In addressing the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, the Government of Rwanda established the Economic Recovery Fund to assist businesses affected by the crisis. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente informed the Parliament on February 13, 2024, that since its initiation in 2021 with $150,000, the fund has seen an increase to Rwf459 billion, with Rwf206.6 billion already disbursed to support the private sector.
Dr. Ngirente explained, “The fund has already given Rwf206.6 billion to different members of the private sector out of Rwf459 billion that was put into the fund in its two categories.” He emphasized that these funds, beyond aiding projects affected by Covid-19, have also been directed towards supporting new investments.
Initially, the fund began with Rwf300 billion in response to private sector requests, later augmented to Rwf459 billion Frw. Dr. Ngirente highlighted that the service sector, particularly hotels, received the first funds, contributing to a positive impact on the economy. The service sector, which saw a 6% contraction in 2020, experienced a 12% rise in 2021 and 2022, with provisional figures for 2023 indicating a 1% increase over the three quarters.
Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente remarked, “The support we have given them through the economic fund has not been wasted because you have seen that it has contributed to the improvement of our economy. The more money we earn, the greater the production, which increases the overall production of the country.”
Dr. Ngirente emphasized the significant size of the funds allocated to the private sector, highlighting the continuous growth of the fund. He assured that the fund would persist in its efforts, particularly in supporting various investments. Furthermore, he disclosed a plan to promote industrial development, with 136 approved projects expected to generate over 43,000 jobs for Rwandans across diverse backgrounds.
Elaborating on the industrial development plan, he stated, “There was an established plan to develop the industry so that we can contribute more to the economic development and job creation.” The program, implemented in 2021, has led to the approval of 136 projects valued at more than $2.3 billion.
Statistics indicate a notable increase in loans received by the private sector from banks, reaching Rwf1927 billion in 2023 compared to Rwf1065 billion in 2020. Over the period from 2021 to 2023, more than 590,000 new jobs have been created, aligning with the government’s goal of generating at least 200,000 new jobs annually.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente made this announcement during his address to the Rwandan Parliament on February 13, 2024, outlining a post-COVID-19 economic revitalization strategy for the country.
The transportation sector faced exacerbated challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a significant shortage of petroleum products and setbacks across commercial activities. In response, the government introduced subsidies, known as “Nkunganire,” to support citizen mobility.
Since their implementation, these subsidies have amounted to over 91 billion Rwandan francs (Rwf), aimed at alleviating the economic strain during the health crisis. However, Prime Minister Ngirente clarified that these subsidies were always intended as temporary measures and not a permanent solution.
Moving forward, the government plans to redirect the funds previously allocated to transport subsidies towards other sectors in need of urgent support. Direct subsidies to passengers, particularly those covering the gap between actual and subsidized transport fares, will be phased out.
For instance, commuters currently pay Rwf220 for a journey from Remera to Nyabugogo using the Tap and Go system, while the actual fare is Rwf322. The government covers the Rwf102 difference, which will now be the responsibility of the commuters.
Additionally, a technical team will be established to explore the integration of electronic payment systems into transport fare structures, enabling passengers to pay based on the distance traveled rather than a fixed fare for the entire journey.
Despite ending transport subsidies, the government will continue to subsidize petroleum product costs to maintain price stability and safeguard the economic well-being of Rwandans. Prime Minister Ngirente emphasized the importance of these subsidies in preventing significant price increases from affecting other sectors of the economy.
Overall, the decision to end transport subsidies reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing long-term national development goals while ensuring economic stability and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
This meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Government Summit, organized in this metropolis from February 12 to 14, 2024.
The Rwandan presidency,Urugwiro Village, reported via X account that discussions between President Kagame and President Erdoğan focused on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Turkey.
“Today afternoon in Dubai, President Kagame met with President Erdoğan of Türkiye. The two Heads of State discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Türkiye,” reads the message.
In January 2023, Rwanda concluded a cooperation agreement with Turkey, covering areas of innovation, technology, public cooperation, and culture.
This collaboration was bolstered by President Kagame’s official visit to Turkey in June 2023, on the occasion of Erdoğan’s inauguration ceremony.
This mission, grounded in SADC’s principle of mutual support, has attracted participation from only three countries: South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, to aid the DRC in its struggle against the M23 rebel forces. Notably, South Africa has contributed the largest contingent, dispatching 2,900 troops for a year-long mission, funded by a substantial 134 billion Rwandan francs budget.
The mission’s declared aim is to foster peace and security within the region. However, recent disclosures by South African officials have revealed a secondary agenda: advancing Pretoria’s economic interests in the DRC.
The South African Ambassador to the DRC, Mxolisi Shilubane, highlighted the dire climatic challenges his country faces, such as drought-induced food shortages. He pointed out the DRC’s abundant rainfall as a vital resource for agriculture, suggesting that South Africa could leverage this for its benefit and that of the broader SADC region.
Ambassador Shilubane advocated for a strategic focus on agriculture, proposing that South African regions affected by drought could benefit from the DRC’s year-round rainfall. He explained that this necessitates exploring collaborative avenues, be it through Congolese initiatives or South African assistance, to harness this agricultural potential.
Additionally, South African businessman Robert Gumede emphasized the DRC’s wealth in natural resources, particularly its mineral riches. South Africa’s interest seems especially keen on the Rubaya mineral reserves in North Kivu province, aiming to bolster its mining operations there.
This ambition aligns with recent bilateral economic agreements, underscored at an investment conference in Kinshasa attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the mineral and oil sectors, envisioning a partnership that leverages the complementary resources, expertise, and technology of both nations to foster industrial synergy and economic growth for both countries.
Despite the portrayal of South Africa’s involvement in the DRC as a gesture of solidarity and mutual development, this deep engagement prompts scrutiny of the true motives—balancing humanitarian objectives against economic interests.
While Pretoria professes a commitment to regional peace and stability, its actions also suggest a strategic focus on securing key economic footholds in one of Africa’s most resource-abundant regions.
In addition to the railway connecting Rwanda and Tanzania, another crucial project seeks to link Rwanda with Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan through the Northern Corridor initiatives. These railway links are anticipated to greatly enhance business travel, providing a significant advantage to Rwanda, as a landlocked country.
In preparation for the Rwanda-Tanzania railway, route demarcations have been set from Rusumo to Kigali City, with an extension planned to reach Bugesera Airport, covering an additional 18 kilometers. This project is designed to enhance connectivity within the heart of East Africa and has been in the planning stages for more than two decades.
An agreement for a 532-mile section was signed on March 9, 2018, initially focusing on the Tanzanian side, and progress has been made, with discussions ongoing to extend the railway into Rwanda. Mwiseneza Maxime Marius, Deputy Director General of the RTDA, confirmed that all necessary pre-construction conditions have been met, and attention is now turning to securing the funding required for the project’s imminent launch.
To bring the Rwanda-Tanzania railway to fruition, Rwanda is seeking over $1.5 billion in funding, while Tanzania needs more than $2.5 billion for its portion of the project. A meeting between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in 2023 placed high priority on enhancing trade, with the railway project being a key topic of discussion.
Rwanda anticipates that the railway will reduce transportation costs by 40%, a significant advantage for Rwandan traders who rely on the Dar es Salaam port for 70% of their import and export activities. Ongoing discussions with various countries signal the potential for resuming related project activities in the near future, as indicated by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Since 2014, Kibeho has undergone remarkable changes, notably with the introduction of tarmac roads that have made the holy site more accessible to Catholics from diverse backgrounds. The focus on essential amenities such as water, electricity, educational institutions, accommodation, and improved road networks underscores the comprehensive development strategy for the area.
Father François Harelimana, the Director of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary, has observed a significant increase in the number of visitors to Kibeho, with figures surpassing other famous pilgrimage sites like Lourdes.
This surge underscores the urgent need for expansion to accommodate the sanctuary’s growing activities and visitor numbers. “We appeal to all who cherish Kibeho to support us in finding space for these vital projects. Our current land simply cannot sustain the influx,” Father Harelimana explained, highlighting the pressing need for additional land to realize these ambitions.
The sanctuary’s current limitations in space, particularly for hosting visitors, are a concern. However, with government support, including the provision of a parking lot adorned with a monument of the Virgin Mary, the entrance to Kibeho has become more inviting.
Father Harelimana envisions this expansion to encompass more than just pilgrimage needs, proposing the construction of a conference center to host public talks, a departure from the current practice of utilizing the Cathedral for such events.
A notable gap in Kibeho’s facilities since 1981 is the absence of a library. Father Harelimana emphasizes the importance of establishing a library and research center to delve into Kibeho’s rich history and document its spiritual significance, providing resources for both education and reflection on the events that have shaped this holy place.
{{Hosting dignitaries and enhancing facilities}}
The sanctuary’s prominence has attracted dignitaries from across Africa and Europe, including a historic visit by the President of Poland, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, on February 8, 2024.
This underscores the need for facilities that can adequately host such significant guests. “We need spaces that not only pay homage to Kibeho’s historical and spiritual significance but also offer the necessary services for dignitaries,” Father Harelimana stated, stressing the importance of balancing reverence with hospitality.
The sanctuary management is actively working towards creating a dedicated space for these purposes, with the vision of eventually establishing a house owned by the company in charge of the sanctuary. This initiative aims to maintain Kibeho as a serene place of prayer while accommodating the practical needs of its visitors.
{{Expanding the sacred grounds}}
To accommodate the sanctuary’s growth, Father Harelimana has announced the need for substantial land acquisition, essential for parking and the development of the proposed projects.
“While we have many projects in mind, securing land is our immediate priority. This will allow for phased development as resources become available,” he explained.
The requirement for over 25 hectares of land signifies a major expansion effort, with a budget estimation of at least 3.5 billion Rwandan Francs. Father Harelimana remains optimistic about the support from the Christian community and benevolent donors, both domestically and internationally, to meet this ambitious goal.
Among the planned projects are the construction of a historical learning center, a modern hospital, a road to the ‘Blessed Water Spring’, and the Way of the Cross, illustrating a multifaceted approach to enhancing the spiritual and physical infrastructure of Kibeho.
These developments aim to enrich the pilgrimage experience, ensuring visitors not only engage with the site’s religious significance but also enjoy modern conveniences and learn about its history and legacy.
During a one-on-one conversation with CNN’s News Anchor Eleni Giokos at the 11th World Governments Summit in Dubai, UAE, Kagame emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes behind these incidents.
According to Kagame, the persistence of coups is linked to leadership that fails to serve the interests of the people and ensure prosperity. He identified bad governance as a contributing factor, highlighting instances where leaders neglect their responsibilities.
The summit, attended by leaders, experts, and senior officials from over 150 countries, aimed to address global trends and shifts, fostering collaboration at both regional and global levels.
Reflecting on the world’s failure to learn from tragic histories, Kagame noted that there is no new call to influence different global operations. Drawing attention to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, he underscored the lack of international mobilization to prevent or stop the tragedy. Kagame questioned the responsibility of countries, regions, and international institutions in ensuring the capacity to prevent such catastrophic events.
Despite ongoing conflicts globally, Kagame observed that certain individuals with resources and power often refrain from taking action, signaling a lack of progress in learning from past mistakes.
When asked about his call to the world regarding ongoing conflicts, Kagame expressed uncertainty about influencing global operations. However, he emphasized the crucial lesson learned – the need for countries to build their capacities, as they may find themselves alone even when deserving of support in challenging circumstances.
In a proactive move toward affordability, the government now covers 30% of transport fares for individuals. This approach ensures that travel expenses remain reasonable and accessible to the general public. For instance, a trip from Kigali to Musanze, originally costing Rwf3000, now only requires passengers to pay Rwf2000, with the government covering the remaining Rwf1000.
Speaking to RBA, Dr. Gasore emphasized that despite the seemingly modest amounts, the cumulative impact on the country is significant. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, over Rwf87.5 billion has been invested in supporting public transport.
Furthermore, the government has allocated an additional Rwf6 billion to aid public transport users, while actively seeking ways to reevaluate and enhance assistance. Acquiring buses at a reduced cost of Rwf120 million, compared to the initial Rwf150 million, aims to alleviate the financial strain on Rwandans.
As part of ongoing reforms, the government is moving towards destination-based pricing instead of charging for the entire trip. Between March and August 2023, a subsidy of Rwf21.8 billion benefited over 63 million passengers, involving 12,559 buses. During this period, 223,120,808 liters of petroleum products were utilized in Rwanda, comprising 136,947,053 liters of diesel and 86,173,755 liters of petrol.
He made this disclosure on Monday, 12th February 2023, while attending a session organized on the first day of The World Governments Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The conversation was moderated by CNN’s News Anchor and Correspondent, Eleni Giokos.
During the session, President Kagame was asked to share his stance on winning elections slated for 15th July 2024, considering he had already announced his candidacy.
In response, Kagame emphasized that the choice of who should lead the country is in the hands of Rwandans, based on their experiences.
“Elections are for people to decide whether the people they are electing are qualified for the job, we will see. Voters’ part counts, history counts, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” he said.
The upcoming presidential polls in Rwanda will be merged with parliamentary elections to streamline related budgets. This will mark Rwanda’s fourth presidential election since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Campaigns for candidates in both parliamentary and presidential polls are set to commence on Saturday, 22nd June 2024, concluding on 13th July 2024. The previous presidential elections took place on 3rd and 4th August 2017, while the latest polls for deputies were held on 2nd and 3rd September 2023.
On December 18, 2023, the office of Pope Francis released a document outlining new guidelines for blessing individuals, including those who identify as homosexuals. While priests are encouraged to offer blessings to homosexuals, the directive clarifies that it does not pertain to sacraments for married couples.
Besides, controversy emerged when Rutayisire was not invited to the GAFCON conference held in Rwanda in April 2023, an organization dedicated to sustaining and reinforcing the teachings of the word of God.
IGIHE interviewed Rutayisire, who addressed the matter and shared his perspective on Pope Francis’s statements about granting freedom to homosexuals.
{{IGIHE:}} Faith appears to be influenced by diverse cultures. Some claim your exclusion from the GAFCON conference in April 2023 was due to disagreements with colleagues on topics like homosexuality. What’s your take on this?
{{Rutaysire:}} Let me clarify a few points. First, in Rwanda, individuals were selected to attend the GAFCON meeting based on diocesan plans, and representatives were allocated to the 12 dioceses. My non-attendance wasn’t a result of intentional exclusion.
Second, GAFCON has consistently opposed homosexuality, and I comprehend that they would have invited me due to my stance against it. Thirdly, it’s important to note that I was not in Rwanda by the time the GAFCON conference took place.
{{Should homosexuals be legally bound?}}
Our Constitution makes it clear, our laws are unquestionable. The law does not punish but also does not allow the union.
The law stipulates a marriage between a man and a woman, let’s put it back there, keep it that way and we won’t have any problems.
{{Do you agree with Pope Francis blessing homosexuals?}}
The Pope said they will not wed them but bless them! I wonder how else to tell them apart? There are times when people do things that make you wonder; if someone comes to the church and blesses them, how is it different from supporting their marriage?
I think that blessing is more powerful than a wedding because when you give a blessing, you agree to the action. If you blessed them then you accepted them, you would as well just wed them.
These are things they put in the middle but the Bible says that the middle way is not allowed. It is whether you are in or out. There is no middle ground. The Pope refused to take one side and that has an effect. The fact that he is respected and an elder does not mean that he can not be wrong. Even adults make mistakes!
{{Nigerian evangelist TB Joshua is said to be fake. How did you receive the testimony given about his actions?}}
It can be true or false. The fact that he committed sins does not mean that the miracles he performed were from Satan. Unless you give me other evidence that contradicts the miracles he was doing.
If you come and tell me that this man sexually abused women and performed miracles, and you tell me that this man stole money and performed miracles, beat children and performed miracles, these three do not remove the fact that he performed miracles because the Bible tells us that if God has given you a gift and you use it, he will leave it to you.
Even if you start to misbehave, God will not take away your gifts. If you pray for a sick person and he gets well, he was calling upon God anyways . God will let his people prosper but will punish him alone.
Again his name is ruined, as now he is in disgrace. There is a time when God lets your name be destroyed while you are still alive, he hits you on his side and devalues you. What he wanted to do with you is over.
Even Samson from the Bible used to beat people who went to commit adultery among the Philistines, it was not necessary for him to commit adultery, but God told him: “Since you chose the way to beat them ,you went to commit adultery, committing adultery will affect you. They tore out his eyes”.
{{What advice do you have for evangelists?}}
There is no money involved in evangelism. When a person chooses to be a cheater he becomes one. It’s the evangelicals that you see, but fraud is everywhere. Nonetheless, it’s still not right.
It was not expected that a man doing God’s work would engage in fraud. I advise them to serve God, money will come to him. Do what you are called to do and to avoid all evil.
{{Don’t you see that these things take away Christians from God?}}
A Christian who gets discouraged by an evangelist is because of their lack of faith and lack of vision. How on earth does an evangelist take your money? You shouldnt be conned twice.
When it comes to the third time someone lies to you, you are a fool because you should open your eyes and see if what he is telling you is true, especially based on the Bible.
If you are in the Church and the pastor tells you that they are going to build a temple, that is not fraud. If you are told that contributions are meant to build a TV station and the project is implemented, that is not a scam. If you are requested to bring a tithe, it is recommended in the Bible.
If the pastor tells you to bring the money to be blessed, run away and never come back to that church. Quoting the Bible, the scripture suggests that people may perish due to a lack of understanding. It emphasizes that God’s blessings are not commodities to be bought or sold.
