Fairbanks was speaking on Saturday, July 5, at the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Dallas, Texas, a gathering of Rwandans in the diaspora attended by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
A central theme of his message was the contrast between dysfunctional and thriving value chains. Drawing from a personal experience in Colombia, Fairbanks illustrated how closed systems, lack of accountability, and absence of competition can stifle economic development.
“In Colombia,” he said, “everyone in the leather supply chain blamed someone else for failure, from the ranchers to the tanneries, until the blame landed on the cows themselves. They said, ‘We have dumb cows.’ That’s when I knew the problem wasn’t the cows, it was a broken system with no incentive to innovate or cooperate.”
In Rwanda, Fairbanks noted, the opposite is true. “We embrace competition as a positive force,” he said. “Even when we fail, we learn why we failed.”
He highlighted several key characteristics that have enabled Rwanda’s value chains to flourish. Among them is a spirit of healthy competition, where open market dynamics and clearly defined rules encourage innovation and raise the standard of quality across industries.
Fairbanks also pointed to the strength of cultural continuity, an enduring sense of shared identity among Rwandans, including those in the diaspora. This deep-rooted connection fosters strong bonds of trust and purpose, a phenomenon he described using political scientist Francis Fukuyama’s term, “spontaneous sociability.”
Another defining trait is collective accountability. In contrast to his Colombian case study, where stakeholders deflected blame at every level, Rwandans tend to confront challenges directly and take ownership of outcomes.
Finally, he emphasised the nation’s optimism and clarity of vision. Rwanda’s well-structured governance and unified national goals provide a roadmap that aligns stakeholders and drives coordinated progress.
“You pay your taxes better than most, you believe in the future, and you know where you’re going. That’s why Rwanda’s value chains are working—and why the future is so bright.”
He also commended the diaspora for preserving Rwandan culture, citing traditional games and shared experiences that kept communities connected across borders.
“Whether in Congo, Burundi, Uganda, or Brussels, Rwandans played the same games and ate the same food. That unity matters,” he said.
The Rwanda Convention in Dallas is a diaspora-led initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Rwandans abroad and their homeland, recognising the diaspora’s vital role in national development through investment, remittances, and knowledge exchange.
Speaking during a conversation with members of the press on Liberation Day, President Kagame shared personal and national insights, emphasising the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance.
“For me, at a personal level, it’s been a very tough but enjoyable journey,” the president said in his opening remarks.
He highlighted the significance of the struggle, noting, “This is the best thing one can do to be part of the many years of struggle to put things right for our country, for our people, for ourselves all together.”
When asked about the personal convictions that drove him to fight for Rwanda as part of the group of refugees who formed the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which liberated the country and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame offered a deep reflection on the challenges and rewards of the liberation struggle.
“The tough side was what was confronted and dealt with, being of such a magnitude that for the half-hearted, they would just collapse under the weight of its first day,” he said.
Yet, he found inspiration in the collective effort: “The enjoyable part… is understanding the story itself, where you are coming from and where you are going, and then finding yourself in the middle of it, being one among many to be looked up to… It gives a sense of pride, inspiration.”
Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, acknowledging the unexplainable nature of survival.
“I cannot account for why I’m still alive. I could have easily gone the way of the others who didn’t make it,” he admitted, adding, “We remember them. We honour them. We respect them for what we know they are associated with or they did when they were still there.”
He emphasized that the struggle’s purpose was to create a better future, stating, “What comes out in the end must reflect that difference between what you really fought against and what you are creating. They have to be different.”
The president also addressed Rwanda’s progress toward self-reliance, responding to a question about a 2012 speech where he criticised Western powers for scapegoating Rwanda.
“Rwanda has constantly been changing, but those powerful countries and how they see us or maybe see other Africans has really not changed,” Kagame said, asserting, “We don’t owe our living to anyone. Never will it happen again.”
“It’s not bragging. It’s an act of survival,” he declared, encapsulating the spirit of a nation forged through struggle and determination.
Responding to a journalist’s question about the implications of the recently signed agreement if the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) are not eliminated, Kagame delivered a firm message: “Rwanda will always do what it has to do when FDLR is along our border. There is no magic word here to be used by anybody.”
The agreement in question, reached in Washington, D.C., was signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on June 27, with the aim of addressing long-standing security concerns in the region.
A central provision of this deal is the elimination of the FDLR, a rebel group that has repeatedly launched attacks on Rwanda from Congolese territory and is known to have collaborated with the DRC government, particularly during its operations against the M23 rebel group.
President Kagame stressed that while the agreement was signed in Washington, its successful implementation lies solely in the hands of the two parties involved.
“We reached an agreement in Washington, D.C. But it is not up to Washington to implement it. It’s those who reached the agreement to actually implement what they agreed.”
He went on to express Rwanda’s commitment to fulfilling its part of the deal: “You will never find Rwanda at fault with implementing what we have agreed to do. You will never.”
However, he issued a clear warning that if the other party acts dishonestly or fails to uphold their commitments, Rwanda will respond accordingly: “But if we decide we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we have been dealing with it. There are no two ways about it.”
The President also placed the Rwanda-DRC conflict within a broader regional and internal political context.
He highlighted that in addition to the Washington deal, a parallel negotiation process is underway in Qatar, focusing on the DRC’s internal conflict involving the M23 and issues related to political representation and citizenship.
“There is another deal ongoing that concerns internal groups of Congo. AFC/M23 and the government… that is being discussed and brokered by Qatar.” Kagame noted, recalling his meeting with President Tshisekedi in Doha and underlining that these negotiations are also critical to achieving lasting peace.
For Kagame, the failure to eliminate the FDLR would mean the persistence of the threat Rwanda has long faced.
“If FDR is not dealt with and we have set out the way to deal with it in the agreement, then that means FDLR continues to be there and the problem continues to be there,” he noted.
The Head of State also reiterated that Rwanda would not hesitate to take necessary actions to defend its borders and people.
“We have this obligation and we have laid our case. And out of that, we have agreed to do a number of things to deal with and do it together with others. And we will do that.”
Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye confirmed that the new aircraft will arrive in phases, with the A330 wide-body expected in August, followed by the two Boeing 737s by September.
“There’s number four coming before the end of the year,” said Caunhye. “We’re planning for our fourth wide-body Airbus to come around August, so the paperwork is being finalised now. But number four will not be the last one—nor is it sufficient to meet all our planned requirements.”
The new aircraft are expected to boost RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by an additional 100 million, representing a 15–20% increase in capacity. Despite this growth, Caunhye noted it remains below the soaring market demand across Africa, which continues to outpace global trends.
The incoming Airbus A330 will be deployed mainly on the airline’s high-demand London Heathrow route, offering much-needed backup given the strict slot rules at the UK hub.
“Given the slot rules in London, it’s very tricky with three aircraft—when one goes down, we face challenges with our slots,” RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo told African Aerospace on the sidelines of the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention held in Kigali in May.
The aircraft is also expected to reinforce RwandAir’s Lagos service, another key West African destination, as the carrier aims to deepen its regional connectivity while maintaining its growing international footprint.
The fleet expansion forms part of a broader strategy that follows RwandAir’s recognition as Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, received in June at the Paris Air Show.
The accolade, which CCO Caunhye described as “a testimony to the precision of all the bolts and cogs coming together,” reflects the airline’s progress in enhancing service quality and operational resilience.
Currently, RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s.
The upcoming additions will not only boost seat capacity but also support RwandAir’s expanding network, as the airline positions Kigali as a strategic hub connecting East, West, and Southern Africa to key international gateways such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
Additionally, new routes to Mombasa and Zanzibar are expected by the end of 2025, with Jeddah planned for early 2026.
Beyond passenger traffic, RwandAir is also ramping up its cargo operations. The airline currently operates a Boeing 737 freighter and is exploring the acquisition of a wide-body cargo aircraft to transport Rwandan exports such as coffee and tea to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Caunhye acknowledged the challenges of operating in Africa, including high operating costs, geopolitical disruptions, and limited profit margins on long-haul routes. Still, he expressed confidence that with fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and the upcoming completion of Bugesera International Airport, RwandAir is well-positioned to become one of Africa’s leading carriers.
“We are not yet at full equilibrium,” he said. “But with sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world—and the world to Rwanda.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye expressed pride in the Skytrax accolade, calling it “a testimony to all the bits and pieces—the bolts and cogs—that come together with precision.”
He noted that the award, received at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show on June 17, 2025, reflects not only RwandAir’s service excellence but also its strategic role in connecting Rwanda to global markets and promoting the national brand on the international stage.
“It’s a massive award that reflects on the country, the trust and confidence placed in us by the government of Rwanda and the authorities. Our team of just over a thousand employees combines to project a bridge that connects Rwanda to the world and the world to Rwanda,” said the CCO, who has been with RwandAir for the last six months.
“This links to verticals like tourism, economy, and corporate demand, ensuring the flows of commerce are maintained within the country and the outside world. It also allows the Rwanda brand to fly on our wings to the rest of the world,” he added.
The airline plans to maintain its momentum with an ambitious fleet expansion strategy. Caunhye confirmed the addition of a fourth Airbus A330 by August 2025, alongside two Boeing 737s scheduled to join the fleet in August and September.
The additional aircraft are expected to increase RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by 15–20%. However, Caunhye noted that this still falls short of Africa’s rapidly growing demand, which continues to rise at 12–14% annually, well above the global average of 3–4%
New routes are also on the horizon, with Mombasa and Zanzibar slated for late 2025, and Jeddah expected in early 2026. These additions aim to strengthen RwandAir’s hub in Kigali, which is strategically positioned to connect East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as key European and Middle Eastern cities such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
“We’re far from achieving full balance,” Caunhye admitted, but the airline is strategically expanding to capture critical market share in a region where demand is robust but competition is fierce.
{{Navigating challenges in African aviation
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Operating in Africa presents unique challenges, from high operational costs to geopolitical disruptions. Caunhye highlighted the inverse relationship between flight duration and profitability: “The further you fly, the more reduced your margins.”
Unlike carriers in large domestic markets like the US or China, RwandAir relies heavily on long-haul routes, with its shortest flight to Nairobi or Entebbe lasting about 90 minutes. This increases fuel, crew, and maintenance costs, squeezing margins in a market where ticket prices are often 30-50% composed of non-airline costs like airport taxes and overflight fees.
Recent disruptions, such as the closure of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s airspace and Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar, have tested RwandAir’s resilience. Caunhye emphasized the importance of rapid recovery, aiming to resolve disruptions within 24 hours to maintain passenger trust.
The airline is also adapting by strengthening East African networks and leveraging partnerships, such as with Qatar Airways, to expand reach without relying solely on its own fleet.
During the recent interview, Caunhye also revealed that financial sustainability remains a goal for RwandAir, which, like many state-owned African carriers, faces intense competition and escalating costs.
Caunhye acknowledged that the airline is “not yet at full equilibrium” but is on track to achieve it by doubling its fleet within five years.
This expansion aligns with the anticipated completion of the Bugesera International Airport, designed to handle 8-10 million passengers annually compared to the current Kigali airport’s 1-3 million.
“The new Kigali airport will be a game-changer,” Caunhye said, positioning RwandAir to compete with Africa’s leading aviation hubs.
{{Tapping the cargo market
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RwandAir is also eyeing Africa’s untapped cargo market. Operating a Boeing 737 freighter, the airline aims to transport Rwanda’s premium produce—coffee, tea, and other goods—to markets in China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Plans for a widebody cargo aircraft capable of seven- to eight-hour flights are in discussion to ensure fresh delivery to global markets.
Additionally, the CCO noted that strategic partnerships, including those with Visit Rwanda and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), are boosting RwandAir’s growth while promoting Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
“We contribute to their success, and they to ours,” Caunhye noted, highlighting the synergy with Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Caunhye also highlighted the airline’s continued investment in its workforce, including efforts to nurture future talent through its pilot cadet programme. He described the initiative as an opportunity for young Rwandans to become “ambassadors of this ambitious country,” instilled with a professional ethos poised to shape the future of aviation for generations to come.
Catch the full interview below to hear more from RwandAir’s CCO, Fouad Caunhye.
He invested in infrastructure projects, particularly in real estate developments that have completely transformed the face of the country.
In a youth-focused program on Rwanda Television called ‘Password’, Dennis Karera shared how he ventured into business, the various roles he undertook in the army that liberated the country, and also offered advice to young people.
Karera’s story begins in Uganda, where he was born as a refugee, like many other Rwandans who were exiled because of the bad governance that existed in Rwanda at the time.
After enduring the hardships of exile, Karera, together with other energetic young men, decided to join the Ugandan army as a way to learn how they could one day fight for rights to return to their homeland.
“We felt that it wasn’t enough to simply be refugees where we were, living there unhappily. So, we decided to join the Ugandan army, saying to ourselves, ‘Let’s go and learn how we might find a way forward.’”
“We went and became soldiers while we were still very young. We joined the war, most of us aged 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, driven by the conviction that we could not continue living as refugees.”
He explained that the struggle to liberate the country was not easy, but that as challenges increased, they gained new knowledge and became even more determined, because they had a purpose and a goal to fight for.
“There were many challenges. We were young, but should we have given up just because we were young? The idea was: you are there, so fight for this cause, and indeed, that work was done. Honestly, if we hadn’t been young, I doubt we would have had the same courage,” he said.
In 1992, a meeting was held in Volcanoes National Park, where military operations were being coordinated. It was a gathering to pool ideas and discuss what would be done after defeating the enemy. Everyone had an opportunity to share what they thought they could contribute in order to achieve complete liberation for the country.
After the struggle to liberate the country and stop the Genocide against the Tutsi, there followed another battle, that of building the development of a nation that had been devastated.
Many of those who played a role in the country’s liberation initially worked in various government positions, while others chose to invest in different sectors.
Karera also worked for the government in different roles, including in security services, the Ministry of Education, and others, although from time to time he also engaged in business activities.
In 1997, he requested a bank loan of 70 million Rwandan francs (Frw), presenting a project he wanted to implement and explaining how it would have a positive impact on society.
Although it was uncommon for an individual to seek such a large loan at the time, he was eventually approved and received the funds in phases, and the venture turned out to be successful.
“Within two years, the project was doing extremely well. I repaid the millions and was left with resources to continue growing my businesses,” hennoted.
After concluding his government service, he reflected on how he could contribute both to his personal growth and the country as a whole. While initially considering continuing his previous activities, he decided that expanding them would be a more impactful approach.
In 2008, he embarked on a project valued at 500 million Rwandan francs. He applied for a loan from the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), secured the funding, and successfully executed the project, which progressed smoothly.
After a short period, he returned to the bank to request a loan of Frw 1 billion, embarking on a major project to construct the Crown Conference Hall in Nyarutarama. Located near the Tennis Club and Golf Course, this venue hosts a wide range of meetings and events.
He continued expanding his business ventures, and in 2011, he sought out business partners. Starting with an initial investment of Frw 1 billion, he and his partners successfully raised about $40 million, which they used to embark on groundbreaking projects. This led to the construction of Kigali Heights, a landmark development in the city.
Inaugurated in 2016, the building was later sold to Yyussa, a Rwandan-owned company, for approximately $31 million (equivalent to over Frw 43.8 billion).
Karera also shared that he remains active in business and, along with his partners, now manages investments worth at least $200 million (over Frw 280 billion) across various sectors.
One of the most promising projects currently underway is being developed by Savannah Creek Development Company, which is modernizing the Kangondo neighborhood. The project will feature 600 residential units, including apartments and unique housing structures that reflect Kigali’s distinctive architecture.
The housing units will be designed in a range of styles, such as Tuscan, Classical, Mediterranean, Contemporary, and Apartment designs, to cater to the purchasing power of different buyers. The project is expected to cost at least $60 million.
The buildings being constructed in Nyarutarama are modern in design and construction.
{{Advice to young people}}
Karera also emphasized that when you perform well, it gets noticed, helping to build a strong reputation and open doors of opportunity. He encouraged young people to dedicate themselves fully to everything they do.
He explained that having a clear vision of who you want to become from a young age is crucial, as it helps you stay focused on your goals.
“Let me offer some guidance to young people: start preparing now for the person you want to become in the future. Begin to envision yourself and ask, ‘Who are the people doing the things I see and hear about?’ To expand your knowledge, you need to listen attentively.
Today, there are many distractions, unlike in our time when we didn’t even have mobile phones,” he said.
Karera urged young people to continue broadening their knowledge through reading diverse books, as reading expands the mind. He also suggested educational trips and engaging in meaningful conversations as valuable ways to learn.
Karera further reminded young people to uphold truth and integrity, avoiding anything that could undermine their dreams.
To solve this, the park has introduced new aerial experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the scenery from above, places that are otherwise unreachable by foot, deep within the dense forest. While the famous Canopy Walk has long been a favorite, a new activity—ziplining—is redefining how tourists interact with Nyungwe’s natural wonders.
Ziplining is a thrilling experience where visitors glide above the forest suspended on secure cables, offering panoramic views and a new perspective of the park. Though new to Nyungwe, ziplining has existed globally for centuries, traced back to 250 BC in China or India, where merchants used ropes strung between mountains to move goods efficiently. Today, that same principle powers adventure, science, and tourism.
In Nyungwe, the zipline features three routes named after local wildlife, like the chimpanzee. The longest route stretches 1,020 meters, and the entire journey totals 1,850 meters. The experience begins in Gisakura, where trained guides welcome visitors and ease their nerves, especially for first-timers. They explain the safety procedures, provide harnesses, and ensure tourists are securely fastened before launch. The guides lead the way, preparing the landing area in advance, which is equipped with brakes to reduce speed and ensure a safe finish.
Though rare, a rider may stop mid-air. In such cases, guides are trained to reach the person using hand trolleys and safely escort them to the end.
According to one foreign technician involved in building the zipline, “Many fear falling, but it’s virtually impossible. These cables can hold several tons. It’s completely safe.” He praised Rwanda’s commitment to quality, calling Nyungwe’s zipline one of the best in Africa, thanks to its length, views, and strategic location.
This expert, who has helped build ziplines in over 10 countries, including South Africa, Ghana, and the DRC, said Nyungwe stands out. “Visitors will immediately notice the difference. The air is fresh, and the scenery is unique,” he said, revealing that construction costs exceeded $1 million.
He expressed confidence in the Rwandan team trained to manage and maintain the facility, saying, “They know what to do. They’re skilled technicians who can solve any issue.”
The zipline is expected to boost tourism to Nyungwe National Park, with projections of up to 9,000 visitors in the next five years.
{{Right next to the canopy walk}}
Just a short walk from the zipline is the Canopy Walk, a 170-meter-long suspended bridge that rises 70 meters above ground. Before crossing, guides explain safety and techniques, then lead the group, sharing insights about the surrounding flora such as the symbolic Igishigishigi tree.
From the bridge, you can spot birds feeding on nearby trees and take breathtaking photos. Guides help with ideal angles and safe photo spots. The bridge supports up to eight people and can carry up to four tons.
The round trip from the bridge back to the visitor center takes around 40 minutes on foot, with the path offering encounters with native plants, animals, and trees, each explained in detail by the guides.
In 2021, Nyungwe’s economic value was estimated at $4.8 billion. In 2024, Rwanda’s tourism revenue reached $647 million, up 4.3% from the previous year. The number of visitors to Nyungwe alone rose by 20% compared to 2023.
This shows how Nyungwe continues to attract local and international tourists, with discounted prices encouraging Rwandans to explore their own natural heritage.
Above all, Nyungwe is a powerful reminder of the deep bond between people and biodiversity.
With these powerful words, Mugesera Antoine, a member of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, captures the painful reality that followed Rwanda’s independence on July 1, 1962.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he reflects not only on the symbolic and historic significance of that day, but also on the deep disappointment that unfolded in its aftermath, a betrayal of national hope that still echoes through Rwanda’s history.
Mugesera was among those present at the official Independence Day celebrations in Kigali in 1962. He remembers the moment vividly: the excitement, the expectation, the joy. After decades of colonial rule under Belgium, Rwandans believed independence would open the door to peace, dignity, and national unity. But for many, that dream was quickly and violently shattered.
“For about three years leading up to independence,” he said, “Rwanda had been going through unusual events. King Rudahigwa had died, political parties emerged in 1959, houses were set on fire, people were burned alive, things never seen before in Rwanda. People were being killed… We dreamed that when independence came, things would change for the better.”
But independence did not mark the beginning of reconciliation. Instead, the trauma that began in 1959, following the fall of the monarchy, intensified.
Tutsis were targeted, many were killed, others had their homes destroyed, and thousands fled to neighboring countries as refugees. Rwanda was being torn apart, not by its colonial masters, but by internal divisions that colonial rule had helped create and deepen.
Mugesera recounted that many Rwandans were bewildered by this violence. “We used to ask our parents, ‘What is happening? Why are people you once lived with setting homes on fire?’ They would say, ‘The Belgians turned us against each other.’ So we thought that once the Belgians left, Rwandans would live together again, just as they had done peacefully for centuries.”
Even amid the bloodshed, there remained hope. Songs were sung with lyrics like, “Let the Belgians go back home so that we can become Rwandans again.” This hope, however, began to fade soon after the official celebration. Mugesera explained that within days of independence, violence returned.
The Inyenzi, a group of young exiled Rwandans denied the right to return home, launched attacks. In response, some individuals including children, and the innocent were executed in cold blood.
He recalled, “The celebration happened, and we were joyful, thinking a new chapter was beginning. But that hope quickly faded. Every time something happened, people were killed… Just three or four days after independence, the Inyenzi attacked, and people were killed, accused of being collaborators. Children captured at the time were killed in Nyamagumba, Ruhengeri.”
Yet, for a brief moment on July 1, 1962, there was unity and national pride. Mugesera vividly described the Independence Day celebrations. The day began with a solemn Mass at Sainte Famille church, presided over by Monsignor Perraudin and attended by various priests and dignitaries. The main celebrations took place at a field that now houses the City of Kigali headquarters.
“At around 10:00 a.m.,” he said, “the Belgian representative stood up to speak. He was wearing a sharply cut diplomatic suit. After his brief speech, a trumpet sounded, and soldiers marched to the flagpole. The Belgian flag was lowered, and the Rwandan flag was raised.”
The new President, Grégoire Kayibanda, gave a speech filled with messages of peace, words Mugesera still remembers. “I don’t remember the entire speech, but I distinctly remember him speaking about peace. That word stayed with me, and I thought to myself, ‘we’re finally going to see peace,’ especially since we had just gone through some very troubling times.”
After the speech, students marched proudly with paper flags, and local leaders wore sashes in the colors of the new Rwandan flag. Each prefecture performed songs, dances, and traditional games that reflected their culture. “You felt like you were seeing all of Rwanda’s beauty in one place,” Mugesera recalled. “It was something we’d never witnessed before… It was beautiful.”
But that beauty, he emphasized, was tragically short-lived.
“The joy and hope of independence was short-lived,” Mugesera said. “I would compare it to a pregnant woman who expects a healthy baby, only to give birth to a child with a disability, or to miscarry entirely. What you had envisioned doesn’t come to pass.”
He continued, “Rwandans were wronged, many died. We were said to be independent, but far more people died after independence than before. Independence brought more harm than what existed prior. Instead of progressing, we began to regress. It was like a journey downhill, and it only got worse. Rather than development, everything deteriorated, until it culminated in the Genocide.”
According to Mugesera, the issue was not independence itself, nor the fall of the monarchy, after all, monarchies have ended in other countries without catastrophe. The problem lay in the kind of leadership that came to power. It institutionalized ethnic hatred and deepened divisions.
“Independence should have been a launchpad for progress, but instead, we fell backward because of bad governance,” he said.
For over three decades, Rwanda was governed by a regime that thrived on discrimination and hatred, leading eventually to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. But Mugesera believes that Rwanda has now found its footing. Today, he sees hope again, this time, rooted in responsible and inclusive leadership.
“If we are fortunate, we will continue to have good leaders. Right now, we do. And if we’re lucky enough to keep having capable, responsible leaders, whether they are Twa, Hutu, or Tutsi—as long as they are healthy-minded individuals who care about Rwanda, we will move forward.”
He concluded with a vision that embraces unity over division: “We need leadership that sees all Rwandans. Anyone with sound political thinking will lead us well; but those driven by extremist ideologies will only take us backward.”
Rwanda’s independence was not the end of struggle—it was, in many ways, the beginning of a painful and defining chapter. But today, with the lessons of history in hand, the country continues its journey forward, striving to fulfill the promise that so many believed in on that day in July 1962.
The funding, approved on June 25, aims to deliver greener, safer, and more inclusive transport solutions to support the capital city’s shift toward a climate-resilient and people-centred mobility network.
The RUMI project will address challenges in Kigali’s public transportation, including overcrowded services, traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and safety concerns.
Key interventions include the development of a modern multimodal transit hub in Nyabugogo, the introduction of dedicated bus lanes, expansion of sidewalks and cycle paths, and the deployment of electric buses and charging stations.
“This project will unlock access to jobs and services, particularly for women and youth, and support Kigali’s ambition to become a public transport–oriented and climate-smart city,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.
Currently, only about one-third of Kigali’s jobs are accessible within an hour via public transport, according to the World Bank. The RUMI project is expected to significantly improve the figure by enhancing connectivity across key transport corridors. The Nyabugogo transit hub alone is projected to serve up to 180,000 passengers daily by 2030, becoming a major hub for both local and regional mobility, commerce, and job creation.
According to Akiko Kishiue, World Bank Senior Urban Transport Specialist for Rwanda, the project “lays the foundation for a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban transport system” that will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
A central focus of the project is gender inclusion. With women making up just 4.2% of the country’s transport workforce, RUMI seeks to expand opportunities for women in transport planning, construction, operations, and entrepreneurship, particularly at the Nyabugogo hub.
In addition, the project incorporates climate resilience measures, such as flood mitigation systems at flood-prone transit points and the promotion of electric mobility to reduce urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative is co-financed by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Its implementation will be led by the City of Kigali in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority, Rwanda National Police, and the University of Rwanda.
The RUMI project is aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), and the Kigali City Master Plan, which aims to ensure that 80% of Kigali’s population lives within a 10-minute walk of a public transport facility by 2030.
He was speaking at the opening of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NESIA 2025) in Kigali on June 30, 2025.
The two-day summit, running until July 1, 2025, brought together experts from 30 countries to discuss how nuclear energy, particularly through small modular reactors and micro reactors, can transform Africa’s energy landscape.
Dr. Ngirente highlighted the critical role of nuclear energy in addressing Africa’s energy deficit, where over 600 million people lack access to electricity and rely on unsustainable biomass sources.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aims to transform the country into an upper middle-income nation by 2035 and a high-income nation by 2050, requires a significant boost in energy capacity.
“Our country will need up to 5 GW in electricity generation capacity,” Ngirente revealed. “All available internal energy sources can provide up to 1 GW. Therefore, Rwanda has decided to use nuclear energy for power generation to avoid the imbalance in energy demand and supply.”
The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of adopting nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, and weather-independent power source to bridge the continent’s energy gap, which hinders growth and development.
He noted that Africa’s population is projected to exceed 3 billion in the next 40 years, making it potentially the largest energy market globally, driven by industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
However, unevenly distributed renewable resources like solar, wind, and hydropower limit electricity access in many regions, exacerbating reliance on forest resources and threatening ecosystems amid climate change.
Dr. Ngirente pointed to the vulnerability of traditional energy sources, citing the 2024 water level drop in the Zambezi River, which forced the Kariba Dam to cut electricity production, exposing the risks climate change poses to Africa’s energy infrastructure.
“Nuclear energy is clean, reliable, and does not depend on the rain or sun. It provides consistent power, day and night,” he stated, advocating for its role in achieving global net-zero carbon emissions, as recognized by the Paris Agreement and COP29.
The Prime Minister also addressed misconceptions about nuclear energy, emphasizing its peaceful and innovative applications for power generation, agriculture, and healthcare.
Rwanda is particularly focused on deploying smaller and micro nuclear power plants, which are more affordable for smaller energy systems and can be integrated into the national energy mix.
“This will accelerate our economic transformation towards a knowledge-based economy,” Ngirente added.
Dr. Ngirente also called for regional collaboration to turn Africa’s energy challenges into opportunities, urging immediate action to diversify the continent’s energy mix.
“The time to act is now. Climate change is real, and our population is growing. Nuclear is part of that solution,” he concluded.
[Related article: Rwanda to launch nuclear electricity generation by 2030->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-to-launch-nuclear-electricity-generation-by-2030]
