Responding to concerns about the risk of division within the continent, Kagame emphasized that the seats should not be held by any single nation permanently
His response was clear: “One permanent seat would have to be held by AU Commission and 2nd seat by African Country on rotational basis!!! Not held by any single country permanently.”
His remarks came after Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani, who leads the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), expressed reservations about the current proposal to grant Africa two permanent seats.
Kimani said, “Africa must be strategic in considering these P5 invitations for permanent Security Council seats. Without proper reforms in the AU, the U.S. offer — though welcome — would turn the Union into a club of 2 giants and 53 minnows, deepening division and fragmenting our collective intent.”
“Such changes at the UN must align with, and be secondary to, Africa’s historic journey of integration, or they will become mere feel-good measures that uphold current power structures without better safeguarding international peace, security, and African independence,” he warned.
If Africa were to be granted these two seats, it would help the continent have a stronger voice in decisions affecting its member states on security matters. A permanent seat gives its holder the power to veto decisions supported by other countries.
Kagame’s comments reflect his long-standing advocacy for a more inclusive and united Africa on the global stage. His proposal ensures that all African nations would have a chance to be represented, promoting equity and collective responsibility across the continent.
Juliana Kangeli Muganza previously worked as an analyst in the Strategy and Policy Council at the Office of the President.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Oxford University and a Bachelor’s degree from Drexel University in the United States.
Her previous international experience includes working as the Programme Coordinator at the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution from May 2013 to May 2014.
RDB was established by Law No. 46/2013 of June 16, 2013. It is tasked with accelerating economic development in Rwanda by supporting the growth of the private sector.
It also has the mandate to participate in the preparation and implementation of policies and strategies aimed at expediting all economic development activities and assisting both the government and the private sector in actively participating in them.
It is responsible for implementing policies and strategies to promote domestic and foreign investment in Rwanda to accelerate economic development.
Additionally, RDB is tasked with implementing policies and strategies to promote the export of value-added goods and services to regional and international markets, except for those under the responsibility of other entities.
RDB also promotes the tourism sector, participates in the design and implementation of policies and strategies related to tourism, and oversees the conservation of national parks and other key tourism sites.”
He noted that, contrary to the critics, the event drew participants from all walks of life, including individuals from the corporate sector, whom he said are often too busy to meet their “missing rib” through conventional dating.
Unlike conventional dating, which emphasizes longer, one-on-one interactions that allow people to build a deeper connection before deciding to pursue a relationship, speed dating involves meeting a large number of people in a short period to assess compatibility.
“There were so many young diplomats from international embassies in Rwanda, the corporate sector, and young entrepreneurs who don’t have time to go to bars and look for someone, or to ask their families to connect them to others. They want to meet in a more corporate environment, and that was the right place for them,” Bunyeshuri said.
He added, “People who are saying otherwise were not there and probably hate the feeling that people are falling in love.”
Bunyeshuri acknowledged that criticism and the fear of being judged are some of the challenges facing emerging trends in modern dating, especially in conservative societies.
“Speed dating in Rwanda, a very conservative country, obviously faces negative talk and criticism from people. This is expected,” he added.
“With the era of social media, anyone can say anything for likes and views. Young people should stay focused,” he emphasized.
Bunyeshuri is planning another event, which he says will take place between September and October this year.
He mentioned that he has received many requests to bring back the second edition of speed dating but cautioned those seeking to participate that finding a perfect match is not guaranteed.
“I don’t want them to think that when you come, it’s a done deal that you’re going to find someone. It doesn’t work like that—you have to make a connection,” he added.
The project aims to streamline cross-border trade by removing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and automating trade processes, providing a much-needed boost to Rwanda’s economic growth. A key component of the new project is the automation of cross-border trade processes.
Rwanda has already implemented an Electronic Single Window system to simplify international trade, and the project will enhance this system further. The upgraded system will allow businesses to submit all required import and export documents through a Single Transaction Portal without physically visiting different agencies.
Approvals will be granted within 24 hours, and traders will benefit from advance clearances for their goods. The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, Ronald Niwenshuti, expressed confidence in the project’s ability to simplify trade processes.
“RRA has embraced technology not only for customs modernization but also for its entire operations. This phase of Rwanda’s Electronic Single Window builds on the very impactful and successful first phase, and we are confident that it will simplify service delivery and further reduce the cost of doing business with Rwanda,” he said.
Boneza Ubucurizi is implemented by IBI, a U.S. business that works with local experts to drive the interventions. Jackie Zizane, Chief of Party, acknowledged the spirit of collaboration and commitment among stakeholders, which she believes will be vital to achieving the project’s objectives.
“We recognize the importance of partnership and cooperation in overcoming the challenges posed by non-tariff barriers. I believe that this collaborative effort will drive significant progress in promoting cross-border trade and economic growth in Rwanda,” Zizane stated.
Keisha L. Effiom, the USAID Mission Director for Rwanda and Burundi, highlighted the significance of a strong private sector for Rwanda’s development.
“Projects like this one are key for development: with its laser-focus on fixing the obstacles, it will bring benefits to the private sector, the government, and the Rwandan consumers,” she noted.
Effiom emphasized the holistic approach that USAID takes towards development, saying, “When the private sector grows, the country as a whole prospers, because businesses reinvest their earnings into operations and local communities.”
NTBs are obstacles that increase the cost of doing business, unrelated to the direct payment of tariffs. For landlocked Rwanda, issues such as paperwork and wait times along the major transport corridors to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam ports are a significant burden.
Goods are often delayed for days at border points, resulting in higher costs that ultimately affect consumers.
As such, the Rwandan government has established National Monitoring Committees on NTBs to identify and eliminate these barriers.
The Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation project will work closely with these committees, strengthening Rwanda’s strategy for removing NTBs and improving the overall trade environment.
Another major improvement is the expansion of ASYCUDA World, the Rwanda Revenue Authority’s customs software, which will include new features like an Advance Ruling Mechanism. This mechanism allows customs decisions to be made online before the goods even reach the border, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
The Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity is a four-year project funded by the United States through USAID, with a budget of $5 million. Its goal is to eliminate NTBs, increase the automation of cross-border trade, and promote seamless and efficient trade processes that benefit Rwandan businesses and consumers alike.
By improving the efficiency of trade and reducing the costs associated with border crossings, this initiative will position Rwandan companies for greater success in international markets and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, she expressed her desire to use her influence to help as many children as possible access medical care to prevent blindness, with support from Light for the World, an international disability and development NGO dedicated to promoting an inclusive society.
She also spoke about her success at the pageant and future plans to participate in Miss Universe in October, her mixed heritage, love for Rwanda, popular tourist destinations and hobbies, as well as the country’s music and fashion industries.
{{Here is the transcript of the full interview:
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{{Q: What inspired you to contest for Miss Belgium 2024, and what helped you win?
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How I think I won is by having a very clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. What inspired me to contest for Miss Belgium 2024 is that, when you become Miss Belgium, you get a platform. You gain the ability to change a lot of things in your own country and other countries as well. You become a spokesperson for your country, and you can change a lot by just speaking out.
Before this, I was just a student with great ideas, but as a student, you can’t achieve the same impact as Miss Belgium. I wanted to become Miss Belgium to make a change and talk about issues like children’s mental health and the importance of education.
That was my goal, and I even shared this during the final stage of the competition. I was so happy when the judges appreciated that, and that’s how I became Miss Belgium.
{{Q: What does this victory mean to you on a personal level?
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This victory is important because I didn’t aspire to be Miss Belgium just for fame or media attention—I wanted to make a change. As a kid, I was fortunate to have access to school and university, but I know many children in Rwanda, especially those who are blind, don’t have the same opportunities.
I found Light for the World through a friend in Belgium, and they help thousands of babies every year at Kabgayi to get the surgeries they need to prevent blindness caused by cataracts. This is very important to me. My goal as Miss Belgium is to make a difference by supporting these children.
{{Q: What inspired you to choose a good charity for Rwanda?
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I wanted to focus on children who needed my help the most. I thought about how I could make a big difference in a short time because I’m only Miss Belgium for one year.
After that, I lose the title. When I visited Rwanda as a child, I saw how difficult life was for blind children—going to school or finding a job was almost impossible. I want to help more than a thousand babies a year get the surgery they need, giving them a brighter future.
Vision is the foundation of a bright future here in Rwanda because they need to see to go to school and work. If I can raise money in Belgium or Rwanda to help these kids, I’ll do everything I can.
We’re planning benefit events in Belgium where companies can donate, and all the money will go to Light for the World, so the Rwandan doctors get everything they need.
{{Q: Tell us more about your upbringing and Rwandan heritage.
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My connection with Rwanda is very special because my mom is Rwandan, and my whole family is from here. Every year, we would come to Rwanda to visit my grandparents.
Sadly, they’ve passed away, but I spent every summer in Rwanda—first in Gikondo, then Nyarutarama. I’m very close to my roots, and Rwanda is as important to me as Belgium.
The only downside is I don’t speak Kinyarwanda fluently, but I understand almost everything. My mom would speak Kinyarwanda with her sisters, and I got frustrated that I couldn’t understand, so I taught myself a bit. I can’t make full sentences, but I find it very important to at least understand the people from my country.
{{Q: What is one thing you like the most about Rwanda and how have the Rwandan roots influenced your identity?
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What I love most about Rwanda is how important family is. Everyone takes care of each other, even neighbors and friends are considered family. When I come to Rwanda, even if I don’t know you, I feel like you are family.
My Rwandan roots have influenced my identity, especially because I was very close to my mom. She showed me that in Rwanda, you have to care for others, especially those in need, whether they lack money or need medical help.
{{Q: How often do you visit Rwanda, and what places or experiences stand out to you the most?
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Although I live in Belgium, I visit Rwanda almost every year. As a child, I was always in Kigali, but now that I’m an adult, I’m exploring other parts of the country.
Last year, I travelled by car and saw the whole country. I visited Kibuye, Gisenyi, Mount Bisoke, and Akagera [Akagera National Park] in just one week! What stood out most to me were the fishermen in Kibuye. Their story was so powerful, and they believed in creating positive vibes while fishing. I spent a day with them, and it was magical. Kibuye is definitely my favourite spot in Rwanda.
{{Q: How do you think the creative industries (music, film, and fashion) in Rwanda are evolving, and would you like to contribute?
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The music scene in Rwanda is evolving quickly, and there are some amazing artists. I’ve seen concerts and videos on YouTube, and international artists are also taking notice.
For example, Stromae [Belgian singer and rapper Paul Van Haver] is of Rwandan descent, and I believe we have incredible talent. I think Rwanda will grow even faster in the future.
Miss Rwanda is also a great way to showcase the country on an international stage. With the world cycling championship happening next year, Rwanda will gain more recognition through sports, but I also think strong women can help show the world what Rwanda has to offer. If I can help in that, I’d love to contribute.
{{Q: Are there any Rwandan musicians or fashion figures you admire?
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I admire Meddy. When I was younger, I often rode in cabs in Kigali, and I always heard his song ‘Igipimo’. I’ve loved that song ever since, so Meddy is one of my favourite artists.
I also admire Naomi, Miss Rwanda 2020. She’s done amazing things for the country, and I’m so proud of her. I want to congratulate her on her upcoming wedding. These two are people I look up to in Rwanda. Naomi is a great role model, and I think she’s an excellent spokesperson for Rwandan women.
{{Q: Have you faced any challenges related to your mixed heritage in the pageantry industry, and how have you overcome them?
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Being mixed can attract comments from both sides. Some say, “You’re not fully Rwandan,” while others say, “You’re not fully Belgian.” But I find it amusing because being mixed is a beautiful thing, and I’m proud of it.
I’ve learned to ignore the hateful comments and focus on my purpose and goals. That’s what matters most. I also hope to change how people in the media view African countries by showing the beauty of Rwanda—places like Kibuye, Akagera, and Mount Bisoke. I think more people need to see how beautiful our country and nature are.
{{Q: Outside of pageantry, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
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My hobby is modelling but I also enjoy sports, and I love going on walks. I also volunteer at animal shelters. I adopted my dog from a shelter, and I enjoy helping out there.
Another passion of mine is learning languages. I’m currently studying in English, but I usually speak Flemish. My mom spoke to me in French, and I also learned German in school. I understand Kinyarwanda, but I’m working on speaking it fluently. My main hobby is learning as many languages as I can.
{{Q: What are your long-term goals after your reign as Miss Belgium ends?
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My long-term plan is to continue helping people, possibly living in Rwanda and making a difference here. I want to keep modeling, but also combine it with helping others.
At the end of the day, I want to look back and feel proud of myself for the impact I made. I want to inspire women from all backgrounds, whether they’re Black, white, mixed, or Asian.
Every woman deserves to achieve her dreams—whether that’s getting a degree, landing a job, or being a mother. Being a mom is so powerful because we give life, and it’s our time to shine.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
I believe every woman is beautiful in her own way, whether she’s blonde, brunette, or anything else. What makes someone truly beautiful is her story—what she wants to achieve and how she goes about it.
My advice is stay true to who you are and show the world your goals and how you plan to achieve them. If you’re determined, people will choose you for who you are.
Nelly Mukazayire, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports replacing Zephanie Niyonkuru who was recently relieved of his duties.
Until his appointment to MINEDUC, Nsengimana served as Director at the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, a key initiative driving the innovative use of technology to improve access to quality education, particularly for underserved communities.
The Mastercard Foundation Centre collaborates with a wide range of actors, including innovation hubs, EdTech entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, educators, and learners, to support the integration of technology in education. This includes developing, deploying, and scaling up promising EdTech innovations that enhance learning and strengthen education systems.
Before joining the Mastercard Foundation, Nsengimana had an extensive career at Intel Corporation where he last served as Executive Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Policy, Strategy, and External Partnerships (PSEP). He was instrumental in helping Intel achieve full representation in its U.S. workforce two years ahead of schedule in 2018.
Nsengimana succeeds Twagirayezu, who has served as Minister of Education for one year, having been appointed in August 2023.
Before his appointment as Minister, Twagirayezu held the position of Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education since February 2020.
Twagirayezu was among the ministers retained by President Kagame when he [named his new Cabinet in August 2024->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/president-kagame-unveils-30-member-cabinet], following his re-election.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by various government officials, including the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire Musoni, Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore and the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Dr. Francis Gatare.
This project will be implemented by the Government of Rwanda through RDB in partnership with Africa50, an investment platform for infrastructure projects that generate benefits across Africa.
Covering 61 hectares, the project is expected to cost around $2 billion and will include buildings that will host international universities, technology companies, commercial facilities, and more.
The city will feature a large center with bases focusing on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. Some buildings in Kigali Innovation City will have solar-powered roofs, and the vehicles used within the area will predominantly be electric, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire Musoni, mentioned that the idea for this project has been in development for over 10 years. It was conceived to create a hub for various sectors, including education and technology. She stated that in the next 10 years, Rwanda expects this project to be a reality and play a significant role in technological development.
The buildings in this city will have unique construction designs, with some adorned with special Rwanda traditional decorative features. Kigali Innovation City will also feature wide roads, coffee shops, and restaurants with outdoor seating. Additionally, it will include high-end buildings for international tech companies, hotels, modern student accommodations, and residential areas.
Currently, some parts of the project are already under construction, including the African Leadership University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa.
Dr. Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, highlighted that this is a major milestone for Rwanda in its quest to establish a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
“We are here to celebrate this achievement for our nation, its leadership, and the people of Rwanda, who are committed to building a knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
“Kigali Innovation City is one of Rwanda’s flagship projects and serves as a cornerstone of our strategy to develop a knowledge-based economy. This project reflects the power of collaboration between our people and leadership to transform our country and make innovation, education, and technology the foundation of our future,” he explained.
Once fully completed, the project is expected to generate $150 million annually from the technology developed there and attract $300 million in foreign investment.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente noted that this project will benefit not only Rwanda but also other Africans.
“We are laying the foundation for a bright future where every African can benefit from cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Kigali Innovation City is more than just infrastructure; it is a convergence that will drive innovation, attract talent, and bring investment from around the world.”
He urged both local and international investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Kigali Innovation City. This groundbreaking ceremony comes just days after the Government of Rwanda signed an agreement with Africa50, a platform that invests in infrastructure projects that benefit the African continent.
East African countries have been working on railway projects for some time, and Tanzania recently launched electric train services, with the first train in June 2024 carrying 1,400 passengers.
Tanzania, which lies to the east of Rwanda, is expected to be the route through which the railway leading to Rwanda will pass, and markers have already been placed along the proposed path.
Rwanda is required to invest over $1.5 billion, while Tanzania, which has a larger share of the project, needs to invest more than $2.5 billion.
On September 10, 2024, China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, told the press that during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two countries agreed to continue cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, education, and agriculture.
Gao Zhiqiang, the Economic Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, was asked if China plans to partner with Rwanda on the construction of a railway. He responded that the project is costly, considering Rwanda’s terrain and the route the railway would need to take to reach the country.
He explained that building a railway in landlocked countries, like Rwanda, requires a lot of resources, which is why they chose to focus on developing road networks connecting different parts of the country.
“It’s a massive project; it’s quite a challenge for landlocked countries like Rwanda. It requires a lot to implement this project in Rwanda, especially due to the country’s terrain, and it would cost a lot of money to build a railway from other regions into Rwanda and within the country itself.”
“As far as I know, we are focusing on collaborating with the Government of Rwanda in constructing road networks in various regions, both in Kigali and rural areas.”
Zhiqiang also mentioned that although China is not funding the railway project, that does not mean the Rwandan government has abandoned it. In fact, a Chinese company is working with the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda and other partners to conduct feasibility studies on how Rwanda can build its own railway.
The railway project most frequently discussed is the one connecting Rwanda and Tanzania.
The agreement to build the 532-kilometer Isaka-Kigali railway was signed on March 9, 2018. The project was estimated to cost $3.6 billion.
On the Rwandan side, the proposed route shows that the railway will pass through Rusumo and reach Kigali [at Dubai Ports in Kicukiro], with an additional 18 kilometres extending to Bugesera International Airport.
The railway will cover 138 kilometres in Rwanda, while Tanzania’s portion will be 394 kilometres.
There is also a proposed 1,500-kilometer railway from Mombasa to Kigali via Uganda, although this project has stalled. Kenya had already completed the initial phase of this project from Mombasa to Nairobi.
To maintain its dominance in the high-end smartphone market, Apple said the company’s AI software will be used to improve Siri, as well as enhance features such as recognizing and identifying objects captured by the phone’s camera.
Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in a test version from October as part of iOS 18.1.
The iPhone 16 lineup’s camera system includes a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x Telephoto option, while a new Ultra Wide camera enables macro photography.
Company executives noted that the phone’s new A18 chip delivers a significant leap in performance and efficiency, allowing for demanding AAA games and providing a major boost in battery life.
A notable feature of the iPhone 16 is a customizable button that can control the camera, in a design similar to previous models.
Available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in five colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are made from titanium and feature additional AI capabilities, such as offering suggestions on how to set up photo shoots more effectively and providing audio-editing features aimed at professional-level video production.
Prices for the iPhone 16 start at $799 (about RWF 1.06 million), while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 (about RWF 1.19 million). The devices are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
Apple will start accepting pre-orders for the new iPhones on Friday, September 13, and the devices will be available for purchase on September 20, 2024.
The unveiling of the new phones is expected to further intensify competition in the market, as rivals like South Korea’s Samsung and China’s Huawei continue to release products aimed at delivering powerful, personalized experiences to their users.
Huawei is expected to release its trifold phones in the coming days, with prices starting at more than $2,800. These devices will also come equipped with artificial intelligence features such as text translation and cloud-based content generation.
{{Apple Watch and AirPods
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In addition to the iPhone 16, Apple also unveiled new Apple Watches and AirPods with health-focused capabilities and hardware-design improvements.
Apple executives explained that the new watch can detect longer-term health conditions, such as sleep apnea, and can respond to emergencies, like a fall.
Operations at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were paralyzed on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, after workers went on strike to protest the planned leasing of the country’s main airport.
The strike began at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday and caused flight delays and cancellations for both departing and arriving passengers, leaving many stranded.
Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), confirmed the flight disruptions, stating, “We continue to observe the situation and will provide updates on the affected flights.”
RwandAir was also impacted by the strike and had to cancel two flights on Wednesday morning. The airline, however, confirmed that affected passengers would be rebooked on the next available flights.
“Due to the ongoing strike by airport staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our flights WB452/WB453 KGL/NBO/KGL on 11 September 2024 are canceled. All affected passengers will be rebooked on the next available flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” RwandAir said in a post on X.
Due to the ongoing strike by airport staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our flights WB452/WB453 KGL/NBO/KGL on 11 September 2024 are cancelled. All affected passengers will be rebooked on the next available flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The strike was organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which represents airport workers. The union argues that the proposed agreement to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group for 30 years would lead to job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers.
The Kenyan government announced plans to lease the airport in July, stating that it is operating above capacity and needs modernization. The government insists that the airport is not for sale.
The government suffered a setback on Tuesday when the High Court suspended the airport’s management takeover following a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
The petitioners argued that the estimated $1.85 billion required to revamp the airport could be raised without resorting to a multi-decade leasing contract.
“The Adani proposal is unaffordable, threatens job losses, exposes the public disproportionately to fiscal risk, and offers no value for money to the taxpayer,” the organizations argued in their legal filing.
