At the Ministerial Round Table, the role of governments was a major focus. Leaders stressed the need for better coordination and integrated solutions to tackle food system challenges. Governments were identified as key enablers of food systems transformation, with a strong push for enhanced collaboration with the private sector.
The Forum also saw the launch of the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR), a key document from AGRA. The report outlined important recommendations on investing in policy, infrastructure, and agro-parks, providing a roadmap for future development.
Discussions about the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) highlighted the need for a new agreement in the post-Malabo era. Delegates agreed on the importance of a robust successor agreement with effective coordination and accountability mechanisms.
Governments were urged to support the new agreement and improve the sharing of analytical insights to boost investment and collaboration. Nutrition and health were key topics, with a focus on improving access to healthy, affordable food.
The link between climate change and nutrition was highlighted, stressing the need for more investment in nutrition security. Initiatives such as school feeding programs were recognized as valuable investments in reducing poverty and food insecurity.
The Forum also addressed gender equality and youth engagement. There was a strong call for increased support for women-led agriculture and effective implementation of gender-responsive policies.
The potential of youth was emphasized, with calls for more investments in youth-led innovations and equitable access to education.
Dr. Canisius Kanangire, the Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) discussed the role of technology in agriculture. He highlighted the importance of digital solutions tailored to local needs to improve productivity and sustainability.
Kanangire noted that affordability, accessibility, and maintenance are key challenges, and stressed the need for collaboration and investment in infrastructure.
AATF’s efforts to promote digital technologies, such as mobile apps and remote sensing, were showcased. These technologies aim to help smallholder farmers with farm management, weather information, and e-extension services.
The Forum emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to make these technologies more accessible and affordable.
In summary, the African Food Systems Forum underscored the importance of innovation, accountability, and collaboration in transforming Africa’s food systems.
With a commitment to addressing these issues, the Forum set the stage for meaningful progress in improving food security and nutrition across the continent.
Among the passengers were 35 African journalists, visiting for the first time to explore its vibrancy after successfully covering the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing from September 4th to 6th. Stepping off the plane, the domestic flight clearance was swift, and within moments we were on shuttle buses headed to our accommodations.
A defining feature upon arrival in China is the sheer scale of infrastructure development, and Chongqing is no exception. The city’s breathtaking blend of modern development, clean green streets, and impressive architecture against a backdrop of natural beauty makes you feel as if you’ve found the ‘promised land.’
Chongqing is renowned for its spicy food, one of the top descriptors for the area, but its charm goes far beyond cuisine. With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of China’s four municipalities directly under the central government control, alongside Beijing and Shanghai. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the city is surrounded by mountains, leading to the construction of extensive tunnels to ease transportation.
In the city center, the domed Great Hall of the People stands majestically over People’s Square, while nearby, the Three Gorges Museum showcases ancient artifacts and the history of the Three Gorges Dam construction. Chongqing spans a vast area, with jurisdiction over 38 districts and counties, covering 82,400 square kilometers and housing over 32 million residents, 93.23% of whom are Han Chinese, alongside ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao.
Known as the “Mountain City” and the “River City,” Chongqing boasts a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with early springs, hot summers, rainy autumns, and mild winters. The Yangtze River, stretching 691 kilometers, winds its way through the city, joined by the Jialing and Wujiang rivers. Chongqing’s landscape is predominantly mountainous, with mountains covering 76% of the terrain.
Chongqing is not just a historical and cultural city; it holds strategic importance for China’s development. It was the first inland city to open to foreign trade in 1981 and was officially established as a city in 1929. The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-Hub Mega-Region and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor are critical to the city’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting over 480 ports in 120 countries worldwide.
The city’s rapid industrial development has transformed it into a manufacturing powerhouse. It is among the top automotive production hubs in China and is the world’s largest producer of laptops. Chongqing is striving to build a modern manufacturing system centered around intelligent vehicles, next-gen electronics, and advanced materials. It also leads in innovation hubs in smart technology, life sciences, and green technologies.
Chongqing’s transportation infrastructure is equally impressive, featuring a multimodal network of rail, road, water, and air transport. With over 1,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, 4,000 kilometers of expressways, and an extensive river shipping system, it serves as a comprehensive transportation hub. In 2023, Chongqing’s GDP reached RMB 3.01 trillion (over US$424 bilion), reflecting a 6.1% growth.
Beyond its economic achievements, Chongqing is home to numerous cultural and natural treasures. The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area, a historical site in the city center, features preserved traditional buildings like the Catholic Charity Hall and the Changle Yongkang Stone Ancestral Gate.
Another notable landmark is the Liziba Station, China’s first through-building metro station that showcases Chongqing’s architectural ingenuity. Liziba Station is located in Yuzhong District. It is designed to improve the efficiency and convenience of urban transportation but has become a sight to behold.
Applying multiple technologies, the monorail enables trains to run through buildings without causing the structures to shake.
It cleverly achieves its functionality based on the complex terrain, which embodies the wisdom of the Chongqing people and ultimately stands among testaments to Chinese people’s prowess and great zeal to always foster innovations.
For a panoramic view of the city, the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and the World Financial Center (WFC) Huixianlou Observation Deck offer breathtaking vistas of Chongqing’s urban landscape, including the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
The WFC Observation Deck, unveiled in 2017, offers a stunning view of Chongqing’s iconic landmarks, including the intersection of two rivers, the Grand Theatre (a performing arts venue in central Chongqing), and Nanbin Road’s nightscape.
Located on the 73rd to 75th floors, it is China’s highest open-air observation deck. Nearby, the historic Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, built in 1947 and transformed into Western China’s first commercial pedestrian street in 1997, remains a vibrant hub with a commercial area of 160,000 m², earning recognition as one of China’s top business centers.
One of Chongqing’s most iconic cultural sites is the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 statues carved into rock formations, reflecting over a millennium of Chinese artistry and religious devotion. These carvings stand alongside other famous rock art in China, such as the Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes.
No visit to Chongqing would be complete without experiencing its famous hot pot cuisine, a spicy culinary tradition that involves dipping fresh ingredients into a boiling broth.
Accompanied by local fruits and juices, the hot pot experience is a sensory delight. The city’s markets offer an abundance of local produce, including pumpkins, taro, maize, sea food and fresh vegetables among others.
As night falls, Chongqing’s streets come alive. Along the Jialing River, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the glittering lights of the city, the illuminated bridges, and the relaxing atmosphere that invites you to extend your stay.
Chongqing’s beauty, history, and vibrancy offer a truly unique experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit. This city, with its rich blend of culture, industry, and nature, is a testament to China’s development and a gateway to understanding its past, present, and future.
{{Stunning infrastructure}}
{{Monorail traversing buildings }}
{{The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area}}
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Murigande reflected on the nation’s journey and the preparations for the upcoming ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ gospel crusade, which is making a return after several years of hiatus.
Dr. Murigande, now retired, has held numerous important roles in Rwanda’s political landscape, including serving as the Secretary General of the FPR Inkotanyi, representing Rwanda internationally, and heading various ministries.
He has been appointed as the coordinator of the ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ National Thanksgiving crusade, set to take place on September 29, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium.
{{Reflecting on 30 years of progress}}
Murigande emphasized that Rwandans from all faiths should take this opportunity to express their gratitude for the peace and stability that have been restored over the last 30 years.
“This year marks a significant milestone—30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi was halted, 30 years since Rwanda’s liberation, the fourth Presidential elections, and the fifth Parliamentary elections since the Genocide,” he remarked.
He added that this anniversary is a moment for Rwandans to reflect on the nation’s journey toward peace and restoration.
“The peace and security we’ve been able to achieve are no small feat. Many nations that went through similar traumas are still struggling, yet Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” Murigande pointed out.
He reflected on the transformation Rwanda has undergone since 1994, when many Rwandans were refugees scattered across the world. Today, most have returned to contribute to the country’s reconstruction, and Rwanda stands tall on the international stage, with every Rwandan taking pride in their nation.
Murigande stressed that Rwandans should also give thanks for the significant strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, clean water, food security, and other developmental areas that have lifted the country out of isolation.
The upcoming event will feature performances from a host of Rwandan gospel artists, including Israel Mbonyi, Aimé Uwimana, James and Daniel, René Patrick, Christian Irimbere, Prosper Nkomezi, Gaby Kamanzi, Ben wa Chance, Bosco Nshuti, Yvan Ngenzi, Chriso Ndasingwa, and others.
{{Hope for a brighter future}}
Murigande further reflected on Rwanda’s rise from the ashes of the Genocide, noting that it would have been difficult for anyone in 1994 to imagine the country’s current state of stability and respect on the world stage.
“Rwanda was in a very difficult situation; it wasn’t easy to foresee that it would reach this level of development and command the respect it has today,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as a member of the RPF-Inkotanyi, Murigande recalled the political vision that drove the party’s efforts to transform Rwanda.
“As someone who was part of the RPF, we always believed that if we executed our vision and worked tirelessly, Rwanda could change. That is the foundation we built on to achieve today’s progress,” he explained.
The ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ crusade, which began in 2012, was created to provide a platform for Rwandans to express their gratitude to God for His blessings.
This year’s edition, set for September 29, 2024, promises to be a significant event in Rwanda’s ongoing journey of gratitude and hope for the future.
Col Deo Akiki, the Deputy UPDF Spokesperson revealed that the two were traveling in a vehicle H4DF2588 and acknowledged that the military has been hit hard with another major loss, days after the death of Defence State minister Sarah Mateke Nyirabashisti last Saturday.
“How are we expected to understand this loss in such a short time?? A minister of state (Defence) Hon Sarah Mateke, Brig Gen (rtd) Kyambadde and our Director training and Doctrine for Land Forces Brig Gen Fred Twinamasiko in accident!! All gone just like that. May the Lord strengthen their families. It is a difficult moment. MHSRP,” Deo Akiiki eulogised.
Deo Akiiki condoled with the families of the two military officers who are facing difficult moments following the tragic news.
Reknowned Blogger Frank Mwesigwa has also condoled the tragic passing on of the two soldiers.
“Brig Gen (Retired) Kyambadde and Brig Gen Fred Twinamasiko who was director Training and Doctrine for Land Forces have lost their lives in a car accident on Masaka Road. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and comrades during this difficult time. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” he wrote on his X handle.
The Uganda government is yet to announce burial arrangements for the two fallen soldiers.
Over the years, the link between corporate governance and stock market performance has become more evident, with investors paying closer attention to a company’s governance practices before investing. Private equity investors also show a greater preference for companies that embrace good corporate governance standards.
Today, the principles of corporate governance have become essential to gain shareholder confidence and maximize shareholder value. Companies with good governance practices are better equipped to navigate economic downturns with agility.
In this context, the Capital Market Authority (CMA), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has developed the Capital Market Corporate Governance Code.
This code has been benchmarked against leading global frameworks and initiatives, including those from the OECD, IFRS, EU, the Task Force for Climate-related Disclosures (TCFD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the virtual launch of the governance code, CMA CEO, Mr. Thapelo Tsheole said that the corporate governance code will foster investor confidence. “Confidence and integrity are crucial for the development of any capital market. Investors invest with the understanding that their money is in good hands and will remain in good hands. Good corporate governance structures inspire this confidence,” he said.
Tsheole added that Rwanda’s capital market is in competition for capital, with investors spoilt for choice, hence the need for a competitive strategy.
Investors today have expanded their focus beyond a company’s financial performance to include the financial risks and opportunities arising from broader economic, environmental, and societal challenges, as well as a company’s ability to manage and adapt to those risks.
“Our education level has increased generally but we are not yet at the level we want to be judging from what we see elsewhere,” he said.
Kagame’s comments underscored the collective nature of the effort required to elevate the education system.
“By swearing in, it means you have accepted and are ready to work for your country in this new capacity but this commitment is not solely your responsibility. This oath doesn’t mean that improving the education sector is yours alone. It is a collective responsibility and we are here to work with you and support you all through,” he emphasized.
The President highlighted the role of every Rwandan in this shared endeavor. “It is all our responsibility, the youth, the old; The task of enhancing education involves contributions from all segments of society.”
“Education is one of the most important things that help our country’s development and the Rwandan population in general. The outcomes of a strong education system also positively impact Rwanda’s interactions on the global stage,” he emphasized.
Kagame elaborated on the concept of holistic education, which blends local and international perspectives. “Holistic education involves aspects picked from Rwanda as a country and aspects picked from other countries. This approach aims to enrich students’ understanding by incorporating diverse global viewpoints, thus better preparing them to handle various challenges,” he explained.
The Head of State concluded by emphasizing that good education lays a critical foundation for personal and national advancement, noting that good education prepares people to be ready to face all the problems and challenges that they encounter.
Nsengimana was appointed Minister of Education on September 11, 2024, replacing Gaspard Twagirayezu, who became the Director General of the National Space Agency.
He was previously the Director of the Mastercard Foundation, focusing on promoting education for all through technology. Before working with Mastercard, Nsengimana was employed at Intel Corporation, an American technology company.
Security sources and eyewitnesses confirmed to the media house that these individuals held several meetings with members of the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) in the provinces of Cibitoke and Kayanza, regions known to have sheltered FLN elements for several years.
Participants in these meetings included Lieutenant General Hamada Habimana, commander-in-chief of the FLN rebels, as well as Major General Pacifique Ntawunguka, military leader of the FDLR.
The presence of Brigadier General Antoine Hakizimana, better known as Jeva, and Colonel Honoré Hategekimana, alias Théophile, who claims to lead the armed branch of the FLN, was also reported.
According to SOS Media, these meetings took place in places such as the Green Village Iwacu Hotel in Bukinanyana, which belongs to Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, as well as the Mwarangabo Hotel in Cibitoke, owned by police colonel Jérôme Ntibibogora, frequently implicated in cases of abuse and assassinations of opponents.
According to SOS Media, these meetings were conducted on August 29 and 30, and on September 3. They illustrate close and potentially alarming coordination between the Burundian authorities and these armed groups hostile to the Rwandan government.
In a notice on Friday, September 13, 2024, the police said the auction will take place in Gatsata, in Kigali, from October 8 to October 10, 2024,
“The auction will take place publicly where the vehicles are parked, in Gatsata. Viewing of the vehicles will begin on September 16 and end on October 3, 2024,” the notice reads, adding, “The law stipulates that a vehicle held for over a month in police parking can be auctioned.”
All individuals whose vehicles have been seized have been urged to promptly visit the location where the vehicles are parked to resolve pending issues that led to the seizure of their vehicles before they are auctioned.
Some of the reasons a vehicle may be impounded include the lack of an inspection certificate, traffic offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, and unpaid fines, among others.
Public transport vehicles and trucks are subjected to mechanical inspection every six months.
The vehicle roadworthiness inspection tests the shock absorbers, brakes (including the handbrake), axle play detection, wheel alignment and vehicle geometry, steering system, headlights, and a visual inspection of the vehicle’s body condition, among other aspects. It also tests fuel emissions to combat greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.
Amb. Nduhungirehe made these remarks during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at Kigali Convention Centre on September 12, 2024. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, drew diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.
Rwanda firmly upholds the One-China principle, while China has consistently supported Rwanda’s national unity and efforts to combat Genocide denial and hate speech.
China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.
Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), is one of many infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions. The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.
Rwanda’s cooperation with China is further strengthened through platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).
China is also engaged in key sectors such as agriculture, education, ICT, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. A prime example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation program, which has benefitted 35,000 Rwandan farmers.
In light of this, Amb. Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s deep appreciation for China’s contributions, stating, “Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development. This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education, aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.
He was referring to recent engagements where President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance.
Kagame met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and elevated bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an important milestone in bilateral relations.
Besides, more close friendship ties have been cemented. Notably, this year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the District of Musanze, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries.
“China-Rwanda relations are now at the best in history. Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries,” he stated.
Amb. Xuekun emphasized the need to work together to advance cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership to create more benefits for the two peoples.
{{China’s development: A model of growth and global impact}}
Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years, Amb. Xuekun highlighted how the country has transformed from a society facing shortages of food and clothing into a global economic powerhouse under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, a 223-fold increase from 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% over the past 70 years. The per capita GDP rose from $194 in 1980 to $12,700 in 2023, almost matching the global average.
Over the past 75 years, China also made significant strides in improving the quality of life for its citizens. About 100 million of the Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.
The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.
According to Amb. Xuekun, China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.
In 2023, China ranked first in the global scale of renewable energy, with more than half of the world’s newly installed capacity.
For 9 consecutive years, China has produced and sold the most new-energy vehicles in the world, accounting for 60% of the world’s total in 2023.
China is now among the world’s top countries in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others. It has contributed more than 30% to world annual economic growth in the past decade, remaining as a robust engine of the world economy.
Among others, China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The country also established diplomatic relations with 183 countries in the world.
“Looking back on the history in the past 75 years, we are deeply proud of what we have achieved. And we are determined to achieve more,” noted Amb. Xuekun, underscoring the country’s commitment to world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
The monument was installed in the north garden area at the UN offices on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, coinciding with the 79th session of the UN General Assembly which opened on Tuesday.
Mellisa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications at the UN, termed the installation of the monument as a permanent tribute to more than one million people who were systematically killed during the 100 days of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“The Kwibuka Flame of Hope will burn forever as a visual reminder for the international community and all visitors coming here to the United Nations on the need to speak out and say no to hate,” Fleming stated.
“It serves as a solemn reminder of the responsibility that we, as diplomats and representatives of the international community, bear in preventing atrocities. The flame urges us to act when confronted with the early warning signs of mass violence, to ensure that the lessons of Rwanda are not forgotten.”
The Genocide followed years of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech exacerbating ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities in Rwanda.
The international community is blamed for its inaction to stop the Genocide which left many more victims injured and raped.
Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the Kwibuka Flame of Hope monument “serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.”
The inscription on the statue “The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Remember – Unite – Renew” emphasizes the importance of remembering, uniting, and rebuilding as a nation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Rwandans, while honouring the memory of those lost.
