The first attack took place on Saturday in Bodio village in Bandiagara region, leaving 15 people dead and two injured, according to a statement of the Bandiagara governorate. And two people were killed in another attack on Sunday at a mine between Bodio village and Anakanda village.
“Operations are underway to track down the perpetrators of this despicable act which will in no way discourage us from our eternal fight for the preservation of our country,” the statement said.
The attacks occured one day after the handover of the Ogossagou camp, a military base in Bandiagara, to the Malian government from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. The United States Security Council on June 30 unanimously approved the complete withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces in Mali in the next six months, at the request of the Malian authorities.
The roadmap includes separating the warring forces, speeding up the delivery of humanitarian aid and safeguarding civilians, and initiating a political process based on state establishment instead of power-sharing, said Agar.
Noting that “multiple initiatives are harmful to peace efforts and prolong the war,” Agar stressed the need to avoid multiplicity of political initiatives to end the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.
He further underlined the need to rally around the Sudanese army as it’s the national institution since “neutrality will not serve Sudan’s agenda.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry.
Since May 6, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been patronizing negotiations between the Sudanese warring parties in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Several truces have been reached and breached since then with the two sides accusing each other of violating them.
More than 3 million people have been forced into displacement, inside and outside the country, since the conflict broke out in Sudan, according to UN estimates.
“Burkina Faso and Mali are sending a delegation to Niamey … to show the solidarity of the two countries with the brotherly people of Niger,” the army tweeted.
The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali, which were established after the military took power by force in 2020 and 2022 in the two countries, also declared their support for the Nigerien soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum and rejected “the illegal, illegitimate sanctions against the Nigerien people and authorities.”
The two countries also warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered as a declaration of war against them and would lead to the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States, a regional political and economic union of 15 countries located in West Africa that threatened to restore order in Niger by force.
The event held on Monday 7th August 2023 at the university’s campus in Kigali, was attended by the management, lecturers and students.
AI encompasses the design of systems that enhance human perception, cognition, and problem-solving abilities. From aiding physicians in timely and accurate diagnoses to supporting drivers in avoiding dangerous situations and crashes, AI technologies promise significant value to people and society through data, computation, and advancements in machine learning algorithms.
{{The UAE’s Vision and Strategy for AI }}
In 2017, the UAE government introduced the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031, targeting efficient governance and transformative advancements in eight key sectors, including space, renewable energy, water, and education.
Remarkably, the UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, holding the top position in the region.
Amb. AlQahtani explained that the UAE envisions becoming a world leader in AI by 2031, unlocking new economic and social opportunities for citizens, governments, and businesses, with a goal of generating up to AED 335bn in economic growth.
The projected impact of AI on the world’s gross domestic product, with a potential 14 percent increase by 2030, equivalent to 15.7 trillion US Dollars, further emphasizes the transformative power of this technology.
{{Advancing AI Initiatives in the UAE}}
To achieve its AI aspirations, the UAE has taken significant steps, such as establishing the National Program for Artificial Intelligence. This program is dedicated to understanding, developing, and embracing AI and Robotics.
The AI Office under this program facilitates experimental pilot projects by providing funding to private sector companies, resulting in innovations like quantum computing applications in health diagnostics and global energy supply management.
{{AI Program Initiatives}}
Amb. AlQahtani highlighted several key AI initiatives held by the UAE over the years, including the AI Everything Summit in April 2019, the UAE AI Internship Program in 2018, and the UAE India AI Bridge partnership committee.
These initiatives aimed to foster collaboration, increase investments in AI startups, and equip Emirati students with AI skills through training and internship opportunities.
{{UAE’s Commitment to Fourth Industrial Revolution}}
The UAE’s strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution combines physical, digital, and biological technologies to create unprecedented products and services. Key sectors of focus include innovative education, artificial intelligence, intelligent genomic medicine and robotic healthcare, efficient government, sustainability, and smart cities.
{{The UAE Centennial 2071 Plan}}
The UAE Centennial 2071 Plan represents a long-term vision to fortify the country’s reputation and soft power by preparing future generations with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a rapidly changing world.
Amb. AlQahtani emphasized that AI technology plays a crucial role in making this ambitious vision a reality across sectors.
{{Dubai Future Foundation’s Impact}}
The Dubai Future Foundation, an independent research think tank, has contributed to the UAE’s AI advancements through various programs and initiatives. The Dubai Future Accelerators, UAE Drones for Good, and the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good are among the projects that foster partnerships and stimulate innovation.
{{Blockchain Strategies in the UAE}}
The UAE has been at the forefront of blockchain adoption, launching the Dubai Blockchain Strategy in 2018 to become the world’s first city fully powered by blockchain. This technology enhances data protection, streamlines processes, and increases trust and accountability.
{{University for Artificial Intelligence}}
In response to the changing job market, the UAE established the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), offering full scholarships to students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. programs in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
MBZUAI plays a pivotal role in advancing AI technology and supporting the country’s economic diversification efforts.
After interactive discussions, Amb. AlQahtani awarded four best performing students with smartphones.
He had last interacted with UoK students in 2021 where he urged them to take advantage of their country’s development programs to meet their aspirations.
With a surface area of 83,600 square km, the UAE was founded in 1971 and is made up of seven Emirates that include Abu Dhabi, the capital and Dubai the economic capital.
The UAE has a population of approximately 10 million, with 90% being foreigners who come to live, study and work in the country.
The Co-founder and Chairman of UoK, Philbert Afrika, praised Amb. AlQahtani for selecting a highly relevant and significant topic in this era of AI integration into daily life.
He also commended the Ambassador for fostering a strong bond with the university and expressed his optimism for further collaboration with the UAE through his unwavering support.
The first half of the year showcased robust financial performance, with Overall service revenue growth of 14.7% YoY, supported by a solid increase of 6.0% in subscriber base to reach 7 million subscribers, with robust revenue growth across all business units.
Data revenue sustained its positive momentum, growing by 22.5%, driven by a 5.1% growth in active data users as well as a 12.9% increase in Data usage per active data customer, which managed to offset a 0.9% decline in voice revenue growth. Smartphone penetration increased by 3.0pp to 24.5%, driven by the macye macye device financing program. The number of connected homes witnessed remarkable growth, surpassing 7,000 (a 58.2% increase), while our enterprise business experienced a double-digit revenue surge of 20.5% year on year.
Mark Nkurunziza, MTN Rwanda Chief Finance Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the half-year results, stating, “We are pleased to present our half-year results, showcasing strong growth across all our business units. EBITDA demonstrated a modest improvement of 4.8% during the first half of 2023, achieving a commendable EBITDA margin of 45.1%. Though we encountered challenges due to the macro-economic landscape, we are optimistic about the second half of 2023, anticipating improved EBITDA margins driven by the roll-out of our own 4G network and the continued implementation of our expense efficiency program (EEP).”
MTN Rwanda’s subsidiary, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd. (MMRL), continues to shine, reporting impressive YoY revenue growth of 35.7% largely attributed to the success of advanced Mobile Money (MoMo) services. Notably, advanced MoMo services, such as Payments, Banktech, and Remittances, experienced remarkable growth of 38.8%, 206.8%, and 197.7% respectively, contributing 22.9% to the overall MoMo revenue.
Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s strong dedication to creating shared value and fostering a positive impact on the communities it serves. One of their commendable initiatives, known as Project Twese, focuses on promoting inclusivity by enabling front-facing staff to communicate using sign language, showcasing MTN Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion for all Rwandans.
In June 2023, the company embarked on the “21 Days of Yello Care” initiative, which empowered grassroots entrepreneurs through enriching capacity building workshops and provided financial support to outstanding entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, as part of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programs, MTN Rwanda continued to contribute significantly to the upliftment of Rwandans through its community projects. A prime example of this contribution can be seen in the construction of the 3 in 1 home to the Unity Club’s community project and the support provided for the construction and upgrade of the Bweyeye Maternity Ward.
Bodibe further highlighted, “MTN Rwanda achieved a solid financial performance in the first half of 2023, exemplifying our commitment to leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress. Our strategic focus remains unwavering, with a continued focus on the Ambition 2025 strategy driving growth and strengthening our position as a leading telecommunications provider in Rwanda. The rollout of MTN Rwanda’s 4G network will offer unparalleled connectivity and an enhanced customer experience, propelling the adoption of digital services and transforming access to the internet.”
As the second half of the year unfolds, MTN Rwanda is poised for further growth, investing in its network and platforms to achieve 99.99% population coverage by the end of 2023.
The company expresses profound gratitude to its valued customers and esteemed stakeholders for their continuous support over the past 25 years.
The agreement entered on Monday 7th August 2023, was part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum, which brought together 30 delegates from 20 companies in Madagascar to meet and exchange with their Rwandan counterparts. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar led the delegation on a three-day state visit, upon the invitation of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
The focus of the private sector cooperation will be on market expansion, strategic partnerships, and business development. Mubiligi emphasized the importance of identifying priority sectors of investment to strengthen small and medium enterprises in both countries and regions.
Lantosoa Rakotomalala, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), highlighted the collaborative efforts not only between Madagascar and Rwanda but also between other African countries.
Tahina Ramaromandray, Administrative Director at Groupe Filatex, expressed interest in knowledge exchange within the energy sector and learning best practices in special economic zones.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB, emphasized the forum’s role in identifying synergies and exploring opportunities in priority sectors such as ICT, mining, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Akamanzi showcased Rwanda’s investment-friendly frameworks and eased regulations, including no restriction on capital repatriation and simplified business registration, supporting the country’s economic growth in recent years.
In a rather lackluster first 70 minutes of play in the season’s opening game, Manchester City’s substitute, Cole Palmer, appeared to secure victory with a stunning strike. However, the momentum shifted when Leandro Trossard equalized in the 101st minute with a deflected shot that found the back of the net.
The match was eventually decided through a dramatic penalty shootout. Kevin de Bruyne, also a substitute, saw his shot hit the crossbar, and Rodri’s attempt was saved, paving the way for Fabio Vieira to convert his shot and secure the prestigious trophy for Arsenal.
For President Kagame, who is well-known for his ardent support for the North London club, this victory provided a significant psychological boost to Arsenal as they embark on their journey towards the Premier League title.
Shortly after the match, President Kagame expressed his excitement and congratulated Arsenal on their “much-needed” win just before the start of the new season, which is scheduled to kick off on August 11.
“Congrats. #Arsenal. Shows what’s to come !! You can only LUV it !!” he tweeted.
Since 2018, Rwanda entered a tourism partnership with Arsenal, resulting in the “Visit Rwanda ” slogan being featured on the sleeves of all the Premier League club’s team jerseys.
The game of Golf has emerged as one of Rwanda’s shining sports-based tourism attractions. At IRONMAN 70.3, enthusiasts and newcomers alike were offered the golden chance to delve into the sport and experience its joy firsthand.
Coach Emile Nshimiyumremyi , an instructor from Kigali Golf Course, generously imparted the basics of Golf to all eager participants.
With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Amanda Isimbi, the deputy manager of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, expressed the primary aim of their participation in the tournament. It was a mission to showcase to the world that Golf is indeed a sport for everyone, transcending barriers of class or status.
“The IRONMAN 70.3 race brings together people from many countries. When we come here, everyone plays, and an ordinary citizen can also embrace the game and forge meaningful connections,” emphasized Amanda.
Kigali Golf Resort & Villas has consistently strived to popularize Golf among the masses. Their ‘Academy Mobile’ initiative, showcased twice a month during the ‘Car Free Day’ event in the City of Kigali, enables aspiring golfers to access opportunities to learn the fundamentals of the game. The resort extends an open invitation to players and enthusiasts, who can now arrive daily between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Moreover, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas fosters the growth of young talent by offering a year-long training program for children aged between five and 18, encouraging them to explore Golf either as a passion or a potential career. They are required to pay Rwf250,000 in annual subscription.
The impact of Golf extends beyond the realm of sports tourism. This beloved game creates employment opportunities for coaches, young caddies responsible for carrying players’ equipment, and countless others, further bolstering the local economy.
During the IRONMAN 70.3 competition, participants had the privilege of experiencing two vital facets of Golf. The first, known as “Putting,” entailed carefully approaching the hole and deftly tapping the ball inside. The second, “Range,” involved mastering the art of striking the ball with power and precision to achieve maximum distance.
Rwanda’s Golf-based tourism is thoughtfully curated to cater to various categories of enthusiasts. The country hosts esteemed tournaments owing to its top-tier golf courses, invites visitors keen on learning the game, and welcomes those who seek to combine their activities like meetings or tours with a taste of Golf’s allure.
The awards ceremony was officiated by the President of Botswana, Dr. Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The medal awarding to the deserving officers is a common practice for security forces worldwide.
The deserving officers in Botswana were decorated with the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; Police Distinguished Service Order Medal; Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and the Police Jubilee Service Medal.
This Saturday, August 5, IGP Namuhoranye will also attend the Botswana “Police Day” to celebrate its 139 anniversary.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Botswana Police Service enjoy good relations, which were formalized with a cooperation agreement signed in January this year.
The cooperation pact binds the two friendly Police institutions to work together in fighting transnational organized crimes including terrorism related activities, human trafficking, hi-tech and cybercrime as well as exchange of information related to criminal elements.
Other areas of partnership include capacity development through training, and sharing of expertise.
In May this year, the 11th intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC), conducted its week-long external study tour in Botswana as part of the one year academic programme at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
UrID technologies Rwanda is among the startups that pitched their innovations. Managed and Directed by Livingstone Karamage, ‘UrID Technologies is a fintech company operating in Rwanda providing merchants and shoppers with tools and support for a unified, secure and faster payment.
According to Karamage, the technology is aimed at enabling users have their wallets, anytime anywhere.
Security is paramount. PalmKash’s palm vein authentication technology is highly secure, as it is based on the unique pattern of veins in each person’s hand. This makes it much more difficult to counterfeit compared to traditional forms of payment, such as fingerprints or cards.
“You can lose or forget the cards and cash, but not your palm as you carry it wherever you go. Besides, It’s a tedious and boring process carrying cards and using mobile money, so we want to onboard as many digital wallets and accounts as we can into a unified platform using palm vein technology,” he mentioned.
{{How palmkash works}}
As explained by Karamage, Palmkash requires a user to enrol with their primary mobile wallet and link it to their palm veins to create an account . Once registered a user can link as many wallets and cards to their palm as they wish and pay with their preferred wallet when they transact.
“PalmKash has integrations with payment providers like mobile money wallets and banks. When a customer registers with us, they link their digital wallets or cards to their palm so that anytime they want to make a payment, they just wave their palm,” he explained.
{{The PalmKash journey}}
UrID technologies is a licensed Payment’s service provider founded in 2018 to address the need for an inclusive unified, and, more secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services in Rwanda. The company has since partnered with a number of leading organizations in the country, including FERWAFA, the Rwandan Football Federation.
With its ‘Palmvein’ technology, PalmKash prides in offering a unified secure, convenient, and hygienic digital payments and identity management.
Since its formation, the technology has gone through three generations: from big machines to the latest portable machine.
Once in operation, PalmKash will be used in four different fields.
{{Palmkash Merchant}} payments for in-person transactions . Shoppers will be able to authenticate and authorize transactions when paying with any of their wallets.
{{PalmEvents:}} According to Karamage, PalmKash already has partnership with FERWAFA and some of the leading event organisers. Event goers can book and pay for their tickets and receive them via SMS, email , WhatsApp or in the events App using our platform.
We are already testing our palm vein technology already at Huye stadium, but in the meantime people are paying for their tickets via USSD and what’s remaining is palm authentication, he mentioned.
{{PalmSchool: }} The student wallet enables students to join the digital payments revolution. With this system, parents and guardians can remit school fees and pocket money hustle free wherever they are. For pocket money, the parent retains full visibility of the transactions and statements. The student on the other hand receives the cash from the parent into their account at the school canteen and can authorise payments with a wave of the hand.
{{PalmTransport:}} This is a service for long distance travellers both internal and cross- border. Travellers can reserve their seats and book their tickets at their convenience, pay with their preferred m payment mode and receive their tickets on to their mobile. As opposed to traditional cards, here the passengers will use the terminals installed in buses, wave their palms and go.
{{Safety and security:}} On the issue of security and safety, safety for both the clients health and data. Karamage said the user has nothing to worry about.
“PalmKash is your personal secure wallet that you don’t have to pre-load. When it comes to data safety, we protect customer’s information with a ‘military grade security system’ that uses modern cyber technology,” he remarked.
{{Benefits}}
{{Security: }} PalmKash uses palm vein authentication, which is a highly secure form of biometric identification.
{{Convenience:}} PalmKash is very easy to use as an individual can simply wave hand at a PalmKash terminal to make a payment.
Flexibility: PalmKash can be used in a variety of different settings, including merchants, events, schools, and transportation.
Karamage has further disclosed that the PalmKash Platform not only benefits the payers but also merchants and operators as it enables merchants to accept any mode of payment with easy reconciliation over a single interface, saving time and cost by eliminating the need to support multiple POS systems and related issues.
“In Q4 this year, merchants will be able to offer a true omni-channel experience for their customers over the Palmkash platform,” Karamage emphasised.
