According to a statement released by RwandAir, the airline will begin a three-week trial in April for customers travelling between Kigali and Nairobi in Kenya.
IATA Travel Pass is a digital platform to help passengers easily and securely verify that they comply with COVID 19 test or vaccine travel requirements, in turn giving governments the confidence to reopen borders.
Developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, the platform is designed to be incorporated into airlines’ own apps, so travellers by air easily understand what they need before they fly.
Commenting on the development, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir, revealed that RwandAir is proud to be the first African airline to trial IATA Travel Pass highlighting it could reinforce all the health and safety measures and protocols ‘which we have put in place to restore customer confidence to fly once more’.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of IATA’s Industry Advisory Panel, to ensure we guide the technology development in a way that covers the unique requirements of our passenger profile. IATA’s innovative solution simplifies and digitally transmits the information required by countries and governments around the world into our airline systems, in a secure and efficient manner,” she said.
“Travel Pass will make it easy for our customers to resume flying – and just as easy for RwandAir, and airlines around the world, to accept them,” added Makolo.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director General and CEO, emphasized that RwandAir is showing its industry leadership in Africa by becoming the first airline on the continent to trial IATA Travel Pass.
“RwandAir has long used IATA products as the most reliable source of information on entry requirements. This trial will build on that history of working in partnership and takes us a step further in the context of COVID-19. IATA Travel Pass will give governments the confidence to re-open their borders knowing that arriving passengers are in full compliance with any testing or vaccination requirements,” he said.
Alexandre explained that the trial app has a range of features, including a registry of testing centres and labs at the departure and/or arrival location which can conduct COVID-19 tests in accordance with the type of test required for the journey.
RwandAir customers participating in the trial will create a ‘digital passport’ which verifies that their pre-travel COVID-19 test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination they are travelling to.
They will also be able to safely and securely share their test and vaccination certificates with participating authorities and airlines around the world to ensure smooth and seamless travel.
Operating from Kigali, with its hub at the heart of Africa, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent.
With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age of just under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
It has been revealed following the quarterly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on 18th February 2021.
The committee reviewed outcomes of its previous decisions and assessed the recent economic developments and the outlook at the global and national level.
Rwanda’s real GDP contracted by 4.1% in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the growth of 8.3 percent registered in the corresponding period of 2019.
However the second half of 2020, recorded a gradual recovery, on the back of supportive policy measures and easing COVID-19 containment measures.
The statement released by BNR shows that estimated recovery is evidenced by the rising trend of the real Composite Index of Economic Activities (CIEA), which increased by 9.4% in the second half of 2020 from a contraction of 2.1 percent recorded in the first half of 2020.
“This domestic economic recovery is expected to continue in 2021, supported by policy interventions to revive business activities, despite the uncertainty around COVID-19 and its containment measures. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine globally and in the country will also enhance private sector optimism, hence stimulating the recovery in economic activities,” reads the statement in part.
BNR has also revealed that the monetary sector remained resilient in 2020, owing to supportive policy measures, amid, subdued demand for loans by the private sector during lockdown.
Broad money grew by 18.0 percent in 2020 compared to 15.4 percent recorded in 2019, supported by the increase in the outstanding Credit to the Private Sector (CPS) which grew by 21.8 percent from 12.6 percent the previous year.
The expansion in CPS was essentially driven by restructuring of loans granted to borrowers whose activities have been negatively affected by the pandemic, and new authorized credit disbursed in 2020.
Among others, foreign exchange market remained stable, whereby, the Rwf depreciated by 5.5 percent year-on-year as of December 2020 against the USD from a depreciation of 4.9 percent in December 2019.
The statement shows that pressures of the Rwandan Franc came during the second half of the year, following the resumption of economic activities and the increase in the demand for foreign currencies amid lower foreign inflows. However, the foreign exchange market is expected to remain stable, with adequate foreign exchange reserves held by NBR covering 5.9 months of imports as of December 2020.
According to estimates published by International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 2021, the global economy contracted by 3.5 percent in 2020, owing to negative impact of COVID-19. In 2021, the global economy is expected to recover and grow by 5.5%.
However, the strength of the recovery is expected to be uneven and unequal across countries depending on factors like; access to vaccines, effectiveness of policy support, exposure to cross-country spillovers, and preexisting economic conditions.
In November last year, Macron announced plan for a visit to Rwanda in 2021, aimed at strengthening existing bilateral relations.
“First of all, I am planning for visits to Angola and South Africa that had been suspended due to health conditions. I am hopeful that I will be able to make the visits within few weeks ahead and later visit Rwanda in 2021,” he told Jeune Afrique.
The date and month for the visit have not yet been confirmed but it is reported that the situation will depend on the status of COVID-19 pandemic.
Macron’s visit to Rwanda is expected before 18th May 2021 because France plans to host France-Africa investment summit in which over ten African head of states are invited.
In 2019, Macron was invited to Rwanda to attend the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. At the time, Macron sent the delegation of France parliamentarians including Sira Sylla and the French Rwandan born Member of Parliament, Herve Berville.
In May 2018, President Paul Kagame invited Macron as he attended Viva Technology Summit that brought together CEOs of different technology start-up companies and potential innovators in Paris, France.
Macron was again invited in October 2018 after the General Assembly of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF).
At the time, Kagame told RFI and France 24 that Macron was invited to visit Rwanda since he took office in May 2017.
Rwanda, France relations have been on good progress since Macron took office in 2017.
The latter has demonstrated willingness to change France, Africa foreign policy and building strong relations with partners unlike his predecessor, François Hollande.
President Kagame recently told Jeune Afrique that there has been progress to both countries’ relations since Macron was elected in comparison with the past.
Rwanda, France relations wavered in the past over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
In April 2019, France President, Emmanuel Macron established of the commission made of eight experts in history and researchers analyzing writings kept in archives of the country indicating France activities in Rwanda between 1990-1994 to come up with the truth on the role of France in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Rwanda, France diplomatic relations date back in 1962 after obtaining Independence.
If he comes to Rwanda, Macron will be the second French president landing in the country of thousand hills after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Nicolas Sarkozy is the only France president who visited Rwanda on 25th February 2010 following the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Recent measures also extended curfew hours to 8pm yet some university students enrolled in night classes can study up to 10pm. Among others, inter-district travels are prohibited except for essential services and tourism activities.
The current situation raises worries for students from Kigali attending classes upcountry or vice versa wondering how they will reach respective schools.
In a talk show on RTV, the Minister of Education, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine has revealed that they are aware of the situation noting that students with private cars can provide explanations to law enforcers on duty to give them a pass.
She requested students without private cars to make arrangements for a private car and apply for movement clearance permits.
“The situation will be complicated for students using public transport buses. They are few to fill a bus but they can make arrangement when the number increases to hire a bus and seek movement clearance permit,” she said.
Concerning students enrolled in night classes, Dr. Uwamariya said that existing policies agreed with Higher Education Council (HEC) continue to be respected.
“It is not taking place for the first time. Before closing schools on 18th January, we already had students in night classes. At the time, HEC collaborated with universities and agreed on existing curfew hours to catch up over the weekend,” she said.
Dr. Uwamariya explained that students enrolled in night classes will continue respecting instituted curfew hours.
The cabinet meeting held on 19th February 2021 permitted restaurants and cafés to operate at 30% occupancy following a month of closure due to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Some restaurant owners, who spoke to RBA, revealed that they are making preparations to resume activities adhering to instituted guidelines.
“We will adhere to instituted preventive measures keeping social distancing, reminding clients to wash hands and testing temperature,” said the owner of Plus 250 restaurant, Ngango Fredy David.
Barakabuye Nsengiyumva, the Chairperson of Rwanda Hoteliers’ Association (RHA) has said that discussions held with restaurant and hotel owners are promising that no one will violate preventive measures.
“We held discussions mainly revolving around continued collaboration with relevant authorities to prevent the spike in Coronavirus cases. This means, respecting health guidelines is paramount to prevent the spread of the virus, “he noted.
Previously, some bars were reported rebranded as restaurants and operated like bars.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije has advised people against such vices lest they expose the country at risk.
“I would like to remind Rwandans to be cautious and avoid the reoccurrence of problems we went through in November and December where restaurants operated like bars,” he said.
Minister Ngamije explained that some clients cheat that they looking for food yet they want to drink and end up turning restaurants into bars.
“The problems we went through affected the economy, social wellbeing and education. We don’t want violation of preventive measures to step back our efforts,” he said.
Measures including the reopening of restaurants will go into effect on 23rd February 2021.
Testimonies from survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and former genocidists, recounting the participation of Whites in the killing of May 13, 1994 in Bisesero [western Rwanda], will also be put online to offer a real immersive experience to listeners, helping them better understand this very sensitive part of contemporary history.
People who do not speak French will find information on this investigation by following these links : www.bisesero.net/en (english) or www.bisesero.net/rw (kinyarwanda).
Hooza Podcast is a free application with content in free access, downloadable here: https://hoozapodcast.glideapp.io
{{Igihe spoke to Serge Farnel about this event.}}
{{Igihe: Why offer an audio version of your book?}}
{{Serge Farnel:}} To give as many people as possible access to this essential part of contemporary African history : the ultimate resistance of Tutsi civilians to the last genocide of the 20th century. This incredible act of bravery took place on the high hills of Bisesero, in western Rwanda. This story concerns us all, whether we are Rwandan or not, whether we live in Africa or not. It is our history. However, not everyone can read and concentrate on such a dense story. So, when Victor Nkindi, the founder of Hooza Media, suggested that I record it in his studios, I found his idea great.
{{When did you make this recording?}}
In 2014, when I presented this book in Rwanda during the 20th commemoration of the genocide, everyone was then gathered in the capital. I went to Bisesero because I wanted to be with the Basesero [Bisesero inhabitants] that day.
We remember that survivors of the great massacre of May 13 in Bisesero came this year to the Kigali memorial to testify to the active participation of Whites in this massacre.
Yes, the Rwandan television cameras were there too, and Rwandan viewers could see and hear them talk about these May 13 Whites in this symbolic place. The audience was able to ask any questions they wanted. It was an important moment for these survivors.
{{The particularity of this story is that it is based on many testimonies, right?}}
Very many, yes. My aim was to build the fullest possible account of the history of the genocide in Bisesero. I am not the only one who has collected these testimonies. I therefore rely on a large pool of sources: African Rights, the Mucyo Commission, journalistic reports, other investigators …
The particularity of the testimonies that you have gathered, however, is that they relate to the direct participation of Whites in the May 13 massacre, which led to nearly 50,000 civilian victims in Bisesero.
Absolutely. But I am not the only one who has collected such testimonies. For instance, there are those collected by a second investigator who has incidentally, as he explains in detail in an article, discovered by himself this participation through a different channel than mine. I have learned that he was finally able to return to Rwanda recently. And then, a third investigator also confirmed the presence of Whites on May 13.
However, I have been informed that since several years, it is forbidden to question survivors of Bisesero, apart from a short list of witnesses who have not seen these Whites of May 13. Two years ago, a French journalist (RFI) alerted the public about this on a French radio station. But I have no doubt that things will evolve peacefully. Rwanda is too attached to the whole truth to omit parts of its history.
The presence of these Whites with heavy weapons on May 13 shows the incredible courage of these extraordinary Tutsi civilians, in that it was the only way to overcome their resistance. Also, laying out their entire history is a tribute that they should not be deprived of. We all owe it to them; it is our duty.
To come back to the witnesses that I interviewed myself, I also included those who do not mention the Whites of May 13, either because their testimony concerns another place, or because they did not see any themselves that day in Bisesero.
{{So, the story does not concern Bisesero only?}}
In fact, yes, but we cannot understand what happened there without understanding why so many Tutsis gradually came to this place. To understand this, we must tell what was happening in the town of Kibuye, located below the high hills of Bisesero, a town that some Tutsi fled to avoid being massacred in stadiums or churches.
As far as the Kibuye stadium is concerned, we must understand how the genocidists led them there. This brings us to the commune of Mabanza, where we follow a family forced to walk for about twenty kilometers to reach this stadium. When they arrive, another family, who lived opposite the stadium. is there (or will be there, I can’t remember who got there first) and the listener will follow both families at the same time.
This is the idea of the story: to have your eyes everywhere and be able all the time to construct these events in their finest details, both in space and time.
{{You were also saying, regarding the May 13 testimonies, that you included those who have not seen white people?}}
Yes. Even if a significant number of survivors testified to the presence of these Whites on May 13, they probably represent a very low percentage of all survivors of Bisesero. Even if their presence was decisive, these Whites may have been between twenty and forty, amid a crowd of thousands of Rwandan genocidists, soldiers, Interahamwe militias or even Hutu peasants. The Tutsi were running to escape the fire of heavy weapons and machine guns, grenades and machetes. Not all of them were thus able to see them.
If you do not try to meet those likely to testify of their presence, you will only come across this type of testimony by chance, especially since a survivor who saw them will not necessarily spontaneously give you information that he does not know is important to you. But fortunately, there are enough of them to attest to their presence, and who have already done so.
{{How did the public react to the active participation of Whites in this great massacre?}}
If we take the time to listen to these testimonies, there is not much we can do other than accept what they tell us. However, there was probably, for some people, a phase of inability to cope with such information, especially if they were influenced by the attempt to disqualify the witnesses, which have been slandered!
However, when I learned about the slander campaign, I published on the investigation’s website [www.bisesero.net] the evidence to stop it. We will consider that this has been a part of the path that facts must take in their march towards History, summed up nicely by this Rwandan proverb: “The truth goes through the ordeal of fire without being consumed. ”
On the other hand, we can wonder why the presence of Whites at the May 13 massacre has been recorded in history so long after the events, particularly after the Mucyo commission [Rwandan commission responsible for gathering evidence of France’s involvement in the genocide].
As a journalist, I accompanied this commission in December 2006 in Bisesero. It focused its investigation on the three days from June 27 to 30, 1994 of Operation Turquoise [official French mission that began on June 22, 1994 in Rwanda], which is understandable since its mission was to gather evidence of France’s involvement in the genocide.
It had thus to concentrate on the dates of the official French missions. So, it did exactly what it had to do, and in an admirable way. On this point, the work that this commission has done is historically exceptional. My investigation began a year after the publication of its report, and I immediately informed Mr. Mucyo of what I had just found out.
{{When exactly did you inform him?}}
Just after recording the first testimonies of the presence of Whites on May 12 and 13 in Bisesero. Back in Kigali, the first thing I did was to call one of the commissioners of the Mucyo commission, and then its President, in other words Jean de Dieu Mucyo himself. He was then the Executive Secretary of the CNLG [National Commission against Genocide]. He immediately requested to meet me. Mr. Mucyo and I then discussed a long time to try to understand who these Whites could have been.
I gave him a copy of my rushes for the sake of total transparency. After analysing them, he asked me to come back and go on with my investigation. He participated in its funding with Tharcisse Karugarama, then Rwandan Minister of Justice. When he asked me that, I didn’t feel that he was embarrassed in any way. During the two previous years, he had investigated with his team the part of the story entrusted to him. As for me, I was just bringing an additional element relating to a period outside of the French official missions. Indeed, the great massacre of Bisesero took place on May 13, in other words after the end of the French operation Amaryllis to evacuate Westerners (April 15) and before the start of the French operation Turquoise (June 22), a mission presented as humanitarian.
{{What are you expecting from this event?}}
May it help to make this part of history known to my contemporaries. I am also hoping that Rwanda will do what is necessary, before it is too late, to pursue the white genocidists of May 13, whatever their nationality, whatever they were then, active soldiers in the army or mercenaries. Whatever! But let’s stop wasting time.
The men of mercenary Paul Barril were probably part of this group of genocidists. A number of factual elements suggest this. And these men are identifiable. We are talking about fifty thousand civilians massacred in one day! Let’s not forget that. Should we choose not to act, our responsibility would be historically enormous.
These include Dr. Bernard Bahati appointed Director General of National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA). He has been a lecturer at the University of Rwanda.
The institution was created recently and published in the Official Gazette in October 2020.
NESA is mandated to promote quality education in primary schools and vocational training schools (TVET) offering short or long term training packages.
Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana has been appointed the Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board which took some duties of former Rwanda education Board ((REB).
Dr Mbarushimana is an expert in curriculum development with over 17 years of experience in education sector.
The cabinet meeting also appointed Dr. Sylvie Mucyo as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic.
Dr. Mucyo has previously served as the Deputy Programme Coordinator at the University of Rwanda. She is a board member of Rwanda Meteorology Agency.
Among others, Dominique Ingabire has been appointed the Principal of IPRC Karongi.
{{Other appointments: }}
{{Ministry of Education (MINEDUC)}}
Pascal Gatanazi, Chief Technical Advisor
Christophe Nsengiyaremye, Director General of Sector Planning , Monitoring and Evaluation
Rose Baguma, Director General of Policy and Analysis
Jimmy Christian Bukusenge, Director General of Corporate Services
Eric Niyongabo, Advisor to the Minister of State in charge of TVET
{{National Examination and School Inspection Authority:}}
Vianney Augustine Kavutse, Head of Department of Basic Education and TVET Quality Assurance
Dr. Alphonse Sebaganwa, Head of Department of Basic Education and TVET Examination
Angelique Boneza, Division Manager of Basic Education and TVET Quality Standards
{{Rwanda Basic Education Board:}}
Leon Mugenzi Ntawukuriryayo, Head of Teacher Development, Management, Career Guidance and Counselling Department
{{Rwanda Polytechnic:}}
Dr. Aimable Nsabimana, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance
{{Rwanda Technical and Vocational Education and Training Board:}}
Solange Uwamahoro, Head of Training Management Department
Aimable Rwamasirabo, Head of Curriculum and Instructional Materials Development Department
{{IPRC Karongi:}}
Leonard Manirambona, Deputy Principal in Charge of Academics and Training
The cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame was held virtually.
Curfew hours have been eased back where movements have been prohibited from 8pm to 4am against the previous measures restricting movements from 7pm to 4am.
Hours to close business operations have shifted from 5pm to 6pm.
The cabinet meeting has also allowed all schools (public and private to reopen).
Schools in Kigali city were closed on 18th January 2021.
Religious, civil weddings have been allowed and must not exceed 20 persons. Receptions are also prohibited.
Movements between Kigali, other provinces and districts are still prohibited except for essential services, medical reasons or tourism.
Among others, private businesses shall continue to operate at no more than 30% of staff capacity while other employees continue working from home on rotational basis. Markets and malls shall continue for essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders.
Public transport (buses) should not exceed 75% capacity. Motorcycles and bicycles are also allowed to carry passengers and must observe strict hygiene.
Restaurants and cafés shall resume with 30% occupancy limit and shall receive clients until 6pm. All bars will remain closed while places of worship will resume with no more than 30% maximum occupancy.
Gaming activities and physical meetings remain prohibited while individual and non-contact outdoor sports activities are permitted.
Attendance at a wake/vigil (ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 persons at any time, funeral gatherings should not exceed 20 persons.
These measures will take effect nationwide starting February 23rd to March 15th 2021.
Lt Gen Musemakweli passed on 11th February 2021, at Kanombe Military Hospital where he was getting treatment. He died at the age of 59.
The ceremony to bid last farewell took place yesterday observing COVID-19 preventive measures. It was attended by various people including relatives, and colleagues mostly RDF senior officers.
He was eulogized for great contribution to liberate the nation as well as striving for the country’s development in respective duties he held.
His child, Musemakweli Shafy revealed that his father taught them to embrace moral values and strive for bravery.
“When I went to live in America, my father told me to be a good ambassador and strive for good reputation of my country. I wish him to rest in peace with a promise to emulate his bravery,” he said.
Musemakweli’s children said they didn’t run short of anything because their father took care of them and treated them gently.
“I promise him that we shall soldier on to help our mother. It is difficult to live without him but we shall make efforts to uphold his legacy,” said Uwase.
In the message of late Lt Gen Musemakweli’s wife read by her eldest daughter, she revealed that both parents met in 1994.
“I take this moment to briefly speak about my husband and father of my children. I remember when we met for the first time in 1994 during the struggle to liberate our nation. He was a soldier and I was a medical doctor. That’s when our love journey began,” she said.
She emphasized that late Lt Gen Musemakweli has been a kind husband for the past 26 years.
“She was not only a husband but also my father. I lost my dad at early ages but I forgot sorrows of missing a parent since I lived with him. I always thank him for that. He was an honest man. I always thank him for giving me a good exemplary. I loved him so much but God has taken him again. I hope he is in God’s safe hands until we meet again,” she said.
The condolence message from President Paul Kagame and Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of RDF to the family of the late Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli read by Senior Defence and Security Advisor in the Office of the President, Gen James Kabarebe, he said that it is an extremely sad moment for the family, RDF and the country.
He commended late Lt Gen Musemakweli for his commendable service and exemplary achievements during the struggle for the liberation of the country and the subsequent struggle for the socio-economic development of the Nation ‘he was still contributing to, up to the day he passed on’.
“Late Gen Musemakweli worked tirelessly and selflessly for this Nation and his contribution is evidenced by the various appointments he held over time, to serve RDF in different capacities. These appointments testify to his exceptional commitment to fulfilling the core values RDF stands for. This is exemplified by his unrelenting endeavor to always instill these values to other RDF officers and men. His untimely passing on comes at a time the Nation and his family still needed him,” reads the message.
“What we can remember on such a day, is that all of us should strive to carry on the legacy of loving and working for our country, a value that characterized Late Gen Musemakweli. The leadership of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Defence and RDF, assures the family of Late Gen Musemakweli of their unwavering continuous support as the law requires and as it is a practice in our culture,” adds the message.
Lt. Gen. Jacques Musemakweli was among RPA soldiers that liberated the country and stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He held different senior positions in RDF leadership including; commander of Republican Guards, Army Chief of Staff and Reserve Force Chief of Staff.
On 12th January 2018, President Paul Kagame and the Commander in Chief of RDF promoted Jacques Musemakweli from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General.
Among others, Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli once served as the commander of the Republican Guards prior to his appointment as Army Chief of Staff in 2016.
At the time, he was at the rank of Major General. In April 2019, Lt. Gen. Jacques Musemakweli was appointed the Commander of Reserve Forces prior to 3rd February 2019 when he became RDF Inspector General.
He also served as the Chairman of APR FC from 2013 until January 2021.
Lt Gen Musemakweli had taken post from Maj Gen Alex Kagame who was leaving for studies in China. Lt Gen Musemakweli was recently replaced by Maj Gen Mubaraka Muganga to the position in January 2021.
He was serving as RDF Inspector General prior to his demise.
The office is headquartered in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city in the building of I&M Bank.
The development is part of the Federation’s program to expand offices across the world.
The Regional Development Office will oversee football activities in Eastern Africa countries.
Similar offices are headquartered in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, Johannesburg in South Africa and another one in Ethiopia which has been moved to Rwanda.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has revealed that setting up the office in Kigali is inspired by Rwanda’s ambitions to promote football and other development projects and expressed optimism that the office will help regional countries.
“Rwanda and Kigali are special places. I witnessed it last night. Whenever I visit Rwanda, I realize that it continuously becomes a beautiful and continues to promote football activities. We have to do great things to realize significant progress in football, education, Governance, fighting against corruption in Africa. I am optimistic that it will pave the way for the development of regional football,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta who signed the Host Country Agreement with Mr. Gianni Infantino extolled FIFA for trust bestowed to Rwanda highlighting that ‘The Government of Rwanda will do everything possible to reach envisaged goals.’
Through the FIFA Forward Programme, FIFA enables football to grow globally and promotes the best possible conditions for football development worldwide.
FIFA Forward is built to provide 360-degree, tailor-made support for football development in each of our member associations and the six confederations.
In a bid to decentralize services and enhance efficiency among beneficiaries, FIFA has opened offices in different countries across the world and African countries including Senegal, South Africa and Ethiopia. The latter has been moved to Rwanda.
Following the successful implementation of the first edition of the FIFA Forward Development Programme 2016-2018, “FIFA Forward 1.0”, the second edition, “FIFA Forward 2.0” came into force on 1 January 2019 and will run until 31 December 2022.
FIFA seeks to inject almost US$3 million in the programme by 2022.
Since inception of FIFA Forward in 2016, the organization has opened new offices in many countries including India, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Barbados and United Arab Emirates.
Establishment of the regional development office in Rwanda was approved by the cabinet meeting held on 4th January 2021.
