The initiative is a joint effort between the Government of Rwanda and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the recently concluded Global AI Summit on Africa.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and hosted at the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Rwanda), the AI Scaling Hub is designed to serve as a continental nerve center for high-impact AI solutions. The Gates Foundation has pledged up to $7.5 million over the next three years to support this ambitious venture.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, emphasized the hub’s focus on practical innovation in critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education—areas that touch the lives of millions across Africa.
“We’re excited about this partnership with the Gates Foundation around the AI Scaling Hub, designed to be a platform where we can scale AI solutions—starting with three sectors: healthcare, agriculture, and education,” she stated.
According to the Ministry, the hub will not only develop solutions but will also ensure that AI is rolled out ethically, inclusively, and sustainably—principles often overlooked in the rapid race for innovation.
Dr. Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Gates Foundation, described the partnership as a strategic move to dismantle barriers to technological scale and help AI reach those who need it most.
This initiative signals Rwanda’s intention to lead Africa into a new era of AI-driven development.
The hub will build on the country’s track record of digital transformation, exemplified by projects like Zipline, the drone-based medical supply system launched in 2016. In agriculture, where much of Africa’s population earns a living, AI tools could optimize crop yields and combat climate challenges. In education, scalable AI solutions could democratize access to quality learning, addressing disparities that have long plagued the continent.
These efforts have already positioned Rwanda as a rising tech hub, attracting global players and positioning the nation as a model for African-led innovation.
Discussions are already underway to replicate similar AI hubs in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, and Nigeria. By building a pan-African network of AI innovation centers, the initiative could promote unprecedented regional collaboration and shared growth.
The two-day summit, held at the Kigali Convention Center from April 3 to 4, brought together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
At the summit, President Paul Kagame urged African leaders to embrace AI, warning that the continent “cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up.”
“We have to adapt, cooperate, and compete—because it is in our best interest to do so. That’s why we are here,” Kagame said.
He made the remarks on April 4, 2025, during the presentation of findings from a two-week review conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In recent weeks, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany have imposed economic sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied as baseless.
The situation escalated when Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium and terminated cooperation agreements on development projects valued at €95 million for the 2024–2029 period. At the time of cancellation, about €80 million remained unused.
Murangwa emphasized that while those aid contributions had been beneficial, their loss would not severely destabilize Rwanda’s economy, particularly because the country still has support from its core partners.
“The countries that have imposed sanctions on us are not many. Our main partners such as the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and other nations have not imposed any sanctions, meaning the overall impact is minimal,” he said.
In 2024, Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached RWF 18.785 trillion, up from RWF 16.626 trillion in 2023. Services contributed 48% to this growth, while agriculture accounted for 25%.
Murangwa further explained that Rwanda’s current economic standing is strong, and the reliance on foreign aid has significantly decreased compared to past years, thereby reducing the impact of these sanctions.
“We are investing heavily in self-reliance. Based on our current progress and preparedness, there is no major threat. We will continue assessing any potential impacts,” he added.
During the two-week review conducted with the IMF, it was found that Rwanda’s economy had grown at a solid rate of 8.9%. The Minister also mentioned that projections for the coming years show Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow at a rate of 7%.
The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Soraya Hakuziyaremye, noted that the IMF forecasted inflation rates between 2% and 8% for 2025 and 2026, which aligns with the central bank’s own figures.
In March 2025, BNR had projected inflation to reach 6.5% in 2025, dropping to 4.3% in 2026. Hakuziyaremye confirmed that the IMF used the same projections.
She added that although global economic uncertainty persists, such as rising import taxes in the United States, there is currently no cause for concern for Rwanda. However, they will continue monitoring the situation closely.
“There’s no need for alarm because our exports to the US were already limited and subject to taxes. However, global price hikes, especially for food and petroleum products, could be indirectly affected by those tax changes,” she said.
The IMF’s review also looked at the performance of the Rwandan Franc against the US Dollar. The fund confirmed Rwanda’s figures.
“The Rwandan Franc depreciated by 9.8% compared to the US Dollar, a notable improvement from the 18% depreciation seen in 2023. The slower rate of depreciation, and our goal of returning to the 5% level in the coming years, is reassuring,” Governor Hakuziyaremye said.
The IMF assessment also found that Rwanda’s foreign reserves increased, reaching the equivalent of 5.4 months of imports by the end of 2024.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning also announced that in 2025, Rwanda will unveil the second phase of the Bugesera International Airport project, alongside the expansion of Kigali International Airport, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority.
The AU Commission Chair is in Kigali to participate in the Global AI Summit on Africa.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ongoing regional efforts to promote peace and security across the continent. The talks took place against the backdrop of renewed efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC, led by joint teams from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which recently [appointed a five-member panel to facilitate the peace process->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/three-former-african-presidents-join-drc-peace-facilitators-panel].
Friday’s talks also highlighted Rwanda and the African Union’s shared ambition to position Africa as a key player in the global artificial intelligence revolution.
“They discussed the progress of regional-led processes in advancing peace and security in the region, as well as Rwanda and the AU’s mutual commitment to ensuring Africa’s place in the global AI revolution,” a statement released by the Office of the President reads.
President Kagame also held talks with Olivier Cadic, a French Senator and Vice-President of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee, who was in Kigali to attend the AI Summit.
The two-day Global AI Summit on Africa brought together leaders, policymakers, and technology experts from across the continent and beyond to explore opportunities for harnessing AI for Africa’s development.
While officiating the opening session of the conference on Thursday, Kagame emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence in decision-making and innovation.
“AI is driving innovation, accelerating technological advancements, and proving its benefits across various sectors. It enhances productivity, supports evidence-based decision-making, and reduces human errors,” he stated.
Rwanda has already integrated AI into key sectors such as healthcare and education, significantly improving service delivery and efficiency. Kagame stressed that technology should be harnessed for positive change.
“Technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly,” he remarked.
“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but I think we might also experience terrible things happening to us,” he added.
With over a decade of experience in creating socio-economic impact across Rwanda and West Africa, her story inspires countless others to follow their dreams, even when the path seems uncertain.
Nicole is a young Rwandan entrepreneur who began her journey with a completely different career trajectory in mind. Originally trained in political science and international relations, she had a clear path toward a career in diplomacy.
However, a series of events, bolstered by guidance from mentors, led her to a bold decision, to become an entrepreneur. “I was set to have a career in diplomacy, but I pivoted completely. Luckily, I was young enough to make that choice, to go from studying political science to becoming self-employed,” Nicole recalls.
She admits that the transition was not an easy one. “It took a lot of mentorship. I was fortunate that my cousins and brothers, who were entrepreneurs themselves, rallied around me. They helped me understand the value I could contribute to Rwanda’s business sector.”
Her shift into entrepreneurship came with many challenges, particularly in the hospitality sector, which was still emerging in Rwanda at the time. But she had a strong belief in the power of mentorship and passion-driven work.
“What I believe in most is mentorship. I’m the product of mentorship, and I want to offer the same opportunity to others, especially young women who want to enter hospitality but don’t know where to begin,” she explains.
Despite her educational background being far apart from the business world, Nicole made a conscious decision to focus on her passion for food and hospitality. She knew that in order to succeed, she had to build a strong foundation around the industry.
Her focus became clear; to create businesses that not only thrive but also contribute positively to the community. However, the lack of infrastructure in Rwanda’s hospitality sector in the early days presented a significant challenge.
“In the beginning, we worked with an unreasonable amount of suppliers because there was no centralized supply chain and barely any suppliers specifically geared towards the hospitality/wholesale industry. You’d have to run all over town to find what you needed for your business, and purchase retail instead of wholesale which affected our cashflow” Nicole recounts.
This logistical nightmare was compounded by the lack of trained human resources in Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors, with students who had the theory but not the hands-on experience.
Despite these challenges, Nicole was determined to make her business work. One of her major breakthroughs came with the creation of Inka Steakhouse, a restaurant that would go on to become a symbol of Rwanda’s growing hospitality scene.
“When I decided to open a restaurant, I wanted something authentic. I didn’t want an Italian or French restaurant, because I am neither of the two. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy locally sourced meat and produce in a setting that celebrated Rwanda,” she reveals.
Inka Steakhouse became a passion project for Nicole, a way to elevate Rwandan beef and support local farmers. The name “Inka,” which means “cow” in Kinyarwanda, was chosen as a tribute to Rwanda’s agricultural heritage. For her, Inka is a love letter to Rwanda. It represents dignity and nobility.
Inka Steakhouse is not just about food, it’s about community. The restaurant has become a platform to showcase the country’s agricultural potential and raise awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers.
As a result, Nicole’s restaurant became part of a larger movement that changed the face of cattle farming in Rwanda, helping farmers improve their practices and increase the quality of their products.
Her commitment to empowering others is not limited to her business ventures. Her philanthropic work, through the Ansoni Foundation, has been a major part of her journey.
“When we started the foundation seven years ago, I wanted to support schools by providing them with books. But when I visited schools, I realized that the real issue wasn’t the books, it was that the children weren’t coming to school because they didn’t have enough to eat, their families couldn’t afford the school lunch and meals” Nicole explains.
One of the foundation’s accomplishments this year already was donating over 200,000 meals to a school in Huye, district, Southern Province. With a conviction of education as a key pillar for development, Nicole was very passionate about helping kids access it.
“I’ve been given so much in my life, and I believe that those who are fortunate have a responsibility to give back,” she states. This belief is reflected in both her business practices and her philanthropic efforts.
Looking ahead, Nicole is focused on continuing her entrepreneurial journey, expanding her businesses, and supporting the next generation of leaders. She is especially committed to helping Rwanda’s youth harness the opportunities available to them.
“We need an educated and focused youth. We need more discipline and rigor. Entrepreneurship is not glamorous, it requires hard work, self-discipline, and perseverance,” she advises.
An award winning entrepreneur, Nicole has numerous accolades to her name including restaurant of the year (five times), young entrepreneur of the Year (three times, best steakhouse in East Africa and was recently nominated for the Forty under 40 global awards slated for April 12, 2025 in Dubai.
Her message to young Rwandans is simple but powerful: “There are endless opportunities here. Keep dreaming, keep learning, and take the time to prepare yourself for success.”
Nicole Ansoni’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, passion, and the willingness to embrace change. She continues to inspire a generation of Rwandans to believe in their dreams, pursue their passions, and use their success to uplift others.
Led by Ruben Atoyan, the IMF team held discussions with Rwandan authorities from March 24 to April 4, 2025, and reached a staff-level agreement, affirming the country’s strong economic fundamentals and commitment to structural reforms despite a challenging global economic environment.
Rwanda recorded an impressive GDP growth rate of 8.9% in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The growth was fueled by strong performances in agriculture, construction, trade, tourism, transport, and telecommunications sectors. Labour market indicators also improved, with increased participation and a reduction in the unemployment rate.
Inflation remained stable at 4.8% by the end of 2024—within the National Bank of Rwanda’s target range—thanks to improved food production and effective monetary policy.
The fiscal deficit was lower than anticipated, as the government collected more tax revenues than projected and implemented well-targeted capital spending and VAT refunds.
Rwanda’s financial sector was described as sound, with robust credit growth and a decline in non-performing loans. The country also saw external pressures ease, with Q4 exports improving and sustained inflows from development partners helping to stabilise the Rwandan franc, which depreciated by 9.4%—a marked improvement from 18% in 2023.
International reserves rose to the equivalent of 5.4 months of import cover, reinforcing Rwanda’s ability to withstand future external shocks.
“All quantitative targets under the PCI were met,” Atoyan noted, adding that key structural reforms—particularly in domestic revenue mobilisation, state-owned enterprise oversight, corporate governance, and transparency in financial statistics—were successfully implemented.
The IMF also highlighted the February 2025 completion of Rwanda’s Standby Credit Facility (SCF), which was instrumental in addressing external imbalances and shoring up foreign reserves.
Looking ahead, the IMF welcomed Rwanda’s newly [approved tax package->https://en.igihe.com/business/article/inside-rwanda-s-new-tax-policy-changes?var_mode=calcul], which is expected to further boost domestic revenue and increase the tax-to-GDP ratio.
Some of the new taxes approved by the Cabinet in February include a 15% excise duty on cosmetic and beauty products, a 15% adjustment in the fuel levy per litre, and an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile phones. There is also an increase in taxes on gambling activities, with the tax on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) rising from 13% to 40%, and the withholding tax on winnings increasing from 15% to 25%. A tourism levy was also introduced, among other fiscal measures.
Major strategic projects—including the second phase of Bugesera International Airport and the expansion of RwandAir, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority—are set to reinforce long-term growth and enhance regional connectivity.
The IMF Executive Board is expected to consider the fifth review of Rwanda’s PCI in May 2025.
The PCI was introduced in December 2022 to support Rwanda’s reform agenda without requiring financial resources from the IMF.
The hub was launched on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa on April 3, 2025, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and Minister of State Dr. Yvan Butera. They were joined by fellow African Health Ministers and esteemed partners.
According to the officials, the facility leverages real-time data from communities and health facilities to track trends, enhancing evidence-based disease surveillance. It will enable timely decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and policy adjustments to drive impactful change in healthcare.
Located in Kiyovu within the Rwanda Utilities Regulation Authority (RURA) building, the center employs a diverse team, including medical doctors, data scientists, software developers, and programmers.
The initiative focuses on tracking the efficiency of public health equipment such as ambulances and hospital refrigeration systems while also collecting and analyzing medical procedure outcomes to inform policies.
A key feature of the facility is its data warehouse, which stores patient care records, routine reports from healthcare facilities, and feedback from community health workers and the public.
This data is used to assess service delivery, monitor hospital performance, and improve health system efficiency.
Advanced technological solutions, including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), play a crucial role in predicting health trends and improving service delivery. For instance, AI-driven models can analyze maternal health data to anticipate pregnancy complications and issue early warnings to healthcare providers.
The hub also integrates telemedicine services, allowing remote consultations and enhancing access to healthcare. Additionally, real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to track hospital equipment functionality.
Refrigeration units in health facilities are now fitted with sensors that relay temperature data to the intelligence facility, ensuring vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies are stored safely.
“We can see the fridges and the exact temperature at which they are in real time. We can put the sensors on all of the equipment,” Muzungu Hirwa, a data scientist and medical doctor, remarked.
Similarly, ambulances are equipped with tracking systems that provide real-time data on their locations and operational efficiency.
Muhammad Semakula, head of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Health Financing Department at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of leveraging big data to optimize resource allocation and improve healthcare outcomes.
He highlighted that data from Rwanda’s 58,000 community health workers would be integral to the facility’s operations, feeding into a centralized digital system for streamlined service delivery.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana praised the initiative, stating that it will facilitate data-driven decision-making, reducing delays in policy implementation.
The move aligns with Rwanda’s broader digital health strategy, which includes the upcoming launch of e-Ubuzima, a platform designed to provide patients with online access to their medical records and appointment scheduling.
The high-level meeting took place on April 3, 2025, following the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa held in Kigali.
According to the Office of the President, “President Kagame received ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin for discussions centered on strengthening collaboration in finding technology-driven solutions for sustainable development.”
During the meeting, Kagame also welcomed Amandeep Singh Gill, the United Nations Secretary-General’s envoy on technology, who was in Rwanda for the AI conference.
While officiating at opening session of the conference, Kagame emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence in decision-making and innovation.
“AI is driving innovation, accelerating technological advancements, and proving its benefits across various sectors. It enhances productivity, supports evidence-based decision-making, and reduces human errors,” he stated.
Rwanda has already integrated AI into key sectors such as healthcare and education, significantly improving service delivery and efficiency. Kagame stressed that technology should be harnessed for positive change.
“Technology should be used for good, and we have a responsibility to ensure that happens. I believe we can work together to achieve that. Regarding politics and diplomacy, AI can be a tool for productivity, but relying too much on it in governance could lead to serious consequences,” he cautioned.
By 2029, Rwanda aims to significantly increase the number of students pursuing technology-related studies, equip them with the necessary skills and tools, and train at least 500,000 people in digital technologies.
Additionally, the government plans to fully digitize all its public services, ensuring seamless access for citizens and businesses.
Rubavu Port was inaugurated on December 6, 2024, with a total construction cost of $9.17 million. It is the largest port in Rwanda and will be connected to other ports, including the nearly completed Rusizi Port and future ports planned for Karongi and Nkora in Rutsiro District.
The port was built on a two-hectare area and has the capacity to accommodate two large boats, each measuring 60 meters in length and capable of carrying 500 tons of cargo. It also features 12 docking pillars for large cargo boats and a dedicated docking area for passenger boats.
The port facilitates the transportation of various goods, including cement produced in Rwanda, food products from Kenya and Tanzania destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and other commodities.
Nzabonimpa Deogratias, the Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of economic development, told IGIHE that Lake Kivu was like an untapped goldmine for the region.
“Rubavu Port, built on Lake Kivu, has enabled our residents to trade more efficiently with neighboring districts and the DRC. Currently, it handles 1,400 tons of goods daily, meaning it is operating at 70% of its full capacity,” he stated.
He added that many traders are utilizing the port, and they expect to reach the full capacity of 2,000 tons per day soon.
Nzabonimpa sees the port as a major business opportunity for Rwanda and urged the private sector to maximize its potential. Currently, the port facilitates the movement of 40 trucks daily, each carrying 35 tons of goods, and employs 200 permanent workers engaged in loading and unloading activities through five cooperatives.
“This efficiency ensures that traders can quickly offload their goods and return for more shipments without delays, which is why they should take full advantage of this infrastructure,” Nzabonimpa said.
He also encouraged investors to purchase modern boats for tourism purposes, allowing visitors to explore Rwanda’s scenic beauty.
Discussing the port’s economic impact on Rubavu District, Nzabonimpa highlighted the significant increase in tax revenue and the growth of private sector investments in Nyamyumba Sector, where the port is located.
He revealed plans to develop additional infrastructure, including a cross-border market near the port.
Dieudonné Mabete Niyonsaba, Chairman of the Private Sector Federation in Rubavu District, stated that the port has eased business operations by reducing transportation costs.
“Water transport is cheaper and can carry more goods, which has significantly lowered expenses for traders who previously relied on land transport. Rubavu District has become more accessible, as the port connects us to other areas along Lake Kivu and facilitates trade with the DRC,” he said.
He emphasized that stakeholders are committed to fully utilizing the port’s capacity and maximizing its economic benefits. He also encouraged users to improve their operations and cooperation to ensure mutual profitability.
Rubavu Port, located in Nyamyumba Sector on Lake Kivu, has a total capacity of handling 700,000 tons of goods and 2.7 million passengers annually.
The port comprises key facilities, including a cargo terminal, a tourism section, immigration offices, a police station, a vehicle repair area, and restaurants.
It also hosts services from the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), immigration and security authorities, and institutions typically found at land border crossings, such as MAGERWA and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).
Additionally, the port features designated areas for tourists visiting Rwanda’s Western Province attractions, as well as storage facilities where traders can temporarily keep their goods after unloading.
The prestigious event brought together distinguished guests, education leaders, students, and partners, celebrating a new chapter in Kepler College’s commitment to accessible and transformative education across Africa.
Chancellor Geingos, who officially began her term on July 29, 2024, brings a wealth of experience in governance, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. In her inaugural speech, she underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping Africa’s future.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can wield to reshape our future. The world as we know, is changing at a fast pace, and the future isn’t coming, it’s here. It demands a new kind of African leader,” she stated.
“Today, as Kepler’s inaugural chancellor, I stand in front of you as a strong believer in the unstoppable force of African youth and the urgency of equipping them with the tools to reshape our future, because we have no more time,” she underscored.
Geingos reflected on Rwanda’s journey of resilience, emphasizing the power of narrative in shaping a nation’s destiny.
“A people who own their narrative control their destiny. When His Excellency President Kagame says, ‘We must do what is right for our country and not what pleases outsiders,’ he isn’t just speaking policy, he’s declaring intellectual sovereignty. That same sovereignty must define African education,” she emphasized.
She praised Kepler’s impact, highlighting its remarkable record of 95% of graduates securing meaningful employment within six months. Leadership, she emphasized, is not about titles but about action.
The new Chancellor called for a transformative education model that reaches across divides, empowering students from all backgrounds, including refugee communities.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Charles Murigande, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Kepler College, who expressed deep gratitude for Geingos accepting the role. “Your wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to education make you an ideal and invaluable leader for our institution,” he said.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the Government of Rwanda, particularly the Ministry of Education. “We are dedicated to supporting the college in its mission to provide innovative, job-driven higher education that equips young people with the skills they need to thrive.”
Dr. Murigande reaffirmed Kepler’s commitment to making quality education accessible, affordable, and scalable.
On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, State Minister of Education Claudette Irere also extended congratulations.
“Education is the foundation of Rwanda’s progress and a key driver of our national development. Institutions like Kepler College are instrumental in realizing this vision by delivering competency-based learning and fostering a strong culture of job readiness,” she said.
Irere lauded Geingos’ appointment as a turning point for Kepler College. “Her extensive experience, passion for education, and advocacy for youth empowerment will no doubt propel this institution to new heights.
We’re confident that under her leadership, Kepler College will continue to nurture graduates who not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute meaningfully to Rwanda and Africa’s socio-economic transformation.”
Addressing Kepler students directly, Irere encouraged them to see their education as a journey of growth and leadership. “Rwanda is counting on you to use your education to become the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. Your contributions will help shape a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future for our nation.”
The inauguration of H.E. Monica Geingos as the founding Chancellor of Kepler College marks a significant step forward in the institution’s mission to equip African youth with the education and skills necessary for a brighter future.
This appeal was made following a meeting held in Rwanda at Saint Joseph in Ngoma District. They conference addressed social welfare, strategies for restoring peace in the Great Lakes Region, and efforts to strengthen the Catholic faith.
The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations. They underscored that prolonged border closures have had adverse effects on citizens and trade between the two countries.
Burundi closed its borders, citing demands for the extradition of individuals allegedly involved in the 2015 coup attempt. Rwanda, however, maintains that international law prohibits the repatriation of refugees who have sought asylum.
The bishops expressed their support for ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, emphasizing that ‘border closures have significant economic and social repercussions.’ They urged leaders to act prudently to restore normalcy and strengthen unity between the two nations.
The discussions also addressed security concerns in eastern DR Congo, with the bishops advocating for sustained dialogue among conflicting parties to resolve tensions. They also condemned the use of hate speech by the DRC government, which they believe has exacerbated violence and unrest.
Regarding education, the bishops highlighted the need to improve educational standards in both countries. They also raised concerns about the increasing violence against young people and stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.