The Nigerian singer recently visited Rwanda for the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, where she named a baby gorilla “Kundwa,” meaning “loved,” and expressed her delight at trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Yemi first unveiled Yem Beauty in August 2025, marking her entry into the beauty industry. Known for her bold style and stage presence, the brand is an extension of her vibrant personality.
Since breaking out in 2005, Yemi Alade has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, with hits like Johnny, Oh My Gosh, Shekere, Ferrari, and Na Gode.
Born Yemi Eberechi Alade on March 13, 1989, she has built a global fanbase while staying true to her Nigerian roots, with a family background tied to Ondo and Abia States.
The discussions focused on strengthening media cooperation between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates, recognising the role of media in advancing bilateral relations and deepening partnerships across multiple sectors.
Rwanda and the UAE enjoy a strong and growing relationship. The UAE is currently Rwanda’s largest export market, with exports surpassing USD 1.55 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s total goods exports.
The UAE is also a major investor, ranking as Rwanda’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023, with commitments of over USD 138 million in sectors ranging from logistics and hospitality to mineral processing and agriculture.
A prominent example of this cooperation is DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform, a facility that has streamlined Rwanda’s trade flows and positioned Kigali as a gateway for East African commerce.
The two countries have also signed agreements on economic and technical cooperation, and in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) signed a partnership to link Rwanda’s financial hub with global capital markets.
Beyond trade and investment, Rwanda and the UAE are expanding cooperation in space technology, artificial intelligence, and governance innovation.
In December 2023, the Rwanda Space Agency signed an MoU with the UAE Space Agency to collaborate on civil space activities, while in April 2025, both countries joined Malaysia in a tripartite partnership on AI governance and innovation through their Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Education and tourism are also central pillars of cooperation. Rwandan students continue to benefit from UAE government scholarships at institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and UAE University, while Rwanda regularly participates in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, showcasing its unique attractions such as gorilla trekking and positioning itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travellers.
Against this backdrop of broad and dynamic collaboration, media cooperation is expected to serve as both a bridge and a catalyst, promoting accurate information, facilitating cultural exchange, and amplifying the visibility of joint initiatives between Rwanda and the UAE.
They stressed that some online content creators are falsely claiming that Gogo was sacrificed, while others allege that she was killed. The family said if such baseless reports persist, they will take legal action, as the claims amount to a mockery of the deceased.
The warning was made on Monday, September 8, 2025, during Gogo’s burial in Munini Cell, Fumbwe Sector, Rwamagana District, where she was originally from.
News of Gogo’s death broke on September 3, 2025. She had travelled to Uganda for evangelical missions, having left Rwanda on August 29 together with some of her handlers. The artist had long battled epilepsy, the illness that ultimately claimed her life.
Bikorimana Emmanuel, commonly known as Bikem, explained that the hospital confirmed she died of complications related to her lungs.
Following her death, some YouTubers produced numerous videos alleging that Gogo had been sacrificed, while others claimed she had been killed by colleagues in disputes over money.
Musoni Bernard, who heads Gogo’s family and is also her stepfather, told IGIHE that it is deeply regrettable that certain media personalities seek to profit from a person’s death by fabricating stories for commercial gain.
“It is extremely painful that people want to profit from the death of a person. I have known that child since birth, and she never enjoyed good health because of epilepsy, which afflicted her continuously. Those who were with her called us from the moment she started feeling unwell, they took her to hospital and informed us, and even after her passing, they immediately notified us. The hospital clearly stated the cause of death,” he said
Musoni added that as the family was preparing to repatriate her body to Rwanda, they were shocked to see some content creators producing content on YouTube claiming that she had been sacrificed, while others used insulting language to mock them. He called on those responsible to delete the content or face legal consequences.
Bishop Nyirimpeta Anastase, who had invited Gogo to Uganda, also condemned the conduct of some Rwandan YouTubers who falsely claimed she was sacrificed and accused others of being behind it.
Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.
Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: “Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.”
The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.
For years, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has earned recognition both within Rwanda and internationally, particularly in Mozambique and the Central African Republic, for its discipline and professionalism.
Building on this reputation, new reforms announced at the end of August 2025 introduced updated measures to ensure that certain categories of military assets are kept strictly confidential.
A Presidential Order issued on August 25, 2025, outlined the types of military assets that must be classified. The directive makes clear that weapons, systems, ammunition, and military vehicles — main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and light and heavy duty vehicles— are to remain secret.
The 2025 Order expands on earlier provisions. A 2012 regulation had already stipulated that fighter jets, helicopters, and their related systems were classified.
The new framework not only reaffirms these categories but also includes unmanned aerial vehicles and their accessories. In addition, information and telecommunication devices — ranging from radars, telephones, and radios to cameras, computer software and other related equipment, — are all deemed classified.
Military installations also fall under this classification. These include the RDF General Headquarters, barracks, arms and ammunition depots, as well as military industries and related raw materials.
Military uniforms and accessories are equally considered classified, along with imported and exported military assets and related information.
The modalities of audit related to the use and management of military classified assets is determined by instructions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.
The Rwanda Defence Force itself was formally established under Law No. 19/2002 of May 17, 2002. Since then, it has undergone substantial transformation in governance, weaponry, training, uniforms, and professionalism.
Today, Rwanda operates its own defense industry through the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), which produces a wide range of military equipment for the RDF and with goals to support partner nations with defense supplies.
Among its output are weapons for ground forces, special forces, and counterterrorism operations, as well as equipment for riot control, training, and other military purposes.
The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.
{{It highlights that:}}
{{Foundational literacy is essential}} – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.
{{We know what works}} – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.
{{Partnerships accelerate impact }} – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.
{{EE4A (Education Evidence for Action)}} is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice.
{{The What Works Hub for Global Education }} is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale. This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.
At the conference, {{WWHGE}} convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.” The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.
Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.
{{The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE)}} initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.
Together, {{WWHGE (with GEEAP)}}, the {{British Council}}, and {{LL4GE }} represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.
The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.
This marks the next phase of {{WWHGE}}’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.
The launch event, held at the Marriott Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and Apex Group executives, to celebrate the company’s commitment to Rwanda and its role in supporting economic growth and innovation across East Africa.
The event featured remarks from prominent figures, including Alan Keet, Regional Head of Africa for Apex Group, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Hortense Mudenge, CEO of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), and a video message from Peter Hughes, Apex Group’s Founder and CEO.
Apex Group, with a global presence spanning 52 countries and 112 offices, services over $3.4 trillion in assets and employs more than 13,000 people worldwide. The opening of its Kigali office, the seventh in Africa alongside locations in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, marks a key expansion of the company’s footprint on the continent.
“It makes me tremendously proud that we have expanded now into Rwanda… It shows Apex’s commitment to Africa, which, as Africans, is a real feather in our cap,” Alan Keet, the Apex Group’s Regional Head of Africa, stated.
The Kigali office will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including Fund Administration, Corporate Services, Compliance Solutions, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services, pending regulatory approval.
The services cater to a broad range of fund structures, from private equity and real estate to open-end funds like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, as well as innovative digital finance solutions such as tokenisation and digital ledger technology.
Keet emphasised the company’s ability to address complex challenges, noting, “We are yet to find a conundrum or a challenge that we can’t solve within the Apex Group globally.”
The launch of Apex Group’s office aligns with the ambitions of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), which aims to position Rwanda as a leading hub for cross-border investment and sustainable finance.
Hortense Mudenge, CEO of KIFC, described the event as “a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s journey of becoming a key financial hub on the continent.”
She highlighted the full-circle nature of Apex’s entry, which began with discussions in late 2024 and culminated in the office opening, signalling growing confidence in Rwanda’s progressive business environment.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of Rwanda’s central bank, delivered a keynote address in which she echoed this sentiment, stressing the country’s strategic efforts to build a robust financial ecosystem.
“You can’t have a financial centre if you don’t have international players,” she said, noting Apex’s role in complementing traditional banking and pension funds with innovative services.
She also praised Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability and digital ambitions, stating, “The use of technology and digitally-driven financial services… is something that we value, as Rwanda is ambitiously aiming to become a digital hub for the continent.”
{{Investing in local talent
}}
Apex Group officials emphasised that its entry into Rwanda is not only about expanding its global footprint but also about investing in local talent and contributing to economic development. With approximately 1,200 of its 13,000 employees based in Africa, the company affirmed its commitment to creating employment opportunities and upskilling local professionals.
Keet praised Emma Msowoya, the Country Head of Apex Group in Rwanda, for her “tenacious, well-organised, and great people skills,” which he believes will drive rapid growth in the region. KIFC’s Mudenge also highlighted the opportunities for local professionals, noting Apex’s focus on “upskilling, capacity building, and talent development.”
Peter Hughes, in his video message, underscored the strategic importance of the Kigali office, which he said will deliver “world-class asset servicing across both traditional assets and DeFi assets.”
He highlighted Emma’s 15 years of experience at Apex and her role leading the Rwanda operations, emphasising the company’s intent to leverage experienced talent to expand its presence and strengthen Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
{{A collaborative future
}}
The launch event also highlighted the collaborative spirit between Apex Group, KIFC, and Rwandan regulators. Governor Hakuziyaremye expressed confidence that Apex’s presence would attract more global asset management players, stating, “You can count on our support and our engagement in the different forums that we organise.”
KIFC CEO Mudenge added, “As much as you have expectations of us, we also have expectations of you to leverage and use Rwanda as the base to support further investment and capital deployment, not just in Rwanda, but in the region as a whole.”
It is attended by military senior officers from 6 Eastern African Standby Force member states, namely Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, as well as the EASF Headquarters.
The training was officially opened by the Defence spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The Defence Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga expressed gratitude to the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) for its steadfast commitment to building internal capacity to ensure peace and security in the region.
He also commended the Rwanda Peace Academy for hosting this significant course and for its ongoing efforts in delivering the requisite training courses to enable commanders and staff to effectively conduct peace support operations in the region and beyond.
Brig Gen Rwivanga highlighted the necessity of the course, saying that “expanding the pool of qualified personnel is essential in creating a sustainable nucleus of training experts who can cascade their skills and knowledge across all levels of our forces”.
He added,”By empowering you to become both leaders and educators, we ensure that training excellence is replicated consistently, even in the most remote operational environments.”
He further reminded the course participants that undertaking this course is not merely about developing individual capacity but also strengthening institutional resilience.
He emphasized that they are not only being prepared to lead, but also to teach, mentor, and multiply the knowledge and experience essential for sustaining a strong, professional, and responsive standby force. He urged the participants to approach this course with an open mind, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.
Kenneth Goren Albert, Coordinator of the International Advisory and Coordination Staff, congratulated the facilitators, participants, EASF, and Member States for participating in this important training.
He emphasized the vital role of facilitators in equipping future trainers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and address complex, population-centric operations at battle group and sector levels.
The annual gathering, hosted in Namur, the capital of Wallonia and a predominantly French-speaking city, combined physical activities with community discussions on projects supporting development in both Rwanda and host communities.
As in previous years, the event drew participants from across Belgium, offering a space for intergenerational exchange, recreation, and dialogue. The initiative was spearheaded by DRB-Rugali’s Namur section under the leadership of Lionel Karugarama, with support from the City of Namur, associations such as Humura-Iyubake ASBL and Convivialité-Rukundo ASBL, as well as retail company Delhaize.
The City of Namur played a key role by providing venues for sports and recreational activities. Participants engaged in football, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, tug-of-war, and group hiking at varying distances of 5, 10, and 15 kilometres. Others enjoyed boat tours (Croisière) exploring Namur’s scenic sites.
The day-long activities were carried out in teams, and the atmosphere encouraged both competition and camaraderie. Special arrangements were also made for parents with young children, with dedicated play areas set aside for them.
Speaking at the event, Lionel Karugarama expressed gratitude to all partners and participants, noting that Journée Sportive continues to serve as a platform for Rwandans to review past projects, exchange ideas, and design new initiatives to benefit their communities. He also highlighted how the gathering helps local businesses gain visibility, given the wide turnout.
Umutoni Annick, head of Humura-Iyubake AISBL, also commended the participants for their involvement, describing the event as a valuable tradition that strengthens community ties.
The day concluded with the awarding of trophies and prizes to teams that excelled in the various games, followed by social interactions that reinforced the event’s spirit of unity and togetherness.
The agreement formalized on Monday, September 8, 2025, is expected to enhance connectivity, open new avenues for economic cooperation, and expand trade opportunities between the two nations.
Yankhoba Dième, Senegal’s Minister of Infrastructure, Land and Air Transport, and Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, represented their nations at the signing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Dr. Gasore described the agreement as “a major new step” that builds on the excellent relations already in place. He emphasized that it will further promote collaboration and create more opportunities for both countries.
The two countries enjoy longstanding friendly relations, reflected in visits and exchanges by heads of state and senior government officials. The most recent was on August 31, 2025, when President Paul Kagame visited Senegal to attend the Africa Food Summit (AFS).
Rwanda and Senegal have also established other agreements over the years. These include a cultural cooperation agreement signed in 1975, a general cooperation agreement in 2004, the creation of a permanent joint commission to oversee bilateral relations in 2016, as well as a partnership between Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) and Senegalese national broadcaster RTS.
Senegal is home to a significant Rwandan community, including students and families, some of whom settled there more than 40 years ago.
The decision, announced on September 8, 2025, comes after days of unrest triggered by public anger over lawmakers’ perks and growing concerns about rising living costs. The demonstrations, which spread across major cities, turned deadly with casualties, including a 21-year-old food delivery driver.
Sri Mulyani, a respected technocrat and former World Bank managing director, was replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, who previously led Indonesia’s Deposit Insurance Corporation and held senior government positions.
Announcing his appointment, Purbaya sought to calm markets, stating, “We are not going to overhaul the system. We are going to optimise what’s existing.”
Analysts described Sri Mulyani’s dismissal as a significant shift, given her reputation as a guardian of fiscal discipline. The reshuffle also removed ministers in charge of cooperatives, youth and sports, and migrant worker protection, alongside security chief Budi Gunawan.
The move rattled investors, with the Jakarta stock index falling by more than 1 percent and the rupiah weakening. Economists fear the changes may pave the way for more expansive government spending.
President Prabowo has pledged ambitious programs, including achieving 8 percent annual economic growth, rolling out a national school lunch scheme costing about 1.5 percent of GDP, and increasing defence expenditure.
The protests that prompted the reshuffle were sparked by lawmakers granting themselves a housing allowance nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.
According to the Associated Press, demonstrators saw the decision as deeply insensitive in the midst of economic hardship. Violence during the protests left between eight and ten people dead, with rights groups warning of excessive use of force by security agencies.
