On the sidelines of the fourth annual regional national public health institute (NPHI) meeting for Southern Africa in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, Africa CDC Regional Director Lul Riek told Xinhua that China has offered much support for building health infrastructure.
“China is an excellent partner for the work of the Africa CDC. Our beautiful emergency operations and disease control facility in Ethiopia was made possible because of the partnership that we have with China,” said Riek.
The Africa CDC headquarters, recognized as a flagship project in China-Africa public health cooperation, was officially inaugurated in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, in 2023.
Riek called for more partnership with China in supporting African countries with public health infrastructure, training capacity for laboratories and the building of NPHIs.
During the meeting, Riek also urged African countries to strengthen their public health systems in case of future pandemics and health threats.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all 55 African Union members have functional NPHIs capable of driving progress toward a healthier, more resilient Africa,” Riek said
Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), the three-day 11th Regional Dialogue on Biodiversity Finance marks a decisive shift from mapping funding gaps to rolling out finance solutions – such as green bonds, nature-based insurance and biodiversity credits – tailored to national priorities.
“Rwanda is proud to host this dialogue on biodiversity finance,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
“As custodians of one of the world’s richest ecosystems, we believe in the power of innovative solutions to transform our biodiversity commitments into tangible action. This dialogue is a vital step in creating a future where biodiversity is not just preserved but becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development. Together, we can build economies that thrive in harmony with nature,” she added.
With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), more than 40 countries in the two regions are joining the dialogue for the first time, laying the foundation for long-term financing plans that align national development priorities with the global biodiversity agenda.
“Scaling biodiversity finance is not just about mobilizing funds – it’s about transforming systems,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility.
“The momentum we see in Africa and the Arab States shows what’s possible when countries take ownership and partners like the GEF and UNDP provide catalytic support,” he added.
Africa and the Arab States are home to some of the world’s most important ecosystems. But despite their natural wealth, these regions face serious financing gaps.
The global shortfall in biodiversity funding is estimated at over $700 billion per year.
Through UNDP-BIOFIN’s global partnership with the GEF, more than 90 new countries are advancing their national Biodiversity Finance Plans that seek to close the gap.
“This Regional Dialogue marks a pivotal moment for Africa and the Arab States. They represent the fastest-growing regions in the BIOFIN family, with 44 countries newly joining the initiative—accounting for nearly half of all recent global additions. This expansion has been made possible through the continued support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF),” said Onno van den Heuvel, Head of Nature Finance, UNDP.
“By combining innovative instruments like green bonds, nature-based insurance, and biodiversity credits with strong government and private sector partnerships, we’re demonstrating that finance can be a powerful driver for conserving ecosystems and lifting communities.”
The three-day dialogue aims to support countries to move from planning to implementation, with the new cohort benefiting from the solutions that have already succeeded in their respective regions.
“Biodiversity is critical infrastructure,” said Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda.
“Nature underpins food security, water, health, and climate resilience. Without it, our economic future rests on unstable ground. Our budgets must begin to reflect biodiversity’s true value. Rwanda is an example of what’s possible when leadership meets innovation. By digitizing enforcement and reinvesting in ecosystems, Rwanda is not only protecting nature – it is powering inclusive, sustainable development.”
Participating countries are expected to sharpen new finance plans while learning from early successes across the region.
“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement,” Trump said during a press conference in The Hague following the NATO summit.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is going “very good.”
“I think it’s (going) very good. Israel came back yesterday,” Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in The Hague, referring to his Tuesday warning to Israel to halt airstrikes on Iran.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.
Following Iran’s attack, Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT on Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire.
Obasanjo, who co-chairs the Panel of Facilitators for the eastern DRC peace process alongside former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, was appointed in March during a joint summit of heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as part of a five-member team of former African leaders tasked with steering dialogue in the region.
During his meeting with President Tshisekedi, Obasanjo reaffirmed his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the prolonged armed conflict in eastern DRC.
“The discussions I had with my two brothers from Rwanda and the DRC are on the right track,” Obasanjo said.
His remarks came after a high-level meeting with President Kagame in Kigali a day earlier.
Obasanjo and his team of facilitators are working to mediate between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the AFC-M23 rebels.
The team’s mandate includes promoting direct dialogue, coordinating international peace efforts, and ensuring the implementation of measures such as the disbandment of the FDLR militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR continues to collaborate with the Kinshasa administration, a situation that has contributed to ongoing tensions with Kigali.
Obasanjo is expected to proceed to Lomé, Togo, where he will report to Faure Gnassingbé, who was appointed by the African Union as an additional mediator in the Rwanda–DRC conflict.
“We have a mediator named by the African Union, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council of Ministers. I will travel to Lomé to present my report and consider what needs to be done to achieve lasting peace in the region,” Obasanjo said.
Parallel to the efforts of African mediators, international actors, including Qatar and the United States have been supporting complementary peace initiatives.
In a letter filed on Wednesday, prosecutors informed the court they would no longer pursue claims of attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking under the racketeering conspiracy charge.
The move is intended to “streamline” jury instructions, although all five federal charges against Combs, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, remain. The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty.
Initially, prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise within his entertainment business, involving crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labour, bribery, and obstruction of justice. With the case now narrowed, the government plans to focus on forced labour and sex trafficking as the core of the racketeering charge.
The change follows arguments made Tuesday by Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, who called for a judgment of acquittal on all counts, citing insufficient evidence and weak links to her client. She specifically criticised the kidnapping and arson allegations.
One such kidnapping claim involved Capricorn Clark, a former employee, who testified she was taken to a decrepit building and subjected to lie detector tests over five days, allegedly under threat of being thrown into the East River. Shapiro argued that there was no evidence connecting Combs to the incident.
The arson allegation stemmed from rapper Kid Cudi’s claim that Combs firebombed his Porsche in 2012 after discovering he had dated Cassie Ventura, Combs’ then-girlfriend. Shapiro countered that the claim lacked direct evidence, noting that Kid Cudi did not witness the attack and that female DNA was found on the bottle used in the alleged Molotov cocktail.
The trial, now in its seventh week, has seen more than 30 witnesses testify for the prosecution. Key witnesses include Ventura, who described being forced into non-consensual sexual encounters and controlled through fear and drugs; “Jane,” a pseudonym used by a former girlfriend; and “Mia,” a former assistant. Their testimony was supported by text messages, financial records, travel logs, and video evidence.
Earlier this week, Combs’ defence team announced it would rest its case without calling any witnesses, including Combs himself, a move legal experts say is not unusual. Instead, the defence introduced a series of documents and exhibits.
“They may believe the prosecution’s case didn’t meet the burden of proof,” said former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner. “And putting Diddy on the stand could open him up to damaging cross-examination.”
Lead defence attorney Marc Agnifilo has filed a motion to dismiss the case, but the judge has not yet ruled on it.
As closing arguments begin, Combs’ lawyers are expected to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses and suggest that their testimony may be exaggerated or motivated by civil litigation.
If convicted on any count, Combs could face a lengthy prison sentence. The jury will soon begin deliberations on a case that has blended celebrity, power, and disturbing allegations of abuse inside the world of hip-hop and entertainment.
The plant, once operational, will generate 43.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity and will feature a dam that enables consistent energy production by storing water. The dam will also support irrigation in surrounding areas.
Speaking before the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on June 25, 2025, during a hearing on the Auditor General’s 2024 report, EDCL Director General Felix Gakuba confirmed that significant progress has been made on the project.
“We have completed 50% of the construction work and expect to make substantial additional progress by the end of the year,” he said.
Gakuba explained that the powerhouse has already begun to take shape and now stands at its first-floor level. At the same time, the dam’s foundation is fully in place, and work has progressed onto the upper sections—an effort that is projected to require an additional five to six months to complete.
Beyond these primary structures, planning is well underway for the subsequent phases of the project, which include constructing access roads and installing other critical structural components.
The official noted that most of the plant’s equipment has been manufactured in China and is already in transit to Rwanda.
“Construction of the transmission infrastructure has also begun, and contractors are already on-site. Much of the required equipment is on the way from China, where it was produced. Our team travelled there to inspect the materials while the Auditor General’s audit was underway.”
Gakuba reaffirmed the project’s positive momentum, noting that close supervision and adequate resource allocation are helping to keep the work on track.
“We are closely monitoring the project and have not encountered any major setbacks. We are confident it will be completed to standard, as we are dedicating all necessary resources to ensure its success.”
The Nyabarongo II hydropower plant is being built by Sino Hydro Corporation. It spans 600 hectares across Rulindo and Gakenke districts in the Northern Province, and Kamonyi District in the Southern Province.
Although the project was originally scheduled for completion by December 2026, construction delays have pushed the expected completion date to 2027 or 2028.
Electricity is a vital component of infrastructure, playing a key role in enabling job creation and accelerating economic development. However, as global population and industrial activities grow, so do energy demands, contributing to rising temperatures worldwide.
Although Rwanda is not among the hottest countries, its climate is generally warm, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 26°C during the rainy season and between 27°C and 30°C in the Eastern Province during the dry season.
Fidèle Abimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, informed the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that Rwanda plans to generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity from solar energy.
In an interview with IGIHE, Abimana confirmed that Rwanda has high solar potential, and initial discussions have begun to determine how this potential can be harnessed.
“The process begins with a study… You need to identify land where solar panels will be installed and assess how the solar power can be integrated into the existing grid. The feasibility study will show us if achieving 200 megawatts is possible,” he explained.
“It’s a study that is about to be conducted, but based on preliminary assessments, it seems that the 200 megawatts could be achievable. However, this will be confirmed by the feasibility study, which will indicate where to install the solar panels, how much electricity they can generate, some are placed over water, others on land. When all these factors are considered together, the study will clearly show us how much electricity we can obtain, how we’ll use it, and what will be required to make it work,” he added.
While the Eastern Province receives a lot of sunlight, Abimana did not confirm whether this would be the location for the solar panels.
“We asked the consultants to look for underutilized or idle land, rather than using farmland or residential areas. Rwanda has some steep and less fertile land, and if such areas are suitable, we’ll prioritize those to avoid disrupting agriculture and settlements.”
He also mentioned that solar panels might even be installed on water surfaces such as the Nyabarongo River using floating solar technology, although such decisions will depend on the final feasibility report.
Abimana emphasized that Rwanda’s electricity demand is increasing every year, requiring more power generation capacity.
“As our energy needs grow annually, the additional 200 megawatts would not only meet domestic demand but could also allow us to export surplus power.”
Rwanda already has major power generation projects underway, including Nyabarongo II and Ruzizi III, both expected to significantly increase national electricity output.
The preliminary feasibility study for the solar power project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“We’ve started initial discussions with the World Bank, which will help fund the study. By December 2025, we should have a baseline report. By next year [2026], we’ll have a clear direction for solar energy generation.”
According to the National Energy Policy released in February 2025, Rwanda’s total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 406.4 megawatts.
Findings from the EICV7 household survey show that 72% of Rwandan households have access to electricity, with 22% relying on off-grid solar solutions.
This new solar energy project could be a game-changer for Rwanda’s sustainability ambitions and energy independence.
“We are happy to welcome you back to your second home. We look forward to a strong partnership with Qatar Airways as we continue to position Kigali as a key hub in the region,” said Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company.
Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, will operate four weekly flights between Doha and Kigali on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This expansion promises more connectivity, convenience, and choice for passengers travelling to and from Rwanda.
Yasser Mohamed Ali, Regional Manager for Qatar Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch: “We are happy to return to Kigali. Our aim is to work with our partners, RwandAir
to offer travellers more options, and greater convenience, especially as we look ahead to the opening of the new airport in 2028.”
The relaunch is also hailed as a reflection of the vision of Rwanda and Qatar’s leaders. “This relaunch reflects the vision of our leaders, H.E. President Paul Kagame and the Emir of Qatar. Together, we are building a new airport and deepening partnerships, including with Rwanda’s national carrier,” said Jules Ndenga, CEO of Aviation Tourism Logistics (ATL).
Ndenga added, “This relaunch will enhance the passenger experience, and we’re here to support Qatar Airways in raising the bar of operations in Rwanda.”
Rwanda is steadily positioning Kigali as a key regional aviation hub, with plans underway to open the state-of-the-art Bugesera International Airport by 2028. The Government of Rwanda initiated the project in 2017.
In 2019, Qatar Airways joined the venture by acquiring a 60% stake in the airport project, becoming the majority shareholder.
The return of Qatar Airways is expected to play a pivotal role in driving tourism, trade, and economic growth.
In a statement, the Office of the President said the duo’s meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on the enduring partnership between Rwanda and the AfDB, and the transformative development projects achieved under Dr. Adesina’s leadership over the past decade.
“Their discussion focused on the fruitful partnership between Rwanda and the African Development Bank, and the successful collaboration across key economic sectors under Dr.
@akin_adesina’s leadership,” the statement reads.
The visit coincides with the AfDB’s latest [approval of a $500,000 grant ->https://en.igihe.com/science-technology/article/afdb-backs-kigali-cable-car-project-with-500-000-grant] to fund a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a pioneering 5.5 km aerial transit system set to be sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car.
The project, valued at $100 million, aims to improve urban mobility, reduce emissions, and better connect communities to essential services.
“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green, climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure,” said Dr. Adesina in a separate statement issued by AfDB.
The cable car will connect major routes including Nyabugogo to the Central Business District, and Kigali Convention Center to Sports City, integrating landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with operations launching by 2028, and a projected capacity of over 50,000 passengers daily.
Dr. Adesina’s visit also comes ahead of his scheduled departure from the Bank. He is set to be succeeded by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, former Mauritanian finance minister, who was elected in May and will assume office on September 1, 2025, after winning more than 75% of the shareholder vote.
