The competition was launched on May 30, 2024, during a ceremony in Kigali. Participants can register from June 12 to 28, 2024.
Tom Crohin, Communication Officer for Enabel’s Awa Prize project, reminded everyone that the establishment of these awards for women and girls aims to show them that it is possible for them to become entrepreneurs.
He said, “It is very important to reward female entrepreneurs with promising projects that bring change because they can become role models for others. In many parts of the world, it is much harder for women than for men to become entrepreneurs for various reasons, so it is essential to support women who want to become entrepreneurs.”
Some of the prizes for the winners of this competition include training to help them expand their projects, opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs in Belgium, and more.
Among the 12 winners of the 2023 competition were Rwandan Raissa Ikuzwe and Burundian Mireille Niyonkuru, founder of BUIM in Rwanda and Burundi.
Raissa Ikuzwe, the director and founder of INO Coffee series, which processes coffee grown in Rwanda, said that the prize she received would help her expand her project.
She said, “It showed me that the effort one puts in is recognized and appreciated by people. It made me and my colleagues very happy to see our work recognized at this level […] My message to young girls is that I would tell them it is possible.”
Mireille Niyonkuru, a Burundian entrepreneur and founder of BUIM, which distributes solar-powered electricity in Rwanda and Burundi, won the third prize.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, highlighted that although women and girls still face challenges in becoming entrepreneurs, she appreciates Enabel’s program as it serves as a solution to make their dreams come true.
She said, “One area that still requires effort is for women and girls to become entrepreneurs. Although female entrepreneurs face many challenges, they play a significant role in all our economic sectors.”
The Belgian Ambassador to Rwanda, Bert Versmessen, said that this competition, being held in countries including Rwanda, aims to help women and girls undertake activities that benefit not only themselves but also the larger community. He praised the collaboration with the Rwandan government in this initiative.
To register for this competition, [click here.->https://stories.enabel.be/awa-prize/]
The three-day expo, which ran from May 29 to 31, attracted a large pool of investors, exhibitors, and visitors from more than 130 countries across the globe. As the curtains came down on the event, one could not help but notice that it was a resounding success, not only due to the prominent figures and influential leaders but also thanks to the tireless commitment of a small, dedicated staff.
This group, consisting of logisticians, technicians, security agents, and maintenance personnel, worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event ran smoothly.
IGIHE’s Christelle Butoyi spoke with some of them. They shared their day-to-day experiences.
A major event like this requires a lot of effort. For Elharti Abdel Hamid, an official catering provider, normally the day starts very early for setup.
“We get up at 5 a.m. to start work at 7 a.m.,” he said.
There are many challenges, particularly satisfying people with different temperaments, according to Abdel Hamid.
Badr, a cleaner, also opened up about his routine. According to him, his team starts work from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. They begin their routine by cleaning the premises before people enter. It is certainly a tiresome job, but he doesn’t feel it because his colleagues are like family to him.
Hiba Moustanjidi, an agent at Armonia Facilities, is usually in charge of the Media Lounge and is tasked with checking badges for access to the venue. She told IGIHE that before starting work, the team begins the day with a briefing to ensure there are no complaints.
“Gitex is always number one in Morocco, so we try to manage and meet the challenges as best we can,” she emphasised.
Another staff member, Rokaya Abdelmoujoud, plays an important role in handling VIPs, especially welcoming them and escorting them to their seats.
“On my first day, I escorted the Prime Minister of Guinea. I accompanied her for an AI visit, then to her seat,” said Rokaya, noting that “it’s a crucial task.”
IGIHE learnt that most of Rokaya’s colleagues are students who are happy to have side gigs after school. However, the biggest challenge of her job is dealing with people who use disrespectful language.
In achieving its goal of promoting innovation and fostering tech collaborations on the continent, Gitex Africa 2024 could not have succeeded without the invaluable involvement of these behind-the-scenes workers.
Their dedication and professionalism enabled a seamless event, demonstrating that behind every great success, there is a devoted team ready to go to any length to achieve excellence.
This edition of Gitex Africa not only highlighted African technological advancements but also underscored the importance of each individual contributing to the realisation of these grand ambitions.
The prestigious Atelier du Vin was the perfect setting for an evening dedicated to the nostalgic sounds of R&B and soul classics. The venue buzzed with excitement as music lovers gathered, ready to be transported back in time by the soulful beats and melodies that defined generations.
As the night unfolded, DJ Akio took to the decks, spinning a masterful selection of soul tracks that had everyone swaying and dancing. His seamless transitions and deep cuts from the golden eras of soul music created an atmosphere that was both electric and intimate. Each track seemed to resonate with the crowd, evoking memories and emotions tied to the timeless genre.
Adding to the evening’s enchantment, the charismatic host Anita engaged the audience with her warm and infectious energy. She effortlessly connected with the crowd, sharing anecdotes and insights about the music, making everyone feel like part of a soulful community. Her presence elevated the night, turning it into more than just a concert, but a shared journey through music history.
The vibes were unbeatable, with people singing along to their favorite tracks, couples dancing closely, and groups of friends enjoying the infectious rhythm. The combination of impeccable music, a stunning venue, and a lively crowd made for an unforgettable experience.
Heineken’s sponsorship played a crucial role in bringing “Strictly Soul” to Kigali, showcasing their commitment to celebrating and promoting cultural events that bring people together. The night was a testament to the power of music to unite, uplift, and transport us to another time and place.
Located in Jinhua, East China’s Zhejiang province, the African Museum of Zhejiang Normal University is the only museum of its kind in China. It plays a vital role in educating students and visitors about the diverse and vibrant cultures of Africa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the continent and the enduring ties between Africa and China.
Established in 2010 by Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies, the museum spans 400 square meters and offers an immersive experience into African culture.
The exhibits feature a wide range of historical artifacts, accompanied by informative signage explaining their significance. From musical instruments and sculptures to household items, masks, and costumes, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of African cultural practices, history, and future prospects.
The Institute of African Studies, the first of its kind in China, has evolved to offer courses on economic development to both Chinese and international students. The campus hosts thousands of international students, many of whom hail from various African countries.
This diverse student body enhances cultural exchange and learning experiences within the university community.
Speaking to foreign journalists after touring the museum recently during the 8th edition of China-Africa Youth Festival, Prof. Yoro Diallo, Executive Director of the Center for Francophone Studies at the Institute of African Studies, observed that Africa-China relations are grounded in mutual respect and deep understanding of each other’s cultures.
Prof. Diallo noted that for some African students, the museum is their first opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage, as they may come from remote villages or lack access to cultural relics in their home countries.
He highlighted many cultural similarities and shared aspects of life between Africa and China, suggesting that such exchanges can lead to better mutual understanding and improved interactions.
Prof. Diallo also expressed optimism that a museum dedicated to Chinese culture will one day be established in Africa, allowing those who cannot travel to China to learn about its culture from home.
Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) was established in 1956. It is recognized as one of the first key universities in Zhejiang province. Currently, it serves a student body of 50,000, including 1,300 international students, and employs 3,000 faculty and staff members.
For the past 13 years, ZJNU has consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in China. According to the 2023 US News World University Ranking, it holds the 649th position globally and ranks 67th in mainland China. Eight of its disciplines are among the top 1% in the ESI ranking. The university has also developed a distinctive profile in educational research and African studies.
ZJNU has established cooperative relationships with over 280 universities and research institutions in more than 60 countries and regions. These collaborations include teacher and student exchanges, scientific research partnerships, and joint training programs.
Additionally, ZJNU has founded five overseas Confucius Institutes, one independent Confucius Classroom, one Chinese teaching center, and an overseas campus branch.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula announced on Sunday that the party will be holding talks with other rival political outfits in the coming days after losing its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election. With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, the party garnered 40 per cent of the vote, ending its 30-year dominance since the end of apartheid in 1994.
“The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that is able to govern effectively. The ANC is committed to pursue a path of fundamental social and economic change for which it has received a firm mandate.
“Over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people, and that are able to take the country forward,” Mbalula stated.
In South Africa, unlike many countries in the African continent, the president is elected by Parliament after national elections.
Among the parties ANC is expected to engage are John Steenhuisen’s Democratic Alliance, which received 21 per cent of the vote, and the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) of former President Jacob Zuma, who has turned against the ANC he once led. The MKP ranked third with just over 14 per cent of the vote in the first election it has contested. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) finished fourth with just over 9 per cent.
Mbalula said the ANC would not consider any demands from potential coalition partners that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for negotiations.
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen,” the SG said, adding, “We don’t have such a mandate. We are not going to engage with political parties on the basis that we don’t want to talk to so-and-so. That is a no-go area for anyone. If you come to us with such a demand, forget it.”
Mbalula further noted that the ANC has many reservations about MKP, saying, “But we will talk to them.”
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen.” – ANC SG, Cde Fikile Mbalula on non-negotiables during coalition talks#ANCThanksSApic.twitter.com/NHiGbcVgSD
During the presser, the ANC accepted its shortcomings, telling South Africans the results sent a strong message to the once-dominant party.
“We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have ward them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction,” the party said amid concerns over joblessness, inequality and power shortages in the country.
The 2024 election results mark a significant drop from the 57.5 per cent the legacy party of Nelson Mandela garnered in the 2019 parliamentary election.
The inaugural summit scheduled for 4-5 June will draw delegations from African countries and related international organizations, key figures from Korean and international business communities, academia, civil society groups, and the press, among others.
The summit, themed ‘The future we make together: Shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity,’ will be hosted by the Korean government. It will be co-chaired by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed El Ghazouani, who is also the African Union Chairman.
According to the organizers, the summit marks Korea and Africa’s strong commitment to enhancing their cooperation.
The summit aims to explore cooperative strategies to foster collective resilience and unity for sustainable development. It will prioritize addressing global issues such as climate change, food security, supply chain stability, and health security.
The Summit will feature a session for the heads of state and international organizations and a series of conference sessions across a wide range of topics, including business, agriculture, ICT, forestry and desertification, vaccine and health security, tourism and energy.
When she presented her letters of credence to President Paul Kagame on March 26, the High Commissioner committed to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries as well as helping Kenya retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya. Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the Rwandan ambassador discusses, among others, her efforts to strengthen ties between Kenya and Rwanda, ongoing economic and social cooperation, and the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region.
{{You have been in Rwanda for a few months now. How has your experience been so far?}}
Before my posting here, I had not been to Rwanda, but I had heard a lot about Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the countries that Kenyans speak a lot about. I was really looking forward to coming to Rwanda, and when I got this posting, I was quite excited.
Having landed in Rwanda, the first thing that struck me was the reception that Rwanda gave me as a Kenyan ambassador. It was very warm, and that spoke to the relationship that Rwanda has had with Kenya ever since they began bilateral relations. I had a very warm welcome here. Very cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda are evident because, although I have been here for a short period, we have hosted quite a number of high-level dignitaries.
We have had Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) here in a span of two to three months. We had the CS for Sports, who came to attend the late Gervais Hakizimana’s burial. We had our CS for Transport, and then we had our Deputy President attending Kwibuka, representing our President. Then, just last week, we had our Head of State attending the CEO forum. That just shows how cordial we are with Rwanda. That is one of the areas that really impresses me as a new High Commissioner here.
Another thing I must say about Rwanda is it has beautiful and receptive people. We share a lot in terms of traditions, culture, and customs. When they speak Kinyarwanda, I understand it, being Bantu. We have a shared history and customs that make it very easy for a Kenyan to assimilate in Rwanda.
I will not finish this without talking about how organized Kigali is. I have not yet been able to move to other parts of Rwanda. I intend to do that within a short period of time, but I can speak about Kigali. The infrastructure is just amazing, with a very organized way of doing things. It has been a great experience.
{{Did you ever envision being an ambassador?}}
Not at all, actually. It was a surprise, but it’s something that I received with a lot of gratitude. I’ve worked with UNON and UNEP before, so I am not completely new to bilateral and international relations. That background gives me a good backdrop to deliver on this posting. It was a very exciting appointment, and what better country than Rwanda?
{{Kenya and Rwanda enjoy strong bilateral relations. What will be your key priorities in strengthening this partnership?}}
My main priority is to strengthen the already existing very good relations. My second priority would be trade and investment. We have many Kenyan companies doing business here, and there is a lot of trade between Rwanda and Kenya that I would love to see strengthened. Of great importance is the Northern Corridor, with Rwanda being a strategic country for Kenya that I want to see strengthened.
We have had a couple of engagements. Just last week, Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Ports Authority paid us a courtesy visit, and we had quite a number of engagements with the Rwandan authorities in the Ministry of Trade to see how we can enhance our use of the Northern Corridor. We also had MoUs signed when the President came here last year in April for a state visit, invited by His Excellency Paul Kagame. A few have been implemented, while others are still awaiting a mid-term review sometime in June. It’s very important for me to see that the MoUs are implemented and to take care of our large diaspora presence. We have about 8,000 Kenyans living in Rwanda, and I want to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
{{During President Ruto’s visit to Rwanda in April last year, Kenya and Rwanda signed 10 MoUs aimed at enhancing cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services. What is the progress in the implementation of the agreements?}}
We have two of them actualized. We have a couple going for midterm review, and we are in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. We are looking at June to fast track implementation, with a few still waiting for signatures. We are actively working to push the MoUs to fruition.
{{Early May, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen met with his counterparts from Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, and Rwanda to discuss plans to extend the railway network to these four countries. Previous plans to extend the railway network to Uganda faced financial challenges. For someone hearing this for the first time, how is the new plan different?}}
What they agreed upon is that Kenya is going to work together with Uganda to build a railway from Naivasha, where it has currently reached, to Kisumu and Malaba. I am aware that Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are collaborating to finance the railway network.
If actualized, Rwanda will pay less for products. Using the SGR has been a challenging area for them because their products come to Naivasha, where they have to store them and then use the road. So, they end up paying twice: once for the road and once for the SGR. This will be a win for both Kenya and Rwanda once actualized.
{{Instability in the eastern DRC poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region. President Ruto said recently that dialogue is the only solution to the problem in Congo. Beyond the TV remarks, what are some of the steps Kenya has taken to ensure there is peace in the region?}}
We already have the Nairobi-led peace process for the DRC and the Luanda process. We are depending heavily on those two processes to deliver a solution. He [President William Ruto] is very committed to both processes.
The entry program is designed to empower African start-ups for cross-border growth.
“This program offers a unique opportunity for startups to navigate diverse ecosystems, form strategic partnerships, and scale their businesses across the continent,” the organisation announced.
To be eligible for selection, interested start-ups must be registered in an African country, with at least one of the founders being an African. The start-ups should also be at the scale-up stage.
Successful applicants will enjoy several benefits. They will be among 10 startups to pitch in front of key ecosystem players and potential investors. Additionally, they will receive travel arrangements, participate in ecosystem tours, and engage in one-on-one meetings with potential customers, collaborators, and investors.
The startups will benefit from six months of post-trip support to strengthen the connections made during ecosystem tours, including advisory services on the target market. They will also experience tailored ecosystem tours in one of the focus countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, or Namibia.
Moreover, they will have access to Market Opportunity Packs (MOP), which provide insights into the countries they will visit and have the opportunity to showcase their products to a curated audience of collaborators, investors, and potential customers.
Interested applicants have until June 30, 2024, to apply. The selection exercise is slated for July 2024.
Pitch sessions will begin in August, ecosystem tours in October, and post-ecosystem tour support will take place between November and April 2025.
Interested startups can apply to join the program using the link: [http://bit.ly/LetsBuildAfrica
->http://bit.ly/LetsBuildAfrica]
The three-day event provides a platform for African startups and businesses to showcase their ideas and products to a worldwide audience, attracting investors seeking promising tech ventures in Africa.
Speaking to IGIHE, Nigerian investor Uchenna Ugbor termed his experience at the second edition of Gitex Africa as “very good”.
The founder of Ark Technologies Group attended the first edition of Gitex Africa, which made its debut on the continent in Morocco on May 31, 2023. He stated that he was able to invest in several projects and looks forward to a similar experience this year.
“I can’t count the number of stands I have visited. This is my second time. I was here last year and it’s not a disappointment at all. By and large, the event is very good, it has a lot to offer. I have quite a number of suppliers that are here. I have come all the way from Nigeria. Last year I met a couple of guys that I invested in their projects,” Ugbor stated.
According to Ugbor, the African continent has made great strides in innovation, and such efforts deserve applause.
“Given where we are coming from as Africans, I would [African startups] are impressive,” he commented. “The [business] is sustainable because 20 or 30 years ago, we weren’t at this stage, and we cannot compare ourselves with Europeans. It has to be a special case for people like Africans, who are a bit late entrants.”
Isaac Odongo, the CEO of Organic Route, was also upbeat about his experience in Morocco, where his company is showcasing their hybrid technology used to extend the shelf life of dried fruits and vegetables such as bananas.
Extolling the benefits of technology in the 21st century, Odongo said, “We also use tech to reach our customers and manage our finances.”
Liberia’s Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah, affirmed that such events offer fertile ground for policymakers to network and make better decisions in their roles.
“I am very happy to be here. It’s very exciting. This event normally helps us as policymakers to network and make sound decisions in terms of telecommunications and ICT,” the minister explained.
MOHE BioTech (Suisse), a company involved in the development of rapid diagnostic tests and an application that allows for quick health assessments and data collection in remote areas, told IGIHE that they had received “some pretty good feedback” from the participants.
“We created a platform that allows its users to know their health status whenever, wherever they are, anytime, while you just have the platform. If you are feeling sick, basically, instead of going all the way to the doctor to be diagnosed, you can do it yourself,” Marc Okambawa, the company’s marketing executive, said.
Okambawa added that their rapid test device can detect up to 12 diseases at a time, and thereafter the results are picked up by a medical practitioner who reaches out to the patient for further medical action.
Also present at the Morocco expo is Africa Smart Health, a company that offers a centralized platform for patients and doctors to keep their medical data. The platform can be accessed from any part of the world.
A user simply sets up a profile, enters all their medical conditions such as allergies, and shares them with their preferred medical professional to write a prescription. For doctors, there is a profile dubbed digital PA where they can manage all appointments and use AI to write medical reports very quickly using prefilled keywords.
The company works with local authorities to get relevant approvals for managing data such as doctor’s records. They also ask for consent from users during registration.
The students and some leaders from the Wharton School of Business are in Rwanda to study a course on conflict, governance, and transformation.
The President’s Office, Village Urugwiro, announced that on May 30, 2024, President Kagame received these students from the Wharton School of Business, led by the Deputy Director of the Wharton School’s Transformation Program, Professor Katherine Klein, and a member of the Wharton School’s Executive Board for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Eric Kacou.
“This group is studying the international perspective on Rwanda for the 10th time, focusing on ‘conflict, governance, and transformation: lessons learned from Rwanda.’”
In 2023, some students from this school also visited Rwanda and were received by the President in his office.
At that time, President Kagame had discussed Rwanda’s development journey and reconstruction over the past 25 years.
Wharton School of Business is one of the world’s leading schools for finance and business education.
