Dubbed “Africast Fest: A Shallipopi Xperience,” the event was held at Camp Kigali and was organized in partnership with beverage manufacturer Skol Rwanda through its Skol Malt brand.
The concert was preceded by a series of promotional entertainment activities under the banner “Shallipopin’ Ahandi,” which helped build anticipation ahead of the main event.
Fans began arriving early, with many paying special attention to their outfits for the occasion. However, the concert started later than scheduled as attendees continued to stream into the venue between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
At around 10:20 p.m., MC Policy took to the stage to warm up the crowd, repeatedly assuring concertgoers that they were in for an unforgettable night.
A few minutes before midnight, Rwandan artist Kid From Kigali was invited onto the stage to kick off the performances. He opened with “Rich,” his collaboration with Arnaud Gray and Ish Kevin, before treating fans to other popular songs including “Inyota.”
The singer also brought rising artist Mwiza onto the stage, a move that was well received by the audience. His energetic performance kept the crowd engaged and set the tone for the rest of the night.
At around 12:30 a.m., the moment many had been waiting for finally arrived as Shallipopi stepped onto the stage. The Nigerian star opened his set with “Sharpiru,” one of his most popular songs, before performing several other hits including “High Tension.”
After about 25 minutes on stage, Shallipopi closed his performance with “Laho,” widely regarded as his signature song. Before ending the show, he invited fans to sing along with him, and the crowd responded enthusiastically, bringing the concert to a memorable conclusion.
Shallipopi engaged the audience during his performance, with fans joining him in singing his signature song, ‘Laho.’Music lovers from across Rwanda filled Camp Kigali for Africast Fest, where Shallipopi headlined his first performance in the country.Concertgoers sing and dance along as Shallipopi performs some of his biggest hits during his debut show in Rwanda.Nigerian singer Shallipopi performed before a packed crowd at Camp Kigali during his first-ever concert in Rwanda on May 29, 2026.
The agreement, signed on May 23, 2026, forms part of broader cooperation between Rwanda and Oman in the fields of technology and innovation.
Under the partnership, the two companies will work together to develop a modern data center, expand cloud and data storage services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
The planned facility will be built to Tier III standards, offering high levels of reliability, redundancy, and operational resilience for critical digital services. It is expected to provide continuous operations even during maintenance or upgrades, with an availability rate of 99.982 percent.
Designed to be AI-ready, the data center will support advanced computing applications, cloud services, and data-intensive technologies, enabling faster data processing and analysis while improving digital service delivery.
The project reflects Rwanda’s continued efforts to position itself as a regional technology hub and accelerate its digital transformation agenda through investments in secure and future-ready infrastructure.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, State Minister Yves Iradukunda, and Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) Chief Executive Officer Antoine Sebera.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen data resilience, promote innovation, and support the development of smarter digital systems across the country. It will also help reduce reliance on foreign data-hosting facilities while creating an environment capable of attracting major global technology investments.
BSC, which has operated in Rwanda since 2008, has deployed more than 8,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure nationwide, providing internet connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, government institutions, and private businesses.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Muscat, Oman Data Park has become one of the leading providers of data center and cloud services in the Middle East, serving hundreds of organizations across multiple sectors.
The partnership comes as Rwanda continues to expand its data center industry. Earlier this year, Minister Ingabire said the sector is growing by approximately 35 percent annually, with the country seeking to attract up to $5 billion in investments in data center infrastructure powered by 100 megawatts of electricity.
The agreement also highlights the growing economic and technological cooperation between Rwanda and Oman. In January 2026, the two countries signed several cooperation agreements covering cargo transport, logistics infrastructure, aviation, and investment around the future Bugesera International Airport.
The agreement was signed between Broadband Systems Corporation (BSC) and Oman Data Park. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, State Minister Yves Iradukunda witnessed the signing if the agreement. The agreement, signed recently, forms part of broader cooperation between Rwanda and Oman in the fields of technology and innovation.Under the partnership, the two companies will work together to develop a modern data center.
The demonstrators denounced what they described as targeted violence against Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsis based on their ethnic identity.
They accused several actors, including the Congolese government, Burundian troops operating in eastern DRC, the FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo militia, and other armed groups, of involvement in the attacks.
The protest also highlighted what participants called growing hate speech, discrimination, and persecution directed at Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities across the DRC.
Organizers said the demonstration comes amid continued reports of attacks in South Kivu, including drone strikes, the burning of villages, and restrictions on humanitarian access to Banyamulenge communities living in the highlands of Minembwe.
They argued that these conditions have contributed to the deaths of civilians, including children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
The protest was organized by the Banyamulenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaking Congolese Community (KSCC).
Participants marched through Canberra and delivered written messages to the embassies of the United States and Belgium, calling for greater international attention to the situation in eastern Congo.
Speaking during the protest, BCCA President Birori Zawadi Munyaruhanga said demonstrators were demanding justice, peace, and equal rights for affected communities.
“We are calling for justice, peace, and the right to live like everyone else,” he said, while also appealing for protection from both the Congolese government and the United States.
KSCC President Innocent Amini Yuhi said Canberra was chosen to ensure that the protesters’ message reached policymakers. He noted that similar advocacy efforts were underway among Banyamulenge communities in the United States and Belgium.
The protest follows demonstrations held earlier this year by Banyamulenge communities in Washington, D.C., and Kenya, where participants also called on the international community to intervene and address violence affecting civilians in South Kivu.
Protest organizers argued that lasting peace will require stronger international engagement and the implementation of peace agreements signed between the Congolese government and AFC/M23, which they say have yet to be fully implemented.
Members of the Banyamulenge community in Australia have staged a peaceful protest in Canberra, calling for justice and an end to violence against their communities in eastern DRC.Community leaders addressed protesters during a rally in Canberra, urging stronger international engagement to help restore peace and security in eastern Congo.Protesters march through Canberra on May 29, 2026, raising concerns over killings, discrimination, and insecurity affecting Banyamulenge community in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.Demonstrators gather in Australia’s capital to raise awareness of attacks, displacement, and humanitarian challenges facing Banyamulenge communities in South Kivu.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has infected more than 1,000 people and claimed over 200 lives in the DRC. In neighboring Uganda, nine infections and one death have been recorded.
In response to the situation, Rwanda has strengthened preventive measures at all border posts with the DRC and Uganda, as well as at Kigali International Airport. Travelers are being screened for Ebola symptoms, while foreign nationals who have been in the DRC within the previous 30 days are currently not permitted to enter the country.
Rwandan citizens and legal residents returning from affected areas are allowed to come back but must undergo quarantine and monitoring.
Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on Friday, May 29, 2026, Dr. Nsanzimana stressed that no Ebola case has been detected in Rwanda.
He said several individuals are being closely monitored by health officials, but none has shown symptoms of infection.
“The most important message is to reassure Rwandans. Ebola outbreaks have occurred in our region before, and we have successfully dealt with them. Our goal is to ensure that Ebola does not reach Rwanda,” he said.
The minister described the Bundibugyo strain as particularly concerning because it is difficult to diagnose. He noted that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the strain, prompting countries worldwide to heighten preparedness efforts.
Dr. Nsanzimana also warned against using unofficial border crossing routes, commonly known as “panya” routes. He urged travelers returning from affected countries to follow established health procedures, including the mandatory 21-day monitoring period.
Despite the heightened precautions, the minister emphasized that cross-border trade will continue. However, measures have been introduced to reduce the movement of large numbers of people by encouraging representatives to transport goods on behalf of traders.
Residents living near borders with affected countries have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and help authorities prevent the virus from entering Rwanda.
Dr. Nsanzimana has stressed that no Ebola case has been detected in Rwanda.
In a statement on Friday, May 29, RwandAir said it recognises the importance of the routes to its customers and remains committed to restoring connectivity while maintaining high operational standards.
“As services resume, the safety, security, and comfort of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
Customers have been advised that they can book, manage, or update their travel arrangements through the airline’s official website, www.rwandair.com, or contact the reservations team via reservations@rwandair.com for assistance.
RwandAir suspended its flights to Dubai and the broader Middle East in February.
The suspension was introduced following escalating military tensions and widespread airspace disruptions across the Middle East. The decision came after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone responses in the region.
In response to the heightened security situation, several countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, temporarily restricted or closed their airspace to commercial aviation, disrupting regional and international flight operations.
At the time, RwandAir said the suspension was a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of passengers and crew amid active security risks.
With conditions gradually stabilising, the airline has opted to restore operations on a phased basis, signalling a cautious return to one of its most important international markets.
An investigation by IGIHE indicates that Dr. Semwaga’s case is connected to a private organization founded by Frederick Nsabimana. The organization allegedly connected infertile couples seeking children with women willing to act as surrogate mothers.
Nsabimana is said to have operated a residential facility where women who agreed to become surrogates were housed after embryo transfer procedures. They reportedly remained there until they gave birth.
Seven women were accommodated in this facility. They had reportedly agreed to act as surrogates for clients, including individuals based in the United States, Tanzania, and Uganda. Nsabimana is said to have promised each woman 5 million Rwandan francs, with an advance payment of 1 million francs.
Reliable sources indicate that from this advance, Nsabimana told the women that 500,000 francs would be deducted as commission, and 100,000 francs would be allocated to his wife, Géraldine Mukahigiro, to support the women during their stay.
Some of the women are reported to have spent up to eight months in the facility. However, they did not receive the conditions they were promised. Instead, they were subjected to poor living conditions, including inadequate food and limited financial support, despite payments having been made by intended parents.
Nsabimana is accused of engaging in human trafficking and exploiting individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly poverty, under the guise of fertility support services.
Reports further indicate that the women later confronted Nsabimana over unmet promises. He allegedly responded with threats, warning that he could have them killed “without physically touching them” if they continued speaking out. These allegations form part of the charges related to intimidation and threats.
His wife is accused of threatening the girls by telling them they could die after they complained that she was not taking care of them as promised. They also allege that she once told them their deaths would not affect her, saying that even when one of her livestock died, life simply went on.
It is further reported that the women were given injections and medication at Nsabimana’s residence. He claimed that a specialist doctor sent from a clinic administered the treatments.
Local authorities stated that they were unaware of the existence of a residential facility housing surrogate mothers under such conditions. This discovery contributed to charges of unlawful detention and confinement.
According to reports, the women eventually reported their situation to authorities after experiencing severe hardship, including hunger. On April 29, 2026, officials visited the site and found that five of the women were already pregnant, while two were awaiting embryo implantation.
How Dr. Semwaga became involved
Dr. Semwaga has spent approximately eight years working in infertility treatment. He is now being investigated for several offenses, including document forgery, alteration and use of falsified documents, failure to report a serious crime, and complicity in human trafficking.
Nsabimana and Dr. Semwaga reportedly knew each other previously, as the doctor had once helped Nsabimana’s relative conceive, which later facilitated their cooperation in this arrangement involving the seven women.
Prosecutors allege that Dr. Semwaga agreed to perform embryo transfers on the women even when the intended parents were not physically present, in violation of medical regulations governing assisted reproduction.
Nsabimana, however, argues that he acted as a representative of the intended parents and had their authorization. He stated that it was impractical for clients living abroad to travel and remain present throughout the procedures.
Although he is alleged to have received payments on multiple occasions, including an advance of 3 million francs in February 2026, he claims his only benefit was charging each woman 50,000 francs per month for accommodation in his facility.
Dr. Semwaga is also accused of agreeing to carry out embryo transfers through Nsabimana due to the involvement of clients residing abroad.
Investigators allege that he benefited financially from the arrangement, including sending approximately 3 million francs to Nsabimana for the care of the women.
It is further alleged that without financial interest in Nsabimana’s operations, Dr. Semwaga would not have transferred funds, and would instead have provided standard medical care as an experienced gynecologist with over 15 years in practice.
Additional reports suggest that the women informed the doctor of their difficulties, including being denied promised payments, but he did not take action.
Dr. Semwaga, however, stated that he “lent” Nsabimana money after being informed that the intended parents had not yet transferred funds. He argued that without this assistance, both the pregnant women and unborn babies could have suffered due to lack of basic necessities.
He also claims that Nsabimana later repaid the money.
He is further accused of falsifying and altering documents by assigning identification “codes” to unborn babies linked to intended parents who had never directly met the surrogates, attributing this system to the hospital where he worked.
In his defense, it is argued that these codes were used solely to prevent confusion at birth and are a standard administrative practice in medical settings.
Dr. Semwaga, his wife, and Nsabimana are all currently in detention. On May 26, 2026, the Kicukiro Primary Court rejected their request for provisional release, ruling that they remain in custody pending investigation.
Dr. Semwaga Emmanuel is detained at Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere.
They had requested release on the grounds that they would not flee justice, would not interfere with the investigation, and wished to care for the women who are close to delivery. Dr. Semwaga also reportedly offered bail of 20 million Rwandan francs.
*What Rwanda’s medical law prohibits*
On September 18, 2025, Rwanda enacted a law regulating medical services, including provisions governing surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology.
The law states that a surrogate mother must be between 21 and 40 years old and must undergo comprehensive medical and reproductive health screening confirming she is fit to carry a pregnancy.
Individuals aged 18 to 20 may donate reproductive material only with a written justification submitted to the Minister of Health.
The law requires that surrogacy arrangements be formalized through a written contract between parties, signed before a notary prior to any medical procedures.
Intended parents must also provide medical certification from a specialist confirming infertility or medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible or dangerous.
The law prohibits medical professionals from implanting embryos or reproductive materials that do not meet legal requirements, as well as from using non-human material or engaging in unauthorized import or export of reproductive material.
It also criminalizes procedures performed without full identification of donors or involving reproductive material from closely related individuals.
In addition, the law prohibits assisted reproduction procedures intended for
genetic manipulation or sex selection.
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense, ranging from six months’ imprisonment and fines of 2 million Rwandan francs for minor violations to up to 25 years in prison and fines of 50 million francs for serious offenses, along with possible suspension from medical practice.
The case of Dr. Semwaga, Nsabimana, and Mukahigiro regarding their provisional detention and release was heard at the Kicukiro Primary Court.
The medical outreach activity forms part of the community support initiatives carried out by Rwandan peacekeepers during this week leading up to the UN Day celebrations on 29 May 2026.
The medical services offered during the outreach included internal medicine, dental care, eye care and dermatology among others. Free medicines were also distributed to the inmates.
Speaking during the activity, Lt Col Dr. Isaiah Nzayisenga, deputy Commander of Rwanda Level 2+ hospital said that the initiative aimed to support prisoners who face limited access to healthcare services, noting that health care is essential to human life, especially for people living in difficult conditions.
The Director of Bria Prison, Mahamai Adoum Salle, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan Contingent for their continued medical support to prisoners.
“This is not the first time Rwandan peacekeepers have come to provide medical care and medicines to prisoners here in Bria. Normally, when prisoners are taken to outside clinics, medicines must be purchased. However, when the Rwandan contingent conducts such outreach activities, inmates receive treatment and medicines free of charge. We sincerely thank MINUSCA and the Rwandan peacekeepers particularly for this valuable support and hope this cooperation will continue,” he said.
Chief of the Supervision and Health Care Quality Section at the District Sanitary Office of the Haute-Kotto Region, Ponombo Felix, also praised the initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by prisoners in accessing proper healthcare.
“The prison faces serious healthcare challenges, including the absence of a clinic and limited medical capacity. The provision of medicines and specialist doctors by Rwandan Contingent is indeed commendable and I hope it will continue,” he said.
The outreach activity reflects the continued commitment of Rwandan peacekeepers under MINUSCA to supporting local communities and improving humanitarian conditions in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Prison authorities and local health officials commended Rwanda’s peacekeepers for improving access to healthcare for vulnerable inmates in Bria.Rwandan peacekeepers under MINUSCA provided free medical treatment and medicines to dozens of inmates at Bria Prison in the Central African Republic.Medical personnel from Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital attended to prisoners in Bria with services including dental care, eye treatment and dermatology consultations.Inmates at Bria Prison received free healthcare services from Rwandan peacekeepers as part of activities marking the 2026 UN Day celebrations.
In 1993, during a meeting with senior members of his government, Mitterrand reportedly argued that France should continue supplying weapons to the former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR), insisting that a victory by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) forces of the FPR would not serve French interests.
Habyarimana’s government relied heavily on France, particularly during Mitterrand’s presidency, when France provided military training and weapons to Rwanda’s armed forces.
According to records from a special council meeting held on March 3, 1993, attended by President Mitterrand, the Prime Minister, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Cooperation, alongside senior military officials, discussions focused on the ongoing war in Rwanda.
Marcel Debargue, then Minister for Cooperation, who had just returned from Uganda and Rwanda, told the meeting that Habyarimana had been misinformed and was facing serious difficulties.
He explained that the Rwandan army was fighting in a disorganised manner. As RPA troops advanced toward Byumba, Belgium was already preparing to evacuate its citizens, raising concerns over where French troops stationed in Rwanda would reposition themselves.
He stressed that the Rwandan army was fighting in a disorganised manner, to the extent that RPA troops’ attack on Byumba, would push Belgium to evacuate its nationals, leaving uncertainty over where the French troops stationed in Rwanda would be redeployed.
At a time when discussions had begun around deploying United Nations peacekeepers to Rwanda, Mitterrand reportedly said it would be preferable for French troops to withdraw before they were reduced to mere spectators while incoming international forces would later be celebrated as heroes.
Mitterrand reportedly stated: “We have no interest in seeing the Tutsis take large territories quickly. We must buy time, delay them through every possible diplomatic channel, and continue supporting the Rwandan army by supplying all the weapons it needs.”
France continued maintaining troops in Rwanda through various military operations officially presented as missions aimed at protecting French nationals living in the country.
Mitterrand’s hostility toward the Tutsi was not new. On October 17, 1990, he reportedly said that even if the rebels of the FPR won militarily, Hutu populations in Rwanda and neighbouring countries would eventually unite to overthrow them.
The French-established Turquoise Zone in Gikongoro later became an escape corridor for Interahamwe militia members and FAR soldiers fleeing into Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they reorganised with the aim of regaining power.
Several former officials linked to the previous regime were also granted refuge in France, where some continue to live to this day.
François Mitterrand, who served as President of France between 1981 and 1995, was considered a close ally of former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The Angolan side overturned a five-point deficit in the final quarter, with Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao leading the comeback in a thrilling semifinal clash.
Al Ahly Benghazi made the brighter start to the game, with Donovan Williams inspiring the Libyan side offensively as they established an early advantage. However, Gonçalves helped Petro de Luanda reduce the gap late in the opening quarter, which ended with Al Ahly narrowly leading 24-23.
The second quarter remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets throughout. Dundao and Lual Acuil played key roles for their respective sides as neither team managed to create significant separation. Al Ahly went into halftime holding a slim 48-43 advantage.
After the break, Charles Edward Moore and Raphael Putney continued to drive the scoring for both teams in another evenly balanced quarter. Each side scored 22 points in the third period, allowing Al Ahly to maintain a 70-65 lead heading into the final quarter.
Petro de Luanda, however, showed their experience and composure when it mattered most. Gonçalves and Dundao stepped up with crucial baskets as the Angolan champions dominated the closing minutes to complete the comeback victory.
The win sends Petro de Luanda into the BAL 2026 final, where they will face Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers on Sunday, May 31. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Benghazi will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the third-place playoff.
President Paul Kagame and several other dignitaries attended the semifinal at BK Arena.
The final is expected to deliver another exciting contest, pitting an impressive RSSB Tigers side against one of the most experienced clubs in BAL history.
Petro de Luanda won the BAL title in 2024 and have consistently remained among the tournament’s top-performing teams, having finished third in 2021, runners-up in 2022, fourth in 2023, and runners-up again last season in 2025 after losing the final to Al Ahli Tripoli.
The Angolan side overturned a five-point deficit in the final quarter, with Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao leading the comeback in a thrilling semifinal clash.President Paul Kagame and several other dignitaries attended the semifinal at BK Arena.The win sends Petro de Luanda into the BAL 2026 final, where they will face Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers on Sunday, May 31. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Benghazi will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the third-place playoff.
The launch summit, held at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), brought together senior government officials, enterprise leaders, global technology partners, and members of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem to discuss the future of AI-driven transformation in Africa.
The event marked a major milestone in Visiontech’s African expansion strategy, with Rwanda as its launchpad.
Speaking during the summit, Visiontech PLG Chief Executive Officer Aliasgar Dohadwala said the company’s decision to establish operations in Rwanda was driven by the country’s strong leadership, progressive digital vision, and growing reputation as a regional technology hub.
“We are living in a defining moment where artificial intelligence and intelligent operations are becoming central to everything nations and organisations do,” Dohadwala said. “Visiontech comes with a clear mission, to become Rwanda’s trusted digital and AI partner and help build resilient technology systems that create real impact.”
Visiontech PLG CEO Aliasgar Dohadwala said Rwanda was chosen for its strong leadership, progressive digital vision, and rising status as a regional technology hub.
Founded in Dubai in 2003, Visiontech Systems International LLC has expanded across more than 17 countries, delivering digital transformation projects in sectors including healthcare, education, defence, oil and gas, and government services.
The company said Rwanda will serve as its strategic operational base for expansion into Central, East, and West Africa.
During the summit, Dohadwala announced plans to establish a Centre of Excellence and demonstration centre in Rwanda aimed at developing local technical capacity, showcasing AI and cybersecurity solutions, and supporting regional knowledge sharing.
He said Visiontech’s long-term focus in Rwanda would include AI-powered public services, intelligent government systems, cybersecurity infrastructure, real-time monitoring solutions, predictive analytics, and secure digital platforms designed to protect national data and strengthen digital sovereignty.
“Digital sovereignty is now a critical priority for every country,” he remarked. “Your data and information must be protected and managed in ways that serve national interests.”
The launch summit was held at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
The launch received strong backing from the Government of Rwanda, with Minister of State for ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda describing Visiontech as an important strategic partner in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey.
Addressing participants at the summit, Iradukunda said Rwanda’s investments in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive technology adoption were designed to improve service delivery and position the country for the next phase of AI-driven growth.
“At the dawn of the AI era, the demands on our infrastructure are growing rapidly,” he stated. “To achieve true digital sovereignty, we must be able to develop, train, and run AI models right here at home.”
Minister of State for ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda described Visiontech as an important strategic partner in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey.
He added that Rwanda continues to strengthen its digital ecosystem through resilient infrastructure, interoperable API platforms, cybersecurity frameworks, and expanded digital access across the country.
According to the minister, Rwanda now has more than 95 percent 4G coverage and offers over 250 government services online.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza welcomed Visiontech PLG’s entry, describing it as a strong signal of investor confidence in Rwanda’s technology ecosystem.
“For us at RDB, when companies like Visiontech come, explore, register, and establish operations here, it is a huge success,” she noted.
She emphasised Rwanda’s goal of becoming the easiest and most coordinated market in Africa for technology and innovation investors, supported by a stable regulatory environment, strong public-private coordination, and robust digital infrastructure.
“Our job is to help investors identify opportunities, translate them into projects, and support them to scale regionally and continentally,” she added.
RDB Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza welcomed Visiontech PLG’s entry, describing it as a strong signal of investor confidence in Rwanda’s technology ecosystem.
Juliana also noted that Rwanda attracted approximately $870 million in foreign direct investment last year, with ICT and ICT-enabled services playing a growing role in that performance.
The summit also featured panellists from Hitachi, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), Irembo, and Visiontech PLG, who highlighted Rwanda’s progress in delivering seamless digital services while exploring how resilience and intelligent infrastructure will power the next phase of national digital transformation.
The summit also highlighted Visiontech’s partnerships with several global technology firms expected to support Rwanda’s growing digital economy.
Canadian telecommunications company Mitel, cybersecurity firm Sophos, Hitachi Vantara, and cybersecurity solutions provider Netviss all reaffirmed their collaboration with Visiontech during the event.
Narayan G, Business Head for Asia Pacific, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Mitel, described Rwanda as one of Africa’s most promising digital economies.
“Rwanda is far ahead of many markets in terms of digital adoption,” he said. “We want to be part of Rwanda’s growth story, which is set to become a world-class success.”
The event brought together senior government officials, enterprise leaders, global technology partners, and members of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem to discuss the future of AI-driven transformation in Africa.
Hitachi Vantara Regional Channel and Distribution Head Rehan Shahid said the partnership would combine Visiontech’s local presence with Hitachi’s advanced digital infrastructure and AI technologies to accelerate transformation across both public and private sectors.
“This initiative will accelerate Rwanda’s progress by many years,” Shahid said. “It will also create new opportunities and technology-focused jobs for local youth.”
Sophos Senior Sales Engineer for East Africa Dennis Murithi said the partnership would strengthen Rwanda’s cyber resilience as demand for secure digital infrastructure continues to rise.
“We intend to invest heavily in enablement within the country through training, skills development, and collaboration,” he said.
Sophos Senior Sales Engineer for East Africa Dennis Murithi said the partnership would strengthen Rwanda’s cyber resilience as demand for secure digital infrastructure continues to rise.
Meanwhile, Netviss Founder and CEO Aliasgar Bohra emphasised the growing importance of secure AI adoption and localised cybersecurity systems in Africa’s digital transition.
“Our AI operates through a local LLM that does not connect to the internet,” Bohra explained. “This ensures complete data sovereignty, where customer data never leaves the organisation.”
The summit also underscored the role of collaboration between government, private sector players, and innovators in driving Africa’s digital future.
Martin Carlos Mwizerwa, Managing Director of Rwanda-based systems integrator Centurion CatSystems, described the Visiontech partnership as aligned with Rwanda’s broader ambition of building a knowledge-based economy capable of serving the wider continent.
“Working with a company like Visiontech, with over 20 years of experience, can only strengthen our position and help lift everyone up across the country,” he said.
Visiontech PLG said it has already begun establishing local offices and building a Rwanda-based team, including the appointment of a Chief Technology Officer who will lead local operations as the company scales its activities across the region.
The company indicated that it aims to prioritise long-term partnerships, localisation, skills development, and sustainable digital transformation across Africa.
Panelists from Hitachi, RISA, Irembo, and Visiontech PLG highlighted Rwanda’s progress in delivering seamless digital services while exploring how resilience and intelligent infrastructure will power the next phase of national digital transformation.The event brought together senior government officials, enterprise leaders, global technology partners, and members of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem to discuss the future of AI-driven transformation in Africa.
