Residents in Tel Aviv reported loud blasts as Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news said debris hit several locations in the area. The country’s rescue service, Magen David Adom, said its teams were on their way to search for possible injuries at sites where missile hits or fragments had been reported.
The attacks followed large-scale Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday night, while Hezbollah targeted northern Israel for hours with rocket barrages.
According to Israeli military officials, Hezbollah militants fired about 100 rockets and several drones at northern Israel, while Iran simultaneously launched several missiles at the north as well as other areas.
Impacts were reported and at least two civilians were lightly injured, Magen David Adom said.
The fights came as the regional conflict, triggered by the U.S.-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran, stretched into its 13th day.
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beiruts southern suburbs on March 11, 2026. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of the Iranian supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel, which kept up strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire, has since launched attacks across Lebanon and sent ground troops into border areas. (Photo by AFP) /
“You just said it is a little excursion and you said it is a war. So, which one is it?” Trump was asked by one of the reporters traveling with him in the U.S. state of Ohio.
“Well, it’s both,” Trump answered. “It’s an excursion that will keep us out of a war, and the war is going to be, I mean for them it’s a war.”
Addressing House Republicans on Monday, Trump described the military operation against Iran as a “short-term excursion” while later vowing to “go forward more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory.” He has also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Though Trump said earlier on Wednesday that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran will end “soon” because there is “practically nothing left to target,” Axios reported.
U.S. and Israeli officials said that they are preparing for at least two more weeks of strikes in Iran, and that there has been no internal directive on when such strikes might stop, according to the report.
More than 1,300 civilians have been killed and 9,669 civilian sites destroyed in Iran in U.S.-Israeli strikes since Feb. 28, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, said Tuesday.
People attend a protest against U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 28, 2026.
The match was played at PSG’s home stadium, Parc des Princes.
“This evening in Paris, President Kagame attended the UEFA Champions League match at Parc des Princes, where Visit Rwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain secured a 5–2 victory over Chelsea FC,” the Office of the President said in a post on X.
The partnership between Visit Rwanda and Paris Saint-Germain was first signed in 2019 and renewed in 2025, extending the agreement until 2028.
Under the deal, PSG promotes the Visit Rwanda brand at its home ground, Parc des Princes, and on the club’s training kits.
Since the partnership began, millions of football fans around the world have gained greater awareness of Rwanda through media coverage and the visibility of the Visit Rwanda brand.
Through the collaboration, more than 400 children have also received football training through PSG Academy Rwanda, established by the French club in Rwanda.
Each year, the club sends players and legends to Rwanda to visit the country’s tourist attractions and share their experiences with global audiences.
The latest visitors were Océane Nathalie Toussaint Dit Marseille, Baby Jordy Benera, and Jade Le Guilly, members of the Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, who visited Rwanda in late February this year.
According to the Rwanda Development Board, the continued partnership helps position Rwanda as a global tourism destination, with further exposure expected as the Visit Rwanda brand appears on training kits worn by PSG youth teams in the United States.
President Kagame was welcomed by senior officials from Paris Saint-Germain.The match ended with PSG defeating Chelsea 5–2.
Bunyoni, who served as Prime Minister of Burundi from June 2020 to September 2022, was freed alongside ten other detainees on health grounds. The release was confirmed by security officials in Burundi as well as his lawyer Placide Gatoto.
One of the most influential figures in Burundi’s political and security establishment, Bunyoni held several senior positions during his career, particularly within the security sector. He was also the first person to receive the rank of General in the country’s national police.
He was arrested in April 2023 and accused of crimes linked to an alleged plot to harm President Évariste Ndayishimiye as well as charges related to undermining the country’s economy.
Following his trial, Bunyoni was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was subsequently transferred to Gitega Central Prison, where he had been serving his sentence.
At the time of his conviction, the court also ordered the seizure and sale of his assets, which reportedly included numerous buildings and vehicles. The proceeds were intended to compensate the Burundian state for funds he was accused of embezzling.
Bunyoni’s health had deteriorated significantly during his detention. On October 9, 2025, he was admitted to a hospital in Gitega after human rights activists who visited him in the special cell where he was being held warned that his condition could be life-threatening.
According to Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, chairperson of the human rights organization APRODH, Bunyoni was suffering from severe diabetes and serious mental health issues. Mbonimpa said the former prime minister sometimes became extremely frightened, even hiding under his bed when people visited him.
Medical treatment at the Gitega hospital reportedly failed to improve his condition. He was later transferred to the private Kira Hospital in Bujumbura, but he was discharged shortly afterward when no significant improvement was observed.
The Burundian government’s decision to release Bunyoni has fueled speculation that he may be allowed to seek specialized medical treatment abroad, where doctors may be better equipped to handle his condition than facilities in Bujumbura or Gitega.
Bunyoni served as Prime Minister of Burundi from June 2020 to September 2022.
Tom Close shared the story during a talk he gave at ‘Citylight Foursquare Church’ on March 10, 2026. The session was held under the theme “Balancing fame and Christianity,” and he appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi.
Speaking during the event, Tom Close recalled that while he was still in primary school he admired President Kagame deeply and often played his role in school drama performances.
He noted that although many children today look up to fictional characters such as Spider-Man and Superman as their heroes, things were different when he was growing up.
“For children today, Spider-Man and Superman are their superheroes,” he said. “But when we were young, the Inkotanyi were our superheroes. I often say this jokingly: when I was still in primary school, I liked acting in plays where I played the role of the Vice President and Minister of Defence, Paul Kagame.”
He added that at one point, when he was still very young, he wrote a letter addressed to Kagame and asked his mother to pass it on to him.
“I remember going to where my mother worked and giving her the letter so she could deliver it,” he said.
Tom Close did not disclose what he had written in the letter, nor whether it ever reached the president.
The artist also shared that while many musicians chase fame and wealth, his childhood dream was much simpler: to make music until President Kagame knew who he was.
“Growing up, I always felt that if one day I learned that he knew me and considered me a good artist, that alone would be enough, even if I stopped there,” he said.
According to Tom Close, this dream influenced the way he approached his music career. He said it pushed him to produce songs that would protect his reputation, believing that one day President Kagame might hear and appreciate his work.
Tom Close appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi during the talk delivered on March 10, 2026.Rwandan singer and medical doctor Muyombo Thomas, popularly known as Tom Close has recalled writing a letter to President Kagame during his childhood.
Globally, over 4.6 million robots are currently in use across industries, illustrating how automation is increasingly shaping productivity. In many cases, a robot can perform tasks up to ten times more efficiently than a human worker.
China, for instance, has long recognized the potential of these machines. By 2024, it had deployed around 300,000 robots, and today more than two million are in active use across industries. Nearly 90% of Chinese companies view artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics as key drivers of business transformation. The global robotics market was valued at $20.8 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow sevenfold by 2032.
From autonomous vehicles and service robots to surgical-assisting machines and agricultural automation for planting, pruning, and harvesting, robotics technology is increasingly integrated into daily life. Notable examples include the Spot robot, widely used in military operations for surveillance and explosive detection, Apis Cor’s Russian-built robot that can construct a house in under 24 hours, and Israel’s ReWalk, which assists people with spinal injuries to walk.
Rwanda embraces robotics
Rwanda has not been left behind. Following the Cabinet’s approval of the five-year National AI Policy in April 2023, a study identified a need for $76.5 million in investment to scale AI across sectors and boost its contribution to the national economy.
The country continues to promote AI and robotics projects expected to add $589 million (about 6%) to Rwanda’s GDP. Efforts are supported by investments in internet infrastructure, including high-speed networks like 5G, which are essential for operating these advanced machines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, robots helped monitor temperatures and reduce human contact, demonstrating their potential in public health and service delivery. Rwanda is now extending these innovations to sectors such as hospitality, where robots are still relatively rare compared to developed countries.
Robots serve customers at One Love Café
One Love Café, located in Kimihurura, Gasabo District, has introduced robots into its operations. Two of these robots, named Amahoro and Umoja (meaning “peace” and “unity”), greet and serve customers, delivering orders directly to tables and notifying customers when their meals arrive.
The robots also feature interactive capabilities, such as promoting tourism in Rwanda, highlighting Kigali’s cleanliness, singing birthday songs, and performing other entertainment tasks.
Umutoni Cynthia, manager at One Love Café, explained the decision to integrate robots: “We decided to introduce robots from the start, just as you would plan for any new project. Our goal was to align the restaurant with technological advancement and offer customers a modern experience.”
While some worry that robotics may reduce employment opportunities, technology experts stress that AI and robotics create new types of work. For instance, jobs emerge in robot maintenance, regulation, and operation, rather than simply replacing human labor. One Love Café, for example, still employs 20 staff members alongside the robots.
Engineer Misgun Abraha Berne, owner of One Love Café, emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate jobs but to enhance service delivery, attract customers, and introduce innovation in Rwanda’s hospitality sector: “Kigali is one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourist cities. We wanted to add something unique to our service offering and create a modern, enjoyable experience for visitors.”
The robots used at One Love Café are high-end and come at a significant cost. Engineer Misgun explained that, depending on the model, the robots’ prices range from 10 million to 50 million Rwandan francs, including shipping, taxes, and other fees.
He added: “If these robots prove popular and improve customer service, we plan to bring in more in the future.”
Innovation and economic impact
Technological innovation, particularly in services, plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic growth. In the third quarter of 2025, Rwanda’s GDP reached 5.525 trillion Rwandan francs, an 11.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Services contributed 57% of this growth, agriculture 15%, and industry 22%.
Robots can deliver meals and entertain customers with songs, including birthday celebrations.Service robots at the restaurant assist staff in streamlining operations without replacing human workers.Amahoro delivers meals directly to customers’ tables, ensuring efficient service.Umoja greets guests and notifies them when their orders are ready.
During these five days, the country shipped a variety of products including coffee, tea, vegetables, fruits, flowers, livestock products, and more.
Coffee exports totaled 508 tonnes, earning over $2.7 million, while 846 tonnes of tea brought in more than $2.3 million. Vegetables, shipped at 440 tonnes, generated approximately $479,450. Fruit exports reached 462 tonnes, earning over $311,000, and 42 tonnes of flowers brought in more than $282,000.
The main destinations for these exports included the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, and other African countries.
Other agricultural products totaling 7,078 tonnes earned over $3.7 million, while 273 tonnes of livestock products generated more than $437,000. These were primarily exported to Oman, Nigeria, and other African countries.
Rwanda earned over Rwf14 billion from agricultural exports in five days.
Held from March 10 to 12 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the forum brings together participants from the finance, technology and investment sectors to explore how innovation can accelerate financial inclusion and unlock capital for Africa’s growing digital economy.
Opening the forum, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva said the global financial system is undergoing profound changes that present both risks and opportunities for the continent.
“We are honoured to host you in Kigali to advance an important global mission: building a financial system that leaves no one behind,” he said.
Nsengiyumva noted that Africa has historically operated on the margins of global finance, often facing limited access to capital and high risk premiums. However, rapid advances in digital technologies are allowing African entrepreneurs to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints, particularly in the fast-growing fintech sector.
“The opportunity for Africa to become a cradle of global business and innovation is real,” he said, adding that inclusive financial systems will be essential to mobilise investment for key sectors including energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing and human capital.
Nsengiyumva said Rwanda is ready to work with global investors, innovators and policymakers to help unlock these opportunities and accelerate the continent’s digital financial transformation.
“To the investors and innovators gathered here today, allow me to reaffirm that Rwanda stands ready to partner with you to unlock the extraordinary opportunities before us,” he said, adding that the country aims to build a dynamic, secure and inclusive financial ecosystem capable of supporting Africa’s next phase of growth.
Rwanda has spent the past two decades investing heavily in digital infrastructure as part of its long-term economic transformation strategy. The country now has near-universal 4G population coverage and has digitised many public services through platforms such as Irembo, improving access to government services and enabling electronic transactions across the economy.
Today, about 92 percent of adults in Rwanda have access to financial services through bank accounts or mobile money wallets.
The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, said the country’s progress shows how the right policy environment can accelerate financial inclusion.
“In Rwanda, we have made remarkable strides in financial inclusion, from just 21 percent in 2008 to 92 percent of adults today having access to a bank account or mobile money wallet,” she said.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the region remains the global leader in mobile money adoption, with more than 600 million registered accounts, while digital payments continue to grow at double-digit rates.
“These are not just statistics,” Hakuziyaremye said. “They represent farmers, traders, women and youth whose financial wellbeing has improved. But more needs to be done to ensure financial resilience for households and enterprises.”
To deepen access to digital financial services, Rwanda has launched a new national financial inclusion roadmap for 2026–2030 aimed at expanding digital payments, strengthening financial resilience and supporting innovation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital assets.
Regulators are also focusing on improving cross-border payments and enhancing regulatory cooperation across African markets, which experts say will be critical for scaling digital finance across the continent.
Industry leaders at the forum warned that Africa still faces structural barriers that limit trade and financial integration.
Haytham ElMaayergi, Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), said Africa’s digital gap risks becoming a competitiveness gap if infrastructure and integration challenges are not addressed.
“Globally, about 25 percent of trade is conducted through digital processes, but in Africa that figure is only around five percent,” he said.
Fragmented financial systems mean cross-border payments in Africa can cost up to three times the global average, while small and medium-sized enterprises face a trade finance gap estimated at $120 billion.
However, initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are creating new opportunities to integrate African markets by connecting 1.3 billion people into a $3.4 trillion economic bloc.
Afreximbank is supporting that transformation through digital platforms such as the Africa Trade Gateway, which helps African businesses identify partners, access trade intelligence and secure financing.
The bank is also backing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which enables cross-border trade to be settled in local currencies, helping reduce transaction costs and reliance on foreign exchange.
ElMaayergi also praised Rwanda’s progress in building a fintech ecosystem capable of serving as a continental innovation hub.
“Afreximbank is committed to supporting Africa’s and Rwanda’s digital transformation and innovation agenda as the country advances its knowledge-based economy and growing fintech, AI and startup ecosystem,” he said.
He added that Kigali has already demonstrated the conditions needed to scale financial innovation across Africa.
“Through the Kigali International Financial Centre, the city has created a proof of concept for Africa. You have the regulatory clarity, political will and infrastructure to serve as the control tower of African fintech,” he said.
ElMaayergi stressed that digital infrastructure must now be treated as a strategic economic priority.
“Digital payment rails are as essential as paved roads,” he said. “Without them, trade stands still. The time for pilot projects is over , we must scale now.”
Organised by the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda and the Global Finance & Technology Network, the Inclusive FinTech Forum has emerged as a leading global platform for advancing financial innovation in emerging markets.
This year’s discussions focus on topics such as artificial intelligence-driven financial services, digital currency corridors, open finance ecosystems and climate-focused fintech solutions.
For Rwanda, the event reflects a broader strategy to position Kigali as a gateway for financial innovation and investment in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Opening the forum, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva said the global financial system is undergoing profound changes that present both risks and opportunities for the continent.The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, said the country’s progress shows how the right policy environment can accelerate financial inclusion.Held from March 10 to 12 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the forum brings together participants from the finance, technology and investment sectors to explore how innovation can accelerate financial inclusion and unlock capital for Africa’s growing digital economy.
The meeting is being held pursuant to Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and in accordance with the EAC Defence Sector Calendar of Activities for the period January–June 2026.
While opening the meeting, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, Rwanda, noted that the gathering reflects the collective commitment of EAC defence institutions to strengthening cooperation within the defence sector and enhancing the region’s security capabilities.
He highlighted that military industrial facilities play a critical role in enabling armed forces to operate effectively by providing reliable access to essential equipment, maintenance services, and technical capabilities. He further noted that defence industries contribute significantly to economic growth, industrial development, job creation, and technological advancement.
“For the East African Community, cooperation in this domain presents significant opportunities. Through the shared utilization of military industrial facilities, we can optimize our resources, strengthen regional capacity, and promote the exchange of knowledge, skills, and technological expertise,” he said.
Brig Gen Karuretwa further emphasized that Rwanda remains fully committed to working with all EAC Partner States to advance initiatives that promote collective security, innovation, and industrial development across the region.
The Chairperson of the meeting, Eng. James Mutamba from the National Enterprise Corporation of Uganda, expressed optimism about the engagement.
He noted that such meetings are essential for strengthening cooperation among EAC member states, enabling them to share available facilities within the region instead of relying on products from abroad.
He added that EAC countries have developed specific capabilities in defence manufacturing, making regional cooperation both practical and economically beneficial.
Countries represented at the meeting include Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and the host nation, Rwanda.
The meeting was opened by Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence.The meeting is being held pursuant to Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs.Countries represented at the meeting include Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and the host nation, Rwanda.Chief Executive Officers of Military Industrial Facilities from member states of the East African Community (EAC) convened in Kigali for a three-day meeting from 10–12 March 2026.
At the opening of the forum on March 9 , Rwanda’s Ambassador to Sweden, Diane Gashumba, welcomed the visiting delegations.
“I want to take this moment to thank the delegation from the Baltic and Nordic countries. You are welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills and a thousand opportunities.”
During the forum, the Minister of State for Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health, Yvan Butera, highlighted the remarkable progress Rwanda has achieved in maternal and newborn health.
According to him, thanks to the joint efforts of the government and its partners, the country has made significant advances in recent years.
“Rwanda, together with its partners, is proud of the remarkable progress achieved in maternal and newborn health, and we are ready to take the next step forward with partners who share the same ambitions.”
The minister noted that maternal mortality has declined significantly, while 98% of births now take place in health facilities with skilled health providers, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to safe delivery.
Progress is also visible in childhood vaccination. Today, 94% of children aged 12 to 23 months are fully vaccinated with basic antigens, and 98% receive key vaccines such as BCG.
Rwanda has also strengthened access to healthcare through its health insurance system. More than 90% of the population is covered by community-based or private health insurance schemes, allowing citizens to access quality healthcare services without facing heavy financial burdens.
Minister Butera invited Nordic and Baltic countries to strengthen their collaboration with Rwanda in order to accelerate progress in the health sector.
“Rwanda is not only one of the fastest-improving health systems in Africa, but also a transparent and corruption-free environment where investments generate a real impact on people’s lives.”
For his part, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the country’s advances in pharmaceutical regulation and life sciences.
He noted that the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has reached World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, demonstrating its ability to consistently and effectively regulate medical products according to internationally recognized standards.
Afrika also emphasized Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional biotechnology and vaccine manufacturing hub, notably through the establishment of facilities by BioNTech.
These infrastructures aim to produce vaccines locally in Africa, strengthen the continent’s health security, and improve access to innovative vaccines while reducing reliance on imports during future health emergencies.
During the forum, Dr. Albert Tuyishime, Head of the Diseases Prevention and Control Department (HDPC), also shared Rwanda’s experience in building an African bio-manufacturing and vaccine innovation ecosystem.
Drawing on the country’s effective responses to various outbreaks, he highlighted several key lessons, including the importance of strong public policies, effective regulation, innovation, and research to support vaccine development.
According to him, these efforts are closely linked to health security and emergency preparedness.
On this occasion, Rwandan officials invited investors from Nordic and Baltic countries to explore opportunities in Rwanda’s Life Sciences sector, a rapidly expanding field in the country.
A group photo of Rwandan officials and Nordic-Baltic delegations at the second Rwanda–Nordic and Baltic Business Forum in Kigali.Rwanda’s Ambassador to Sweden, Diane Gashumba, welcomed Nordic and Baltic delegations to Kigali at the opening of the business forum on March 9, 2026.Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Yvan Butera, addressed participants, highlighting Rwanda’s achievements in maternal and newborn health.Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of Rwanda Development Board, shed light on Rwanda’s progress in pharmaceutical regulation and life sciences.Participants at the forum explored Rwanda’s health sector innovations and potential for collaborative projects.Delegates from Nordic and Baltic countries engaged in discussions with Rwandan officials on investment opportunities in health and life sciences.
