The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which was deployed in eastern DRC last year, requires sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate.
The funding for these peacekeeping operations is expected to come from contributions by EAC member states and donors’ aid.
During an extraordinary EAC Heads of State Summit held in Bujumbura recently, Dr. Peter Mathuki, the Secretary-General of the bloc, announced that some countries have already provided their contributions.
In addition to partner countries such as Angola and Senegal, he disclosed that Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda have provided US$1 million. Meanwhile, Dr. Mathuki said that Rwanda has also pledged financial support.
The funding for peace initiatives will be channeled through the EAC Peace Facility.
Rwanda has welcomed this initiative and expressed its commitment to support it, although the exact amount of its pledge has not been specified, according to Alain Mukuralinda, the Deputy Government Spokesperson.
Despite the bloc’s determination to achieve lasting peace in eastern DRC, the availability of financial resources remains a significant challenge that requires sustainable solutions.
The EAC troops were initially deployed to the DRC for a six-month mandate starting from September 8, 2022. Their mandate was extended for an additional six months after its expiration on March 7, 2023.
DRC has been accusing Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, allegations which the latter refutes and calls for attention to draw emphasis on the real cause of security crisis in DRC.
Instead, Rwanda has advised the DRC to focus on resolving its internal problems rather than seeking excuses.
Rwanda is a member of the EAC but its troops are not part of the EACRF contingents due to the DRC’s decision to boycott their intervention.
Despite the situation, Rwanda has consistently expressed its willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the security problems in the DRC.
Billed as “the flagship startup and tech event of the world’s first digital society,” Latitude59 brought together over 400 investors and 800 startup reps in the Estonian capital of Tallinn, from 24-26 May.
As part of the conference’s speakers program, Mr Eazi discussed his tech and creative journey — and the prospects of the African orange economy via smart governance — in a roundtable with former Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
While in Estonia, he also met with industry leaders and tech entrepreneurs, including Ahti Heinla, a founding developer of Skype and the founder and CTO of robotics company Starship Technologies; and Markus Villig, the founder and CEO of mobility company Bolt.
“My last-minute trip to Estonia ended up being one of my favorite 24 hours this year,” said Mr Eazi.
“At the conference, I spoke about my career and journey from founder to musician toan investor, with my own VC fund, Zagadat Capital, investing in tech businesses.”
That journey appears to be of great interest, as Latitude59 is not the only international business conference to host Mr Eazi recently. Earlier in May, he was a speaker at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, where he shared his views on African music’s role in developing and stimulating the continent’s creative economy.
Paramount on Eazi’s mind in Estonia was the potential for business alliances in tech. Estonia presently has the most start-ups per capita of any European nation. It is ranked first in the region for its business environment by the Emerging Europe IT Competitiveness Index.
“[Former president] Ilves shared how Estonia has been positioning itself to be friendly for tech founders and entrepreneurs through its digital e-residency program,” Eazi said. “You can set up your company digitally in Estonia, and become an e-resident.” Eazi, who via Zagadat Capital recently invested in Decagon, a company that trains engineers in Nigeria and pairs them with jobs worldwide, sees a major opportunity for African tech talent to gain a foothold in overseas markets such as Estonia.
“You have over 10 million smart, young people getting out of university each year in need of jobs. Now, Africa — not just Nigeria, but Kenya, Ghana, Benin, Rwanda, Tanzania etc — our continent has the prospect to become the highest net exporter of technology talent.”
While this was Eazi’s first visit to Estonia, he is not a stranger to the country’s business environment. His VC fund Zagadat Capital has already invested in the mobile payment service PawaPay, which employs a number of engineers in Estonia.
“I believe this is my first of many trips to Estonia, and I am excited at the fun stuff and ideas we will execute together,” he stated.
The Kenyan banking multinational, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, previously held a 77 percent stake in BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, which was formed from the merger of KCB Bank Rwanda and Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR).
The latest annual report reveals that KCB’s investment in the Rwandan subsidiary increased to Sh7.5 billion in the year ending December 2022, up from Sh4.8 billion the previous year.
This move indicates KCB’s intention to consolidate its ownership of the bank by buying out minority shareholders, who were former owners of BPR.
KCB had previously owned 100 percent of KCB Bank Rwanda. BPR Bank Rwanda now stands as the second-largest lender in Rwanda and the most profitable subsidiary in KCB’s regional market.
The subsidiary reported a significant 84.6 percent rise in net profit to Sh2.02 billion in the year ending December 2022, attributed to increased interest income.
Net interest income grew from Sh3.6 billion to Sh6.8 billion, reflecting the impact of expanded lending. The loan book also saw growth, reaching Sh54.9 billion from Sh40.4 billion.
“Saudi Arabia and the United States remain steadfast in their commitment to the people of Sudan and call upon the parties to agree to and effectively implement a new cease-fire, with the aim of building to a permanent cessation of hostilities,” the two countries said in a joint statement posted by the U.S. Embassy in Sudan on Twitter.
Despite the formal pause in the Jeddah talks and the expiration of the five-day extension to the previous week-long cease-fire agreement on Saturday, the delegations from the two warring parties remain in Jeddah, the statement said.
It added that the facilitators stood ready to resume formal talks and reminded the parties of their obligations under the May 11 Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia and the United States announced the suspension of the Jeddah peace talks between the Sudanese Army and the RSF.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15, leaving more than 800 people dead and at least 1.6 million displaced, according to UN statistics.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to lead the country during a runoff.
Erdogan won 52.14 percent of votes in the presidential runoff against his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who garnered 47.86 percent of the votes.
In the first round of the presidential election on May 14, Erdogan earned 49.52 percent of the vote while Kilicdaroglu received 44.88 percent.
Neither secured more than 50 percent of the votes needed to call a winner in the first round, therefore an election runoff was held for the first time for the presidency.
The third-place candidate, nationalist politician Sinan Ogan, with 5.17 percent of votes, announced his endorsement of Erdogan in the runoff where only the two most supported were able to race.
Erdogan’s People’s Alliance, composed of the ruling Justice and Development Party and Nationalist Movement Party, garnered a majority of 323 seats in the 600-seat parliament in the parliament election, while the six-party opposition block Nation Alliance received 212 seats.
The twin elections saw a high voter turnout at 86.98 percent, with almost 54 million citizens going to the polls.
Erdogan, who has been leading the country since he became prime minister in 2003, became the first president of Türkiye in 2018 following a constitutional referendum in 2017 which changed Türkiye’s parliamentary system into a presidential system.
While dozens, including the heads of OpenAI and Google Deepmind, have backed statements warning about potential disaster scenarios around AI – even the extinction of humanity – others in the field have said AI fears are overblown.
One thing is certain: AI is on track to be the next big global technology shift, while in Africa, it has the ability to transform the way businesses are run and societies function. More importantly, according to Mustapha Zaouini, the Chairman of AI in Africa, the continent is now exploring AI to solve pressing issues including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“While Africa has unique challenges, such as disparity in internet access, it’s steadily embracing AI,” said Mr. Zaouni, a panellist at the GITEX Africa AI Summit on the topic of Responsible Generative AI.
“Readiness varies across countries, and there’s a need to invest in infrastructure, education, and policy-making to fully harness AI. Ensuring equitable access to technology and bridging the digital divide are crucial steps to prepare for AI’s impact in Africa.”
Simon See, the Global Head of Nvidia AI Technology Centre in Singapore, and another speaker on Friday said, with the right investments and policies, AI can help Africa to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its people.
“In Africa, the demand for AI skills is expected to grow by 36 percent between 2020 and 2025,” said Mr. See, whose American-headquartered Nvidia makes specialist AI chips, with a market value that briefly surpassed US$1 trillion this week.
“This growth is driven by the continent’s young population, as well as its investments in start-ups and innovation. The growth of AI is creating new jobs in Africa, as companies look to hire experts to help them develop and implement AI-powered products and services.”
{{Elevating African talent to the forefront of a new global workforce}}
Mr. See said Africa is still in the early stages of AI adoption, but there’s a growing interest in the technology across the continent: “Several African countries have developed national AI strategies, and there’re a number of start-ups and research institutions working on AI-related projects,” he said.
Dr. Adel Alsharji, the COO of Presight, a UAE-based AI-powered big data analytics company, delivered the keynote address on the Societal Impact of Artificial Intelligence at the GITEX Africa AI Summit, one of ten conference tracks at the inaugural GITEX Africa, the continent’s largest tech and start-up exhibition that took place in Marrakech from 31st May to 2nd June 2023.
Dr. Alsharji said Africa is the second-fastest growing region globally in AI adoption: “Africa’s AI journey is gaining momentum, and this progress highlights the continent’s readiness to explore and harness the potential of AI for driving economic growth and addressing local challenges, ultimately benefiting the greater good of its people,” said Dr. Alsharji, adding that demand for AI-related jobs will increase two-fold over the next three years.
“A study by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that AI could add US$13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while the number of AI-related jobs in Africa alone is expected to grow by 200 percent by 2025.”
Mr. Zaouini, whose AI in Africa is a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering African youth for an inclusive AI future, concluded that in Africa, AI should be seen as a tool to leapfrog traditional stages of development while elevating African talent to the forefront of a new global workforce.
“The African societal impact of AI is immense, as it revolutionises the way we work and live,” concluded Mr. Zaouini. “After the internet, the second revolution was probably the social dilemma, but AI is an even bigger revolution than all of them.”
GITEX Africa, which concluded on Friday 2nd June in the Red City of Marrakech, gathered thousands of attendees from 120 countries over its three-day run, all looking to network and develop meaningful business connections with the 900 exhibiting companies and start-ups across 10 halls and 45,000sqm of exhibition expanse.
AI and it’s far-reaching multisectoral impact were also evident on the exhibition floor, with many exhibitors showcasing how the AI boom is turbocharging waves of innovation across industries, from education and agriculture, to transport, retail, energy, or logistics.
BetaLife, an award-winning Nigerian start-up epitomised this movement in the healthcare sector. The cloud-based AI-powered platform connects hospitals and blood banks using advanced algorithms, ensuring the efficient flow of lifesaving blood products to patients in need.
Mubarak Ayanniyi, the 21-year old founder and CEO, said the greatest advantage of Betalife is its ability to analyse copious data via an AI-powered algorithm that accurately predicts when, where, and in what amounts blood donations are required, thereby directing resources and allocating donations when needed, ultimately saving countless lives.
“BetaLife has revolutionised the way that blood donations are managed in Africa”, said Ayanniyi.
“Instead of relying on manual processes, hospitals and blood banks are now using BetaLife to predict when and where blood donations are needed most. This has led to more efficient distribution of blood products, reducing waste and ensuring that those who need it most receive the lifesaving treatment they require.”
GITEX Africa was held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD), under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
This impactful initiative commenced during “Umuganda” in Gatare Village, Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District, where GoodLife Pharmacy’s dedicated team engaged with the community. They emphasized the importance of holistic wellness and encouraged healthy living habits among the residents.
Under the guidance of the esteemed medical staff from Top Health Clinic, the pharmacy efficiently conducted testing and screening for chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension. NKAKA GATERA Daniel, the responsible Pharmacist of GoodLife Pharmacy Silverback, stressed the significance of self-care practices and the need for individuals to be mindful of their overall well-being.
“Goodlife aims to serve all categories of the population regardless of their income and to facilitate the access of health care products within the same facility”, he stated.
To sustain their commitment to the nation’s development, GoodLife Pharmacy plans to utilize the funds collected to continue providing screening services to the 100 selected individuals in need of ongoing support.
In addition to their remarkable healthcare efforts, GoodLife Pharmacy also initiated a unique concept in Rwanda, Refilling Station for essential hygiene products such as body wash, body lotion etc…and generously donated an array of the mentioned products. This contribution aims to enhance personal grooming, boost self-confidence, and foster a culture of self-care among the beneficiaries, while helping Rwanda in its fight against waste management and reduce the use of plastic from the cosmetic industry.
GoodLife Health and Beauty Pharmacy is dedicated to meeting the diverse health, beauty, and wellness needs of every Rwandan citizen. Established in September 2022, the pharmacy is conveniently located in the Kicukiro District, within the premises of Silverback Mall at Sonutube. Moreover, they have branches in Kimironko, Rwandex, Nyakabanda, and Musanze, ensuring accessibility across the region.
Notable among their offerings are dietary supplements, popular beauty products, slimming aids, children’s products, shampoos, massage oils, and various health-related items. They cater to individual preferences and offer affordable options that promote a healthy lifestyle. Goodlife Pharmacy is focused on customer care and provides delivery services while Top Health Clinic provides home visit consultations.
GoodLife Pharmacy takes pride in ensuring that customers find what they need to lead a fulfilled and vibrant healthy life.
Rwanda’s ambitious targets to leverage technology to build resilient smart cities were shared by Tessy Rusagara, the Managing Director of Kigali Innovation City during a panel discussion on the summit’s second day.
The session centered around harnessing smart solutions and digitization to enhance urban resilience and sustainability. Rusagara was joined by Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem responsible for foreign relations, international economic development, and tourism, as well as policymakers from Morocco and other countries.
Spanning across 61 hectares in the Special Economic Zone, KIC will be a dynamic work-live-play community that integrates world-class universities, Grade A offices, residential and student housing, retail facilities, and business hotels. This visionary project is founded upon an innovative and environmentally conscious smart city concept.
Several key infrastructures within the city are already operational, including Cooper Pharma, Carnegie Mellon University, and African Leadership University. To further develop the necessary ecosystem within the Kigali Special Economic Zone, the project has attracted Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investment firm, as a co-developer alongside the government of Rwanda.
Africa50 and the Rwanda Development Board are jointly investing in the early-stage development activities, aiming to enhance the project’s bankability and attract additional strategic sponsors and co-investors.
During her engagement with summit participants, Rusagara emphasized that the 61-hectare development is exclusively dedicated to technology and innovation. She highlighted the collaborative investment between the government and Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform, with the primary objective of providing physical and soft infrastructure to foster technology and innovation.
Rusagara further emphasized the importance of cultivating a talented workforce, stating that Rwanda’s initial focus lies in nurturing the pool of individuals capable of creating and maintaining technological solutions.
Integral to the KIC project are the world-class universities within the site, attracting pan-African talent in engineering, leadership, and business. The goal is to equip the country with the skills required not only for government and private sector employment but also for entrepreneurial endeavors and creating solutions necessary for the digital revolution.
“In addition to this project, we have numerous ecosystem activities within the government to support the growth of technology and innovation, including funding and various programs,” added Rusagara.
Rwanda is actively working on bolstering smart solutions and digitization across different sectors, ensuring that technology positively impacts the lives of its citizens.
The government’s proactive approach in leading the integration of technology into citizen services has been instrumental in driving Rwanda’s digitization efforts. Rusagara also acknowledged the significant contribution of the private sector, which has played a crucial role in advancing the digitization of various services, such as healthcare, transportation, and taxation. This concerted effort is laying a solid foundation for the development of a truly digital city.
Held in Marrakech, the Red City, the inaugural Gitex Africa Summit attracted over 900 tech companies, startups, government entities, and participants from more than 100 countries. The summit, running from May 31st to June 2nd, presented a diverse range of innovative solutions across sectors like health, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
GITEX Africa 2023, with participation from over 100 government entities representing 80 countries, is poised to stimulate multiple investment pledges and public-private partnerships, driving forward Africa’s digital transformation initiatives and accelerating the continent.
From 1 to 3 May, some 60,000 people, mostly women and children, were affected by torrential downpours resulting in several landslides. The government registered 131 killed, 77 injured and 5 missing.
The Rwanda Red Cross Society deployed initial resources in coordination with movement partners and Government and launched a swift response in the hardest-hit districts, to address immediate needs and mitigate further impact, especially considering the expected continuation of the rainfall.
As per statement released today, the EU funds will support the Rwandan Red Cross Society (RRCS) in responding to the needs of the displaced households, including through WASH, health, livelihood and shelter assistance.
Modalities to combine cash and in-kind items will support early recovery of communities and ensure the dignity of beneficiaries. There will be an initial distribution of non-food items (NFIs) to 2,200 households, who will receive vital items such as jerry cans, kitchen sets, blankets, and plastic mats, to improve their living conditions in the aftermath of the disaster.
Additional cash assistance will be provided to 1,500 households to address their immediate food needs. Some 2,200 households will also receive WASH kits with soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and pads. 30 women associations will be supported with cash-for-work, indirectly benefitting 1,550 households and giving a push to the local economy. To address the psychological impact of the disaster, trained volunteers will offer support to the victims, assisting them in coping with the trauma they have experienced.
This project will run for four months, until late September 2023, and some 50,000 people will be reached with the direct assistance planned in the affected regions.
The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
{{About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid}}
The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid.
Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world.
It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
The European Union is signatory to a €3 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). Funds from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters – those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal.
{{About the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund}}
The Disaster Response Emergency Fund was established in 1985 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the donors. The delegation agreement between the IFRC and ECHO enables the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations (that fit within its humanitarian mandate) up to a total of €8 million.
