sustainable industries. Our continent is home to more than 50 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which significantly boost GDP.
He expressed Rwanda’s commitment to the ABH initiative. “ Since its inception in 2019, ABH has profoundly impacted Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, engaging over 120,000 entrepreneurs. Rwanda is honored to host this prestigious event, not just this year, but for the next five years,” he said
The event concluded with the official launch of the 2025 ABH call for applications, inviting African entrepreneurs to compete for their share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
President Lourenço’s office announced that talks between M23 representatives and the DRC government are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2025.
The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the Congolese government, has insisted that President Félix Tshisekedi must clearly demonstrate his willingness to engage in dialogue.
The invitation, signed by Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, states that at the request of President Lourenço and in alignment with the African Union’s peace and security efforts in eastern DRC, AFC/M23 is formally invited to the discussions.
The letter further reads: “The Government of Angola is pleased to invite you to participate in direct negotiations with the Government of the DRC, scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola.”
Recently, AFC/M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, expressed appreciation for President Lourenço’s continued efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC.
However, he also noted that the DRC government has repeatedly stated that it has no intention of negotiating with AFC/M23, and therefore, M23 fighters need a clear confirmation that Tshisekedi has changed his stance.
On February 8, 2025, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met and agreed that hostilities and provocations should cease, and that the DRC government should enter negotiations with AFC/M23.
However, the DRC government has consistently refused to engage with M23, labeling it a terrorist group that harms civilians, a claim that M23 has denied, asserting instead that it protects local communities.
Following the announcement of the negotiation date, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that the group’s fighters were prepared to defeat Tshisekedi militarily until he agrees to peace talks.
The news was announced on March 15, 2025, through a statement released by the Office of the President on X.
The statement read: “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received the outgoing Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, and the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Rwanda, Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio, for farewell meetings as they completed their tour of duty.”
Prior to meeting with President Kagame, the two diplomats had also been received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to strengthening relations between their respective countries and Rwanda during their tenure.
Ambassador Wang Xuekun had presented his credentials to President Kagame in September 2022, replacing Ambassador Rao Hongwei, who had served as China’s envoy to Rwanda since 2016. Similarly, Ambassador Eduardo Filomeno Leiro Octávio had presented his credentials in December 2018.
During his appointment, Ambassador Octávio highlighted the strengthening ties between Rwanda and Angola in politics, economic collaboration, and other sectors. One notable milestone in this partnership was Angola’s decision to waive tourist visa requirements for Rwandans.
The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and both China and Angola continue to flourish. This year marks 54 years of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation, which has led to various developmental benefits.
For instance, by the end of 2019, approximately 1,600 Rwandan students were studying in China, with China having granted scholarships to Rwandans since 1976.
In healthcare, China has made significant contributions, having sent 258 medical professionals to Rwanda since 1982, treating over 700,000 patients and conducting over 37,000 surgeries.
Chinese investment in Rwanda is also growing, with notable projects such as the Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a cement manufacturing plant in Muhanga District, which employs over 7,000 people.
The company ranks as the ninth-largest in China and the 23rd among the world’s major industrial firms. Similarly, Rwanda and Angola continue to strengthen economic ties.
In 2022, the two governments began implementing an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income, further enhancing economic cooperation.
Additionally, Angola has played a crucial role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding conflicts in eastern DRC under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi.
This conversation took center stage at the 4th Annual Conference organized on March 14, 2025, by Happy Family Rwanda Organization in partnership with UNESCO under its Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) program.
Since 2022, this gathering has provided a platform for religious leaders and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening families and empowering the youth.
This year, the focus was on how religious institutions and the media can contribute to reproductive health education.
Dr. Ben Alexandre Mpozenzi, who oversees education, health, and social welfare programs at UNESCO Rwanda, emphasized that religious leaders and the media are key influencers in shaping youth perceptions, particularly in matters of sexual and reproductive health.
Justin Nsengimana Rafiki, Executive Director of Happy Family Rwanda Organization, highlighted the need for collaboration with religious institutions to combat teenage pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence.
He explained that faith leaders hold significant influence over their congregations, making them ideal messengers for essential reproductive health knowledge.
Leaders from various religious denominations reaffirmed their commitment to incorporating reproductive health education into their teachings while ensuring that moral and spiritual values remain intact.
Bishop Antoine Dr. Nzayisenga, head of the Anglican Mission Episcopal Church, stated that addressing reproductive health aligns with religious teachings rather than contradicting them.
He noted that as spiritual leaders, they are responsible for both the spiritual and physical well-being of their congregants.
Sabine Gasengayire, leader of Efatha Church, shared that her church has already taken steps to integrate reproductive health education into their programs. She explained that three times a month, they hold sessions for children aged 12 and above, providing separate discussions for boys and girls as well as joint lessons.
This approach, she said, helps counter misinformation that young people may receive from unreliable sources.
She encouraged other religious leaders to embrace similar initiatives, stressing that it is vital for young people to understand their bodies, recognize potential risks, and learn how to make informed decisions that safeguard their future.
She added that such education ensures that young people grow into responsible adults who contribute positively to both their faith and society.
The conference also addressed the role of the media in reproductive health education, urging media outlets to focus on content that informs and empowers young people rather than promoting misleading narratives.
Evariste Nkunda, Head of Health and Social Welfare in Nyarugenge District, commended religious institutions for their involvement in tackling societal challenges.
He emphasized that the government alone cannot address all issues affecting young people and families, making the role of faith-based organizations essential in fostering positive change.
Happy Family Rwanda Organization continues to lead various programs focused on health, education, and economic empowerment to strengthen families and communities.
According to a statement from his office, President Lourenço emphasized that ending hostilities would create a favorable environment for the upcoming peace talks between representatives of the DRC government and the M23 armed group, scheduled for March 18, 2025.
“His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, acting as a mediator in the peace negotiations, has called on all warring parties to cease fighting in eastern DRC from midnight on March 16, 2025,” the statement read.
The Angolan leader further stressed that the ceasefire must include an end to violence against civilians and a halt to territorial advances.
Lourenço’s intervention follows a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on March 11, 2025, where efforts to restore peace in the region were discussed.
Tensions between Rwanda and Belgium began escalating when the Belgian government rejected Rwanda’s appointed ambassador, Vincent Karega, in July 2023.
This decision was made without prior consultation with the Rwandan government and was first announced on an online platform used by Rwandans in Brussels who are known for denying and downplaying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In response, Rwanda discreetly refused to accept Belgium’s newly appointed ambassador in the summer of 2024. Speaking to RTBF Radio and Television, Minister Nduhungirehe explained, “In diplomatic terms, this is called reciprocity.”
Belgium has been the most vocal European country advocating for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of having troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and of supporting the M23 armed group.
As a result, in February 2025, Rwanda suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, stating that Belgium had chosen to align itself with the DRC while attempting to block Rwanda from accessing international development aid.
Nduhungirehe clarified that M23 is a Congolese movement fighting for the rights of Congolese citizens of Rwandan cultural heritage, who have been marginalized and mistreated in the DRC.
“They are mostly Tutsi, who ended up there due to colonial border decisions. And Belgium played a major role in this issue,” he emphasized.
He reiterated that Rwanda does not have troops in the DRC but has deployed defensive measures along its border to counter potential threats from the neighboring country.
“Rwanda is not occupying Congolese territory. We have put in place border defense strategies to prevent threats against our land. For 30 years, the group that carried out the Genocide against the Tutsi has been supported by successive Congolese governments and has continuously launched attacks on our territory alongside the Congolese army,” he explained.
He also recalled that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi publicly declared his intention to bomb Kigali and that, following the battle in Goma at the end of January 2025, weapons intended for an attack on Rwanda were discovered near the border.
This week, Nduhungirehe visited Belgium for discussions with European Union (EU) officials in Brussels.
Upon learning of the visit, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot invited Minister Nduhungirehe for a meeting, but the Rwandan minister declined.
“I personally invited my Rwandan counterpart for a meeting this week when I learned at the last minute about his visit to Brussels. I was disappointed that he did not take this opportunity, as he informed us that his schedule would not allow it,” said Prévot.
Nduhungirehe told the media that Belgium is solely responsible for the strained relations between the two countries. “The deterioration of diplomatic ties between our two nations is entirely Belgium’s doing,” he stated.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, Prévot noted that Belgium and Rwanda continue to cooperate on prosecuting individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and assured that efforts will be made to maintain this collaboration.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday via a social media post, stating that Rasool was “no longer welcome in our great country.” He accused the ambassador of being a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS.”
Rubio’s comments were linked to a report by right-wing media outlet Breitbart, which highlighted Rasool’s remarks in an online lecture where he criticized Trump’s 2024 election campaign. In his speech, Rasool alleged that Trump had mobilized a “supremacist instinct” and “white victimhood” to gain political traction.
In response, the South African presidency issued a statement on Saturday, calling the decision “regrettable.” The statement urged all parties to maintain “diplomatic decorum” and emphasized South Africa’s commitment to fostering a “mutually beneficial relationship” with the U.S.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that the government would engage with U.S. officials through diplomatic channels. Rasool’s expulsion comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The Trump administration has been openly critical of South Africa’s political stance on various global issues, particularly its support for Palestinian rights and its role in initiating a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the U.S. ally of genocide in Gaza.
Additionally, Trump has accused South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) of discriminating against the country’s white population.
In February, his administration froze foreign aid to South Africa and controversially offered expedited U.S. citizenship to white Afrikaners, claiming they faced “government-sponsored race-based discrimination.”
The South African government dismissed these claims as misleading and stated that its land reform policies aimed to address historical inequalities without violating property rights.
Reports indicate that since Trump’s return to office, Rasool has been unable to secure routine meetings with U.S. State Department officials and high-ranking Republican leaders.
The veteran diplomat, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015, returned to the role in January.
South African officials have condemned what they describe as “megaphone diplomacy,” with presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stating, “We are not going to partake in a counterproductive public exchange of words.”
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the announcement by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy that Rwanda will remain the exclusive host of the ABH Summit for the next four years.
Jason Pau, Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation, made the declaration, reinforcing Rwanda’s rising status as a hub for entrepreneurship in Africa.
“I am proud to announce that in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, we will host our finale here in Kigali for the next four years, through the tenth year of the ABH,” Pau stated.
The ABH competition, which began as the Africa NetPreneur Prize Initiative in 2019 with a $10 million investment spanning a decade, recognizes top African entrepreneurs annually.
Co-organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), and the Bank of Kigali (BK), the event provides a platform for African entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures and pitch for funding.
This year’s edition underscores the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business, with AI being the central theme. Pau encouraged entrepreneurs to integrate AI into their operations, emphasizing its transformative power.
“No matter what business you’re in, whether it’s agriculture or fashion, AI has the potential to transform your business,” he said.
The impact of ABH over the years has been remarkable. Pau revealed that past top ten finalists have collectively raised $180 million, serving 40 million consumers across the continent.
“Entrepreneurs are a driving force for good, creating jobs, economic growth, and providing innovative solutions. To all the entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporters, your time is truly now,” he added.
The competition’s reach continues to expand, with applications from all 54 African countries. The 2024 edition saw a surge in gender and regional representation, with female applicants reaching 39%, surpassing the five-year average of 30%.
This year, 40% of the top ten competitors are women, highlighting the increasing role of female entrepreneurs in shaping Africa’s business landscape.
Michelle Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer at RDB, praised the long-term partnership between Rwanda and ABH, calling it a powerful force for fostering entrepreneurship across the continent. “This partnership is a true example of what happens when vision meets action,” she said.
For young entrepreneurs like Cedrick Mupenzi, founder of Sinc Today, a startup that provides an all-in-one platform for event management, the ABH Summit represents a significant opportunity.
“We see this as a very good opportunity to learn, get investment if we can, solve challenges we face today, and also expand our business models into other markets,” Mupenzi remarked.
Former ABH winner Christelle Kwizera, founder and CEO of WaterAccess Rwanda, shared how the competition transformed her business. “When I won ABH in 2019, we actually doubled.
We had 63 employees, and now, WaterAccess Rwanda employs 122 people. So, it was quite impactful in terms of putting the company on a local and global map as well,” Kwizera said.
The influence of ABH continues to grow, with an increasing number of businesses benefiting from the initiative. Applications have surged from 9,366 in the first edition to 27,267 in 2024, with strong regional representation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Madagascar appeared in the Top 20 for the first time, and North African representation rose to 9%, up from a five-year average of 5%.
The summit’s semi-finals were hosted in North Africa for the first time, with Cairo, Egypt, serving as the venue in September 2024. The diversity and reach of the competition affirm its role as a transformative force in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Pau encouraged all aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity, reiterating the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity. “40% of our applications this year are from women.
We are inclusive, but we’re not doing it because we feel like women should be at the top or men should be at the top. We let the best entrepreneur win, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.
At today’s grand finale, ten top competitors will pitch their ventures for a share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
With Rwanda cementing itself as the home of ABH for the next four years, the country continues to position itself as a leading force in Africa’s entrepreneurial journey, fostering innovation and economic growth across the continent.
