Brown, who arrived in South Africa in August 2024, formally assumed her role as the senior US diplomat in the country in January 2025. Her departure comes amid escalating tensions between Pretoria and Washington over key policy differences.
Brown’s resignation follows the earlier departure of former US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, who stepped down in January as part of the standard transition process under the newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration is yet to appoint a new ambassador to replace Brigety.
Brown’s resignation has fueled speculation about diplomatic strains between the two nations. The US and South Africa have clashed on several policy issues, including Pretoria’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, its growing ties with China, and most recently, its controversial land reform policies.
The South African government has been pursuing land redistribution efforts to address historical injustices related to apartheid-era land dispossession. The proposed reforms include the expropriation of land without compensation in certain cases, a policy that has raised concerns in Washington.
The US government has previously expressed reservations about the potential economic repercussions, particularly regarding foreign investment and property rights. Pretoria, however, maintains that the policy is necessary to correct imbalances in land ownership and promote economic inclusivity.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 7, 2025, suspending all US aid to South Africa in response to the land expropriation law, which the Trump administration claims discriminates against white farmers.
The suspension has had immediate and severe consequences, particularly for health programs. The US had been funding nearly 20% of South Africa’s $2.3 billion annual HIV/AIDS program through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The abrupt withdrawal of this support has led to the closure of health clinics and nutrition programs, with experts warning of a potential increase in mortality rates and instability.
The support will be delivered under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, a Presidential mandate aimed at training young Nigerians in digital and technology skills.
Airtel Africa also announced 10 scholarships for Nigerian students to study technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India under the Airtel Africa Fellowship.
Driven by Airtel Africa Foundation, the scholarships will equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital and innovation skills, reinforces commitment to bridge the talent gap in the technology sector while supporting the country’s aspirations to become a global tech hub.
These pledges to develop Nigeria’s future tech leaders were announced when Airtel Africa’s Chairman, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE and Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar met with Nigeria’s President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at State House in Abuja.
The meeting also discussed Airtel Africa’s ongoing investments in Nigeria’s telecom and digital economy.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal said: “Nigeria remains a strategic market for Airtel Africa, and we are fully committed to support the government’s digital transformation agenda. Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we are ensuring that the youth of Nigeria have access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubu’s vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and are committed to play our part in making that vision a reality.”
While noting the significant work currently ongoing via the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme which has onboarded 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students in the country to digital learning platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP), Mr. Mittal restated Airtel Africa’s dedication to network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion.
Airtel Africa welcomed the recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), recognizing it as an essential step in safeguarding and expanding Nigeria’s digital backbone. It also emphasised its continued mission to drive financial inclusion across Nigeria, particularly through its subsidiary, SmartCash PSB.
Mr Taldar reiterated the continuing goal of Airtel to support government efforts that are aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy, saying: “Airtel is deeply invested in Nigeria’s digital future. We are expanding our network, driving financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for the people of Nigeria through technology and innovation. Our collaboration with the government through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and 3MTT ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution.”
Airtel Africa remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and all stakeholders to drive connectivity, digital skills development, and financial inclusion, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
{{About Airtel Africa}}
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Airtel Africa’s integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to over 156 million customers.
The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with our corporate purpose.
The once-feared Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony is rapidly losing its grip. Sources close to the situation indicate that Kony’s operations, once a terrifying force in central Africa, are now a shadow of their former self.
The Wagner Group, known for its mercenary work, has been arresting and forcing the LRA combatants to surrender, especially in the conflict-ridden areas of Darfur, Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR).]
The group has created a wall of security, making it increasingly difficult for Kony’s forces to operate freely.
According to New vision, Marianne Moor, head of Pax Netherlands, a non-governmental organization involved in helping former rebels reintegrate revealed that the group surrounding Kony has dissolved. “The only remaining part of the LRA is the one directly protecting Kony himself” she said.
The LRA, which once sought to establish a theocratic government based on Kony’s interpretation of the Ten Commandments, has long been notorious for abducting children and forcing them into brutal labor and warfare.
At its peak, the group displaced over 1.8 million people and claimed the lives of more than 100,000 in northern Uganda.
But now, with the Wagner Group closing in and Sudan’s civil war making the region unstable, Kony’s stronghold is crumbling. Many of his fighters, exhausted by years of war, have been abandoning the cause.
According to Moor, the pressure is becoming too much for some of the LRA members, and more defections are expected.
“We know that wherever the group enters, there is now significant military presence. The situation has become more difficult for Kony, and many of his fighters have surrendered to authorities,” said Moor.
One of the main reasons for these defections is the increasing hardships of life in the bush. Many of the fighters, including those who were once forcibly recruited, are seeing the grim reality of their situation.
Moor explained that some of these rebels, especially those from Congo and CAR, have been offered amnesty by the Ugandan government. Once they hear stories of earlier defectors being treated with respect and reintegrated, many decide to leave the group.
Kony’s diminishing forces now seem to pose little threat to Uganda. “His group is no longer the powerful force it once was. Unless Kony recruits new fighters, his group has lost its edge.”
The NGO has already repatriated 156 combatants back to Uganda, and more are expected to follow. These former fighters are being given a chance to rebuild their lives through programs that include medical and mental care, as well as traditional ceremonies to reintegrate them into their communities.
The collapse of the LRA signals the end of a brutal era for many across central Africa, but the peace process remains fragile. Governments will need to continue offering opportunities for reintegration to ensure that the cycle of violence does not return.
The payment gateway was among the products showcased during the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF), held in Rwanda from February 24 to 26, 2025.
The three-day forum, opened by President Paul Kagame, brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, providing a platform to explore solutions for the continent’s economic challenges through digital finance.
{{How IremboPay works
}}
IremboPay simplifies electronic payment collection for businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to small enterprises, significantly boosting operational efficiency. The platform was developed by Irembo, a leading tech company in Rwanda renowned for its role in transforming government services digitally through its IremboGov platform.
By integrating diverse payment methods into a single, secure, and intuitive platform, IremboPay eliminates the need for time-consuming manual reconciliation, reducing financial complexities and minimising errors.
The platform processes millions of transactions annually, empowering businesses to save valuable time and enhance their overall financial management.
IremboPay’s Business Lead, Vanitah Gatana, explained how the platform simplifies financial management and drives business growth.
“Time spent on reconciliation and lack of revenue visibility can significantly slow down a business,” Gatana stated.
“Our system integrates all payment sources, giving business owners a clear picture of their income and facilitating informed growth decisions.”
IremboPay offers several key benefits to businesses, including efficient payment processing that ensures fast and secure transactions and reduces administrative workload.
The platform employs advanced security measures such as encryption and fraud prevention to ensure safety and confidentiality.
IremboPay also provides multi-currency convenience, supporting Rwandan Francs (RWF), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP), facilitating international trade.
Additionally, it features multi-language accessibility, available in English, French, and Kinyarwanda, making it more user-friendly for diverse businesses. The system also delivers user-friendly financial reports with valuable insights to inform strategic business decisions and performance tracking.
One of IremboPay’s standout features is its ability to integrate effortlessly with existing accounting and business management systems. Real-time transaction tracking allows businesses to monitor finances with ease, reducing manual bookkeeping efforts.
Looking ahead, IremboPay is set to integrate with Rwanda Revenue Authority’s Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system, enabling businesses to automatically generate official invoices upon receiving payments.
IremboPay caters to a wide range of industries, including tourism and hospitality, where it simplifies check-ins and payments through its Payment Links solution. In education, it streamlines fee collection for schools and universities.
In the transport sector, it enables real-time payment processing for transport services. Manufacturing businesses can use it to efficiently manage transactions, while software and IT companies benefit from its integrated digital payment solutions.
Businesses interested in adopting IremboPay can start by visiting the [IremboPay.com->http://IremboPay.com] website or contacting the sales team. After an initial consultation to discuss specific business needs, a customized payment solution is developed.
The setup process is quick and easy, allowing for seamless integration with existing systems. Businesses also receive continuous support to ensure smooth financial operations.
With its user-friendly interface, secure transactions, and comprehensive reporting, IremboPay is streamlining digital payments in Rwanda. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, IremboPay stands out as an essential tool for growth, efficiency, and financial clarity.
By the time you reach your mid-thirties, life often demands a higher level of competence and self-sufficiency. Navigating adulthood isn’t always smooth, but certain essential skills can make the journey easier and more rewarding.
From managing your emotions to handling basic finances, these capabilities form the foundation of a well-rounded, independent adult. Here are the critical life skills every person should aim to master by 35.
{{Adapting your humor to different situations}}
A well-developed sense of humor is more than just making people laugh, it’s about understanding social cues and adapting your jokes to fit the environment. By your mid-thirties, being able to adjust your humor appropriately shows emotional intelligence and social awareness.
Whether you’re in a professional setting, with close friends, or meeting new people, the ability to gauge what kind of humor is suitable reflects a mature understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
Humor can also be a coping mechanism, helping to navigate stressful situations with ease. Knowing when to be playful and when to remain serious allows you to build stronger relationships while easing tensions.
{{Managing personal finances}}
Financial literacy is crucial for anyone striving to maintain stability and achieve long-term goals. By 35, understanding the basics of budgeting, saving, and managing debt should be second nature.
This involves knowing how to track income and expenses, prepare for tax obligations, and make informed financial decisions. Mastering basic bookkeeping helps you maintain control over your financial well-being.
It also enables you to plan for future milestones like buying a home, investing for retirement, or covering emergencies. With increasing economic uncertainties, the ability to manage money effectively is a powerful tool for financial independence and peace of mind.
{{Prioritizing self-care and rest}}
In the fast-paced modern world, self-care is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. By your mid-thirties, it is essential to have established habits that prioritize both physical and mental well-being.
This means scheduling regular rest, nourishing your body with balanced meals, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine. Prioritizing rest allows you to recharge and approach life with greater clarity and resilience.
Equally important is caring for your emotional health. Learning to set boundaries, engage in activities that bring joy, and recognize the signs of burnout can prevent long-term health issues.
{{Emotional regulation and managing stress}}
Handling emotions effectively is a hallmark of emotional intelligence. By 35, being able to identify, understand, and regulate your feelings is a critical life skill.
This means remaining calm during conflicts, expressing yourself clearly, and maintaining composure in stressful situations. Emotional regulation supports healthy relationships and informed decision-making.
Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and cognitive reframing can help you navigate complex emotions. Developing this skill ensures you can cope with life’s challenges while maintaining a sense of balance and well-being.
Offering a sincere apology
The ability to apologize genuinely is a reflection of emotional maturity. By the time you reach your mid-thirties, understanding how to acknowledge your mistakes and make amends is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
A sincere apology involves accepting responsibility, expressing remorse, and offering to repair any harm caused. Authentic apologies are a sign of growth, accountability, and respect for others’ feelings.
This skill fosters trust and emotional connection. Whether in personal or professional relationships, the ability to apologize can prevent lingering resentment and strengthen bonds.
{{Performing basic household tasks}}
Being able to manage a household independently is a practical skill that everyone should master by 35. This includes grocery shopping, cooking simple meals, cleaning, and basic home repairs.
Knowing how to maintain your living space not only fosters a sense of self-sufficiency but also creates a comfortable and functional environment.
Basic cooking skills allow you to prepare nutritious meals, while understanding home maintenance can save you time and money. This independence enhances confidence and ensures you can handle daily life without relying on others for every task.
{{Understanding and respecting others’ needs}}
A critical aspect of adult maturity is recognizing that people experience the world differently. By 35, you should be capable of understanding and respecting the needs and perspectives of others.
This means practicing empathy, being considerate, and adjusting your behavior to accommodate those around you. Simple gestures, such as being mindful of shared spaces or acknowledging others’ emotions, contribute to harmonious relationships.
Developing this awareness allows you to engage in meaningful interactions and create an environment where others feel valued and respected.
{{The essence of true adulthood}}
While mastering these skills by 35 can enhance your independence and emotional intelligence, true adulthood is not about perfection. It involves continuous growth, self-awareness, and the ability to ask for help when needed.
Each person’s journey is unique, and not everyone will excel in every area. However, striving to develop these essential life skills fosters a sense of confidence, adaptability, and compassion.
Ultimately, the ability to navigate life with resilience and grace is the hallmark of a fully realized adult.
Despite calls for peace and regional cooperation, Burundi escalated its involvement in the DRC conflict on February 23, 2025, by deploying additional troops to strategic areas in South Kivu Province.
The Ruzizi Plain, a strategic valley forming a natural border between the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda, is one of the areas receiving additional military presence. The DRC anticipates that the presence of Burundian forces in this region will help push back the M23 rebels, who continue to control large parts of the Kivus.
Additionally, Burundi sent reinforcements to Sange town in Uvira Territory, with the installation of five 107mm guns to strengthen the defenses of the region.
Vugizo, a border area on the Burundi side, also saw an influx of Burundian artillery soldiers, equipped with surveillance drones and 120mm and 122mm guns.
While Burundi’s troop deployment continued, President Evariste Ndayishimiye secretly visited Kinshasa to meet with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. The meeting, held the same day as the reinforcements, focused on the worsening security situation and troop compensation.
Sources close to Tshisekedi’s inner circle disclosed that Ndayishimiye’s major concern was securing higher payments for the 15,000 Burundian soldiers deployed in the DRC.
The troops have been engaged in combat under a military agreement between the two nations, formalized in August 2023. According to the deal’s terms, Tshisekedi pays Ndayishimiye $5,000 per soldier per month, though the soldiers themselves receive far less—$70 for junior ranks and $100 for officers.
President Tshisekedi, however, rejected Ndayishimiye’s request to raise the monthly payments, pointing to the ongoing challenges faced by the DRC’s coalition forces in countering the M23 rebels.
Meanwhile, Tshisekedi has offered financial incentives ranging from $400 to $1,000 to members of the FDLR, a militia made up of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and other armed factions operating in the DRC. He has also promised over USD 120 per combatant in Walikale and Masisi territories to motivate them to intensify their involvement in the conflict.
Burundi’s involvement in the DRC conflict has been a subject of controversy since its inception.
The decision to deploy troops was made unilaterally by Ndayishimiye, with critics arguing that it is motivated by personal and ideological interests. Ndayishimiye shares a deep anti-Tutsi sentiment with Tshisekedi and the FDLR.
This ideological alignment has raised concerns among international observers, as both leaders continue to back the FDLR, a group widely criticized for its role in the region’s instability.
In contrast to the military support from Burundi, the DRC has struggled to gain assistance from other African nations. Recently, Tshisekedi sought military aid from Mali, Senegal, and Chad, but the nations declined to get involved in the ongoing conflict.
The situation has placed a significant strain on regional peace efforts. At the February 8 summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), heads of state called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between warring factions.
However, Burundi’s continued military presence undermines these efforts, complicating the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
This was the key message delivered by Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, during a meeting with EU Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Ambassador Johan Borgstam, in Kigali on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The discussions, described as frank and productive, focused on Rwanda’s security concerns and the escalating tensions in eastern DRC, which recently saw the AFC/M23 rebel group capture Bukavu and Goma cities.
Kabarebe dismissed comparisons between the conflict in DRC and the war in Ukraine, calling them politically motivated and misleading. He stressed that such narratives only serve to distract from the real causes of instability in the region.
“The situation in Eastern the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is not comparable to the conflict in Ukraine. Any attempt to draw such comparisons is politically motivated and serves only to divert from the real issues at hand,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads in part.
Rwanda pointed to the presence of over 200 armed groups in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kigali insists that the group, sanctioned by the UN and the US, remains a major threat to regional security and must be neutralised.
The Rwandan government also raised alarm over what it called an “existential threat” at its borders, citing an international military coalition composed of the FDLR, Burundian forces, Wazalendo ethnic militias, and European mercenaries.
The minister made it clear that Rwanda expects firm security guarantees, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces near its borders and a lasting resolution to the M23 issue, which stems from decades of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
In addition, Rwanda criticised the DRC’s approach to the crisis, accusing its government of using international sanctions as a smokescreen to cover up its own governance failures, human rights violations, and corruption.
Kigali argued that punitive measures imposed on Rwanda do not contribute to peace but rather undermine African-led diplomatic efforts.
Kabarebe also took issue with what he described as the EU’s selective application of sovereignty and territorial integrity principles. He noted that Rwanda has faced multiple border violations since 2018, prompting defensive measures that will remain in place until its security concerns are fully addressed.
The meeting ended with Rwanda urging the EU to take a more constructive role in resolving the crisis, focusing on facts rather than political interests. Kigali reiterated its commitment to regional peace and called on international partners to support efforts aimed at achieving long-term stability in the Great Lakes region.
“Rwanda encourages EU member states to participate positively in regional peace efforts and avoid mixing politics in matters of peace and security,” the statement added.
On Thursday, February 27, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Rwanda’s Ambassador in Stockholm, citing concerns over alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group.
This move follows mounting international pressure in the wake of M23’s recent capture of Goma and Bukavu, key cities in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Rwanda has consistently refuted allegations of backing M23, instead pointing to the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned genocidal militia.
The Embassy emphasized that Rwanda has for decades faced existential security threats from the FDLR, which continues to launch attacks on Rwandan territory, violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Rwanda Defence Force [RDF] has consistently maintained defensive measures to address serious security threats along the border with the DRC,” reads part of the Embassy’s statement. “Rwandans have the fundamental right to live in peace, free from the perpetual threat of insecurity emanating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Rwanda has expressed frustration over what it perceives as the international community’s failure to acknowledge its security concerns, particularly the threat posed by the FDLR and the inflammatory rhetoric from Congolese leaders calling for regime change in Kigali.
The Embassy asserted that Rwanda will not be intimidated or pressured into compromising its security.
“Only the Rwanda Defence Force and the Commander-in-Chief can determine the necessary defensive measures to protect the lives of Rwandans, especially when threats emerge a mere two kilometers away,” the statement added. “Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising its national security.”
The Embassy also criticized Sweden for what it called a double standard in addressing the conflict. Given Sweden’s values of mutual respect, equal rights, and peacebuilding, Rwanda found it “shocking and unfortunate” that Sweden has remained silent on the plight of Congolese Tutsi and the targeting of Rwandans in DRC.
“Sweden’s evident alignment with Belgium, a historical actor in the root causes and present-day insecurity and conflict in the region, is disheartening and questionable,” the Embassy noted.
It further argued that Sweden, having no colonial history in Rwanda and no involvement in illicit mineral dealings, is in a unique position to adopt an ‘impartial’ diplomatic stance.
The international community has often framed the conflict in eastern DRC as a simplistic narrative of “Rwanda backing M23,” ignoring the historical and political grievances that led to M23’s emergence.
The Embassy pointed out that M23 is a Congolese movement with legitimate concerns, arising from the DRC government’s failure to honor past peace agreements and protect the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly Tutsi communities, who continue to face persecution, displacement, and targeted killings.
The Rwandan Embassy also condemned the international community’s failure to address the FARDC-FDLR collaboration and its reluctance to sanction those inciting violence against Congolese Tutsi.
The Embassy highlighted that despite clear evidence of this collaboration, the United Nations and international actors have failed to take decisive action against the DRC government.
“How can a national army align itself with a foreign genocidal militia?” the statement questioned. “The international community, including Sweden, is fully aware of the FDLR threat, including its shelling of Rwandan territory on June 10, 2022. Despite this knowledge, Sweden has refused to officially condemn the FDLR and FARDC collaboration. Why?”
Rwanda also took issue with Sweden’s silence on the recruitment of European mercenaries by the DRC government, pointing out that Rwanda has, in contrast, upheld its humanitarian obligations by hosting thousands of refugees, including former FARDC soldiers and militia fighters, and facilitating safe evacuations for MONUSCO personnel and international organizations.
The Embassy urged Sweden to respect and support the African-led mediation process, reinforced by the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, along with the African Union’s efforts to bring peace to the region.
“Rwanda’s sole objective is a secure border and a definitive end to violent ethnic extremism in the region,” the statement concluded. “The cycles of conflict fueled by the DRC government’s failures and the international community’s inaction must not be tolerated any longer.”
Rwanda maintains that it will continue to safeguard its territorial integrity and protect its citizens while urging the international community, including Sweden, to adopt an impartial and balanced approach to the conflict in eastern DRC.
During a recent parliamentary session, Minister Collins was questioned about the killing of 70 Christians by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Lubero territory, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In response, he claimed to have met with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, who he alleged had “denied all these crimes.”
Taking to social media on February 27, 2025, [Minister Nduhungirehe condemned Collins’ statements as an attempt to distort facts.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uk-faces-backlash-over-minister-s-comments-linking-amb-nduhungirehe-to-adf]
He further stated that the Rwandan government expects the UK to issue a formal clarification regarding these claims.
Amb. Nduhungirehe confirmed that High Commissioner Thorpe was summoned on February 27, 2025, to discuss the matter and convey Rwanda’s concerns.
The ADF, an extremist militia originating from Uganda, operates primarily in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces of the DRC.
Despite repeated insinuations, there is no evidence linking Rwanda to the group’s activities. On the contrary, Rwanda has been a target of ADF-planned attacks, all of which have been foiled.
UN reports have previously confirmed that the ADF had planned attacks in Kigali during the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Additionally, in October 2021, Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested 13 individuals linked to the ADF who were allegedly planning attacks on key infrastructure in Kigali using explosives.
Rwanda continues to reject any unfounded allegations and remains firm in its commitment to regional security and stability.
The country is home to a variety of valuable minerals, some of which have been mined since the colonial era. A 2017 study identified 52 mineral-rich zones, with 37 already licensed for extraction, while five remain within protected national parks.
One notable mining site is Nyiramuganza in Ngororero District, where research on a six-square-kilometer area uncovered deposits of coltan, cassiterite, wolfram, and gold. Experts estimate that fully extracting these minerals could generate up to $800 million. Gold mining continues to be a key driver of the industry, with major extraction sites in Miyove, Ruzizi, Nyamasheke, and Musanze.
Rwanda is also intensifying geological research, particularly on lithium and gemstones, which are crucial for the production of modern technology. The government’s 2024/25 strategy focuses on boosting both the quantity and quality of exported minerals, aiming for a revenue increase from $1.2 billion in 2023/24 to $1.3 billion. Quarterly earnings are expected to reach $325 million.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the industrial sector saw a 5.7% increase in output in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with mining output alone rising by 2.5%.
The country has made significant progress in mineral processing, with refined gold from Gasabo Gold Refinery and processed tin from LuNa Smelter among its key exports. The long-term objective is to ensure that all minerals are processed before being exported.
Exploration efforts will continue in 26 promising locations, including Ndiza, Miyove, Nyamasheke, Ruhango, Ruli, Gatumba, Burera-Rulindo, and Huye, as authorities work to expand mining operations.
The Rwanda Mining Association (RMA) is advocating for a shift from traditional mining methods to a more professional and technology-driven approach. Currently, 96% of mining sites employ trained workers, while 34.9% utilize modern technology, a figure expected to increase to 44.9% by June 2025.
Additionally, a nationwide survey is being conducted to map mineral deposits across different regions, providing accurate data to guide investment decisions. While almost all districts have licensed mining activities, Gisagara remains the only district without a mining permit.
With ongoing investment in modern technology, value addition, and exploration, Rwanda’s mining sector continues to be a key pillar of economic growth.
