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Graced by the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame, the 19th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony held on Friday 1st September 2023, brought together distinguished namers, friends of Rwanda, special guests and tens of thousands of people from the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park.

The 23 baby gorillas were named by conservation champions, community heroes, sports stars, industry leaders and international artists and celebrities.

The ceremony featured Rwandan musicians and a performance with almost 180 artists from the Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company that celebrated 19 years of Kwita Izina through the theme of consistency, growth, and expansion.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame highlighted that mountain gorillas represent more than a source of tourism, or adventurous entertainment.

“To us, our gorillas are the custodians of a nature we cherish. Rwanda’s efforts to protect its biodiversity have been multi-faceted, and multi-purposed. From local and international advocacy, to the creation and expansion of national parks, no stone is being left unturned,“ she stated.

Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, stressed the need to invest in nature because the environment is the foundation of economy.

“This is why Rwanda invests heavily in building an eco-tourism industry that benefits both our people and our planet. I invite everyone to follow the journeys of the baby gorillas named today. Let their stories be a living testament of our commitment today,“ she said.

Since Kwita Izina began in 2005, 374 baby mountain gorillas have been named, and the population in the Virunga Massif has grown by 23%, according to the most recent census.

According to Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board, this remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the communities living around the park, dedicated conservationists and researchers as well as visionary leadership.

Marked every year in September, delegates from across the world gather at Musanze, in the Northern part of Rwanda to name baby gorillas.

During this year’s naming, celebrated movie actor; the late Chadwick Boseman ‘resurrected’ through a gorilla that was named by Zimbabwean-American actress Danai Guria.

Danai starred alongside Boseman in ‘Black Panther’, and as a way of remembering Boseman aka T’challa, she named the gorilla Aguka (Kinyarwanda word for Expansion) T’challa.

“I pick this name to applaud Aguka T’challa’s mother for her contribution to growing the motobo’s family members as well as to commemorate and honour T’challa the king of Wakanda this memorial week whose love for this continent shines brightly in his legacy left behind,” Danai Gurira.

Among other namers was; Hazza AlQahtani, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Rwanda, who named a male gorilla from the Kwitonda family, mother Icyamamare, ‘Urunana’ which means collaboration. The ambassador choice was to ‘highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership to achieve global conservation goals’.

Andrew Mitchell-Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK named the gorilla from the family of Pablo, mother Teta, daughter ‘Mukundwa’ which means Beloved and Favoured.

Actor Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Elba named their gorilla ‘Narame’, which means ‘Long life’. The Elba’s chose the name wishing the newborn gorilla a long life as her mother Mudakama from the Motobo family, has previously lost two of her babies.

Still from the acting industry, Actor and Producer Winston Duke named his gorilla ‘Wintarumwika’ which translates to ‘Resilient Giant’.

Winston chose the name in honour of his late single mother who taught him the meaning of resilience while Kevin Hart named his baby gorilla ‘Gakondo’.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell named the gorilla ‘Jijuka’ which means enlightenment while former NBA Chicago Bulls Centre/Forward, Joakim Noah and International model Lais Ribeiro named a baby gorilla from the family of Igisha- ‘Turumwe’ which means Oneness.

“The baby is named after Chicago’s one city basketball league symbolising safe spaces for youth growth and fostering inter-community oneness. The name also symbolises the unity of the Rwandan people,” said Noah.

Twelve year old Ineza Elvine, the youngest of all namers, named her gorilla ‘Nibagwire’ which means to multiply.

Nibagwire is daughter to Ubuhamya, from the family of Segasira and Elvine chose the name as a way of wishing the Segasira family to grow in number.

Other gorillas were named; Bigwi which means achiever, Ingoboka meaning support, Intiganda to mean Humble and Brave, Umutako which symbolises Ornament, Ikirango-Symbol, Ramba-Sustainable, Igazo-origin (Source), Ishingano- Responsibility, Impundu-acclamation, Gisubizo-solution, Umucunguzi-redeemer, Mugisha-blessing, Uburinganire-gender equality, and Murare-Sleepover encouraging all those who visit Rwanda to stay longer and enjoy the beauty of the country.

23 gorillas were named during the 19th Kwita Izina event which was graced by the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame.

In her speech, the first lady stressed that ‘nature can persist without us, but we can’t persist without it’, hence urging for continued efforts in conserving the gorillas.

“To us, mountain gorillas represent more than a source of tourism or adventurous entertainment, to us our gorillas are custodians of a nature we truly cherish,” she said.

Together with President Paul Kagame, the First Lady pioneered the first Kwita Izina that happened in 2005, where they named baby twin gorillas: Byishimo and Impano.

Kwita Izina will mark its 20th anniversary in 2024 and according to the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi, everyone should mark their calendars as it will be filled with a ‘series of celebrations’ that will have all previous gorilla namers.

So, the question that must be posed is, is there anything that Rwanda can learn from China’s development trajectory?

Surprisingly, yes. While China is today a power, the steps that China made to get to this position can, and should, be used for reference by other developing nations including Rwanda.

In 2022, the gross domestic product (GDP) of China amounted to around 18.1 trillion U.S. dollars where the agricultural sector contributed around 7.3 percent.

As of 2021, around 22.9 percent of the workforce in the country was employed in the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, agriculture accounts for around 31 percent of Rwanda’s GDP and remains the main source of income for majority Rwandans occupying 70% of the labor.

To feed its people and become food secure, China made certain policy decisions that can be studied by Rwanda.

Of course, China and Rwanda have developed their agriculture under different historical conditions. However, China’s agriculture-led growth and poverty reduction and small holder based agricultural development policy can provide a useful model for African countries, such as Rwanda, to develop their own agricultural development strategies to reduce poverty.

One of its biggest policy decisions was the empowering of smallholder farmers. Today, smallholder farmers are the backbone of Rwanda’s food system. They are the majority of employed labour and, at a strategic level, for Rwanda to develop, these smallholder farmers must become more productive.

In China, agricultural development was primarily driven by smallholder farmers moving from lower to higher levels of productivity and unlike Rwanda, the origin and evolution of Chinese agricultural structure has been based on long-term experimentation over thousands of years. This has enabled Chinese smallholders to develop smallholder-based farming technology in an incremental way over a long period, and has provided a solid foundation for further agricultural development.

To make it a reality, China introduced series of policies and measures to ensure food security.

This is an addition to resolutions including clear guidelines, issued every year by Chinese Communist Party, to solve problems affecting the agriculture sector.

In 2006, China exempted smallholder farmers from agricultural taxes which significantly contributed to improved livelihoods.

Besides, agriculture is the fourth largest priority for government’s expenditures after education, social safety and health.

The Chinese agricultural system is centered on technology while farmers receive support at their doorsteps from agriculture extension stations across the country.

Fish and mushroom farming have emerged among other key areas highlighting agricultural development in China.

In response to growing demand for aquatic products, China introduced its 14th Five-Year National Fisheries Development Plan in 2022.

Under this plan, the country’s 2025 target for aquatic production is 69 million tonnes from 65.47 million in 2020.

In Rwanda, figures show that fish production slightly increased from 41,664 tonnes in 2021 to 43,560 tonnes in 2022.

As for mushrooms’ farming, China adopted Juncao mushroom technology promising to help smallholder farmers boost household income.

In this regard, China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center was established to help families generate income from mushroom sales.

The question is , how are smallholder livelihoods in China maintained under small scale conditions?

Firstly, productivity is achieved through an intensive family farming system. In most parts of China, multiple-cropping is widely practiced and mixed crop-livestock systems are common.

Likewise, Rwandan farmers, due to the relatively small sizes of their landholdings, have no choice but to practice the same multi-cropping and mixed-farming systems. And while Rwandans have attempted this system, there is a lot more that can be done.

Although some agricultural work has been taken over by machines, smallholder agriculture in China is very labour intensive. In addition, Chinese smallholders widely use improved seed varieties and fertilisers. This is something that the creators of Rwanda’s agricultural policy are copying. Today, the Government of Rwanda provides improved potato, bean and maize seeds as well as subsidizing the cost of fertilizer.

Land use and settlement patterns in rural China have also contributed to agricultural development. Except in mountainous areas, villages are usually nucleated and arable land belonging to different small holders is relatively concentrated. This helps the development of large scale commercial crop clusters such as maize clusters in Northern China and rice clusters in Southern China. This also favours the economic use of joint services such as irrigation, extension, harvesting and marketing services provided by the state.

By creating the umudugudu system in rural Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda has been able to separate land for settlement and land for agriculture. This has allowed for land consolidation and increased productivity. Irrigation schemes, agricultural schemes and other Government services have followed.

In China, with an increasing labour movement out of agriculture, mechanisation has gradually taken over heavy farm work such as ploughing, planting and harvesting. Mechanisation is not normally done through individual family farms, but is provided by private services.

The lack of mechanization in Rwanda is largely due to the high cost of equipment and the lack of skills to operate this equipment. Rwandan private sector players can also use the China-model to support the country’s agricultural development. They should purchase this equipment and then rent it to rural farmers.

While Rwanda is very different from China, there are nevertheless some important lessons that could be shared between the two countries. Much of this centres on the politics of policy, and the importance of a consistent, long-term, learning approach, rooted in local contexts, avoiding sudden change and inappropriate external interventions.

In China, a consistent agriculture-centred development strategy and staple food crop-led agricultural development policy, honed through an incremental learning process, significantly shaped smallholder agriculture.

Another lesson from China stems from the steady transformation towards a market system ensured by the provision of irrigation, improved seed and fertiliser, and market facilities provided by the state, which enabled smallholders to gain access to the services at low cost.

Building a food-based agriculture system takes time and must be accompanied by comprehensive support to assist appropriate new technologies to emerge. This includes re-investing in agricultural education, research institutes and experiment stations as well as a modern extension service.

The driving force behind BK Group’s success has traditionally been the performance of its flagship entity, the Bank of Kigali. With a profit after tax of Rwf36 billion, the bank continues to solidify its position as the group’s primary revenue engine. During a press conference on Thursday, August 31, Bank of Kigali CEO, Diane Karusisi, highlighted two pivotal factors contributing to the bank’s outstanding performance.

The first factor was a marked increase in fee income, attributed to BK’s adept management of foreign exchange trading and fees collected from its payment facilities. This diversification strategy has proven effective in generating substantial revenue streams. The second factor is the bank’s meticulous approach to maintaining a healthy loan portfolio. Notably, the bank boasts a staggeringly low Non-Performing Loan (NPL) rate of 2.6% and a cost of risk of just two per cent. These figures reflect the bank’s disciplined underwriting practices, positioning it as a paragon of financial prudence.

As of June 30, the Bank of Kigali catered to an extensive customer base, serving over 375,038 retail customers, more than 2,183 corporate clients, 59,260 SME customers, and over 44,268 agri-customers. Impressively, the bank facilitated over 3.5 million transactions amounting to Rwf 836.2 billion during the same period. With a widespread presence, the bank boasted 67 branches, 105 ATMs, and 2,984 POS terminals across the country.

BK Group’s achievements do not end with its banking arm. BK Insurance achieved a profit of Rwf 1.7 billion in H1 2023, reflecting a consistent growth trajectory. Furthermore, BK TecHouse’s remarkable 29% increase in sales revenue, soaring from Rwf 574.4 million to Rwf 738.3 million year-on-year, underscores the company’s ability to adapt and excel in a competitive market.

Similarly, BK Capital showcased an exceptional performance, with net operating income skyrocketing by 96% to Rwf 752 million in Q2 2023, compared to the same period last year. The growth demonstrated by these subsidiaries signifies the group’s holistic approach to financial services and its capacity to capitalize on diverse revenue streams.

Beata Habyarimana, the group’s CEO, emphasized the steadfast commitment of the BK Group amidst a challenging economic landscape. She applauded the resilience, adaptability, and dedication exhibited by the group, expressing a commitment to continued vigilance and agility in navigating the uncertain economic environment.

The trio was taken into custody at about 8p.m, in Boli village, Miko cell of Karengera sector, shortly after a violent theft when they attacked and injured a 60-year old man before stealing Rwf300,000, a cellphone and other electronics from him.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the trio, armed with traditional tools, injured the victim on shoulders and chest, and was rescued to Mwezi health center for treatment.

“The victim was found by a passerby groaning on the side of the remote road where he had been attacked and injured by suspected thieves, and called the Police,” SP Karekezi said.

He added: “The search for the suspects was immediately commenced and three people said to be behind the violent theft were located and arrested shortly after in the same village.

They were found in possession of the same phone stolen from the victim and Rwf114,900, said to be part of the Rwf300,000 that they had also stolen from the victim. They had used part of the money to buy 7kgs of meat, among others, which they were caught with. They were handed over to RIB at Karengera station for further investigations.”

Two of the suspects are aged 23 while the third member is aged 30. “These are young and energetic people, who should be working instead of going astray in criminal activities and wasting their lives in prison.”

Under Article 168 of the law determining offences and penalties, any person convicted for violent theft face between five and seven years in prison and a fine of between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.

Nuclear energy is important for the African continent, as it holds immense potential to address various challenges on the continent today. With increasing energy demands, limited natural resources, and the urgent need to combat climate change, nuclear energy can play a pivotal role in empowering countries to become self-reliant, sustainable, and progressive societies and make a contribution to a responsible use of this powerful source of energy.

According to UN statistics, Africa is a continent of young people. 65% of the population is under 35 and almost 50% under 19, which means that Africa has tremendous potential to educate a new generation of scientists. Nuclear science will receive special attention, as its technologies are able to solve many endemic problems of African energy, healthcare, agriculture and other spheres.

Currently there are more than 5000 African students, studying nuclear science all over the world.

Some applicants choose Russian technical universities due to the high quality of education and great career prospects. Nowadays about 35,000 African students are currently studying in Russia, their number will increase even more in the coming years due to African unprecedented economic and industrial leap. Nuclear education programs include not only nuclear energy, but also various non-energy applications of nuclear technology including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, water resources and the environment protection.

While the nuclear energy is only taking its first steps in Africa, the nuclear science is already available to African youth who want to explore this impressive area of human knowledge. African students now studying nuclear in Russia will soon can become highly valuable experts in their home countries.

{{The nuclear educational bridge}}

Since 2013, free training of African youth has been organized at Russian universities with nuclear programs. Currently 256 students from African countries, including Rwanda, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Africa, are being trained there. The high demand of nuclear specialists provides them with excellent opportunities for career growth both at home and around the world.

In 2011 the Consortium of nuclear universities was established. This association was designed to provide nuclear educational support for projects in Russia and twelve other countries. Now the Consortium includes 18 specialized universities, such as Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Tomsk Polytechnic University, training personnel for design, creation and operation of nuclear power plants.

Moreover, in 2019 nuclear scholarships for African students were introduced to help the next generation of African scientists and nuclear engineers to emerge. The purpose of this program is to support the interest of young Africans in nuclear research and opportunities.

{{Unleashing potential }}

The project “Russian Nuclear Education Ambassadors” is also closely connected with nuclear education. It is an ambitious information and educational program all over the world, aimed at promoting Russian education and advanced nuclear technologies, including in non-energy sectors. This year it gathered more than a hundred participants at the qualifying stage, and 26 students from 14 countries, including a number of African states, got into the final. The project participants completed four training programs to develop presentation skills, public speaking skills and social media skills and also had the opportunity to meet the scientists and top leaders of the nuclear sphere.

Russian Nuclear Education Ambassadors regularly take part in online events with foreign audiences and carry out active information and educational activities in social networks. This work is aimed at promoting nuclear education, popularizing nuclear and related technologies in many countries.

{{Open lectures}}

Open lectures play a crucial role in providing quality education due to they offer a unique opportunity for anyone interested in learning, regardless of their age, background, or financial status. Such series of open lectures by leading scientists from the best nuclear universities were held for students from South Africa and Namibia. The lectures were quite popular among the students – more than 500 people attended these events. The purpose of the lectures was to show students and future applicants the relevance of the challenges facing the nuclear industry, as well as the professional and career potential for talented young people in Africa in the field of nuclear energy.

Leading nuclear experts Masamba Kakh of Peoples’ Friendship University, Vera Verkhoturova of Tomsk Polytechnic University, Vasily Kornoukhov of MEPhI and Andrey Polisan of MISIS participated in the online lecture cycle. Relying on scientific research and practical experience they shared their knowledge and opinion on the most important and urgent issues – prospects of nuclear industry development, use of nuclear technologies in medicine, industry and agriculture, the impact of nuclear industry on the environment and methods to reduce the negative impact on the environment in the world.

Interactive format of such events allowed the listeners to address their questions to the speakers, learn about the latest and most interesting research in the field of nuclear energy, and get a full picture of the various non-energy uses of the peaceful atom.

{{Navigating a nuclear world}}

In addition to open lectures, Russian nuclear education also includes several projects aimed at promoting nuclear technologies among African youth.

Starting in 2015 the “Atoms Empowering Africa” online competition was held to engage talented African youth, encouraging their interest in nuclear technology studies and promoting science and engineering. To participate in the contest, entrants create and share videos on Facebook. An expert committee comprising representatives from nuclear companies and media professionals selects the most intriguing and innovative submissions.

This year a tourist tour to St. Petersburg was organized for the winners from Egypt, Ghana, Tunisia, and Nigeria. During this excursion, participants had the opportunity to visit real nuclear facilities and explore popular historical sites in Russia. Beyond museum exhibits, the guests gained rare access to Russia’s largest operational nuclear power plant, the Leningrad NPP, situated in Sosnovy Bor. Student could take a glimpse into its intricate infrastructure, including the turbine room, cooling towers, and splash pools. Most notably, these African visitors experienced a sense of working at the plant through a training session on a simulator.

{{From science to art}}

Promoting nuclear education at a young age encourages scientific curiosity and critical thinking. Kids can develop problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a scientific mindset that can serve them well in any field they choose to pursue later in life.

Another international and creative project for the popularization of nuclear technologies Nuclear Kids (“NucKids”) is aimed at this. NucKids is being carried out for children of employees of Russian nuclear industry enterprises and foreign partners in nuclear technologies. Over 15 years of the project’s existence, 900 children from 25 countries have become participants and members of one big community. The main goals of the project are to develop new traditions of cultural interaction between children of nuclear industry employees and create conditions for realizing the creativity of these talented children.

This year 5 countries took part in the project: Bangladesh, Hungary, the Republic of Belarus, Tanzania and the Russian Federation. Kids had a responsible task to stage a professional musical in 3 weeks. The children presented 4 performances in Ostrovets (Belarus), 3 performances in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia), 4 performances in Obninsk (Russia) and 4 performances in Moscow (Russia). It is symbolic that in the 15th anniversary season the musical was shown to the audience 15 times. The participants also had time to prepare and hold the Gala Concert “The Best Songs of Nuckids”. The concert programme included more than 30 songs, all of which were performed live by the project’s seniors and this year’s participants.

“Nuclear Kids” has an important social significance: the project allows children from different cities and countries to not only visit different parts of the world free of charge, but also work with experienced teachers, and build relations with peers sharing the same interests and ideas. By introducing kids to the nuclear science, future generations can be inspired to embrace STEM fields, contribute to scientific advancements and make well-informed decisions that positively impact today’s world.

For several years, starting in 2015, Rosatom has been hosting the “Atoms Empowering Africa” online competition to engage talented African youth, encouraging their interest in nuclear technology studies and promoting science and engineering. To participate in the contest, entrants create and share videos on Facebook. An expert committee comprising representatives from nuclear companies and media professionals selects the most intriguing and innovative submissions.

In 2021, several video creators were chosen to embark on a fully funded tourist journey to Russia as a reward from the competition organisers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the winners had to wait for two years before finally able to attend the trip. The wait was worth it, and the recipients now stand as rightful owners of their well-earned rewards.

The competition victors had the privilege of immersing themselves in Russia’s nuclear infrastructure. They visited the Museum “Grand Maket”, where they encountered the cutting-edge nuclear icebreaker “Arctic” and with a Generation 3+ power unit featuring the VVER-1200 reactor. This reactor boasts exceptional safety during operation, the capability to function without human intervention, and even the ability to operate without external power supply.

Beyond museum exhibits, the guests gained rare access to Russia’s largest operational nuclear power plant, the Leningrad NPP, situated in Sosnovy Bor. Typically restricted to foreign visitors, the LNPP welcomed the “Atoms Empowering Africa” winners, offering them a glimpse into its intricate infrastructure, including the turbine room, cooling towers, and splash pools. Most notably, these African visitors experienced a sense of working at the plant through a training session on a simulator.

Alexander Belyaev, Chief Engineer of LNPP-2, expressed the importance of African youth showing interest in Russian nuclear technologies: “It’s significant that the young generation from African countries exhibits interest in Russian nuclear technologies. This visit could potentially mark the start of their careers in the nuclear industry, offering Africa promising pathways toward energy independence”.

The tour participants were delighted by their visit to the nuclear power plant. Emmanuel Adom, one of the trip’s participants and teaching assistant at the University for Development Studies, exclaimed, “The NPP is the most astounding place I’ve visited in St. Petersburg. It showcases machinery I’ve never seen before, from the reactor to the cooling systems and turbine. Witnessing an NPP firsthand feels incredible and awe-inspiring. Knowing it contributes about 30% northwestern region of Russia’s electricity supply and 55% of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region is mind-boggling. I’d love to return to this place again and again”.

Similar to many tourists, the guests explored St. Petersburg’s renowned landmarks, including the Peter and Paul Fortress with its noon cannon shot, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage, and Peterhof. They also experienced the city from the water during a cruise along its rivers and canals. The participants particularly enjoyed Russian cuisine at local restaurants and indulged in shopping at nearby centers.

Munachimso Oguine, one of the tour members and student at National Open University of Nigeria, shared her impressions: “St. Petersburg is an unforgettable experience. Known as the City of Palaces, it boasts over 100 or 200 palaces. We had the privilege to visit iconic places like the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace. The people in Russia are remarkable. Even if they don’t speak English, they go out of their way to assist, often using sign language. They are kind, helpful, and open-minded. I’m eager to return.”

Rwanda’s leading beverage company, Bralirwa Plc, has taken another significant step towards its commitment to sustainable development by partnering with Bboxx Rwanda, a data-driven super platform connecting underserved rural communities and aspiring urban ones with a highly convenient and affordable way to access life-changing solutions.

Together, the companies will provide clean energy to 59 off-grid families in the village of Gapfura, Rusororo cell, Muhororo sector in Ngororero district.

The two companies signed a MoU earlier this year in May 2023, to contribute to sustainable energy solutions by installing solar panel systems in 51 residences and 8 businesses set ups supporting over 300 beneficiaries to improve their quality of life. Each household was given a radio while the businesses were supported with TV screens to increase their access to information.

Bboxx Rwanda, which was launched in 2014, works with government and international partners to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions, such as solar electricity and clean cooking solutions. John Uwizeye, Managing Director of Bboxx Rwanda, highlighted the pivotal role of providing electricity in community development.

“Access to electricity serves as a catalyst for enabling economic development of communities and making progress on a host of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are delighted to partner with like-minded companies such as Bralirwa that have environmental sustainability and social impact as part of its pillars to transform lives and unlock potential through energy access,” said Benjamin Bizima, Head of Retail Operations.

Etienne Saada, Managing Director of Bralirwa, said that environmental sustainability is part of the company’s strategic pillars.

“We believe in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing our social impact in the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Bboxx is yet another step toward our goal of improving the quality of life for the people we serve while reducing our carbon footprint,” noted Saada.

The event, which was held in Muhororo sector, in Ngororero district was presided over by the Mayor of Ngororero, Mr. Nkusi Christophe, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Fidele Abimana, Deputy Director of Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Mr. Faustin Munyazikwiye, community members and leaders among others.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Fidele Abimana said that it through great collaboration and partnership with the private sector that ‘we can create efficiency and bring services closer to all communities’.

Mayor of Ngororero district, Mr. Nkusi thanked BRALIRWA for their contributing to the social wellbeing of the community and called upon the residents of Gapfura village to work together for the district’s continuing progress and advancement.

The selection and installation of the solar energy systems was done in close collaboration with district authorities to a total cost of Rwf12 million.

Bralirwa’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility is evident through its continued investment in initiatives such as water access, tree planting, responsible consumption campaigns, and agricultural farming, totaling to over one billion Rwandan francs over the last three years.