The African Development Bank (AfDB) electricity workshop brought together electricity regulators from 21 African countries in northern, eastern and southern Africa to discuss ways to reduce the percentage of the population without access to electricity.
Mohamedain Seif ElNasr, chief executive officer of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators of Eastern and Southern Africa, said Wednesday that more than 300 million people in the region are not connected to the national electricity grid. “We need to tap the abundant geothermal, solar and wind resources in order to enable households and businesses to benefit from renewable electricity.”
He noted that harmonized electricity laws and regulations will allow the trade of electricity between countries with surplus production to those with deficits and result in increased access to reliable electricity across Africa.
Solomon Sarpong, senior energy economist at the AfDB, said that countries in Africa should cooperate in the development of their electricity generation capacity, given that some of the green energy sources are transboundary. He suggested that countries should endeavor to attract private investment in the energy sector to augment public resources in the exploitation of renewable energy sources.
Lee Okombe, senior research and policy analyst at Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, said that Africa lags behind the rest of the world in access to electricity despite its abundant energy sources.
He added that one avenue to reduce the gap of the population without access to electricity is the harmonization of electricity tariffs across Africa, which will promote competition in the energy trade.
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile made the appeal at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) taking place in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, from Wednesday to Thursday.
GEC+Africa is a gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders from more than 50 African nations committed to advancing entrepreneurial activity throughout their own countries.
Hosted by the South African Department of Small Business Development, the two-day event is attended by more than 1,500 delegates, including representatives of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), investors, policymakers and representatives of organizations.
While delivering the keynote address, Mashatile said the congress came at the right time for Africa.
“This GEC+ Africa congress is timely and extremely important given the current global economic situation, especially the African continent’s continued efforts to reinvent itself as a more influential actor in shaping the global agenda,” he said.
The deputy president noted that Africa is a continent overflowing with untapped potential, a hub of innovation and invention waiting to be reawakened.
“As a continent, we need to rise to a level where we have well-integrated production networks, are equally participating in global trade, and are rapidly improving our export mix,” said Marshatile.
“As policymakers, we have to create an enabling environment for our entrepreneurs,” he stressed. “It is critical that as policymakers, we create a more supportive policy environment.”
Marshatile suggested that leaders should ensure that the core foundations of the digital economy are in place, including digital infrastructure, digital skills, cybersecurity capabilities, and affordable and accessible data.
He also called for the elimination of red tape to facilitate cross-border trade for African entrepreneurs.
The deputy president also emphasized the need to enhance governance systems, such as combating corruption, improving macroeconomic management, and resolving disputes through negotiation rather than violent conflict.
“This event should serve as a call to action for this generation of African leaders to do the work and leave a lasting legacy of economic growth, regional integration and overall African prosperity,” he added.
South African Minister for Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams also addressed the gathering, calling on governments to create enabling policy frameworks to effectively support entrepreneurship on the continent.
“Besides making policy, governments must lead and direct their respective entrepreneurship eco-systems,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams. “To effectively co-ordinate the eco-system, the government must also provide strategic leadership.”
Ingabire requested the High Court to be granted rehabilitation after serving a sentence of 15 years in prison since her conviction on October 12, 2013.
At that time, she was convicted of both conspiracy against the government and belittling the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and intentional spreading of rumors.
The prosecution informed the court that Ingabire should not be granted rehabilitation because after her release, she engaged in activities that were not in line with what the President’s pardon had envisaged.
The prosecution also demonstrated that Ingabire continued to act as a leader of the FDU-Inkingi party and the DALFA-Umurinzi party, both of which are considered illegal organizations in the country.
The court considered whether five years would be enough for someone granted clemency to observe good conduct.
It was also pointed out that during that period, from the day she was released on parole or early release, her behavior would be monitored.
The prosecution argued that the second condition of the President’s pardon, granting Presidential Pardon, required Ingabire to apply for parole and disclose her place of residence.
Other conditions included a prohibition from traveling abroad while requesting permission from the Minister of Justice to leave the country during her parole period until her sentence was completed.
The provision suggests that everyone granted clemency by the President must fulfill what they are required to do.
The court ruled that even though the law requires a request for clemency, it is only after five years of parole that the conditions set must be met.
The court further ruled that if there are conditions for parole and presidential pardon, and they are not contradictory, rehabilitation should be granted.
It was also emphasized that she must start by complying with the conditions set by the President’s Order before applying for rehabilitation.
The court stated that her rehabilitation plea must be considered after the parole period.
Her 15-year sentence was to end in 2025. This means that the time for her to apply for clemency is in 2030.
Victoire Ingabire, after her trial, told reporters that she was not satisfied with the verdict where she can continue to count on her lawyers to to the court in two years or appeal to the East African Court.
“We’re thrilled to be live in Sierra Leone and appreciate the warm welcome,” remarked Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo. “Everything we do is driven by our mission to make betting friendly, and we relish the opportunity to win the trust of sports fans and casino players throughout the country as we have in 11 other African countries.”
Joining the chorus of excitement, betPawa Chief Brand Officer Spencer Okach reiterated the brand’s commitment to customer-centricity and responsible gambling. “Today we launch a friendly, entertaining, and customer-focused gaming brand,” Okach declared, underscoring betPawa’s dedication to providing an enjoyable experience while prioritizing responsible gaming practices.
The government of Sierra Leone, represented by Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Bangura, extended a warm welcome to betPawa. Minister Bangura highlighted the potential collaboration between the brand and the government in fostering economic growth and supporting sports development.
“betPawa’s presence in Sierra Leone aligns with our government’s commitment to job creation,” stated Minister Bangura.
“We anticipate that this partnership will contribute significantly to our goal of generating 100,000 jobs, further empowering our youth and fostering economic prosperity.”
Emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and responsible corporate citizenship, Sierra Leone Franchisee Thomas Nsongka of LionBets & Fastwins Ltd assured stakeholders of betPawa’s commitment to adhering to all regulatory requirements. “As a representative of the brand locally, I assure you of our unwavering commitment to compliance,” Nsongka affirmed.
betPawa’s mission to make betting more accessible and enjoyable for its customers is underpinned by several key pillars.
These include 24/7 customer support, instant payouts, low stakes, and the prospect of life-changing wins with a 1000% Win Bonus. “Key pillars of betPawa’s mission to make betting friendly include 24/7 customer support, instant payouts, low stakes, and the prospect of life-changing wins with a 1000% Win Bonus,” Okach reiterated.
The brand made headlines across Africa last October when nearly 28,000 customers became millionaires within just 10 days, with a staggering Le1.52 Trillion paid out in total between the 21st and 30th of the month.
As betPawa extends its reach into Sierra Leone, it not only brings exciting gaming opportunities but also a commitment to responsible gaming practices, economic growth, and community development. With its focus on customer satisfaction and social impact, betPawa’s presence in Sierra Leone holds promise for both gamers and the nation as a whole.
The elections to determine the new head of the AU Commission, replacing the current Chadian politician Moussa Faki Mahamat, are scheduled for February 2025.
The 78-year-old politician, who leads the Kenyan opposition coalition Azimio, declared his candidacy for the AU chairmanship in February.
On March 8, Kagame welcomed Odinga to his office for discussions on regional and continental matters, as reported by Rwanda’s Presidency.
“It’s no secret. I told him Rwanda would support him. I wish him well,” Kagame said in an interview with NTV, broadcasted on Tuesday, March 12.
Kagame also commended Odinga’s performance during his tenure as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development, a position he held from 2018 to 2023.
“He [Mr Odinga] did a good job at that. He had a full grasp of it,” he said.
“Not only will we support him to be there, but also when he is there, we will support him for Africa to succeed,” he added Kagame.
In late February, Odinga, a trained mechanical engineer, had already secured endorsements from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, as well as William Ruto of Kenya, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
A new chairperson of the continental body will be elected in 2025 to succeed Mahamat.
Former Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam has also announced her candidacy for the AU Commission presidency, aiming to become the second woman to lead the continental body after South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
So far, Odinga and Adam are the only ones to have declared their candidacy for the leadership of the continental body.
Ricard arrived in Rwanda on March 10, 2024, for a four-day visit, during which he held various meetings with the Chief Prosecutor of Rwanda and officials from the IRMCT to discuss investigating evidence related to the complicity of France in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.
On this 12th of March 2024, he visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial located in Nyamagabe District.
This memorial was established on the grounds where bodies of Tutsi victims were initially buried in mass graves but later exhumed, and it now holds the remains of over 50,000 Tutsi victims killed in 1994.
Among the atrocities documented are the actions of French soldiers who arrived at Murambi between July 21, 1994, and August 21, 1994.
These soldiers encountered Tutsi refugees who sought shelter there, but instead of protecting them, over 50,000 were massacred, and their bodies disposed of in mass graves.
French soldiers used the classrooms of a nearby school to hold Tutsi women and girls they had abducted, turning them into sex slaves, as evidenced by the materials found on site.
Chief Prosecutor Jean-François Ricard sought to further explore the historical context of the Tutsi Genocide and its execution but was confronted with the sight of the classrooms where French soldiers raped women
He also visited a volleyball court where French soldiers played Volleyball and the ball falling on human heads.
This memorial bears witness to the genocide in a visceral and tangible way, allowing visitors to witness the extent of the horror.
Ricard expressed his inability to comprehend the scale of the atrocities witnessed, estimating that over 50,000 Tutsis were massacred at this site alone, making it difficult for him to provide a detailed account to the media due to the overwhelming nature of what he saw.
However, in a brief interview with French students who visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial, he emphasized the need for acknowledging the truth and ensuring accountability for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, suggesting that justice must be served to those who participated in the genocide.
In a message left in the memorial’s guestbook, he wrote, “For the first time, I came to Murambi to witness firsthand the profound suffering inflicted during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, but the horror is beyond comprehension.”
“I wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring justice for the victims of this genocide so that we may prevent such atrocities from happening again, as we strive to promote a culture of reconciliation.”
The testimony provided by a survivor of sexual violence named Oliva corroborated the systemic rape and sexual abuse perpetrated by French soldiers at Murambi. She recounted how French soldiers stationed in the area would raise the French national flag at their base, and then systematically rape and abuse women and girls on a daily basis.
She stated, “French soldiers would wait at the gates. Every evening, they would come to the camps and take girls, sometimes in groups of ten would all rape one girl , . Every evening, we feared for our lives. It was like a ritual for them.”
The atrocities committed at the Murambi site were led by four senior military officers who commanded troops stationed there, including Col Didier Tauzin, the overall commander of Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro, Col Jacques Rosier, who was a subordinate of Col Didier Tauzin and led the troops in Murambi.
Lt Col Erik De Stabenrath also served under Col Rosier, along with Capt Marc Zwilling, who was the commander of the Murambi base.
The official announcement of the subsidy removal came on the morning of Tuesday, March 12, signaling a significant shift in the financial responsibility for public transportation.
The subsidy, which previously shouldered between 40% and 50% of the total transportation costs, will no longer cushion travelers.
RURA’s newly established tariffs surpass the previously applicable rates.
For instance, a trip from the city center to Nyamirambo, terminating at Kuryanyuma, is now priced at Rwf243. Similarly, a journey from the city center to a location known as ‘Kuryanyuma’ in Nyamirambo, via Nyabugogo, will cost Rwf307.
Several other routes have experienced price hikes as well. The fare from Nyabugogo to the city center has risen to Rwf205, from Kimironko to the city center at Rwf355, from the city center to Kacyiru at Rwf371, city center to Kinyinya at Rwf402, and from Kabuga to Kimironko at Rwf420.
Tariffs exhibit variability based on destinations. For instance, the fare from Nyabugogo to Gasanze is set at Rwf462, while a passenger heading from Nyabugogo to Kinyinya will need to pay Rwf342.
In addition to intra-city routes, new tariffs have been announced for inter-provincial trips. Notably, Nyabugogo-Base is priced at Rwf1593, Nyabugogo-Musanze at Rwf2811, Nyabugogo-Kayonza at Rwf2310, and Nyabugogo-Kiramuruzi at Rwf3070.
These revised tariffs are slated to come into effect on March 16, 2024. The government underscores that while these tariffs have recently been revised, they were initially established in 2020 but underwent temporary reduction due to a subsidy granted to travelers in response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, provided rationale for the withdrawal of the government subsidy.
He highlighted ongoing reforms, including an increase in the number of public transport vehicles and the sector’s opening to anyone with the necessary qualifications.
Presently, 14 agencies are authorized to transport passengers in the City of Kigali, in addition to four others operating independently.
The one week study tour commenced on Monday, March 11, under the theme: “Fostering crime prevention through community policing structures.”
The ongoing academic programme is attended by 34 law enforcement officers from nine African countries, namely; Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The one year course offers five main components; a Master’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, operational and routine staff work, strategic leadership and management, international computer driving license, and peace support operations.
The Commandant of the NPC, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, said that during the week-long study tour, students will visit different community policing structures in provinces to understand their contribution to crime prevention and security in general.
He said: “The students will interact with provincial, district and sector officials; law enforcement officers, community policing groups such as Community Policing Committees, Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention, community night patrols, Agents of Change, anti-crime clubs in schools, among others.”
He added: “The aim of the study tour is to enable course participants to link the theories learnt in class with the practice in the field…to enhance their ability to understand national policies on crime prevention and reduction.”
The summit, which opened on Tuesday with a focus on harnessing private sector green investments, highlighted the need to mobilize such investments to address global financial challenges and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in Africa, according to Claudine Uwera, Rwanda’s minister of state for the environment.
Uwera said it is important to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into broader national policies and planning processes, noting that the summit provides opportunities for collaboration and collective efforts to bridge the gap between climate financing needs and availability.
Delegates at the summit underscored the critical role of private sector green investments in the face of global financial challenges, identifying effective policies and programs that can be replicated and scaled up across multiple African countries to enhance adaptation and resilience efforts.
Speaking at the summit, Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank country manager for Rwanda, commended Rwanda’s efforts to enhance climate resilience amidst global financial challenges.
“We should focus more on exploring how green investments, particularly from the private sector, will play a key role in propelling sustainable climate commitments across Africa,” he said.
The summit, themed “Advancing Adaptation in Africa,” runs through Wednesday and aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and the private sector to plan, design and implement investments for resilience to climate change. It brings together government officials, climate experts and industry leaders to discuss innovative approaches and best practices to support African countries’ transition toward greener and more resilient economies.
This appeal was articulated on Saturday, March 9, during the celebration of International Women’s Day by the Rwandan community in Belgium, known as DRB-Rugali, in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy.
André Bucyana, the Chargé d’affaires at the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium, expressed gratitude towards President Paul Kagame for his relentless efforts in promoting women’s development in Rwanda and across Africa.
Acknowledging the leaders championing gender equality in the diaspora, Bucyana urged the Rwandan community in Belgium to embrace the advice given by President Kagame. He emphasized the pivotal role of women in the diaspora, urging them to be pillars in both administrative bodies and participatory activities.
Highlighting Rwanda’s achievements in women’s empowerment, Bucyana showcased the country’s legislative framework and institutional reforms that have positioned Rwanda at the forefront of nations with a significant number of women in parliamentary and decision-making roles.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “30 Years: Women in the Country’s Development,” resonated with the progress made in advancing women’s roles in Rwanda.
Bucyana emphasized President Kagame’s acknowledgment of women as the pillars of family and national development.
Encouraging Rwandans in Belgium to build on this foundation, Bucyana commended the efforts invested in girls’ education, especially in science, mathematics, technology (STEM) courses, and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The emphasis on education and the establishment of gender equality policies has accelerated Rwanda’s development, evident in various indicators.
Currently, women hold significant positions in decision-making bodies, with 61% in the Chamber of Deputies, 42% in the Government, 49.6% in the judiciary, and 40% in the Executive Committee of local authorities.
Bucyana extended gratitude to the women members of Bamutimawurugo ballet for their commitment and urged them to serve as role models in teaching Ikinyarwanda language and Rwandan culture to their families and young children.
President of the Belgian diaspora, Gilbert Dushimimana, joined in extending wishes for a happy Women’s Day, pledging the cooperation of their male counterparts in all national development programs.
The celebration featured performances by children from various ballets, including “Amaliza” and “Itetero.”
Olga Umugwaneza, the head of the Gender unit at DRB-Rugali, highlighted the event as an opportune moment to celebrate the power, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of women worldwide.
She emphasized the legacy carried by Rwandan women in Belgium, shaped by 30 years of struggle, resistance, and reconstruction.
Umugwaneza underlined the diaspora’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the preservation of Rwandan traditions and identity. She celebrated the strength of Rwandan women in the diaspora, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Pledging to continue the struggle for gender equality, social justice, and human rights, Umugwaneza urged women to be agents of change in their communities, advocating against injustice and supporting sisters in need.
She emphasized the collective power of women to drive progress and change, committing to a future where every woman can fulfill her potential, regardless of background or circumstances.
