In an ongoing effort to improve reproductive, maternal, and child health across Rwanda, Kosmotive, a pioneering social enterprise founded in 2014 by Blandine Umuziranenge, is leading a transformative initiative during this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Month. Throughout May, the organization has orchestrated a series of events designed to foster dialogue, educate, and empower women and girls about menstrual health.
One poignant event was held last Saturday, the 18th of May, at Groupe Scolaire Notre Dame de Byumba, a school in Gicumbi. Kosmotive’s team, along with a cadre of all-female poets, engaged students in a day filled with educational poetry, discussions, and activities designed to empower young girls. The poets—Esther, Sandrine, Belinda, and Delah—used and still are their art to educate and inspire, emphasizing the importance of menstrual health management and breaking the silence around menstruation.
The initiative continued with a noteworthy event at the Centre culturel français du Rwanda on May 21st. The evening was marked by profound poetry readings and discussions on the environmental impacts of menstrual products and the societal implications of menstrual stigma. This event not only provided a platform for dialogue but also showcased sustainable menstrual practices, an essential aspect of Kosmotive’s mission.
Moreover, the campaign is reaching Gashora Girls School on May 25th, where the team will hold sessions from 1pm to 3pm. Here, the focus will be on inspiring young girls to be bold in conversations about menstrual hygiene, reinforcing the message that managing menstruation should not be a barrier to any woman’s progress.
In addition to these targeted sessions, Kosmotive announces a highly anticipated SWR event on May 29th at the Mundi Center that entails a positive impact, ensuring that the community can fully engage with the campaign’s message and activities.
Through interactive workshops, art exhibitions, and panel discussions, Kosmotive is not just educating but also actively reducing the stigma associated with menstruation. Each event is a step towards empowering women and girls, providing them with the tools and confidence to advocate for their health rights.
As Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Month continues, the expected outcomes are substantial—increased awareness, reduced stigma, and stronger community ties—all contributing to a more informed and supportive society through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Kosmotive is shaping a future where menstrual health is recognized and respected as a right, not a privilege.
During the National Security Symposium on May 23, 2024, the Minister of Infrastructure Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore elaborated on Rwanda’s decision. He discussed the broader context of energy concerns in Africa, focusing on sustainable solutions and the continent’s potential and hurdles in energy development.
Dr. Gasore conveyed the significance of energy in achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals, intending to elevate Rwanda into the ranks of high-income nations by 2050, with energy infrastructure playing a crucial role.
Addressing how Rwanda’s energy strategies align with its environmental commitments, Dr. Gasore noted the manageable nature of this challenge in Rwanda, tackled by prioritizing and executing critical goals.
“Our energy policies first address urgent needs,” he explained. “Providing adequate energy for national development is our priority. Ensuring affordability is next, as it supports our goals to boost industry and investment competitiveness on multiple levels. Low costs are essential for effective competition.”
He added that the third priority is the environmental sustainability of energy resources. “Our focus is also on sustainable energy use, managing climate change impacts, and meeting our national obligations. Although diesel remains an option due to its capability to meet immediate energy needs, its high cost drives our shift towards renewable sources.”
Dr. Gasore also stated that while diesel power stations have been discontinued, they remain available for emergencies. “Since last June, we’ve stopped using diesel power stations regularly, though they’re maintained for potential crises.”
In March 2024, following a power deficit in 2023, the Ministry reported that no cost-effective alternative was available, prompting the Rwanda Energy Group to expend Rwf5 billion on diesel.
The event was attended by officials from Jinhua and Zhejiang Province, as well as foreign African journalists participating in a four-month media exchange program organized by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC).
In his address, Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the CPC Jinhua Municipal Committee, reflected on his recent visit to African countries, including Rwanda. During the visits, a Chinese delegation carried out 23 activities in the fields of foreign affairs, economy, trade, culture, and education, underscoring the strong China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
Zhu emphasized that cooperation with Africa is a major aspect of Jinhua’s opening-up and development strategy, adding that young people have the potential to carry forward the expectations of China-Africa friendship and play an irreplaceable role in China-Africa relations.
“We are ready to work with young friends to take this event as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, and elevate China-Africa relations to new heights, achieving remarkable milestones,” Zhu stated.
“Youth will make contributions to the modernization endeavors of both China and Africa. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that China and Africa will jointly advance the modernization cause and create a better future for the two peoples. I hope that young friends will embrace a strong sense of mission and responsibility,” he added.
Zhu further expressed that with unique vision, vitality, and innovation, the youth will be pioneers in the modernization journey of China and Africa, play a crucial role in developing bilateral relations in the new era and significantly contribute to shared economic growth.
Jinhua, historically known as Wuzhou, covers an area of 11,000 square kilometers with a permanent population of 7.12 million. Zhu explained that Jinhua has established trade exchanges with all African countries and regions. About 30,000 Jinhua businessmen have been conducting business in Africa for many years, and over 5,000 African businessmen are engaged in economic and trade activities in Jinhua.
Recent data shows that exports to Africa have accounted for more than 8% of China’s total for nine consecutive years, ranking first among prefecture-level cities in China. Jinhua’s trade with Africa saw remarkable growth in 2023, reaching 116.85 billion yuan ($16.25 billion), which accounted for 30.8 percent of Zhejiang’s total trade.
This success is largely attributed to the city’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade.
From 2014 to 2023, Jinhua’s cumulative import and export trade with Africa amounted to 740.27 billion yuan, with average annual export and import growth rates of 36.2 percent, 20.9 percent, and 19.8 percent, respectively. In 2023, Jinhua’s exports of indigenous brand products to Africa grew by 21.7 percent, contributing to a 0.9 percentage point increase in overall exports to Africa.
The week-long festival, which began on May 20, 2024, in Beijing, includes visits to various locations in China and is organized under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC).
Zhu expressed confidence in the outcomes of forums and engagements between Jinhua and Africa, citing the China (Zhejiang) China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum and various cultural cooperation activities as key platforms for exchange.
He highlighted the significance of this year’s festival and encouraged African youth to learn about Jinhua, experience Chinese traditional culture, deepen friendships, and share stories of China in Africa, as the foundation for their contribution to the shared modernization drive.
Zhao Xiyuan, Minister Counselor of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also highlighted the ongoing efforts of China and Africa to build a community with a shared future. He pointed out that the upcoming FOCAC meeting in September is expected to open new avenues for cooperation and stressed the need to strengthen friendly exchanges.
Mamby Keane Victoria, an African Youth Representative and Member of the National Assembly of Angola, praised the festival as a crucial platform for strengthening practical cooperation and exchanges across various sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and the economy.
He expressed hope that young people can significantly contribute to the shared vision and commended Chinese President Xi Jinping for attaching great relevance to China-Africa cooperation.
Yang Jiayun, a Chinese Youth Representative and Vice Director of the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center, welcomed the African youth to Jinhua, expressing confidence that the activities will continue to promote cultural exchanges.
The youths visited the Common Prosperity Belt in Jindong, witnessed Chinese rural culture, toured the China-Africa Museum at Zhejiang Normal University, and visited Leapmotor, a new energy vehicle manufacturer in Zhejiang. They also experienced Chinese traditional performances by the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe and participated in various cultural exchanges.
The festival itinerary includes a visit to Hengdian World Studios and multiple workshops designed to immerse participants in traditional Chinese culture.
The UK government has declared that approximately one million young people will gain from SHEFE by enhancing opportunities and employability. The initiative is especially designed to create safer and more accessible educational settings for women and girls, eliminating hurdles that prevent potential leaders from pursuing higher education.
Key efforts of the program include; tackling gender-based violence by training and enhancing institutional policies for safety, boosting participation in STEM fields and increasing female presence in top academic roles while refining university curriculums in alignment with labor market demands.
Advancing research in gender equality, violence prevention, and employability to support evidence-based strategies for partner governments and institutions are among other areas of priority.
Mitchell emphasized the broader impact of this initiative: “Greater gender equality brings freedom, boosts prosperity and strengthens global security. Countries can’t develop if half the population are held back from fulfilling their full potential,” he stated.
He further highlighted the transformative power of education, noting, “Education is the foundation for empowerment. It equips women and girls with the knowledge to challenge harmful norms and make informed decisions, including about their health.”
This new initiative builds on the achievements of the Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reform program initiated in 2016, which has significantly bolstered higher education in 16 countries, directly aiding over 12,500 refugees and displaced youths in regions like Jordan and Lebanon, and providing online course access to 12,000 students from Myanmar.
During the forum, Gillian Keegan, the UK’s secretary of state for education, also spoke, updating on the UK’s role as a premier destination for international students and highlighting the success of Transnational Education (TNE).
“We are home to some of the world’s top universities… Indeed, the UK has educated 58 current and recent world leaders,” Keegan remarked. She also discussed the relevance of education in addressing global challenges like climate change, emphasizing the need for a curriculum that promotes a sustainable future.
Speaking during the ongoing National Security Symposium in Kigali, Abdul-Hamid argued that Africa accounts for only 3 per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry, the smallest share among all the world’s regions.
“We ought to maximize what we have—the hydrocarbon resources. These so-called industrialized countries have been exploiting hydrocarbon resources for over 200 years. Many African countries are just discovering their hydrocarbon resources. Are we supposed to leave our hydrocarbon resources stranded in the belly of the earth? I don’t think so,” Abdul-Hamid remarked.
“For example, these developed countries are signing new oil exploration contracts as we speak. They compelled South Africa to close down its coal mines, and because of that, South Africa is in a power crisis as we speak. Yet Africa contributes 3 per cent to global greenhouse emissions, while North America, Europe, and Asia alone contribute over 90 per cent. So, really and truly, if we are talking about people who should be transitioning to cleaner fuels and energy, I think they should transition completely and wait for us for another 30 or so years to exploit our resources, industrialize, and develop our societies to catch up,” he stated, adding that even electric vehicles (EVs), that have become increasingly popular and competitive option for clean transport, are not 100 per cent energy clean, as their batteries require energy and materials that pose various environmental impacts.
The CEO called for deliberate efforts to integrate economies in Africa for the benefit of the region, which he argued continues to face exploitation from the Global North.
“If we are not integrating our resources and thinking holistically as Africans, we are going to perish. Ghana requires 400 million dollars every month to import petroleum. So, if you are looking for dollars to import petroleum products, your currency is going to plummet, and petroleum prices are going to go up. It’s going to affect food prices, and you are going to create suffering for the ordinary people of your country. I think that all of us, whether it is East Africa, SADC, or West Africa, should begin immediately by integrating our economies.”
He noted that the African Union (AU) should prioritize initiatives that ensure the region and its people benefit from exports.
“Niger has uranium which powers most of the power plants in France. They sell uranium worth about 3.5 billion euros to France, yet they get 458 million euros. Why?” he posed.
According to the CEO, Ghana and Ivory Coast have greatly benefited from cocoa initiatives aimed at getting value for the producers.
“Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire signed what they call the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire Cocoa Initiative, basically like a cartel because we control 60 per cent of world production of cocoa. It drove up the prices of cocoa and gave us more money. That is what African countries should be doing.”
“The African Union, where our heads of state meet, should take bold initiatives to tackle the fundamental problem that we have as an African continent—one of selling our resources cheaply to European nations. We need to find a way of trading better within ourselves and find a way of exploiting our resources. For me, I feel we have a long way to go in terms of energy transition. Ghana has done its energy transition plan. We have said that we are ready to transition by 2030. Nobody is going to compel us to transition by 2030 because it’s not even realistic in the first place.”
Various global organizations, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have been leading calls for energy transition amid climate change concerns.
Some of the benefits of the transition to renewable energy include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy costs, and the creation of new jobs in sectors like renewable energy technology, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
The global energy crisis and transitions were among the topics listed for discussion during the three-day National Security Symposium 2024, jointly organized by the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) and the University of Rwanda (UR).
Themed ‘Contemporary Security Challenges: The African Perspective,’ experts will also weigh in on the causes of insecurity in Africa and across the globe, climate change in Africa, food security in Africa, the compounding effects of global shocks on trade, supply chains and debt traps.
The event is set to be held in Kigali starting May 24, 2024, where Adekunle Gold will be one of the performers set to liven up the occasion.
Upon his arrival in Rwanda, the husband of Nigerian singer, Simi, expressed his ongoing desire to perform in Kigali. He shared his admiration for Rwanda’s rapid development with a friend, noting, “Rwanda is one of the African countries making significant advancements in economics, innovation, and everything else. It’s commendable to see how Rwanda is setting an example.”
He added, “I truly believe that other African countries could learn from what Rwanda is doing right now.”
Adekunle Gold described his return to Rwanda as “overwhelmingly joyful,” eagerly anticipating another visit that allows him to enjoy his time off in Kigali. He fondly recalled his previous visit, though it was brief, and playfully solicited suggestions for enjoyment, “if you know what would make me happy while I’m here, please tell me.”
His last performance in Kigali was at the ‘Movember Festival’ on November 5, 2021. This return marks his fourth time entertaining at the basketball games under the auspices of BAL.
AG Baby promised his fans and the basketball audience a thrilling experience, hinting at a special lineup this time. “If you were here last time, it was hot. This time, there are new songs, it’s going to be even better.”
On the topic of often performing without his wife Simi, and her doing the same, he explained the professional balance they maintain, “We work together every day, but when it’s work, it’s work. However, there also has to be time for family.”
Artists such as The Ben, Inganzo Ngari, Juno Kizigenza, and others, along with various DJs, are also set to entertain at the BAL games, promising a vibrant and engaging event for all attendees.
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Speaking during the ongoing National Security Symposium in Kigali, the NISS boss said there are currently 262 militia groups operating in DRC, terming it as a “global record”.
“No single country has got as many armed groups in the world as Congo has. This is a phenomenon whereby if there is lack of governance, poor leadership and ungoverned spaces, the population is going to look for their own ways of survival,” Maj Gen Nzabamwita stated.
Maj Gen Nzabamwita noted that some groups, including the FDLR, a remnant of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, have been allowed to radicalize youth groups in DRC. This has become an obstacle to ending conflicts in the eastern part of the country, where the Congolese army is fighting M23 rebel groups who accuse the government of marginalization and persecution.
“In 1994, these youth, radicalized under the Interahamwe and genocidal forces, withdrew to Congo. They were protected there for 30 years. They have spread genocide ideologies, and we have a population that is radicalized and fighting their own colleagues, brothers, and sisters,” Maj Gen Nzabamwita noted, adding, “Let’s be very conscious of our own failures, external factors and what we need to do as a continent and own countries to survive global changes taking place today”.
The 11th National Security Symposium 2024, jointly organised by Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) and the University of Rwanda (UR), opened on Wednesday and will close on Friday.
During the three-day meeting, the participants will discuss various issues ranging from youth radicalisation and international violent extremism.
Themed “Contemporary Security Challenges: The African Perspective”, experts will weighing in on the causes of insecurity across the globe and what needs to be done to restore peace.
Other areas listed for discussion include climate change in Africa, global energy crisis and transitions, food security in Africa, the compounding effects of global shocks on trade, supply chain and debt trap and insecurity in Africa.
In a statement made in July 2023, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Claudette Irere, detailed the educational exchange facilitated by the nuclear agreement signed with Russia in 2019.
“It has been many years since Rwanda and this country signed agreements, starting in 1970. Since then, we have been sending students, some of whom have returned and are in the country. When you do the math, you find we have more than 100 students,” she said.
She further noted, “In recent days, because we signed other agreements related to nuclear energy, we continue to send more students every year, now totaling over 40 since 2019.”
Meanwhile, Rwanda and Mali have strengthened their bilateral relations with an air transport agreement signed in February 2017, which permits RwandAir to utilize Bamako’s airport for passenger and cargo transport.
Colonel Assimi Goïta, who assumed power in Mali in 2021, has indicated his intention to maintain and enhance these bilateral ties.
Additionally, Rwanda and Ghana signed a cooperation agreement in June 2022 focusing on mutual support, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and the regulation of these products’ quality.
In a statement, the IMF said the disbursement of the funds follows the conclusion of the third review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), the arrangement under RSF, and the first review under the SCF arrangement with Rwanda. The Executive Board’s decisions were taken without a meeting.
“Despite challenging external conditions and ongoing fiscal consolidation, Rwanda’s economy maintains robust growth. Going forward, the policy mix should prioritize macroeconomic and financial stability, fiscal sustainability, and the restoration of buffers,” IMF said.
Notably, RSF provides affordable long-term financing to countries undertaking reforms to reduce risks to prospective balance of payments stability, including those related to climate change and pandemic preparedness, while PCI is a non-financing instrument open to all IMF member countries.
On the other hand, SCF provides financial assistance to low-income countries (LICs) with short-term balance of payments needs.
The funds will, among others, help the government in its efforts to mitigate the impact of last year’s deadly flooding.
According to the IMF, sustaining the strong reform momentum under the RSF will enhance Rwanda’s economic resilience to future climate shocks.
“Going forward, the policy mix should prioritize macroeconomic and financial stability, fiscal sustainability, and the restoration of buffers. A carefully planned fiscal stance is needed to mitigate the impact of the 2023 floods while maintaining a credible and balanced fiscal consolidation over the medium term,” IMF added.
“Monetary policy should target inflation within the desired range, while maintaining exchange rate flexibility to manage external shocks. Furthermore, vigilant oversight of financial stability risks, particularly concerning large exposures and rapid credit growth, is important.”
The disbursement comes two months after IMF staff and Rwandan authorities reached a staff-level agreement on policies needed to complete the financing reviews.
The agreement followed the conclusion of a two-week mission led by Ruben Atoyan, who visited Kigali from 11–22 March 2024, to discuss the authorities’ policy priorities and progress on reforms regarding the reviews.
At the conclusion of the mission, Atoyan praised Rwanda’s economic gains and resilience, notwithstanding the challenging external environment.
“The 2023 GDP growth continued to be robust at 8.2 per cent year-on-year, on the back of strong performance in services and construction, as well as recovery in food crop production in the second half of the year. Inflation decelerated sharply in recent months. Headline inflation was 4.9 per cent in February 2024, down from the peak of 21.7 per cent in November 2022, owing to appropriately tight monetary policy stance and favourable developments in food prices as agricultural production rebounded at the end of last year,” Atoyan stated.
Technical high schools have emerged as catalysts for transformation, offering solutions to residents along the Rwanda-Uganda border who faced limited opportunities for their children’s vocational education.
In areas such as Gicumbi and Nyagatare, the establishment of technical high schools, including Cyumba TSS and Ntoma TSS, addresses the dearth of vocational education options, providing courses such as carpentry and construction.
Individuals who studied in these schools express gratitude, emphasizing the inadequacy of alternative learning options, such as apprenticeships.
Bavakure Innocent, a mechanical graduate from TSS Cyumba, exemplifies how these schools have enabled individuals to pursue careers locally, avoiding the need to travel to larger cities like Kigali for education. This not only fulfills personal aspirations but also contributes to the local economy.
Similarly, stories of individuals like Tuyizere Sarah and Umuriza Ruth reflect the positive impact of technical education in Nyagatare. Sarah, having dropped out of school, found a career in carpentry that allows her to financially support her family. Umuriza Ruth, who studied fashion design at TSS Ntoma, now envisions bidding for larger tenders in the coming years.
The construction of these schools has not only provided education but has also addressed broader societal issues. In Gicumbi, where smuggling activities were prevalent, technical schools have redirected individuals toward constructive careers. Former laborers, like Nkomamashyi Jean de Dieu, have transitioned into professions such as architecture, positively impacting their lives and families.
Officials from the technical schools emphasize the ongoing development in the region. Cooperatives have been formed, with financial assistance provided to graduates for starting their ventures. The cooperative approach aims to uplift the youth economically and reduce the inclination to cross borders for livelihoods.
Officials from Gicumbi District and Nyagatare District stress the importance of tailored support for vocational students.
The allocation of funds and placement in cooperatives based on their learned professions enables them to receive guidance, save money, and contribute to the growth of their respective cooperatives.
The strategic decision to build technical schools in border areas, as opposed to developed urban centers, is recognized as crucial by Fabrice Sebagira from the Rwanda Housing Authority.
This initiative not only addresses the lack of skills in these regions but also discourages involvement in illicit activities. The success stories of graduates and the economic contributions of these schools indicate a positive trajectory for the development of these border regions.
