The foundation of this proposal received approval on Thursday, November 2, 2023 during the Lower Chamber of Parliament’s General Assembly. Consequently, the proposed changes will undergo a thorough examination by the relevant commission before returning to the General Assembly for voting.
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, emphasized that the primary motive behind revising this law is to align it with the recently updated Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.
The new election law incorporates provisions that make the electoral procedures more intricate due to the unique occurrence of presidential and deputy elections taking place concurrently for the first time.
Notable alterations include the removal of the provision that previously allowed temporary exclusion from the voter list for individuals exhibiting mental illness.
Additionally, it outlines procedures for segregating and excluding certain ballot boxes when the presidential and parliamentary elections coincide.
While the existing law granted candidates 35 days before the election, the revised law extends this period to 45 days.
Minister Musabyimana justified this extension by stating that the comprehensive evaluation of numerous candidates for both the presidential and parliamentary polls, particularly when these elections coincide, demands more time for a thorough assessment.
In the conventional law, independent candidates running for the position of President of the Republic and Deputies were required to obtain endorsements from 600 individuals at the national level, with a minimum of 12 individuals in each district supporting their candidacy.
To streamline this process, the new bill introduces a provision that entrusts the Electoral Commission with determining the timeframe for securing these endorsements, as the previous law did not specify a set duration for independent candidates to gather signatories.
However, the country “vowed to not let the past define their future” as it is now ranked the premium destination for world travel.
Rwanda has become the first African country to host the prestigious 23rd Global summit of World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), which commenced on 1st November, 2023 and will end on 3rd, November, 2023.
During the opening day, the president and CEO WTTC, Julia Simpson commended Rwanda’s efforts to transformation and development.
“Ten years ago, Rwanda didn’t even rank in the top 150 countries with the ease of doing business; today, it’s in the top 20,” she remarked.
Simpson also commended Rwanda’s efforts in conserving mountain gorillas that were on the verge of extinction due to poaching and deforestation.
According to Simpson , the population of mountain gorillas around the world has grown from 200 in 1990’s, to 1600 to date, thanks to Rwanda’s implementation of a financial premium on the coexistence of the gorillas with man.
Additionally, the CEO WTTC acknowledged Kagame’s role in promoting gender equality in the country terming the president a ‘man of his word’.
“Here it’s not just talk, the Rwandan parliament has the largest percentage of women in the world,” she exclaimed, stressing the role women play in the social and economic development of the country.
The WTTC summit intends to develop the economy of the African continent by boosting the tourism and travel sector that, according to Simpson, has doubled in the past two decades, and has potential to thrive more in the next decade.
“Eighty four million international visitors added 196 billion dollars to Africa’s bottom line, which is 7% of the continent’s economy. The focus in the next ten years is to grow the sector by 5.1% annually, twice as fast as the general economy,” she explained.
In agreement with the CEO’s remarks, the WTTC chair , Arnold Donald, sent a sounding message to the world stating that “the heart of tourism is strongly in Africa” after the continent’s tourism investments “rose to a much stronger rate than the Global average,” despite financial challenges and COVID-19 pandemic.
For the past 33 years, WTTC has been a strong advocate for the positive impact tourism and travel has on the world. However, according to Simpson, the sector faces a major challenge of visa regimes especially in Africa.
“With the right vision, tourism and travel could increase Africa’s GDP by 50 billion dollars by 2033 and create 6 million more jobs,” said Simpson.
In his speech, president Paul Kagame announced that “any African is free to get on a plane at anytime and come to Rwanda without paying anything” emphasising the need to not forget the continental market.
This event took place at the Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo, Kigali, aiming to offer a one-of-a-kind experience to the participants.
The evening showcased the natural beauty and hidden economic potential of Rwandan culture through traditional dances and the warm hospitality of its people.
With over 1,000 participants hailing from 45 different countries, representing various sectors such as tourism, conservation, private sector, and others interested in the future of the tourism landscape, this three-day conference was nothing short of extraordinary.
Francis Gatare, the CEO of RDB, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, encouraging them to feel right at home and emphasizing the celebratory spirit of the evening.
He applauded the contributions of artists and fashion designers from diverse cultural backgrounds, acknowledging their role in shaping the world of tourism. Gatare also expressed his delight in welcoming all attendees to the heart of Africa.
Arnold Donald, Chair of WTTC, praised the tireless efforts of those involved in the tourism sector, recognizing their unwavering commitment and dedication in raising the industry’s standards.
The evening’s entertainment featured a blend of predominantly traditional songs and modern music, with performances by artists by Intayoberana Ballet, artists Ruti Joël and Sano Shengero Alyn took the stage, serenading the audience with both foreign and original compositions.
The official launch of the summit, which took place on November 2, 2023, saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including President Paul Kagame, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Burundian Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, among others.
According to the 2023 report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the global tourism industry is projected to generate 110 million jobs worldwide over the next decade. This report also forecasts a substantial 5.1% annual growth in global tourism revenue between 2023 and 2033, reaching an impressive $15,000 billion, equivalent to 11.6% of the global economy.
In Africa, the successful development of this sector over the next decade holds the potential to generate approximately $168 billion in revenue and create 18 million new jobs, according to WTTC’s predictions.
The three day summit commenced on 1st, November, 2023 at Kigali Convention Centre attracting dignitaries from over 45 countries and more than 2000 participants coming together to discuss challenges and opportunities within the tourism and travel sector.
Running under the theme “ Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future”, the 23rd annual Global summit aims to grow the contribution of tourism to Africa’s GDP to 5.1%.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Julia Simpson the CEO and President WTTC noted that tourism on the African continent had doubled over the past two decades on the Global average, a thing that is promising.
“84 million international visitors added 196 billion dollars to Africa’s bottom line which is 7% of the continent’s economy”, she remarked.
Arnold Donald, chair of WTTC also echoed Julia’s remarks stating that tourism within Africa rose to a much stronger rate than the Global average since 2000 making Africa the ‘heart of travel and tourism’.
“Between 2000 and 2019 tourism investment increased by nearly 350%.at a broadly consistent rate across the continent, today here in Rwanda we send a sounding message to the world, the heart of travel and tourism be strongly here in Africa,” he remarked.
In Rwanda, tourism is the single major source of foreign earnings having attracted US$173 million in 2022, with a target of rising to US$194 million by the end of 2023. Additionally, the sector intends to grow the number of employment opportunities to 350,000 by the end of 2023.
The country has played a pivotal role in the conservation of mountain gorillas that almost went extinct before 2000 having established an annual gorilla naming ceremony dubbed ‘Kwita Izina’ that attracts tourists from all walks of the world investing immensely in the sector.
Furthermore, the country attracts visitors through hosting continental and Global events like; Women Deliver Conference, Basketball Africa League (BAL), Trace musical Awards, among others.
Addressing the delegates during the summit, Francis Gatare the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) commended the organisers of WTTC for choosing Rwanda as the host of the summit because its not only a milestone to the country, but the continent as a whole for its dedication towards sustainable tourism.
To the African governments, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania posed three ‘serious questions’ aimed at promoting, conserving and preserving Africa’s tourism attractions emphasising that ‘Africa and Tourism are inseparable’.
With the statement: ‘Africa is no longer the future but now’, Suluhu acknowledged the role of the private sector in the promotion of tourism in Africa referencing on the funding done by the private sector in Tanzania, in the production of the movie titled ‘the royal tour’ that has attracted a vast of tourists to Tanzania.
She thus called upon governments to collaborate with the private sector and Non-Government Institutions to make travel and tourism more vibrant in African economies.
The WTTC Global summit was founded to promote sustainable growth for the Travel and Tourism sector through working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity.
According to Julia Simpson; the summit in collaboration with Saudi Arabia monitors global, environmental and social footprints of 195 countries to pinpoint required changes and shifts of policy.
For the past 33 years, the summit has “stood as a beacon for the sector for 33 years advocating for the positive impact tourism and travel has on the world,” said Arnold Donald- chair of WTTC.
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, during the second day of his visit to Rwanda, Shōta Iizuka met with aspiring athletes, particularly those from Rwamagana Athletics Club mainly from GS St. Aloys School, including about 15 members who are actively involved in the Isonga program.
Before meeting with athletes, Iizuka actively engaged in morning sports activities with 90 senior third-year students as part of the “Sports for All” program. These students had been participating in sports training sessions, overseen by the Japanese coach, Hayashi Risa, who was dispatched to the school through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Iizuka also engaged in discussions aimed at helping them enhance their athletic skills and general sportsmanship.
Emphasizing the importance of nurturing big dreams, Shōta Iizuka remarked, “To become a giant in your field, you must cultivate ambitious aspirations. It’s essential for these young athletes to find a sport they love because it has a positive impact on their lives. They should dream big about how they’ll achieve success and seek role models. For instance, just as Messi inspires in football, observing how he approaches the game, trains, and conducts himself on the field can be a daily source of imitation.”
The dedicated athlete continued by underscoring the significance of sharing one’s dreams with oneself and others, acknowledging the pivotal role of support in realizing one’s aspirations.
Several of the children who had the opportunity to interact and train with Shōta Iizuka expressed their gratitude for the experience and the invaluable lessons they learned from the accomplished athlete.
Yves Ishimwe, an 18-year-old member of Rwamagana Athletics Club, expressed the immense value of meeting a record winning athlete like Iizuka.
He shared, “I wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to meet someone with a wealth of experience. In particular, I realized that my previous approach to starting was flawed. His advice encouraged us not to give up on life, as it can be instrumental in nurturing our talents.”
Jimmy Iradukunda, also part of Rwamagana Athletics Club, spoke of the valuable lessons he acquired, especially in the context of enhancing his leg speed.
“I gained a wealth of knowledge from him, including techniques to improve my leg speed and other strategies previously unfamiliar to us. This newfound wisdom will undoubtedly assist me in reducing my race times, making me more confident in my chances of victory.”
Djibril Masengo, who represented Sina Gérard Athletics Club, highlighted the significance of training with a record winning player like Shōta, saying, “We are thrilled and immensely grateful to train with someone of your caliber. We’ve gleaned valuable insights into your training methods, and now we’re eager to put them into practice to witness our improvement.”
Muhire Benjamin, also a member of Sina Gérard Athletics Club, appreciated the technical guidance provided by Shōta Iizuka, stating, “He imparted a wealth of knowledge to us, particularly in terms of techniques. This is something we often lack due to our physical education limitations. His guidance couldn’t have come at a better time, as we have a major race next month. I believe we’ll significantly improve our performance thanks to his expertise.”
After all events, Ms. Hayashi, coaching Rwamagana Athletic Club as JICA volunteer, spoke about her learning through this precious opportunity; “I was inspired by Mr. Iizuka’s motto, “Enjoy trial and error without worrying about failures that happened in the past”. Following this thought, as a coach of the club, I would like to update my knowledge every day, try out various practice methods, and enjoy trials and errors with team members and other coaches in my volunteer activities.
Accompanied by Japanese volunteers engaged in projects within Rwanda, Shōta Iizuka generously distributed various materials, including clothing and shoes, to the young athletes, offering crucial support on their journey to nurture their talents.
Speaking at a meeting with the heads of economic departments, Putin said that Russia’s economy is developing stably despite the pressure from the West.
He noted that the GDP for nine months increased by 2.8 percent compared to the same period last year, while wages in Russia grew by 7.5 percent in real terms, and unemployment rate remained low at 3 percent.
However, he warned that the West may resort to more aggressive measures as the potential of Western sanctions is exhausted. He cited the proposal of some Western politicians on banning the import of screwdrivers, needles and other items into Russia.
“Well, the less junk, the better. Less chance that bedbugs will be exported to us from large European cities,” Putin said.
He also expressed concern that acts of sabotage may be used on vital objects of infrastructure, such as pipelines, power plants or communication networks.
He instructed the government and the Bank of Russia to act synchronously and effectively to reduce inflation, which is one of the main risks for the economy. He also urged them to support business investment in production, technology and human development.
He said that these are the key conditions for ensuring Russia’s long-term growth and economic sovereignty.
The Head of State made these remarks on November 2, 2023, during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Global Summit of the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) held in Kigali.
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has removed visa restrictions for African countries and other nations to encourage tourism within the African continent, ensuring free movement for all Africans into Rwanda without any visa fees.
“Any African can get on a plane and come to Rwanda anytime they want without paying anything,” he remarked, stressing the need to not lose sight of the continental market.
Kagame also acknowledged the global recovery of the travel and tourism industry while urging the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market to ease travel within and to Africa.
This WTTC Global Summit is a milestone event, being held in Africa and specifically in Rwanda for the first time since its inception, spanning from November 1 to November 3, 2023, at the Kigali Convention Centre.
This summit holds particular significance for Rwanda, considering its dark history that once portrayed the nation as a ‘horror’ destination.
“We vowed not to let the past define us, this meant building a nation where all Rwandans would live in peace and dignity, a Rwanda that everyone in the world would travel to and indeed we have lived beyond that,” stated Kagame.
Furthermore, the WTTC Global Summit provides an excellent opportunity for the East African Community, as tourists are likely to explore neighboring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Burundi, benefiting the continent as a whole.
According to Kagame, Rwanda has envisioned tourism as a vital driver of economic growth and development, and their investments in infrastructure and skills are evident through projects such as the upcoming Zaria courts for the Basketball African League (BAL) and the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, among others.
Kagame also called upon partners to develop Africa as a premier global travel destination.
Under the theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future,” the WTTC 23rd Global Summit has attracted government representatives from over 45 nations, including the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; the Vice President of Burundi, Prosper Bazombanza as well as the CEO and President of WTTC, Julia Simpson, among others.
Together, they will deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within the tourism and travel sector.
The donation took place on November 1st, 2023, in Nzove Cell of Kanyinya Sector.
Eric Gilson, the General Manager of SKOL, underscored the importance of this endeavor, highlighting that they have now provided health insurance to 185 families. SKOL Brewery Ltd operates with a broader perspective beyond mere profit-making, recognizing the vital role that a healthy society plays in fostering economic growth, enabling individuals to support their families, and contribute to the nation’s progress. He also expressed their unwavering commitment to Rwanda’s development through sustainable practices.
Gilson went on to say, “SKOL Brewery Ltd remains firmly dedicated to advancing a sustainable business model that creates a meaningful and lasting impact within the country, all while ensuring the responsible development of the Rwandan community.” This practice of reaching out to the vulnerable and underprivileged has become deeply ingrained in the brewery’s corporate culture.
Ignace Kabasha, the executive secretary of Nzove, emphasized the transformative power of this annual health insurance donation, underlining how it complements other initiatives aimed at uplifting the community. For over five years, SKOL Brewery has consistently supported the community, benefiting more than 3,350 individuals. This commitment encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including providing local employment opportunities, contributing to community infrastructure development, offering Covid-19 relief support, and participating in various community development programs.
Beyond their immediate community, SKOL Brewery Ltd has also made significant contributions to broader Rwandan causes. These contributions include providing financial aid to communities affected by natural disasters, offering extensive support programs for vulnerable families, offering professional internships to high-achieving students, granting scholarships to employees’ children, and supporting local organizations engaged in socio-economic development activities.
The dismissal was announced through a statement signed by the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente on behalf of President Paul Kagame on 1st november 2023.
Dr. Hitayezu had been appointed to the position by the cabinet meeting held in July 2022.
He is an economist with more than 10 years of experience in economic policy analysis. Before joining MINECOFIN, he headed the research department at the Central Bank of Rwanda.
He has also served on the Board of Directors in various institutions including Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA).
During the bilateral meeting, both officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Visa Waiver for holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Special passports.
This landmark decision marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
This progressive step aims to simplify and expedite travel for these passport holders, promoting ease of diplomatic exchange and collaboration between Rwanda and Venezuela.
Minister Yván Gil Pinto’s visit to Rwanda holds particular significance in the broader context of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
It followed a promising meeting between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, which took place in September 2023 during the G77 meeting in Cuba.
During their meeting, the two leaders pledged to work more closely for the mutual benefit of their respective countries.
The diplomatic relationship between Rwanda and Venezuela date back to August 18, 1981.
Since then, both countries have been working together to strengthen their diplomatic ties and foster mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas.
