This institution plays a pivotal role in shaping national education policy, overseeing entities responsible for curriculum development, teaching standards, examinations, schools’ management, and various other aspects of education.
From the post-Genocide against the Tutsi leadership under Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, the inaugural minister, to the recent reassignment of Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, the longest recorded tenure was that of Prof. Romain Murenzi, who served from 2001 to 2006.
{{Below is the list of sixteen ministers who have successively led MINEDUC until the present day.}}
Throughout these 29 years, numerous substantial challenges have been confronted. Ministers grappled with reintroducing education in the aftermath of the genocide, constructing primary schools, training educators, and redesigning curricula. The primary objective was to ensure maximum enrollment of children in schools.
The period spanning from 2003 to 2010 was marked by efforts to counteract the infiltration of genocidal ideology in schools. This was coupled with a significant transition in language preference, favoring English over French. The government also initiated the Education for All program, which spanned 9 years and aimed to boost enrollment in vocational schools among young people.
Nonetheless, the last 13 years have been notably tumultuous for Mineduc, with nearly half of all ministers experiencing turnover. However, this period was far from stagnant. Starting in 2010, the government invested in extending basic education to a 12-year duration, established a national university, welcomed foreign universities to establish campuses in Rwanda, and improved the salary conditions of teachers.
Yet, according to education journalist Joseph Hakuzwumuremyi, in an interview with IGIHE, the instability of educational policy remains a significant challenge that many ministers have grappled with. He asserts that the absence of a consistent educational policy and the prevalence of commercial interests are issues that have hindered any minister from effectively steering the ship of education.
Nevertheless, it is important not to overlook the achievements that have been accomplished. The literacy rate has shown remarkable improvement: in 2000, nearly 50% of Rwandans struggled with reading and writing, whereas by 2019, the figure had risen to 89%.
Technological advancements have also been evident, with 51.6% of the population utilizing the internet, which now covers 95% of the national territory.
He delivered these remarks at the celebration of YouthConnect’s 10-year anniversary at Intare Arena in Rusororo.
The event brought together thousands of young Rwandan leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to engage in opportunities for socioeconomic transformation, while showcasing their accomplishments and addressing challenges.
The Head of State emphasized that Rwandans and Africans are akin to other global citizens, where foreign powers should not have the authority to control them.
“There are powerful and affluent nations that impose their ways upon others, which raises questions, as no person created another. Regardless of whether you hail from America, China, India, Russia, Europe, or elsewhere, no one is the creator of another. From this standpoint, it’s evident that people should coexist with mutual respect,” he observed.
The President encouraged the youth to devise solutions and cultivate positive mindsets if they are to achieve the desired self-worth.
“Individuals strive for self-respect. You should think in a manner that acknowledges your humanity and capacity, albeit with limitations, just as other individuals also possess limitations in their capabilities,” he highlighted.
Kagame asserted that considering individual contributions collectively would have a positive impact, ensuring the continent is not perceived as lagging behind. He also reminded the youth to play their roles as early as possible to make significant strides towards desired progress and meaningful contribution to national development.
“Young people, in everything you do, ask yourself why Rwanda and Africa are still lagging behind in terms of development when other parts of the world have managed to move ahead. In whatever you do, ask yourself what you can contribute toward solving that problem. There is no early time or young age for you to not think about the future and what you can do about it,” stated Kagame.
The President also motivated young individuals to dispel any pessimistic thoughts or feelings of hopelessness and self-underestimation.
“No, you are capable, just give it a try, even if it fails you will have tried. Have that heart that wants to try to do something and succeed, you will fail in some cases but if you fail, try something else, you will succeed,” he advised.
Themed “10 Years of Impact,” this anniversary highlighted the multitude of achievements by YouthConnekt, which includes the establishment of over 30,000 jobs and the provision of support to over 2,000 youth-led enterprises with skills in business development, mentorship, funding, and more.
YouthConnekt Rwanda is the result of an effective partnership between the Rwandan government, the youth, and development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Imbuto Foundation, MTN, KOICA Rwanda, the European Union, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, World Health Organization (WHO), MasterCard Foundation, Airtel Rwanda, Bank of Kigali and BPR, among others.
Among them, 75 students are to pursue master’s degrees, two doctorates and three bachelor’s degrees in science, technology and economics among other disciplines.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, Wang Xuekun, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, urged the students to make good use of the study opportunity, aim high and pursue academic excellence.
Encouraging the students to connect personal ambition with national development, Wang said that Rwanda attaches great importance to education and the development of human resources, as it plays a key role in the country’s transformation agenda.
Since the 1980s, more than 1,500 Rwandan students have completed their studies in China after being awarded Chinese government scholarships, according to official data.
The graduates from China are said to be working in different sectors of Rwandan society, contributing to the country’s progress.
Rose Mukankomeje, the director general of Rwanda’s Higher Education Council, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Chinese government and Rwanda in terms of capacity building.
Besides knowledge from lecture rooms, she advised the students to embrace Chinese culture and society and come back upon completion of their studies with the necessary experiences to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
The students are to study at first-tier universities in China.
Phillip Karenzi, the director general at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the farewell ceremony as a key event in the history of China-Rwanda relations.
“This farewell reception is not just (a) symbolic event but a symbol of strong ties between Rwanda and China,” he said, commending the leadership of Rwanda and China for the unwavering commitment to strengthening excellent relations between the two countries.
He noted that the commitment has yielded tangible results in various sectors such as infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy, technology and education. “The collaboration is a testament to the friendship that has flourished for over 50 years and it serves as the foundation for greater cooperation in the years ahead,” said Karenzi.
Underlining the Rwandan government’s appreciation to China for supporting Rwanda’s human capital development, Karenzi emphasized that the country’s education sector has greatly benefitted from the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Karenzi challenged the students to act as Rwanda’s ambassadors in China and carry with them Rwanda’s spirit of “agaciro,” literally meaning dignity in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda, or dignity while remaining open to new ideas. He advised the students to not only gain classroom knowledge in China but learn from China’s rich transformative experience from the community they will be part of.
Emmanuel Kamanzi, the adviser to the Rwanda-China Alumni Organization, advised the students against being swayed from their studies, when they reach China, noting there is a lot to learn there which can be helpful when they return to Rwanda, including language and Chinese culture.
Ian Jesse Mbanda, who spoke on behalf of the new scholarship beneficiaries, said their belief is that studying in China offers many rewards in terms of knowledge and skills. He said there is a lot to learn in terms of Chinese technology and industrial development.
Ambassador Wang also encouraged the students “to add fuel to China-Rwanda friendship,” saying the relationship between the two countries is a model of state-to-state relations. “During your stay in China, I encourage you to visit various places, make more friends, and deepen your understanding of China, its people and culture.”
Noting that Senegal is an important partner of China in Africa, Xi said that with joint efforts in recent years, the two countries have enjoyed ever-deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields.
Xi said that China firmly supports Senegal’s endeavors in safeguarding national stability and development, adding that China stands ready to strengthen mutual support with Senegal and deepen cooperation in such areas as industry, agriculture, infrastructure and human resources, jointly safeguard their legitimate right to development, and push for greater development of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
He stressed that currently, the international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes, and that China and Africa need more than ever to strengthen solidarity and cooperation.
Xi said China supports the African Union in joining the Group of 20, and stands ready to share with African brothers its development experience and opportunities, and push for the joint pursuit of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era by continuously upholding the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and pursuing the greater good and shared interests.
As co-chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Senegal have supported and cooperated with each other and successfully held a series of important events including the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, he said.
China, Xi added, stands ready to work with Senegal to continue to strengthen communication and coordination, push for the implementation of the nine programs announced at the FOCAC, and make new contributions to consolidating China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.
For his part, Sall said that Senegal and China are high-quality comprehensive strategic partners, hailing Xi as a great friend of Africa and Senegal.
He noted that the two sides, in the spirit of sincerity and friendship, have carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of fields such as infrastructure, industry, agriculture and education.
Senegal, he said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, appreciates China’s foreign policy of peace, and hopes to work with China to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The vigorous Africa-China cooperation meets the development needs of Africa and has been implemented efficiently, which has strongly underpinned the economic and social development of African countries, he said.
Sall thanked China for taking the lead in publicly supporting AU’s G20 membership, saying that his country, as a co-chair of FOCAC, will continue to closely communicate and work with China to promote the further development of Africa-China relations.
As per media reports, authorities are presently investigating the cause of the crash, which took place on Wednesday, exactly two months after Prigozhin led his fighters in a brief mutiny against Russia’s military leadership.
“There’s not much that happens in Russia that [Russian President] Putin’s not behind. But I don’t know enough to know the answer,” US President Joe Biden said in reaction to the news.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to the Ukrainian president, remarked that the plane crash might signify “a message from Putin to Russia’s elites leading up to the 2024 elections. ‘Beware! Disloyalty equals death.’”
The news of his purported demise has raised concerns about the future of the numerous Wagner fighters stationed in Africa, Belarus, and other regions around the world.
The branding partnership will include a range of benefits that will be rolled out in stages. In the initial phases, motorcyclists will receive MoMoPay codes/QR codes, which will equip them to offer passengers hassle-free payment options, ultimately elevating the overall customer experience. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to become MTN agents, selling airtime and earning commissions which will provide them with a new income stream. In the subsequent phase of this partnership, motorcyclists will enjoy personalized rates for services like MoKash, Mobile Money Rwanda’s microfinancing service, as well as access to the Macye Macye service, MTN’s Device financing programme, among others.
Chantal Kagame, Mobile Money Rwanda Limited Chief Executive Officer emphasized, “We would like to extend our gratitude to City of Kigali for this partnership. The rebranding of Kigali motorcyclists with our distinct branded jackets signifies not just a shift in attire, but a transformative leap towards enriching urban mobility and embracing contemporary solutions. By utilizing MoMoPay, motorcyclists not only support the country’s cashless agenda but also champion and advance digital payment solutions. With their help, Rwanda will see traditional cash payments in the mobility sector become a thing of the past.”
Each branded jacket will bear the motorist’s identity number, ensuring easy identification, and feature a dedicated USSD code for the seamless purchase of MTN “Irekure” bundles, further empowering commuters with convenient and affordable mobile services.
Today marks a remarkable milestone in our journey towards a more connected and innovative urban landscape. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to innovation but also reinforces our dedication to extending convenience and adding value to the lives of our communities.
By equipping these riders with the tools to offer telecommunication services and convenient digital financial transactions, we’re fostering a dynamic ecosystem that bridges technology and everyday life. Our goal is to empower motorists to improve their livelihoods as well as to enhance accessibility while creating new avenues for our valued customers to engage with our services effortlessly,” commented Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer.
{{About MTN Rwandacell}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, The telecom has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network.
MTN Rwanda offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings.
{{About Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd}}
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27 April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda. The company has about 4.5 milllion subscribers over 65,000 Mobile Money agents and over 230,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country. The penetration of Mobile Money has seen a continuous rise with the enhancement of existing offerings such as MoMoPay, MoMo eTicketing as a digital user-friendly ticketing solution, Tap&Go payments for bus services, Bill Payments, International & regional Remittances, Bulk Payments, Electricity purchase, Payment of Government services, Bank Push & Pull, MoKash Loans & Savings, and more.
Residing in the tight-knit Valencia Hills neighborhood, he became a beloved figure, renowned for hosting joyous holiday gatherings, coaching youth sports teams, and adorning the streets with Halloween delights for children.
Ewert’s love for the Violin developed as he grew up. His grandfather and father both played the Violin and so does all his children. Ewerts says it is a very important instrument to his family.
His journey has been a testament to the power of music, resilience, and compassion. From his family’s musical heritage, Ewert’s melodies have touched hearts and transcended boundaries.
Through adversity, he emerged stronger, fueled by the love of his family and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Beyond his exceptional musical talent, Ewert was known for his philanthropic endeavors and missionary work. His legacy continues to resonate, a testament to the transformative power of compassion and artistry.
Ewert’s journey as a violinist led him to Hollywood, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the soundtracks of over a thousand movies and some of these include ‘Black Panther’ , ‘The Notebook’ and ‘Titanic’.
The world-famous Hollywood, California, is renowned for its role in the entertainment industry and is home to many famed celebrities and personalities.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE during his recent visit to Rwanda, Ewert recalled his Hollywood experiences and shared nostalgic memories.
“The opportunity to play music in Hollywood is a rare and wonderful experience,” he recalls, remembering his time working on the iconic film “Jurassic Park” with the celebrated composer, John Williams.
Through his work, Ewert has witnessed the universal power of music to connect with people, transcending backgrounds and languages. As Ewert plays his violin, he crafts a symphony of hope and inspiration, uniting people from diverse backgrounds.
As the conversation shifts to the impactful movie “Black Panther,” Ewert’s excitement is evident.
“We were all waiting and waiting and waiting for a black hero. And we got the Black Panther,” he exclaims, acknowledging the movie’s significance in representing a black superhero on the big screen.
He also recognizes the film’s exploration of sensitive historical themes, particularly those related to slavery. Ewert believes in the importance of using film to address such issues and hopes for more inclusive storytelling in the future.
In 2005, tragedy struck Ewert’s life when a fire engulfed his home during Christmas, leaving him, his son Michael, and his father Hugh with severe burns. It took him 6 months to play again.
Reflecting on this challenging period, Ewert shares: “After my big fire, my big fall in my life, my mother was so sad. She had no joy. Until she heard this music. So, may I play it for you?” His experience during recovery deepened his appreciation for life and family, strengthening his resolve to find higher purpose and meaning.
After surviving the fire, Ewert embarked on a new chapter in his life, embracing new opportunities with a sense of purpose.
“I have also been to the country of Peru, and I recommend it. They also have a jungle, and it’s very beautiful. I played my violin there many times,” he says, underscoring his belief in using his violin to bring hope and joy to people across cultures and countries.
“Music has taught me in my life. You play for the pleasure of the other person,” Ewert imparts his wisdom, believing that music is meant to be shared and cherished.
His passion for music is deeply intertwined with his desire to give back to others. “You make something beautiful to give to another person, and this is my joy in life. I have the violin, and I try to play nice and sweet for you,” he explains, infusing his music with emotion and compassion.
From Hollywood’s grand stages to the heart of Rwanda, Ewart’s unwavering passion for music and his boundless compassion continue to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Ewert leaves a message for everyone to always find a way forward irrespective of any setbacks.
“In life we will fall down and get up. Always look back, reflect on the past, rise and move forward. No one should be discouraged by setbacks, we should move forward in life because the Future is Bright,” he enthuses.
In this pursuit of success, while securing funding remains undeniably significant, the roles of innovation and astutely identifying market demands cannot be understated. This collective effort underscores the urgency of creating more avenues for growth and employment.
Among the examples of such endeavors, Vuba Vuba Ltd, a startup that emerged with a purpose, encapsulates the transformative power of innovative ideas.
The company, operating within the domain of food delivery services via a robust e-commerce platform, has emerged as a disruptor. The fruits of their labor are becoming evident, epitomized by their recent distinction as one of the top 20 finalists in this year’s prestigious [Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH)->https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/] competition.
ABH, a cornerstone initiative now in its fifth consecutive year, embodies the promise of surmounting challenges and propelling the continent toward greater heights. This ambitious Prize Competition, championed by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, resonates as a philanthropic beacon.
It aspires to support and ignite the ambitions of the next generation of African entrepreneurs across a spectrum of industries. The ultimate vision is to cultivate an economy that is both sustainable and inclusive, nurturing the continent’s future.
Rwanda’s unwavering participation in ABH since its inception in 2019 has yielded tangible results. Four Rwandan entrepreneurs have achieved coveted positions among the top 10 winners in the years 2019, 2021, and 2022, respectively.
Cumulatively, Rwanda’s triumphs have translated into a substantial grant amounting to over US$385,000, a testament to the program’s profound impact. This accomplishment serves as an inspiring precedent, illuminating the path for more Rwandan startups, as well as those from other nations, to seize the forthcoming five editions of ABH. The rewards that stem from active participation hold the potential to accelerate the growth trajectory of their enterprises.
The current year witnesses a remarkable surge in submissions to ABH, a testimony to the burgeoning entrepreneurial zeal across Africa. Amidst a staggering pool of 27,267 applications hailing from all 54 African countries, the CEO & Co-Founder of Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd, Albert Munyabugingo, stands tall. Alongside the remaining top 20 entrepreneurs, he has emerged from this competitive crucible. Among these contenders, Rwanda claims representation through a single entrepreneur within the ABH Top 20.
As the journey advances, these 20 visionary entrepreneurs inch closer to the pivotal moment when they will present their exceptional business propositions to global luminaries in Kigali this early September. The pitching session will ascertain the elite top 10, who will collectively share the substantial grant of US$1.5 million.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Munyabugingo elaborated on his brainchild’s nuances, its potential impact on Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the expedition that has earned him a spot among the top 20.
{{Excerpts: }}
{{1. Could you provide a brief overview of your company’s mission and the innovative solution it offers to the community?}}
{{Munyabugingo:}} [Vuba Vuba->https://www.vubavuba.rw/] is an e-commerce mobile app that provides a convenient solution currently for residents in Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu to order meals and daily essentials for delivery to their homes or offices in less than an hour.
{{2. Poverty reduction through entrepreneurship is a crucial goal, especially in African countries. How does Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd contribute to this goal, and what inspired you to start this venture?}}
Vuba Vuba contributes to poverty reduction through empowering entrepreneurs at an entry level in Rwanda to scale.
For instance, we work with more than 10 start-ups registered as restaurant businesses in Rwanda with no space for dining. They just cook and deliver through Vuba Vuba.
Since its launch in January 2020, Vuba Vuba has a team of 31 full-time employees, 100 delivery riders, and 50 casual workers.
Together, they have facilitated the delivery of more than 1,000,000 orders, maintaining an impressive daily average of 1,000 deliveries.
I co-founded Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd in January 2020 with my colleague Innocent Kaneza.
We wanted to build a strong local tech solution for e-commerce. The inspiration to start an e-commerce mobile app was to fill in the gap that was left on the market after Jumia exited the Rwandan market in 2019.
We believed we are the best fit for it and to build a strong local tech solution for e-commerce, we decided to retain Jumia’s former employees who had been left jobless. Last week we launched a new version of the app that we are very excited about as it speaks to growth.
{{3. Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd operates in the agri-food sector. Could you delve into the specific ways your company addresses challenges in delivery services and contributes to national development?}}
Vuba Vuba collaborates with fresh produce sellers to bridge the gap for clients facing time or distance challenges. Our services enhance access to fresh produce, empowering local businesses to reach a wider customer base. We are also working on connecting farmers with our partner restaurants directly.
{{4. Innovation plays a pivotal role in today’s business landscape. How do you foster a culture of innovation within your company, and what role has it played in your success?}}
At Vuba Vuba, we drive growth by incentivizing staff contributions. Our inclusive recruitment seeks innovative minds to tackle challenges head-on, fostering creativity and driving solutions for our business. From Junior positions, we allow sharing of ideas on how to tackle growth challenges.
{{5. You were recently selected as one of the top 20 entrepreneurs by the Jack Ma Foundation’s Africa’s Business Heroes initiative. Could you share your initial reaction when you found out you were among the top 20 out of over 27,000 applicants from across Africa?}}
The email came in late at night and it’s the first thing I saw in the morning; you can imagine the smile on my face since then. This is a huge milestone being selected to be supported by one of the world’s greatest pioneers of e-commerce, a sector in which I am.
{{6. How was the journey of participating in Africa’s Business Heroes? }}
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is one of the biggest platforms one would love to be part of. To me, it is the first with so many giants in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa and beyond. I have learnt more so far, have connected with great minds and even looking to continue doing so as we want to expand Vuba Vuba to more African countries.
{{7. The upcoming ABH event in Kigali sounds exciting. Can you please tell us about your expectations for pitching your business idea to global business legends and the potential impact winning the grant could have on Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd?}}
As we approach the pitching session, we are diligently preparing day and night, with the goal of winning the prize that would fuel our growth strategies. This encompasses broadening the range of products and services we provide, as well as extending our solution to reach a wider audience across the African continent.
{{8. Rwanda has been consistently successful in the ABH initiative, with several entrepreneurs emerging among top winners. What factors do you think have contributed to Rwanda’s success, and how can other aspiring entrepreneurs learn from this experience?}}
Rwanda as a country, has created a very promising environment with incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship generally for local and international companies looking at having Rwanda as their first market of operations as well as expansion. Vuba Vuba is a practical example of such companies. I have not had any business outside of Rwanda but from different conversations, Rwanda really works.
{{9. The entrepreneurial spirit in Africa seems to be growing rapidly. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are looking to make a positive impact through their business ideas, especially considering the current economic challenges?}}
My advice to upcoming entrepreneurs is quite simple: build an impactful solution, spend time defining your processes, adapt your processes to your market, speak to your users/customers to understand their needs because I believe – as ABH’s theme states it, {{IT’S AFRICA’S TIME }} and we will have enough customers for different products if they are well designed for the market. If this works well, I strongly believe investment will follow you.
{{10. Lastly, for other entrepreneurs who might be considering participating in future editions of Africa’s Business Heroes, what key takeaways or insights would you like to share from your own experience?}}
My experience with ABH is that the application is long for a very good reason. It gives you time to go back to your business’ basics and understand them even deeper. From any sector you might be operating in, not necessarily tech, this is a very good platform for mentorship, meeting the right investors and connecting with fellow founders.
While applying, be real, do not fake numbers, [the ABH application->https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/] opens every year for another 5 years ahead from now.
The CEO of I&M Bank, Benjamin Mutimura credits the bank’s diverse business model, resilient balance sheet, and commitment to customer service for these results despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Net revenue reached Rwf21.5 billion, with a 4% increase in net interest income due to loan and investment growth. Fees and commissions rose by 22%, driven by digital adoption and an expanding customer base.
Foreign exchange revenue surged by 59%, while operating expenses grew by 26%, attributed to technological investments and inflation. The Non-Performing Loans ratio remained stable at 3.62%, demonstrating an improved loan book quality.
Total deposits increased by 10%, with MSME deposits growing by an impressive 36%. Around 72% of customer deposits were in current and savings accounts. To enhance MSME focus, I&M Bank formed a strategic alliance with FMO, a Dutch development bank, to establish the NASIRA Portfolio Guarantee for smallholders, youth, and women entrepreneurs.
Mutimura emphasized the bank’s commitment to economic recovery, innovation, digital solutions, and strong customer relationships.
Trade between China and Africa rose 7.4 percent year on year to 1.14 trillion yuan (about 158.36 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-July period, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner over the past decade. Bilateral trade totaled 1.87 trillion yuan in 2022, up 14.8 percent year on year, customs data showed.
