Each of the start-ups walked away with US$10,000 seed funding during a graduation ceremony of 24 entrepreneurs who completed Tourism Inc training program organized by Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP), a global management consulting firm in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.
Tourism Inc is an incubator for youth-led start-ups in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.
Graduates in the fourth cohort were trained on marketing, human resources management, financial management and benefited from consultancy services among others.
Marie Christelle Ishimwe, the co-owner of a company dubbed Nish making children’s garments is among awardees. She explained that the training helped them to reshape their project and pledged to efficiently utilize received funds.
“I have been excited to emerge among award winners who walked away with US$10,000 each. I will use the funds to market my products and improve the visibility of the company to attract more customers,” he said.
Samuel Karangwa, is another graduate who owns a company dubbed Punda Group Ltd which links mason helpers to engineers.
He revealed that received money will help the company to digitalize operations.
“The award has great significance to our company. It came by surprise because there were 24 participating entrepreneurs all with promising projects. The funds will help us to improve efficiency. We did not integrate technology into our operations before the training. People seeking our services used to be assisted via phone call. We are planning to stick to technology and create an application facilitating people to access our services,” he said.
So far, a total of 110 entrepreneurs of whom 67 percent are women have received training under Tourism Inc since 2019. The have created 168 new jobs.
{{Plan to create 30,000 jobs}}
The Country Head of Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda, Rica Rwigamba has explained that Tourism Inc falls under the organization’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative launched in 2018 to help the youth create 30,000 new jobs by 2023.
“Tourism Inc is among our projects implemented by Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners. The project is only designed to work with entrepreneurs from tourism and hospitality industry. We have been running this program for almost two years. Over 100 have benefitted from the program which will continue supporting them for the next two years,” she said.
Rwigamba revealed that Mastercard Foundation has 13 partners helping the foundation to implement different youth empowerment projects with special attention to girls and women.
The Senior Project Manager at ESP, Nima Yusuf has explained that they expend possible efforts to train as many as possible women where the incubation program has started yielding big.
“Recently, one of our graduates won funding from Google. He was not the first one to receive the funding. Besides, Tourism Inc has opened doors for new opportunities and other connections,” he said.
Apart from funding the incubation program,. Mastercard Foundation also plans to create 30 million jobs by 2030 through ‘Young Africa Works’ initiative.
The premier was speaking at the opening of the Intra-African Trade Fair-IATF running from 15th to 21st November 2021 in South Africa.
The trade fair has brought together over 10,000 delegates and more than 1000 exhibitors from across the continent.
The opening ceremony was graced by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa; former Nigerian President and chairperson of the IATF 2021 Advisory Council, Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries including heads of state an governments.
Held for the second time, the exhibition was organized by Afreximbank, African Union (AU) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Minister Ngirente who represented President Paul Kagame at the ceremony said that the exhibition takes place in the right time.
“It comes as a good opportunity to build on successes of the first Intra-Africa Trade Fair, which took place in Egypt in 2018, where African businesses registered trade and investment deals worth over US$ 32 billion,” he said.
One of the key flagship projects of Africa’s Agenda 2063 is the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to accelerate intra-African trade and boost Africa’s trading position in the global market place.
The theme of this year’s Trade Fair focuses on a new African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key player to boosting Intra-African trade and investment.
Premier Ngirente stressed that COVID-19 pandemic has further illustrated the value of integration.
“It showed us the fragility of reliance on external supplies, the areas to improve in our systems, and the importance of ensuring that integration is key in our countries’ broader development agendas. Improving economic resilience and growth outcomes during this period will therefore require African countries to deepen their collaboration as embedded in the intra-Africa supply chains,” he said.
Statistics show that Africa’s economy is expected to rebound from a contraction of 2.1% recorded in 2020 to 3.4% growth in 2021 and 4.6% in 2022.
“Despite this projected positive recovery in 2021, other figures indicate that Africa still lags behind other continents. And lowering trade costs for deeper integration of markets is one of the key strategic responses to bridge this gap. Therefore, there has never been a better time for supporting Intra-African trade than today,” said Premier Ngirente.
He explained that Rwanda has expended much effort in different areas which is expected to foster innovation, research, infrastructure development and make the country the best investment destination.
Premier Ngirente said that Rwanda in collaboration with other partners, is in the final stages of establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and other diseases.
As he arrived in South Africa, he was received by President Ramaphosa.
As he delivered remarks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that trade is built on a bedrock of investment and stressed the need to find ways of attracting more investment into African economies and encourage African businesses to invest in each other’s countries.
“This is the time for action. As countries let us work with speed to resolve any outstanding issues around the AfCFTA, let those countries who have not already ratified it do so and let us take the necessary steps towards domestication. South Africa stands ready to work closely with all African countries to forge more balanced, equitable and fair trade relations among African nations,” he noted.
Olusegun Obasanjo also said that the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) will foster Africa’s 2063 agenda to transform the continent into a global powerhouse.
He also said the trade fair was an opportunity to glamourise the African trade market to attract stakeholders for business investments.
“The IATF is the largest and go-to trade and investment firm of the African continent,” Obasanjo said.
“The trade fair is also one of the key initiatives in support of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Before meeting with Kagame , Muraleedharan and his delegation held talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta aimed at fostering bilateral relations and cooperation.
The two sides committed to take their relations to new heights both at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Rwanda and India enjoy existing cooperation in the areas of agroculture, health and energy.
The ‘White Coat Ceremony took place on Friday 12th November 2021 at the school’s headquarters in Masoro, bringing together parents, the management, and other representatives from the health sector.
The ceremony was introduced in 1993 by Arnold P. Gold Foundation mu 1993.
During similar events, students are donned with white coats and take oaths to join the medical profession.
The Chancellor of ASOME, Dr. Blasious Ruguri has urged students to concentrate on their studies and pursue the medical profession as a passion, not primarily for the sake of money.
“This profession is a calling from God. You should work assiduously to save people’s lives, not putting forward the thirst for money. Dressing you in this white coat is a step forward, but it should always remind you to take care of patients,” he said.
Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Human Resources for Health, has also requested these students to embrace humility and remain devoted to their profession.
“This serves as the beginning of a new journey that requires patience because you are taking a step further towards becoming doctors. It is not only a job but also a calling. You are soon starting courses. So, you need to be prepared mentally, physically, and stay focused,” he said.
“You are set to learn how to take care of patients, those who are in pain and dying. You will learn to listen to your patients, look at them, examine them, and see them with the new eyes of doctors. When patients see you donned with a white coat, they will expect your assistance. So, take care of them with full attention,” he said.
Students have revealed that the white coat is a testament that their dreams are coming true. they pledged to concentrate on studying to contribute as much as possible to the development health sector.
“I am overwhelmed with joy for being donned with the white coat. I have had great ambitions to become a doctor since my childhood. This step is a great success and steps towards realizing my dreams,” said Orla Akariza Rwiyamirira, Vice President of the Student Association.
Alafi Samuel Jino Pere from Sudan, the president of the Student Association, expressed delight for the milestone, highlighting that it has laid the foundation for his future career.
Parents also expressed gratitude for the quality education students are getting from the school.
“I am honored to have brought my child at this university transferred from Makerere. This day has been special to witness how students are imparted with medical skills combined with Godly values. Their skills and trust in God will help them to save patients’ lives,” said Dr. Magaret Ssekidde from Uganda.
Students who received the white coat are from the 2020-2027 intake.
Launched in 2019, with a base in Kigali, ASOME is designed to become a center of excellence in the region, serving eleven countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Djibouti.
The program has been ongoing since 2012, following an agreement signed between Rwanda and Israel’s AgroStudies Center and Kinneret Academic College. It is part of a larger program done by Mashav, the Israel’s Agency for International Cooperation, in 25 countries worldwide.
The young graduates sent on Monday 15th November 2021, will be equipped with hands-on skills in different areas including greenhouse farming, aquaculture (fishery), poultry, breeding and production, poultry vaccination and dairy farms.
According to the Ambassador of Israel in Rwanda, Dr. Ron Adam; the program is part of the many Mashav initiatives.
“Capacity building has always been key in our development cooperation around the world. We hope that the hands-on skills that these graduates are going to gain in Israel will benefit them, and Rwanda, by bringing and implementing the modern agricultural practices. They are the future agents of change for the agriculture transformation in Rwanda,” he said.
As it has been the case for the last two years, the Embassy of Israel in Rwanda will strive to work together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and RDB to facilitate the first steps of the alumni, which include facilitating them to form cooperatives and establish small and medium-sized businesses in modern agriculture.
Commenting on the training program, Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources said that its benefits are evident.
“We thank the State of Israel for this opportunity given to Rwandan graduates. Over the years, this program has yielded positive results in our agriculture sector. Many of those who attended the training have opened-up businesses here in horticulture and fishing among others. These businesses are playing an important role in increasing the quality of our produce, and hence boosting our agricultural exports,” he affirmed.
Since 2012, more than 1,200 Rwandan graduates have benefitted from this capacity-building program.
He conveyed the message on Sunday as he attended a Church Service at the Free Methodist Cathedral in Kigali.
As he addressed congregants, the ambassador highlighted that religious diversity should not spark misunderstandings but rather a bridge uniting people to live in harmony.
He referred to his country’s case where it accommodates over 200 nationalities living in harmony and co-existence with every major religious denomination represented.
Despite the fact that Islam dominates in his country, AlQahtani explained that other religious denominations are granted freedom they deserve noting that such culture should spread across the world.
He also reminisced on the historical visit of Pope Francis on February 4th, 2019 to Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE becoming the first pontiff ever to visit the Arabian Peninsula.
The ambassador highlighted that it is a great milestone to overcoming barriers hindering co-existence and striving for a peaceful world.
During his momentous visit, Pope Francis met with the Grand Imam Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayyib. The two religious leaders signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.
The Document of Human Fraternity calls for an end to the use of religion as justification for war, violence and harm and opposes extremism in all forms.
This historic document presents a series of guidelines which denounce violence in the name of religion and urge the adoption of a culture of dialogue and mutual cooperation as a code of conduct and reciprocal understanding.
Amb. AlQahtani said that the Abrahamic religions including; Judaism, Christianity and Islam are united by the belief in one God and all three share in a history connected to the patriarch Abraham.
He stressed the need to promote dialogue and shared his country’s efforts to support the cause.
Amb. AlQahtani revealed that UAE has proposed a dedicated space for inter-faith dialogue.
“The UAE unveiled plans for the Abrahamic House of Fraternity on September 20th 2019 in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. The Abrahamic Family House will be an interfaith complex currently in development in Abu Dhabi, a representation of the Document of Human Fraternity which will feature a church, a mosque, a synagogue and a secular welcome center on one shared site. Currently, in development, the project’s anticipated completion date has been set for the year 2022,” he said.
Amb. AlQahtani further revealed that the Abrahamic House of Fraternity, each of the three houses of faith, a mosque, a church and a synagogue, will stand at the same height to symbolize equality. The design will highlight the often overlooked similarities between the three faiths and their corresponding architectural traditions.
It will act as a place for religious worship as well as a space for exhibitions, programs, conferences and inter-faith dialogue initiatives.
The aim is to be in support of global and regional stability, increased collaborative opportunities of all kinds, expanded economic prosperity, strengthened international relations, and countering violent extremism in all forms, promoting cross-cultural education and promoting peace.
Pastor Benjamin Kayumba heading the Free Methodist Cathedral commended the ambassador’s visit considering it a great step towards uniting people from diverse religious denominations. He also called on Christians to live in harmony with members of the society irrespective of their differences.
In November last year, the ambassador also attended church service led by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda at Regina Pacis Parish where he called for peaceful co-existence.
Niyonsenga alias Cyuma Hassan gained popularity over talk shows aired on his channel dubbed Ishema TV.
Two days ago, the High Court handed him seven-year jail term and slapped him with Rwf5 million fine after he was found guilty of four charges including forgery, impersonation, and humiliating state officials.
The crimes were committed on 15th April 2020 when he declined to obey security officials that requested him to comply with COVID-19 preventive measures.
At the time, he was arrested and later acquitted by Gasabo Intermediary Court. The Prosecution appealed against the verdict whereafter, he was handed seven-year sentence by the High Court which also ordered his arrest. He was detained on 11th November 2021 one day after court delivered the verdict.
Following the ruling, international media started distorting reasons of his sentence through their publications. For instance, Al Jazeera have written that Niyonsenga has been sentenced over using his YouTube Channel to criticize the Government of Rwanda.
BBC has also reported that the public perceives Niyonsenga as a ‘hero’ and ‘enemy of the country’.
The story also reads that Niyonsenga is renowned as someone who spoke for the voiceless people.
In response to these reports, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo condemned biased media reports distorting the truth.
“This sensationalism is misleading. Niyonsenga was arrested for violating the COVID lockdown and convicted for practicing without the required permit, presenting forged press cards, assault, criminal obstruction of security officials and law enforcement when asked to return home,” she said.
The decision is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held on Friday 12th November 2021 chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro.
Mpayimana, 51, vied for Presidency in 2017 where he emerged the second with 0. 73% votes.
In 2018, he submitted his candidature to National Electoral Commission (NEC) seeking to compete for a seat in parliament but his efforts were in vain.
In the same year, he announced that he was undergoing process to register his political party for people’s progress dubbed Parti du Progress du Peuple Rwandais (PPR).
Other appointees include Anita Kayirangwa, named the Executive Director of National Unity, Itorero and Citizenship Education at the same ministry while Mireille Batamuliza was appointed the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family promotion.
As per statement released last night, bus operators must ensure that windows are open for proper ventilation and passengers maintain social distancing, movements are prohibited between midnight (12a.m) and 4a.m while businesses must close by 11p.m.
The cabinet meeting has also resolved that physical conferences and meetings will continue at 75% occupancy. All participants must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Among others, all services at places of worship should not exceed 75% of maximum occupancy.
The new measures will take effect nationwide starting 15th November through 14th December 2021.
Citizens are reminded of the critical importance of complying with health measures including physical distancing, properly wearing face masks and hand hygiene.
This commitment was formalised through Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, which includes ‘Ecotourism, Conservation and Payment of Ecosystem Services’ as one of 14 programmes of action.
{{Below are five ways Rwanda is promoting ecotourism and conserving its natural heritage.}}
{{Creation of Gishwati-Mukura National Park and designation as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve}}
In 2016, Gishwati-Mukura was established as a legally protected area and the Rwanda’s fourth national park. Four years later, the landscape was named among the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The rehabilitation of the Gishwati-Mukura landscape and the creation of the national park was made possible by the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation (LAFREC) Project implemented by Rwanda Environment Management Management Authority with the support of the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank, and the Forest of Hope Association.
This achievement has led to the sustainable conservation and management of Gishwati-Mukura National Park, new opportunities for community empowerment, education and research for sustainable development as well as for eco- and community tourism.
{{Mountain gorilla conservation and re-introduction of threatened and endangered species}}
The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board and in collaboration with conservation partners, has achieved success in protecting and increasing the endangered mountain gorilla population and conserving its habitat.
With community led conservation efforts, the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased from 480 in 2010 to 604 as of June 2016. Today, mountain gorillas are the only great ape species increasing in number in the world and the species were recently down-listed from critically endangered to endangered on the IUCN Red List.
In 2015, the Government of Rwanda teamed up with African Parks to reintroduce lions to Akagera National Park after two decades of local extinction. This conservation milestone was followed by the reintroduction of 18 critically endangered Eastern black rhinos in 2017, further advancing the restoration of the park’s biodiversity. In 2019, five additional rhinos from European zoos were translocated to Rwanda to increase the genetic diversity of the country’s rhino population.
As a result of these efforts, the populations of these endangered animal species have increased, playing a crucial role in saving them from extinction.
{{Investments in ecotourism}}
Rwanda’s tourism sector is the country’s leading foreign exchange earner. In 2019, the sector earned US$498 million. Within the industry, ecotourism is quickly becoming dominant, thanks to the demand from travellers seeking low-impact experiences.
Rwanda has positioned itself as a high-yield, low volume destination in keeping with its conservation-centric approach to tourism. This strategy has attracted several high-end lodges and professional management such as international brands including Singita, One&Only, Wilderness Safaris and Mantis Collection and local brands such as The Retreat, Amakoro Songa Africa, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and The Bishop’s House.
These and other hospitality brands have made a valuable addition to the tourism offering, providing a diverse range of world class accommodation and experiences and contributing to conservation efforts – especially reforestation. As a result, Rwanda has been recognised by leading international travel publications as one of the top global destinations for luxury ecotourism.
Rwanda’s conservation efforts would not have been a success without the power of partnerships. The Government of Rwanda works hand-in-hand with several conservation partners including the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, International Gorilla Conservation Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society, Gorilla Doctors, African Parks, Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Albertine Rift Conservation Society and the African Leadership University among others. These partnerships support the promotion of biodiversity conservation, and enable Rwanda to invest in nature and communities.
{{Protection of national parks}}
The protection of national parks and payment of ecosystems count among significant conservation achievements in Rwanda. This has been achieved through the expansion of the Akagera National Park buffer zone, the long term protection of Nyungwe and Akagera national parks through a unique partnership with African Parks, as well as the rehabilitation and establishment of Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
The Government of Rwanda also recently announced plans to expand Volcanoes National Park due to its growing mountain gorilla population and vision for community livelihood improvement. This once in a generation initiative will expand the park by approximately 23%, increasing its size by 37.4 square kilometres (3,740 hectares).
To ensure the best use of community benefit funds, Rwanda promotes close ownership, participation and technical support from local communities. Promising projects include payment for ecosystem services schemes with tea factories compensating forest-adjacent communities for water filtration services provided by protected areas and promoting the rehabilitation of degraded areas such as Gishwati and Mukura forests.
In addition, 10% of park tourism revenue is invested in the communities surrounding Rwanda’s national parks, which fosters ownership and builds a constituency for conservation. Rwanda has also established a fund to compensate for any damage caused by wildlife, which is financed by 5% of tourism revenue.
Rwanda’s conservation efforts aim to maintain and expand the country’s protected areas as key economic assets supporting climate-resilience, and acting as havens for biodiversity and sources of vital ecosystem services.
{{Utilising Payment for Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Accounts}}
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) occurs when a beneficiary or user of an ecosystem service makes a direct or indirect payment to the provider of that service.
The idea is that whoever preserves or maintains an ecosystem service should get an incentive for doing so. To promote this model of environmental conservation, Rwanda has partnered with Costa Rica and is developing a scalable PES system.
Rwanda has also developed Natural Capital Accounts for land, water, minerals and ecosystems (key natural resource pillars of economic development and sustainable growth). Natural Capital Accounts (NCA) are an important resource for tracking progress on socioeconomic, environment, and natural resource indicators.
The country has also set a target to allocate 37.7% of land to conservation in its National Land Use and Development Master Plan. This demonstrates the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to environment protection, natural resource management and climate change preparedness.
