In a statement issued by Israel’s Ministry of Health, the authorities confirmed the decision following a reassessment of the situation.
“We are pleased to announce that Israel’s Ministry of Health has decided to remove Kenya and Rwanda from the list of countries subject to temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions,” the statement read.
The restrictions, introduced as a precaution amid Ebola concerns in the region, had also applied to Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Under the suspended measures, airlines were instructed to deny boarding to any foreign national who had visited the listed countries within 21 days prior to travel, regardless of nationality or residence status. The rules did not apply to Israeli citizens or legal residents.
Air carriers were also required to screen passengers and verify recent travel history before allowing boarding.
“Airlines must question every foreign passenger prior to boarding, which includes verifying whether they have stayed in any of the restricted countries listed above during the past 21 days,” the ministry stated. “If the answer is affirmative, they must not be permitted to board the flight to Israel.”
The earlier decision had drawn criticism from Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, who described it as unjustified, noting that the country had recorded no Ebola cases despite extensive testing.
The Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, was first reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15, 2026.
As of June 13, 2026, the country had recorded 782 cases, including 181 deaths. Uganda has confirmed 19 cases, including two fatalities, while no other country in the region has reported infections.
Rwanda has been removed from Israel’s Ebola travel restriction list
President Paul Kagame has urged global investors and financial institutions to view Africa as “a strategic opportunity, not a risk,” saying the continent should be seen as a driver of growth rather than a high-risk destination.
Speaking at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame emphasised that Africa’s transformation depends not only on policy reforms but also on how capital is mobilised into key sectors such as aviation.
“Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth,” he said.
Kagame called on development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to play a stronger role in financing infrastructure needed to improve air connectivity, including airports, maintenance facilities and fuel supply chains.
He noted that financing alone is not sufficient, stressing that regulatory reforms and policy coordination must accompany investment to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The President highlighted persistent structural barriers in African aviation, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said remain among the highest globally.
He pointed out that such costs limit mobility, discourage investment and weaken trade links across the continent.
Kagame stressed the need for predictable and harmonised regulatory frameworks, arguing that a single aviation market can only function effectively when rules and standards are aligned across countries.
He described the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as the right framework for integration but said it requires clear timelines and measurable outcomes to deliver results.
The President also cited Rwanda’s visa liberalisation policy as an example of how openness can stimulate economic activity.
“In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities,” he said, adding that the policy had contributed to increased business activity, tourism and expanded air links.
Kagame noted that Africa’s growing youth population will play a central role in driving future trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for governments to create enabling conditions for development.
He underscored that Africa’s experience demonstrates openness and cooperation are powerful drivers of development, stressing that no region can reach its full potential while remaining fragmented.
Speaking at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame emphasised that Africa’s transformation depends not only on policy reforms but also on how capital is mobilised into key sectors such as aviation.President Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé.Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.
“For decades, we have spoken about integration, trade and free movement. We know what has to be done. We just have to do it,” he said.
Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.
The Head of State noted that although Africa is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population, it accounts for only a small share of global air traffic. He attributed this gap to the high cost and difficulty of travel within Africa, observing that in many cases the fastest route between two African cities passes through another continent.
“This weakens trade, discourages investment and prevents business from operating at scale,” Kagame said.
He emphasised that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) provides the right framework for transforming the sector but requires stronger implementation.
“What it now needs are clear timelines and measurable outcomes,” he said.
Kagame also highlighted the importance of investing in modern airports, aircraft maintenance capacity and reliable fuel supply chains to support the growth of the aviation industry.
He urged development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to view investment in Africa as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk.
“Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth,” he said.
The President further called for urgent action to address barriers that continue to hinder the sector, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said are among the highest in the world.
“Reducing these costs is vital,” Kagame said, adding that regulatory alignment across countries is equally important to ensure predictable and consistent standards throughout the continent.
He also pointed to Rwanda’s visa liberalisation policies as an example of how removing barriers can stimulate economic activity.
“In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities,” he said, noting that the move contributed to stronger business activity, increased tourism and expanded air links.
Kagame said Africa’s growing young population will increasingly drive trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for leaders to create conditions that enable future generations to succeed.
He described the convention as an important platform for building consensus on the future of African aviation and called on leaders and stakeholders to turn commitments into results.
“The task ahead of us is very clear,” Kagame said. “I’m sure all of us are prepared for that task.”
President Kagame arrived in Togo on Monday and is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.
President Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé.In his address, President Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.
Speaking recently, Senyoni, who currently serves as Secretary of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), recounted his experience within the military hierarchy during the final years preceding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He explained that he joined the former Rwandan Armed Forces in 1984 and later received specialized training abroad in military administration and secretarial services. In 1987, he was assigned to the Secretariat of the Army High Command.
In 1990, after the launch of the liberation struggle by the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Senyoni was transferred to the military camp in Gako, where he coordinated administrative and financial affairs. As the war intensified, he continued carrying out secretarial duties related to military operations.
By April 1994, Senyoni was still serving in that role and became directly involved in documenting one of the most consequential meetings held after Habyarimana’s plane was shot down on April 6.
“On the evening of April 7, 1994, Bagosora, who was then Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Defence, convened a meeting of senior military officers at the former École Supérieure Militaire, which I believe is now part of UR-CST,” Senyoni recalled.
“Meeting notes were usually taken by hand. The handwritten records from that meeting were brought to the military secretariat, where I typed them before they were forwarded to the Ministry of Defence.”
According to Senyoni, one of the key resolutions adopted during the meeting was the appointment of Bagosora as President to succeed Habyarimana.
“The meeting concluded that Bagosora should become President of the Republic and replace Habyarimana,” he said. “However, when the minutes reached the Ministry of Defence, French military advisers working under military cooperation arrangements reviewed them and warned that if Bagosora became President, the RPF would immediately accuse the military of shooting down the presidential plane and carrying out a coup.”
Senyoni said the French advisers urged military leaders to follow constitutional procedures instead. The officers accepted the advice, effectively ending Bagosora’s ambitions to assume the presidency.
“At that point, they instructed members of the Presidential Guard to bring Théodore Sindikubwabo from Butare,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Genocide against the Tutsi had already begun. Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana had been killed, along with Joseph Kavaruganda, the President of the Constitutional Court. Violence was spreading rapidly across Kigali.
Under Rwanda’s constitutional arrangements at the time, if the President could no longer perform his duties, the office would pass either to the Prime Minister or the Speaker of Parliament.
Since Uwilingiyimana had already been murdered, Sindikubwabo, who was then Speaker of Parliament, became the constitutional successor. However, he was in Butare, in southern Rwanda.
Senyoni said confusion and divisions within the Presidential Guard complicated efforts to bring him to Kigali.
“The soldiers sent to retrieve him believed he was being brought to Kigali to be killed,” Senyoni said. “They transported him poorly in a pickup truck borrowed from a convent. He was not even wearing socks.”
According to Senyoni, Sindikubwabo arrived at Army Headquarters visibly frightened, convinced he would be killed. However, later that evening, Radio Rwanda announced that he had become President.
“The Genocide continued, and eventually we fled to what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I crossed into Bukavu,” he said.
Senyoni remained in the DRC until 2010, when he decided to return to Rwanda. Three of his five children returned with him and later received educational support from the Imbuto Foundation.
Today, he says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve Rwanda once again. He has spent the past 15 years as Secretary of the RDRC and regularly encourages former combatants still living in eastern DRC to return home.
He emphasized that Rwanda remains open to those willing to reintegrate and urged all Rwandans to continue safeguarding national unity and reconciliation.
Alphonse Senyoni, who typed the minutes of the meeting that initially designated Théoneste Bagosora as president, said the plan was abandoned following advice from French military advisers.Senior officers in the former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR) had agreed to appoint Col. Théoneste Bagosora as successor to President Juvénal Habyarimana before the proposal was later dropped.
The 21st edition of the peace-themed race, which has been held since 2005, both started and finished at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The event attracted senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Candy Basomingera; World Athletics Vice President Jackson Tuei; and RAF President Col (Rtd) Kayumba Lemuel.
This year’s edition featured only the Full Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, following Saturday’s “Run for Peace” 10km race, which attracted 4,197 participants.
For the first time, the Full Marathon started at 6:30 a.m., a scheduling adjustment aimed at mitigating the impact of Kigali’s rising daytime temperatures.
A total of 518 athletes, including elite international runners, lined up for the marathon following the official start signal from PS Basomingera.
The marathon route ran through key parts of Kigali, including Amahoro Stadium, Chez Lando, Gishushu, MTN Nyarutarama, Kigali Convention Centre, University of Kigali, Kacyiru, MINAGRI, the U.S. Ambassador’s residence area, Kimihurura, Kigali Heights, and surrounding city roads before returning to Amahoro Stadium.
In the men’s Full Marathon, Kenya’s Namutala delivered a record-breaking performance, winning in 2:14:19, the fastest time recorded in the event’s history in Kigali.
He was followed closely by compatriot Shadrack Kimining, who finished second, while fellow Kenyan Bernard Kipkorir took third place.
The top eight finishers included Bazezew Asmare Belay (Ethiopia), Kaan Kigen Özbilen (Turkey), Julius Ochieng (Uganda), Rwanda’s Ntirenganwa Fidèle, and Kipkirui Langat (Kenya).
In the women’s Full Marathon, Kenya’s Ivyne Jeruto secured victory in 2:35:35, also setting the fastest women’s winning time in Kigali’s marathon history.
She was followed by Ethiopia’s Tegest Ayalew Ymer, who finished 41 seconds behind, while compatriot Tsega Desta Mehari took third.
Other top-eight finishers included Viola Munerya (Uganda), Dolphine Kemunto Nyagaka (Kenya), Mabre Haile Degefa (Ethiopia), Rita Jelagat (Kenya), and Dorine Jerop Murkomen (Kenya).
The Half Marathon (21km), which featured 2,942 athletes across both categories, began at 8:15 a.m., with runners completing a single loop of the full marathon course.
In the men’s Half Marathon, Kenya’s Amos Kirui won in 1:04:16, followed by Uganda’s Oscar Kibet, while Zakariah Kirika Gacugu of Kenya placed third.
Other top-eight finishers included Mark Biryomumeisho (Uganda), Titus Kipchirchir Kibet (Kenya), Tanui Nicholas Kipkoech (Kenya), Jamal Kipron Kipkosgei (Kenya), and Rwanda’s John Hakizimana.
In the women’s Half Marathon, Rwandan athletes delivered a dominant performance, sweeping the podium. Ibishatse Angélique claimed gold in 1:13:30, followed by Mutuyimana Berthilde (silver, +24 seconds) and Tuyambaze Thabita (bronze, +37 seconds).
The result ensured that the women’s Half-Marathon medals remained in Rwanda despite strong competition from international runners.
Other top finishers included Mercy Jepkemoi Kipyego (Kenya), Byukusenge Devotha (Rwanda), Lelei Lilian Jepkemboi (Kenya), Kilel Caroline (Kenya), and Lolima Irine Chepkorir (Kenya).
Prize money for the Full Marathon winners (men and women) stood at $20,000 for first place, $15,000 for second, and $7,500 for third. Fourth place received $5,000, fifth $3,000, while sixth to eighth earned $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively.
In the Half Marathon, winners in both categories received $5,000, with $4,000 for second place and $3,000 for third. Fourth to eighth places received $2,000, $1,000, $800, $500, and $400 respectively.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon remains a World Athletics Elite Label road race. This year’s edition also featured 22 Gold Label athletes as part of ongoing efforts to elevate its competitive standard.
Kephar Lumbasi Namutala won the 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon in the men’s category. Shadrack Kimining finished second in the men’s category.
Ivyne Jeruto of Kenya won the 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon in the women’s category.
Tegest Ayalew Ymer of Ethiopia finished second in the women’s category.
Tsega Desta Mehari finished third in the women’s Full Marathon.
Ibishatse Angélique won the gold medal after finishing first in the women’s Half-Marathon.
Mutuyimana Berthilde finished second in the women’s Half-Marathon.
Byukusenge Devotha finished fifth in the women’s Half-Marathon.
Tuyambaze Thabita finished third in the women’s Half-Marathon.
Kenya’s Amos Kirui won the Half Marathon in the men’s category.
Uganda’s Oscar Kibet finished second in the men’s Half-Marathon.
Rwanda’s John Hakizimana finished eighth in the men’s Half-Marathon.
Jackson Hakiza, the Head of Tourism at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), told IGIHE that hotel room capacity in Rwanda has steadily risen to 27,938, serving both domestic and international visitors across the country. This marks growth of more than 10,000 rooms over the past five years, up from 16,113 in 2019.
The PSF attributes this growth to sustained investment in the sector, noting its vital importance to the national economy.
The country features a diverse array of accommodation options, anchored by elite five-star hotels and globally acclaimed luxury eco-lodges. These include the Kigali Marriott Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in the capital, alongside ultra-luxury wilderness properties like Bisate Eco Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Magashi Camp in Akagera, and One&Only Nyungwe House.
In addition, a robust framework of four-star and three-star hotels indicates a highly diversified hospitality sector that caters to varying market segments.
The expansion of hotel infrastructure has played a central role in supporting Rwanda’s tourism growth, improving service capacity and strengthening the country’s attractiveness as a regional tourism and business destination.
In 2025, tourism revenue reached $685 million, up from $647 million in 2024, representing a 6% increase. Visitor arrivals grew by 9% to 1.49 million, with flagship conservation areas like Volcanoes National Park remaining primary economic engines.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment also continued to expand rapidly, generating $94.7 million in 2025, up from $84.8 million in 2024, an 11.8% increase. Rwanda hosted 165 regional, continental, and global events during the year, drawing over 61,000 delegates who were accommodated across various hotels in the country.
Industry leaders note that the sector’s performance reflects sustained structural growth and its increasing contribution to the national economy through investment attraction and job creation. Under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), tourism is projected to generate $1.1 billion annually by 2029, while MICE revenues are targeted to hit $224 million.
The sector remains a key employer outside agriculture and livestock. The government aims to leverage these hospitality investments to help drive its broader NST2 employment goals, which target the creation of 250,000 new productive jobs annually through 2029.
The swimming pool at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali features heated water.
The Pinnacle Kigali is a hotel set on a 3.2-hectare site.
One of the 20 rooms at The Retreat by Heaven.
The luxury boutique property, The Retreat by Heaven, located in the Kiyovu neighborhood of Kigali, was founded by the American entrepreneurs Josh and Alissa Ruxin. [1, 2]The Retreat by Heaven is located in Kiyovu.
The Retreat by Heaven features 20 rooms.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers ultra-luxury accommodation on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Singita Kwitonda Lodge was built by the renowned conservation and tourism company Singita.The rooms at Singita Kwitonda Lodge are elegantly designed.
One of the rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, built in 2016, has 291 rooms.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is set within a forested landscape, nestled among trees.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre is located in Kimihurura in Kigali City.
Inside One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Kinigi, Musanze District.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Kinigi features 21 modern rooms and seven standalone villas.
Inside One&Only Nyungwe House, set within lush forest surroundings.
Inside One&Only Nyungwe House, built in 2010.
One&Only Nyungwe House is a luxury eco-resort set on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
One&Only Nyungwe House was built in 2010 in partnership with the Government of Rwanda.
Inside One&Only Nyungwe House, located within Nyungwe National Park.
Inside Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park.
Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park is a luxury safari camp. Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park was established in 2018 inside Akagera National Park.
Kigali Serena Hotel is one of Rwanda’s long-established flagship hotels, built on the site of the former Hotel des Diplomates. It was later operated as Hotel Intercontinental before being rebranded as Kigali Serena Hotel in 2007.
One of the rooms at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Kigali Marriott Hotel, located in the heart of Kigali, was officially opened on October 4, 2016.
Kigali Marriott Hotel features 250 rooms, including presidential suites.
Kigali Marriott Hotel is one of Rwanda’s five-star hotels.
Inside Bisate Eco Lodge.
Bisate Eco Lodge is widely admired for its distinctive architectural design.
Bisate Eco Lodge was officially inaugurated by President Paul Kagame on September 1, 2017.
Bisate Eco Lodge is located in Kinigi, Musanze District, close to Volcanoes National Park.
Zaria Court Hotel.Zaria Court Hotel is one of Kigali’s modern hotels.
The Retreat by Heaven is located in Kiyovu and opened in 2011.Virunga Inn Resort is located in Kinigi, Musanze District.
Mövenpick Hotel Kigali is one of Rwanda’s recently established five-star hotels.
M Hotel, rated four stars, is part of Rwanda’s hospitality network serving international and domestic guests.
Addressing the Security Council during an open debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said the question of the ICTR archives is no longer one of capacity or feasibility, but one of principle.
“The question before us is where the historical record of the Genocide against the Tutsi should be preserved so that it remains most meaningful, accessible and relevant to those whose history it documents,” he told Council members on Friday.
The intervention comes as the United Nations considers the future of the ICTR’s legacy institutions and remaining residual functions. Rwanda argued that, unlike other international tribunal archives that concern multiple countries and conflicts, the ICTR archives relate to a single country, a single people and a single genocide, making Rwanda the most appropriate location for their preservation.
Ugirashebuja emphasised that Rwanda fully recognises the archives as the property of the United Nations, but said ownership alone should not determine their future location. Historical relevance, accessibility and proximity to survivors and future generations should also be taken into account, he argued.
According to the minister, the country has already met all technical and legal requirements necessary to host the archives. The government says it has invested in archival infrastructure, developed expertise in preservation and digitization, and established legal safeguards that would protect the integrity of the records while ensuring continued access for researchers and scholars.
In a significant new offer, Rwanda pledged to bear the financial costs associated with relocating and maintaining the archives.
“Relocating the archives to Rwanda would not impose an additional financial burden on Member States,” Ugirashebuja said, adding that Rwanda is prepared to finance the transfer, preservation and digitisation of the records while maintaining United Nations ownership.
The minister said such an arrangement would relieve the UN and member states of future financial obligations related to managing and digitising the archives, while ensuring their long-term preservation.
For survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda argues that the transfer would represent more than the movement of documents. It would symbolise the return of a vital part of their collective memory and historical record.
Beyond the archives issue, Rwanda also called for greater clarity regarding the future of the Mechanism’s remaining responsibilities. The country expressed readiness to host a small residual prosecutorial presence to support cooperation with national authorities and the continued pursuit of genocide fugitives.
Ugirashebuja noted that more than 1,000 genocide suspects remain at large worldwide and said continued international cooperation remains essential to advancing accountability.
Rwanda further renewed its longstanding offer to receive persons convicted by the ICTR for sentence enforcement, as well as Rwandan nationals who have been acquitted or have completed their sentences but remain without a durable solution.
The minister told the Council that Rwanda’s correctional facilities meet international standards and that the country has accumulated decades of experience in the reintegration of returning nationals and former genocide convicts.
As the IRMCT moves closer to completing its mandate, Rwanda urged the Security Council to begin making decisions about the orderly transfer of remaining responsibilities, including the future of the ICTR archives.
“The Mechanism was never intended to be permanent,” Ugirashebuja said. “Its success should ultimately be measured not by its longevity, but by its ability to complete its mandate and ensure that residual responsibilities are managed in a sustainable manner.”
The appeal places the future location of the ICTR archives firmly before the Security Council and signals Rwanda’s intention to play a larger role in preserving the legacy of international justice more than three decades after the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ICTR served as the principal international tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was formally closed on December 31, 2015. By the time of its closure, the Tribunal had indicted 93 individuals and concluded proceedings for 82, resulting in 61 convictions and 14 acquittals.
Additionally, it issued a total of 55 first-instance judgments and 45 appeal judgments. Remaining cases, primarily fugitives still at large and some matters referred to national jurisdictions, were transferred to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to ensure the completion of the Tribunal’s work.
Addressing the Security Council during an open debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said the question of the ICTR archives is no longer one of capacity or feasibility, but one of principle.Rwanda’s intervention comes as the United Nations considers the future of the ICTR’s legacy institutions and remaining residual functions.
In a recent conversation at Fudan University in China, Gatare said Africa’s growing population, resources, and market potential make a strong case for greater regional and continental integration.
“When you look at the political economy of the world today and the dynamics of the world today, you do not see any African state that is big enough, strong enough to compete by itself in the global economy yet,” he said. “It’s a competitive marketplace.”
Gatare argued that Africa continues to be underrepresented in discussions on global governance despite being home to nearly 1.5 billion people.
“A billion and a half people, almost as big as China in terms of people, soon probably more, is not a number of people to be ignored in discussions about global governance,” he said.
While acknowledging that a fully unified continental market may still be a long-term aspiration, he noted that regional blocs are already large enough to compete effectively on the global stage.
His remarks also highlighted the mission of the African School of Governance, which seeks to train leaders with a Pan-African outlook and a strong commitment to public service.
“The School of Governance is teaching leaders with a mindset that is Pan-African, but it’s also teaching leaders that have a commitment to public service, to their people, to the service of their people,” he said.
According to Gatare, leadership should be viewed primarily as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
“When you have that privilege, you have not done much to earn it. It’s because of the responsibility you have been bestowed on to serve others.”
He said the institution encourages leaders to develop confidence, ambition and a clear vision capable of mobilising communities toward transformation.
Gatare who also serves as Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Rwanda, reflected on what he described as Africa’s “collective trauma,” citing the slave trade, colonialism, struggles for independence and post-independence governance failures as challenges that have shaped the continent’s history.
“Many nations have gone through different types of trauma from bad leaders that have divided their communities, set one tribe against another, and squandered a lot of opportunity through mismanagement,” he said.
“Now, it doesn’t have to continue that way. We have got to break the cycle.”
He stressed that leadership is not limited to those holding high office, arguing that responsibility begins at the individual and community levels.
“So many times the focus is put on heads of government and nations, but the responsibility starts with leaders at the community level,” he said.
At the African School of Governance, he added, leadership training begins with values and personal responsibility.
“We say that good leadership has got to be values-based.”
On development, Gatare described it as a collective effort involving citizens, businesses, communities and governments rather than a process driven solely by the state.
“Development, in our perspective, is an outcome that happens as a result of every member of society contributing,” he said.
He noted that development requires citizens to have confidence in their future, supported by security, stability and a shared national vision.
“The role of political leaders is very important,” he said. “One, to make society safe, secure, and give confidence to citizens, as well as non-citizens, to aspire and invest in their future.”
He added that effective governance depends on consultation rather than decisions made by a single individual.
“There is no single all-knowing individual that will close themselves in a room and emerge out of it with a vision. A vision is set through consultations. That’s governance.” During the interview, Gatare also explained why the African School of Governance had engaged with institutions in China.
The school, which was established two years ago, is looking for ideas and experiences that can help shape its teaching philosophy for future African leaders.
“We are looking for inspiration to structure together the best teaching philosophy for the next leaders of our continent, Africa,” he said.
Gatare praised China’s record in poverty reduction, describing it as a source of inspiration for Africa.
In 2021, China declared the eradication of extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978.
“There is an appreciation of what China has done for itself as a society, transforming the lives of more than a billion people and lifting more than 500 million people out of poverty in one generation,” he said.
“Africa is the only place on the planet today which collectively is still behind, caught up in poverty. Where else would we learn about fighting poverty and lifting people’s lives than in China, considering what you have achieved?”
He added that China continues to play an important stabilising role in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
“We came to learn. We came to build relationships and partnerships, to see how you do it here and what lessons we can take for ourselves.”
The African School of Governance, co-founded by President Paul Kagame in October 2024, aims to equip emerging African leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the continent’s development.
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the African School of Governance (ASG) was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The institution will offer graduate programs in policy, research, governance, leadership, and management, designed to nurture the next generation of visionary African leaders.
The President of the African School of Governance, Gatare said Africa’s growing population, resources and market potential make a strong case for greater regional and continental integration.
The report shows that 1.6% of transaction attempts involving consumers in Rwanda were flagged as suspected digital fraud in 2025, down from 2.7% in 2024 and significantly below the global average of 3.8%.
While the decline suggests improved detection and stronger safeguards, analysts caution that fraud risk is shifting rather than disappearing.
“Despite recording lower digital fraud rates than global and regional averages, Rwanda is experiencing a structural change in fraud risk,” said Amritha Reddy, senior director of fraud product management at TransUnion Africa. She noted that criminals are increasingly targeting identity and trust at the earliest stages of digital interaction.
Money mule scams dominate reported losses
Among Rwandan consumers who reported losing money to digital fraud in the past year, nearly three in ten (29%) said the losses were linked to money mule scams — the highest single category of fraud impact in the country.
Other major fraud types reported include account takeover (24%), social engineering (22%), fraudulent credit card transactions (22%), and unemployment benefits-related fraud (22%). Third-party seller scams on e-commerce platforms accounted for 21%, while identity theft stood at 19%. Messaging-based scams such as smishing, phishing, and vishing each accounted for between 13% and 15% of reported cases.
Experts say money mule schemes are particularly concerning because victims are often unknowingly recruited to move stolen funds, making them a key link between consumer fraud and broader financial crime networks.
“Money mules often are the bridge between consumer fraud and broader financial crime,” Reddy said. “As these activities scale, isolated scams evolve into wider systemic risks.”
The report highlights a shift in when fraud is most likely to occur in the digital lifecycle. In 2025, Rwanda recorded its highest suspected fraud rate at the account creation stage, at 7.7%. This was followed by account login (1.6%) and financial transactions (0.5%).
This pattern suggests that fraudsters are increasingly targeting identity systems rather than attempting to breach transactions directly.
“Rather than attacking systems directly, fraudsters increasingly impersonate legitimate users, blending into digital ecosystems designed for speed and inclusion,” Reddy explained. “Once a compromised identity is onboarded, downstream fraud becomes significantly more complex and costly to prevent.”
Across sectors, retail recorded the highest suspected digital fraud rate involving Rwandan consumers in 2025 at 7.1%, followed by online communities such as forums and dating platforms (2.1%) and gaming or betting platforms (1.7%).
While retail remains the most exposed sector, the data also shows a sharp drop in attempted fraud volumes compared to 2024, including a 97% decline in retail-related attempts.
The findings also reveal that Rwandan consumers increasingly value digital safety when engaging online. Easy payment processes (73%), confidence in personal data security (70%), and simplified forms and applications (64%) were identified as the most important features influencing trust in digital services.
“Consumers are willing to accept friction when it clearly enhances protection,” Reddy said, noting that security is becoming a key factor in digital trust and brand choice.
Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen its digital ecosystem, including investments in digital public infrastructure under National Identification Agency (NIDA) and the country’s broader Vision 2050 development agenda, are expected to reinforce secure onboarding and electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) systems.
The introduction of a new digital identification number is seen as a key step toward improving identity verification and reducing vulnerabilities at the point of account creation.
Fraud evolving, not disappearing
Despite the decline in overall suspected fraud rates, experts caution that the threat is becoming more adaptive, subtle, and harder to detect. Fraudsters are increasingly relying on psychological manipulation and cross-channel scams that exploit trust rather than technical vulnerabilities.
“Fraud is becoming more automated, more targeted and more psychologically manipulative,” Reddy said. “The central challenge ahead is no longer simply preventing fraud but preserving trust in the digital economy.”
The report draws on a global survey of 12,730 consumers across 18 countries, including 308 respondents in Rwanda, conducted between November and December 2025, alongside TransUnion’s global fraud intelligence network.
While Rwanda continues to outperform global averages in controlling suspected digital fraud, the findings suggest that the next challenge will be addressing increasingly sophisticated identity-based scams at the earliest stages of digital engagement.
Analysts caution that fraud risk is shifting rather than disappearing.
The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin on June 12, and is based exclusively on independently verified passenger feedback from more than one million flights worldwide.
The recognition is therefore a direct reflection of the experience delivered to customers onboard RwandAir flights.
According to the airline, this recognition highlights RwandAir’s continued investment in service excellence, cabin crew training, and the delivery of a warm, attentive, and distinctly Rwandan onboard experience.
It also adds to the airline’s growing record of international recognition, including its Skytrax Best Regional Airline in Africa title in 2025 and its APEX Diamond Health Safety Status, which made RwandAir the first African airline to receive that designation.
Commenting on the development, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said: “This award is a powerful recognition of the service our customers experience through the dedication of our cabin crew. As RwandAir positions itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, we are proud to showcase Rwanda’s warmth, professionalism, and hospitality across every journey. We remain committed to raising the standard of African aviation and delivering a world-class experience for our passengers.”
“RwandAir winning the 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in Africa award based on the votes of verified passengers honors one of the most inspiring service ascents in aviation today, led by a national carrier that has elevated African hospitality with remarkable intention, discipline, and pride,” said Dr. Joe Leader, APEX Group CEO.
The APEX Awards, established by the Airline Passenger Experience Association, are among the aviation industry’s leading passenger experience benchmarks, assessing key areas including cabin service, entertainment, Wi-Fi, seat comfort, and food and beverage across airlines globally.
This recognition comes as RwandAir continues to strengthen its network, enhance its customer experience, and position itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, with service excellence remaining central to its brand promise.
RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, connects Africa to the world from its Kigali hub, strategically located in the heart of Africa.
Founded in 2002, the airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus A330s, Boeing 737-800NGs, Bombardier Q400s and a dedicated freighter, serving 22 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with codeshare and interline partnerships extending connectivity to an additional 150 destinations worldwide.
Awarded Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards and Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, RwandAir serves as a catalyst for trade, tourism and economic growth across Africa and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) is a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations.
APEX accelerates the industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier.
The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin on June 12, and is based exclusively on independently verified passenger feedback from more than one million flights worldwide. L–R: Simon Richman, Regional Commercial Manager (UK, Europe & North America), RwandAir and Dr. Joe Leader, APEX Group CEO during the APEX Awards ceremony in Dublin, June 2026.
