Titled ‘Climate Justice in Tourism’, the publication was edited by Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Raymond Rastegar and Roshis Krishna Shrestha.
The book brings together research and case studies from around the world to explore the complex links between tourism development, climate change and social inequality.
Developed with input from researchers at the Griffith Institute for Tourism, the book is connected to the institute’s Climate Justice and Tourism research initiative. The project examines how climate policies in the tourism sector can be designed to address fairness and avoid deepening existing social and economic disparities.
Tourism remains one of the largest global industries and plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, especially through aviation and other forms of transport.
At the same time, many popular tourism destinations, including islands, coastal areas and nature-based sites, are among the most exposed to climate threats such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
Dr. Rastegar said the research highlights a fundamental contradiction within the sector.
“Tourism is both a contributor to the climate crisis and one of its victims,” he said. “If we want meaningful climate action in tourism, we must consider who benefits from tourism development and who bears the environmental and social costs.”
The book introduces a framework for examining justice within tourism, looking at how power structures, governance systems and global economic dynamics influence climate outcomes in the industry. It also questions traditional tourism models that prioritize economic growth while overlooking environmental sustainability and social wellbeing.
Instead, the contributors call for new approaches that respect the rights of local communities, indigenous peoples and ecosystems.
“Too often climate action focuses only on reducing emissions or protecting industry growth,” Dr. Rastegar said. “A climate justice perspective asks deeper questions about fairness, participation and responsibility, ensuring that climate policies support communities, workers and ecosystems rather than leaving them behind.”
Through interdisciplinary research and global case studies, the book offers insights for policymakers, researchers and industry leaders seeking more sustainable and equitable pathways for the future of tourism.
Tourism is both a contributor to the climate crisis and one of its victims
Hassan Sibomana, Director of the Vaccine Programmes Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), told The New Times that Gardasil 9 protects against nine HPV types, compared with the previous Gardasil 4, which covered only four. The additional strains allow broader prevention of HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine is administered in one or two doses depending on age, with two doses recommended for women 29 and older. Sibomana stressed that Gardasil 9 is safe, highly effective, and comparable in safety to its predecessor.
Currently, the rollout is limited to the four districts to monitor the vaccine’s effectiveness and acceptability before expanding nationwide. Once more doses are available, Gardasil 9 will be accessible at health facilities in the targeted areas, and communities will be informed.
“With broader coverage, we can accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer. Our target is 90% vaccination coverage, 70% of women screened, and treatment for 90% of those who test positive,” Sibomana said.
Rwanda has already achieved high HPV vaccination rates among 12-year-old girls, with more than 95% of districts reporting over 90% coverage. The Gardasil 9 rollout aligns with World Health Organization guidelines that extend HPV vaccination to adults, including women who were not covered when the program began in 2011.
The new vaccine is administered in one or two doses, depending on age, with two doses recommended for women 29 and older.
Cook, aged 32, is expected to arrive in Kigali on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will immediately join preparations with the team for Africa’s premier basketball competition.
Cook is a familiar name in the National Basketball Association (NBA), having won the championship twice: in 2018 with the Golden State Warriors and in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has also played for several other NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
He becomes the fourth new addition to APR BBC’s roster, following Leonard Craig Randall and Sudanese players Madut Akec and Mangok Mathiang. APR BBC will begin the tournament in the Kalahari Conference, which is scheduled to tip off on March 27, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Last year, APR BBC finished third in the BAL, and team management has now expressed strong ambitions to win the championship, especially with the finals set to take place in Kigali this May.
Quinn Cook won the NBA championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.Quinn Cook played alongside Kevin Durant with the Golden State Warriors. Quinn Cook spent two seasons with the Golden State Warriors.
The annual competition, organized under the NBR Engage Program, brings together secondary school students from across the country to test their knowledge of economics, finance, and the role of the central bank. The initiative aims to strengthen financial literacy among young people and empower a generation capable of making informed economic and financial decisions.
This year’s edition, which is the 8th edition, attracted 44 schools and 176 students, making it one of the most competitive rounds of the challenge since its inception. So far, NBR has created 50 clubs in different secondary schools bringing together over 1000 students.
Speaking during the grand finale, NBR Chief Economist Dr. Thierry Kalisa said the competition plays an important role in helping young Rwandans understand how the economy works and how they can contribute to national development.
“Through the NBR School Quiz Challenge, we aim to nurture a generation of young Rwandans who understand how the economy functions and who have the financial and economic literacy needed to participate meaningfully in our country’s development,” Dr. Kalisa said. He added that the competition is more than just an academic contest.
“This programme is not simply a test of knowledge. It is a platform that allows you as young people to discover the relevance of economics and finance in everyday life and to become ambassadors of financial literacy within your families and communities,” he said.
Dr. Kalisa also commended teachers and mentors from participating schools for their dedication in preparing the students for the competition.
“Your commitment to guiding learners through this challenge and beyond is the foundation upon which this initiative is built. The curiosity, teamwork, and discipline demonstrated by these students will serve them far beyond this stage,” he said.
Students from Ecole des Science de Byimana consulting one another during the NBR School Quiz challenge.
A growing initiative
The NBR School Quiz Challenge has steadily expanded since it was first introduced in 2019 as part of efforts to promote financial literacy among students.
The challenge primarily targets members of NBR Economic Clubs, which are established in secondary schools to promote understanding of financial and economic issues.
Schools participating in the clubs were initially selected based on top-performing institutions identified by the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) across all provinces. However, other schools that expressed interest were also given the opportunity to establish the clubs and participate in activities such as the quiz challenge.
A multi stage competition
The competition is conducted through several stages designed to test students’ knowledge and analytical skills.
The preliminary rounds, held in late January and early February, brought together schools within their respective provinces. The top schools from each province then progressed to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, before the best two teams advanced to the Grand Finale held on March 4 at the NBR headquarters in Kigali.
Throughout the competition, students answered questions covering topics such as monetary policy, financial systems, and the role of the central bank in managing the country’s economy.
The questions are designed to promote critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving, while interactive elements such as joker cards, which teams can use once per round, add an element of strategy and excitement.
FAWE Girls students exchanging ideas during the competition.
Students reflect on the experience
For the students, the competition provided a valuable learning experience beyond their regular classroom studies.
Anita Niyonsaba, 17, from FAWE Girls’ School, said the challenge helped her understand the importance of financial knowledge in everyday life.
“Participating in the NBR School Quiz Challenge opened my eyes to how the country’s financial system works and how the economy affects every citizen,” Niyonsaba, a S5 student pursuing Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, (PCM)) said.
“Even though we study sciences, understanding financial literacy is important because it prepares us to make informed decisions and contribute to the development of our country.” For Egide Tuyishimire, 19, from Ecole des Sciences de Byimana in Mathematics Chemistry and Biology (MCB) teamwork and persistence were key to their success.
“At the beginning it was challenging because economic topics were new to us since we study sciences,” he said. “But through teamwork, research, and curiosity, we were able to understand concepts such as monetary policy and how the National Bank supports the economy,” he added.
Each student was awarded a laptop and 400,000 Rwandan Francs bonds invested in national securities for them to start saving at an early age.
“The laptop we received will support our studies, while the treasury bonds introduce us to the culture of saving and investing for the future. It is a powerful lesson that encourages young people to think long-term.”
Students from Ecole de Sciences de Byimana and FAWE Girls school receiving awards.
Building a financially literate generation
Judith Nabaasa, the Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) emphasized that initiatives such as the NBR School Quiz Challenge are essential for Rwanda’s long-term development.
“Economic and financial literacy is fundamental for Rwanda’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. The choices we make as consumers, savers, and future professionals shape the trajectory of our economy,” she said.
As the programme continues to grow, the National Bank of Rwanda says it will keep expanding initiatives that promote economic and financial literacy among young people.
Dr. Thierry Kalisa, NBR Chief economist delivering a speech during NBR School Quiz Challenge.Judith Nabaasa, the Chief Economist at MINECOFIN speaking during the NBR School quiz competition.
Only one day after King James released “Ndi Uwawe,” Bolingo Paccy, who produced the track and also contributed to writing it, reported the song to YouTube, requesting its removal. He said the decision was made because some of the agreements reached during the production of the song were not respected.
The dispute also affected another song, “Ndagushaka,” which King James had recently released in collaboration with Muttima. Bolingo Paccy used his studio, UB Studio Rwanda, to file a complaint about this song as well.
Although Bolingo Paccy has not publicly detailed the exact nature of the disagreement with King James, he told IGIHE that the songs were removed because they were released without respecting the terms previously agreed upon.
“It’s true that I am the one who had them removed. There were things we had agreed on that were not respected. I kept trying to remind them that those agreements needed to be followed, but they didn’t do so. So I relied on the copyright protection rules on YouTube to have the songs taken down,” he said.
When asked whether he had discussions with King James’ team before the songs were removed, Bolingo Paccy explained that they contacted him only after the songs had already been taken down.
“They called me, and I connected them with people from the team I work with because I was very busy. I will try to find time to talk with them so we can see what can be done,” he added.
Meanwhile, as King James’ management team works on finding a solution to the issue, the artist is continuing preparations for a major concert scheduled for August 1, 2026, where he plans to celebrate 20 years in the music industry.
When attempting to play the song “Ndi Uwawe,” a notice appears indicating that the video has been removed following a claim filed by Bolingo Paccy.For the song “Ndagushaka,” a notice indicates that the video was removed following a copyright claim filed by UB Records Studio Rwanda, the studio owned by Bolingo Paccy.The latest development comes as King James prepares to celebrate 20 years in the music industry.
Women make up 87% of Duterimbere IMF’s workforce, a contribution recognised as central to the institution’s growth and success.
Speaking during the celebrations on Sunday, March 8, CEO Ngabonziza Alphonse said the institution’s goal is to elevate women and praised the pivotal role they play in driving the organisation’s growth and success.
“The majority of our Board members are women. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and the key role they play in decision-making, which enables our institution to advance steadily every day,” the CEO stated.
Uwimbabazi Hélène, Chairperson of the Board, highlighted the far-reaching impact of women, not only in the workplace but also in strengthening families and contributing to national development.
“Women are the heart of the home, and when they build strong families, it benefits the entire nation. There was a time when women were denied the right to work, own property, or participate in leadership and politics. Today, celebrating this day is a recognition of the progress we have made,” she remarked.
Mutamuriza Anitha, who has worked at Duterimbere IMF for the last 15 years, shared her personal journey of successfully balancing family responsibilities with a thriving professional career.
“I started working here with three young children. Despite the challenges, I was able to manage my home and deliver at work because I had a clear plan. Confidence and capability are key for women to reach their potential,” she said.
Duterimbere IMF Plc is a microfinance institution dedicated to empowering women by providing financial services, including short-term loans, to help them grow and improve their livelihoods.
Women working at Duterimbere IMF were encouraged to believe in themselves and continue delivering exceptional work.Women serving on Duterimbere IMF’s Board of Directors were commended for their valuable role in decision-making that drives the institution’s success.Duterimbere IMF CEO Ngabonziza Alphonse highlighted the significant role women have played in driving the growth and success of the institution he leads.Mutamuriza Anitha, who has worked at Duterimbere IMF for the last 15 years, shared her personal journey of successfully balancing family responsibilities.Uwimbabazi Hélène, Chairperson of the Board at Duterimbere IMF, said that a woman’s role in building a strong family contributes to the development of the entire nation.Duterimbere IMF offers loans to women pursuing diverse entrepreneurial projects.
The Rwandan rally driver continues to carve her place in the sport, competing in local, regional, and now international events with a determination that reflects both resilience and ambition.
Born and raised in Kigali, Queen describes her childhood as energetic and adventurous. Growing up in a lively neighborhood filled with children, she spent much of her time outdoors playing games.
She often joined her older brother and his friends in activities such as football and bicycle tricks, experiences that shaped her competitive spirit and willingness to try new things. Before motorsports entered her life, Queen had already stepped into the public spotlight through the beauty pageant world.
After high school, she competed in the prestigious Miss Rwanda pageant, where she emerged as the 3rd Runner-Up in 2017. The experience, she says, was transformative. Beyond beauty, the platform emphasized intelligence, culture, and social responsibility.
During this time, she also worked with several organizations on community initiatives focused on empowering women, teenagers, and children while continuing her studies. Her journey into motorsports, however, began almost by chance.
What started as curiosity quickly evolved into passion as she discovered the thrill and challenge of rallying.
“At first, it was simply about trying something new and having fun,” she recalls. “But the more I learned about the sport and experienced the adrenaline of rallying, the more determined I became to pursue it seriously.”
Like many rally drivers, Queen’s path was not without setbacks. Her first rally ended in disappointment after a mechanical failure forced her team to finish last. Instead of walking away from the sport, she used the experience as motivation to improve.
Through preparation, learning, and persistence, her performances steadily improved. Initially competing as a co-driver, Queen began securing podium finishes before eventually making the bold transition into the driver’s seat.
Even then, her debut rally as a driver also ended with mechanical challenges. Yet the setbacks only strengthened her resolve. Her determination paid off in the following seasons as podium finishes became more frequent. Today, Queen proudly holds the title of defending champion in the Rwanda National Rally Championship, a milestone that reflects years of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
Until now, most of Queen’s rallying experience has been within Rwanda’s national championship circuit. That is about to change as she prepares for her first international competition at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya, one of the toughest and most historic events on the global rally calendar.
The opportunity comes through the KCB Racing Team, a platform that has supported several drivers competing in the rally.
For Queen, the call to join the team was both emotional and inspiring. “When I received the call, I honestly couldn’t believe it,” she says. “Competing in the Safari Rally and other international events has always been a dream. Motorsport requires significant financial resources, and opportunities like this don’t come easily. Thanks to the KCB Racing Team, that dream is beginning to take shape.”
For the rally, Queen will be partnered with her long-time co-driver, Olivier Ngabo. Ngabo is an experienced co-driver, professional mechanic, and mechanical engineering specialist with a strong background in transportation and car hire services.
His credentials include being part of the 2025 Rwanda National Rally Championship-winning crew and winning Best Co-Driver of the Year in 2019. The pair have worked together for three years, building trust and rhythm, an essential factor in rallying, where precision communication between driver and co-driver can determine success or failure.
For the upcoming rally, the team has upgraded their machine from a Subaru GC8 to a more advanced Subaru Impreza WRX STI GVB.
According to Queen, the car has undergone extensive testing across different terrains to ensure it is ready for the demanding rally stages.
“The car feels great, and the team has worked extremely hard on the preparation,” she says. “We believe it is ready for the challenge ahead.”
As a first-time participant in the Safari Rally, Queen’s immediate goal is simple but significant: to finish the rally cleanly while competing at a strong level. However, she admits that fighting for trophies would make the experience even more special.
Behind her pursuit of motorsports excellence is a strong support system. Queen credits her family for standing by her journey in a sport that demands immense time, focus, and resilience.
Beyond personal achievements, she hopes her story inspires more young women to step into spaces traditionally dominated by men.
She also acknowledges the progressive environment in Rwanda that encourages women to pursue diverse opportunities.
“To every young girl who dreams of doing something different, your gender should never define the size of your dream,” she says. “Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to pursue what excites you.”
Kalimpinya is preparing for her first international competition at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya.
In a statement addressing Jean-Luc Habyarimana’s recent post on X , Nduhungirehe said the former president’s son’s description of his frequent visits to Kinshasa as “private” was an insult to Rwanda’s intelligence services.
“Here, your impulsive and violent nature from 1994 has evidently resurfaced. Instead of enjoying a peaceful life in your Parisian exile, instead of seeking stable employment in France, you made the decision to enter the arena, offering your services to the genocidal FDLR and President Tshisekedi, to plan subversive actions against your own country. But rest assured, we take this threat very seriously,” Nduhungirehe said.
The minister’s comments follow social media posts by Jean-Luc Habyarimana in which he sought to portray his personal trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as unrelated to any regional security issues or his links with the FDLR, a militia group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Nduhungirehe’s statement also referenced the history of the Habyarimana family, noting that Rwanda continues to consider regional security, including its relationship with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, as a priority.
“I will simply focus on the fact that you present your frequent visits to Kinshasa as ‘private.’ My response is this: this is an insult to our intelligence, whether understood in the common or institutional sense of the term,” the minister added.
President Paul Kagame recently raised concerns over Jean-Luc Habyarimana’s visits to Kinshasa during a dinner with members of the diplomatic corps in Kigali. During the meeting, the Head of State reaffirmed Rwanda’s strong stance on national security and regional stability.
“The Congolese government has provided political cover and financial support to the FDLR and integrated this group into its military structures, from where it now operates with total impunity. They have attacked Rwanda on multiple occasions. Some countries even issued travel advisories as a result,” he said.
He also referenced recent videos showing Jean-Luc Habyarimana travelling to Kinshasa in 2025.
“Lately, the son of the former leader of Rwanda, who led this country into genocide, along with other close collaborators, has been visiting Kinshasa to deepen the alliance with the FDLR, and they have more or less openly been welcomed there,” he added.
The FDLR currently maintains bases in the DRC, with estimates placing its fighters between 7,000 and 10,000. Rwanda has consistently expressed concern over the group’s activities, which threaten both national and regional security.
Rwanda continues to stress the importance of regional cooperation and the enforcement of security measures to prevent destabilising activities by armed groups operating across its borders.
A recent trip to Kinshasa by Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, has raised concerns over ties with the genocidal FDLR and President Félix Tshisekedi, whose administration continues to harbour the group.
According to media reports, the incident happened on Sunday afternoon when a woman allegedly fired several gunshots toward the singer’s home while Rihanna was inside the property.
Authorities said the suspect fired multiple rounds from a vehicle parked across the street from the house. Reports indicate that between seven and ten shots were fired, with at least one bullet striking a wall of the mansion.
Police officers quickly responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and later arrested a 30-year-old woman in connection with the shooting. However, authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or revealed the motive behind the attack.
Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, was reportedly inside the house at the time of the incident but was not harmed. It is still unclear whether other members of her family were present.
“No injuries were reported in the incident… Officers responded to an ‘assault with a deadly weapon’ call and were able to locate a suspect and take them into custody without further incident,” Police Sgt. Jonathan de Vera, a spokesperson for the LAPD, told reporters.
The mansion is located in the upscale Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles, where the singer owns property. Police say investigations are ongoing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Gunshots were fired at Rihanna’s residence in Los Angeles, but the singer was not injured.Police quickly arrived at Rihanna’s residence and secured the area.
The platform is designed to bring together MSMEs seeking support, qualified business growth service providers, and capital providers looking to engage with investment-ready enterprises.
It seeks to address persistent challenges facing MSMEs, including limited access to finance, inadequate support for business growth, and barriers to greater profitability and to creating dignified and fulfilling work.
The Terimbere MSME Facility serves MSMEs across Rwanda, with a particular focus on rural and peri-urban areas, and prioritizes MSMEs in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, as well as other businesses linked to these sectors.
Facilitating the provision of business growth services and access to finance
Through the facility, MSMEs will be able to access tailored business growth support in areas such as financial management, operational efficiency, marketing, human resources management, technical sector-specific advisory, investment readiness, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), etc.
The facility also works with financial institutions and capital market actors to facilitate tailored financial solutions, including MSME-centric loans, guarantee facilities, subsidy mechanisms, and targeted products for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Expanding access through digital and physical channels
MSMEs, service providers, and capital providers can access the Terimbere MSME Facility Platform online (terimberemsme.rw) to register, indicate their needs or services, and connect with relevant partners, access appropriate information and opportunities.
The platform is intended to simplify the process of finding credible, affordable, and tailored support, while helping enterprises to find appropriate financing more efficiently.
Recognising that many enterprises, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, may still face barriers such as limited connectivity, information gaps, or distance from support services, Terimbere MSME Facility also operates Satellite Offices in five districts; Musanze, Rubavu, Rusizi, Kayonza, and Huye.
These offices are intended to bring support closer to entrepreneurs and MSMEs by offering a convenient local access point for guidance, onboarding, and support throughout the business diagnostic process that leads to tailored business growth support, as well as access to financial solutions for investment-ready MSMEs.
Commenting on the development, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Chief Executive Officer of Access to Finance Rwanda, said: “The Terimbere MSME Facility represents a significant step in strengthening Rwanda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem by connecting MSMEs to tailored services and financial solutions they need to scale, build resilience, and create meaningful and dignified jobs.
It also provides business growth service providers with a stronger platform to extend their impact, while enabling capital providers to connect with investment-ready enterprises that can drive inclusive economic growth.”
The initiative has been designed with a strong gender and social inclusion lens to ensure that women, especially young women, refugees, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs in rural areas are not left behind.
In addition to MSME-level support, the Facility will also contribute to improving the broader entrepreneurship and MSME finance ecosystem through research, market insights, and engagement with policymakers, regulators, and other key enablers.
Jean Bosco Iyacu, Chief Executive Officer of Access to Finance Rwanda, said ‘Terimbere MSME Facility’ represents a significant step in strengthening Rwanda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
