The appointment was announced by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, particularly Article 112, His Excellency the President of the Republic has today, January 13, 2025, appointed Mr. Jean-Guy Afrika as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),” Dr. Ngirente stated in a communiqué.
Afrika brings to RDB a wealth of experience in regional integration, infrastructure finance, and public policy. His expertise will be pivotal in advancing RDB’s core mandate to drive Rwanda’s economic growth, attract investment, promote exports, develop the tourism sector, and ensure the country has the necessary skills and infrastructure to sustain long-term economic development.
Before his new appointment, Afrika served as Acting Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank (AfDB), a position he held since December 16, 2021. In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributed significantly to Africa’s regional development goals.
He joined the AfDB in 2010 and held various key positions across departments focused on trade, infrastructure, and industrialization.
In his previous role, Afrika was responsible for overseeing a regional integration portfolio valued at $13 billion and played a pivotal role in structuring the $555 million Central Africa Republic-Congo multimodal transport project.
Afrika’s extensive experience includes advising on the design and implementation of over 35 projects spanning critical sectors like trade facilitation, energy, agriculture, and private sector development. He also contributed to major initiatives such as the Africa Regional Integration Index and the Africa Visa Openness Index, which are now flagship knowledge products for the African Union.
Afrika holds a Master of Arts degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and has further advanced his leadership expertise through executive programs at institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford University.
In a press statement on Monday, January 13, 2025, Jasiri said the program targets visionary individuals from Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia who are passionate about creating impactful businesses from scratch.
The program is aimed at tackling youth unemployment in Africa by fostering high-impact entrepreneurship, which Jasiri views as a key driver of job creation and societal transformation. It focuses on minimizing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship through a hands-on, holistic approach.
To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a strong drive to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and a readiness to build ventures that deliver measurable societal impact.
“Jasiri minimizes these barriers with a holistic, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, ensuring that bold innovators can build businesses that benefit society while contributing to an empowered, prosperous African citizenry,” Amandine Kayizali, Recruitment & Selection Manager, said in the statement.
The Jasiri Talent Investor Program offers participants structured support, including a one-month online Jasiri Jumpstart, a three-month intensive residential program, and nine months of hands-on venture creation. The program also emphasizes collaboration, bringing together like-minded individuals to form entrepreneurial teams capable of transforming ideas into impactful ventures.
Since its inception in 2021, Jasiri has supported 227 entrepreneurs who have collectively created 93 ventures, 81 of which remain operational across 42 industries. These ventures have generated over 2,035 jobs and positively impacted more than 12,600 individuals across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and waste management.
The application period for the eighth cohort is scheduled to close on April 5, 2025.
Interested individuals can apply through the link: [https://jasiri.org/application->https://jasiri.org/application].
Founded in 2020, Fitnesspoint has quickly established itself as a leading fitness brand, offering holistic health and wellness solutions.
The new facility, located at the former Sports View Hotel, opposite Amahoro Stadium, replaces Fitnesspoint’s previous branch in Nyarutarama, offering a substantial upgrade in space, amenities, and services tailored to meet growing customer demand.
According to Ole Haugom, Co-Founder and CEO of Fitnesspoint, the reception to the new location has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I feel like people are really liking our gyms, especially this one. Remera has so many different activities. We have very professional equipment and good maintenance. People always come here and can use the equipment they want, which is very important,” he shared during a recent interview with IGIHE.
Haugom, a Norwegian national who established a successful fitness center with over 30 branches in his home country, explained that his focus on high-quality equipment and prompt maintenance stems from observations he made upon arriving in Kigali six years ago.
“When I first came, I saw so many places—hotels and gyms—where machines were marked ‘out of order.’ That’s actually why I started importing gym equipment here. We now have technicians and a warehouse to fix things quickly,” he added.
Mahe Ornella, Sales and Marketing Manager at FitnessPoint, noted that the relocation was driven by client feedback and aims to enhance the overall customer experience.
Like its first branch in Kimihurura, FitnessPoint’s new Remera location offers more than just a larger space. The gym now includes a six-foot swimming pool suitable for diving, an expanded aerobics class area that can host up to 60 people, and a dedicated athletic zone for high-intensity training.
The athletic section, located in the basement, features high-performance equipment such as bikes, squat racks, deadlift platforms, and rowing machines.
A specialised spinning class area is also part of this section, enabling athletes to push their limits in a professional setup.
The Remera branch further introduces a martial arts area, with plans to offer self-defence classes for women.
Additionally, a women-only space has been introduced for those who prefer a more private workout environment. The new feature caters to a diverse range of women, including Muslim women and content creators who value privacy.
“This private space is ideal for Muslim women and women content creators seeking a more private workout environment,” Ornella explained.
In line with its holistic approach to fitness, the gym also caters to families. A kids’ playground is being developed to allow parents to work out while their children engage in activities. The kids’ area will be equipped with toys and trampolines to keep the children entertained.
Another exciting addition at the new Remera gym is a dedicated basketball facility. This area is set to host basketball training sessions and will serve as a space for professional athletes to enhance their skills.
Fitnesspoint has also partnered with APR basketball teams, providing them with exclusive access to the gym’s top-tier equipment and training facilities.
Ornella emphasised that the collaboration with teams such as APR is part of the company’s efforts to support professional athletes and promote sports development in Rwanda. Additionally, Fitnesspoint works closely with the corporate sector, helping to encourage team building and wellness among staff members through tailored fitness programs.
Another upcoming addition includes a coffee area, set to open by the end of January, offering health-focused snacks and beverages.
“We will offer smoothies, sandwiches… You know, the gym is not only the thing that’s needed to see your fitness goals; it’s also what you eat. This coffee area was created in response to what many of our clients have been asking for,” she remarked.
The Remera branch also boasts a spacious parking area to ensure the safety and convenience of clients’ vehicles.
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In addition to its state-of-the-art equipment, Fitnesspoint ensures that certified trainers are available at both branches to guide clients through their fitness journeys.
At least 12 trainers, including floor and private trainers, work per location, assisting members with proper equipment usage and offering personalized training programs.
Uwizeyimana Shaban, one of the personal fitness trainers at the Remera branch, brings six years of experience to the team. The 28-year-old encourages individuals of all ages to prioritize their health and wellness through consistent training and proper exercise techniques.
“Fitness is not just about physical appearance—it’s about improving overall well-being, boosting confidence, and enhancing quality of life. It’s never too late to start your fitness journey,” Shaban says.
“Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s always something new to learn and achieve in the gym.”
The gym also features a dedicated physiotherapist, Fabrice Tuyizere, who assists individuals dealing with health challenges such as fractures or disabilities.
“I design specific exercises tailored to their conditions, addressing issues like back, shoulder, or knee problems,” Tuyizere explains.
As part of its holistic wellness approach, Fitnesspoint also collaborates with certified nutritionist Matt Battle to offer consultations and meal plans tailored to clients’ fitness goals.
Haugom, reflecting on the priorities for the coming years, emphasized the importance of accessible, user-friendly equipment designed for all age groups.
“You just need to have good equipment that anybody can use—functional equipment designed for the human body. Some of the older equipment can be rough to use, but the new ones are more user-friendly. People enjoy using them, even though it’s still a tough workout, of course,” he explained.
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Fitnesspoint offers flexible membership options to accommodate various needs. An annual membership costs RWF 600,000, while a monthly membership is RWF 80,000. For added convenience, flexible payment plans such as standing orders are available for RWF 55,000 monthly.
The gym also offers corporate packages and has partnerships with financial institutions like the Bank of Kigali (BK), providing discounted rates for annual and short-term memberships paid using BK cards. For those visiting temporarily, Fitnesspoint offers 10-pass cards for a flexible access option.
“We have a partnership with BK. Wherever you come and buy an annual membership, you get a 20% discount. If you buy a one-month or three-month membership, you get a 10% discount when you’re using your BK card. So, it’s a way of trying to cater to all levels of people,” Ornella added.
Fitnesspoint’s new Remera branch sets a high benchmark for modern fitness facilities in Kigali, offering advanced equipment, professional training, and a welcoming community that redefines the fitness experience. Don’t wait to start your fitness journey—visit Fitnesspoint today and subscribe to a membership that fits your goals.
This annual motor show brings together leading carmakers from around the globe to display vehicles designed to meet the changing demands of consumers and the industry.
This year’s exhibition highlighted the rapid technological advancements shaping the automotive sector.
Manufacturers presented vehicles that incorporated cutting-edge features, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Eco-friendly cars are becoming a major focus, with both consumers and producers prioritizing greener alternatives.
Alongside the vehicle unveilings, the event hosted discussions on automotive technology and manufacturing processes, providing a platform for industry leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise.
The exhibition, which began on January 10, 2025, will run until January 19. It was officially opened by King Philippe of Belgium, joined by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close.
Over 60 automakers participated this year, including industry giants such as Volkswagen, Groupe Renault, and Mercedes-Benz.
Groupe Stellantis, formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot-Citroën, also showcased its diverse lineup of brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Leapmotor, Opel, and Peugeot.
Other notable participants included Kia, Hyundai, Isuzu, Maxus, MG, KGM, Suzuki, Ford, and Mazda.
Among the standout vehicles was the Audi RS Q8 2025, a luxury SUV priced at $137,495. The car is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
With an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
The Audi RS Q8 2025 also features advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge safety.
Others include the KIA EV3, a car unveiled for the first time at the end of 2024. It is fully electric, featuring a motor capable of covering up to 600 kilometers on a single charge.
The car’s weight ranges between 1,750 and 1,850 kilograms, with a horsepower of 201 and torque of 283, delivering impressive performance and smooth driving.
Its acceleration is powered solely by the front wheels, allowing it to gain speed quickly. When the accelerator is pressed, the car can reach 100 kilometers per hour in just seven seconds.
The BMW XM was another highlight of the exhibition. Priced from $159,000, this hybrid car combines electricity and gasoline, featuring both a V8 engine and an electric motor. It can travel up to 50 kilometers on electricity alone.
The Salon de l’Auto remains one of the premier events in the automotive world, offering an exciting preview of the innovations and technologies shaping the future of mobility.
The vehicles showcased at this year’s event underline the industry’s commitment to driving forward technological advancements and sustainable design.
The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President through a statement shared on X, which highlighted that both parties discussed the bilateral relations.
Shimelis Abdisa has been leading Oromia since April 2019 and has been Chief Staff of the Prime Minister since 2018, Abiy Ahmed, since 2018.
Oromia is the largest region in Ethiopia, covering more than 350,000 square kilometers and home to nearly 40 million people, approximately a third of Ethiopia’s population.
The region is located in central Ethiopia, extending to the western part, sharing borders with other parts of the country in the Horn of Africa, excluding Tigray.
Oromia is known for its fertile land, natural resources, and agricultural production, particularly coffee.
It is also rich in minerals such as gold, gemstones, and others. However, the region has faced political challenges, natural disasters, and other issues.
Rwanda and Ethiopia have a strong relationship based on diplomatic respect and cooperation agreements aimed at benefiting their citizens.
The two countries have signed various agreements, including those focused on cooperation in law enforcement, media, sports, tourism, healthcare, education, and culture.
Their partnership extends to agriculture, trade, education, and air travel services with agreements between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
In 2024, Rwanda and Ethiopia signed cooperation agreements in five areas, including political collaboration, business, sports, disaster management, and investment.
The countries also share a deep connection through their people-to-people exchanges. In April 2024, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, attended Rwanda’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Kagame and Dr. Ahmed have held several discussions, including during the 2023 Africa-Saudi Arabia summit, to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
The two leaders also met in 2021 during a two-day visit Dr. Ahmed made to Rwanda.
This pivotal gathering will bring together Chiefs of Police from 14 member countries to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in combating emerging security threats.
As the region grapples with increasingly sophisticated and transnational criminal activities, the AGM serves as a critical platform for addressing shared challenges, fostering intelligence exchange, and enhancing the collective capacity of law enforcement agencies.
The theme of this year’s meeting, “Strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation to counter terrorism, transnational, organized, and emerging crimes,” reflects the growing need for robust collaboration in tackling complex security issues that transcend national borders.
The meeting will not only focus on current crime trends but will also explore innovative solutions to enhance regional security and prevent future threats.
A unified response to regional security challenges
Founded in 1998 in Kampala, Uganda, EAPCCO was established as a regional response to the increasing threat posed by transnational and organized crimes.
The organization aims to unite law enforcement agencies in Eastern Africa to combat these shared threats.
The 14 member countries of EAPCCO include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, and Somalia.
EAPCCO’s core mission revolves around strengthening cooperation among member states to address regional crime, share vital intelligence, and build capacity to effectively combat emerging threats.
Over the years, the organization has evolved into a key player in regional security, ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain equipped to tackle challenges that affect the entire region.
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EAPCCO’s main objectives focus on promoting cooperation, enhancing crime management, and strengthening law enforcement across the region.
This includes fostering joint strategies to combat cross-border and related crimes, disseminating information on criminal activities, and facilitating efficient management of criminal records.
The organization also places a significant emphasis on training and capacity building, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-prepared to meet the region’s evolving security needs.
Through its various subcommittees and initiatives, EAPCCO continually develops new approaches to address the complex landscape of regional security.
The organization’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping a more cohesive and effective regional response to emerging crime trends.
{{Focus areas of the 26th AGM}}
The 26th AGM will focus on addressing key crime areas that are increasingly affecting the region, including financial crimes, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and intellectual property crimes.
These areas have become more interconnected and complex, necessitating a coordinated response from member states.
{{Reviewing resolutions’ implementation}}
At the AGM, Chiefs of Police will review the implementation of previous resolutions and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to assess the challenges faced in implementing these strategies and identify actionable measures to overcome obstacles.
Additionally, the meeting will facilitate the approval of new recommendations and resolutions aimed at improving regional cooperation and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies.
The AGM will also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences, allowing member countries to learn from one another’s successes and challenges in tackling criminal activities.
Through these discussions, EAPCCO will continue to refine its strategies, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to address both current and emerging threats.
{{A showcase of tactical excellence}}
This year’s AGM introduces a dynamic new feature: the EAPCCO SWAT Challenge.
Set to take place from January 29-30, 2025, at the Counter-Terrorism Training Center (CTTC) in Bugesera District, the SWAT Challenge will showcase the operational readiness and skills of police tactical units from EAPCCO member countries.
Elite law enforcement teams will compete in various exercises designed to test their physical fitness, teamwork, and tactical expertise in responding to security incidents.
The event will not only serve as a demonstration of the region’s capacity to respond to critical security situations but will also foster knowledge sharing among participating teams.
The best-performing units will be recognized for their excellence in law enforcement, further promoting a spirit of healthy competition and continuous improvement among the region’s law enforcement agencies.
{{EAPCCO Events}}
The AGM key events include the meeting of Chiefs of Police—a supreme decision-making authority of EAPCCO—Council of Ministers, and sideline meetings that include the Permanent Co-Coordinating Committee (PCC) composed of directors of Criminal Investigations and Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCB).
Other sideline subcommittee meetings include those on legal, training, cybercrime, gender and counter-terrorism.
Each session provides a unique opportunity to share experiences, review progress, and discuss new ways to address challenges facing the region.
During the AGM, there is always change of chairmanship to the Chief of Police of the host country.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with dangerously high winds expected to return.
Sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 70 mph are forecast for the region, particularly on Tuesday, which could make firefighting efforts even more difficult.
The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong Santa Ana winds is fueling the flames, making this one of the most perilous fire seasons in recent memory.
Fire crews received additional support on Sunday, with 70 water trucks deployed to help fight the flames. Aircraft also dropped fire retardant along vulnerable hillsides in an attempt to slow the spread of the fires.
The fires, which began last week, have been exacerbated by the dry conditions and the powerful Santa Ana winds, which have turned them into catastrophic wildfires.
More than a dozen people are missing in the areas affected by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire, and authorities are working to confirm whether some of the missing may be among the fatalities.
With little rainfall in the area for over eight months, the region remains highly susceptible to further fire risks, and officials are bracing for the worst as winds pick up again.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, expressed fears over potential security risks, citing efforts by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the National Office of Investigation (NOI) to arrest the impeached president.
Yoon’s legal team emphasized that the president would only attend the trial once these safety issues are addressed.
The constitutional court is set to begin hearings on January 14, with additional sessions planned for January 16, 21, 23, and February 4.
The impeachment motion, passed by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, suspended Yoon’s presidential powers for up to 180 days while the court deliberates.
Yoon, who faces charges related to insurrection, declared martial law on December 3, which was overturned by the assembly.
Despite a failed attempt to arrest him on January 3, a Seoul court has since extended the warrant for his apprehension.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a working visit to Ethiopia.
The leaders held constructive discussions on regional and bilateral issues, aiming to deepen the fraternal bond between their peoples, according to a joint communique released Saturday evening.
Both leaders agreed to “restore and enhance” bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. They also emphasized closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, the communique said.
Noting that the stability of the region requires the two countries’ strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect, the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.
The leaders further underscored the need to enhance security cooperation, particularly in countering the threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region. They agreed to direct their security agencies to deepen collaboration in promoting peace and stability, it noted.
Reaffirming their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, the two leaders pledged to expedite technical negotiations outlined in the agreement.
The Somali president’s visit to Ethiopia followed last month’s Turkish-mediated talks in Ankara, which helped resolve misunderstandings and de-escalate diplomatic tensions that had strained relations throughout 2024.
The diplomatic rift had been escalating between the two neighboring countries after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.
As part of the normalization efforts, Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed led a high-level delegation to Somalia earlier this month, reiterating both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Dr. Wagih Azzam and Noha Soliman arrived in Kigali on Saturday, January 11, 2025, where they were welcomed by the President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Ndayishimiye Samson, and the federation’s Second Vice President, Kayirebwa Liliane.
The FERWACY President told IGIHE that the CAC leader’s visit aims to assess Rwanda’s preparations for hosting the UCI Road World Championships, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21-28 this year.
“They came to evaluate our progress in preparing for the UCI Road World Championships, hold discussions about collaboration with the federation, encourage African countries to participate in large numbers in the World Championships, and discuss the UCI Satellite program we are planning to launch,” he said.
The CAC President is also scheduled to tour the routes designated for the UCI Road World Championships before wrapping up his visit to Rwanda on Tuesday.
Rwanda is set to make history as the first African country to host the prestigious competition, now in its 98th edition.
