The tour will follow a one-day visit to Monaco on March 28 and a trip to Spain from June 6 to 12. During his African tour, Pope Leo is expected to draw large crowds, encourage world leaders to support development initiatives, and promote Catholic-Muslim dialogue, particularly in countries with diverse religious communities.
Africa is home to about 20% of the world’s Catholics, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church. The continent has seen significant increases in Catholic communities in recent decades, particularly in Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, where the Church continues to expand.
“Pope Leo’s visit will remind the world that Africa matters and the vibrancy of the Church in Africa remains at the heart of a thriving global Church,” said Reverend Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, a Nigerian Jesuit.
The trip is historically significant, as it will be the first time a pope has visited Algeria, a predominantly Muslim nation. Pope Leo, a member of the Augustinian order, has expressed a special interest in the country, which is the birthplace of St. Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in early Christianity.
In Cameroon, the Pope will visit Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda, including regions affected by long-standing conflict. Angola’s stops will include Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo, while Equatorial Guinea will see visits to Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata, the continent’s only Spanish-speaking nation.
Although this will be Pope Leo’s first official visit to Africa as pope, he is no stranger to the continent, having traveled to countries like Kenya and Tanzania as Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Pope Leo’s African tour follows his first foreign visit to Turkey and Lebanon late last year and sets the stage for other planned trips, including a likely visit to Peru later in 2026.
Pope Leo XIV will make his first official visit to Africa from April 13 to 23, travelling to Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
Patrick Salvado, a leading figure in Uganda and across Africa’s comedy scene, will headline the ‘Thank God It’s Funny’ show at Kigali Universe on March 6, 2026.
The show will feature an exciting lineup of local talent, including Rwandan comedians Rusine, Michael Sengazi, Hervé Kimenyi, Muhindee, and several others.
Patrick Idringi Viera, known professionally as Patrick Salvado, is a 41-year-old comedian and actor with a career spanning over 17 years.
He began performing in 2009 while working at NTV Uganda as a technical assistant during his university studies in Telecommunications Engineering. After graduating in 2008, he joined MTN Uganda, where he started developing his comedy career. In 2011, he moved to Capital FM, gaining wider recognition, including performing at events like Miss Uganda.
Since 2011, Salvado has performed in numerous shows both in Uganda and internationally, including Rwanda, where he has appeared in various comedy events.
The origin of “Salvado”
His stage name originates from the 2000s soap opera Second Chance (El Cuerpo del Deseo). Salvado has said that a woman once mistook him for the show’s handsome lead, Salvador Cerinza, a joke that eventually inspired his professional name.
Salvado’s work has gained international recognition. He was a semi-finalist in the 2016 “World’s Funniest Person” competition, organised by the Laugh Factory in the United States. He is also the founder and host of Africa Laughs, a comedy franchise that brings together performers from across the continent, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
In addition to stand-up comedy, Salvado has appeared in television series such as Beneath the Lies and films including Bed of Thorns.
Away from the spotlight, Salvado shares his life with his wife, Daphine Frankstock Idringi, and their three children.
Patrick Salvado will headline the ‘Thank God It’s Funny’ show at Kigali Universe on March 6, 2026.
Since their inception in 2018, the Financial Afrik Awards have grown into a premier platform for Africa’s financial and economic leadership, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and financial sector experts to debate, analyze, and celebrate the continent’s transformative economic developments.
AMIFA was recognized for its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, particularly its efforts to expand access to financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income populations across multiple African regions. The award underscores AMIFA’s role as a socially responsible financial institution driving sustainable, inclusive growth.
Receiving the trophy, Mr. Mouhssine Cherkaoui, Chief Executive Officer of AMIFA Holding, stated that, “This award recognizes the commitment and relevance of the Groupe BCP’s strategy, deployed through AMIFA, in promoting financial inclusion. It reflects the concrete impact of our actions in improving access to financing for MSMEs and low-income populations. AMIFA actively works to reduce the financing gap for hundreds of thousands of economic actors.”
“We dedicate this award to all our clients and partners who trust us, as well as to our more than 1,100 employees who, every day, carry our values of proximity, citizenship, innovation, and performance with dedication, enthusiasm, and ambition,” he added.
Created by the Banque Centrale Populaire Group, AMIFA operates in eight African countries; Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea Conakry, Madagascar, Mali, Rwanda, and Senegal, with a share capital of 897,398,000 dirhams (approximately 98 million USD).
The recognition at the Financial Afrik Awards reinforces AMIFA’s standing as a key player in African microfinance, highlighting its continued efforts to deliver inclusive financial services that generate lasting value for local economies.
AMIFA has been named ‘Champion of African Financial Inclusion’ at the 7th edition of the Financial Afrik Awards, held in Banjul on 22nd and 23rd January 2026. AMIFA was recognized for its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion.
The group arrived on Wednesday night through a joint effort between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Rwanda. Of the 164 evacuees, 143 originate from Sudan, 19 from Eritrea, while one person each comes from Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The ETM, a joint initiative involving UNHCR and the African Union, was established to provide lifesaving protection and assistance to vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya. The mechanism temporarily relocates them to Rwanda while durable solutions, including resettlement to third countries, are pursued.
Since the launch of the ETM in 2019, a total of 2,760 people have been evacuated to Rwanda and hosted at Gashora Transit Centre. Of these, more than 2,500 have since been resettled in third countries.
In August 2024, the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and the African Union Commission agreed to extend the ETM programme. In a joint statement issued on August 22, 2024, the three parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue protecting evacuees and securing lasting solutions, while Rwanda provides temporary safe haven.
“The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to receive and protect these individuals, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at risk,” the statement noted.
The parties also adopted a second addendum to the original Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 10, 2019. The updated framework emphasises a more transparent selection process for evacuees, ensuring equal opportunity for all potential candidates, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, or any other factor unrelated to vulnerability.
The group arrived on Wednesday night through a joint effort between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Rwanda.The ETM, a joint initiative involving UNHCR and the African Union, was established to provide lifesaving protection and assistance to vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya. Since the launch of the ETM in 2019, a total of 2,760 people have been evacuated to Rwanda and hosted at Gashora Transit Centre.
Supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund, this multi-agency initiative launched on Thursday, February 25, 2026, aims to fast-track the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agri-food systems across six food-insecure districts including; Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Burera.
The programme focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships, improving access to finance, and promoting affordable green technologies in horticulture, poultry, and livestock value chains. It further provides targeted support to agri‑MSMEs and cooperatives through financial literacy training, investment-ready business planning, and strengthened lending capacity among financial institutions.
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized the programme’s transformative potential: “The Rwanda Green Food Future programme represents a strategic step in strengthening our food systems through innovation, partnerships, and investment. By empowering farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses with climate-smart solutions and access to finance, we are building a resilient agricultural sector that supports national development and improves livelihoods across rural communities.”
Dr. Ozonia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, underscored the collective commitment of the UN system: “This Joint Programme reflects the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Rwanda’s vision for sustainable development. By bringing together multiple agencies, government institutions, and private-sector partners, we are creating a powerful platform to mobilize resources, scale innovation, and accelerate progress toward inclusive and climate-resilient food systems.”
The launch event convened government ministries, district authorities, development partners, financial institutions, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and UN agencies to align priorities and reinforce commitments for effective implementation.
The programme is designed to de-risk private investment, strengthen value chains, and expand financial inclusion, ensuring that farmers and small enterprises can access the tools, capital, and knowledge needed to scale sustainable production.
By fostering coordinated action among public and private stakeholders, the initiative aims to expand the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies, strengthen the investment readiness of agri-MSMEs and cooperatives, improve access to finance across agricultural value chains, and advance inclusive economic growth and food security in vulnerable districts across Rwanda.
The Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Transformation Window was established through a partnership between the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat to support government-led food systems transformation and accelerate progress across the SDGs.
This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.
The European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland have been also commended for their contributions in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
The launch marks a pivotal milestone in building a shared platform for collaboration and sustained partnership, accelerating Rwanda’s journey toward a resilient, competitive, and inclusive agrifood system.
Participants at the launch of the Rwanda Green Food Future programme./@FAORwandaDr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources speaking at the launch. Dr. Ozonia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, underscored the collective commitment of the UN system.
Rather than a simple list of attractions, Rwanda unfolds as an interconnected journey, where wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and lakeside retreats flow seamlessly together, and every adventure feels part of a larger story. This thoughtful balance is what makes Rwanda a standout choice for travelers in 2026: a destination that leaves a lasting impression, offering both authenticity and unforgettable moments.
Your journey often begins in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming capitals. The city’s impeccably tidy streets reflect a longstanding commitment to the environment, starting with the groundbreaking 2008 plastic bag ban and reinforced by nationwide community clean-up efforts.
This green ethos extends far beyond the city: Rwanda maintains around 30% forest cover through ambitious tree-planting campaigns and wetland restorations that curb flooding, boost biodiversity, and create urban gems like the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park, with its scenic trails and over 100 bird species.
Layered onto this foundation is an unwavering reputation for safety, stability, and efficient infrastructure, making Rwanda genuinely accessible and reassuring for families, solo adventurers, and everyone in between.
Heading north to Volcanoes National Park, the experience becomes truly transformative. Here, mountain gorillas, now numbering close to 1,080 worldwide, thanks to relentless anti-poaching and habitat protection, offer one of wildlife’s most profound encounters.
The annual Kwita Izina ceremony, celebrating its 20th edition in September 2025, named 40 baby gorillas (bringing the total named since 2005 to nearly 400).
This vibrant tradition blends Rwandan cultural heritage with global conservation support, while gorilla trekking permits sustain high-value tourism. Crucially, 10% of park revenues flow back to surrounding communities through sharing programs, funding schools, clinics, clean water, and more, transforming local residents into active stewards of their shared heritage.
Eastward, Akagera National Park showcases the power of rewilding. Lions, reintroduced in 2015, now thrive with a population of about 70 individuals through natural growth. Rhinos have made a bold return, highlighted by the historic translocation of 70 southern white rhinos in June 2025—the largest single operation of its kind in Rwanda’s history.
These achievements, driven by strong partnerships and zero poaching losses for key species since reintroduction, have restored classic Big Five safaris across sweeping savannas, lakes, and wetlands.
To the south lies Nyungwe Forest National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. As one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, it pulses with life: chimpanzees, rare birds, suspended canopy walks, and unparalleled biodiversity within the Albertine Rift.
Ongoing restoration efforts only deepen its global significance. Rwanda’s protected areas continue to evolve, with the newer Gishwati-Mukura National Park safeguarding regenerating forests home to Eastern chimpanzees and golden monkeys, opening fresh avenues for eco-tourism and community empowerment.
Beyond the parks, the country’s scenic shores, especially along Lake Kivu, offer tranquil lakeside lodges, cultural villages, and relaxed immersion, rounding out a portfolio that balances adventure with serenity.
Hospitality here mirrors this thoughtful approach: elevated yet unobtrusive, sustainable, and deeply connected to place. In Volcanoes, standout lodges like Singita Kwitonda (with sweeping volcano views), One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (nestled in eucalyptus groves), and Bisate Lodge (with its innovative, tradition-inspired pods) set benchmarks for luxury and responsibility.
In Nyungwe, One&Only Nyungwe House harmonizes with surrounding tea plantations; in Akagera, Magashi Camp delivers intimate wilderness immersion. These are just highlights in a landscape dotted with exceptional options, from misty highlands to serene lakesides and vibrant urban edges, ensuring every traveler finds spaces to rest, reflect, and reconnect.
This is merely a glimpse; Rwanda pulses with more: emerging trails, ziplines, cultural encounters, adventure pursuits, and new developments that keep the destination fresh and forward-looking.
The vision guiding it all is measured yet ambitious. From $647 million in tourism revenue in 2024 (boosted by a 27% surge in gorilla tourism), Rwanda eyes over $700 million in 2025, with a longer-term goal of $1.1 billion annually by 2029.
This growth stems from smart diversification; into Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), sports, nature-based experiences, and more, while redefining what sustainable African tourism can look like, ensuring revenues regenerate communities, spark positive change, and let visitors connect with genuine hope.
This photo shows the canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park. Tourists take a leisurely cruise across a lake in Akagera National Park.Tourists can enjoy a variety of breathtaking scenic views.Akagera National Park is home to the big five animals.
The AFC/M23 movement has strongly criticised the international community for remaining silent as the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched a large-scale offensive, causing civilian casualties and mass displacement.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, the attacks on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marked a “new threshold of violence” by the Kinshasa regime.
The DRC military reportedly used armed drones and heavy artillery to strike densely populated areas as well as M23 positions, in what Kanyuka described as blatant violations of international humanitarian law.
The strikes were recorded throughout the morning and early afternoon, beginning at 9:00 AM in Rutigita, Minembwe, continuing at 10:30 AM in Kitazungura, Kalehe territory, and culminating at 12:00 PM in Rugezi and surrounding areas of Minembwe.
“These deadly aggressions are causing human casualties, mass displacement of civilian populations, and fueling an extreme humanitarian crisis,” Kanyuka said, highlighting the severity of the situation for local communities.
Bertrand Bisimwa, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, emphasised that the offensive reflects a deliberate choice by the DRC government to pursue military escalation, violating ceasefire agreements. He also criticised the international community for failing to act:
“We cannot help but express our deep concern over the absence, at this stage, of any clear and visible initiative aimed at bringing an immediate halt to this government offensive. There has been no public reprimand, no condemnation… no discernible action seems to have been taken to prevent the risk of escalation,” Bisimwa stated.
He added, “This silence contrasts with the swift reactions observed when our movement is forced to exercise its legitimate right to self-defence in the face of direct attacks.”
The offensive marks a continuation of rising tensions in the region despite peace efforts by mediators such as Qatar and existing ceasefire commitments.
Bertrand Bisimwa, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, emphasised that the offensive reflects a deliberate choice by the DRC government to pursue military escalation, violating ceasefire agreements.
Riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 20-year-old showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team, capping off one of the most exciting stages of this year’s race.
Rambo climb proves decisive
The pivotal moment came on the Rambo climb at kilometre 111, a three-kilometre ascent positioned within the final 15 kilometres of the stage. De Clercq surged to take maximum mountain points ahead of Kretschy and Mauro Cuylits, tightening the battle at the front.
Matthijs De Clercq showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team.
With 20 kilometres remaining, De Clercq, Kretschy and Cuylits held a slender 20-second advantage over their nearest rivals, while the peloton trailed by five minutes and 30 seconds. Attacks soon began within the leading trio as each rider sensed an opportunity to break clear.
By the final 10 kilometres, De Clercq and Kretschy had distanced Cuylits by 50 seconds, with the chasing group sitting 1 minute and 40 seconds behind. The two leaders worked together before launching into a head-to-head sprint that saw the Belgian narrowly prevail on the line.
Kretschy takes the yellow jersey
Despite finishing second on the stage, Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey. Thanks to the time bonuses and the gap to the previous leader, Zomermaand, Kretschy successfully reclaimed the yellow for the NSN Development Team.
Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey.
The 23-year-old German becomes the fourth rider to wear yellow in four days, highlighting not only his strong performance today but also the strategic depth of his team.
Stage 4 top 10 results
Matthijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – 3:05:55
Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 3:05:55
Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
Jacob Bush (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +2:15
Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:15
Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:15
Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) – +2:15
Sebastian Castro Castro (Movistar Team Academy) – +2:
Stage 5 awaits
The Tour du Rwanda continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage 5 set for an 82-kilometre circuit in Rubavu. Riders will tackle a nine-kilometre loop nine times, starting at 3:00 PM, promising another tactical showdown as Kretschy defends the yellow jersey and De Clercq looks to build on his breakthrough victory.
After four stages, the race for overall glory remains wide open, and Rubavu has already delivered a thriller.
Riders covered 127.2 km from Karongi to Rubavu, ending in a thrilling sprint finish. Locals turned up in large numbers along the road to cheer the riders.
The group arrived through the Rusizi I Border Post on February 24, 2026, marking the second group repatriated from the DRC this year.
Speaking to RBA, the returnees said years spent in displacement severely disrupted their lives, particularly access to education for their children. One returnee said the family had spent years constantly moving to escape insecurity, leaving children unable to attend school.
Another said life in the DRC was marked by persistent conflict and instability, preventing children from accessing education. He explained that a relative who had returned earlier encouraged them to come back after describing Rwanda as peaceful and secure.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the stability they found in their home country. They were welcomed by officials from Rusizi District, representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and security officials.
Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba described their return as a positive step toward rebuilding their lives and contributing to national development. He said their decision to return also reflects a break from divisive ideologies and encouraged others still abroad to consider coming home by learning about the country’s progress and stability.
The group of 22 returnees includes two men, four women, and 16 children. They were taken to the Nyarushishi transit center, where they will stay before being reunited with their families.
The group arrived through the Rusizi I Border Post on February 24, 2026
The Tour du Rwanda 2026 is currently rolling across the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, and while on paper it’s a UCI 2.1 cycling race, to anyone standing on the roadside, it feels more like a national carnival.
Now in its 18th edition as an international event, the Tour has grown from a local race into one of Africa’s premier cycling competitions. Following the massive success of the historic 2025 World Championships held right here in Rwanda, this year’s Tour feels like a victory lap for an entire continent.
Here is why this race is so much more than just a bike ride.
1. The “Mur de Kigali” is our colosseum
In European cycling, fans talk about the cobbled climbs of Flanders. In Rwanda, the Mur de Kigali demands the same awe. This steep, cobblestone climb winds through the lively streets of Nyamirambo, where the energy of the crowd meets the grit of the riders.
Tour du Rwanda 2017: Joseph Areruya and Eritrean Eyob Metkel climb the Mur de Kigali, the legendary cobblestone climb, one of the toughest challenges awaiting global cycling stars.
Streets packed with cheering spectators transform each pedal stroke into a test of endurance, courage, and sheer will. When a Rwandan rider leads up “The Wall,” the roar of the crowd echoes across the surrounding hills.
Thousands of fans line the streets, standing along sidewalks, slopes, and open areas near the climb. You’ll see grandmothers cheering next to teenagers, all drawn together by the sight of elite athletes powering up a 12% incline.
When the peloton powers up the Mur de Kigali, the cheers ripple across the surrounding hills, filling the neighborhood with energy and excitement. Fans clap, wave, and call out encouragement as riders tackle the steep climb, making the moment feel like a shared celebration of effort and endurance.
It has become a norm for locals to turn up along the road and on top of their buildings to witness the race.
2. A “stadium” without walls
Most sports require a ticket and a seat. The Tour du Rwanda requires a front porch and a pair of lungs.
Because the 2026 route stretches across nearly 1,000 kilometres of the country, from the rolling highlands of northern Rwanda to the palm-fringed shores of Lake Kivu, it brings the spectacle to the people. It’s estimated that over 2 million people line the roads.
Crowds gather to cheer on the elite riders.
For a few minutes, every village becomes the centre of the world. Rural farmers and urban residents alike watch the same drama unfold as the peloton passes by, united in the excitement of the race.
3. Cycling is part of life in Rwanda
To understand why Rwandans love this race, you have to look at the “abanyonzi” taxi-velo riders. In Rwanda, the bicycle isn’t just for fitness; it’s a lifeline.
Bicycles are common in rural Rwandan villages and are often used to transport farm produce like green bananas.
Every day, thousands of Rwandans use bikes to transport massive loads of ibitoke (green bananas), heavy milk jugs, or charcoal across impossible inclines. There is a deep, cultural respect for anyone who can conquer a hill on two wheels.
When locals watch a pro athlete fly up a mountain that they usually struggle to climb with a load of crops, there is an instant, visceral connection. It’s a celebration of the hustle that defines Rwandan rural life.
4. A high-def tour of the “new Rwanda”
The Tour is arguably Rwanda’s most effective “business card” to the world. As the cameras follow the peloton, the world sees not just sweat; but also the results of a nation’s transformation.
Tour du Rwanda showcases Rwanda’s incredible transformation to the world.
The 2026 footage showcases the pristine, plastic-free streets of Kigali, the lush green tea plantations of the West, and the world-class infrastructure that makes this the safest and cleanest cycling environment in Africa. It’s a source of immense national pride, a way for Rwandans to say, “This is who we are now.”
6. The “Africa’s turn” momentum
For decades, professional cycling was a closed-off European club. The Tour du Rwanda changed that narrative. As the premier stage for African talent, this race is where the next global stars, like Samuel Niyonkuru or Henok Mulubrhan, prove they belong on the world stage.
In the wake of the 2025 UCI World Championships, the 2026 Tour feels like the start of a new era. It’s no longer about hosting a race; it’s about owning the sport. For every kid on the side of the road in Rubavu or Gicumbi watching the peloton fly by, that bike represents a path to the world stage.
