The agreement entered on Monday 7th August 2023, was part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum, which brought together 30 delegates from 20 companies in Madagascar to meet and exchange with their Rwandan counterparts. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar led the delegation on a three-day state visit, upon the invitation of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
The focus of the private sector cooperation will be on market expansion, strategic partnerships, and business development. Mubiligi emphasized the importance of identifying priority sectors of investment to strengthen small and medium enterprises in both countries and regions.
Lantosoa Rakotomalala, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), highlighted the collaborative efforts not only between Madagascar and Rwanda but also between other African countries.
Tahina Ramaromandray, Administrative Director at Groupe Filatex, expressed interest in knowledge exchange within the energy sector and learning best practices in special economic zones.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB, emphasized the forum’s role in identifying synergies and exploring opportunities in priority sectors such as ICT, mining, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Akamanzi showcased Rwanda’s investment-friendly frameworks and eased regulations, including no restriction on capital repatriation and simplified business registration, supporting the country’s economic growth in recent years.
AnJia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a subsidiary of West International Holding, the Africa arm of West China Cement (WCC), which is a Chinese investment group listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has built AnJia Cement Factory in the Muhanga industrial park.
“Over the years, West China Cement and West International Holding have become key players in Africa’s efforts to reach self-sufficiency in cement production. I commend you for your commitment to infrastructure development on our continent,” said Kagame at the event.
“I had the opportunity to tour the Anjia factory, and you have set the bar high in terms of quality. We appreciate that. This state-of-the-art factory will contribute to Rwanda’s transformation journey. We thank you, and I assure you that you have our country’s full support,” he said.
He stated that today, the growth prospects for Africa’s cement industry look very promising, whereby a rapidly growing and urbanizing population in Africa, especially, is creating increased demand for housing and infrastructure.
“For manufacturers, this means more opportunities to invest in new markets and create jobs in our communities. Challenges, of course, remain, but they can be overcome through more cooperation,” Kagame said.
According to him, to enhance the performance of the industry, it is essential to deliver higher quality products and shift to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
“I thank the People’s Republic of China, West China Cement, and West International Holding for this significant contribution to Rwanda’s development and Africa as a whole. Anjia is undoubtedly a good addition to Rwanda’s manufacturing landscape. I only see successes in this, our strong partnership,” Kagame said.
Speaking at the event, Zhang Jimin, chairman of West China Cement Limited, said that AnJia marks the company’s first investment and represents the initial cooperation between West China Cement and the Rwandan government at all levels.
“The successful groundbreaking ceremony of the cement factory not only signifies the beginning of the production and operation of the project but also serves as a historical milestone for West China Cement’s investment and development in Rwanda,” added Zhang. “We will continue to expand our investments in Rwanda, with a total investment of more than 100 million U.S. dollars, thereby expanding the entire supply chain. Our aim is to provide high-quality products at a competitive price to contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development.”
West China Cement Limited invested 50 million U.S. dollars to construct a high-performance cement grinding plant with an annual output of 1 million tonnes in the Muhanga industrial park, said Wang Xuekun, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, at the ceremony.
“The visionary project will not only promote the development of Rwanda’s cement sector but also cater to the long-term demand for high-quality cement in reservoir projects and infrastructure construction. It will create over 1,000 local job opportunities, significantly enhancing the construction standards of Muhanga industrial park and contributing to Rwanda’s economic growth,” Wang explained.
He pointed out that the factory will pave the way for Rwanda’s self-sufficiency in cement products, reducing reliance on foreign cement imports and expanding the cement market in the surrounding countries.
Speaking at the event, Clare Akamanzi, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said that China remains the top source of investments in Rwanda, beating other countries globally.
“Over the last five years alone, at RDB we have registered investments from China worth close to a billion U.S. dollars which will collectively generate up to 250,00 jobs for Rwandans. And that is a very good contribution,” she said, adding that the factory stands as a testament to the immense potential of Rwanda’s manufacturing and construction sectors and the viable investment destination that Rwanda offers.
The recent one in my gallery is one that shows the ‘bandwagon’ Rwandan girls are engaging in lately.
Out of the five listed acts, one caught my attention: the use of ‘braces’.
All along, I thought braces were for medical reasons, simply because while I was in primary school, my desk mate had them, and oh boy, how she hated them.
If only she knew back then that what was a ‘nightmare’ to her, will years later be an ‘in thing’ for many.
We asked some of the youth we found wearing braces who told us the reason behind.
Yannick Rutera a university student informed us that he wears braces as per ‘dentist orders’. According to Rutera, he has been having his braces on since early 2021.
“Before getting braces, my teeth were not properly aligned but now they are. In the beginning it was difficult having them on. However as time passed, I got comfortable with them and now I like them although I am looking forward to removing them completely,” he said.
Rebecca Ikaze, a young girl who acquired her braces recently also notes that she had them for health purposes.
“It was my dad’s decision that I get braces, his reasons were convincing and so I obliged,” she stated.
“My smile was bad that I never wanted to smile,” said Jane Kanyana when asked why she wears braces.
Central Coast Orthodontics define braces as dental tools (made out of metals) that help correct problems like; crowding, crooked teeth or teeth that are out of alignment.
According to Dr. Alphonse Rugambarara, a dentist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the main reason for getting braces is indeed for aesthetic reasons.
“Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile and so yes, braces help them acquire that. However, for us as dentists, we see it as a medical concern if one has ‘malalignment,” he explained.
He added that malalignment is a danger to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) since someone can’t chew properly, reason braces are recommended to prevent such problems.
Dr. Rugambarara added that malalignment poses a danger to the TMJ as it can impede proper chewing. That’s why braces are recommended to prevent such issues.
{{How do braces work?}}
According to Dr. Rugambarara, braces are for anyone whose teeth are misaligned. However, the recovery period and results vary from patient to patient.
“If a person has less than three teeth that are misaligned, it takes them a shorter period of between six to twelve months to recover compared to one with both jaws misaligned,” he explained.
“In addition, children who use braces see results before adults who use the same braces. This is because children’s bones are softer than those of adults,” added Dr. Rugambarara.
Although braces have little to no negative side effects, Dr. Rugambarara cautions parents against taking children under the age of twelve to get braces.
He instead advises them to get kids retainers to prevent any possible misalignment.
Dr. Rugambarara further urges those with braces to always visit their dentists at least once a month for either tightening or a follow up.
A proper mouth care routine (brushing at least twice a day especially after meals) is also recommended for those wearing braces to prevent ‘periodontal disease’ caused by plaque buildup.
{{Types of braces}}
According to Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center based in Cleveland, braces come in varied types.
{{Metal braces:}} Also known as traditional metal braces, these use stainless steel bands, brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth over time. A dentist or orthodontist will bond a bracket on each tooth then place a thin flexible arch wire over the brackets.
Ceramic brace: Sometimes called clear braces, their wires and ligatures are tooth-colored so they blend in with one’s smile.
{{Lingual braces:}} These go on the back surface of your teeth instead of the front. People who choose lingual braces do so because they don’t want other people to tell they have braces.
{{Self-litigating braces: }} They look similar to traditional metal braces only that instead of ligatures (tiny elastic bands), they use a built-in system to hold the arch wire in place.
{{Clear aligners aka invisible braces:}} Instead of brackets and wires, they use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth overtime.
The arrests occurred on Sunday, July 30, 2023, in the Nyamata Village, Byimana Cell of Ndego Sector, Eastern Province. The detained individuals hail from various sectors of Kayonza District, including Ndego, Kabare, Rwinkwavu, Mwiri, and Mpanga in Kirehe District.
The accused individuals are alleged to have defied government measures, specifically those related to the fight against Covid-19, tax collection, and the education of children, claiming these measures are unnecessary burdens since the end of the world is imminent.
Following their arrest, the individuals maintained that they were on their way to meet Jesus, although the exact location of this encounter remains mysterious.
Claude Bizimana, the Executive Secretary of Ndego Sector, confirmed the arrests and stated that the detainees are now in the custody of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Station in Ndego. He added that they are being educated on the importance of adhering to the government’s programs.
In light of this incident, Bizimana urged the population to exercise caution when interpreting religious teachings to avoid being misled by unfounded apocalyptic messages. He stressed the significance of adhering to government programs for the well-being and safety of the community.
{{56 megawatts to be generated from Methane Gas }}
The Methane Gas Electricity Generation Project in Lake Kivu is set to produce 56 megawatts, with its first phase already completed, generating 20 megawatts. Théoneste Higaniro, Head of Power Generation Projects at Rwanda Energy Group (REG), has expressed excitement about the project, stating that it will soon start generating electricity as planned.
The second phase aims to add 36 megawatts, bringing the total capacity to 56 megawatts, and Higaniro is optimistic that this goal will be reached by August. All electricity generated from this project will be supplied to Rwanda.
{{Rusumo Hydro Power Plant}}
The Rusumo hydro power plant, part of the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project (RRFP), is a joint effort between the governments of Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. With an expected generation capacity of 80 megawatts, the plant will distribute approximately 26.6 megawatts to each beneficiary country. The project aims to connect a substantial number of households, benefiting 520,000 in Burundi, 467,000 in Rwanda, and 159,000 in Tanzania. The power plant, located at Rusumo Falls on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania, is currently undergoing testing and is anticipated to be operational by August.
{{Electricity Transmission from Uganda }}
Rwanda has recently completed the construction of power transmission lines connecting it to neighboring countries, particularly Uganda, from which an additional 40 megawatts of electricity have been procured. Although this supply is not used full time, it serves as an alternative during periods of high electricity demand, reducing the reliance on generators powered by diesel or petrol.
{{Nyabarongo II Power Plant}}
The Nyabarongo II power plant, being constructed on River Nyabarongo, is expected to produce 43.5 megawatts upon completion in 2026.
Higaniro explained that this project will be essential in maintaining a steady electricity supply during dry spells when other plants might experience reduced generation. Furthermore, with enough electricity anticipated by the time this plant estimated at Rwf214 billion is completed, Rwanda might explore the possibility of selling excess electricity to neighboring countries.
{{Rusizi III Power Plant}}
Rusizi III Hydro Power Plant is a joint project between Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo, aiming to generate a total of 206 megawatts. Each beneficiary country will receive an allocation of 68 megawatts from this power plant. With these projects, Rwanda’s electricity supply capacity is expected to increase by over 100 megawatts by the end of 2023.
Rusizi III Power Plant is expected to be completed at a tune of US$759 million.
Over the years, Rwanda has made significant progress in expanding its electricity access, with the percentage of households connected to electricity rising from 18% in 2012 to 61% in 2022. Of these, 47% are linked to the national grid, while 14% access electricity through off-grid systems, primarily solar-powered solutions.
With these transformative projects, Rwanda is on track to achieve its goal of universal electricity access, further enhancing economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Congolese Army accused Rwandan soldiers of crossing the Congolese border and attacking border security forces.
In response, RDF has issued a statement denying the accusations.
“The accusations are baseless and part of a long-standing pattern of misinformation and propaganda by the DRC leadership to divert attention from their internal failures in maintaining peace and security within their own borders, while continuing to support, arm and fight alongside the genocidal militia FDLR,” reads the statement in part.
The statement from the RDF also notes a continued trend of false accusations and escalation, which it believes may serve as a pretext for a planned attack by the FARDC/FDLR on Rwandan territory.
Recently, Rwanda released another statement warning the DRC against continuously searching for justifications to launch attacks on Rwanda. Through the statement issued by the Government Spokesperson, Rwanda emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and asserted that it would take all necessary measures to protect itself.
This response came after a statement released on July 19th by the Congolese Army, signed by spokesperson Maj Gen Ekenge Bomusa Efoma Sylvain. At the time, FARDC claimed to be reacting to a statement allegedly made by the Rwandan government on July 18th, in which Rwanda supposedly announced its readiness to send troops from the RDF to the DRC.
However, Rwanda denied the existence of such a statement, adding that the claim by FARDC is merely a pretext aimed at escalating hostilities and justifying an attack on Rwandan soil.
The DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied. Rwanda characterizes the clashes between the Congolese Army and M23 as an internal conflict and has advised the neighboring country to take responsibility for its internal problems instead of externalizing them.
Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses the FARDC of supporting, arming, and fighting alongside the genocidal militia group known as the FDLR.
DRC is reported to have previously provoked Rwanda on multiple occasions and launched rocket attacks on Rwandan territory in collaboration with the FDLR terrorist group.
Congolese fighter jets have also trespassed into Rwanda’s airspace three times since 2022.
The UNWTO is the agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
After receiving 14 votes out of a possible 20, Rwanda joins Ghana, which received 17 votes, Nigeria (15 votes), Namibia (12 votes), Tanzania (12 votes) and DRC (11 votes) for the Executive Council’s 2023-2027 term.
In addition, Rwanda is now part of the working group for the setup of the Tourism PanAfrican Fund together with Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia.
The UNWTO Executive Council acts as the Governing Board of the organisation and takes all necessary measures and decisions linked to global tourism development.
It works directly with the Secretary General and the Council members meet at least twice a year during their four-year tenure.
After the election, Michaëlla Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, noted: “We are very pleased to join the UNWTO Executive Council. Rwanda’s mandate will focus on African integration by promoting intra-African travel, sports tourism, sustainability and nature-positive tourism.”
The Annual General Assembly of the UNWTO will take place in Uzbekistan on 16-18 October 2023.
Algeria will welcome the 67th Regional Commission for Africa meeting in 2024.
BasiGo has partnered with AC Mobility, Rwanda’s provider of automated fare collection systems for public transport. The partnership will deliver electric buses to Kigali transport operators by October of this year through BasiGo’s innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing model.
Commenting on the partnership, BasiGo Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Jit Bhattacharya said: “Rwanda has led the way in creating an enabling ecosystem for E-mobility. BasiGo is proud to be partnering with AC Mobility, a technology leader in Rwanda’s transport sector, to help accelerate the transition to electrified public transport. Electric buses will be more cost-effective for operators while also dramatically reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions. Through our Pay-As-You-Drive model, we are excited to bring a complete E-Bus solution to make electric buses accessible and convenient for all bus operators in Rwanda.”
On her part, Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said: “In line with RDB’s mandate to fast-track private-sector economic development in Rwanda, we welcome the BasiGo – AC Mobility partnership to bring electric bus technology to Kigali bus operators as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to diesel buses. This partnership of public transport technology providers in the region will accelerate decarbonization of the sector in Rwanda while also alleviating the current public transport shortage. RDB is intentional in its support towards this investment and growing a thriving market for electric mobility solutions in Rwanda.”
Jones Kizihira, Chief Executive Officer, AC Mobility Rwanda expressed delight for the partnership with BasiGo to drive Rwanda’s public bus electrification.
“The country has recorded rapid transformation, creating a need for a more robust and cost effective public transport system. The electric buses will help ease the cost burden of public bus transporters and advance Rwanda’s transition to clean mobility. We look forward to leveraging BasiGo’s experience and network to build a strong electric bus business in Rwanda,” he noted.
The Government of Rwanda recently announced an initiative to rapidly scale the size of Kigali’s public transport fleet while also aiming to convert 20% of the public bus fleet to electric by 2030.
Founded in 2021, BasiGo has led the introduction of electric buses in Nairobi’s public transport fleet. BasiGo has sold 19 Electric Buses to public transport operators in Nairobi and has secured reservations for over 100 additional buses. BasiGo electric buses have driven over 460,000 kilometers and carried over 580,000 passengers. BasiGo has also deployed Kenya’s first DC fast charging stations for electric buses.
BasiGo offers electric buses to private bus operators through a mileage-based leasing model called Pay-As-You-Drive, which makes electric buses affordable for private bus operators to purchase and use.
{{About BasiGo}}
BasiGo is an e-mobility company bringing the future of clean, electric public transport to sub-Saharan Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers state-of-the-art electric buses along with charging and maintenance services for public service bus operators. BasiGo makes electric buses affordable to operators through an innovative financing model called “Pay-As-You-Drive” which makes the upfront cost of their electric bus competitive with diesel diesel buses. In 2022, BasiGo became the first company to pilot test electric buses in Nairobi.
{{About AC Mobility Rwanda}}
AC Mobility Rwanda is a leading provider of smart and interactive transport solutions in Africa cities, bringing efficient cashless payment systems to the mostly informal cash-based public transport system in emerging African cities. AC Mobility is currently operational in Kigali, Rwanda.
It is held amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda expresses concerns about potential security threats arising from the collaboration between the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) during their joint efforts against the M23 rebel group.
It’s important to note that the FDLR is a terrorist organization formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over time, elements of the FDLR have attempted hit-and-run attacks to destabilize Rwanda, but the country has successfully repelled these attempts.
On the other hand, the DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. However, Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations and urged the DRC to focus on resolving its internal issues instead of engaging in blame games.
President Kagame’s meeting with the security organs follows a recent reshuffle in the RDF’s top leadership. Notably, Juvenal Marizamunda was appointed as the Minister of Defence, and Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Marizamunda succeeded Maj Gen Albert Murasira, who had been in the position since October 2018, while Lt Gen Muganga took over from Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who had held the position since 2019.
This recent meeting with security top brass marks the second time President Kagame has convened such discussions in 2023. The previous meeting in May 2023 was attended by representatives from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), RDF leadership, Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS).
Based on assessments conducted by senators, it has been determined that old cars are significant contributors to road accidents in the country. Senator Hadija Ndangiza Murangwa, who was among those making these observations, referenced a study conducted by the Rwanda National Police, which revealed that 80% of cars on the road are over 15 years old. This concerning statistic underscores the potential dangers of continuing to import such vehicles into Rwanda.
In response to these concerns, Minister Nsabimana emphasized that the government is already focusing efforts on inspecting vehicles’ standards, both for newly imported ones and those already present in Rwanda. He also disclosed that the National Police has set up four mechanical inspection centers, in addition to the existing one in Kigali City, while the government plans to expand such facilities across the country.
Senator Havugimana also stressed the importance of setting an age limit for imported vehicles, following the example of other African countries. Countries like Uganda (15 years), Kenya and Senegal (8 years), Gabon (4 years), Nigeria (10 years), and Algeria (3 years) have implemented age limits for used vehicle imports. Senator Havugimana believes that adopting similar measures for cars in Rwanda would be a step in the right direction.
Regarding age limits for imported vehicles, Minister Nsabimana revealed that discussions are ongoing within the East African Community (EAC). However, he emphasized the need to consider various factors, including economic effects and oil consumption, before finalizing any decisions. The government remains optimistic that measures can be implemented to ensure the continued importation of new cars while addressing road safety concerns.
Apart from the issue of road accidents, a study conducted by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in 2019 highlighted other environmental concerns associated with old vehicles. The study revealed that 95.2% of cars in Rwanda were over 10 years old, with 56.6% manufactured before 1999 and 77.2% manufactured before 2000 and contribute significantly to air pollution.
