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  • EVP Charger to expand Rwanda’s EV charging network with 55 new stations

    EVP Charger to expand Rwanda’s EV charging network with 55 new stations

    The expansion will include 30 charging stations for electric motorcycles and 25 for electric cars, adding to the company’s existing network of about 115 charging points, including 95 motorcycle charging stations and 20 car charging stations already operating nationwide.

    The move comes as Rwanda continues to position itself among Africa’s leading countries in electric mobility, supported by government incentives and increasing private-sector investment in green transport infrastructure.

    According to EVP Charger President Ike Erhabor, the company is focused on extending services to areas that have not yet been fully covered by charging infrastructure.

    “We have plans to build more charging stations in areas that have not yet been reached, including Huye, Nyagatare, Musanze, Rusizi and other secondary cities. Our goal is to ensure that these stations are completed and operational before the end of this year,” he said.

    The company also plans to establish charging stations at intervals of approximately 50 kilometres for motorcycles and 100 kilometres for cars along major routes, helping to address concerns about charging availability during long-distance travel.

    EVP Charger CEO Tony B. Adesina said the expansion reflects the growing momentum behind electric mobility both in Rwanda and globally.

    “EVs are the future. It goes beyond the walls of Rwanda; it has become a global sensation,” Adesina said. “Clean mobility is the future because it is affordable, environmentally friendly and has low maintenance costs.”

    One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption worldwide has been the availability of charging infrastructure. Through its growing network, EVP Charger aims to eliminate what is commonly known as “range anxiety” — the fear that a vehicle could run out of battery before reaching a charging station.

    “We want every Rwandan who buys an EV to know that charging stations are available wherever they travel across the country,” Adesina said.

    The expansion aligns with Rwanda’s broader ambitions to develop a low-carbon transport system. Government support has played a key role in the growth of the sector through tax incentives on electric vehicles and charging equipment, favourable electricity tariffs for charging operators and access to land for infrastructure development.

    Adesina praised the enabling environment created by the government, noting that it has encouraged private investment in the sector.

    “The government has done more than 50 per cent of the work needed for EV operators to succeed,” he said.
    Beyond expanding its charging network, EVP Charger is investing in technologies designed to make EV ownership more convenient.

    In July 2026, the company plans to launch a mobile application for Android and iOS users. The app will enable customers to locate nearby charging stations, plan journeys and make cashless payments, supporting Rwanda’s drive toward a cashless economy.

    The application will be launched alongside a new “Tap & Charge” card that will be issued to both existing and new customers using the company’s charging network. The personalised card is expected to simplify payments and improve the overall charging experience.

    EVP Charger is also opening its electric motorcycle charging technology to other industry players seeking to introduce electric motorcycle fleets without the burden of building their own charging infrastructure. The company says this will help accelerate growth in Rwanda’s e-mobility sector by allowing manufacturers to integrate their battery technologies with EVP Charger’s super-fast charging network.

    The company has additionally launched a “Host a Station” initiative, allowing businesses and property owners to host charging stations on their premises and benefit from the growing green economy.

    “We have received hundreds of calls across the country from individuals and businesses looking to host charging stations on their property,” Adesina said.

    The company’s charging network is already handling more than 50,000 electric motorcycle charging transactions and over 12,000 electric car charging transactions every month, highlighting the growing uptake of electric mobility among both private users and commercial operators.

    EVP Charger also points to cost savings as one of the major drivers behind the shift to electric vehicles. According to the company, charging an EV can cost significantly less than refuelling a conventional petrol-powered vehicle, while maintenance costs are lower because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts.

    Beyond infrastructure and technology, the company says it remains committed to creating opportunities within the green economy. Around 170 women are currently employed as agents across EVP Charger’s charging stations, assisting customers throughout the country.

    As Rwanda’s electric mobility sector continues to grow, EVP Charger believes expanding charging infrastructure will be essential to ensuring EV users can travel with confidence while supporting the country’s environmental and economic goals.

    The growing network of charging stations is designed to support Rwanda’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions.
    Charging stations positioned along key routes will help ensure reliable access to power for electric vehicle users travelling across Rwanda.
    The planned infrastructure expansion includes charging stations for both electric motorcycles and electric cars across the country.
    The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is expected to improve access to charging services in cities and along major transport corridors.
    New charging stations will help electric vehicle users travel longer distances with greater confidence and convenience.
    EVP Charger plans to add 55 new charging stations across Rwanda to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and motorcycles.
    EVP Charger Business Administrator Elina Bamulanje

  • President Kagame, EU special representative discuss eastern DRC crisis and regional stability

    President Kagame, EU special representative discuss eastern DRC crisis and regional stability

    According to a communiqué from the Office of the President, the meeting centered on the need for concrete action to tackle the root causes of insecurity in eastern DRC and advance a sustainable path to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

    The discussions come at a critical moment for regional peace efforts. Rwanda and the DRC signed the Washington Accord on December 4, 2025, a landmark agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict and mistrust in the region.

    Among its key provisions is the dismantling of the FDLR, an armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that Rwanda maintains continues to pose a security threat. The agreement also outlines the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures upon the neutralisation of the group.

    At the same time, parallel peace talks between the AFC/M23 rebel coalition and the DRC government remain pending in Doha, Qatar. The negotiations are viewed as an important complement to regional and international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
    Ambassador Borgstam’s visit is part of EU efforts to support ongoing initiatives to restore peace and stability in the region.

    Separately on Sunday, President Kagame also received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth and reviewed preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be hosted in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

    Their discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and continued collaboration within the Commonwealth as Rwanda works closely with member states on shared development and governance priorities.

    President Paul Kagame on Sunday met with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Great Lakes Region Ambassador Johan Borgstam at Urugwiro Village, where discussions focused on regional developments and ongoing efforts to address the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
    President Kagame also received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth and reviewed preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be hosted in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Rwanda to host EAC consultations on Political Confederation Constitution drafting

    Rwanda to host EAC consultations on Political Confederation Constitution drafting

    The consultations will officially launch in Kigali on Monday, June 15, 2026, marking the beginning of a nationwide exercise aimed at gathering views from citizens and key institutions on the future governance framework of the regional bloc.

    The engagements will then be held in Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare, before concluding on 27 June 2026. The process is designed to ensure broad participation across different parts of the country.

    Rwanda becomes the fourth EAC member state to undergo this exercise, following the successful completion of national consultations in Burundi (January 2020), Uganda (April 2021), and Kenya (May 2023).

    In the previous sessions, citizens across East Africa actively pushed for deeper integration, recommending milestones such as a common regional currency, unified foreign policy representation, and the ultimate elimination of border restrictions to facilitate completely free movement and trade.

    The exercise is part of the EAC’s wider regional effort to involve citizens in shaping the Political Confederation, which represents the final stage of the bloc’s integration agenda.

    Stakeholders expected to participate include government officials, members of parliament, the judiciary, civil society organisations, academia, the business community, youth, women, persons with disabilities, religious leaders, media practitioners and political parties.

    According to the EAC Secretariat, the consultations will be led by constitutional experts nominated by EAC Partner States and coordinated in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda.

    The EAC Deputy Secretary General responsible for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the process is intended to ensure that the proposed Constitution reflects the aspirations of East Africans.

    “The national consultations are designed to create awareness on the Constitution-making process, provide an opportunity for citizens to contribute their views, and ensure that the proposed Constitution is people-centred and owned by the people of East Africa,” he said.

    As part of the programme, the EAC will also hold high-level engagements with President Paul Kagame, as well as senior government officials, members of parliament, the judiciary, and representatives of key national institutions.

    The consultations form part of a broader regional process being conducted across all EAC Partner States, aimed at building consensus on the institutional and governance structures of the proposed Political Confederation.

    The East African Community brings together eight Partner States, including Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The Political Confederation represents the fourth and final pillar of EAC integration, following the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union.

    It is intended as a transitional framework towards the long-term goal of a Political Federation of East African States, strengthening coordination in areas such as political affairs, peace and security, foreign policy, and regional governance.

    The model was adopted by EAC Heads of State in 2017, with a team of experts led by former Ugandan Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki guiding the constitution-making process.

    Rwanda becomes the fourth EAC member state to undergo this exercise, following the successful completion of national consultations in Burundi (January 2020), Uganda (April 2021), and Kenya (May 2023).

  • Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 710 as authorities deny lockdown rumors

    Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 710 as authorities deny lockdown rumors

    The case fatality rate stood at 21.0 percent, according to figures released by the ministry. A total of 324 patients were in isolation or hospitalized, while 35 people had recovered.

    The ministry said the government, together with provincial authorities, response partners and local communities, was continuing public health interventions aimed at breaking chains of transmission and protecting the population.

    Response teams on the ground are carrying out epidemiological surveillance, patient care, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, risk communication and community engagement.

    The ministry said no lockdown had been ordered in the affected areas and no such measure was under consideration, urging the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official channels for updates.

    In a disease outbreak update published Saturday, the World Health Organization said the outbreak in the DRC continued to evolve rapidly, with rising case numbers and geographic spread.

    The reported case fatality rate was likely an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak was declared remain under investigation, the WHO added.

    A health worker disinfects an ambulance at the Mongbwalu treatment center that transported a suspected Ebola patient in Mongbwalu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 5, 2026.

  • Inside Rwanda’s spending priorities in new Rwf 7.8 trillion budget

    Inside Rwanda’s spending priorities in new Rwf 7.8 trillion budget

    Presenting the draft budget to a joint sitting of Parliament on June 11, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa announced a proposed budget of Rwf 7,796.3 billion, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

    Of the total budget, 63 percent will be directed toward economic transformation programmes, reflecting the government’s continued focus on accelerating growth, strengthening resilience, and advancing the long-term objectives of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

    Domestic revenues are projected at Rwf 5,273.8 billion, including Rwf 4,429.1 billion in tax revenues and RWF 582.4 billion from non-tax sources. External grants are expected to contribute Rwf 548.3 billion, while foreign borrowing is projected at Rwf 1,974.1 billion.

    According to Murangwa, Rwf 4,785.5 billion, equivalent to roughly 61 percent of the budget, has been allocated to recurrent expenditure and public sector wages, while Rwf 3,010.8 billion, or 39 percent, will finance development projects and public investments.

    The minister said budget priorities were selected to support Rwanda’s development ambitions while mitigating the impact of global economic uncertainties, including disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

    Agriculture and food security

    The economic transformation pillar has been allocated Rwf 4.9 trillion, making it the largest component of the budget.

    Priority interventions include boosting agricultural and livestock productivity, strengthening post-harvest management systems, and improving national food security. The government plans to ensure timely access to agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seeds, and agricultural lime.

    Murangwa said the allocation for fertiliser subsidies has increased substantially from RWF 39 billion in the previous fiscal year to nearly Rwf 64 billion in the proposed budget. The increase comes amid rising fertiliser prices on international markets, partly driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

    Additional funding will support seed multiplication programmes for strategic crops and expand irrigation infrastructure to help farmers adapt to climate change. The government also plans to increase national grain and bean reserves by constructing additional storage facilities and procuring strategic food stocks.

    In the livestock sector, resources will be directed toward animal vaccination programmes, artificial insemination services, and other measures aimed at improving animal health and productivity. Support for Rwanda’s key export crops will continue through the rehabilitation of ageing coffee and tea plantations and the expansion of cultivated areas.

    Energy and infrastructure investments

    The budget provides continued financing for major energy and transport projects.

    Among the flagship initiatives is the construction of the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, alongside programmes to expand electricity access to households and institutions that remain off-grid.

    Infrastructure investments will include the development of feeder roads, road interchanges, and transport links serving the new Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to become a major logistics and aviation hub.

    Environmental sustainability

    The government has also prioritised environmental protection and climate resilience.

    Planned interventions include completing wetland restoration projects in Kigali, rehabilitating degraded forests, and protecting surrounding ecosystems. Funding has also been allocated to strengthen weather forecasting services through the acquisition of modern meteorological equipment, including radar systems.

    The budget further supports continued implementation of the multi-sectoral Muvumba Project, which is expected to contribute to energy generation, irrigation, and broader agricultural development.

    Education, health, and social protection

    The social transformation pillar has been allocated Rwf 1,711.3 billion, representing 22 percent of the total budget.

    In education, the government plans to recruit additional teachers, provide learning materials across all levels of education, expand school feeding programmes, and strengthen teacher training institutions.

    Healthcare investments will focus on expanding Muhororo, Kabgayi, and Ruhengeri hospitals, while construction of a maternity facility at Kibagabaga Hospital will continue. The government also intends to increase the number of healthcare professionals and strengthen programmes aimed at reducing child stunting.

    Social protection initiatives will continue through the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) and other welfare schemes targeting vulnerable households, including families affected by natural disasters.

    Transformational governance and justice

    The governance pillar has been allocated Rwf 1,184 billion, accounting for 15 percent of the proposed budget.

    Planned interventions include strengthening the justice sector through enhanced institutional capacity, expanding the use of forensic investigations, improving alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and reducing court case backlogs.

    In foreign affairs, the government will continue efforts to deepen diaspora engagement in national development and expand international markets for Rwandan exports.

    The proposed budget underscores Rwanda’s strategy of combining economic transformation with social investment and institutional strengthening as it seeks to sustain growth and improve living standards in the coming fiscal year.

    Presenting the draft budget to a joint sitting of Parliament on June 11, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa announced a proposed budget of Rwf 7,796.3 billion, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

  • Pan-African forum endorses roadmap for biodiversity management

    Pan-African forum endorses roadmap for biodiversity management

    At the conclusion of a virtual forum convened on Friday by the African Forest Forum (AFF), a Nairobi-based non-profit conservation organization, participants underscored the role of healthy forests, peatlands, mangroves, and drylands in sustaining livelihoods for local communities.

    The forum, which ran from June 8 to 12, brought together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the continent.

    Labode Popoola, executive secretary of AFF, said the five-day conference provided a platform to raise the visibility of Africa’s tropical forests and dry landscapes in shaping a future characterized by resilience, food, water and energy security, and improved rural incomes through trade in tree-based products.

    Popoola emphasized that improved governance, policy coherence, research and knowledge sharing, as well as the harnessing of technology and innovation, are key to enabling African countries to maximize benefits from indigenous forests, savanna grasslands, and coastal mangroves.

    According to AFF, African forests cover nearly 23 percent of the continent’s landmass, equivalent to 624 million hectares, while supporting the livelihoods of about 245 million people through the provision of food, medicine, clean water, biomass, and carbon storage.

    Participants in the five-day forum agreed that strong policy and legislative frameworks, predictable financing, public awareness, and collaborative research are essential to promoting the sustainable utilization of forests and supporting the timber industry, ecotourism, and carbon markets.

    In addition, delegates noted that emerging challenges facing Africa’s tropical forests, including climate change, urbanization, unsustainable land-use practices, illegal logging, and forest clearance for mechanized farming.

  • Rwanda Green Fund, GGGI sign partnership to advance green growth and climate resilience

    Rwanda Green Fund, GGGI sign partnership to advance green growth and climate resilience

    The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, during a meeting between Rwanda Green Fund Chief Executive Officer, Teddy Mugabo and Country Representative for GGGI Rwanda, Caroline Raes alongside an accompanying delegation.

    According to Rwanda Green Fund, the memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation that will support Rwanda’s efforts to achieve its green growth and climate objectives while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), and the country’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy.

    The partnership is expected to focus on mobilizing green investments and accelerating the development of climate-related projects capable of delivering both environmental and economic benefits.

    Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together to strengthen carbon market development and support the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate in achieving emissions reduction targets through international carbon trading mechanisms.

    The collaboration will also explore innovative financing solutions designed to attract greater investment into climate and environmental projects.

    In addition, GGGI will provide technical advisory services on green technologies and support the development of a pipeline of high-impact projects that contribute to Rwanda’s sustainable transformation.

    GGGI is a treaty-based international and intergovernmental organization that supports developing countries and emerging economies in pursuing strong, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable economic growth.

    The organization works with governments and partners worldwide to integrate green growth principles into national development planning and investment strategies.

    The new agreement comes as Rwanda continues to position itself as a regional leader in climate action and green development, with ongoing efforts to attract climate finance, promote low-carbon economic growth, and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change.

    Rwanda views carbon markets as a key tool in its ambition to become a developed, carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy by 2050.

    Although the country contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it has significant potential for carbon market projects.

    Rwanda’s carbon credit sector is currently dominated by improved cookstove initiatives, which account for 87 percent of all Certified Emission Reductions issued, while lighting and solar projects contribute 9 percent and 4 percent respectively.

    By December 2020, Rwanda had generated more than 2.25 million carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism and the Voluntary Carbon Market, underscoring the growing role of carbon finance in supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.

    The partnership is expected to focus on mobilizing green investments and accelerating the development of climate-related projects capable of delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
    The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, during a meeting between Rwanda Green Fund Chief Executive Officer, Teddy Mugabo and Country Representative for GGGI Rwanda, Caroline Raes alongside an accompanying delegation.

  • Tristan Murenzi appointed to EU Youth Sounding Board in Rwanda

    Tristan Murenzi appointed to EU Youth Sounding Board in Rwanda

    Murenzi announced the appointment through his social media platforms, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to representing the interests of young people.

    “I am delighted to share that I have been appointed to the Youth Sounding Board of the European Union Delegation in Rwanda,” he wrote.

    He added that he looks forward to working closely with the EU Delegation and embassies of EU member states in Rwanda to strengthen cooperation and advocate for initiatives that address the aspirations, challenges and needs of Rwandan youth.

    The Youth Sounding Board is a mechanism established by the European Union to ensure meaningful youth participation in the design and implementation of EU policies, programmes and partnerships. The platform enables young people to contribute their perspectives and help make development efforts more inclusive, responsive and impactful.

    Murenzi’s appointment adds to a growing record of youth leadership and engagement in national and international development initiatives.

    He founded Rwanda We Want in 2015 at the age of 17, creating a platform aimed at empowering young people and encouraging their participation in Rwanda’s development agenda. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a prominent youth-focused movement that promotes civic engagement, leadership and sustainable development.

    Murenzi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Monetary Economics from the University of Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Design Management from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.

    Over the years, he has also served in several regional and international roles focused on youth empowerment and sustainable development. These include membership on the policy team of the planning task force for the 12th Commonwealth Youth Forum and serving as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordinator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN).

    His new role on the EU Youth Sounding Board is expected to provide an additional platform for engaging with policymakers and development partners on issues affecting young people in Rwanda.

    Murenzi’s appointment adds to a growing record of youth leadership and engagement in national and international development initiatives.
  • India summons U.S. envoy over continued attacks on commercial vessels

    India summons U.S. envoy over continued attacks on commercial vessels

    Several attacks by U.S. forces on similar commercial vessels had been reported over the past three days.

    The ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping.

    Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time, said the official statement.

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to India Jason Meeks to lodge a “strong protest” regarding the continued attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, said an official statement.
  • 502 best performing girls recognized under Girls’ ‘Education Campaign’

    502 best performing girls recognized under Girls’ ‘Education Campaign’

    Launched in 2005, the campaign was designed to address gender disparities in education by increasing girls’ enrolment, improving retention, and promoting academic excellence across the country.

    Over the years, it has also sought to mobilise communities, schools, and other stakeholders to create an environment where girls can thrive academically.

    As part of this year’s edition, the Best Performing Girls (BPGs), commonly known as Inkubito z’Icyeza, were recognised within their respective schools. The recognition aims not only to reward excellence but also to inspire other learners, especially girls, to pursue academic success.

    Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the campaign has recorded notable achievements. A total of 8,605 girls have been recognised as Best Performing Girls. In addition, girls account for 60% of the 10,945 students supported through the Edified Generation Scholarships Programme, as well as 80% of the 25,960 students benefiting from remedial learning programmes. Many of these beneficiaries have since progressed into leadership positions across different sectors in Rwanda.

    This year alone, 502 girls were awarded for their outstanding performance in the National Examinations, reflecting strong academic results across primary, ordinary, and advanced levels.

    At primary level, 445 girls were recognised, each representing the best-performing girl in her sector. At ordinary level, 32 girls were honoured, each selected as the top performer in her district.

    At advanced level, 25 outstanding students were selected based on performance in their respective learning areas, including 10 from general education, 10 from technical secondary schools (TSS), and 5 from professional education.

    Best Performing Girls at FAWE Girls’ School were honoured as part of efforts to encourage excellence and support girls’ education across the country.
    The Girls’ Education Campaign was also marked at Saint Aloys Rwamagana, where outstanding girls were recognised for their academic performance under the national initiative promoting girls’ education and achievement.
    The Girls’ Education Campaign also reached Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux, where Best Performing Girls were recognised as part of the ongoing national effort to promote academic excellence and strengthen girls’ education.