In 2018, PSF announced 3-year plan to have built new modern grounds known as ‘Rwanda International Trade and Exhibition Park’ to host the annual exhibition that was previously held in Gikondo.
The decision was informed by observations that the existing Gikondo expo ground is not big enough to host a large number of exhibitors and visitors.
Speaking to the media at the occasion of announcing preparations for the upcoming trade fair, the Chairman of PSF, Stephen Ruzibiza noted there was delay of planned activities but discussions with contractors are underway.
“It has been many years since we planned to build new expo grounds but construction takes time. It is not easy as demolishing. We are however holding discussions with suppliers to provide construction equipment. Studies have been completed and we are in final phases of the master plan. We are to start construction activities towards the end of December or early January,” he said.
Rwanda is preparing for the 23rd International Trade Fair scheduled between 11th and 31st December 2020.
The expo will start from 9am to be closed 8pm every day for people to respect curfew hours. As of today, PSF has confirmed the participation of 372 companies including 72 foreign companies from 12 countries.
The Governor of Northern Province, Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney accompanied by the Regional Reserve Force Commander- (Nothern Province), Maj Gen Eric Murokore handed over the cows to the residents on behalf of the President during a function held at Kabyiniro Cell, Cyanika Sector.
In their remarks, the leaders thanked residents for their active role and contribution to the security as well as the socio-economic development in their area.
Governor Gatabazi said that the excellent cooperation existing between the security organs, the local leaders and the residents of Burera District have actively contributed to safeguard the territorial integrity and to prevent crimes such as illegal border crossing, smuggling and drug abuse in that region bordering with Uganda.
He added that President Kagame’s donation was an encouragement to the residents to keep the momentum.
“The cows you have received today are a symbol of love, unity and progress you displayed to achieve security and socio-economic development in your area,” he further told the beneficiaries.
Replying to the Governor, a joyful Uwimana Marie Chantal, mother of 5 children hailed the donation expected to improve family’s wellbeing.
“My family, especially the children will benefit from HE the President’s donation and the milk from the received cow will improve the health of my children and will also contribute to improve our livestock and farming,” she said after receiving a cow.
Women entrepreneurs and representatives from, Business Support Organizations attended the ceremony. The virtual launch also served as a platform for participants to discuss key issues and challenges that women in trade face in light of COVID-19.
Most Rwandan firms still struggle to compete in the domestic markets and face difficulties in accessing regional markets due to their level of capacity and needs.
According to the latest Establishment Census (2017), women are under-represented in business in Rwanda with only 33 percent of companies being women-owned. Among these, an estimated 98 per cent of women owned/led businesses are small or micro enterprises.
In addition, female entrepreneurs have limited access to skilled labour compared to their male counterparts, which results in lower production at the SME level and under-utilized talent among individual employees.
Funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework, (EIF) SheTrades Rwanda will bring a strong export and gender focus to government of Rwanda’s recently launched African Development Skills and Business Development Programme (SBDP).
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, speaking on the occasion said, “The SheTrades Rwanda project will provide effective and tailored support to women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, especially in the coffee and horticulture sectors. Streamlined to meet the needs of women owned businesses, our support will enable them to build back better from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures include identifying strategies for hedging market risks and unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Rwanda in the aftermath of the crisis. The SheTrades Rwanda Hub, to be established next year, will serve as a catalyst for facilitating women in Rwanda run sustainable businesses.”
SheTrades Rwanda will enable women entrepreneurs to have full access to support from SBDP and avail opportunities to grow exports. It will also help unlock the potential in trade as an effective driver for the economic inclusion of women, overall economic expansion, job creation and innovation.
As part of the launch ceremony, a Crisis Management Workshop will be conducted tomorrow for women-owned/led businesses. This workshop will equip women entrepreneurs with expertise on planning business activities during times of uncertainty and change management.
Participants will also learn about export competitiveness and inclusive SME recovery. The workshop will also guide attendees towards identifying strategic adaptation to hedge market risks and unlock opportunities during and post COVID-19.
The SheTrades Rwanda project aims to increase the competitiveness of women-owned businesses in Rwanda and connect them to regional and local markets.
The project is implemented by International Trade Centre (ITC) under the framework of the SheTrades Initiative from September 2020 – February 2022. It is under the component of the “Project to Enhance the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Export Growth Initiatives”, funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and managed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Rwanda.
During the ruling held yesterday, the presiding judge Isabelle Riziki declared them innocent and ordered their release on grounds of failure to find evidence pinning them.
The acquitted officials include Executive Secretaries of four sectors including Janvier Ntihinyuka of Murunda, Mpirwa Migabo of Nyabirasi, Alida Ikizihiza of Rusebeya and Sylvestre Bisangabagabo of Kivumu.
Others include the Director of Administration and Finace in Rutsiro district, Alexis Basabose; Ngabo Fadhil Emmanuel, district engineer; Kamana Jean Marie, Division Manager for Corporate Services and Munyamahoro Cyato Justin, the Accountant.
The court also acquitted land managers namely; Nshizirungu Emmanuel of Nyabirasi, Sekamana Théophile of Ruhango, Kagaba J. Baptiste of Mukura, Murari Richard of Murunda and Ndagijimana Aloys of Kivumu sector.
Uwamukiza David, the contractor supplying equipment for the construction of VUP roads also connected to the case was acquitted.
Upon arrest, the employees were suspended for six months asn investigations were underway on suspected connivance in misallocation of funds meant for the construction of VUP feeder roads.
The mayor of Rutsiro district, Ayinkamiye Emerance said that the district will consider legal provisions for the acquitted employees.
It was said that suspects had connived to pay out a contractor before and the equipment were never delivered.
Sudan gained independence on 1st January 1956, since then the country has experienced alternating forms of democratic and authoritarian government. Sudan’s period of conflict (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) stands as one of the longest in Africa’s post-independence history.
Continued conflict between the Khartoum-based Government and opposition forces in Sudan’s regions have oftentimes resulted in grave socio-political divides across the country, exacerbated by the struggle over natural resources.”
{{Interview of the lawyer of Sudan, Ibrahim Yousuf ISHAG }}
{{1. How is the current situation in Sudan after the outbreak of COVID19?}}
Sudan is also affected by covid-19 as it’s the same with most countries globally.
Fortunately, the effect was weak compared with other countries. And that guided the government to declare the medical emergency state in the country for almost six months from February to June.
The total of dead persons was not big. The current situation is stable and people are practicing their activities normally.
{{2. Has there been any change in your work (or as a lawyer) since the situation of COVID19 Pandemics?}}
Yes, there was a big change. All courts are shut down, besides all law enforcement agencies, were also closed.
{{3. What is a way to keep continue peace activities in this global pandemic situation?}}
I think a suitable way to continue carrying peace activities is peace education like online training and video conferences.
{{4. We know that Sudan consists of many tribes with various religions. Because of that, there are many conflicts until now. To resolve these internal conflicts and bring peace in Sudan, what are the fundamental works that the governments and religious leaders should do?}}
Unfortunately the past terrorist Government was the main reason for all conflicts in Darfur. But now the transitional government shows much care to put an end to conflicts in the country by inviting all rebels to round table negotiations to achieve peace. Actually, it succeeded and signed a peace agreement with two rebel groups on third October 2020.
I was targeted twice because of my activities as a human rights activist and as I am a member of the fur tribe. Also, I was jailed many times for the same reasons.
{{5. Would you tell us the most memorable cases in your career (meaning working as a lawyer)?}}
Yes, it was the Singita case which took place in 2004 where the Janjaweed (Arab armed militias who used to terrorize Darfur) burned Singita village and killed many people, looted all the properties in this case about 28 of the accused were found guilty and were sentenced to death.
{{6. I heard that you were detained by the government for trying to inform the UN of the government’s persecution of your tribe. What are the differences between the current government’s policies comparing with the past?}}
Surely the current government is better than the past one. Because It’s the government of Sudan revolution, which beliefs in equality, and justice, and it also respects human rights. Transitional government’s programs are headed by peace as the top priority.
{{7. I heard you’re working in human rights groups. What is the biggest human rights issue recently in Sudan? }}
The current hot human rights issue is the ongoing conflicts in Darfur, especially in Jebel Marra. All through the past week, there was heavy fighting which resulted in wide displacement, killing, mass rape.
{{8. What do you think about the current state of peace in Sudan, compared to before and after the transitional government?}}
The state of peace in Sudan is not stable It’s fragile. Also, there is a new peace agreement signed on 3 October 2020 but it seems that it will not bring comprehensive peace there are still other rebels groups fighting against the government.
{{9. When did you feel the need for peace in your real life?}}
In 2003 when the war broke out in Darfur. Peace is my aim so I decided to do for that goal and support any activities concerning peace.
{{10. What plans do you have in the future as a lawyer and a peace activist?}}
As a lawyer, I’ve been providing legal ids for vulnerable groups such as women and children for a long time, so I’ll continue to do those activities. Of course, I will do my work to raise awareness among communities, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As a peace activist, I will work with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization based in South Korea that I have collaborated with for years, and other organizations to achieve peace. Also, I will support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), the law for peace, and hope to be brought to the UN and activated. That is the moment we are waiting for and will let the Sudanese enjoy life.
Again I must say thank to HWPL which invited me to this interview.
This Interview provided from HWPL, an international peace organization
“Combatting corruption may have a political cost, but the price of not uprooting it is much higher, in particular for the most vulnerable members of our societies,” he said.
Kagame delivered the message today as he virtually attended the 5th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards.
This year’s awards have been given out in Tunisia while previous ceremony took place in Rwanda last year at Kigali Convention Center.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards are given to people who have been exemplary in leading the fight against corruption. The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is organized by Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
President Kagame commended the Emir of Qatar and the valuable partnership with the United Nations that makes the awards possible and congratulated awardees for unique and determined efforts to expose and eliminate corruption.
“The fight against corruption is a global objective that requires all of us to work together, to improve our societies. Transparency and accountability allow us to use our national resources effectively for the wellbeing of our citizens,” he said.
The award giving ceremony coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day.
The statement released last night shows that the deceased are parents respectively aged 60 and 56.
Among others, 41 people have been infected out of 3654 sample tests while no recovery case recorded.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020.
So far , 6278 cases have been found out of 654,322 sample tests of whom 5715 have recovered , 510 are active cases while the death toll stands is 53.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
IGIHE’s StoryKast in partnership with Kigali Marriott Hotel, RwandAir, and other partners, this festive season have prepared a contest none like any other, to bound the adventurous spirits in Rwandans through creative write-ups that require giving an insight into past local travels to earn more traveling opportunities.
Uli Franzmann, General Manager at Kigali Marriott hotel says that the contest represents inspiration, creativity, and what travel means from different perspectives – a message the hotel is proud to be part of.
“This year’s focus in tourism has been to encourage domestic tourism through exploring Rwanda’s touristic destinations. We thought to keep that momentum, even during the festive season, we should inspire a continuous travel culture through encouraging everyone to share their favorite travel destinations or moments experienced right here in Rwanda in ways that spike other people’s sense of wonder this festive season. At Kigali Marriott alone we have so much to offer this festive season including a spectacular beginning of year with fireworks, which we hope everyone can experience with us this New Year’s Eve ,” says Franzmann.
“A Traveler’s Story” contest brings together vloggers, bloggers, artists, students, and travel enthusiasts to share their travel experiences in form of videos, digital art pieces, and articles. The contest embarks on a journey of discovering and stimulating creative juices in all local artists, while also luring others to explore Rwanda.
StoryKast’s Creative Director, Olga Ines Ishimwe stresses the importance of creative artistry in empowering each other – which spurred the initiative of a contest that could offer a platformand encourage a travel culture in Rwanda.
“Over the years we’ve encountered so many incredibly talented creative people, all of whom echo the idea that we are stronger together. By providing a platform, we are forming a network, where we can showcase our skills, learn from each other, hiring each other, and broadening each other’s network. It’s about supporting our ‘world’ made by people, places, and individual stories,” she says.
Among the prizes, comes a stay at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, brunch, and spa experiences. Rides around Kigali city in the 60-seat double decker bus, return ticket to Kamembe by RwandAir with a stay at Emeraude Kivu resort, and more.
Members of the public are nvited to participate and showcase best creative self to the world not later than the 22nd December.
Apply today on www.storykast.rw/atravelersstory or if you need more information contact us on contact@storykast.rw
And remember, it’s your perspective of travel that matters. So share it well.
The trade fair that delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic has been set to new dates from 11th until 31st December 2020.
During a press briefing held today announcing preparations of the upcoming expo bringing together relevant institutions including the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as Rwanda National Police, it was revealed that the expo will be characterized by reforms aimed at strengthening measures to control the pandemic.
To this end, the Chairperson of PSF, Stephen Ruzibiza said that Bralirwa and Skol are among companies that won’t participate.
“Skol and Bralirwa will not participate in this year’s expo but restaurants that will be operating at the show ground can serve drinks from the respective companies to clients. Bralirwa and Skol won’t come to the Expo,” he emphasized.
PSF explained that concerned beverage companies took part in consultative discussions in which they were informed on directives only allowing them to supply drinks to restaurants in the expo.
Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the Expo should not be an opportunity for increased beer consumption noting that even bars are closed due to Covid-19.
All expo goers will be required to pay by digital means as part of ongoing measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Among others, children below 12 are not allowed to attend while physical entertainment activities are prohibited.
The expo will start from 9am to be closed 8pm every day for people to respect curfew hours.
As of today, PSF has confirmed the participation of 372 companies including 72 foreign companies from 12 countries.
Jacques Muligande (Mighty Popo), the director of the school has told IGIHE that the studio will be equipped with facilities that meet international standards to support various artistes starting with the school’s students.
“The recording studio will be used by all artistes from Rwanda and beyond. Of course, our students will also access the studio during related studies,” he said.
Muligande explained that the studio will be part of the school’s income generating projects leading to self-financing.
The studio will hire different Producers that will include, among others, ongoing students or the school’s alumni, producers from Rwanda and abroad.
Muligande revealed, the studio will be operational effective from February 2021.
As he visited the school yesterday, American artiste and music producer, Teddy Riley was also taken to site of the studio under construction.
Upon completion, Riley observed that the studio will meet the same standards of his recording studio in the United States of America.
Excited over the project, he expressed willingness to return to Rwanda for partnership with students from Nyundo School of Music in various projects.
Riley worked with different super-start artistes including Michael Jackson, Jay Z, among others.
