UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, confirmed the funding at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
The contribution will be directed towards AgDevCo Ventures, a funding facility designed to help small and medium-sized agribusinesses grow.
With previous UK investments, AgDevCo has already made a significant impact on Rwanda’s food security, improving nutrition and creating a substantial number of quality jobs in businesses such as Kigali Farms and Kivu Choice.
The Africa Food Systems Forum is the world’s premier event for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons to advance African food systems. The summit kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Minister Collins is in the country for a three-day visit. As part of the visit, he will also review the successes of UK action on climate finance and sustainable cooling, and visit Trinity Metals to understand how responsible mining supports Rwanda’s green energy transition ambitions.
“During my visit to Rwanda, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship. Our two countries continue to collaborate on a range of important issues, including climate change and mutual prosperity,” he stated.
The minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, James Kabarebe, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues.
The Kigali Green City is a sustainable and affordable development project featuring eco-friendly buildings that utilize renewable energy, recyclable materials, and are constructed with locally sourced materials. The master plan for this city has been finalized, and residents are now permitted to begin construction in line with it, provided they obtain the required building permits.
The project will be undertaken in a 600-hectare area, where the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle was previously located, in Kinyinya, within the City of Kigali and its surroundings. The planning director of Kigali City, Marie Solange Muhirwa, announced that the master plan, which will guide the implementation of the Kigali Green City project in Kinyinya, is now ready.
The Green City project will be divided into 18 zones, each equipped with all necessary amenities.
“We envisioned a city where all essential services are available within a 15-minute walking distance, and we are conducting a trial in Kinyinya. Once completed, we will implement this in other areas as well,” Muhirwa stated.
In Green City Kigali, affordable housing will be constructed for a population ranging from 170,000 to 200,000 residents. Muhirwa explained that the project will include mid-range housing accessible to people from all walks of life and will be designed to withstand climate change.
“This will be a neighbourhood like any other, but with the capacity to handle climate change. We also want to use materials produced in Rwanda,” she said.
“We aim to build affordable housing within the financial reach of current and future residents so that those living here today can continue to do so.”
As part of the Green City plan, different sections will be prepared, each resembling a village, with basic infrastructure such as schools, roads, markets, health centers, and entertainment facilities. She highlighted that the master plan was developed in collaboration with Fonerwa and the residents of Kinyinya, who were given the opportunity to provide input.
Regarding transportation, it is expected that residents will rely on public transport or bicycles for their commutes. There are also plans to build roads connecting the area to job opportunities, such as a road linking to the Masoro industrial park, where employment is available.
As an environmentally friendly city, it will play a significant role in beautifying Kigali and reducing the impact of air pollution. Additionally, waste will be managed in a way that promotes recycling rather than becoming a problem, as is commonly the case.
The master plan indicates that at least 75% of the electricity used in the neighbourhood will come from renewable energy, and the houses will be designed to conserve both electricity and water.
Beyond entertainment areas, the plan includes spaces dedicated to tourism promotion and environmental conservation, such as an Urban Eco-Park. It is also planned to create at least 50,000 jobs in Kinyinya through the establishment of business opportunities within the different zones. In this project, residents can build houses that comply with the master plan, or investors may do so on their behalf.
The types of houses to be built will vary depending on the location, with more sophisticated buildings required as one approaches the main road. The government’s role is to provide the necessary infrastructure for the area, including roads, water, electricity, schools, markets, health centers, and more.
Some residents had previously expressed concerns about not receiving building permits since the project was announced, but now the City of Kigali is ready to issue them to those who wish to build in line with the master plan.
There will be a road surrounding the area, as well as one designated for large public transportation buses, making travel easier. A network of roads will also be built on slopes, areas with trees, and covered pedestrian paths. A valley will connect pedestrian pathways surrounded by forests and the road designated for large public transportation buses.
Additionally, there will be easy-to-use infrastructure accessible to everyone. The area will have nursery, primary, secondary, vocational (TVET), and university schools, as well as areas designated for economic activities aimed at promoting non-agricultural jobs.
Speaking during a media engagement in Kigali on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Irembo’s Chief Operations Officer, Patrick Gategabondo, said the expansion strategy aligns with the company’s vision of providing a unified platform for all types of services.
Irembo, established in 2014, is renowned for developing and maintaining IremboGov, a one-stop portal for e-governance services and the gateway to Rwandan government services. Some of the new services on the platform include applications for import permits, business operator licenses, premises registration services, the legalization of public documents from Rwanda to be used abroad (Apostille), and ID replacement for diaspora residents, among others.
As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has obtained a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the Central Bank, which enables the company to offer secure and efficient digital payment solutions through its platform, Irembopay.
“We’ve seen how our collaboration with the government has effectively addressed challenges in government-to-citizen and government-to-business services. We believe this approach will be even more impactful in solving business-to-citizen and business-to-business needs,” Gategabondo stated.
As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has also set its sights on markets beyond Rwanda’s borders, aiming to forge broader partnerships and extend its influence regionally and internationally, particularly the Global South.
“Irembo was a brainchild of the new Rwanda, but when it began being developed, we immediately understood that there was no way we could build a solution that does not extend beyond just Rwanda. So, one of the absolute plans and dreams we have is to build something so intelligent that it will actually help build other continents,” Gategabondo explained
Considering that there are more or less similar issues in terms of access and reaching out to citizens this development seeks to replicate the model available in Rwanda in other places including Central, Western, Southern, Eastern Africa, and beyond.
“We have a strong belief that we are on the right path, and hopefully, if we can move forward soon enough, we’ll be able to reach the next level,” Gategabondo said, emphasizing the company’s future plans.
IremboPay is a digital payment gateway that allows companies and other organizations to receive digital payments. It supports various payment options and is integrated with telcos, mobile money, and credit or debit cards.
Kevin Kabera, the Business Development Manager at Irembo, told IGIHE that the service, which has primarily been operational for government institutions, has now begun expanding into the private sector.
“Now that we’ve secured the license from the Central Bank, we are currently engaging different private companies to start supporting them with digital payment collections,” Kabera revealed, adding, “Irembopay is fully integrated with Momo, Airtel Money, different banks and cards.”
The recent certification from the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) allows Irembo to compete with other payment gateways in the market.
In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.
One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.
According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.
“Our tricycles, capable of carrying both goods and passengers, are easy to operate and don’t require fuel, making them a hit in many African countries,” said Wang Juxiang, head of the company’s technical department.
As trade between China and Africa booms, more African consumers are embracing quality Chinese products like smartphones and electric vehicles, creating new growth opportunities for Chinese companies.
Jiangsu, a manufacturing powerhouse in China, is witnessing a surge in its enterprises exploring new collaborative ventures across the vast African continent.
According to customs data, Jiangsu’s trade with Africa reached 97.43 billion yuan (about 13.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of this year, marking a 30.3 percent year-on-year increase.
Keiper Changshu Seating Mechanisms Co., Ltd., specializing in manufacturing key automotive seating components, is among those making significant strides in the African market.
“In the first half, we exported 222,000 automobile seat parts to South Africa. Our clients are satisfied with the quality of our products,” said Han Tingwen, an engineer at the company.
With an abundant variety of commodities, convenient and fast logistics, and a good business environment, the city of Yiwu in east China’s Zhejiang Province is often referred to as “the world’s supermarket.”
The Yiwu International Trade Market, offering 2.1 million types of goods and serving over 200 countries and regions, counts Africa among its top export destinations.
Thanks to growing China-Africa trade relations, the city’s exports to Africa make up about one-twelfth of China’s total exports to the region in 2023, while its imports from Africa are increasing.
Currently, over 560,000 overseas merchants make purchases in Yiwu each year, with African traders representing more than 10 percent of that number. Additionally, over 3,000 merchants from Africa reside in Yiwu.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record 282.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Notably, China’s exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products to Africa in 2023 surged year on year by 291 percent, 109 percent and 57 percent, respectively.
Beyond traditional sectors such as primary processing industries, Sino-African trade cooperation is expanding into emerging fields like the digital economy, healthcare and financial services.
Chinese-made products are also enjoying smoother entry into African markets. Wuxi BioHermes Bio and Medical Technology Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu recently shipped a batch of glycated hemoglobin analyzers and test kits to Algeria.
“In the field of diabetes diagnosis, we’ve miniaturized large lab equipment into portable devices, making transportation easier and more cost-effective for our African clients,” said Liu Yan, the company’s general manager, adding that thanks to expedited customs procedures, the company has shortened its delivery cycle by 15 percent, further solidifying its customer base in Africa.
“Our personal care products are now sold in over 10 African countries and regions, with related exports growing by 15 percent year on year in the first half of this year,” said Chen Caiming, a foreign trade manager at a biotechnology company in Jiangsu.
Chen said the company’s products have been well received by African customers, prompting local customs authorities to open a green channel for sea freight exports, which significantly improves shipping efficiency. “Our orders from African clients are already booked through November, and we are confident in our ability to deliver on time without compromising quality.”
Sang Baichuan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, said the rapid development of Sino-African trade is rooted in mutual benefits and shared interests.
“This is not only a testament to China’s high-quality development but also plays a significant role in advancing African social progress and improving local living standards,” said Sang.
“The economic complementarity between China and Africa is robust,” Sang noted. “China possesses mature, applicable technologies and ample financial resources, while African nations have abundant human and natural advantages.”
“Cementing trade ties between both sides facilitates the optimal use of these strengths and the vast market potential, leading to mutually beneficial and shared development,” he added.
FWGA also works in collaboration with core, implementing, and institutional partners such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), DSM-Firmenich, Boston Consulting Group, Vanguard Economics in Rwanda and others. This latest effort advances the Alliance’s long-term vision of catalyzing a significant shift in consumption patterns of FWGs to tackle global malnutrition and promotion of more sustainable food systems for people.
{{Measurable Impact, Lasting Change}}
With active initiatives underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, focusing on fortified whole-grain maize, expansion plans included at least three West African nations (Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin) concentrating on parboiled unpolished rice and North Africa (Egypt), where efforts would focus on whole wheat flour.
The FWGA also set a target of at least 50% of grain foods in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets within low and middle income countries (LMICs) to access fortified whole grain by 2032.
{{Fortified Whole Grains: A sustainable solution}}
Shifting from refined grains to FWGs offers a multitude of benefits. They can significantly improve dietary quality without increasing production costs. Fortified whole grains offer six to seven times more nutritional value than their refined counterparts, providing higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients.
In addition, this transition supports environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as FWGs require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides.
{{Quotes from Key Speakers}}
{{Hon. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Ministry of Local Government for the Government of Rwanda: }}
“Together, we are more than just a coalition; we are a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when governments, the private sector, nonprofits, and communities come together with a shared vision. By working together, we can create a future where fortified whole grains are a staple in every household, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.”
{{Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President for Food, The Rockefeller Foundation: }}
“The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations – especially people living in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone, no matter their circumstances, can thrive.”
{{Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN:}}
“GAIN is excited to be a part of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance. This initiative has the potential to significantly impact global nutrition, especially if we focus on public procurement. By increasing the availability of fortified whole grains, we can improve the health of millions of people while benefiting the environment.”
{{Join the Movement for a Healthier Future}}
The launch of the FWGA signifies a pivotal moment in the global fight against malnutrition and the promotion of sustainable food systems. Learn more about the Alliance, its mission, and how you can be a part of this transformative movement by visiting the FWGA website: [FWGA – Fortified Whole Grain Alliance->https://fwg-alliance.org/]
{{About the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA)}}
The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) is a coalition of stakeholders that span across the food system, including nonprofit and private sector members and is committed to increasing the global consumption of fortified whole grains (FWG).
It is committed to delivering its stated mission, purpose and vision by bringing together the collective expertise, resources, operations, funding, visibility, and convening power of its members.
Together, we can cultivate a future where healthy diets and a thriving planet go hand in hand.
For more information, please follow [#FWGA->https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/fwga?trk=public_post_embed-text], [#LifeinFull->https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/lifeinfull?trk=public_post_embed-text], [#SustainableFoodSystems->https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/sustainablefoodsystems?trk=public_post_embed-text] and visit:
[https://lnkd.in/dPCDVNzt ->https://lnkd.in/dPCDVNzt]
[Rikke Iben Neess->https://lnkd.in/dPCDVNzt]
[www.fwg-alliance.org->http://www.fwg-alliance.org/]
The event was also a lively occasion, featuring various entertainment activities that resonated with the youth, including performances by artists Davis D and Shemi. The youth also displayed their talents through captivating performances in dance and fashion modeling.
CyberRwanda, a digital platform dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people aged 12 to 24, offers reliable information on sexual and reproductive health, alongside other resources designed to support their holistic development. In their testimonials, several youths highlighted the accuracy and relevance of the information they gained from the platform, which has empowered them to navigate adolescence with greater responsibility.
Athanase Nikobizaba, a 21-year-old who started using CyberRwanda in 2022, shared how the platform provided him with critical information he previously hesitated to seek from his parents, proving to be immensely beneficial.
“Before I discovered this platform, I used to hear myths from other boys, like having sex would clear acne or that girls should engage in sexual activities to avoid certain issues. CyberRwanda debunked these myths and provided credible information on how to handle such situations,” he said. “I’ve also learned that every youth, regardless of disability, has potential, thanks to the entrepreneurship tips available on the platform.”
Similarly, Solange Uwimana, who started using CyberRwanda in 2021 at the age of 19, expressed how the platform helped her adopt healthier behaviors during adolescence. “I used to be shy about buying sanitary pads during my periods, but now I do it without embarrassment. I also learned how to interact with people of the opposite sex in a healthy way, understanding the importance of abstinence until I am mature enough,” she shared.
Uwimana added that before discovering CyberRwanda, it was challenging to access such essential information as many parents hesitate to discuss sexual and reproductive health with their children, fearing it might encourage premature sexual activities.
She encourages other youth to use the platform, noting that it offers a wealth of valuable resources, including educational stories, videos, and a space for asking questions, advice and help.
Yvonne Uwera, YLabs’ Project Manager, explained that the outreach was organized to engage more youth and raise awareness about the platform’s reliable resources on sexual and reproductive health and development.
“We want more youth to be aware of CyberRwanda and the services it offers, as it’s a platform designed specifically for them, by their peers,” said Uwera.
She added that since its launch six years ago, the platform has supported many young people in navigating adolescence, and they plan to expand their reach by partnering with more youth centers.
Following the outreach in Bugesera, similar initiatives will continue in Kigali City and Nyanza District.
CyberRwanda, initiated by YLabs and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was launched in 2018. The platform currently partners with 13 youth centers across the country, disseminating its services to the target beneficiaries.
The information available on this platform is contributed by over 1,000 youth and stakeholders, including parents, teachers, leaders, health experts, and others.
Given the transformative power of reliable information, CyberRwanda’s role in empowering the next generation, is vital.
As the platform continues to grow and reach more youth, it holds the promise of shaping a healthier, more informed future for Rwanda’s young people.
The impact of initiatives like these extends far beyond the present, laying the foundation for a generation that is better equipped to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and build a brighter future.
Under the theme, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” the summit brings together several African and Chinese leaders to evaluate the existing cooperation environment and draw a blueprint for common development and prosperity.
On Tuesday, Kagame arrived in Beijing to attend the two-day summit slated for September 4 to 6.
Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya enjoy strong and productive bilateral relations, which have grown through collaboration in various sectors such as trade, tourism, environmental conservation, and regional security.
The recent meetings between the three heads of state highlights a common commitment to strengthening these ties.
Rwanda and Seychelles have focused on sustainable development and tourism, with both countries being recognized for their efforts in environmental conservation.
They have also collaborated in education, health, and the blue economy, with a shared interest in eco-tourism has further deepened the relationship between the two nations.
In 2018, the governments of these countries also signed agreements related to air transport, and during President Kagame’s visit to Seychelles in last year, additional agreements were signed to promote health, the military and security, tourism, agriculture, and the removal of visa requirements.
Rwanda and Kenya have a longstanding partnership, especially through their membership in the East African Community (EAC). The two countries work closely on infrastructure projects like the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP), which aim to improve trade and transportation in East Africa.
The partnership has been reinforced by agreements signed at various times, including 10 agreements signed in April 2023 to promote agriculture, education, correctional services, diplomatic training, technology, health, youth, and cooperative development.
These nations’ shared goals, aimed at fostering sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation, ensure that the partnerships between Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya will continue to thrive, benefiting both their economies and the broader region.
Presidents Ramkalawan and Ruto are among the more than 20 heads of state who came to Rwanda to support President Kagame’s inauguration ceremony, which took place at Amahoro Stadium on August 11, 2024.
At this year’s summit, leaders are expected to adopt two outcome documents, the Declaration and the Action Plan, to build major consensus between the two sides and chart a path for implementing China-Africa cooperation in the next three years.
The call was made on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, during a press briefing in Beijing, to update local and international media on preparations of the upcoming eighth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs, scheduled for September 6.
This conference is a key component of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to run from September 4 to 6.
It is jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and China’s Ministry of Commerce. Notably, this year marks the first time the conference will be held in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the briefing, Zhang Shaogang, Vice Chairman of CCPIT, highlighted the significance of this event, which will bring together around 1,000 business representatives from China and African countries.
In the lead-up to the event, significant consultations have taken place, considering important documents and projects, including the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035.
The participants will discuss issues of economic concern, build consensus for cooperation, and explore opportunities in investment, trade, and industry.
Zhang emphasized the deepening cooperation between China and Africa in recent years, underscoring the strategic guidance provided by leaders from both regions.
He affirmed China’s commitment to promoting interconnected economic development with Africa, aiming to deliver shared benefits that contribute to the consolidation of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the joint construction of a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Zhang also pointed out the similarities between Chinese and African business communities, urging entrepreneurs to leverage existing platforms for enhanced cooperation.
“I encourage entrepreneurs from China and Africa to make full use of economic trade cooperation platforms, such as the China International Supply Chain Expo, to enhance the integration of industrial and supply chains. Together, we can oppose protectionism and maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains,” he noted.
He further emphasized the potential for cooperation in emerging industries, highlighting areas such as the digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence.
During the conference, 12 entrepreneurs from China and Africa will deliver speeches focused on promoting the integration of industrial and supply chains, sharing insights and experiences, and discussing cooperation opportunities.
Besides, the conference’s special attention has been given to the integration of industrial and supply chains and the development of emerging industries among others.
Since its inception in 2003, the conference has alternated between China and Africa. This year, 48 African countries will be represented, which Zhang views as a testament to the African business community’s enthusiasm for thriving China-Africa economic and trade relations.
Participating companies will span a range of industries, from traditional sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, and finance, to emerging fields like electronics, telecommunications, and biomedicine.
FOCAC has evolved into a critical platform for collective dialogue and practical cooperation, with economic and trade collaboration under its framework yielding impressive results.
In 2023, China-Africa trade volume reached an extraordinary US$282.1 billion, an 11% increase from 2021. Additionally, China’s direct investment in Africa exceeded US$40 billion by the end of 2023, reinforcing China’s role as a leading foreign investor on the continent.
From the moment visitors step out of Beijing Capital International Airport, they are welcomed by a vibrant display of African flags lining the streets, alongside summit banners that echo the shared commitment of Africa and China to forging a brighter future together.
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, as delegates from across the globe converge on the city.
Besides, security measures have been visibly heightened, with meticulous organization reflecting the importance placed on the summit.
At the China National Convention Center, the summit venue, a hive of activity is already underway. Various pre-summit events and discussions are setting the stage for the main event, while media representatives from around the world finalize their preparations to cover the summit comprehensively. With over 130 international journalists on the ground, the global spotlight is firmly on Beijing.
The summit, scheduled for August 4th to 6th in the Chaoyang District, will unite representatives from 53 African countries and China under the theme, “Joining Forces to Promote Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community of Shared Future.”
Established in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has evolved into a cornerstone for deepening ties between Africa and China. Held every three years, alternating between China and an African host country, FOCAC has facilitated significant strides in the partnership between these regions.
The 2021 summit, which was held semi-virtually due to COVID-19, set ambitious targets, including increasing African imports to China to $300 billion. It also marked the formal integration of FOCAC into China’s Belt and Road Initiative, further intertwining the fates of these two regions.
As this year’s summit approaches, expectations are high. Many view this event as a potential turning point in Sino-African relations. Numerous bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, further solidifying the foundation for a shared future based on mutual respect and collaboration.
High-profile leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, have already arrived in Beijing. Rwanda’s cooperation with China spans multiple platforms, including FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).
China remains a leading investor in Rwanda, with over $1.1 billion in investments since 2019, primarily in manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining. Among China’s ongoing projects in Rwanda is the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital, which will expand into an 837-bed facility and become part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
Apart from Kagame., other leaders from other African nations, such as Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Chad, Gabon, South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles, and the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, have also made their way to Beijing. Those unable to attend in person have sent senior ministerial officials to represent them at this significant triennial event.
Since its inception, FOCAC has convened several key sessions: the inaugural meeting in Beijing in October 2000, followed by sessions in Addis Ababa, Sharm El Sheikh, and Johannesburg. The 2021 summit, adapted for the pandemic with a videolink between Dakar and Beijing, continued the tradition of fostering closer ties.
This year’s summit will be marked by the adoption of the FOCAC Joint Declaration and the Action Plan (2025-2027) during the opening ceremony, setting the stage for the next phase of China-Africa cooperation.
