The agreement entered on Monday 7th August 2023, was part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum, which brought together 30 delegates from 20 companies in Madagascar to meet and exchange with their Rwandan counterparts. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar led the delegation on a three-day state visit, upon the invitation of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
The focus of the private sector cooperation will be on market expansion, strategic partnerships, and business development. Mubiligi emphasized the importance of identifying priority sectors of investment to strengthen small and medium enterprises in both countries and regions.
Lantosoa Rakotomalala, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), highlighted the collaborative efforts not only between Madagascar and Rwanda but also between other African countries.
Tahina Ramaromandray, Administrative Director at Groupe Filatex, expressed interest in knowledge exchange within the energy sector and learning best practices in special economic zones.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB, emphasized the forum’s role in identifying synergies and exploring opportunities in priority sectors such as ICT, mining, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Akamanzi showcased Rwanda’s investment-friendly frameworks and eased regulations, including no restriction on capital repatriation and simplified business registration, supporting the country’s economic growth in recent years.
In a rather lackluster first 70 minutes of play in the season’s opening game, Manchester City’s substitute, Cole Palmer, appeared to secure victory with a stunning strike. However, the momentum shifted when Leandro Trossard equalized in the 101st minute with a deflected shot that found the back of the net.
The match was eventually decided through a dramatic penalty shootout. Kevin de Bruyne, also a substitute, saw his shot hit the crossbar, and Rodri’s attempt was saved, paving the way for Fabio Vieira to convert his shot and secure the prestigious trophy for Arsenal.
For President Kagame, who is well-known for his ardent support for the North London club, this victory provided a significant psychological boost to Arsenal as they embark on their journey towards the Premier League title.
Shortly after the match, President Kagame expressed his excitement and congratulated Arsenal on their “much-needed” win just before the start of the new season, which is scheduled to kick off on August 11.
“Congrats. #Arsenal. Shows what’s to come !! You can only LUV it !!” he tweeted.
Since 2018, Rwanda entered a tourism partnership with Arsenal, resulting in the “Visit Rwanda ” slogan being featured on the sleeves of all the Premier League club’s team jerseys.
The game of Golf has emerged as one of Rwanda’s shining sports-based tourism attractions. At IRONMAN 70.3, enthusiasts and newcomers alike were offered the golden chance to delve into the sport and experience its joy firsthand.
Coach Emile Nshimiyumremyi , an instructor from Kigali Golf Course, generously imparted the basics of Golf to all eager participants.
With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Amanda Isimbi, the deputy manager of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, expressed the primary aim of their participation in the tournament. It was a mission to showcase to the world that Golf is indeed a sport for everyone, transcending barriers of class or status.
“The IRONMAN 70.3 race brings together people from many countries. When we come here, everyone plays, and an ordinary citizen can also embrace the game and forge meaningful connections,” emphasized Amanda.
Kigali Golf Resort & Villas has consistently strived to popularize Golf among the masses. Their ‘Academy Mobile’ initiative, showcased twice a month during the ‘Car Free Day’ event in the City of Kigali, enables aspiring golfers to access opportunities to learn the fundamentals of the game. The resort extends an open invitation to players and enthusiasts, who can now arrive daily between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Moreover, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas fosters the growth of young talent by offering a year-long training program for children aged between five and 18, encouraging them to explore Golf either as a passion or a potential career. They are required to pay Rwf250,000 in annual subscription.
The impact of Golf extends beyond the realm of sports tourism. This beloved game creates employment opportunities for coaches, young caddies responsible for carrying players’ equipment, and countless others, further bolstering the local economy.
During the IRONMAN 70.3 competition, participants had the privilege of experiencing two vital facets of Golf. The first, known as “Putting,” entailed carefully approaching the hole and deftly tapping the ball inside. The second, “Range,” involved mastering the art of striking the ball with power and precision to achieve maximum distance.
Rwanda’s Golf-based tourism is thoughtfully curated to cater to various categories of enthusiasts. The country hosts esteemed tournaments owing to its top-tier golf courses, invites visitors keen on learning the game, and welcomes those who seek to combine their activities like meetings or tours with a taste of Golf’s allure.
The awards ceremony was officiated by the President of Botswana, Dr. Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The medal awarding to the deserving officers is a common practice for security forces worldwide.
The deserving officers in Botswana were decorated with the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; Police Distinguished Service Order Medal; Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and the Police Jubilee Service Medal.
This Saturday, August 5, IGP Namuhoranye will also attend the Botswana “Police Day” to celebrate its 139 anniversary.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Botswana Police Service enjoy good relations, which were formalized with a cooperation agreement signed in January this year.
The cooperation pact binds the two friendly Police institutions to work together in fighting transnational organized crimes including terrorism related activities, human trafficking, hi-tech and cybercrime as well as exchange of information related to criminal elements.
Other areas of partnership include capacity development through training, and sharing of expertise.
In May this year, the 11th intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC), conducted its week-long external study tour in Botswana as part of the one year academic programme at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
UrID technologies Rwanda is among the startups that pitched their innovations. Managed and Directed by Livingstone Karamage, ‘UrID Technologies is a fintech company operating in Rwanda providing merchants and shoppers with tools and support for a unified, secure and faster payment.
According to Karamage, the technology is aimed at enabling users have their wallets, anytime anywhere.
Security is paramount. PalmKash’s palm vein authentication technology is highly secure, as it is based on the unique pattern of veins in each person’s hand. This makes it much more difficult to counterfeit compared to traditional forms of payment, such as fingerprints or cards.
“You can lose or forget the cards and cash, but not your palm as you carry it wherever you go. Besides, It’s a tedious and boring process carrying cards and using mobile money, so we want to onboard as many digital wallets and accounts as we can into a unified platform using palm vein technology,” he mentioned.
{{How palmkash works}}
As explained by Karamage, Palmkash requires a user to enrol with their primary mobile wallet and link it to their palm veins to create an account . Once registered a user can link as many wallets and cards to their palm as they wish and pay with their preferred wallet when they transact.
“PalmKash has integrations with payment providers like mobile money wallets and banks. When a customer registers with us, they link their digital wallets or cards to their palm so that anytime they want to make a payment, they just wave their palm,” he explained.
{{The PalmKash journey}}
UrID technologies is a licensed Payment’s service provider founded in 2018 to address the need for an inclusive unified, and, more secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services in Rwanda. The company has since partnered with a number of leading organizations in the country, including FERWAFA, the Rwandan Football Federation.
With its ‘Palmvein’ technology, PalmKash prides in offering a unified secure, convenient, and hygienic digital payments and identity management.
Since its formation, the technology has gone through three generations: from big machines to the latest portable machine.
Once in operation, PalmKash will be used in four different fields.
{{Palmkash Merchant}} payments for in-person transactions . Shoppers will be able to authenticate and authorize transactions when paying with any of their wallets.
{{PalmEvents:}} According to Karamage, PalmKash already has partnership with FERWAFA and some of the leading event organisers. Event goers can book and pay for their tickets and receive them via SMS, email , WhatsApp or in the events App using our platform.
We are already testing our palm vein technology already at Huye stadium, but in the meantime people are paying for their tickets via USSD and what’s remaining is palm authentication, he mentioned.
{{PalmSchool: }} The student wallet enables students to join the digital payments revolution. With this system, parents and guardians can remit school fees and pocket money hustle free wherever they are. For pocket money, the parent retains full visibility of the transactions and statements. The student on the other hand receives the cash from the parent into their account at the school canteen and can authorise payments with a wave of the hand.
{{PalmTransport:}} This is a service for long distance travellers both internal and cross- border. Travellers can reserve their seats and book their tickets at their convenience, pay with their preferred m payment mode and receive their tickets on to their mobile. As opposed to traditional cards, here the passengers will use the terminals installed in buses, wave their palms and go.
{{Safety and security:}} On the issue of security and safety, safety for both the clients health and data. Karamage said the user has nothing to worry about.
“PalmKash is your personal secure wallet that you don’t have to pre-load. When it comes to data safety, we protect customer’s information with a ‘military grade security system’ that uses modern cyber technology,” he remarked.
{{Benefits}}
{{Security: }} PalmKash uses palm vein authentication, which is a highly secure form of biometric identification.
{{Convenience:}} PalmKash is very easy to use as an individual can simply wave hand at a PalmKash terminal to make a payment.
Flexibility: PalmKash can be used in a variety of different settings, including merchants, events, schools, and transportation.
Karamage has further disclosed that the PalmKash Platform not only benefits the payers but also merchants and operators as it enables merchants to accept any mode of payment with easy reconciliation over a single interface, saving time and cost by eliminating the need to support multiple POS systems and related issues.
“In Q4 this year, merchants will be able to offer a true omni-channel experience for their customers over the Palmkash platform,” Karamage emphasised.
On this Saturday, at precisely 9 pm, the very skies will come alive above Hotel des Mille Collines. A captivating Drone Show, unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed, will grace the sky, painting a shimmering tapestry of lights and colors, all choreographed to perfection.
Why stay indoors when history unfolds before our very eyes? This is not just a mere celebration; it’s a grand fusion of technology, art, and tradition. A manifestation of the resilience, creativity, and joy that epitomizes the spirit of Rwanda.
As the drones dance, you’ll feel the echo of the hills, the whisper of the winds, and the pulse of the vibrant culture that we all hold dear. The Drone Show at Hotel des Mille Collines is more than entertainment; it’s a symbol of unity and a beacon of innovation.
Imagine hundreds of drones moving in harmony, creating shapes, and narrating stories that resonate with our hearts. Picture yourself standing amidst fellow Rwandans, your eyes reflecting the gleaming spectacle, your heart swelling with pride and joy. This is the moment to celebrate not only an iconic hotel but the shared dreams and aspirations of a nation.
Indulge in a night filled with excitement and wonderment. If you have not secured your ticket you can just simply step out of your house and gaze into the sky as the stars today will be also witnessing mesmeric art from the heart of Africa.
Hotel des Mille Collines has stood as a beacon of luxury, history, and grace. Its story has been told through generations, and now it invites you to be part of a new chapter. A chapter filled with awe, inspiration, and collective joy.
Don’t let this moment pass you by. Gather your friends, bring your family, and join us in a celebration that transcends time. For tonight, let’s come together, Rwandans, young and old, to witness something truly magical.
A thousand hills, a thousand flavors, and now, a thousand lights. This is our story. This is our night. Let’s make it unforgettable.
AnJia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a subsidiary of West International Holding, the Africa arm of West China Cement (WCC), which is a Chinese investment group listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has built AnJia Cement Factory in the Muhanga industrial park.
“Over the years, West China Cement and West International Holding have become key players in Africa’s efforts to reach self-sufficiency in cement production. I commend you for your commitment to infrastructure development on our continent,” said Kagame at the event.
“I had the opportunity to tour the Anjia factory, and you have set the bar high in terms of quality. We appreciate that. This state-of-the-art factory will contribute to Rwanda’s transformation journey. We thank you, and I assure you that you have our country’s full support,” he said.
He stated that today, the growth prospects for Africa’s cement industry look very promising, whereby a rapidly growing and urbanizing population in Africa, especially, is creating increased demand for housing and infrastructure.
“For manufacturers, this means more opportunities to invest in new markets and create jobs in our communities. Challenges, of course, remain, but they can be overcome through more cooperation,” Kagame said.
According to him, to enhance the performance of the industry, it is essential to deliver higher quality products and shift to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
“I thank the People’s Republic of China, West China Cement, and West International Holding for this significant contribution to Rwanda’s development and Africa as a whole. Anjia is undoubtedly a good addition to Rwanda’s manufacturing landscape. I only see successes in this, our strong partnership,” Kagame said.
Speaking at the event, Zhang Jimin, chairman of West China Cement Limited, said that AnJia marks the company’s first investment and represents the initial cooperation between West China Cement and the Rwandan government at all levels.
“The successful groundbreaking ceremony of the cement factory not only signifies the beginning of the production and operation of the project but also serves as a historical milestone for West China Cement’s investment and development in Rwanda,” added Zhang. “We will continue to expand our investments in Rwanda, with a total investment of more than 100 million U.S. dollars, thereby expanding the entire supply chain. Our aim is to provide high-quality products at a competitive price to contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development.”
West China Cement Limited invested 50 million U.S. dollars to construct a high-performance cement grinding plant with an annual output of 1 million tonnes in the Muhanga industrial park, said Wang Xuekun, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, at the ceremony.
“The visionary project will not only promote the development of Rwanda’s cement sector but also cater to the long-term demand for high-quality cement in reservoir projects and infrastructure construction. It will create over 1,000 local job opportunities, significantly enhancing the construction standards of Muhanga industrial park and contributing to Rwanda’s economic growth,” Wang explained.
He pointed out that the factory will pave the way for Rwanda’s self-sufficiency in cement products, reducing reliance on foreign cement imports and expanding the cement market in the surrounding countries.
Speaking at the event, Clare Akamanzi, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said that China remains the top source of investments in Rwanda, beating other countries globally.
“Over the last five years alone, at RDB we have registered investments from China worth close to a billion U.S. dollars which will collectively generate up to 250,00 jobs for Rwandans. And that is a very good contribution,” she said, adding that the factory stands as a testament to the immense potential of Rwanda’s manufacturing and construction sectors and the viable investment destination that Rwanda offers.
A quarter billion people suffered from acute food insecurity last year, the highest number recorded in recent years. Of these people, some 376,000 were facing famine-like conditions in seven countries. Another 35 million people were on the edge. As in all crisis situations, women and children are the most impacted, said UN Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator Reena Ghelani.
Hunger and conflict feed off of each other. Conflict and insecurity remain key drivers of hunger and famine, she told the Security Council in a briefing.
Every one of the seven countries where people faced famine-like conditions last year was affected by armed conflict or extreme levels of violence. Five of those seven countries — Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen — are regularly on the Security Council’s agenda, she said.
“Armed conflict destroys food systems, shatters livelihoods and drives people from their homes, leaving many extremely vulnerable and hungry. Sometimes these impacts are by-products of war. But all too often they are inflicted deliberately and unlawfully — with hunger utilized as a tactic of war,” she said.
Food insecurity itself also fuels instability. Recent research highlighted by the World Food Programme has shown how food insecurity — when coupled with pre-existing grievances, desperation fueled by poverty and inequality, and governance issues — cause people to choose violence over peace, she said.
Conflict-induced hunger is compounded by a toxic mix of climate change and economic shocks, said Ghelani.
Climate change is increasingly becoming a threat multiplier. As the stress on water and other natural resources leads to increased competition and displacement, conflicts and hunger spread. Of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate-related risks, seven are affected by conflict, six host a UN peacekeeping or special political mission, and four have more than a million people one step away from famine. At the same time, insecurity in conflict-affected countries hinders climate adaptation efforts. This leaves already vulnerable communities even poorer, hungrier and less resilient, she said.
The UN official called for more efforts to prevent, reduce and end conflict in all its forms.
“There needs to be a renewed commitment to peace through a reinvigorated multilateral system where governments, the United Nations and regional organizations work hand in hand,” she said.
As immediate steps, she called for action in five areas.
One, ensuring parties to conflicts respect international humanitarian law. This includes protecting objects necessary for survival, such as food stocks, water systems, and other objects necessary for food production and distribution systems.
It also includes facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need and protecting humanitarian staff and assets. States must spare no effort in exerting their influence to ensure parties respect the rules of war.
Two, making better use of existing early-warning mechanisms in a focused and effective manner and following up with concerted action.
Three, being bold and creative in finding ways to mitigate the impact of war on the most vulnerable.
Four, putting women and girls at the center of efforts. Crises and hunger affect them disproportionately, and they also hold the key to lasting solutions.
Five, acknowledging that a halfway, fragmented response to the interconnected risks will not work. There is a need for adequate humanitarian funding, and for efforts to address the climate and economic crises.
The recent one in my gallery is one that shows the ‘bandwagon’ Rwandan girls are engaging in lately.
Out of the five listed acts, one caught my attention: the use of ‘braces’.
All along, I thought braces were for medical reasons, simply because while I was in primary school, my desk mate had them, and oh boy, how she hated them.
If only she knew back then that what was a ‘nightmare’ to her, will years later be an ‘in thing’ for many.
We asked some of the youth we found wearing braces who told us the reason behind.
Yannick Rutera a university student informed us that he wears braces as per ‘dentist orders’. According to Rutera, he has been having his braces on since early 2021.
“Before getting braces, my teeth were not properly aligned but now they are. In the beginning it was difficult having them on. However as time passed, I got comfortable with them and now I like them although I am looking forward to removing them completely,” he said.
Rebecca Ikaze, a young girl who acquired her braces recently also notes that she had them for health purposes.
“It was my dad’s decision that I get braces, his reasons were convincing and so I obliged,” she stated.
“My smile was bad that I never wanted to smile,” said Jane Kanyana when asked why she wears braces.
Central Coast Orthodontics define braces as dental tools (made out of metals) that help correct problems like; crowding, crooked teeth or teeth that are out of alignment.
According to Dr. Alphonse Rugambarara, a dentist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the main reason for getting braces is indeed for aesthetic reasons.
“Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile and so yes, braces help them acquire that. However, for us as dentists, we see it as a medical concern if one has ‘malalignment,” he explained.
He added that malalignment is a danger to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) since someone can’t chew properly, reason braces are recommended to prevent such problems.
Dr. Rugambarara added that malalignment poses a danger to the TMJ as it can impede proper chewing. That’s why braces are recommended to prevent such issues.
{{How do braces work?}}
According to Dr. Rugambarara, braces are for anyone whose teeth are misaligned. However, the recovery period and results vary from patient to patient.
“If a person has less than three teeth that are misaligned, it takes them a shorter period of between six to twelve months to recover compared to one with both jaws misaligned,” he explained.
“In addition, children who use braces see results before adults who use the same braces. This is because children’s bones are softer than those of adults,” added Dr. Rugambarara.
Although braces have little to no negative side effects, Dr. Rugambarara cautions parents against taking children under the age of twelve to get braces.
He instead advises them to get kids retainers to prevent any possible misalignment.
Dr. Rugambarara further urges those with braces to always visit their dentists at least once a month for either tightening or a follow up.
A proper mouth care routine (brushing at least twice a day especially after meals) is also recommended for those wearing braces to prevent ‘periodontal disease’ caused by plaque buildup.
{{Types of braces}}
According to Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center based in Cleveland, braces come in varied types.
{{Metal braces:}} Also known as traditional metal braces, these use stainless steel bands, brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth over time. A dentist or orthodontist will bond a bracket on each tooth then place a thin flexible arch wire over the brackets.
Ceramic brace: Sometimes called clear braces, their wires and ligatures are tooth-colored so they blend in with one’s smile.
{{Lingual braces:}} These go on the back surface of your teeth instead of the front. People who choose lingual braces do so because they don’t want other people to tell they have braces.
{{Self-litigating braces: }} They look similar to traditional metal braces only that instead of ligatures (tiny elastic bands), they use a built-in system to hold the arch wire in place.
{{Clear aligners aka invisible braces:}} Instead of brackets and wires, they use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth overtime.
In the process of finding help from banks, many entrepreneurs, especially the young ones, face the issue of affording collateral security to acquire a particular loan. In this case, many of them fail to find enough collateral security since they do not own any valuable assets, hence leading to the failure of their business.
That is where the ‘Global Transact’ project comes in as the solution to successful business ventures. Global Transact is a project introduced by Bigger Future organization that provides training related to business projects and has its headquarters in the city Kigali.
Through this project entrepreneurs are able to obtain capital without collateral and in a short period of time. The project kicked off with up to 60 entrepreneurs from Rwanda. They are now appreciative because that changed their lives and uplifted their businesses.
On the 1st August 2023, at Norrsken Kigali, some of the entrepreneurs gave testimonials at the training organized by Bigger Future with the purpose of explaining to entrepreneurs, especially the youth, the benefit of working with Global Transact in their business activities.
Entrepreneurs were taught on how this project may help them face losses in their businesses, facilitate payment of products being sold, increase durability of products, and how collaboration from both sides can help boost the development of their projects.
There are times entrepreneurs miss out on business opportunities because they are asked for more than they can afford as mentioned by Kayitare Jean de Dieu, owner of Q Limited a company that sells electronic devices. “ Usually we struggle with getting enough capital. For example; you might be having Rwf100 million, but then get a job that offers Rwf500 million which you can not reject as everyone is always looking for growth,” explained Kayitare. He also emphasized that Global Transact comes in as the solution to all those business ventures.
Kayitare mentioned that when you have a job that offers that much amount of money you approach them for support without being asked for collateral but instead they provide what was missing for you to start your business. Where you have Rwf100 they provide the remaining Rwf400 so you can keep up your activities.
According to him, this is a very important opportunity for young entrepreneurs. “As an example; you may go to a bank and present them your project but they still ask for collateral before they give you the money you need,” he added. He also said that he has earned a lot and developed his business throughout the years he has been operating with Global Transact. “ I developed to the level that I can provide employment opportunities to others since everybody needs additional assistance as business activities pick up,” he said.
Global Transact does not provide money to entrepreneurs but instead after the entrepreneur has had an agreement with the supplier of materials necessary for their business, they communicate the final price to Global Transact and they fund that. Once the entrepreneur receives the products and sells them to customers in need they have to pay back to money paid for them after receiving payment form the client with interest depending on the duration of the loan.
The CEO of Bigger Future and Global Transact, Dave Ormesher, mentioned that he heard news about how Rwanda is one the countries that is highly developing in terms of business, hence the decision to give a helping hand to startup entrepreneurs for their development.
“ Rwandan entrepreneurs are not that different from those of other countries. All they need is good leadership, and having a vision then they can see profits in a short period of time” he explained.
“Our goal as Global Transact is to work hand in hand with entrepreneurs who have been in the industry for a while, have a plan, and have started receiving valuable offers but can not fulfill those offers due to lack of funds which is where we step in and help” said Ormesher.
Ormesher also mentioned that young entrepreneurs who have not yet received valuable offers are also kept into consideration where Bigger Future gives them business training. Global Transact works with entrepreneurs with a capital starting from $100,000 up to $ 750,000 equivalent. For more information consult their website www.globatransact.com.
