According to a statement from RDF, the Islamic State in Mozambique (IS-MOZ) terrorist groups were forced to flee to Nkoe and Nguida localities of the same district as they are still being tracked down by the joint forces.
Abdulahim Abrugo, a 59-year-old man who was held by the terrorists for a year in Catupa forest, thanked the joint forces who rescued him and applauded the courage of Rwandan Security Forces who assured him to bring back his daughter who was left in hands of terrorists.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight terrorist groups, honoring the request of Mozambique. The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.
The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.
Before Rwandan troop’s intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions were seized from rebels.
The company has continued its journey of accelerated progress shown over the last three years. This is despite global and local inflationary pressures, resulting from the Ukraine-Russia war, which has placed strain on supply chains globally and resulted in an increase in commodity and fuel prices.
In the first half of 2022 (H1), total company revenue increased by 20.4% compared to the same period last year. H1 saw MTN Rwanda increase its customer base by 1.7% year-on-year (YoY) to 6.6 million, growing its leadership in customer market share by 2.7 percentage points (pp) to 65.6%. Active data and mobile money subscribers also grew by 23.9% and 9.1% respectively.
Commenting on this business growth; the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda, Mitwa Ng’ambi, said: “We are pleased to present our half year results to our shareholders. We have continued diligent execution of our Ambition 2025 strategy which has yielded these positive results. Leading in connectivity, has been of great focus for us in the first half of the year, where we invested Rwf28.8 billion in technology, including the roll out of 57 new sites across the country.
Transformation of our distribution footprint and product offerings has also contributed greatly to the commercial momentum that the business has experienced. Voice, data and mobile money have performed particularly well and our engagement in various Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives has further cemented our commitment to the communities we serve.”
MTN Rwanda’s key revenue streams, voice, data and fintech increased by 7.1%, 14.6% and 52.4% YoY respectively. The voice and data results are mainly attributed to a rise in strategic customer value management campaigns, increased active data subscribers and usage.
The company’s financial report is a consolidation of both MTN Rwanda and its subsidiary company, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL). In driving the company’s platform strategy, MMRL made encouraging strides in H1, growing the volume of transactions by 38.3% YoY and the value of transaction by 22.8%, while volume of merchant transactions also grew by 36.4% YoY. MMRL continues to drive growth in the mobile financial services sector with a focus on advanced services in line with the Ambition 2025 strategy.
According to MTN Rwanda Chief Finance Officer, Mark Nkurunziza, a sustainable approach to business growth has been the focus.
“MTN Rwanda’s dual focus on top line revenue growth as well as cost efficiencies resulted in our Earnings Before interest tax and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growing by 17.8%. While our contribution to the Community Health insurance scheme increased from 2.5% to 3.0% of turnover in 2022, and an increase in 4G uptake resulted in a higher data cost of sales, we are pleased to have closed the period with an EBITDA margin of 49.3%. This margin has grown by 8 percentage points over the last 3 years, and we’re encouraged by the strides we have made thus far,” he said.
As part of its Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, MTN Rwanda saw to the implementation of several initiatives in the first half of the year. The most notable being the introduction of solar power in the main data centre, further advocacy for the adoption of green energy solutions by donating solar panels to 700 families through the Cana Challenge and with the annual staff community service initiative, 21 days of Yello Care, conducted digital skills training for students at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village.
In the remainder of the year, the focus remains primarily on the expansion of connectivity for full population coverage in the near term and diversification of Mobile Money products to unlock new opportunities with a focus on advanced services. It also remains the company’s focus to drive for cost efficiencies to sustain healthy margins and continue to invest in capacity to meet its commitments to customers and stakeholders alike.
As this was the last time that Mitwa Ng’ambi would present results to the shareholder community following her appointment as CEO of MTN Cameroon, effective 1 September 2022, she concluded by saying: “It has been a great pleasure serving the people of Rwanda as CEO of MTN. I am immensely grateful to have worked with such an amazing team and also to have received great support from the Government of Rwanda.
I would also like to thank the Board of Directors and various stakeholders who have had a hand in our success over the years. I wish my successor, Ms Bodibe and the entire MTN Rwanda team nothing but the best, as they continue to lead digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress”.
{{About MTN Rwandacell Plc}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that Kagame met with the CEOs on Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
In 2016, Kagame received another delegation of 17 CEOs from the organization who spent days in Rwanda engaging in discussions with investors and representatives from public institutions to explore areas of investment.
At the time, the then CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Francis Gatare said that some of the young leaders invested in different projects in the areas of solar energy, technology and value addition for agricultural produce among others.
YPO is the largest global network of business leaders which comprises 30,000 members from 130 countries committed to improve lives and businesses.
In 2003, YPO bestowed the Global Leadership Award on President Kagame for his role in Rwanda’s transition to democracy and peace.
It is among construction projects conceptualized long ago as the idea to erect the complex building surfaced in 2004.
Eighteen years on, the project has not yet materialized mainly owing to misunderstanding between individuals owning plots of land in the designated area and the management of Kigali City.
The structures will be erected at former premises of Akagera Motors, Ets. Verma, Mironko and Mukangira between Kigali City Mall (former Union Trade Center) and Kigali City Tower.
Amarembo will be comprised of buildings extended on 120,000 square meters.
Initially, the complex building was expected to feature commercial buildings, offices, entertainment, upper and ground parking, a hotel and pool among others.
As of today, only one building is being erected while the remaining space is idle.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday 3rd August 2022, the Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said that it has been three years since they engaged in discussions with investors in ‘Amarembo City Center’ project where the next course of action is to consider the application of land related law.
“An assessment of Amarembo City Center project was conducted three years ago. They are required to use the land properly, or else, it will be given to well-prepared investors,” he said.
Last year, the City of Kigali announced that discussions with individuals owning plots of land in the area were ongoing but some of them failed to get on common ground, hence necessitating the intervention of other investors.
At the time, it was resolved to seek other investors in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Habi Ltd, one of investors in this project started construction activities in August.
The investor will raise a building under ‘The Nobelia’ project to feature structures opposite the main roundabout.
It is expected that the project will be comprised of water-efficient green buildings using renewable energy.
The 19-floor building will be extended on 12000 square meters. It will have offices to let and commercial buildings.
Initially, ‘Amarembo City Center’ was expected to be built by three investors with plots of land in the area but negotiations bore no fruits that each individual decided to raise a standalone building.
The wave left the latter divided into three projects aligning with Kigali City Master Plan.
Apart from Nobelia, another project retained the name of ‘Amarembo City Center’ to be built at former premises of Akagera Motors, down to former premises of Chez Venant and a space opposite to a former petrol station.
The third one is Mironko project to be executed at the opposite side of Rubangura.
On the issue of idle plots of land in the city centre and Muhima among other places, Rubingisa revealed that owners were notified of possible course of action where the government might withhold them or give them to investors in accordance with legal provisions.
The Chinese was robbed Rwf15 million but her driver was searched and found in possession of Rwf14,034,000.
The recovered money was handed over the rightful owner on Monday 1st August 2022. It was revealed that the money had been stolen on 22nd July 2022.
According to RIB, the investor left a bag containing the money inside his car with the driver and missed him as he returned.
He immediately reported the theft to RIB which launched investigation and arrested the driver at Gatuna Border.
Speaking to the media; the spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, revealed that the majority of filed theft cases involved people whose money was stolen at home or inside cars.
“This investor who received his money was robbed Rwf15 million but over Rwf14 million was recovered after reporting the theft. The money kept in a bag was stolen by the driver. He was arrested after buying a house. Those who sold the house also provided testimonies,” he said.
“He was tracked and arrested attempting to escape. He was brought back and is pending further legal process,” added Dr. Murangira.
He revealed that more Rwf42 million out of Rwf56 million stolen from a trader by a houseboy were recovered recently.
Dr. Murangira advised the general public against moving with huge amounts of money but rather take advantage of introduced digital banking channels to perform different transactions online lest they are exposed to theft.
After receiving his money, the investor thanked RIB for swift response and support extended to foreigners in similar circumstances.
RIB also warned people against theft lest they face the law.
{{The Light we carry; Overcoming in Uncertain times by Michelle Obama}}
This is a new book written by Michelle Obama following her previous book about her life ‘Becoming’. In these books, she shares advice, wisdom and strategies on how to deal with life’s problems. It is expected to be released this year in November but many people have already pre-ordered it.
{{It ends with us by Colleen Hoover}}
Published in 2016, It ends with us is a novel about jealousy, emotional abuse and some generational cycles that flow within families from one generation to another.
This book starts out as a love story but shows how love is different for everyone and that people love differently.
{{Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens}}
Where the Crawdads Sing was published in 2018. It is a book about the effects of trauma in relationships and its impact on our lives. This book tells the story of Kya and how she coped with the effects of her abandonment trauma on her life.
{{Verity by Colleen Hoover}}
Published in 2018, this book tells the story of writer Lowen Ashleigh who meets Jeremy Crawford, the husband of a famous writer named Verity Crawford. Lowen was hired to finish the books Verity had not finished before her accident left her in critical condition. Lowen learns the unexpected and shocking truth about Verity when she reads what she has been writing and says she did especially about their daughter’s death.
{{Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover}}
Published in 2014, this book revisits how love and relationships can be complicated, especially when it involves people with some trauma. This book tells the love story of Tate Collins and Miles Turner.
{{Atomic Habits by James Clear}}
Atomic habits was published in 2018 by James Clear. It is a book about the different habits that people have, how a person can build good habits or destroy bad habits they have.
It is a book that will be enjoyed by someone with a certain habit they struggle to get rid of.
{{The 48 laws of power by Robert Greene}}
The 48 laws of power is a book published in 1998. It talks about the 48 laws of power. For example, the second law says that you should not trust your friends and you should know how to use your enemies. The fourth law indicates that you should always say less than necessary.
{{Things we never got over by Lucy Score}}
Published in January 2022, it is a book that says loving is brave. While telling the story of Knox and Naomi, it talks about how brave it is for a person to love even though they know how it may end badly. The books is also about the willingness to fall in love even though you might get a broken heart. It’s a book about how people should choose love over fear.
{{The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz}}
It is a book that was published in 1997 but is still sought after by many. It is a book about how a person can live a peaceful life, with peace of mind and peace of soul.
The Head of State was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of two newly appointed cabinet ministers including the Minister of Public Investments and Privatisation, Eric Rwigamba and the State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Ildephonse Musafiri.
The two officials joined the cabinet for the first time following a statement announcing their appointment on Saturday 30th July 2021.
As he presided over the ceremony, President Kagame said that some state-owned enterprises are set to be privatised soon.
“Firstly, the new Ministry of Public Investments and Privatisation will oversee the management of state-owned enterprises and eventually or soon be privatized. Some of them have to be privatized as soon as possible,” he said.
“The core mandate of the government or public institutions is not to engage in businesses or related activities but rather to facilitate the private sector to run businesses and thrive. I hope this is clear,” added Kagame.
Key responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatisation include among others; identifying opportunities for government investment, monitoring performance of the existing government investments in various companies and implementing privatization of public investments where necessary.
Kapwepwe was hosted on Tuesday 2nd August 2022 at Urugwiro Village.
Chileshe Kapwepwe who is on a visit to Rwanda was hosted at Urugwiro Village after meeting with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as representatives from the Private Sector Federation (PSF).
As she was hosted at Urugwiro Village, Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed, Kapwepwe updated President Kagame on ongoing COMESA activities.
Also present at the event, was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze.
Kapwepwe took office as COMESA Secretary-General in 2018.
COMESA was initially established in 1981. It comprises 21 African Member States that came together with the aim of promoting regional integration through trade and the development of natural and human resources for the mutual benefit of all people in the region.
The move follows the group’s acquisition of the Banque Populaire du Rwanda PLC (BPR), Rwanda’s second biggest bank from Atlas Mara Mauritius Limited and Arise B.V. last year.
The new transaction will see the group based in Kenya adding DRC to existing markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi.
According to a joint statement released by KCB Group and TMB, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory, shareholders and other approvals. This will see KCB acquire 85% of the shares in TMB while the existing shareholders will continue to hold the balance for a period of not less than 2 years after which, KCB will acquire their shares.
KCB will pay a cash consideration for the shares determined based on the net asset value of TMB at completion of the proposed transaction, and using a price to book multiple of 1.49.
TMB, a public company limited by shares, is one of DRC’s largest banks with US$1.5 billion in total assets. TMB has a strong offering in Retail, SME, Corporate and Digital banking channels. It has over 110 branches and numerous agency banking outlets spread across DRC.
This acquisition is aligned with the Group’s strategic focus of scaling its regional presence. Once completed, this acquisition will complement KCB Group’s regional footprint with an asset base of KShs. 1.5 Trillion (USD 12.6 billion) and is expected to strengthen the Group’s Retail and Corporate banking franchises.
Andrew Wambari Kairu, KCB Group Chairman has said that the move is part of ongoing strategy to tap into opportunities for new growth while investing in and maximizing returns from the Group’s existing businesses.
“It gives us strong headroom to accelerate our growth ambitions to deliver better value for our shareholders and to bolster the push for deeper financial inclusion and social and economic transformation in Africa and beyond. We are excited that we can now play a role in catalyzing DRC’s and indeed East Africa’s economic expansion agenda,” he revealed.
Commenting on the development; Robert Levy, TMB Chairman expressed delight for inking the deal with KCB Group.
“We are very excited about the opportunities KCB offers in this transaction and we are proud to bring our unique DRC insights and experience to the KCB Group. We believe that by combining our local knowledge and standing with the size and expertise of KCB Group, we should be able to increase market share and shareholder value through unlocking our synergies and business opportunities,” he noted.
With the acquisition, TMB customers will benefit from best-in-class digital capabilities, transactional banking solutions, trade finance expertise and access to regional business opportunities offered by KCB Group. TMB will give KCB Group access to Africa’s second-largest country with a population of over 93 million people.
In the three months ending March 2022, KCB Group PLC profit after tax surged 54.6% to KShs. 9.9 billion. This rise from KShs. 6.4 billion in a similar period last year was boosted by growth in total income and reduction in loan loss provision.
Revenues increased by 26.0% to KShs. 29.0 billion on account of an increase in interest income, increase in non-funded income from lending activities and service fees and a 21.1% rise in earning assets.
One of the suspected traffickers identified as Safari Emmanuel Hafashimana, 25, was arrested red-handed in Karembo Village, Rwantonde Cell, Gatore Sector of Kirehe District with 3.5kgs of cannabis.
In Nyagatare, Police seized 23kgs from another trafficker, who fled during the operation conducted in Rutoma Village, Ndego Cell, Karama Sector.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that the suspects were reported by residents.
“The drug dealers were reported by area residents that they were attempting to sneak narcotics into Rwanda from neighbouring countries. Operations were conducted concurrently and Hafashimana was arrested in Rwantonde cell with 3.5kgs of cannabis, which he was sneaking into Rwanda from Tanzania,” SP Twizeyimana said.
Hafashimana and his exhibits were handed over to RIB at Gatore station for further legal process.
In an operation conducted in Nyagatare, SP Twizeyimana said the drug dealer, who escaped, dropped a sack of 23kgs of cannabis, which he had trafficked into Rwanda from Uganda.
SP Twizeyimana warned of the severe consequences of dealing in narcotic drugs and urged the public to report anyone they suspect to be engaged in such high impact crimes.
The Ministerial order No. 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics.’’
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
