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The milestone event drew more than 30 influential figures from around the globe, who joined Rwandans in honouring the country’s conservation achievements. First Lady Jeannette Kagame was among the high-ranking officials who attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.

American film director Michael Bay, Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna, actress Michelle Yeoh Todt, former FIA President Jean Todt, PSG legend Javier Pastore, Nigerian Afropop star Yemi Alade, and leaders from global conservation organisations were among the distinguished participants who named the young gorillas.

Bay named one baby gorilla Umurage, meaning “heritage,” while Alade named hers Kundwa, meaning “loved.”

“As a movie director, I am going to make him a famous gorilla movie star,” Bay remarked.

Reflecting on the moment, Alade said:

“As the first daughter of her mother, I know the responsibility of this role. It cannot be replaced because there is only one first daughter. The minute I laid my eyes on beautiful Kundwa, it was love at first sight. I feel grateful to the guides and trackers who spent hours locating the gorilla family. Their dedication allowed us to be welcomed into this family, and I love my baby Kundwa.”

The ceremony, held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, came alive with traditional dances and vibrant attire, as the namers dressed in dark green blended with other colourful hues, celebrated alongside the locals.

Among the other prominent “namers” were Princess Ingeborg Zu Schleswig-Holstein, Prince Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Professor Senait Fisseha, Sang-Hyup Kim, David S. Marriott, Dr Yin Ye, Charlie and Caroline Mayhew, Claver Ntoyinkima, Matthew Harris, Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), Mathieu Flamini, Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’), Reed Oppenheimer, Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Dr Edward Hult, Suzanne Sinegal, Gagan Gupta, Camille Rebelo, Luis Garcia, Xi Zhinong, Lee Ehmke, Susan Chin, Ruth Fisher, Vivien Ressler, and Jean de Dieu Niyonzima.

Virtual participants included TikTok sensation Khaby Lame and a team of rangers and researchers from the Volcanoes National Park and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

In his address, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the global significance of the event:

“Today, we celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas but also conservation, communities, and the extraordinary power of nature to unite people from all corners of the world… Thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of conservationists, and the commitment of our communities, mountain gorillas have come back from the brink. Today, there are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif.”

The Prime Minister also affirmed a bold plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25%, ensuring future generations of gorillas have secure habitats while simultaneously improving local livelihoods.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika described Kwita Izina as a symbol of the country’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage and uplifting communities.

“This year, we celebrate 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total named since 2005 to 438. Kwita Izina is more than a ceremony—it is a global movement that combines conservation, community empowerment, and tourism, which in 2024 generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million.”

“Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes and agricultural hubs across the country,” he added.

He added that Rwanda’s conservation achievements extend beyond gorillas, noting the reintroduction of lions and rhinos to Akagera National Park and the 2025 translocation of 70 white rhinos—the world’s largest such effort.

Governor of the Northern Province Maurice Mugabowagahunde welcomed participants and thanked the Head of State for safeguarding Volcanoes National Park. He noted that communities surrounding the park had benefited from over 695 projects funded through the tourism revenue-sharing program, with investments exceeding Frw 6 billion across 12 sectors.

“Residents appreciate the important project to expand Volcanoes National Park, which we believe will further boost tourism. Hosting the Kwita Izina ceremony here in the Northern Province is a great source of pride for our region,” he said.

The figures were released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) during the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition that opened in Kigali on 4 September 2025.

The meeting has brought together more than 1,600 aviation stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing the industry.

IATA’s report “The Value of Air Transport to Rwanda,” which covered the year 2023, highlighted the value of air transport to Rwanda, showing that the sector directly supports over 29,000 jobs nationwide.

This includes employment created by airlines, airports, on-site businesses, air navigation services, and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.

The report further noted that more than 2,900 people are directly employed in Rwanda’s aviation sector, generating $8.9 million, equivalent to 0.1% of GDP.

Overall, the air transport value chain contributed $160.2 million (1.1% of GDP) and supported 42,000 jobs through supply chains, employee spending, and tourism-related activities.

Every year, international visitors are estimated to contribute nearly $688 million to Rwanda’s economy through purchases of goods and services from local businesses.

The report also underscored aviation’s critical role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating: “Air transport contributes to quality education, social and family connectivity, cultural exchange, and community development. By working together, nations can expand productivity, promote sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty.”

In 2023, Rwanda’s airports handled around 16,500 tonnes of cargo, while 95% of all passenger traffic was international, amounting to 447,400 trips. Domestic flights accounted for just 5%.

Regionally, 56% of Rwandan travelers flew within Africa, 21% to Europe, and 12% to North America. The top 10 destinations were Nairobi, Kampala, Brussels, Johannesburg, Dubai, Lagos, Paris, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, and London.

Since 2014, Rwanda’s international air connectivity has grown by 23% within Africa and by 326% with the rest of the world.

Passenger flow data shows that 66% of travelers either ended their journey in Rwanda or continued by road and other transport modes, while 34% transited through Kigali International Airport to other destinations.

Looking ahead, RwandAir is projected to carry 1.2 million passengers by 2026, up from 1 million in 2023/2024. By 2028/2029, passengers are expected to reach 2.1 million, supported by a fleet expansion to 21 aircrafts.

However, Rwanda’s exports declined by 2.95% in July 2025 compared to June, and by 55.11% year-on-year. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained the leading export destination, accounting for $38.65 million or 35.3% of total exports.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranked second with imports worth $34.68 million (31.67%), followed by China, which imported goods valued at $1.36 million (11.29%).

Imports into Rwanda also fell, dropping by 10.75% in July 2025 compared to June, and by 32.2% year-on-year. China was the country’s largest source of imports, supplying goods worth $95.94 million (23.23%).

Tanzania followed with $46.9 million (11.36%), while Kenya supplied $35.94 million (8.7%).

The UAE accounted for $35.73 million or 8.65% of Rwanda’s imports in July, while imports from India were valued at $25.29 million, representing 6.12% of the total.

The event is expected to bring together government representatives, business leaders, and startups from across the technology ecosystem to examine how innovation can drive Africa’s digital transformation.

[Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali->https://www.mwckigali.com/] is set to convene global thought leaders, including keynote speakers from Airtel, AXIAN Telecom, Ethiotel, MTN, and Orange.

Attendees will also hear from high-profile industry voices such as Amini Founder and CEO Kate Kallot, Airtel Networks Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday, Axian Group CEO for Open Innovation and FinTech Erwan Gelebart, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) Director General Vivek Badrinath, GSMA CMO Lara Dewar, and International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Other notable speakers include Huawei Vice President for Carrier Sales James Zhang, SAMENA Telecommunications Council CEO Bocar Ba, and ZTE Senior Vice President James Zhang.

On the exhibition floor, MWC Kigali will showcase leading innovators and companies shaping Africa’s digital future.

Exhibitors will include Amotech Africa, China Mobile International, Detecon Consulting, Genew Technologies, Huawei, Mobileum, MobiloT, PortaOne, SPLIO, Tongui Communication, and Qualcomm. They will join a strong line-up that already features Ethiotel, Meta, MTN, TerraPay, Telcoin, and ZTE.

Registration is now open for all attendees wishing to take part in this major event. Participants are encouraged to secure their [tickets ->https://register.mwckigali.com/guest/add-pass/leaders-pass] early to be part of the conversations that will define Africa’s digital future.

Members of the press are invited to [register->https://www.mwckigali.com/press-zone] for a complimentary press pass, which includes access to MWC Kigali and a dedicated on-site workspace for media representatives.

MWC Kigali is once expected to position itself as the most important platform on the continent for advancing connectivity and innovation, offering unique opportunities for networking, showcasing groundbreaking technologies, and shaping the policies that will guide Africa’s digital transformation.

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The GSMA also provides the world’s largest platforms for convening the mobile ecosystem through the MWC and M360 series of events.

His participation in the naming ceremony is part of his official visit to Rwanda from September 4–7, 2025, marking his first mission to Africa since assuming the role of Director General in January.

This year’s edition will celebrate the naming of 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024, underscoring Rwanda’s continued commitment to conservation and community-based tourism.

“Kwita Izina is more than a celebration—it is a living symbol of Rwanda’s dedication to community-led conservation, sustainable landscapes, and ecotourism – all vital pillars of green growth. As GGGI, we recognize that true green growth happens when conservation, community empowerment, and economic opportunity come together, and we are committed to supporting Rwanda’s efforts in these areas,” said Sang-Hyup Kim.

“I am deeply honored to join this milestone event and witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat. Events like this are essential not only for wildlife protection but also for inspiring bolder climate action for people, nature, and the planet,” he added.

Launched in 2006, Kwita Izina celebrates the birth of baby mountain gorillas underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity.

Over the past 20 years, it has become one of Africa’s leading events on conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global icons, conservationists, and thousands of attendees annually.

At previous events, the King of England, King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, Audrey Azoulay (UNESCO’s Director-General), Zurab Pololikashvili (Secretary General of UNWTO), and Andrew Mitchell MP (UK Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), and various sporting and cultural celebrities have served as Baby Gorilla Namers, highlighting the event’s international significance. To date, 397 baby gorillas have been named through this celebrated ceremony.

The theme for this year, “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Through its Sustainable Landscapes program, GGGI works with Member States and partners to design and implement policies, innovative financing instruments, such as debt-for-nature swaps and green bonds and mobilize green investments to protect and restore vital ecosystems and unlock the full potential of their natural capital.

During his visit, Director-General Kim will also attend the High-Level Conservation Gala in Kigali, hosted by the Government of Rwanda, which will mark the official launch of the Volcanoes National Park expansion project.

GGGI is exploring ways to support this initiative, building on previous engagements with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on the Masterplan for the expansion project. The Volcanoes National Park is expected to be expanded by 3,740 hectares—an increase of 23 percent of its current size—to provide more space for the world’s endangered mountain gorilla.

In addition, Director-General Kim will hold bilateral meetings with government officials and development partners to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities to accelerate Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience agenda.

During an online media briefing on Thursday evening, Yap Boum II, deputy incident manager for mpox at the Africa CDC, said that 29 mpox-affected African countries have reported 185,994 cases since the start of last year. Of these, 51,969 were confirmed, and 1,987 related deaths were recorded.

Data from the African Union’s specialized healthcare agency showed that the continent has reported 105,697 mpox cases so far in 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 80,297.

Due to improving continental mpox response efforts, the Africa CDC witnessed a “continuous decline” in both confirmed and suspected cases over the past weeks, especially when compared to this year’s peak season recorded around May.

Data from the Africa CDC showed that the average weekly confirmed cases fell by 52 percent, from a peak of 1,441 weekly average cases in May to 695 cases over the past five weeks.

The Africa CDC further commended the increase in testing coverage as a positive development, with testing coverage moving from 30 percent to 66 percent from all suspected cases over the last six weeks.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease typically transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials. The infection often causes fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

The Africa CDC, in August last year, declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly afterward, the World Health Organization designated the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern.

The world’s most-followed TikToker, with over 161.5 million followers, Lame rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his silent comedy skits and was this year named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

He is among more than 30 prominent figures set to name baby gorillas at the event in Volcanoes National Park. A total of 40 infants will be named, including 18 born in 2024.

Other participants include celebrated American film director Michael Bay, Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna, Burundian singer Khadja Nin, Rwandan-American vocalist Somi Kakoma, philanthropist Vivien Ressler, CEO of Education First North America Dr. Edward Hult, and conservationists working in Volcanoes National Park.

An [earlier list also confirmed->https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/kwita-izina-2025-meet-the-stars-who-will-name-rwanda-s-baby-gorillas] actress Michelle Yeoh Todt, former FIA President Jean Todt, PSG legend Javier Pastore, Nigerian Afropop star Yemi Alade, and leaders from global conservation organisations.

Launched in 2005, Kwita Izina has become a platform for conservation awareness and sustainable tourism, highlighting Rwanda’s success in protecting endangered mountain gorillas.

Defrin said in a briefing that as part of the assault, which he said began “in recent weeks,” tens of thousands of reservists have been mobilized to join regular forces currently maneuvering in the Zeitoun neighborhood in the southeast of the city and in Sheikh Radwan in the north.

“Hamas will meet the full force of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) in Gaza City,” Defrin said. “We will increase the pressure on Hamas until its defeat.”

Defrin showed aerial video footage of several blocks exploding, which he said was the destruction of underground infrastructure in Zeitoun.

His remarks came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ offer to pursue a “comprehensive deal” to end the war and secure the release of hostages, describing it as “spin.”

Israel’s new assault on Gaza City, already devastated by nearly two years of intensive attacks, drew condemnation over its impact on civilians. Israeli strikes have destroyed much of the city’s infrastructure, large parts of the population have been displaced multiple times, and aid groups say famine is taking hold.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed 64,232 people and injured 161,583 others, Gaza-based health authorities said Thursday, adding that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza have caused 370 deaths, including 131 children.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference following the meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” Macron said the countries would contribute to a “reassurance force” that could deploy troops in Ukraine or provide support on land, at sea, or in the air.

He added after the summit, participants held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and the United States is expected to finalize its contributions to the security guarantees in the coming days.

Zelensky welcomed the announcement as a “concrete” step forward and stressed that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whether bilateral or trilateral, is “necessary” for advancing peace efforts.

The announcement followed a virtual meeting of the coalition on Thursday, co-chaired by Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The group, which brought together around 30 countries, mostly European, has committed to providing security guarantees to Ukraine.