On this Saturday, at precisely 9 pm, the very skies will come alive above Hotel des Mille Collines. A captivating Drone Show, unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed, will grace the sky, painting a shimmering tapestry of lights and colors, all choreographed to perfection.
Why stay indoors when history unfolds before our very eyes? This is not just a mere celebration; it’s a grand fusion of technology, art, and tradition. A manifestation of the resilience, creativity, and joy that epitomizes the spirit of Rwanda.
As the drones dance, you’ll feel the echo of the hills, the whisper of the winds, and the pulse of the vibrant culture that we all hold dear. The Drone Show at Hotel des Mille Collines is more than entertainment; it’s a symbol of unity and a beacon of innovation.
Imagine hundreds of drones moving in harmony, creating shapes, and narrating stories that resonate with our hearts. Picture yourself standing amidst fellow Rwandans, your eyes reflecting the gleaming spectacle, your heart swelling with pride and joy. This is the moment to celebrate not only an iconic hotel but the shared dreams and aspirations of a nation.
Indulge in a night filled with excitement and wonderment. If you have not secured your ticket you can just simply step out of your house and gaze into the sky as the stars today will be also witnessing mesmeric art from the heart of Africa.
Hotel des Mille Collines has stood as a beacon of luxury, history, and grace. Its story has been told through generations, and now it invites you to be part of a new chapter. A chapter filled with awe, inspiration, and collective joy.
Don’t let this moment pass you by. Gather your friends, bring your family, and join us in a celebration that transcends time. For tonight, let’s come together, Rwandans, young and old, to witness something truly magical.
A thousand hills, a thousand flavors, and now, a thousand lights. This is our story. This is our night. Let’s make it unforgettable.
AnJia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a subsidiary of West International Holding, the Africa arm of West China Cement (WCC), which is a Chinese investment group listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has built AnJia Cement Factory in the Muhanga industrial park.
“Over the years, West China Cement and West International Holding have become key players in Africa’s efforts to reach self-sufficiency in cement production. I commend you for your commitment to infrastructure development on our continent,” said Kagame at the event.
“I had the opportunity to tour the Anjia factory, and you have set the bar high in terms of quality. We appreciate that. This state-of-the-art factory will contribute to Rwanda’s transformation journey. We thank you, and I assure you that you have our country’s full support,” he said.
He stated that today, the growth prospects for Africa’s cement industry look very promising, whereby a rapidly growing and urbanizing population in Africa, especially, is creating increased demand for housing and infrastructure.
“For manufacturers, this means more opportunities to invest in new markets and create jobs in our communities. Challenges, of course, remain, but they can be overcome through more cooperation,” Kagame said.
According to him, to enhance the performance of the industry, it is essential to deliver higher quality products and shift to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
“I thank the People’s Republic of China, West China Cement, and West International Holding for this significant contribution to Rwanda’s development and Africa as a whole. Anjia is undoubtedly a good addition to Rwanda’s manufacturing landscape. I only see successes in this, our strong partnership,” Kagame said.
Speaking at the event, Zhang Jimin, chairman of West China Cement Limited, said that AnJia marks the company’s first investment and represents the initial cooperation between West China Cement and the Rwandan government at all levels.
“The successful groundbreaking ceremony of the cement factory not only signifies the beginning of the production and operation of the project but also serves as a historical milestone for West China Cement’s investment and development in Rwanda,” added Zhang. “We will continue to expand our investments in Rwanda, with a total investment of more than 100 million U.S. dollars, thereby expanding the entire supply chain. Our aim is to provide high-quality products at a competitive price to contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development.”
West China Cement Limited invested 50 million U.S. dollars to construct a high-performance cement grinding plant with an annual output of 1 million tonnes in the Muhanga industrial park, said Wang Xuekun, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, at the ceremony.
“The visionary project will not only promote the development of Rwanda’s cement sector but also cater to the long-term demand for high-quality cement in reservoir projects and infrastructure construction. It will create over 1,000 local job opportunities, significantly enhancing the construction standards of Muhanga industrial park and contributing to Rwanda’s economic growth,” Wang explained.
He pointed out that the factory will pave the way for Rwanda’s self-sufficiency in cement products, reducing reliance on foreign cement imports and expanding the cement market in the surrounding countries.
Speaking at the event, Clare Akamanzi, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said that China remains the top source of investments in Rwanda, beating other countries globally.
“Over the last five years alone, at RDB we have registered investments from China worth close to a billion U.S. dollars which will collectively generate up to 250,00 jobs for Rwandans. And that is a very good contribution,” she said, adding that the factory stands as a testament to the immense potential of Rwanda’s manufacturing and construction sectors and the viable investment destination that Rwanda offers.
A quarter billion people suffered from acute food insecurity last year, the highest number recorded in recent years. Of these people, some 376,000 were facing famine-like conditions in seven countries. Another 35 million people were on the edge. As in all crisis situations, women and children are the most impacted, said UN Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator Reena Ghelani.
Hunger and conflict feed off of each other. Conflict and insecurity remain key drivers of hunger and famine, she told the Security Council in a briefing.
Every one of the seven countries where people faced famine-like conditions last year was affected by armed conflict or extreme levels of violence. Five of those seven countries — Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen — are regularly on the Security Council’s agenda, she said.
“Armed conflict destroys food systems, shatters livelihoods and drives people from their homes, leaving many extremely vulnerable and hungry. Sometimes these impacts are by-products of war. But all too often they are inflicted deliberately and unlawfully — with hunger utilized as a tactic of war,” she said.
Food insecurity itself also fuels instability. Recent research highlighted by the World Food Programme has shown how food insecurity — when coupled with pre-existing grievances, desperation fueled by poverty and inequality, and governance issues — cause people to choose violence over peace, she said.
Conflict-induced hunger is compounded by a toxic mix of climate change and economic shocks, said Ghelani.
Climate change is increasingly becoming a threat multiplier. As the stress on water and other natural resources leads to increased competition and displacement, conflicts and hunger spread. Of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate-related risks, seven are affected by conflict, six host a UN peacekeeping or special political mission, and four have more than a million people one step away from famine. At the same time, insecurity in conflict-affected countries hinders climate adaptation efforts. This leaves already vulnerable communities even poorer, hungrier and less resilient, she said.
The UN official called for more efforts to prevent, reduce and end conflict in all its forms.
“There needs to be a renewed commitment to peace through a reinvigorated multilateral system where governments, the United Nations and regional organizations work hand in hand,” she said.
As immediate steps, she called for action in five areas.
One, ensuring parties to conflicts respect international humanitarian law. This includes protecting objects necessary for survival, such as food stocks, water systems, and other objects necessary for food production and distribution systems.
It also includes facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need and protecting humanitarian staff and assets. States must spare no effort in exerting their influence to ensure parties respect the rules of war.
Two, making better use of existing early-warning mechanisms in a focused and effective manner and following up with concerted action.
Three, being bold and creative in finding ways to mitigate the impact of war on the most vulnerable.
Four, putting women and girls at the center of efforts. Crises and hunger affect them disproportionately, and they also hold the key to lasting solutions.
Five, acknowledging that a halfway, fragmented response to the interconnected risks will not work. There is a need for adequate humanitarian funding, and for efforts to address the climate and economic crises.
The recent one in my gallery is one that shows the ‘bandwagon’ Rwandan girls are engaging in lately.
Out of the five listed acts, one caught my attention: the use of ‘braces’.
All along, I thought braces were for medical reasons, simply because while I was in primary school, my desk mate had them, and oh boy, how she hated them.
If only she knew back then that what was a ‘nightmare’ to her, will years later be an ‘in thing’ for many.
We asked some of the youth we found wearing braces who told us the reason behind.
Yannick Rutera a university student informed us that he wears braces as per ‘dentist orders’. According to Rutera, he has been having his braces on since early 2021.
“Before getting braces, my teeth were not properly aligned but now they are. In the beginning it was difficult having them on. However as time passed, I got comfortable with them and now I like them although I am looking forward to removing them completely,” he said.
Rebecca Ikaze, a young girl who acquired her braces recently also notes that she had them for health purposes.
“It was my dad’s decision that I get braces, his reasons were convincing and so I obliged,” she stated.
“My smile was bad that I never wanted to smile,” said Jane Kanyana when asked why she wears braces.
Central Coast Orthodontics define braces as dental tools (made out of metals) that help correct problems like; crowding, crooked teeth or teeth that are out of alignment.
According to Dr. Alphonse Rugambarara, a dentist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the main reason for getting braces is indeed for aesthetic reasons.
“Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile and so yes, braces help them acquire that. However, for us as dentists, we see it as a medical concern if one has ‘malalignment,” he explained.
He added that malalignment is a danger to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) since someone can’t chew properly, reason braces are recommended to prevent such problems.
Dr. Rugambarara added that malalignment poses a danger to the TMJ as it can impede proper chewing. That’s why braces are recommended to prevent such issues.
{{How do braces work?}}
According to Dr. Rugambarara, braces are for anyone whose teeth are misaligned. However, the recovery period and results vary from patient to patient.
“If a person has less than three teeth that are misaligned, it takes them a shorter period of between six to twelve months to recover compared to one with both jaws misaligned,” he explained.
“In addition, children who use braces see results before adults who use the same braces. This is because children’s bones are softer than those of adults,” added Dr. Rugambarara.
Although braces have little to no negative side effects, Dr. Rugambarara cautions parents against taking children under the age of twelve to get braces.
He instead advises them to get kids retainers to prevent any possible misalignment.
Dr. Rugambarara further urges those with braces to always visit their dentists at least once a month for either tightening or a follow up.
A proper mouth care routine (brushing at least twice a day especially after meals) is also recommended for those wearing braces to prevent ‘periodontal disease’ caused by plaque buildup.
{{Types of braces}}
According to Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center based in Cleveland, braces come in varied types.
{{Metal braces:}} Also known as traditional metal braces, these use stainless steel bands, brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth over time. A dentist or orthodontist will bond a bracket on each tooth then place a thin flexible arch wire over the brackets.
Ceramic brace: Sometimes called clear braces, their wires and ligatures are tooth-colored so they blend in with one’s smile.
{{Lingual braces:}} These go on the back surface of your teeth instead of the front. People who choose lingual braces do so because they don’t want other people to tell they have braces.
{{Self-litigating braces: }} They look similar to traditional metal braces only that instead of ligatures (tiny elastic bands), they use a built-in system to hold the arch wire in place.
{{Clear aligners aka invisible braces:}} Instead of brackets and wires, they use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth overtime.
In the process of finding help from banks, many entrepreneurs, especially the young ones, face the issue of affording collateral security to acquire a particular loan. In this case, many of them fail to find enough collateral security since they do not own any valuable assets, hence leading to the failure of their business.
That is where the ‘Global Transact’ project comes in as the solution to successful business ventures. Global Transact is a project introduced by Bigger Future organization that provides training related to business projects and has its headquarters in the city Kigali.
Through this project entrepreneurs are able to obtain capital without collateral and in a short period of time. The project kicked off with up to 60 entrepreneurs from Rwanda. They are now appreciative because that changed their lives and uplifted their businesses.
On the 1st August 2023, at Norrsken Kigali, some of the entrepreneurs gave testimonials at the training organized by Bigger Future with the purpose of explaining to entrepreneurs, especially the youth, the benefit of working with Global Transact in their business activities.
Entrepreneurs were taught on how this project may help them face losses in their businesses, facilitate payment of products being sold, increase durability of products, and how collaboration from both sides can help boost the development of their projects.
There are times entrepreneurs miss out on business opportunities because they are asked for more than they can afford as mentioned by Kayitare Jean de Dieu, owner of Q Limited a company that sells electronic devices. “ Usually we struggle with getting enough capital. For example; you might be having Rwf100 million, but then get a job that offers Rwf500 million which you can not reject as everyone is always looking for growth,” explained Kayitare. He also emphasized that Global Transact comes in as the solution to all those business ventures.
Kayitare mentioned that when you have a job that offers that much amount of money you approach them for support without being asked for collateral but instead they provide what was missing for you to start your business. Where you have Rwf100 they provide the remaining Rwf400 so you can keep up your activities.
According to him, this is a very important opportunity for young entrepreneurs. “As an example; you may go to a bank and present them your project but they still ask for collateral before they give you the money you need,” he added. He also said that he has earned a lot and developed his business throughout the years he has been operating with Global Transact. “ I developed to the level that I can provide employment opportunities to others since everybody needs additional assistance as business activities pick up,” he said.
Global Transact does not provide money to entrepreneurs but instead after the entrepreneur has had an agreement with the supplier of materials necessary for their business, they communicate the final price to Global Transact and they fund that. Once the entrepreneur receives the products and sells them to customers in need they have to pay back to money paid for them after receiving payment form the client with interest depending on the duration of the loan.
The CEO of Bigger Future and Global Transact, Dave Ormesher, mentioned that he heard news about how Rwanda is one the countries that is highly developing in terms of business, hence the decision to give a helping hand to startup entrepreneurs for their development.
“ Rwandan entrepreneurs are not that different from those of other countries. All they need is good leadership, and having a vision then they can see profits in a short period of time” he explained.
“Our goal as Global Transact is to work hand in hand with entrepreneurs who have been in the industry for a while, have a plan, and have started receiving valuable offers but can not fulfill those offers due to lack of funds which is where we step in and help” said Ormesher.
Ormesher also mentioned that young entrepreneurs who have not yet received valuable offers are also kept into consideration where Bigger Future gives them business training. Global Transact works with entrepreneurs with a capital starting from $100,000 up to $ 750,000 equivalent. For more information consult their website www.globatransact.com.
In response to this pressing issue, the National Industrial Research Agency, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and other partners, launched the “Circular Food Systems for Rwanda” program. This initiative aims to transform Rwanda’s food system into a more sustainable and circular model, with a specific focus on assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food production value chain.
During the workshop held in Musanze from August 1st to 3rd, 2023, Project Manager Eric Ruzigamanzi emphasized the potential of today’s technology to prevent large quantities of food loss during the production process. Additionally, he highlighted the value in converting food waste into animal feed, fertilizers, and other products, which would not only reduce waste but also enhance SMEs’ productivity and create job opportunities.
Sylvie Mugabekazi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the organizing institution, the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC), stressed that the workshop serves as a platform to discuss the benefits, opportunities, and challenges associated with promoting circular economy practices in the food sector. Emphasizing the significance of knowledge and experience sharing, she underscored the key role of circularity in addressing persistent food-related issues and scaling up best practices.
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, the Director-General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of reducing food loss at all production stages. By minimizing food loss and waste, not only can more people be fed, but it also contributes to efforts in mitigating climate change.
The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda program is a collaborative effort between national, regional, and global partners.
These partners include the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) through the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC) in Rwanda, the World Resources Institute (WRI), the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) Secretariat, Resonance, African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), with support from the IKEA Foundation.
Goodwell provided funding through uMunthu II, the impact investor’s 150 EUR million fund focused on scalable, early-growth stage businesses in Africa. The investment provides SOUK Farms with a solid foundation for scaling their sustainable agricultural business in Rwanda, enabling them to create resilient systems and value chains that benefit local farmers and the surrounding community.
Founded in 2019, SOUK Farms has already carved out a significant niche in Rwanda’s agricultural landscape, building its own farming operations as well as working with a wide network of outgrowers to cultivate and export high-quality exotic horticultural produce while also serving consumers in the Rwanda market.
They have achieved this with a unique blend of innovation and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the resilience of local farms against climate change and disruptive rainfall patterns.
Partnering with Goodwell gives SOUK Farms the necessary capital to pursue these ambitions at a wider scale.
“The opportunities to create sustainable agricultural practices and improve existing ones in Rwanda are great. Our partnership with Goodwell will drive a huge impact not only for the growth of SOUK Farms but also for the farmers and the communities we work as we continue to offer solutions that improve incomes and create employment while also implementing education and outreach programs for youth and women,” said Seun Rasheed, Founder and CEO at SOUK Farms.
SOUK Farms has been a key player in Rwanda’s socio economic transformation, and their ability to create a positive impact in the local agricultural supply chain is well established. Working closely with over 1,200 farmers across Rwanda, they have greatly improved livelihoods, enabling farmers to earn upwards of 300% more than they did prior to being out growers for SOUK Farms.
Currently, 71% of the company’s workforce are women, aligning with the Rwandan government’s national Agriculture policy which promotes gender equality at all levels of the agricultural value chain.
Their impact efforts and solid business model are an ideal fit for Goodwell’s agricultural investment strategy, which strives to improve value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and create better livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
“Under the experienced leadership of Seun Rasheed, SOUK Farms has a clear vision for expanding their impact and productivity in a sector with ever-increasing demand. We are proud to support the company in this exciting stage of their business growth, and look forward to seeing how they continue to innovate in the agricultural space. With this investment, we are also pleased to mark our entry into the Rwandan market, further expanding Goodwell’s presence in East Africa,” said Judith Ngonyo, Investment Manager at Goodwell Investments.
This investment comes at a crucial time, enabling SOUK Farms to build on its success, scale operations, and increase the productivity of Rwandan farmers. It also reinforces Goodwell’s commitment to supporting companies that improve livelihoods and deliver affordable, accessible, high-quality goods and services to underserved populations.
{{About Goodwell Investments}}
Goodwell Investments is a pioneering impact investment firm focused on inclusive growth in sectors providing basic goods and services and income generation opportunities to underserved communities in Africa and India. The firm provides early-stage equity to high growth, high impact businesses.
With teams in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and the Netherlands and a track record of over fifteen years, Goodwell demonstrates the ability to simultaneously deliver significant social impact and strong financial returns.
{{About SOUK Farms}}
SOUK Farms grows and exports high-quality horticultural produce to stimulate social development in Rwanda. Serving markets across Europe and the Middle East, as well as local consumers, the company’s foundation is built upon sustainability, innovation, and superior business operations.
Working with a network of 1,200 farmers, SOUK’s guiding principle is putting people first: giving them the support, skills and financial stability to achieve more.
A statement by the ECOWAS Commission said on Tuesday that defense chiefs from ECOWAS countries attended the meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja in response to the directive of the authority of heads of state and government during an extraordinary session on Sunday, where West African leaders imposed sanctions on Niger and warned of taking all necessary measures, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order.
Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s defense chief, who is the president of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff, told the media at the beginning of the meeting that decisions to be taken would have far-reaching implications for the ECOWAS region while calling for “collective attention and a united response” to restore democratic governance in Niger.
“The events that transpired in one of our countries (Niger) on July 26 have reverberated across our borders, affecting us all … We must face the challenges of restoring democratic governance in Niger head-on, drawing on our shared experiences, wisdom, and collective resolve,” Musa said.
The Nigerian defense chief charged his colleagues to unitedly send a strong message about the commitment to democracy, intolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, and dedication to regional stability.
Defense chiefs from Mali, Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau were absent from the meeting, a source present at the meeting told Xinhua.
West African leaders gave the junta in Niger a week to quit the stage and reinstate Bazoum. But the junta has vowed to resist any plan of aggression against Niger by the ECOWAS or any Western power.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Daud Aweis Jama said the terrorists were eliminated in separate operations in HirShabelle and Southwest states on July 28-31.
Aweis told a weekly news conference that more than 100 militants were killed in the Galgaduud region in central Somalia, while over 60 others were eliminated during the military operations in El Dhun in the Southwest region.
“During the operations, the Somali national forces destroyed vehicles and other equipment belonging to the enemy,” the minister told journalists in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The government has been waging a formidable war against the al-Shabab militants since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud came to power in May 2022.
The extremist group, however, still controls some parts of rural southern and central Somalia and continues to carry out high-profile attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere despite increased onslaught by government forces.
