The delegation, led by Prof. Wole Soboyejo, Chairperson of the AMRS Board of Directors, included scientists and experts in materials science and technology. They are in Rwanda attending the 12th AMRS International Conference, which has brought together over 500 participants from diverse fields such as research, academia, and industry.
The conference aims to explore how materials science can keep pace with global technological advancements and address critical needs in Africa.
A statement from the Office of the President highlighted that the meeting emphasized “advancing science, building partnerships among institutions, and identifying key areas to promote research that benefits Africa.”
The discussions revolved around developing materials for healthcare, agriculture, energy, housing, and infrastructure. Innovations in environmentally sustainable materials, solutions for water and electricity distribution, mineral processing, advanced technologies, and industrial applications were also dicussed.
AMRS, founded in 2000, is a Pan-African organization dedicated to promoting materials science and fostering collaboration among researchers.
The society was establisged during a meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, supported by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). It officially launched in Dakar, Senegal, two years later, where it held its first General Conference.
Since then, AMRS has convened in countries including Rwanda, Morocco, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Botswana, bringing together experts committed to advancing materials science across the continent.
As of early July 2024, the country had over 25,000 doctors, with the 4×4 reform expected to increase this number to 58,582 by 2028. The reform, which requires an investment of over $395 million, has made significant strides by the end of 2024.
A report from the Ministry of Health reveals that Rwanda received $62 million (over 86.3 billion Frw) in funding, which has been used for student scholarships, educational resources, equipment purchases, infrastructure development, and facility renovations—all aligned with the 4×4 initiative.
A key component of the program has been the expansion of medical schools. In 2024, the number of midwifery schools increased from four to eleven, while nursing schools grew by four, reaching a total of twelve.
Additionally, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) has been fully accredited to operate in Rwanda, and it began accepting students for medical specializations in November 2024.
Similarly, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) has been granted accreditation to offer undergraduate programs in general medicine and dentistry.
This year, the number of students entering the medical field has grown by 3.7 times, supported by the hiring of qualified instructors to maintain high educational standards.
The Ministry of Health also introduced advanced training programs for midwifery specialists, mirroring the training offered to doctors pursuing specializations in various medical fields.
The University of Rwanda has enhanced its capacity to increase the number of students pursuing Master’s degrees in medicine, with a 40% increase this year.
Two new Master’s programs focusing on ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging were launched.
The program has also expanded training for gynecologists, establishing new training programs in 10 district hospitals.
Specialist doctors capable of both treating and teaching were selected and placed in these hospitals to mentor others in gynecology.
Each hospital received two specialists, along with support teams of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and other professionals, providing services comparable to those offered at the four main teaching hospitals: Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali University Teaching Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital of Butare.
International partnerships have played a key role, facilitating the first cohort of 44 doctors sent to Ethiopia, where they will specialize in treating various critical conditions.
In addition, 13 specialized training programs were introduced at the University of Rwanda, including those in kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, and neonatal care.
Currently, 11 medical training programs are being offered across Rwanda, with 13 doctors expected to complete their studies in 2024.
Additionally, 26 doctors are undergoing specialization abroad in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Israel, France, and Tanzania.
Rwanda has signed partnership agreements with institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean to further enhance its healthcare education.
Meanwhile, 45 other doctors have been approved for training in Rwanda. While significant progress has been made, the Ministry of Health recognizes that funding challenges remain.
In 2025, there are 8,350 opportunities for medical training, but only 1,418 scholarships (17%) have been awarded thus far.
This event, designed for children and their families, promises a fun-filled celebration to kick off the holidays.
Typically, the hotel hosts a Sunday brunch offering a variety of meals and beverages from 11 AM to 1 PM, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests.
However, this holiday season, they’ve teamed up with the Sherrie Silver Foundation to create a special experience tailored just for children.
The event will also feature children from the foundation who will showcase their talents through activities like dancing and singing.
The children are encouraged to dress in “Cinderella”-themed costumes, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed. Prizes include hotel services such as four complimentary brunches, a stay at the hotel, school supplies, and more.
In addition to the performances, various games will keep the children entertained throughout the day, ensuring a lively and joyful atmosphere for everyone.
The brunch is priced at Frw 25,000 for adults and Frw 12,500 for children under 12.
The price includes access to both Billy’s Bistro, offering international dishes, and Tung Chinese Cuisine, known for its Chinese food. Adults can also enjoy live music performed by Cedric Mineur and Afrozik Band.
Lourenço serves as the African Union-appointed mediator in the ongoing Luanda Process aimed at addressing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visit comes amid rising tensions between Rwanda and DRC, following the resurgence of fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese Army.
DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim strongly denied by Kigali, which instead urges DRC to address its internal issues without implicating Rwanda.
Rwanda has also criticized DRC for its collaboration with the FDLR, a terrorist group, which threatens Rwanda’s security.
Minister Antonio’s arrival follows the postponement of Luanda talks between Presidents Lourenço, Kagame, and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, which were set for December 15, 2024.
The postponement occurred after DRC’s ministerial delegation refused to engage in talks with the M23, despite earlier commitments to do so through the “Nairobi Process,” led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
DRC’s reversal on the talks has delayed progress on critical issues, including plans to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwanda’s security measures at its border.
Despite the setback, Angola’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed President Lourenço’s continued commitment to mediating efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region.
One of the plots involved a young woman believed to be attempting a suicide bombing in Mosul, a city that was once a stronghold of the Islamic State.
According to media reports, the pope shared these details in an excerpt from his upcoming autobiography Spera (Hope), which was released on December 17, 2024, on his 88th birthday.
In the excerpt, he recalled the high security risks surrounding the visit, stating, “I had been advised against that trip by almost everyone, which would have been the first by a pontiff in the Middle Eastern region devastated by extremist violence.”
Despite the warnings, Francis felt compelled to make the journey. He explained, “If your grandfather’s house burns down, if in his country his descendants risk their lives or have lost it, the [best] thing to do is to reach the house as soon as possible.”
Pope John Paul II had also planned a visit to Iraq to open the Jubilee Year 2000, but was prevented by Saddam Hussein.
Francis said he felt it was important not to disappoint the people again, emphasizing the significance of the visit to the region’s religious communities.
The full autobiography will be published in Italian in mid-January 2025.
This pledged was disclosed on December 16, 2024, during the One UN Steering Committee meeting, which brought together government officials, UN agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and representatives from the private sector.
The meeting focused on reviewing the UN system’s progress in delivering as one in Rwanda.
Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, commended the UN system in Rwanda for aligning its cooperation with the country’s medium and long-term strategies.
“The One UN Committee provides an opportunity to assess our progress and discuss the way forward, specifically how the UN will continue to align its interventions with our National Strategy for Transformation Two. This is about delivering as one—not just the UN system, but all of us working together,” he noted.
Ozonnia Ojielo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Rwanda, explained that the new UNSDCF aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, NST2, and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
It prioritizes, among others, economic and social transformation, as well as transformational governance, to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
“Key focus areas include innovative financing, climate-smart growth, human capital development, and strengthened governance systems to promote peace and accountability,” she said.
The Joint One UN Committee aims to provide strategic direction and oversight for the UNSDCF, ensuring its alignment with national, regional, and international development processes, such as Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, it connects with other processes like the Voluntary National Reviews and the Universal Periodic Review.
This platform also serves as an accountability mechanism for the Cooperation Framework, supporting the collective effort towards the 2030 Agenda.
Officials and local residents confirmed the tragedy, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in river transportation.
The vessel, which departed from the town of Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, was believed to be carrying over 100 passengers.
The accident occurred just a few hundred meters into its journey. In addition to passengers, the boat was heavily loaded with goods, according to local accounts.
David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, attributed the disaster to overloading, particularly on the boat’s roof. He reported that 25 bodies had been recovered by Tuesday evening, but fears remain that the death toll will rise as the search for survivors continues.
“Among the dead are children, but it’s difficult to determine the exact number as the boat carried many passengers,” said Alex Mbumba, a resident in the area.
This tragedy is the fourth boat accident in Maï-Ndombe province this year. The region, surrounded by rivers, relies heavily on water transport due to a lack of roads. However, safety measures are often neglected, and overloading is a persistent issue. Many residents, unable to afford other means of transport, have no choice but to rely on overcrowded vessels.
Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC. In October, at least 78 people drowned when an overloaded boat sank on Lake Kivu in the east. Earlier in June, 80 lives were lost when a similar accident occurred on the Kwa River near Kinshasa.
The latest incident has prompted renewed calls for government action. Residents and officials have urged authorities to equip river transport services with safety measures such as flotation devices and to enforce stricter regulations.
“The government must act to improve safety on the waters of our province because navigation conditions are dangerous,” said Mbumba.
The agreement, signed on December 18, 2024, under the Financing Green and Gender-Sensitive Public Spaces project, follows a previous 20 million euro grant intended to support investments in environmental protection initiatives.
The Minister of Finance and Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for its strong development partnership with Rwanda and expressed optimism for continued cooperation.
He further noted that the grant would contribute to enhancing climate resilience in both rural and urban areas of secondary cities.
“Some of the investments to be made as part of this project include wetlands rehabilitation, improvement in stormwater management, and green infrastructure for the social and economic development of the areas involved,” he said.
Rwanda has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, with a budget of $11 billion allocated for addressing the impacts of climate change and environmental conservation through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
German Ambassador to Rwanda, Heike Uta Dettmann, praised Rwanda for being an ambitious partner and effectively utilizing received support to improve the lives of its people.
“This investment will provide critical support to strengthening the resilience of cities to climate change and the quality of life of the urban population, and particularly for women, because it’s all over the world that women are a huge part of everything,” she stated.
This project is part of the bilateral climate and development partnership between Rwanda and Germany, signed in 2022. According to Amb. Dettmann, this partnership is already valued at over 260 million euros.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) program, which aims to address the effects of climate change and protect the environment, has a budget of $11 billion, with $6.2 billion required for implementation by 2030.
Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), confirmed that the grant would help close the existing funding gap for Rwanda’s climate change mitigation and environmental resilience programs.
She added that, based on current stakeholder participation, there is confidence that by 2030, the necessary funding will be secured.
Currently, the Rwandan government allocates 10% of its budget to environmental protection and addressing climate change impacts.
Andrey Kaprin, General Director of the Radiology Medical Research Center under the Russian Ministry of Health, made the revelations on Radio Rossiya, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, disclosed that the mRNA-based vaccine had shown positive results in pre-clinical trials, suppressing tumour growth and the potential for metastases.
Gintsburg also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in expediting the development of personalized cancer vaccines.
He noted that neural networks could reduce the time required to compute personalized mRNA vaccines from a lengthy process to just 30 minutes to an hour.
“Now it takes quite long to build [personalized vaccines] because computing how a vaccine, or customized mRNA, should look like uses matrix methods, in mathematical terms. We have involved the Ivannikov Institute which will rely on Al in doing this math, namely neural network computing where these procedures should take about half an hour to an hour,” Russia’s vaccine chief said.
Details such as the vaccine’s name, the types of cancer it targets, and specifics of the clinical trials have not yet been disclosed.
Russia’s announcement comes amid global efforts to advance cancer vaccine technology.
For instance, the UK government has partnered with German company BioNTech to develop personalized cancer treatments, aiming to reach 10,000 patients by 2030.
Similarly, pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck & Co are working on an experimental cancer vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Preliminary results from a mid-stage study revealed the vaccine reduced the risk of recurrence or death by half after three years of treatment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier hinted at the progress during a February 2024 forum on future technologies in Moscow.
“We have come very close to creating so-called cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation,” Putin said, expressing hope for their use in individual therapy soon.
Globally, vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV) have already demonstrated success in preventing cancers like cervical and liver cancer, respectively.
Russia’s efforts represent a new addition to ongoing developments in mRNA-based cancer vaccines.
Russia’s previous vaccine projects include the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, which was distributed internationally during the pandemic. However, Sputnik V faced challenges domestically due to vaccine hesitancy.
António, who is visiting as a special envoy of Angola’s President João Lourenço, appointed by the African Union to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC, will hold talks with Rwandan officials.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the visit, stating, “He will arrive in the afternoon as a special envoy for the Luanda Dialogue mediator, President Lourenço of Angola.”
The visit follows the postponement of a meeting initially scheduled for December 15, 2024, in Luanda, which was set to bring together President Lourenço, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.
This decision came after DRC representatives at the ministerial level refused to engage in dialogue with the M23 armed group, despite previous commitments under the “Nairobi Process” led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
During his Kigali visit, Minister António is expected to discuss resolving the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC through the ongoing Luanda Dialogue mediated by President Lourenço since 2022.
In a statement earlier this week, President Lourenço expressed optimism that a summit in Luanda with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi would eventually lead to a lasting peace agreement.
However, the DRC’s withdrawal from the planned discussions has undermined previous progress, including agreements to dismantle the FDLR armed group and to lift border restrictions imposed by Rwanda.
Angola remains committed to mediating peace efforts in eastern DRC and the broader region, despite challenges. Minister António noted that substantial agreement had been reached, with 99% of the framework for peace finalized, but a last-minute request for postponement stalled the process.
Nduhungirehe highlighted that Angola had informed Rwanda on November 30, 2024, that DRC had agreed to negotiate with M23 under the Nairobi Process, only for DRC to backtrack later.
President Lourenço has since engaged Tshisekedi and Uhuru Kenyatta in further discussions on how to advance talks between the DRC government and armed groups, particularly the M23.
Angola continues to urge all parties to prioritize the well-being of citizens and work toward a lasting resolution to the conflict that has plagued eastern DRC for over three decades.
The DRC government has reiterated its refusal to negotiate with the M23, labeling the group as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, M23 insists that resolutions impacting them are invalid without their direct involvement in the discussions.
