President Kagame arrived in Nyamasheke on Saturday following his previous visits to Ruhango and Nyamagabe districts which began on 25th August 2022. He is expected to conclude his four-day visit on Sunday in Karongi District.
Unlike other parts of the country visited by the Head of State, Nyamasheke residents welcomed Kagame with unique elegance as mothers in traditional attires turned up at Kagano playground with milk chunks, traditional calabashes and pointed traditional baskets symbolizing wealth and milk sufficiency, thanks to positive transformations attained under his visionary leadership.
It was an opportune moment to commend residents for their contribution to national development, remind them of their role to consolidate gains and hear their problems.
Some of concerns raised by residents include the issue of houses located in high risk zones. The Mayor of Nyamasheke District, Appolonie Mukamasabo said that having a model village would help the district to resettle residents decently.
As he addressed thousands of residents and leaders present at the event, President Kagame promised quick access to pending infrastructures where it is possible. He also revealed that possible delays in doing so would be linked to ongoing efforts to raise funds.
The Head of State stressed that resettling residents in model villages comes with several advantages noting that the government is set to scale up efforts aimed at solving such issues.
“Regarding the raised issue of residents in disaster prone areas which in some instances adversely affect residents and lead to deaths, the government already has plans to relocate citizens from risky zones to decent locations and help them stay there safely. It has happened in different parts [of the country]. There is no reason for Nyamasheke to miss out,” he said.
During his visit, the President also interacted with residents, who praised his visionary leadership. The Head of State also gave a clear guidance on how best their problems could be solved and urged leaders to hear citizens’ concerns habitually and solve them.
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Among others, the bank has reported Rwf19.6 billion in net revenue (before impairment provisions), up by 20% year-on-year, driven significantly by an increase in net interest income of 17%.
In the reported period, operating expenses increased by 16% year-on-year to Rwf 11.3 billion, as the lender continued to improve productivity across all our products and services.
In the first half of 2022, loans and advances to customers increased by 7% to Rwf 237 billion from Rwf222 billion.
The growth was supported by new deals booked across all segments. Else, total financial investments increased to Rwf113 billion, up by 24% from Rwf91.5 billion reported at the end of December 2021, in line with the Bank’s strategy to efficiently deploy capital.
Deposits held for customers and financial institutions were also up by 8% to Rwf352 billion (Rwf 327 billion- December 2021), total borrowings position for the period was Rwf60.2 billion while the liquidity coverage ratio was 170% as of the end of June 2022.
Commenting on the performance; the CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, Robin Bairstow said: “I&M Bank Rwanda has performed well in the first half of the year, delivering returns on equity well over 13%, built on the solid momentum and ongoing execution of our ‘iMara’ strategy. The Bank’s robust performance was driven by the growth in the loan portfolio and customer deposits, which led to solid growth in the net interest income and non-funded income.”
Bairstow attributed the lender’s growth to a strategic shift to focus more on customer centricity and digital transformation.
He said that the bank’s digital adoption remains high with 75% of all customer-initiated transactions going through the lender’s digital channels.
Bairstow has also highlighted that the registered several positive developments where its efforts have not gone unnoticed.
In the first half of the year, the lender received key industry awards including Best Bank in Rwanda by Capital Finance International (CFI.co), the Gold Gender Equality Seal offered by the Gender Monitoring Office, and the UN for our best practices and policies and diversification agenda.
As economic activity rebounds in Rwanda, Mr Bairstow said, I&M Bank Rwanda remains committed to both its customers and employees as a responsible Bank.
“Looking ahead, we take notice of the macroeconomic headwinds that are affecting businesses and individuals alike. The Bank will continue to be part of the solution as we continue to support our customers and the community we serve,” he added.
{{About I&M Bank Rwanda Plc }}
Incorporated in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is the oldest Bank in Rwanda. It is today one of the leading players in the industry with a strong footprint across the country.
I&M Bank Rwanda offers the full range of personal, business, institutional and corporate banking products throughout its locations. The Bank has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017.
The Bank is also a subsidiary of I&M Group Plc, a leading regional financial services group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as well as a joint venture in Mauritius. I&M Group has a long history in banking and has established a wide network of correspondent banks across the globe and enjoys a strong relationship with leading international Development Financial Institutions.
The Head of State made the call on Friday 26th August 2022 as he visited Nyamagabe District as part of his four-day citizen outreach visits to Southern and Western provinces which began on Thursday.
During the visit, President Kagame interacted with thousands of residents at Nyagisenyi Stadium who voiced appreciation for achieved progress and raised concerns on issues affecting them in different areas including infrastructure.
Before interacting with the residents, the Head of State visited Rachel Nyiramandwa, an old woman aged 110, a beneficiary of socio-economic initiatives, including a renovated home and the Girinka programme through which she now has cows that allow her to supply milk to her neighborhood.
As he delivered remarks, President Kagame urged residents to take part in development activities and drew emphasis on poverty along Gitwe-Kaduha corridor.
He stressed that Nyamagabe must have its development aligned with other parts of the country to contribute to national progress collectively.
After his speech, citizens were given floor and raised different problems, some of which have remained unsolved for long.
The Head of State requested leaders to develop a habit of reaching out to citizens to hear their problems and find a solution because some of them are within their capacities.
Generally, President Kagame said that a progress has been made but called for heightened efforts to do more through collaboration and complementarity.
The Head of State also promised action on leaders not responding swiftly to citizens’ concerns.
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President Kagame held the visit in Nyamagabe District on the second-day of his citizen outreach in Southern and Western provinces.
President Kagame arrived at the home of Nyiramandwa on Friday 26th August 2022. It is located in Ngiryi Cell of Gasaka Sector in Nyamagabe District.
The old woman was heard at different times attesting that the head of state transformed her livelihoods and commended him for his generosity.
Nyiramadwa first met the President in 2010. Since then, the old woman met with Kagame at different times during citizen outreach visits.
Nyiramandwa recently told IGIHE that President Kagame transformed her life through cows donation and a decent shelter allowing her to retire in dignity.
The incident occurred in Remera Village, Gacaca Cell of Rubengera Sector on Thursday 25th August 2022 around 4:30 p.m.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) René Irere, the spokesperson of Rwanda National Police (RNP) Traffic and Road Safety department has told IGIHE that the truck carried construction materials from Kigali to Karongi District.
The truck fell down as the driver crossed the second road bend in Remera Village. The cabin was seriously damaged that the driver and conductor died on spot.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi has said that Police and residents rushed the rescue these people onboard but their efforts remained futile as the front part was seriously damaged.
Their bodies have been taken to the mortuary of Kibuye Hospital.
The citizen outreach visit which began on Thursday 25th will be concluded on 28th August 2022.
On the first day, the Head of State visited Ruhango District and interacted with residents at Kibingo ground where they have been given floor to raise concerns.
A motorcyclist identified as Pierre Bizimana has told the Head of State that commercial motorcyclists face serious issues affecting their business including hiked insurance premium.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana has explained that there are efforts underway to solve the issue durably. He revealed that Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the ministry he leads are working together to find a solution in two months.
Reacting to the issue, President Kagame promised a follow up to have the issue solved.
“I will also give it attention that it will have been solved,” he said.
On 13th March 2022, motorcyclists staged protests to demand action on issues affecting their business including high cost associated with using fare meters and hiked insurance premium.
These include poor cooperatives’ management and irrelevant contributions that do not generate returns, hiked insurance premium, difficulties in motorcycle ownership transfer and losses incurred by fare meter tariffs among others.
The insurance premium which taxi moto operators complained about, increased three folds.
For the past three years, motorbike insurance premium rose from Rwf45,000 to Rwf153,200 for a motorcycle that was manufactured five years ago or less.
The premium increased to more than Rwf180, 000 for those that were made more than 10 years ago.
Protesting motorcyclists demanded that the prices be revised and reduced to a reasonable amount.
Following the demonstrations, the Ministry of Infrastructure in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in transport sector in Kigali City released resolutions reassuring motorcyclists on issues affecting their business in the same month.
These include the cancellation of mandatory contributions to their cooperatives and transport fare increment for the first two kilometers for those using meters.
At the time, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana said that the resolutions made public on Friday 25th February 2022 were reached after assessing raised concerns.
Among others, motorcyclists’ cooperatives in Kigali were reduced from 41 to 5 where they had to operate differently from the previous ones. Else, some services that motorcyclists would receive from cooperatives were transferred to RURA.
Motorcyclists’ contributions to cooperatives were also annulled, operators paying tax in four months were exempted from late payment charges and penalties while fees paid to RURA were reduced.
However, Minister Nsabimana revealed that the issue of hiked insurance premium was being reviewed.
Insurers attribute the hike in motorbike insurance cost to heavy bills paid in compensations for injuries or deaths caused by taxi moto accidents.
Many insurance companies in the country do not provide insurance package for motorbikes due to incurred losses.
Rwanda registers over 44,000 motorcyclists across the country of whom more than 25,000 operate in Kigali City.
On the first day, President Kagame visited Ruhango where he spoke with over 50,000 residents of the Southern Province at Kibingo ground who were also given floor to voice their concerns and appreciation for attained transformations through government’s support.
During his four-day visit, the Head of State will interact with hundreds of thousands of residents of Ruhango and Nyamagabe Districts in Southern Province, as well as Nyamasheke District in Western Province.
The President will also hold discussions with Southern and Western Province opinion leaders in Huye and Rusizi districts respectively.
President Kagame will also visit Rachel Nyiramandwa, a 110-year old resident of Nyamagabe District who first met the President in 2010. Through the government’s socio-economic programs including Gira Inka and the building of her home, Nyiramandwa’s life was transformed allowing her to retire in dignity.
The visit to be held between 25th and 28th August 2022, comes as the country experiences a steady recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic including the return of safe large gatherings.
The President will conclude his visit in Karongi District where he will tour the Rugabano Tea Factory which has a capacity to process 1,000,000 kilograms of tea per year.
The factory aims to increase Rwanda’s total tea export volume by 3 percent within 10 years and provide local residents with a lucrative income that will improve their livelihoods as well as boost the regional economy.
It currently employs close to 2,000 workers and benefits over 4,000 community members through cooperatives.
{{About the Provinces}}
Southern Province has a population of over 2,700,000 and is made up of eight districts; Muhanga, Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Nyanza, Nyaruguru, Huye, and Gisagara.
Access to electricity in the region had drastically increased to 72%, including an increase from 17% to 86% in the last five years. 96% of residents in Ruhango are enrolled in CBHI and the number of classrooms has grown by 74% in the last five years.
Western Province has a population of over 2.9 million and is made up of seven districts; Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngorero, Nyabihu, Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi. Its main economic activities include agriculture/agribusiness, fish farming and fishing, as well as livestock.
The province is also home of vibrant cross border trading, with a large percentage of over US$600 million exports passing through this region. Electricity access has also increased to 73%.
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They made the remarks on Wednesday 24th August 2022 at a one-day virtual forum, titled “The importance of China’s Belt and Road Initiative to Africa.”
The forum brought together African, Chinese and Pakistan experts.
The virtual meeting was the first of its kind organized by Africa-China Review publication which focuses mainly on cooperation between the African continent and China.
Mohamed Libaahe, the Minister of Livestock and Animal Husbandry, Puntland State of Somalia, who was the guest of honor commended the win-win cooperation between China and Africa and called for deepening the cooperation in various areas.
Speaking at the event; Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, noted that initiatives including the BRI, China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as well as the 2021 Initiative on Partnership for Africa’s Development, provide effective platforms to deepen the bilateral relations and advance the beneficial cooperation.
“Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has been working with countries involved to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. As of July this year, more than 140 countries have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China. A large number of practical cooperation projects have been launched and benefited the local economy and people’s livelihood,” Amb. Wang said.
The envoy further stated that Africa is one of the most active directions for participating in BRI cooperation where 52 African countries and the African Union (AU) Commission have signed cooperation documents with China.
He also highlighted that expended efforts have yielded tangible and substantial progress.
According to Amb. Wang, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years since 2009.
In 2021, the bilateral trade volume between China and Africa reached US$ 254.3 billion. Chinese enterprises have built or upgraded for Africa more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 100,000 km of highways, nearly 1,000 bridges, 100 ports and more than 80 large-scale power facilities.
Among others; Chinese firms have also helped countries in Africa build more than 130 medical facilities, more than 170 schools, and trained more than 160,000 professionals in various fields.
“We have made good progress in implementing the BRI. The people in Africa are getting real benefits,” Ambassador Wang noted.
Frederick Golooba Mutebi, a Ugandan independent researcher and analyst observed that Africa and China have been enjoying a win-win cooperation.
“China is not here to exploit Africa as the western world perceives, because looking at the African infrastructure development side, the BRI is helping Africa to transform itself. China comes with the help Africans need,” he said.
Mutebi highlighted that China is significantly contributing to Africa’s infrastructure development which is one of the major constraints of economic transformation on the continent.
“China through Belt and Road Initiative has come at the right time when Africa is in critical need of infrastructure development and improved global trade opportunities,” said Mutebi.
He pointed out that Africa’s traditional development partners with a long history of exploiting Africa will find it difficult to compete with the China-proposed BRI because the initiative is based on mutual cooperation and friendship, not exploitation.
Speaking at the forum, Mustafa Hyder Sayed, the executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute, said that BRI has introduced a wide range of projects that are currently beneficial to African economies.
“Through Belt and Road Initiative, roads, railways, bridges, hospitals, schools and airports among others, have been constructed in Africa, which has boosted trade, increased job creation, improved transport services and education and health among African countries,” he added.
BRI has positively impacted local residents by providing them with job opportunities, especially those employed in the construction projects, said Sayed, adding that BRI is a global development initiative based on cooperation and multilateral development, not a debt trap as termed by the western world.
Generally, participants dispelled the “debt trap diplomacy” claims by western countries that accuse China of chocking African countries with heavy debts. The participants called the claims western propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of China. Instead, they argued that Africa is more indebted to western countries that China.
Gerald Mbanda, a researcher and publisher at Africa China Review is among experts who reminisced on China’s commitment to help Africa clear its debts.
“One day ago, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi announced that China will forgive 23 interest-free loans to 17 African countries and will also provide food assistance to the struggling nations. This is one example depicting how China helps African countries out of debts, rather than being the cause,” he said.
Speaking at the meeting, Zha Daojiong, professor of international political economy at the School of International Studies and Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development with Peking University, China, said that BRI is focused on facilitating international trade and enabling a smooth global supply chain.
“China’s Belt Initiative has provided a platform to low and middle-income economies in Africa to register significant growth in terms of infrastructure development, job creation and improved trading opportunities,” he added.
Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan scholar of international relations with a focus on China-Africa relations said that the BRI has enabled China to share its development experience with African developing countries.
“The Kenyan government has worked closely with China, which yielded great results like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which played an important role in boosting Kenya’s economic growth,” he said.
Cavince said that the BRI has delivered jobs and opened avenues for increased digital cooperation, adding that the initiative has the potential to move the entire continent of Africa forward.
Speaking at the forum, George Nsamba, an independent risk management practitioner based in Johannesburg, South Africa, said that China through BRI has introduced a lot of construction projects in southern Africa which has improved the lives and incomes of many people in southern Africa.
“BRI made a significant improvement in developing Africa’s infrastructures and launched projects that lead to the growth of agricultural productivity. During COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese doctors provided medical support to hospitals and a wide range of hospitals were constructed in southern African countries to accommodate COVID-19 patients,” he said.
Nsamba explained that BRI has led to an increase in infrastructure projects in Africa through the construction of shopping malls, bridges, railways, schools and hospitals, which has boosted Africa’s social and economic transformation.
Mweusi Karake, former head of public relations/corporate communication at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) expressed a firm belief that BRI has a huge potential for African countries to improve intra-African trade and boost global import and export supply chains.
“It is easy for Africans to relate to Africa because if China has made it, Africa can make it. The fact that the Chinese were able to build their country from scratch and get where it is today, should inspire African countries,” Karake stressed.
Proposed by China in 2013 to promote common growth and gain shared benefits, the BRI involves infrastructure development, trade and investment facilitation and people-to-people exchanges aimed at improving connectivity on a trans-continental scale.
China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a dozen of years. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides have multiplied their efforts to cooperate.
Buravan passed on in the wee hours of 17th August 2022 succumbing to pancreatic cancer.
After the final farewell at parents’ home in Nyamirambo and church service at Remera Anglican Church, the casket carrying his remains was taken to Rusororo graveyard for burial.
As he led the church service, Rev Past Antoine Rutayisire used Bible verses in Psalms: 90 to comfort mourners and reminded them to be always prepared and lead life-driven purpose because everyone is a passenger.
He praised songs of Buravan noting that they were meaningful and conveyed constructive messages to the society.
Buravan’s family described him as a kind-hearted person whose heart had no room for jealousy but always strived to live in harmony with others and would apologize whenever he committed a mistake.
His cousin identified as Alain said that Buravan socialized with everyone irrespective of their age groups. He said that his legacy will continue to live on and wished him to rest in eternal peace.
His burial was preceded by a night to commemorate his life that brought together fans, relatives, government officials and envoys accredited to Rwanda among others at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The Minister of Youth and Culture, Rosemary Mbabazi who was present at the event said that the country lost an important person whose life was characterized by humility.
“He was a son of God. We thank parents for having raised him with good manners. He exhibited special humility, which is uncommon to people who become super stars. Buravan was a pride to our nation and the African continent. The youth can emulate his values of patriotism and love God who let him come into being in Rwanda,” she said.
Buravan was an R&B, Soul and Afrobeat musician. Some of his hit songs include ’Si Belle’, ’Garagaza’, ’Oya’ and Just a dance among others. He started his music career in 2009 until 2015 when he had a major breakout in 2016.
Buravan is the winner of the Prix Découvertes RFI 2018 contest, an annual competition involving artistes from across Africa.
He is the last child born to Michael Burabyo and Elizabeth Uwikunda. Buravan attended primary studies at Le Petit Prince before pursuing secondary education at Amis des Enfants and La Colombière before joining the College of Business and Economics- University of Rwanda, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Information and Technology.
Since 2005, the Government of Rwanda initiated the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme which aims at guiding investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that a portion of all park revenues is given back to the communities.
In 2017, the percentage allocated for community projects increased from 5% to 10%.
Figures show that revenues from Rwanda’s tourism sector have been increasing steadily following the drop by 70% owing to effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Rwanda registered an increase by 25% in tourism revenues reaching US$164 million up from US$131 million of 2020.
In 2019, the country generated US$498 million from tourism.
The Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, Ariella Kageruka has said that the increase in tourism revenues saw funds disbursed to implement 72 projects in the outskirts of national parks in 12 districts.
She was speaking on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 at the official inauguration and handover of socio-economic community projects built under tourism revenue sharing program this year in Kayonza District, Eastern Province.
They are also part of this year’s baby gorilla naming ‘Kwita Izina’ celebrations. This year’s baby gorilla naming ceremony is scheduled on 2nd September 2022.
The projects handed over include a fish farm, industrial park, teachers’ hostels and an abattoir. Communities have also been provided a workshop for tailoring, carpentry and welding.
Kageruka revealed that the portion of revenues allocated for community projects has increased from Rwf900 million to Rwf2.6 billion.
“As announced, the Rwf2.6 billion will be earmarked for the implementation of various community projects in the outskirts of national parks. Over Rwf515 million will distributed to communities in the surroundings of Akagera National Park. The same amount will be allocated for projects in the surroundings of Nyungwe. Rwf309 million will go to Gishwati while over Rwf721 million will be allocated to communities in the surroundings of Virunga National Park,” she said.
Kageruka also urged residents on collaboration to up efforts geared towards conservation of national parks to sustain the impact of revenues generated from tourism.
The Mayor of Kayonza District, John Bosco Nyemazi highlighted that Akagera national Park holds great significance for residents considering the impact of projects undertaken in collaboration with the park’s management.
These include a fish-farming project bringing together residents who sell 30 tons every year.
Nyemazi disclosed that they also want to distribute 1.5 million fish seeds among residents. Among others, two villages have been connected to electricity while 10,000 trees were planted to beautify towns.
Other projects include an abattoir, teachers’ hostels while 34 cooperatives were grouped together and generated Rwf184 million last year.
Faustin Iyamuremye has said that the new business center workshop will help him to create linkages with clients, learn from other welders and increase income unlike the past where his business was not known because he worked from home.
The Executive Secretary of Eastern Province, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana thanked RDB for having introduced the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program noting that it played a significant role to the fight against poachers.
She also requested residents to take good care of built infrastructures and stand against poaching.
The launch of these infrastructures was preceded by a cycling race that saw riders making laps in Kabare sector. Winners received brand new bicycles and smartphones.
Figures from RDB indicate that Rwf7.9 billion have been injected in more than 880 development projects aimed at transforming livelihoods of communities in the surroundings of national parks since 2005.
These community-based projects have provided clean drinking water, milk, health centres, classrooms and housing to communities living around the four national parks ; Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s newest Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
