The tour will follow a one-day visit to Monaco on March 28 and a trip to Spain from June 6 to 12. During his African tour, Pope Leo is expected to draw large crowds, encourage world leaders to support development initiatives, and promote Catholic-Muslim dialogue, particularly in countries with diverse religious communities.
Africa is home to about 20% of the world’s Catholics, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church. The continent has seen significant increases in Catholic communities in recent decades, particularly in Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, where the Church continues to expand.
“Pope Leo’s visit will remind the world that Africa matters and the vibrancy of the Church in Africa remains at the heart of a thriving global Church,” said Reverend Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, a Nigerian Jesuit.
The trip is historically significant, as it will be the first time a pope has visited Algeria, a predominantly Muslim nation. Pope Leo, a member of the Augustinian order, has expressed a special interest in the country, which is the birthplace of St. Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in early Christianity.
In Cameroon, the Pope will visit Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda, including regions affected by long-standing conflict. Angola’s stops will include Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo, while Equatorial Guinea will see visits to Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata, the continent’s only Spanish-speaking nation.
Although this will be Pope Leo’s first official visit to Africa as pope, he is no stranger to the continent, having traveled to countries like Kenya and Tanzania as Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Pope Leo’s African tour follows his first foreign visit to Turkey and Lebanon late last year and sets the stage for other planned trips, including a likely visit to Peru later in 2026.
Pope Leo XIV will make his first official visit to Africa from April 13 to 23, travelling to Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
Patrick Salvado, a leading figure in Uganda and across Africa’s comedy scene, will headline the ‘Thank God It’s Funny’ show at Kigali Universe on March 6, 2026.
The show will feature an exciting lineup of local talent, including Rwandan comedians Rusine, Michael Sengazi, Hervé Kimenyi, Muhindee, and several others.
Patrick Idringi Viera, known professionally as Patrick Salvado, is a 41-year-old comedian and actor with a career spanning over 17 years.
He began performing in 2009 while working at NTV Uganda as a technical assistant during his university studies in Telecommunications Engineering. After graduating in 2008, he joined MTN Uganda, where he started developing his comedy career. In 2011, he moved to Capital FM, gaining wider recognition, including performing at events like Miss Uganda.
Since 2011, Salvado has performed in numerous shows both in Uganda and internationally, including Rwanda, where he has appeared in various comedy events.
The origin of “Salvado”
His stage name originates from the 2000s soap opera Second Chance (El Cuerpo del Deseo). Salvado has said that a woman once mistook him for the show’s handsome lead, Salvador Cerinza, a joke that eventually inspired his professional name.
Salvado’s work has gained international recognition. He was a semi-finalist in the 2016 “World’s Funniest Person” competition, organised by the Laugh Factory in the United States. He is also the founder and host of Africa Laughs, a comedy franchise that brings together performers from across the continent, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
In addition to stand-up comedy, Salvado has appeared in television series such as Beneath the Lies and films including Bed of Thorns.
Away from the spotlight, Salvado shares his life with his wife, Daphine Frankstock Idringi, and their three children.
Patrick Salvado will headline the ‘Thank God It’s Funny’ show at Kigali Universe on March 6, 2026.
The AFC/M23 movement has strongly criticised the international community for remaining silent as the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched a large-scale offensive, causing civilian casualties and mass displacement.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, the attacks on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marked a “new threshold of violence” by the Kinshasa regime.
The DRC military reportedly used armed drones and heavy artillery to strike densely populated areas as well as M23 positions, in what Kanyuka described as blatant violations of international humanitarian law.
The strikes were recorded throughout the morning and early afternoon, beginning at 9:00 AM in Rutigita, Minembwe, continuing at 10:30 AM in Kitazungura, Kalehe territory, and culminating at 12:00 PM in Rugezi and surrounding areas of Minembwe.
“These deadly aggressions are causing human casualties, mass displacement of civilian populations, and fueling an extreme humanitarian crisis,” Kanyuka said, highlighting the severity of the situation for local communities.
Bertrand Bisimwa, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, emphasised that the offensive reflects a deliberate choice by the DRC government to pursue military escalation, violating ceasefire agreements. He also criticised the international community for failing to act:
“We cannot help but express our deep concern over the absence, at this stage, of any clear and visible initiative aimed at bringing an immediate halt to this government offensive. There has been no public reprimand, no condemnation… no discernible action seems to have been taken to prevent the risk of escalation,” Bisimwa stated.
He added, “This silence contrasts with the swift reactions observed when our movement is forced to exercise its legitimate right to self-defence in the face of direct attacks.”
The offensive marks a continuation of rising tensions in the region despite peace efforts by mediators such as Qatar and existing ceasefire commitments.
Bertrand Bisimwa, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, emphasised that the offensive reflects a deliberate choice by the DRC government to pursue military escalation, violating ceasefire agreements.
Riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 20-year-old showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team, capping off one of the most exciting stages of this year’s race.
Rambo climb proves decisive
The pivotal moment came on the Rambo climb at kilometre 111, a three-kilometre ascent positioned within the final 15 kilometres of the stage. De Clercq surged to take maximum mountain points ahead of Kretschy and Mauro Cuylits, tightening the battle at the front.
Matthijs De Clercq showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team.
With 20 kilometres remaining, De Clercq, Kretschy and Cuylits held a slender 20-second advantage over their nearest rivals, while the peloton trailed by five minutes and 30 seconds. Attacks soon began within the leading trio as each rider sensed an opportunity to break clear.
By the final 10 kilometres, De Clercq and Kretschy had distanced Cuylits by 50 seconds, with the chasing group sitting 1 minute and 40 seconds behind. The two leaders worked together before launching into a head-to-head sprint that saw the Belgian narrowly prevail on the line.
Kretschy takes the yellow jersey
Despite finishing second on the stage, Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey. Thanks to the time bonuses and the gap to the previous leader, Zomermaand, Kretschy successfully reclaimed the yellow for the NSN Development Team.
Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey.
The 23-year-old German becomes the fourth rider to wear yellow in four days, highlighting not only his strong performance today but also the strategic depth of his team.
Stage 4 top 10 results
Matthijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – 3:05:55
Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 3:05:55
Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
Jacob Bush (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +2:15
Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:15
Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:15
Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) – +2:15
Sebastian Castro Castro (Movistar Team Academy) – +2:
Stage 5 awaits
The Tour du Rwanda continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage 5 set for an 82-kilometre circuit in Rubavu. Riders will tackle a nine-kilometre loop nine times, starting at 3:00 PM, promising another tactical showdown as Kretschy defends the yellow jersey and De Clercq looks to build on his breakthrough victory.
After four stages, the race for overall glory remains wide open, and Rubavu has already delivered a thriller.
Riders covered 127.2 km from Karongi to Rubavu, ending in a thrilling sprint finish. Locals turned up in large numbers along the road to cheer the riders.
The group arrived through the Rusizi I Border Post on February 24, 2026, marking the second group repatriated from the DRC this year.
Speaking to RBA, the returnees said years spent in displacement severely disrupted their lives, particularly access to education for their children. One returnee said the family had spent years constantly moving to escape insecurity, leaving children unable to attend school.
Another said life in the DRC was marked by persistent conflict and instability, preventing children from accessing education. He explained that a relative who had returned earlier encouraged them to come back after describing Rwanda as peaceful and secure.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the stability they found in their home country. They were welcomed by officials from Rusizi District, representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and security officials.
Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba described their return as a positive step toward rebuilding their lives and contributing to national development. He said their decision to return also reflects a break from divisive ideologies and encouraged others still abroad to consider coming home by learning about the country’s progress and stability.
The group of 22 returnees includes two men, four women, and 16 children. They were taken to the Nyarushishi transit center, where they will stay before being reunited with their families.
The group arrived through the Rusizi I Border Post on February 24, 2026
Jules Karangwa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rwanda Premier League, explained that the closure is the reason for several changes in scheduled matches.
“The stadium is being prepared for FIFA Series matches,” Karangwa told RBA. “After the recent match between Kiyovu Sports and APR FC, it was closed for maintenance. It is expected to reopen after March 2026.”
He added, “We have looked into alternatives, but in order to meet FIFA’s standards for the tournament, the stadium must remain closed. We will continue to organize matches at other venues in the meantime.”
Amahoro Stadium was originally set to host the match between Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC. The fixture has now been moved to Kigali Pelé Stadium and will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
During the FIFA Series 2026, starting on March 26, Amahoro Stadium will host Group A matches, featuring Estonia, Grenada, Kenya, and Rwanda. Group B matches, including Aruba, Liechtenstein, Tanzania, and Macau, will be played at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Amahoro Stadium was originally set to host the match between Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC. The fixture has now been moved to Kigali Pelé Stadium and will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Speaking before the Senate on February 24, 2026, Minister Paula Ingabire stated that 1,828,763 individuals have so far had their data captured. The exercise has been conducted in nine districts, including the initial pilot districts of Huye, Nyanza, and Gisagara, as well as Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyarugenge, Gasabo, and Kicukiro.
The digital ID, known as the e-ID or Single Digital ID, will be a permanent identification assigned to every Rwandan from birth and linked to key public and private services. The $50 million initiative aims to cover at least 15 million residents, including citizens, refugees, and migrants.
According to the Minister, nationwide biometric capture is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the official issuance of the digital IDs set to begin in August 2026.
The e-ID will support access to vital services such as healthcare, education, banking, taxation, social protection, voting, and business registration. It will also simplify account opening and reduce the cost of linking bank and mobile money services.
Minister Ingabire emphasised that the system is not designed for surveillance and that data will be protected under Rwanda’s data protection law, which strictly requires any breach to be reported within 72 hours.
To ensure accessibility for all residents, including those without smartphones, the ID will be issued in three modalities: a physical card with a QR code, a digital ID number, and a secure token for online transactions.
Senators welcomed the initiative during the session, noting that it is expected to streamline service delivery and significantly improve efficiency across government institutions.
More than 1.8 million people have completed biometric enrollment under the country’s national digital ID project.Senators welcomed the initiative during the session, noting that it is expected to streamline service delivery.Minister Ingabire emphasised that the system is not designed for surveillance and that data will be protected under Rwanda’s data protection lawThe digital ID, known as the e-ID or Single Digital ID, will be a permanent identification assigned to every Rwandan from birth and linked to key public and private services.
The organisation’s new office is located in Gishushu, placing it within Kigali’s growing tech ecosystem and providing a central base for A2SV’s education and incubator programs.
Founded in 2019 by former Google software engineer Emre Varol, A2SV is a free, non-profit initiative providing high-impact technical education to top-performing university students across Africa. Its mission is to bridge the gap between local university training and the expectations of global tech employers.
What began as a single, informal class at Addis Ababa University with just 22 students has grown into a continent-wide program. To date, A2SV has trained more than 1,200 software engineers from 22 African countries, with alumni securing over 120 job offers from global firms including Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, Bloomberg, and Meta.
A2SV’s model combines rigorous training, mentorship, and real-world project experience to develop globally competitive technologists. The program identifies promising students through a competitive selection process that includes solving data structure and algorithm problems and participating in technical and behavioural interviews.
Once selected, students receive intensive training both in-person and remotely, covering foundational software engineering concepts, problem-solving, and soft skills. Education is delivered in small groups, often with three educators for every thirty students, ensuring each participant receives personalised guidance.
Students work on digital products designed to address local African challenges, such as Eskalate, which connects developers to global companies; DIME, a digital money transfer platform; and Skillbridge, which helps bridge gaps between universities and the workforce. Beyond education, A2SV functions as an incubator, hiring top alumni to develop new solutions while mentoring the next generation of talent.
Graduates are connected to internships and full-time roles at top tech companies, and the program remains entirely free for participants through partnerships with universities. In Rwanda, A2SV has partnered with the University of Rwanda and the Adventist University of Central Africa.
Shema Katende, A2SV’s marketing lead, explained that Kigali was chosen for its supportive environment for innovation and its growing pool of IT talent.
“Rwanda has systematically become a hub for innovation,” he said. “The government’s strong support and youth-focused initiatives made Kigali the ideal base for A2SV to scale across the continent.”
The Gishushu office now serves as the central hub for both the academy and incubator, attracting students, mentors, and developers to work on projects with both local and international impact.
The program emphasises building a strong foundation in programming, particularly in data structures and algorithms, which sets it apart from traditional boot camps.
Adolphe Ngoga, a Rwandan IT graduate, is now part of the team on Eskalate, the organisation’s platform that connects African developers with companies around the world. The program gives developers the opportunity to work on real software projects and gain experience with international teams.
“By the time I joined, more than a dozen developers had already secured roles with U.S.-based companies, showing that these opportunities are truly possible,” said Ngoga, who joined A2SV nearly three months ago when the company relocated to Rwanda.
Mohamed Yasir, a Sudanese team lead who started as a student at A2SV a few years ago, highlighted the importance of mentorship and mastering foundational skills, saying, “Starting with the basics is key. If you understand data structures, algorithms, and how to collaborate with your team, you can take on bigger challenges.”
He advises emerging tech talent to focus on mastering foundational skills and adapting to the evolving landscape, including artificial intelligence: “AI is not here to replace us; it’s here to support developers. Learning how to collaborate with AI and communicate effectively is key to succeeding in today’s tech landscape.”
As A2SV grows in Kigali, founder Emre Varol emphasised the need for partners, investors, and philanthropists to help scale the initiative.
“Our goal is not to promise overnight transformation, but to do the rigorous work required to build a durable pipeline of technical talent and locally rooted ventures,” he remarked.
With its new base in Kigali, A2SV is positioning itself as a launchpad for a continent-wide vision, connecting African engineers to the global tech stage while simultaneously addressing real challenges in education, healthcare, and finance.
A2SV new office in Gishushu, Kigali.Founded in 2019 by Emre Varol, A2SV is a free, non-profit initiative that provides high-impact technical education to top-performing university students across Africa. The program emphasises building a strong foundation in programming, particularly in data structures and algorithms, which sets it apart from traditional boot camps.A2SV CEO Emre Varol (right) and the company’s Executive Public Relations Officer, John Bunyeshuri. The CEO emphasised the need for partners, investors, and philanthropists to help scale the initiative.Shema Katende, A2SV’s marketing lead, explained that Kigali was chosen for its supportive environment for innovation and its growing pool of IT talent.Adolphe Ngoga, a Rwandan IT graduate, is now part of the team on Eskalate, the organisation’s platform that connects African developers with companies around the world.Mohamed Yasir, a Sudanese team lead who started as a student at A2SV a few years ago, highlighted the importance of mentorship and mastering foundational skills
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has announced ongoing efforts to expand international markets for Rwanda’s agricultural products.
The announcement comes as Rwanda participates for the fifth time in the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA), an international agriculture and livestock exhibition held annually in France. The event takes place at Paris Expo–Porte de Versailles from late February to early March each year.
In an interview with IGIHE, Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager at NAEB, said Rwanda continues to broaden market access while strengthening the global visibility of its agricultural products.
She noted that although this marks Rwanda’s fifth participation, the exhibition itself has been held for more than six decades.
“We came with around 15 exporters showcasing tea, coffee, honey, and other agricultural goods. Our participation is aimed at expanding markets for Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock products,” she said.
Basiima added that the delegation is not only exhibiting but also engaging potential buyers who import products from Africa to explore new trade partnerships. She emphasized that, beyond the more than 100 countries represented at the exhibition, France itself remains a significant market for Rwanda.
She further highlighted that France ranks fourth among destinations for Rwanda’s agricultural exports. According to Basiima, the presence of RwandAir flights to Paris three times a week provides a strategic advantage, making it easier to transport Rwandan products to newly secured markets.
This year’s exhibition opened on February 21, 2026, and was officially launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, as is customary each year.
Rwanda is exhibiting at Pavillion Seven, where it is showcasing progress in developing export-ready agricultural and livestock products. The country is represented by NAEB and the Embassy of Rwanda in France.
The exhibition provides a valuable platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, and investors to exchange expertise, foster partnerships, and promote innovation in agriculture and livestock development.
Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager at NAEB, said Rwanda continues to broaden market access while strengthening the global visibility of its agricultural products. The exhibition provides a valuable platform to promote innovation in agriculture and livestock development.The event takes place at Paris Expo–Porte de Versailles from late February to early March each year. Nzungize is among participants representing Rwandan companies exporting coffee.
The 20-year-old, who also won a yellow jersey, made his decisive move with just three kilometers remaining, breaking clear from the peloton and holding off the chasing riders to cross the line solo. At the 1 km mark, he had a lead of 45 seconds, which had slightly narrowed to 35 seconds, while Pau Marti, in the yellow jersey, struggled to maintain pace in the chasing group.
Earlier in the stage, the front group of 12 riders had established a 50-second gap over the peloton, featuring riders such as Ribeiro, Mulugeta, Mulubrhan, Aman, Vanhuffel, and Marti. Zomermaand also claimed the final climbing points at Bushenge Hill (km 127), edging past Mulubrhan and Vanhuffel. Solo breakaway attempts by Eritrea’s Nahom Araya earlier in the stage added drama, but the chasing group gradually reeled him back, including Duarte Marivoet of Lotto – Groupe Wanty.
Rwanda’s top rider
Rwanda’s own Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani finished 10th, emerging as the highest-placed Rwandan on Stage 3. Tackling the hilly 145 km course with determination, Niyonkuru stayed with the leading group for most of the stage, fending off the chasing pack to secure a top-ten finish.
Stage 3 Results (Elite – Top 10)
Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – 3:44:53
Lucas Van Gils (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +20.36s
Matteo Vanhuffel (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +20.50s
Jose Said Cisneros Diaz De Leon (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +28.22s
Yafiet Mulugeta (Eritrea) – +28.43s
Henrique Da Silva Avancini (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling) – +28.93s
Oliver Mattheis (Bike Aid) – +29.09s
Awet Aman (Istanbul Team) – +29.27s
Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) – +43.81s
The race continues on Wednesday, February 25, with Stage 4 starting in Karongi at 12:00 and concluding in Rubavu over a 127.2 km route.
Zomermaand made his decisive move with just three kilometers remaining, breaking clear from the peloton and holding off the chasing riders to cross the line solo.Locals turned up along the road and on top of their buildings to witness the race.Stage 3 of the Tour du Rwanda stretched from Huye to Rusizi, covering 145.3 km of challenging terrain.
