The study conducted through the annual Rwanda Bribery Index released today, shows that bribes were mainly offered to secure utility services, jobs in the private sector, land titles and construction permits among others.
The survey which was first conducted in 2010 establishes and reports experiences and perceptions of Rwandans regarding bribery in the country.
It also indicated that 97% of individuals declining to offer solicited bribes end up receiving services for free. This means, only 3% are denied services over declining to offer bribes.
The purpose of their visit was to appraise the Minister and CDS about EASF activities and also discuss ways of strengthening EASF to be poised for future challenges.
The team also evaluated Rwanda’s pledged capabilities (military and police) in line with the EASF Force readiness assessment.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The 51st UAE National Day celebrations honour the monumental growth and continuous innovation of our great nation. Supported by Dubai’s prosperous retail sector, we will pursue the country’s legacy of bringing the nation and people together in a moment of unity and celebration.
“The city’s wide array of festivities to celebrate National Day will showcase the best Dubai has to offer across its iconic landmarks and world-class entertainment destinations. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to join the citizens and residents of Dubai as we recognise and celebrate UAE National Day together – taking pride in the nation and sharing in extraordinary and enjoyable events for all.”
{{City decor}}
Keep an eye out for beautiful city decorations when celebrating the UAE National Day festivities in Dubai. Take in the amazing structures and lighting decoration across the city or have fun spotting the statues of the city’s favourite characters, Modesh and Dana, on the way.
From 2 to 11 December, shoppers might be lucky enough to meet with Modesh and Dana as the friends visit some of the most iconic spots in the city. To greet them, make sure to stop by the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, Al Khawaneej Walk, Deira City Centre and Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts.
{{Fireworks}}
Head over to some of the best spots in the city to get full views of the fabulous fireworks displays for UAE National Day, in the four colours of the UAE National flag.
Don’t miss the vibrant showcases at Al Seef and The Beach opposite JBR and Bluewaters at 8PM, and The Pointe and Dubai Festival City Mall at 9PM on 2 December.
{{Concerts and shows}}
Get immersed in a concert experience like no other on UAE National Day, 2 December. Visit the stunning Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City for an incredible night of music featuring leading Emirati and GCC artists including Eidha Al Mehali and Dalia Mubarak. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the show running from 8:30PM to 12AM.
Tickets begin at just AED 100 and can be purchased from dubai.platinumlist.net.
Alternatively, on the same date, visit Dubai Festival City Mall to see Fayez Al Saeed host the opening ceremony at Festival Bay with a live concert at 8PM, followed by a specially choreographed IMAGINE and fireworks show that will light up the sky in the colours of the UAE flag at 9PM. DJ Bliss will close the night with an electrifying performance at 9.15PM.
The popular Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan will perform an unmissable live show on 2 December at 8.30PM at the fountain area of City Walk.
Head over to the Dubai Opera on 2 December for an entertaining evening of stand-up comedy, singing and more with Moroccan comedian Abdul Rahman Ouaabed, popularly known as EKO. Doors will open at 7PM, with the show starting at 8PM. Ticket prices start at AED 250 and are available at Dubai Opera.
King of 90s pop, Lucky Ali, will be performing at The Agenda on 3 December as part of the Winter Music Fest, which will bring some of Bollywood’s most popular musicians to the city. Doors will open at 8PM with the show starting at 9.30PM.
Ticket prices start from AED 69 and are available at dubai.platinumlist.net.
Immerse in Korean culture through a Hallyu content exhibit at the Mall of the Emirates’ Art Centre until 3 December. Experience the country’s traditions, K-film culture and K-pop including a 3D virtual reality performance of pop group BTS through this two-week-long free showcase. More information is available at Korea: Cubically Imagined.
Experience traditional music while shopping with the travelling Al Harbia band on 2 and 3 December at various malls and locations in Dubai. Enjoy the cultural tunes at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, La Mer, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, The Point, Al Khawaneej Walk, The Outlet Village, Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts, Hatta Wadi Hub, Al Seef and Bluewaters.
{{Family activations}}
Celebrate the spirit of UAE National Day with flag decorations and roaming entertainment all throughout Dubai Festival City Mall on 2 December. UAE nationals shopping for AED 300 or more from 1 to 5 December stand a chance to win Air Arabia tickets for two.
Visit Mercato Mall to enjoy live entertainment, musical parades and fun activities for the whole family from 2 to 4 December. Kids can take part in creative workshops, have their faces painted with UAE themed designs and admire the beautiful UAE lighting around the mall.
At The Pointe, alongside the breathtaking fireworks and fountain show at 9PM on 2 December, there will be activities in the event plaza for the little ones to enjoy.
Celebrate UAE National Day at La Mer and The Beach opposite JBR with special offers from 2 to 4 December. Visit The Beach opposite JBR on 2 December to sample delicious food and enjoy a spectacular firework display at 8PM. On 3 December, La Mer will host a traditional Al Harbia Band to entertain visitors.
Visit Al Khawaneej Walk, Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej for exclusive dining, shopping and entertainment deals, enjoy a true unity celebration feel with a special hospitality tent with coffee and dates service, a falconry show and folkloric music vibes from 2 until 4 December from 4PM until 10PM. Do not miss out on the special UAE National Day Parade on 2 December at Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej.
Mark this special occasion with great dining and exclusive offers at City Walk from 2 to 4 December. Catch the Musical Bands live performances on 3 and 4 December from 6PM to 10PM at City Walk’s fountain area.
The Ibn Battuta Mall will host fun activities for children including henna artists, face painting, origami and sand bottle workshops from 2 until 4 December at the main entrance of the Egypt Court in front of Kidz Palooza.
{{Gastronomy}}
To make the UAE National Day celebrations extra special and memorable, restaurants across the city have gone all out with special offers and curated tasting menus and events.
At the Lido on Queen Elizabeth 2, enjoy a sumptuous buffet of authentic Arabic food, for just AED 150 per person, inclusive of soft drinks and water. Children under 6 dine for free, while children aged 6 to 11 get 50 per cent off. This offer is available on 2 and 3 December between 6.30PM to 11.00PM, and can be booked via reservations.qe2@accor.com.
From 1 to 4 December, Mondoux pastry chefs will be creating a giant UAE flag with custom crafted cream and berry cakes. All restaurant guests will be offered a slice of cake on the house to celebrate UAE National Day.
At JA Resort, join the National Day celebrations with an exclusive performance by renowned Emirati singer, Fatima Zahrat Al-Ain, and her daughter Rawda, as well as a culinary feast featuring some of the most indulgent fare. That’s not all, on 2 and 3 December, guests can enjoy a festive buffet dinner, from 7.30PM to 11.30PM, for AED 550 per person onwards, at Palmito Garden, JA the Resort.
Emirati-owned Monno Ristorante will be serving guests a limited-edition UAE Flag pizza made in true Neapolitan style, on 2 December, in honour of the UAE’s 51st National Day.
At Mangolia Bakery Springs Souk, the celebrations for UAE National Day include a special cupcake decorating workshop on 30 November from 10AM to 11AM or 4PM to 5PM. Pre-booking for a spot is required.
Rove Hotels, Project Chaiwala, and Frying Pan Adventures are back with a food and chai tour, specially curated for UAE’s National Day celebrations, in old Dubai.
Discover authentic, local street food, and other treats on 3 December, from 8.45AM to 11.45AM and 10.45AM to 1.45PM, for AED 125 per person. To book a place on this limited-edition tour, visit www.fryingpanadventures.com.
Time Out Market Dubai celebrates UAE National Day with celebratory traditional dancing and activities for children from 2 to 4 December. For those celebrating over the weekend, Time Out Market Dubai’s Weekend Breakfast is available on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM until 1PM. Exclusive breakfast-inspired dishes will be served, priced from AED 32 to AED 75. Located in the beautiful Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, the market also offers an incredible mix of cuisines, expertly curated by Time Out editors.
{{Events and activities}}
Get ready for an unmatched football experience at Budx FIFA Fan Festival at Dubai Harbour which is now open and runs throughout the National Day festivities right up until 18 December. Join in the excitement as up to 10,000 fans converge to celebrate the beautiful game in a state-of-the-art, immersive atmosphere. International artists like Brazilian diva Ludmilla, and local DJs such as Mr Shef Codes, Kaboo and Flippside will keep the electric vibes going between and after matches. Ticket prices start from AED 79 per person at Budxfifadubai.com, the venue offers access to 21+ only.
Visit the Meydan Racecourse to see the region’s most skilled horses and talented jockeys go head to head for a grand prize. This high-spirited domestic challenge runs along with the international Dubai World Cup Carnival, with races scheduled from 25 November to 19 February. Tickets start at AED 2, for more information, please visit Dubairacingclub.com.
Watch hundreds of regional and international rugby teams put their best foot forward during Emirates Dubai 7s at the Sevens Stadium, one of the largest sports and entertainment festivals in the Middle East, from 1 to 3 December. Sample delicious cuisine and enjoy family-friendly activities, including powerhouse performances by headliners Gorgon City, The Cuban Brothers and Craig David presents TS5. Book now at Dubai Rugby 7s.
Join the Skechers Performance UAE National Day Run 2022 at The Track Meydan Golf on 2 December at 7.30AM. This community challenge will see runners of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts, come together to mark this momentous occasion. Sprint or stroll distances of 3km, 5km, 10km or 16km on the closed-off roads in this scenic area while taking in views of the city skyline along the course. Adults pay AED 175 per race while children can participate for AED 125 per race. To sign up, visit PremierOnline.
From 3 December to 17 February the world-famous Murder Mystery experience makes its way to Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai. This 90-minute interactive entertainment program allows participants to use their detective skills to solve a mystery while uncovering secrets and hidden motives along the way. All contestants can enjoy a 30-minute food and drink service on the terrace with spectacular creek views before the activity. To book a spot, visit murdermysteryexperiences.com/dubai.
From 1 until 3 December Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts will host special UAE National Day celebrations including arabic tents with henna, live cooking and kids face painting, folkloric entertainment from Ayala Dancers and Hag al Laila Traditional Kids Dance as well as an interactive Love the UAE activation wall. For more information visit Riverland Dubai.
For more information on all events and activities, please visit dubaicalendar.com.
{{Raffles and prizes }}
Until 30 November download the Idealz app or visit www.idealz.com and purchase a Rosa Set worth AED 50 to gain entry into an amazing raffle that will allow the winner to take home an incredible two million dirhams (AED2,000,000) for the big UAE National Day Grand Prize. The raffle draw will take place on 2 December.
From 1 to 4 December purchase goods for AED 200 at stores excluding hypermarkets across Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif to enter into an exciting daily draw and win big. Four winners from each of the malls will be in with a chance to win 51,000 SHARE points, worth AED 5,100.
Every year, UAE National Day is celebrated on 2 December to mark the official formation of the nation and the start of the federal unification of The Emirates in 1971. To join in the UAE National Day celebrations, check out nationaldaydubai.com for more information and @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.
{{About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment}}
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
Instead of officially breaking up with someone during this season, they do what I like to call a ‘mental breakup’, which includes ignoring your texts, calls or invites for a long period of time.
Anna Ihogoza, is a young girl who has experienced this ‘mental breakup’ around this time in 2021. She says that it was among the most hurtful memories since she did not know she was single for two months.
“He ignored me for months, I texted, called but my efforts ended to no avail. I knew he had seasonal depression so I just assumed he was depressed and needed some time,” recounts Ihogoza.
Two days before Christmas, she bumped into his sister as she was shopping. She said that her brother was doing great, even happy. At that moment, the puzzles started to put themselves in place.
Ihogoza refused to jump to any conclusion, so she decided to ask him what was going on soon since they’d go to the same church for Christmas.
What she did not count on was that he would also ignore her the whole time.
Anytime she tried to get his attention, he would cut her off and go talk to other people.
Ihogoza’s family had planned to go out, but she was miserable the whole time they were out.
“Now I look at the pictures of that day and all I can see is the sadness, my hand on my cheek, misery in my eyes and a perfectly good family moment ruined,” she says.
“He broke up with me three days after Christmas, after I had begged him to meet up so we could talk, something he could have done two months before and saved my tears,” adds Ihogoza.
There are different reasons a person might feel the need to want a breakup during the holiday.
Receiving texts, or calls from people we never expected, which in one or another makes us feel extra special because we start thinking we can do better than our current partners.
Another reason for this might be the 10% over 90% rule, looking at other people and seeing the 10% quality that your partner does not have and ignoring the ninety that he/she already has.
If your new love interest or the person courting you is buying you gifts, taking you out, they listen to you, and care for you.
A fear of commitment also comes into play, the thought of starting a year with the same person.
The knowledge that the relationship might have to take another step can be a major reason that would make a person to break up.
Sometimes, it is for the best to break up in cases where the relationship does not meet your needs.
If it is dysfunctional, or abusive; either physically, mentally or emotionally and sometimes people just want to grow as people, including their careers.
Gloria Aronah, a trauma healing counselor advises couples to really think about their decision.
This is to avoid the ‘sorry, can we get back together?’ texts after the holidays.
“At the end of the day, it is your relationship no one should tell you whether you should break up or stay together,” says Aronah.
She explains that if a person feels ready to end the relationship, they should not be stopped by the season because the rest might turn into traumas that are expensive and time consuming to heal.
In the case of Anna, her boyfriend told her directly when he was ready to break up with her.
Or had she accepted the hints, she would have probably suffered a little less and probably enjoyed her Christmas a little more.
Break-ups hurt no matter what time of the year it is, we cannot control that.
We can however control how we break-up with someone, with honesty and sympathy.
Avoid manipulation tactics, do not act-out, ignoring their texts and calls in hopes that your partner will get tired and decide to leave you.
Be straightforward, not rude; treat your partner how you would want to be treated, remember that they’ll be vulnerable and they will most likely take what you say to heart.
Besides, a face to face conversation is always better than a text message. No matter how nice the text is, it means more that you take time out of your schedule and tell your partner in person how you feel.
Their discussions were held on Sunday 4th December 2022 as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has confirmed.
They were held amidst deteriorated relations between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations.
Rwanda accuses DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to destabilize its security while the country accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
DR Congo officials have been claiming that their country was invaded by Rwanda through M23.
In a message posted on his Twitter handle, Blinken said that he had productive conversation with President Kagame to underscore the need for peace and security in eastern DRC.
He further said that ‘The United States urges Rwanda to honor commitments made in Luanda, including ending Rwanda’s support to M23’.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the accusations of supporting M23 and urged DR Congo not to externalize its problems.
The rebel group resumed fighting accusing DRC of failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013.
In a message posted on Twitter, Minister Biruta underscored that President Kagame had good discussions with Blinken ‘but differences in understanding of the issue remain’.
He also said that ‘the wrong and misguided approach of the international community continues to exacerbate the problem’.
“A lasting solution requires the responsibility to be placed where it belongs,” said Dr. Biruta.
Minister pointed out the dysfunction of the DRC government and its institutions, and the support to FDLR as the first issue.
Minister Biruta also highlighted that ‘External interference and dictates in regional and continental efforts that serve to shield DRC from accountability and emboldens them to be unresponsive to commitments made through ongoing processes’ is among other issues holding back efforts to find a solution.
“M23 should not be equated to Rwanda. It is not Rwanda’s problem to solve. The security concerns of Rwanda need to be addressed, and where others may not feel obliged to, Rwanda is and will continue to do so,” he noted.
Gilbert Niyitanga, 20, and Cyiza Jean Claude, 19, were arrested red-handed in Bukomeza Village, Nkanga Cell of Sake Sector at about 10:30p.m. with the stolen motorcycle registration number RE908Z, Bajaj Boxer, and the bicycle.
They were at the time attempting to hide the motorcycle and bicycle in the bush, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
“Niyitanga and Cyiza stole the motorcycle and bicycle and were at the time hiding them in the bush, but fortunate enough, security personnel on the night patrol saw them that night.
Following their arrest, they were cooperative and disclosed that they stole them the previous day and were in the process of getting buyers,” SP Twizeyimana said.
They were handed over to RIB at Zaza station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.
The latest estimate shows that more than one billion people around the world volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve the communities they live in. The impact of climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, together with political and economic shocks around the world, highlight the challenges facing many people and communities in their daily lives.
“On International Volunteer Day, we pay tribute to volunteers across the globe,” said Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of UN Volunteer Programme. “Their time, efforts and passion make a positive impact on people’s lives and help address the planet’s most challenging issues. On behalf of everyone at the UN and elsewhere, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their ongoing commitment,” he added
The UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/57/106), co-sponsored by 142 Member States and adopted on 26 November 2002, calls upon stakeholders to support volunteerism as a strategic tool to enhance economic and social development. As of today, 78 United Nations Volunteers in Rwanda serve support 14 UN agencies towards Development Programs to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
The Government o Rwanda is recognized for incorporating volunteer services in the national planning process and establishing a national coordination framework to effectively harness the national and international volunteer resources at the country’s disposal.
Volunteerism in Rwanda is exercised through the provision of services to the community such as Umuganda, Ubudehe, Umusanzu (Communal self-help activities based on solidarity), Abunzi, local government councils (Njyanama), Gacaca judges, electoral commission agents, community health workers (abajyanama b’ubuzima) and traditional birth attendants among others.
“I commend the Government of Rwanda for being recognized as an excellent example of volunteerism, including traditional forms of mutual aid and self-help, formal service delivery and other forms of civic participation, in economic and social development, benefiting society at large and communities. I would like to welcome the work of volunteers and request them to continue their efforts,’’ Odette Bagitengire, the UNV Programme Country Coordinator.
To mark the 2022 International Volunteer Day, the One UN Rwanda joined the Government of Rwanda, partners and the community of Gicumbi District in the “umuganda’’ activity held in the Gicumbi District, Byumba sector, Gisuna Cell, Rwiri village where they participated in erosion control activities (kurwanya isuri).
The figures were released on Monday 5th December 2022 at the launch of Mining Week in Rwanda.
Held for the fifth time, the ceremony which coincided with the celebration of Mining Day at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, was graced by different officials including Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of RMB, Amb. Yamina Karitanyi among others.
The week will offer mining industry members not only a space for rich panel discussions, but for sharing the industry’s best practices, and refresher courses through training, and opportunities for new partnerships.
Amb. Karitanyi said that the week was organized to bring together sector players to discuss best practices and make it more meaningful to national economy.
She highlighted that the output of Rwanda’s minerals including cassiterite, coltan, tungsten and gold continues to increase.
Amb. Karitanyi disclosed that the country currently registers 158 mining companies noting that the sector presents many investment opportunities be it in minerals extraction and value addition.
In 2020, Amb. Karitanyi said, Rwanda generated US$733 million from minerals’ exports up from US$373 of 2017.
In 2021, revenues dropped to US$516 million owing to reduced prices on the international market. According to Amb. Karitanyi, the year 2022 is promising in consideration of the US$585 generated in the first nine months.
She attributed the increase in revenues to Rwanda’s initiative to establish plants adding value to minerals before exportation.
These include gold and cassiterite refineries. Amb. Karitanyi also revealed that the country mulls opening a coltan processing plant in the near future.
The mining sector in Rwanda currently employs 46,000 people with a target to increase the number to more than 100,000 by 2024.
Premier Ngirente said that Rwanda’s mining potential is yet to be fully exploited and reiterated the country’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to develop the mining sector ‘to sustainably deliver good results’.
Rwanda and Poland enjoy existing cooperation in education and trade. Last year, Rwanda opened an embassy in Warsaw. As part of existing cooperation, the Government of Poland supports the ‘School of Blind Children’ in Kibeho, Nyaruguru District and an estimated 1,800 Rwandan students have been enrolled in Polish universities up to date.
Polish investment in Rwanda includes LuNar Smelter. a state-of-the art tin processing plant.
Minister Biruta has welcomed his counterpart to Rwanda and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to strengthen cooperation.
“I welcome Minister Pawel Jabloński to Rwanda. This high-level visit from a Polish delegation is a strong signal of our countries’ growing bilateral relations. Rwanda looks forward to working closely with Poland to accelerate our cooperation in strategic areas of common interest,” he said.
During this visit, three additional agreements in the fields of investments, higher education and defence will be signed.
According to a joint statement, Minister Pawel also announced the opening of an embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda but did not disclose the date.
“Our expectations from this visit have been already exceeded. We have held talks on many areas of cooperation which is developing fast. The opening of the polish embassy in Kigali will add more impetus to this process,” he stated.
Minister Pawel has been accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Finance, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology, other government officials, academia and the private sector.
During their stay in Rwanda, the Polish delegation will meet with the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Health, Defence, ICT and Innovation, and Infrastructure as well as Rwanda Development Board and the University of Rwanda.
The Rwanda-Poland Business Forum will also be launched. Among others, the Polish delegation will visit Rwandan companies and meet with representatives of the private sector.
As he announced the cement producers’ year-end results, John Bugunya, the Chief Financial Officer of CIMERWA Plc disclosed that the performance is mainly attributed to the optimization of production processes, cost savings initiatives and the effective execution of route-to-market strategy for both domestic and export markets.
“Our Profit Before Tax stood at Rwf16.9 billion, a significant improvement of 212% compared to the prior year. This was on account of the operating profit improvement driven by higher sales volumes supported by price optimization, cost management initiatives resulting in a lower cost of production, and declining finance costs in line with the reducing debt following voluntary early loan repayment during the year,” said Bugunya.
“The performance drove our Earnings Per Share [EPS] up to Rwf18.7, an improvement of 220% compared to last year’s EPS of Rwf5.9. Following this strong performance, the Board of Directors recommended a dividend payout of Rwf10.5 billion, representing 80% of Profit After Tax, subject to shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting,” he added.
Rwanda’s GDP is projected to grow by an estimated 7% in 2023 driven by increased economic activities across all sectors of the economy in the post Covid-19. This bodes well for the construction industry.
The company is servicing a healthy pipeline of major infrastructure projects such as the New Bugesera International Airport and the refurbishment of the Amahoro Stadium, amongst others. In addition, it is strengthening strategic route-to-market channels to ensure that the Company maintains its leadership position in the domestic and relevant export markets.
“This past year’s financial results have been remarkable. We now have a healthy balance sheet enabling us to give a good return to shareholders with the Rwf10.5 billion dividend payout. We are optimistic that further improvement in operational performance and the solid foundation laid so far will translate to even better performance going forward. We hope to see an improved business environment after the recent global challenges,’’ said Albert Sigei, CEO of CIMERWA Plc.
“We are also consolidating our strategies and leadership in other critical areas such as Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard, the Company has put in place a strategy and roadmap to guide actions around ESG such as environmental protection and carbon footprint reduction.
In our journey towards Net Zero in the long term, we are building on the solid progress made over the last 3 years, including reduction of carbon dioxide emission per ton of cement produced by over 20%. This has been made possible by efficient delivery of key levers of our decarbonization strategy which include reducing clinker factor, increasing coal substitution with the usage of alternative fuels such as biomass and tapping into renewable energy solutions,” added Sigei.
“The good result in this financial year demonstrates CIMERWA Plc’s resilience in the face of a challenging environment and its commitment to sustainability. This has been made possible by a collective effort that starts from the passionate skilled staff who work vigorously for this company, a competent and dedicated board of directors and our supportive stakeholders. We stay committed to keep delivering on the promise made to our customers, shareholders, and the country at large to continue STRENGTHENING RWANDA.”
{{About CIMERWA}}
CIMERWA Plc is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange and is a subsidiary of Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed PPC Cement Limited.
Established in 1984, CIMERWA Plc has over three decades worth of experience and is Rwanda’s first and only integrated cement manufacturer. The firm’s production plant is located in Bugarama, Rusizi District near the Southwestern border of Rwanda. It is the only integrated cement company in Rwanda that does the full value chain of cement production i.e. mine raw materials, produce the clinker concentrate, pack and sell cement.
CIMERWA is focused on the journey of Strengthening Rwanda in a pursuit to lay strong foundations for future generations. It has been delivering on that by minimizing any adverse impact of its operations on the environment and society, supplying cement to key projects such as the BK Arena, Prime Minister’s office, various roads and to MINEDUC for construction of more than 20,000 classrooms.
CIMERWA is the only manufacturing company in Rwanda with IMS ISO certification, an Integrated Management System (IMS) that merges the three ISO standards into one system: Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001) and Occupational Health & Safety Management (ISO 45001) systems.
This is an assurance to customers that the Company offers premium quality products and to stakeholders, and that sustainable business practices are a key focus.
CIMERWA Plc is committed to building strong partnerships with leaders and members of the local community. In the process, the firm has helped set up several initiatives geared at improving the livelihoods of the people. These include a nursery and primary school, medical clinic, a market, a tailoring workshop, and providing them with clean, piped water among many others.
