The multi-million facility has 21 rooms, decorated with Rwandan cultural items such as Imigongo and other artworks.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the hotel this Thursday, February 27, 2020. Present were also Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, the director of Kerzner International that manages all hotels of One&Only.
President Kagame appreciated this investment, saying that it is a good collaboration between Rwanda and its United Arab Emirates friends.
“I want to thank you for your investment. We must strive to make this investment earn all of us a benefit.”
He said that the investment,with a sister branch in Nyungwe, is in line with Rwanda’s vision of developing extraordinary infrastructure.
“We will take it as ours, as yours. We will also keep adding value to it in different ways.”
Muhammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani thanked all people involved in the construction of the hotel. He said that Kerzner will open four more such hotels in different places this year, but that, “to be honest, no one asked me about the other places other than Rwanda. They asked me, ‘When will the hotel be ready so that we visit Rwanda.’ It looks like this country has a lot of attractions. The pictures of this hotel have themselves attracted much attention.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi said that Rwanda now has two One and Only hotels and thanked Kerzner for believing in Rwanda.
She said that Rwanda continues to find possible ways to provide tourists with the safest hospitality and that it is progressing positively.
This was expressed on Wednesday February 26, 2020 when the Rwandan agri-tech company Horizon Sopyrwa awarded for the sixth time about 210 outstanding pyrethrum farmers. Among the prizes were 36 cows as the main awards, mattresses, rubber boots, and others, all of which were for recognizing their good work in making pyrethrum give a good produce.
Some of the farmers show pride in pyrethrum because from the moment they started farming pyrethrum, development visited their homes to stay.
Takuriya Noel Emmanuel said, “Those who don’t know the wealth pyrethrum are the ones who can speak negatively of them. Since the time I started growing them professionally, I have bought a plot of land of three hectares, in which I cultivate pyrethrum, I pay for myself Mutuelle de Santé” [a community-based health insurance], and no one of my children is in a poor school. I was awarded a cow. I will take care of it, always bearing in mind that I got it because of pyrethrum.”
Hategekimana Pierre Claver too had this to say, “I passionately do the farming of pyrethrum, since 2018. Now, I have bought a plot of land. In my family, we take a balanced diet. We live well because of pyrethrum. Something else, I have been given a cow. If I had never been farming pyrethrum, I wouldn’t be given it, and now I become a farmer because of pyrethrum.”
The General Manager of Horizon Sopyrwa, Bizimungu Gabriel said that this act of awarding farmers of pyrethrum plays the role of thanking them and inspiring other farmers to put into their farming a lot of work.
“Such an act of rewarding outstanding farmers of pyrethrum has an objective of thanking the courage they invest in the pyrethrum that end up giving a good produce. Also, it is to make other farmers jealous of the good work, inspiring them to have the courage to do good farming. More than that, this changes the mindsets of the farmers. Now, the awarded farmers harvest one tone from one hectare. We want all the farmers to develop such a mindset, or even a better one.”
The Director of Planning in Northern province Safi Desange asked farmers to keep promoting the cultivation of pyrethrum by joining cooperatives so as to join their efforts and so that such opportunities as the awards reach them.
After noticing the worth of pyrethrum, Horizon Sopyrwa founded AgroPY, an industry that extracts pesticides from pyrethrum.
Since the time this recognition started, 500 cows have been given. On this round of 2020, 61 cows were given to farmers from Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu Districts. 40 of these were given by Horizon Sopyrwa, 10 by American partners of Horizon Sopyrwa who too manufacture pesticides from pyrethrum, and 11 which were given by past awardees as an act of giving back.
Registration starts on February 26th, 2020 and will close March 25th, 2020. Apply Now!
Applicants must be willing to focus on development strategies and agricultural practices that encourage inclusive rural growth and to work with local farmers, industry, and authorities to implement those practices.
Requirements include being a Rwandan national, demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurship skills, being fluent in English, and having completed high school in 2019 with not less than a note of 40 for those who sat for Rwanda Education Board (REB) national examinations and 36 for those who sat for Workforce Development Authority (WDA) examinations.
Applicants who are accepted receive a full, three-year scholarship covering school fees, insurance, accommodations, and meals.
RICA staff stated that they are looking for innovative students who have a passion for agriculture. Graduates are expected to identify solutions and leverage technology to put to maximum use of the available land resources in Rwanda.
Students in the three-year program earn a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Agriculture and can specialize in enterprises such as Animal Production, Crop Production, Mechanization and Food Processing.
RICA’s curriculum is designed to support students in learning, conducting experiments and practicing theories at different scales — from smallholder farming to irrigated/mechanized agriculture. Students are also taught leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking skills. RICA has the particularity of offering English-only lessons compared to other agriculture programs in different universities in Africa.
For more information, visit RICA website www.rica.rw, their Instagram @rica_rwanda and Facebook page at facebook.com/rica.education.rw or send an email to admissions@rica.rw
RICA operates as a partnership between the Government of Rwanda, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The recognition that took place recently, farmers were given 25 cows, 30 mattresses, umbrellas, and rubber boots.
Pyrethrum yields have grown from 200 in 2013 to the current 1,500 tons per anum.
Some of the recognized farmers said that their dedication to the growing of pyrethrum is a pact they have with Horizon Sopyrwa.
Mynyendatwa Jean Baptiste said, “We have developed a career out of growing pyrethrum. Every year, Horizon Sopyrwa recognizes outstanding pyrethrum farmers. This becomes a pact that we will dedicate ourselves more to the crop, especially that it has improved our lives. Some of us built good houses, bought livestock, and other things; there is no way we can give up on growing the crop.”
Mugabekazi Annonciata, another grower has this to say. “Such awards mean a lot to us. It motivates us to increase our dedication to pyrethrum. That I have been awarded a cow is not enough. I must keep working harder. Also, we thank Horizon Sopyrwa, especially for its continued support of our farming and for their good relationship with us.”
The General Manager of Sopyrwa, Bizimungu Gabriel has asked pyrethrum farmers to put in more effort and multiply the harvest because the market demand is still high.
“So far, we have not yet satisfied the demand. The market demands twice the produce we provide. This gives the farmers a task to work harder so that the harvest can reach the demanded quantity. However, we must also remind the farmers that the increase in quantity must go hand in hand with an increase in quality so that we keep being the first in providing the best oil to the market.”
Habanabakize Jean Claude the Vice Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Development in Nyabihu District said that the farmers’ celebration of their achievements must be followed with setting new goals that include increasing the acreage of pyrethrum.
Currently, in the districts where pyrethrum is grown, which are Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu, there are 240 farmers, grow ing the crop on 3400 hectares. In 2019, pyrethrum exports earned $6 million and projected to grow to $7 million in 2020.
The technical testing and repairs will be done at the Hyundai Garage in Gikondo-Magerwa, KN 6, Ave Magerwa Road.
In order to avoid queues at the garage, customers that want to take their vehicles for the overhaul can call (+250) 786131 279, 0788873366 or 0788868099 for an appointment.
Hyundai-Rwanda has announced that the overhauling will be done by experts who will provide information and advice on vehicle handling. New spare parts will also be available for purchase at the garage at a good cost.
The Hyundai-Rwanda technical director, Tierry Fifield, has told IGIHE that the objective of the free technical test is to meet customers’ mechanical needs of customers’ vehicles.
“Our aim is meeting customer satisfaction. We will give them information about the Hyundai old models and current models. We will also check their vehicles and give technical advise accordingly.”
Hyundai-Rwanda is a branch of Hyundai Motors with headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1967 but opened shop in Rwanda in 2012.
Ecobank welcomes submissions from all start-ups and developers in any of Africa’s 54 countries to enter its 2020 Ecobank Fintech Challenge at https://www.ecobank.com/Fintechchallenge
All Finalists will be inducted as Ecobank Fintech Fellows, participate in a business boot camp followed by an Awards and Innovation Fair at the headquarters of the Ecobank Group in Lomé, Togo in June 2020.
Ecobank Group Executive, Operations & Technology, Eddy Ogbogu noted that “As a banking group we continue to be amazed at the many ways in which fintech are transforming banking across Africa. We look forward to the new innovations and partnership opportunities that will come with the 2020 edition.”
Fellows will qualify to explore the following opportunities including:
-* Multinational product roll-out: an opportunity to pursue integration with Ecobank and potentially launch products in Ecobank’s Pan African footprint
-* Service provider partnerships. Ecobank may select start-ups as a pan-African service partner within the bank’s ecosystem.
-* Access to Ecobank’s Pan-African Banking Sandbox: Fellows will be given access to Ecobank’s APIs to test and improve their products for the pan-African market.
-* Mentoring and networking support in the network of global and African partners of the Group.
Ecobank Senior Fintech Advisor, Djiba Diallo said “The Ecobank Fintech Challenge and fellowship have been improved upon to create even additional value for Ecobank and the Fintechs. We took feedback from the past editions and one of the major innovation this year is the opportunity for shortlisted Fintech’s to access our APIs through our Pan African Sandbox.”
Ecobank Fintech Challenge was designed in partnership with the advisory firm Konfidants and is supported by several partners across Africa and globally. Applications for the competition will close on the 12th of April, 2020.
More information on the competition, benefits, and how to apply can be found on the competition’s website at https://www.ecobank.com/Fintechchallenge
He said it should instead be a good time for Uganda to make amends and end tensions with Rwanda.
“The time for Kigaki to obtain all they want should be now when President Museveni is interested in the votes and heading to the elections.”
Currently, progress is being made on both parts to solve the conflicts with the mediation of President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and President Lourenço of Angola.
After the fourth quadripartite summit which was held at Gatuna/Katuna border on February 21st, 2020, Uganda was given a month to verify all allegations that Rwanda dissidents and armed group operate on its territory and if found accurate, taking actions to stop those groups and prevent the situation from every happening again.
The summit agreed that if the resolutions taken are implemented, the Ad Hoc Comission between Uganda and Rwanda will convene at Gatuna/Katuna border within 15 days for the solemn reopening of borders and normalization of the movement of people and goods.
Closing borders caused unimaginable loss to Ugandans especially in trade and Ugandans kept urging President Museveni to take actions and find a quick remedy to solve tensions with Rwanda.
Mbidde said that it is a good time for Museveni to act right in a bid to rally support ahead of 2021 elections.
On his way back from the fourth quadripartite summit, President Museveni told swarms of supporters at Gatuna/Katuna border that the root of the conflict was within the government of Rwanda.
“We are not in any way responsible of creating Rwanda dissidents. There are internal conflicts within the government of Rwanda which they have failed to solve and gradually created enemies who fled to South Africa. Not Uganda.”
“I take this time to express sincere solidarity with the people who were affected by the closure of Katuna border. We are doing our best to make the situation better and sooner or later, you will all realize NRM has Ugandan people in its best interests,” Museveni was quoted.
However, Museveni’s propaganda was condemned given that he is notorious for rallying Rwanda dissidents and supporting them in their agenda of destabilizing Rwanda’s security. He has in the past years succeeded in executing vile conspiracies against Rwanda with the support of Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya who founded the Rwandan National Congress (RNC).
Mbidde explained that there are no leadership issues in Rwanda and that all the propaganda against Rwanda is promoted by people who are not even in the country to witness the strides Rwanda is making.
Rwanda accuses Uganda of supporting terrorist and armed groups including RNC, FDLR and RUD Urunana and allowing them to freely operate on Ugandan territory.
Uganda also allows the armed groups to recruit new members, torture those who refuse to join with the complicity of Uganda government officials such as Philemon Mateke, Minister of State for Regional Affairs.
Mbidde said that “Ugandans will not support terrorist conspiracies against Rwanda.”
Yusuf Serunkuma, a Ugandan and an expert in historical studies and political economy said that the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) should do its part to solve the tensions between Rwanda and Uganda.
However, Mbidde replied that it is not in EALA responsibilities to solve conflicts between member countries of the EAC.
“The main objective of EALA is to promote regional integration, establishing a common market and constructing a powerful and sustainable EA economic and political bloc.”
Mukasa Mbidde: The time for Kigali to obtain all they want should be now when President Museveni is interested in the votes and heading to the elections.#NBSMorningBreeze#NBSUpdates
SKOL Brewery Brand Manager, Emilienne Benurugo said that the race is going smoothly so far.
“We are ready to keep serving SKOL beverages to cycling supporters and make this competition more lively. We have also prepared talent shows and competitions where winners are rewarded with bicycles.”
It is expected that by the end of ‘Tour du Rwanda 2020’ which will last for 8 days, SKOL will have given out 14 sports bicycles.
SKOL Rwanda has been at the forefront in supporting cycling in Rwanda. Since July 2018, SKOL supports young cyclists to advance in their careers by sending them for training in Belgium.
SKOL Brewery recently partnered with cycling icon Adrien Niyonshuti to launch a joint team called Skol Adrien Cycling Academy (SACA) which is currently competing in ‘Tour du Rwanda 2020’.
Two stages have so far been completed. The first stage kicked off on Sunday, February 23rd from Kigali to Rwamagana and saw Yevgeniy Fedorov, a Kazakh cyclist winning the yellow jersey.
The second stage kicked off at MIC shopping mall heading to Huye; Ethiopian Mulu Kinfe Hailemichael outrun his counterparts, winning the stage.
During the second stage, SKOL held mini-cycling competitions and awarded the winners their own bicycles.
Hakorishaka Jean Claude, a resident of Ndora sector, Gisagara District won the competition and went home with a brand new bicycle. He expressed his contentment saying “I am very passionate about cycling and if I ever get a chance to exercise as a professional or race for a cycling team, I will not hesitate to go.”
Hakorishaka said that winning a bicycle will allow him to do more training and improve his skills in cycling. “I used a ballon bike to exercise but the new bike I won is more adequate for steep slopes and has more speed.”
The Eastern Province police spokesperson Chief Inspector of Police Hamdun Twizeyimana has said that police found the contraband of 200 kg of tin at the home of Sindikubwabo Gerard, 20, who is still at large.
“His neighbors knew that he was involved in illegal sell of precious stones. On Saturday, February 22, 2020, one of the neighbors saw him take into his house some bags and informed the police that promptly responded.”
He explained that the suspect had fled the parents’ home by the time police arrived with tin locked in one of the rooms.
On the same day, in the Gisenyi Sector, Rubavu District, at the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border, two men were arrested as they smuggled manganese into the country which they had mixed with other goods to disguise as ordinary merchandise.
CIP Twizeyimana has called on Rwandans to stop the illegal trade in minerals and argued the public to share information leading to arrest of individuals involved the vice.
Article 54th article of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations states that any person who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a license commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two months and not more than six (6) months and a fine of not less than one million and not more than five million Rwandan francs.
MTN Rwanda started the campaign on December 20, 2019, where an individual or a group of people voluntarily donate smartphones the needy.
MTN Rwanda recently announced that 43,000 phones have so far been donated for the campaign so far is. The goal is to donate smartphones to all vulnerable households in the country.
