Reflecting on the exhibition’s successful conclusion on Thursday, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, Rugwizangoga Michaella commended the positive outcomes and the opportunity it presented for engaging with key figures in the travel sector.
The exhibition spanned three days, during which Rwanda’s booth attracted significant attention, including a visit from Makram Mustafa A. Queisi, the Minister of Tourism for Jordan.
The ITB Berlin served as an essential platform for Rwanda to present its tourist attractions and investment opportunities to a European audience.
The event was a gathering point for various stakeholders in tourism, including hoteliers, tour operators, and officials from tourism-promoting institutions across the globe.
Leading the Rwandan delegation, RDB showcased a diverse array of exhibitors, including prestigious entities like Wilderness Rwanda, Wanderlux Safaris, Wolf DMC, Kingfisher Journeys, Primate Safaris LTD, Akagera Aviation, RwandAir, African Parks, and Mythos Boutique Hotel.
Tourism stands as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, with the industry’s earnings reaching $247 million in the first half of 2023 alone—a 56% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2022.
The successful participation in ITB Berlin 2024 highlights Rwanda’s ascending trajectory in the international tourism landscape.
From March 4th to 7th, 2024, members of the GCF Board convened in Kigali for a meeting that decided on environmental conservation projects to fund.
Mafalda Duarte commended the Rwandan government, under Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, for exemplary utilization of the grants provided to combat climate change.
“The Rwandan government has been exceptional in collaborating with us, to the extent that it now receives funds to implement environmental protection projects. Some of our board members remarked that Rwanda has much to share with the world, demonstrating how to gather environmental fund resources like ours to support various projects,” Duarte said.
Duarte mentioned that they chose Rwanda for the GCF board meeting so the members could directly observe the positive outcomes of the funded projects in Rwanda.
“We are delighted to take the GCF board members to see the fruitful results of the projects we’ve been funding here in Rwanda, to truly show the importance of our support and how it is utilized. I am confident they will be as pleased as I was during my last visit in September 2023,” she stated.
The Green Gicumbi Project, initiated in January 2020 after Rwanda received over $32 million from the GCF in 2019, is being implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mujawamariya Jeanne d’Arc, revealed that the GCF board members were shown the Green Gicumbi Project, which has transformed the lives of the local residents.
“They visited Green Gicumbi to see our work beyond just sitting in offices and making project decisions, to witnessing the impact on the community,” she explained.
“They toured the terraces we’ve built, saw the planted wheat, tea, and the agroforestry on those farms, as well as the energy-saving stoves and a model village where we resettled people from high-risk zones.
They were amazed by how our project integrates all aspects, including the well-being of the community and economic aspects where the residents themselves provide testimonies.”
Dr. Mujawamariya also mentioned plans to propose projects focused on forest conservation and renewable energy, with the GCF Director promising support.
In 2022, the GCF granted Rwanda $35 million for environmental protection and climate change adaptation projects across the Eastern Province.
Additionally, in October 2023, Rwanda received another $100 million, including $39.1 million allocated for afforestation projects in various districts. This initiative will contribute to forest care on 278,000 hectares and promote agroforestry on at least 2,000 hectares.
The GCF Director also commended Rwanda for hosting the 38th board meeting, which resulted in various decisions, including the funding of 11 projects worth $500 million. These projects, primarily in Africa, include efforts in Madagascar, a country severely affected by climate change.
This new variety, named Nowa 566, was planted on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, marking the start of the 2023/2024 B Agriculture season. It was sown in Kibirizi Sector, Mushikiri Cell.
Nowa 566 is a new variety developed in Rwanda, anticipated to increase yields significantly.
Farmers traditionally harvested over 800 kilograms of beans per hectare, but with this new variety, they expect to harvest at least two tons per hectare.
Mathias Muhawenimana, one of the farmers who planted this new variety, expressed gratitude to RAB and local leaders for providing this seed. He noted that the conventional bean variety was prone to various diseases, affecting yield adversely.
He mentioned that this new variety is expected to significantly boost production.
Frank Kayumba, the head of RAB in Gatsibo and Nyagatare, explained that the Nowa 566 bean variety is reliable and well-suited to the soil of the Eastern Province.
This variety also matures quickly, enabling farmers to harvest sooner. He added, “It’s resistant to diseases, particularly rich in iron and other essential minerals needed by the body. Moreover, it’s highly productive because a well-cultivated hectare can yield up to two tons.”
Nyagatare District Mayor, Stephen Gasana, urged the community to use quality seeds and fertilizers and to plant in a timely manner to ensure prompt harvests. He also advised against burning crop residues, highlighting their value as animal feed and fertilizer.
Yet, women represent over 51% of the population and play a crucial role in the development of society at all levels.
In 2021, Spark Microgrants, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and with the support of the World Bank, launched the Advancing Citizen Engagement (ACE) project.
The ACE project aims to improve the lives of those living in extreme poverty, through the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). The project strengthens participatory planning and citizen engagement in government processes, by training local Government officials on FCAP tools.
It also supports villages to lead their development and increase citizen capacity, self-reliance, confidence, financial literacy, and project management, and develop a framework for a national-scale roll-out of FCAP – the National Framework for Participatory Village Planning, by working with the central government policy-makers.
With the FCAP meeting, women’s attendance and participation in village meetings have increased.
In the 249 communities benefiting from the ACE project, women attend meetings at 35%, and their participation in the meetings at 61%. Women participate in engaging discussions ask questions and guide the conversation with men to make their voices heard and their perspectives and ideas understood.
Mrs. Evans Niyitegeka living in Busoro Village, Gishamvu Sector-Huye District, was given a pig, but after several attempts, she found that it wasn’t mating while other people’s pigs were. When she realized there was a problem, she worked with the village committee to assist her in selling it so that she might find another pig to support her growth.
“The committee heard my problem as some other members were experiencing similar difficulties. The pig was sold and replaced with the one that was able to produce. Today I am pleased that I am making a profit: I care for my pig, and now I have fertilizer to use in my fields and I produce enough agricultural products,” Niyitegeka said.
“You can even see me now” she added, “I am healthy because I eat well and enough. when I plant crops like potatoes and vegetables, they grow and produce good yields. I previously owned a cow at home but gave it to my newlywed son and told him he could use the cow dung as manure instead of me”.
Evans mentioned that when she learned about the Spark Microgrants project she was fortunate to receive a pig because she was regularly attending the FCAP meetings. She currently grows on compost, and her family does not go hungry anymore.
“I applaud our government for seriously considering development initiatives and bringing them to the population. I’m also grateful to Spark since it does not discriminate against anyone based on their socioeconomic status; even those who previously did not receive assistance now do”, she concluded.
Nyiramahano Laurence, an elderly woman (64) living in Ruhanga cell, Busengo Sector, Gakenke district, said she can’t miss FCAP meetings. She said that women and men complement each other and it is good that they share thoughts and ideas during the meetings.
“During the FCAP meetings, everyone is allowed to share their thoughts regardless of their gender or age. In the early years, it was difficult for women to speak up in public as those who did were considered stubborn and disrespectful. But after electing Kagame, our President, women were empowered”.
The United States announced these sanctions on March 4, explaining that Mnangagwa, his wife, and other government officials of Zimbabwe were involved in embezzling the country’s assets and violating human rights.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the President of Zimbabwe reminded that their country has been under unjust sanctions by the United States since 2001.
He also mentioned that the United States made this decision alone, disregarding international law and the United Nations’ regulations.
He stated, “This decision of hostility was made by America alone and has deviated from international law and what is stipulated by the United Nations, given credence by the unapproved history of successive American Presidents, where the United States has established laws and policies to punish independent African countries, which are neither adjacent nor share a history.”
“All these decisions do not comply with the law and are baseless and continue to be so today until they are lifted without any justification.”
The Government of Zimbabwe has announced that the United Nations once condemned the sanctions America imposed on the country, but it refused to relent, continuing to increase them up to the administration of President Joe Biden.
Because of these sanctions, the Government of Zimbabwe indicated that some American officials in the Biden administration have continued to insult leaders from Zimbabwe, including employees of the American Embassy in Harare.
It has demanded the Biden administration to present evidence supporting these accusations, or else, to lift them without delay. “We ask the Biden administration to provide evidence supporting these accusations, and if not done promptly, to withdraw them.”
The sanctions against Zimbabwean officials followed after an investigative report titled ‘Gold Mafia’ was published by Al Jazeera in April 2023.
This report exposed how minerals were being illegally extracted from Zimbabwe and sold in various countries, aiming to circumvent the sanctions imposed by the United States on the country.
The cooperation pact was signed on Thursday, March 7, in Dubai between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye and Dubai Police Commander-In-Chief, Lt. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.
This was on the sideline of the three-day World Police Summit, which concluded on March 7, at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The agreement reaffirms the commitment of the two Police institutions to exchange training programmes and experiences; exchange of expertise in the fields of general public order management, transnational organized crimes and terrorism, investigation techniques, forensic science, technologies, canine, and traffic police, among others.
During the bilateral meeting, the two Police Chiefs appreciated the existing cooperation and recommitted to make the agreement a success.
The Rwandan Delegation also visited the Dubai Police Command and Control Center (CCC), Smart Police Station (SPS), UAE SWAT Challenge Center, STREIT Group, an armoured vehicle manufacturer in United Arab Emirates and Motorola Solutions which has hi-tech related radio communications, command centers and video security solutions.
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The three-day Summit and exhibition brought together Police Chiefs and other participants from over 65 countries, including exhibitors, under the theme, “Uniting Global Police Forces for a Safer Tomorrow.”
The summit discussed the latest developments and challenges in policing, addressing global challenges in combating crimes and enhancing security through collaboration and information exchange between police institutions worldwide.
What sets CyberRwanda apart is its foundation—it’s built not just for youth but with youth. Over 1000 young Rwandans, along with parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, have contributed to shaping this platform. This collaboration ensures that every storyline, every FAQ, and every feature reflects young people’s realities, making learning not just informative but also enjoyable. CyberRwanda strives to be the youth’s guiding light, offering engaging, evidence-based content designed with youth needs and questions in mind, further enriching the platform’s relevance and impact.
CyberRwanda is accessible on various devices, including phones, computers, and tablets. Users can download the CyberRwanda application from the Play Store or visit cyberrwanda.org to access its resources. CyberRwanda ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, the platform offers a feature that allows users to locate nearby health facilities where they can receive services from nurses and pharmacists trained in delivering youth-friendly services. Engaging features like an offline mode and crisis support have been developed to meet the evolving needs of young people.
Beyond providing information, CyberRwanda is transforming the community around young people. It’s empowering the way pharmacists interact with youth, ensuring they receive bias-free care. This is essential in fostering a supportive environment where young people feel comfortable seeking the services they need.
Looking ahead, the ambitious plans for CyberRwanda include a national rollout, promising to make this valuable resource even more accessible. The project’s impact and effectiveness are being rigorously evaluated, ensuring that it continues to meet young people’s needs and contribute to their well-being.
The achievements of CyberRwanda so far are a testament to the power of collaborative effort and innovative thinking. From engaging launch events at schools to the development of webcomics that resonate with individual experiences, every step forward is a step towards a healthier, more informed community. This is more than just a platform; it’s a movement towards empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to take control of their health and future.
Litsani Choukran, who leads a pro-state , Politico newspaper in DRC, announced that the majority of these individuals are politicians.
He explained that a high-ranking military officer informed him that the detainees would soon be presented publicly
“These partners of the enemy and traitors of the Republic will be paraded soon,” he said.
The Congolese News Agency, ACP, reported that these individuals, who were primarily operating in North Kivu Province, were arrested following an investigation that had been underway for some time.
To date, neither their names nor the exact number has been disclosed publicly. The date when they will be publicly paraded is also unknown, and no official statement regarding this matter has been released by any DRC government agency.
Their arrest occurs as the DRC’s government forces continue to battle the M23 armed group in parts of North Kivu, especially in the Masisi territory, near the city of Sake.
According to the report, 7,826 refugees hosted by Rwanda found resettlement in other countries in 2023, with an additional 637 resettled in January, totaling 8,463 refugees resettled over the 13 months.
The United States leads in receiving the highest number of refugees from Rwanda in this period, accepting 5,668 individuals. Canada follows with 1,252 refugees resettled, Norway with 627, France with 286, and Belgium with 164.
Other countries that have received refugees from Rwanda include Denmark and Australia (152 each), New Zealand (80), Finland (77), and the Netherlands (5), with the Netherlands ranking tenth.
Most of the refugees resettled from Rwanda are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Resettlement to a third country serves as a durable solution for refugees who cannot return to their home country or integrate fully into the first country of asylum. It provides refugees with the opportunity to live permanently in a third country.
The UNHCR in Rwanda processed applications for 6,388 refugees for resettlement in 2023, of which 5,758 were accepted by various countries, in addition to some cases from previous years, making a total of 8,463. Resettlement considers the specific needs of refugees, and recipient countries assess these needs against their own criteria and capacities.
The selection for resettlement is based on information provided during registration and assessment processes, considering the vulnerabilities and needs of the refugees and their families. While family members are identified in the resettlement process, there is no guarantee that they can all be resettled together, as this depends on the laws and policies of the resettlement country.
As of January 2024, Rwanda hosts 135,343 refugees, with 83,946 (62%) from the DRC and 50,561 (37%) from Burundi.
Rwanda received 763 Congolese refugees in December 2023 and January 2024, totaling 14,204 arrivals from the DRC since 2022.
Since 2020, 30,877 Burundian refugees have voluntarily repatriated, including 325 in 2023 and another 95 in February 2024.
Amahoro Stadium is an international-standard facility, providing Rwanda with the opportunity to stand out in terms of sports infrastructure. Every day, as you visit the construction site, new progress is evident.
The construction work, which started 19 months ago, began with the demolition of certain parts of the existing structure and the addition of new sections, making it difficult to recognize the original stadium’s location compared to where the new one stands now.
Abdul Aziz Ishimwe, the construction project manager at Summa Rwanda, explained that the work is about 93% complete overall.
“We are in the final stages of external work, focusing on parking areas, asphalt paving, final painting… basically, the remaining work before the job is done,” he said.
The entrance for dignitaries will be opposite the former Sportview Hotel. This is where individuals sitting in the VVIP, VIP, and press areas will enter.
While general fans will enter through entrances near the BK Arena, Zigama CSS, and on the side of a place known as ‘Kwa Rwahama’.
The renovation of Amahoro Stadium also included an upgrade of Petit Stade. The work on Petit Stade is completed and it is now capable of hosting matches.
“We installed seats, a new pitch, elevated it, and it’s roofed. The same goes for the Paralympic Stadium. We changed its pillars, and now it’s finished,” Ishimwe said.
The seating capacity of Petit Stade was reduced to accommodate comfortable seating for up to 1000 people.
Regarding parking, Ishimwe noted, “We’ve increased the parking spaces at both Petit Stade and the main stadium. The land was expanded, adding more parking spaces, exceeding 2000.”
Ticket scanning machines for fans entering the stadium and elevators for upper-level access have been installed.
The new Amahoro Stadium will feature rooms for press work, differing from the previous setup where journalists worked from higher stadium levels during games.
“There will be areas for them to follow the game and separate spaces for writing and broadcasting what they’ve observed,” Ishimwe added.
Teams will have separate entrances to avoid interactions. The locker room can accommodate four teams simultaneously, two playing and two potentially playing afterwards.
The pitch is complete, and the grass is being maintained to ensure it grows properly.
“The pitch is finished; we’re focusing on grass growth. Additionally, we’re finalizing the outer areas used for athletics, planning to start marking the running tracks within a couple of weeks.”
“The spectator stands are complete; if there were a match today, people could sit without any issues.”
The VIP area has been equipped with soundproof glass and rooms for officials to converse without the noise from fans.
The Ministry of Sports will have its offices in the stadium, located behind the section facing BK Arena.
Two large broadcast screens have been installed in the stadium, with more to be added in the VIP and press areas for better game viewing.
Beyond this, the stadium complex includes a training field and facilities for basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
