What unfolded was more than a demonstration of martial arts. It was a story of cultural exchange, healing, and transformation.
Eric Mugisha, secretary general of Rwanda Kung Fu Wushu Federation, highlighted the steady growth of Kung Fu across the country in an interview with Xinhua.
Representing the federation at the event, he noted the widespread presence of clubs and the unique place tai chi holds within them.
“Many clubs are based in Kigali, and we have some others in different provinces, normally we have around 30 clubs in total,” he said.
Unlike other forms of kung fu, tai chi stands apart. “This is a form of art that is not about fighting, the energy from tai chi is from within oneself, it is there to balance the harmony between body and mind,” said Mugisha.
For many Rwandans, tai chi is more than just movement – it is a personal journey.
Emile Ndagijimana, a tai chi teacher, shared a deeply rooted story of passion that began in childhood with Xinhua.
“I started practicing kung fu at the age of nine,” he recalled. Over the years, his curiosity led him from martial arts films to deeper study and eventually to tai chi.
His turning point came when he began to understand its philosophy.
“A Chinese teacher who teaches at the Confucius Institute told me that to succeed, I needed to balance and move my arms while breathing and master the balance technique of tai chi. That’s when I started loving tai chi.”
Today, Ndagijimana teaches hundreds of students and integrates tai chi into community life, especially for healing and wellbeing.
“In Rwanda, people do not know about tai chi; they think it’s fighting,” he explained. “Tai chi is a form of medicine, it helps them move their joints, and those who are sick.”
His mission is clear, bringing tai chi to both young people and the elderly. “The reason I teach tai chi is that I see that it helps in healing, if more Rwandans learn tai chi, it could assist them in healing.”
Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima is a martial art lover whose enthusiasm reflects a growing appreciation among youth. Her introduction to tai chi came through her martial arts club and visiting Chinese instructors. “I love tai chi because I hear it is the medicine of the health. It helps our body, it helps our feelings, also our brain,” she said.
Though she admits the practice requires dedication, but the benefits keep her committed.
“I feel good when I am doing tai chi, my blood goes well. I didn’t get sick again like how I got sick before I practiced tai chi.”
At a broader level, the impact of tai chi in Rwanda reflects years of cultural collaboration. Zeng Guangyu, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized how far the practice has come since its introduction in 2009.
“More than a decade later, it’s no longer us who practice tai chi best. It’s the Rwandans,” he said proudly.
Today, thousands of practitioners and dozens of trained instructors are helping embed tai chi into local communities. Beyond physical exercise, Zeng underscored its deeper significance: “Tai chi does not advocate confrontation; instead, it champions the principles of ‘overcoming hardness with softness’ and ‘tolerance and inclusiveness.’”
As Rwanda joined the global celebration of the first International Taijiquan Day, the message is clear – tai chi is no longer just a foreign tradition. It is becoming a shared cultural bridge, a tool for health, and a symbol of harmony.
Local people practice Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima (C) practices Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Zeng Guangyu (front R), Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, communicates with local people for Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, accused the Ivy League university of violating the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli people and turning “a blind eye” to antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis.
Jewish and Israeli students were subjected to severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive harassment on the ground of their race or national origin, and they were excluded from participation in and denied the benefits of a Harvard education because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin, the complaint alleged.
The complaint also contended that Harvard had actual knowledge of and was “deliberately indifferent” to the harassment and exclusion of Jewish and Israeli students, and that it “intentionally” discriminated against Jews and Israelis.
Since January 2025, the U.S. administration has issued threats to several U.S. universities, warning them of potential funding cuts if they fail to adjust their policies. The main demands included eliminating what was described as antisemitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups.
In April 2025, after Harvard rejected the U.S. administration’s demands, the administration announced it would freeze 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in multiyear grants and 60 million dollars in multiyear contract funds for the university.
In February, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration was seeking 1 billion dollars in damages from Harvard University.
This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States
During her recent visit to Kigali, the 23-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist sat down for an exclusive interview with IGIHE, offering a glimpse into her personal journey, her passion projects, and her growing love for her Rwandan heritage.
Though born and bred in Uganda, Muhoza revealed a deep personal connection to Rwanda through her maternal roots. Having visited multiple times before, this trip held special meaning.
“This time around, I just wanted to learn more about the culture and embrace this side of me,” she shared, describing Rwanda as a nation defined by love, patriotism, and a strong sense of unity. “It feels like one big family.”
Her admiration for Rwanda’s societal values, particularly its patriotism and structure, left a lasting impression, highlighting contrasts with her home country while inspiring ideas for regional collaboration.
Muhoza was crowned Miss Uganda 2025 on September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
A night out at the Doja Cat Rwanda concert
Muhoza also joined thousands of fans at the highly talked-about Doja Cat Rwanda Concert, featuring American superstar Doja Cat. The experience, she said, was both exciting and eye-opening.
“It was a last-minute decision, but the turnout was incredible, people from Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda,” she recalled. However, what stood out most wasn’t just the music, but the discipline of the crowd. “In Rwanda, everyone goes home early because they have work the next day. That’s something new to me!”
She believes such international concerts are putting Rwanda firmly on the global entertainment map, attracting tourism and boosting the region’s showbiz industry.
Though born and bred in Uganda, Muhoza revealed a deep personal connection to Rwanda through her maternal roots.
From shy girl to national queen
Crowned on September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Muhoza’s rise to the crown was anything but predictable. The Bukomansimbi-born beauty admitted she was once shy and reserved.
“I never imagined I’d stand on that stage and hear my name,” she said. “But this journey has transformed me, my confidence, my voice, everything.”
Now preparing to represent Uganda at the 73rd Miss World Festival later this year, Muhoza is stepping onto the global stage with a mission that goes far beyond beauty.
At the heart of Muhoza’s advocacy is the fight against gender-based violence, a cause deeply personal to her.
“It’s something close to my heart because I’ve seen my own mother go through it and the trauma we carried as her children,” she shared. “One in three women globally experience gender-based violence, and it’s something we need to talk about now to protect future generations.”
The beauty queen is preparing to represent Uganda at the 73rd Miss World Festival later this year.
Through the Miss Uganda Foundation and her own Fairfield Foundation, which she co-founded with her sisters, Muhoza is actively working in schools and communities. Her initiatives include tackling period poverty by distributing sanitary products in rural areas and advocating for women’s empowerment across East Africa.
She also runs a growing beauty business, Elle Lip Care, focused on skincare and cosmetics, proving that her entrepreneurial spirit matches her advocacy work.
Miss Muhoza expressed a strong desire to replicate her initiatives in Rwanda and foster collaboration between the two nations.
“Rwanda has made incredible progress, especially in women’s representation. If we can exchange ideas, we can create a better future for all of us,” she said.
Miss Muhoza expressed deep admiration for Rwanda’s societal values, particularly its patriotism and structure, which have left a lasting impression on her.
Inspired by African excellence
In the pageantry world, Muhoza draws inspiration from African queens who have broken barriers, including Quiin Abenakyo and Rwanda’s own Naomie Nishimwe, who recently released a memoir titled More Than a Crown, offering a candid look at life beyond the spotlight and the pressures behind the title.
“I respect African queens so much, it’s not easy to stand on a global stage and be recognised,” she noted.
With her automatic qualification for the Miss World Festival, Muhoza is already deep in preparation, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
“This competition is about impact, not just appearance,” she emphasised. “It’s about what you’re doing in your country.”
If successful, she hopes to amplify her campaign against gender-based violence on a global scale.
Drawing from her own experiences, Muhoza inspires girls to reach for their dreams: “Put God at the centre of everything, believe in yourself, and be confident. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”
Curious to hear it all? Catch the full video below!
Today, Autumn is the founder and CEO of KGL FWD, a Kigali-based communications firm that leverages public relations, events, cultural experiences, and capacity building to elevate Rwanda’s story and strengthen connections across the global diaspora.
“We use the power of PR, experiences, events, and capacity building to amplify a more expansive narrative of Rwanda and thereby Africa,” she explained.
Now based in Kigali and approaching eight years of living in the country, Autumn describes Rwanda as home, an identity that has been shaped by both her personal journey and professional evolution.
Autumn Marie Autumn is the founder and CEO of KGL FWD, a Kigali-based communications firm.
A worldview shaped by culture and social justice
Autumn’s roots trace back to the outskirts of Chicago, where she grew up in Bellwood, Illinois, in a diverse, multicultural environment. Her early life was influenced by neighbors from different parts of the world, exposure to international food and culture, and a strong connection to the arts.
She trained in ballet, modern dance, and West African dance, while music also played a central role in her upbringing. With a father and brother who were trumpet players, and growing up during the late 1980s and 1990s hip-hop era, she was immersed in a blend of musical traditions that shaped her creative outlook.
Beyond the arts, Autumn credits social justice movements in both Chicago and New York for deeply influencing her worldview. She highlights the role of elders involved in movements such as the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords Party, who introduced her to ideas of pan-Africanism, internationalism, and community engagement.
“That’s how I really learned about pan-Africanism and about internationalism and how to interact with communities,” she said.
From community organising to communications
Autumn’s entry into communications was not through a traditional academic path. Initially studying philosophy and intending to pursue a career in social justice law, she instead found herself working as a community organiser at Sisters on the Rise in the South Bronx.
There, she focused on reproductive justice for young Black and brown women, managing a range of responsibilities that included campaign strategy, political education, and media engagement.
It was during a campaign opposing the closure of daycare services in public schools for teen mothers that she experienced a turning point.
“Seeing the impact of the media come out to that campaign really set something on fire inside of me,” she recalled. “When media amplifies our stories, people are able to see them in an exponential way.”
That experience sparked her interest in public relations, leading her to her first role at a boutique fashion PR agency. She later expanded her career into the music industry at Digiwaxx, where she worked on influencer marketing, talent booking, and events, collaborating with clients including Nas, Jamie Foxx, and Busta Rhymes.
Her professional journey continued into film and television communications, working with clients, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and diaspora-focused platforms such as Urbanworld Film Festival and ImageNation Film and Music Festival.
A move that became a long-term home
Autumn’s relocation to Africa was not initially planned as a permanent move. In 2017, seeking a change in lifestyle, she left the United States with a desire for a different environment. Her journey first took her to Mauritius, following her partner’s professional path, before eventually leading them to Rwanda when he joined the African Leadership University campus in Kigali.
Autumn Marie Autumn’s journey first took her to Mauritius, following her partner’s professional path.
What started as a relocation linked to career and personal circumstances evolved into a deliberate choice to remain.
“It’s been the intentional decision to choose Rwanda again and again since being here,” she said.
Over time, Rwanda became more than a place to live, it became a place she identifies with personally and professionally.
Building across cultures and perspectives
Through KGL FWD, Autumn works with a diverse team composed of Rwandan and international professionals from countries including Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Nigeria. She notes that this diversity contributes to richer, more well-rounded campaigns that reflect multiple perspectives.
Her work also aligns with her long-standing belief in pan-Africanism—not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. In Rwanda, she says she has been able to translate those ideals into daily practice through collaboration, community engagement, and cross-cultural work.
Through KGL FWD, Autumn works with a diverse team composed of Rwandan and international professionals from countries including Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Nigeria.
Autumn highlights Rwanda’s homegrown solutions and governance systems as key elements that distinguish the country. She points to initiatives such as Umuganda and Umudugudu as examples of community participation embedded in national development.
She describes Rwanda as a country defined by ambition and forward-thinking approaches.
“Rwanda is like the overachiever student,” she said. “The country achieves something and then still says there is more to do. It does not see a glass ceiling.”
For Autumn, this mindset has not only influenced her perspective but has also expanded the scope of her work, pushing her into new sectors such as tourism education, cultural exchange, and international partnerships.
Expanding Rwanda’s global connections
Autumn’s work increasingly focuses on building bridges between Rwanda and the global diaspora. Through cultural exchange initiatives, she has helped facilitate visits from groups such as Nomadness Travel Tribe, as well as delegations from across Africa and beyond.
Her efforts have also contributed to collaborations linking Rwanda-based experiences to international platforms, including exhibitions and artistic exchanges tied to commemorations of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as media placements for artists.
These initiatives, she says, are rooted in a broader goal: ensuring that people experience Rwanda firsthand rather than relying solely on external narratives.
Reflecting on her personal transformation, Autumn contrasts her life in the United States with her experience in Rwanda. She references the work of James Baldwin in describing the emotional and psychological weight often associated with life in the U.S., particularly for Black individuals engaged in social awareness and activism.
For her, relocating to Rwanda offered a different kind of environment, one that allows for clarity, focus, and intentionality.
“Moving to Africa and more so to Rwanda is a break from that,” she said. “You can see things more clearly and work more purposefully.”
In her message to the Rwandan government and people, Autumn emphasised partnership and shared responsibility in telling Rwanda’s story.
“If I could say anything to the government of Rwanda, I would say you are not alone,” she said. “We in the private sector are standing with you.”
She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in Rwanda, noting the country’s broader impact beyond its borders.
“Thank you for giving us this example for the world to see, for children to see, so that they can dream bigger… This is real in Rwanda,” she said.
Through KGL FWD, Autumn continues to position storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and change, bridging diasporas, challenging stereotypes, and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Rwanda and Africa.
The Kigali concert formed part of the “Move Afrika” tour, which continues with Doja Cat’s scheduled performance in South Africa on March 20, 2026, extending the tour’s reach across the continent.
In Kigali, the atmosphere matched the event’s international billing. Beyond the lights, sound, and stage production, the crowd itself told a story of a concert that resonated far beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Data compiled from ticket sales shows that 7,908 tickets were purchased from 25 countries across all continents, reflecting both strong local demand and growing regional and global interest in Kigali as a live entertainment destination.
Unsurprisingly, Rwanda led the way with 5,488 tickets sold, accounting for 69.4% of total attendance. The home crowd formed the backbone of the audience, creating the energy and reception that typically defines major concerts.
Uganda followed with 1,023 tickets (12.9%), while Kenya contributed 746 tickets (9.4%), underscoring East Africa’s strong presence at the event.
Beyond the region, the concert also drew attendees from further afield. The United States recorded 228 ticket purchases, followed by Tanzania with 72, Canada with 60, South Africa with 59, and the United Kingdom with 33.
European representation included the Netherlands (29 tickets), Spain (28), Belgium (26), France (21), and Germany (15), alongside 27 tickets purchased from the United Arab Emirates.
Other countries on the list included Nigeria and Poland with eight tickets each, the Democratic Republic of Congo with seven, Côte d’Ivoire, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe with six each, Japan with four, Togo with three, Mauritius and South Sudan with two each, and India with one.
Taken together, the numbers point to a concert that transcended borders, blending a predominantly local audience with a noticeable international footprint, an increasingly familiar hallmark of Kigali’s emergence on the global entertainment circuit.
Move Afrika, a Global Citizen initiative, blends world-class live music with social impact programs, aiming to create jobs, support youth entrepreneurship, and provide skills training across Africa. The initiative also engages local artists, production crews, and vendors, boosting capacity in host cities while delivering a world-class entertainment experience.
Doja Cat wowed fans with an electrifying performance in Kigali on March 17, 2026.The concert atmosphere in Kigali matched the event’s international billing. Beyond the lights, sound, and stage production, the crowd itself told a story of a concert that resonated far beyond Rwanda’s borders.
The faithful were urged to maintain the spirit of Ramadan by continuing to do good deeds and avoiding sin beyond the fasting period.
The national Eid prayer was held on March 20, 2026, at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo and was led by the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa.
The Rwanda Muslim Community announced that more than Rwf 38 million was raised during Ramadan to support vulnerable Muslims, enabling the distribution of food on Eid day. Under the initiative, 20 tonnes of rice were provided to those in need.
The national Eid prayer was held on March 20, 2026, at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo.
Sibomana Salimu, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Muslim Community, said that although Ramadan has ended, the commitment to faith should continue.
He also noted that preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia are underway, with 65 pilgrims expected to depart from Rwanda in May. The group will travel directly to Saudi Arabia.
Delivering his message, Mufti Sindayigaya emphasised the importance of sustaining good character and righteous actions beyond Ramadan.
“The end of Ramadan should not mark the end of good deeds. We must continue praying and supporting the vulnerable. A wise person draws strength from this period,” he said.
He added that consistency in doing good, even in small acts, is what defines true devotion.
“Good deeds are not temporary. Even the smallest acts matter when done consistently,” he noted.
The Mufti further cautioned against returning to sinful behaviour after the fasting period, stressing that true worship extends throughout the year.
“It is a great loss for one to fast during Ramadan only to return to sin afterward. Worship should not be limited to one month while the rest of the year is neglected,” he said.
He also called on Muslims to uphold discipline, integrity, and values that reflect their faith.
Sindayigaya urged the Muslim community to remain grateful for the peace and stability in Rwanda, noting that in some parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, communities marked the end of Ramadan under difficult security conditions due to ongoing conflicts.
“Peace enables economic growth and allows people to enjoy its benefits. We should always be thankful,” he said.
Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, urged the Muslims community to maintain the spirit of Ramadan by continuing to do good deeds and avoiding sin beyond the fasting period.
He concluded by encouraging unity among Muslims, calling for collective efforts toward development and social cohesion.
“Our unity is a strong foundation for achieving sustainable development,” he said.
He also extended Eid greetings to all Rwandans.
Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga, attended Eid prayer.Sindayigaya urged the Muslim community to remain grateful for the peace and stability in Rwanda.The Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Muslim Community, Sibomana Salimu, said that during Ramadan, Muslims supported vulnerable people.
The Chadian government confirmed the attack occurred Wednesday and said the drone was launched from within Sudanese territory.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) condemned what it called a drone attack on Al-Tina and blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), calling it “a violation of Chad’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation.”
The SAF denied involvement and said in a statement Thursday that an RSF drone had struck a gathering of civilians inside Chad, calling it part of a “repeated pattern” of cross-border attacks.
Chad’s information minister and government spokesperson, Qassem Sharif, said the government had raised its military and security forces to a higher state of alert following the strike. He said Chad reserves the right to pursue those responsible inside Sudan under international law.
The strike comes as fighting between the SAF and RSF has intensified along the Sudanese-Chadian border, particularly in the Darfur region, where both sides have clashed over supply routes and border crossings.
The crossings between Sudan and Chad, including the Adre crossing, are vital commercial and humanitarian corridors for Darfur’s population.
Chad closed its border with Sudan on February 23 after armed groups crossed into its territory, allowing exceptions only for humanitarian purposes with prior authorization.
The SAF and RSF have been at war since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across the region.
The Sudan conflict has driven millions of people to flee across the border to Chad. Chad’s president has ordered the military to retaliate against future attacks from Sudan following a drone attack that killed at least 17 people and injured several other people attending a funeral.
In its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report, the WTO forecast that in a baseline growth scenario excluding energy price shocks, global merchandise trade growth would slow to 1.9 percent in 2026 from 4.6 percent in 2025 before rebounding to 2.6 percent in 2027.
Commercial services trade growth will ease to 4.8 percent in 2026, then accelerate again to 5.1 percent in 2027. Together, goods and services trade will grow 2.7 percent in 2026 compared with 4.7 percent in 2025, the report said.
Global GDP growth is projected to moderate slightly from 2.9 percent in 2025 to 2.8 percent in both 2026 and 2027, the report noted.
However, the WTO warned that these baseline projections could deteriorate if the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy markets.
The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on February 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.
European gas and oil prices rose sharply in early trading on Thursday. The Dutch TTF benchmark, a key reference for European gas supply contracts, surged more than 30 percent to 70.7 euros (about 76.8 U.S. dollars) per megawatt-hour at the open, before easing to around 67 euros per megawatt-hour. The price has more than doubled from around 32 euros megawatt-hour before the conflict began.
Oil prices also moved higher. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose to above 116 dollars per barrel in early trading.
If crude oil and liquefied natural gas prices remain elevated throughout 2026, world merchandise trade growth would be reduced by 0.5 percentage points to just 1.4 percent in 2026. Services trade would also grow at a slower rate of 4.1 percent. Global GDP growth could be cut by 0.3 percentage points, the report said.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the outlook reflects the resilience of global trade, supported by trade in high technology products and digitally delivered services, adaptations in supply chains and the avoidance of tit-for-tat retaliation on tariffs.
However, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned against further pressure from the Middle East conflict on global trade. “Sustained increases in energy prices could increase risks for global trade, with potential spillovers for food security and cost pressures on consumers and businesses,” she said.
The WTO’s new chief economist Robert Staiger told a press conference that the “unusually strong trade growth” in 2025 was mainly driven by the frontloading of imports in North America in anticipation of higher U.S. tariffs, as well as a surge in AI-related goods.
But the two forces are “unlikely to persist through 2026,” said Staiger.
However, the WTO economists still see potential upside if the Middle East conflict is short-lived and AI-related spending remains strong throughout 2026 and into 2027, which could lift merchandise trade growth by 0.5 percentage points to around 2.4 percent in 2026 and 2.7 percent in 2027.
Under the baseline scenario, Asia is expected to lead merchandise trade growth in 2026, with imports rising by 3.3 percent and exports by 3.5 percent. South America is also projected to post strong export growth of 3.5 percent.
In contrast, North America’s imports growth would remain flat at 0.3 percent. Europe’s exports are forecast to stagnate at 0.5 percent, while the Middle East is expected to see a sharp slowdown in exports to 0.6 percent.
The report also highlighted continued disruptions to global transport and services trade linked to the Middle East conflict.
The WTO cautioned that a prolonged crisis may lead to structurally higher transport costs, reduced transhipment activity and shifts in global travel and trade patterns toward alternative routes.
The logo of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is pictured at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, March 19, 2026. The WTO said on Thursday that global trade growth is set to slow in 2026 after a stronger-than-expected performance in 2025, warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict could add further pressure on global trade.A press conference on World Trade Organization (WTO)’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report is held at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, March 19, 2026. The World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters is pictured in Geneva, Switzerland, March 19, 2026.
Held on Thursday under the theme “Capital Market Connect: Preparing Businesses for Investment Success,” the forum brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore how Rwanda’s private sector can access long-term financing through the stock market and related instruments.
The event underscored the growing role of capital markets in supporting business expansion, improving corporate governance, and enhancing investor confidence, key elements considered essential for attracting both local and international investment.
Opening the forum, Rwanda Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, said capital markets remain central to linking ideas with financing and enabling businesses to scale.
“Good businesses require access to great capital. Capital markets allow ideas to become companies, and companies to become industries,” he said, emphasising that market development is a strategic pillar for national economic growth.
He noted that the Listings Forum serves as a platform to engage businesses across sectors and raise awareness about the value of listing on the stock exchange, including access to long-term funding, broader investor participation, and strengthened governance structures.
Bob Junker, Head of Cooperation at the Luxembourg Embassy in Kigali, reaffirmed the international community’s support for Rwanda’s financial growth, highlighting the importance of capital markets in driving innovation and competitiveness.
“Capital markets play a critical role in enabling businesses to grow, to innovate, and to compete,” he said, adding that listing on a stock exchange also improves transparency and visibility for companies seeking to scale sustainably.
From a policy perspective, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), emphasised that capital markets provide alternative financing options beyond traditional lending, including equity listings and corporate bonds.
He noted that Rwanda Stock Exchange initiatives, such as the Investment Clinic, are helping businesses meet the standards required by investors by strengthening financial reporting, governance, and internal management systems.
“A key barrier is meeting corporate governance standards. Investments follow preparation,” he said, pointing to the need for SMEs to formalise operations and improve compliance in order to access capital market financing.
The forum also highlighted the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in meeting due diligence and governance requirements. Stakeholders noted that programs like the Investment Clinic are designed to bridge these gaps by equipping firms with the tools needed to become “investment ready.”
Capital Market Authority Rwanda representatives reiterated that investor trust depends on strong regulatory frameworks and transparent business practices.
Eric Karekezi Ngabonziza, Head of Market Development at the Capital Market Authority, highlighted that regulations are designed to create the right conditions for investment, noting that “we are not here to create barriers. We are here to build the conditions that make investment possible.”
The Listings Forum forms part of RSE’s broader efforts to expand awareness of capital markets across Rwanda’s business community and encourage more companies to consider listing as a viable financing option.
Rwanda Stock Exchange, established in 2005, currently lists more than 100 securities, including equities, government treasury bonds, and corporate bonds, and continues to play a central role in mobilising capital for economic development.
As Rwanda’s economy continues to grow, stakeholders at the forum emphasised that stronger capital markets will be critical in connecting businesses with investors, fostering innovation, and supporting long-term, inclusive economic growth.
Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), together with its partners, urged businesses to leverage capital markets as a pathway to sustainable growth. Rwanda Stock Exchange CEO, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, said capital markets remain central to linking ideas with financing and enabling businesses to scale.Bob Junker, Head of Cooperation at the Luxembourg Embassy in Kigali, reaffirmed the international community’s support for Rwanda’s financial growth.Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), emphasised that capital markets provide alternative financing options beyond traditional lending.Eric Karekezi Ngabonziza, Head of Market Development at the Capital Market Authority, highlighted that regulations are designed to create the right conditions for investment.The forum was interactive, allowing attendees to engage with the panellists.The forum brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore how Rwanda’s private sector can access long-term financing through the stock market and related instruments.
In a message shared on X, Kagame said he looks forward to the continuation of strong bilateral relations and close cooperation with the Republic of the Congo.
“Rwanda welcomes the strong quality of our bilateral relations and looks forward to continuing close cooperation in support of our shared priorities and the prosperity of our peoples,” President Kagame said on Friday.
Sassou Nguesso, 82, secured a fifth term after winning 94.82 percent of the vote in Sunday’s presidential election, according to the Interior Ministry. Out of 3,167,909 registered voters, turnout reached 84.64 percent, reflecting strong participation in the electoral process.
Seven candidates contested the election. Uphrem Dave Mafoula finished a distant second with about 1.03 percent of the vote. Other contenders included Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, Anguios Nganguia Engambe, and first-time candidates Vivien Romain Manangou, Destin Gavet, and Mabio Mavoungou Zinga.
Under the country’s electoral framework, the president is elected through direct voting, with a two-round system applied if no candidate achieves a majority in the first round.
Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo have maintained a longstanding partnership marked by cooperation across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, and security. In August 2016, Rwanda opened its embassy in Brazzaville, further strengthening diplomatic engagement.
The two countries signed a series of agreements in 2011 covering trade, air transport, tourism promotion, energy, security, environmental protection, and fisheries. Air connectivity has also been reinforced, with RwandAir operating flights between Kigali and Brazzaville since that year.
Cooperation expanded further in November 2021, when both nations signed agreements on military collaboration, higher education, land management, sustainable development, and trade promotion. Additional deals focused on environmental protection and expanding air transport links.
In the same year, Rwanda’s Housing Authority and Congo-Brazzaville’s SOPRIM entered into a partnership to promote housing development and the construction of affordable, modern homes.
Relations between the two leaders have remained cordial over the years. During a visit to Rwanda in 2023, Sassou Nguesso was awarded the Agaciro Medal by President Kagame in recognition of his contribution to Africa’s development.
In 2023, President Kagame gifted cows to Denis Sassou Nguesso in a gesture of friendship and respect.President Kagame upon his arrival in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, in 2022. President Kagame during his third visit to Congo-Brazzaville in 2013.President Kagame praised the relations between Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). During a visit to Rwanda in 2023, Sassou Nguesso was awarded the Agaciro Medal by President Kagame in recognition of his contribution to Africa’s development.
