Upon Kagame’s arrival in Abidjan, Ivory Coast at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny airport he was received by President Alassane Ouattara, reads Office of the President’s Tweet.
This year’s summit is being conducted under the theme ‘Investing in youth for a sustainable future’.
African and European Heads of State and Government gather for the summit including the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk; the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker; the President of the African Union, IdrissDéby and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, MoussaFaki.
2017 is a defining year for AU-EU relations as it has been ten years since the adoption of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy.
Taking stock of the progress made since the Brussels Summit in 2014, African and European Leaders will be given the opportunity to provide guidance in order to jointly address current and future challenges and to deepen their strategic partnership, launched in 2007 with the adoption of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy.
Swedish ambassador Jenny Ohlsson has been in Rwanda in 2007 to 2009 as Swedish political diplomat. She returned in Rwanda in 2016 as an Ambassador with residence in Kigali. Her predecessors had their residences in Nairobi, Kenya.
As both countries celebrate 20 years of cooperation and partnership, IGIHE talked to the Ambassador on diplomatic ties between both countries.
{{Excerpts below;}}
{{ IGIHE: It’s been a year since you presented your credentials as first Resident Swedish ambassador to Kigali; how do you see the country so far and how do you feel with living here? }}
{{J.O:}} First of all, I feel at home because it is the second time to live in Rwanda and I really enjoyed living here due to the atmosphere of hope and possibility. Also, when I came here for the second time, I could see the progress that had taken place and it’s a nice feeling to live somewhere where things are going in the right direction.
Personally, I am happy that my family is here; I got pregnant with my first son in Rwanda. It is very special to bring him back in Rwanda.
{{As you noted, Rwanda has and is still developing; what is your point of view on what caused such a change in the last twenty years?}}
The Leadership has played an important part in Rwanda’s progress but also I’d like to give credit to the Rwandans for the development that has taken place. Both contributed to where Rwanda has reached now.
{{Tell us more about the evolution of your diplomacy in Rwanda since 1997
}}
In 1997, it was absolutely new for us to come to Rwanda. There had been some relations between Pentecostal churches from both countries but there were no diplomatic ties. Everything had to start from scratch. We didn’t know what was Rwanda? What was their culture? We started with a lot humanitarian support in the first years, we also started with budget support from 1999, and then step by step wi started cooperation with police, decentralization structure, university, institution building….
First there was one person, she rented a room in Novotel, she hired a driver and it grew from there, one woman, one backpack one driver and then we had something called embassy office which is not a really embassy and now finally we have an embassy with an ambassador which is a great thing.
And I must tell you that we don’t have embassies in all countries in Africa for us this is a big thing I think I am the fifteenth ambassador we have in Africa.
{{What are your cooperation and partnership plans in this second mandate of President Kagame?}}
I am quite sure we will continue with our development cooperation with Rwanda, but I think and I hope that it will shift a little to other kinds of cooperation like political, trade-related businesses, peacekeeping and so forth. I think Rwanda is moving very fast; there are a lot of global issues where we can cooperate and bring a great contribution to all. In short, I hope that our relations will be broader in the next coming years.
{{Economically speaking, where do you see Rwanda in 2024?}}
I’m not an economist but I am sure that in 2024, Rwanda will have developed more; probably, as it’ll be the last year of President Kagame’s mandate, I think there shall be a feeling of transition. And as I know Rwanda, the country will be well-prepared for that transition, so I’m not worried at all for that time, I’d even say that I’m optimistic and positive that Rwanda will be on a greater level.
{{What are your cooperation projects and plans with Rwanda? }}
We will continue in developing cooperation with Rwanda, but I think and I hope that it will be shifting a little bit to cooperation, political, trade, business and peace keeping. I think Rwanda is moving very fast, there is lot of global issues where we could cooperate like climate change, I hope for the next seven years, we will continue with the development cooperation but our relationship will be broader.
{{Rwanda and Sweden will soon celebrate 20 years of cooperation and partnership; what do you plan for such a great event? }}
We will have the event on the 5th December, and for this year we wanted to focus on the role of a father and gender equality in society; Hence, this is to why we decided to hold an exhibition dubbed Swedish Dads and we also started out an interesting Instagram Photo challenge dubbed “RwanDads” that will be honoring our anniversary and the winner shall be awarded officially on the 5th December.
After the discussion between both heads of states, Netanyahu wrote on his twitter handle that they agreed to open Israel’s embassy in Rwanda.
” With Rwandan President Paul Kagame today. I informed him that Israel will open, for the 1st time, an embassy in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. This historic step comes as Israel is expanding its presence in Africa and deepening its cooperation with countries across the continent,” tweet reads.
The embassy is set to further deepen diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two nations.
The two nations have enjoyed warm bilateral ties over the years with their cooperation touching various developmental and diplomatic aspects. These include agriculture, technology and innovation, business among others.
Rwanda’s embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel was established in 2015. The Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is the one covering Rwanda so far.
As Kenyatta took oath of office for his second term in office, Kagame said Kenyans deserved Kenyatta’s victory.
“People of Kenya, I have come to congratulate you, congratulations! The people of Rwanda send you their greetings and congratulations for your well-deserved election victory. Congratulations!,” reads the office of the President’s tweet.
Kenyatta is going to serve his second and last term that will end in 2012.
Kagame is among ten heads of states that attended the ceremony including Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Ian Khama of Botswana, John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Hage Geingob of Namibia, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, Mohamed Farmajo wa Somalia, and Ethiopia Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn.
According to the Director General in charge of Trade at MINICOM Robert Opirah, women have been grouped in cooperatives and reduced informal trade which raised taxes that the country earns from their businesses.
Opirah was speaking Monday in a conference that brought together countries that share borders with Rwanda. The conference intended to assess challenges cross-border women traders face and measures to solve them.
“Cross-border business is being done by a big number of women, Rwanda earns over $170 million from them every year,” he explained.
He said that in a need to promote such businesses, the government of Rwanda has constructed three cross-border markets in Cyanika, Burera District; Kanyaru, Huye District and in Karongi District.
According to Opirah, they target to construct more markets on the borders of Rusumo, Kagitumba, Gatuna, Rusizi I&II and Nemba Border in Bugesera.
Speaking in the conference, the advisor to the minister in theDemocratic Republic of Congo’s Trade Ministry, Solange Umulisa said that unawareness in women engaged in the business is still a big challenge to their country.
“They are unaware of border posts services. Most of the time both countries sign agreements that seeks to promote their businesses but you find that they are unaware of them,” she said
She said that they will continue to explain more about Border Posts services so that they will continue to develop their businesses.
Though cross-border businesses among women on Rwanda’s side are commendable, the Executive Secretary of Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe, an umbrella of Rwandan civil society organizations aiming at advancement of women status, peace building and sustainable development, Emma MarieBugingo said that women in the business still face some challenges.
“They claim disproportions of hours these border posts operate. Take an example, Rwanda can operate 24 hours but other countries may not be on the dot,” Bugingo said.
Innovation and creativity knows no boundaries, and that has never been more evident than in this year’s Smart Service Awards winners.
The Best News Publishing Website award recognize publishing websites that have created ground-breaking digital products that engage readers while increasing online business.
IGIHE came at the top of all the other publishing websites with 37.7% of votes from the Public. IGIHE is considered by most, as perhaps one of the best digital display for news in Rwanda.
The awards were handed during a function held at Park Inn Hotel venue on 25th November. Among the different winners recognized were Bank of Kigali as the best Twitter Brand, SORAS as the Best Insurance Company, TV 1 as the Best TV Station, among others.
Smart Service Awards, which are now in their second year, focus on showcasing the hard work and commitment of the many businesses, departments and individuals across the country, who not only keep clients’ wishes at the top of their game, but also are innovation-driven and potentially, changes the environment all for the better.
The 2017 Awards covered about 30 sub-categories aligned to the tech/digital expertise areas: Social Media, hospitality, Customer care, Digital Technology, Media, Marketing and academics among others.
{{List of the 2017 edition of the prestigious “Smart Service Awards” winners.}}
{{Best Employment Web:}} Job In Rwanda
{{Best Online Shopping Website:}} Groce Wheels
{{Best Hub/Lab:}} Fab Lab
{{Best Radio Station: }} City Radio
{{Best Tech Company:}} BK Tech House
{{Best Mobile Application:}} U Plus
{{Best Technology Institution:}} UTB
{{Twitter Brand:}} Bank of Kigali
{{Facebook Brand:}} Itel
{{Best Bar and Restaurant:}} Just Chill
{{Best Airline:}} Ethiopian Airlines
{{Best Magazine/Journal Online}}: Hope Magazine
{{Best TV Station:}} TV 1
{{Media Personality}}: George Ndirangu
{{Best Financial Institution:}} BK Tech House
{{Best Insurance Company:}} SORAS
{{Best Internet Service Provider:}} Axiom
{{Best Fashion House: }} Kabash Fashion House
{{Best News Publishing Website:}} IGIHE
{{Best Travel Agency:}} Satguru Travels
{{Best Innovation}}: Yego Motos
{{Best Public Institution}}: Immigration
{{Best Telecommunication Company}}: Korean Telecom
{{Miss Social Media:}} Miss Uwase Honorine (Igisabo)
“President Kagame arrives in Kenya to attend President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta’s Inauguration ceremony,” reads Office of the President’s tweet.
Recently, the government of Kenya announced that 11 heads of states will attend the ceremony.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Kenya said that 13 presidents will delegate their vice-presidents, special envoy or ministers.
Other heads of states who will attend include, Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Ian Khama of Botswana, John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Hage Geingob of Namibia, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, Mohamed Farmajo wa Somalia, and Ethiopia Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn.
Senegal, China and Japan will delegate special envoys whereas South Africa, United Kingdom, Ukraine and India will delegate ministers.
President Kenyatta and his Vice-president William Ruto will be swearing in for their second term following the re-run elections win of 26th October 2017.
The eight day exercise started Monday in RDF’s Gabiro Combat Training Centre in Eastern Province.
Speaking at the event RDF’s army chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Jacques Musemakweli said that in the aftermath of the liberation struggle and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi there were arms proliferation around the country which was a threat to the national security.
He said the exercise is part of the implementation of the 2004 Nairobi Protocol on prevention, control and reduction of small and light weapons in the region, a protocol which was signed by 14 countries.
“Destroying these 130 tonnes of expired weapons publicly shows the will of Rwanda in implementing the protocol,” he said
He called on regional countries’ contribution in fighting against illegal use of weapons for the sake of the common security.
The Executive Secretary of Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), Theoneste Mutsindashyaka said the exercise underlines the Rwanda’s will in controlling weapons through destructing expired ones.
He said that only ¼ of weapons from across the World are under governments’ control. He said the prevalence of weapons scattered across the World are seen in different insecurity cases that appear from different parts of the globe.
He said that it is the 6th time the exercise took place as last year 55 tonnes were also destroyed.
Mutsindashyaka emphasized that Rwanda has advanced in weapons destruction and they target to introduce a school teaching the act at Gishari in Rwamagana District.
An estimated 52,807 tonnes of ammunition were demolished between 1994 and 2011.
The Programme targets six critical areas including the elimination of gender-based pay gaps; the increase of women’s role in decision-making; the enhancement of work-life balance; the enhancement of women’s/men’s access to non-traditional jobs; and the eradication of sexual harassment at work.
Commenting on the new Programme, the Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation Mr. Benjamin Gasamagera welcomed the initiative and reiterated PSF’s commitment to make it successful.
“Achieving gender quality at work is the fair and the right thing to do and is linked to Rwanda’s overall economic performance. The GES shall improve national productivity and economic growth; increase organizational performance; enhance the ability of companies to attract talent, retain employees and enhance organizational reputation,” said Gasamagera.
The Gender Monitoring Office, being a gender accountability organ, said the GES Programme in the private sector is a great step towards the government’s efforts to promote gender accountability for sustainable development.
“The GES Certification Programme comes at the right time when the Government of Rwanda has positioned the private sector as the engine of the national economy. As an accountability organ, we strongly believe that no sustainable development can be achieved when a group of Rwandan citizens are left behind or treated unequally in the workplace. Giving equal opportunities to both men and women to participate fully in the workforce is not only a great contribution to improving their lives as employees but also a strategy to increase the organizational productivity and an approach for sustained economic returns,” said the Chief Gender Monitor, Mrs Rose Rwabuhihi.
Statistics show that in Rwanda, women`s labour force participation is lower than that of men, 42% and 58% respectively and women are paid 27% less than men.
“When women work, economies grow. We need to create a work place that work for women and allow them to thrive and live up to their full potential,” says Mrs. Fatou Lo, UN Women Representative in Rwanda.
In October 2015, BRD took over the responsibility of disbursing and recovering student loans and bursaries.
Recently, BRD started talks with employees and employers, distributed lists of people who have benefitted from student loans and bursaries in host institutions so that they partner in recovering them amicably from the source.
Speaking to IGIHE, a Senior Manager in the BRD’s Education Finance Department, Fred Mugisha said that the move brought some good impact, despite some employers’ failure to provide needed information about their employees who benefitted from the loan.
“Some employers understand their role in the process as they should provide information we need from their employees. When they deduct some amount from their salary they should deposit to our bank account and provide us with bank slips” he explained.
He said that accessing all needed information about beneficiaries was a very complicated exercise, but added that they are putting in place an electronic system that will provide with them all information of distributed loans, detail the amount someone should pay so that employers will know all information about their employees who benefited from the loan.
“Employers will electronically send monthly lists and bank slips of people who have paid. For someone who will have completed to pay will be given a certificate of completion ” he said.
