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Mugabowagahunde, previously served as the Executive Director of Research and Policy Development at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. He takes over from Dancilla Nyirarugero, who held the position since March 2021. Meanwhile, Nyirarugero has joined the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission as a commissioner.

Additionally, President Kagame appointed Dr. Patrice Mugenzi as the Director General of Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), succeeding Jean-Bosco Harelimana, who was removed due to managerial failure in January.

The new appointment of the governor comes after the recent dismissal of several officials in Northern Province, including the provincial executive secretary and three district mayors.

The dismissals resulted from a multi-sectoral investigation that found these officials failed to uphold national unity and followed the resignation of the district Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development over a gathering of the Abakono clan that was deemed sectarian.

The event, which saw the installation of Abakono clan chief, attracted over 600 people from all parts of the country and included, among others, government officials, local leaders and leaders in private and security sectors of different capacities.

The event was criticized as sectarian, and the newly-installed chief of Abakono clan, Justin Kazoza, subsequently apologized and renounced his title.

The agreement was signed in the Jordanian capital Amman during the second round of strategic dialogue between the two countries, according to the report.

The agreement was signed by Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta.

Additionally, they signed two memoranda of understanding on the training of diplomats as well as population and urban development.

Dr. Biruta said the new agreements, together with the one signed in February on visa exemptions for diplomats, would facilitate communication and boost tourism, trade and investment between the two countries.

He also announced Rwanda’s decision to establish a diplomatic mission in Amman, underlining the country’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Jordan in various fields.

The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest and strengthening anti-terrorism cooperation in line with the Aqaba Process initiative, which was launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Safadi underlined the importance of an upcoming meeting in Rwanda under the Aqaba Process initiative to discuss anti-terrorism issues in Africa.

Also on Wednesday, King Abdullah II met Biruta and they discussed means of expanding cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade, tourism, investment, agriculture, and defense, according to a statement by Jordan’s royal court.

Opinion & Public, is a leading multilingual Francophone and West African public relations firm. The CIGC is set to become an annual platform for public sector communication professionals to exchange ideas, delve into the latest trends, and redefine their approaches.

The theme for the debut event is “Fostering Trust between Youth and Government,” with the conference attracting prominent government communication experts from around the globe.

In an interview with IGIHE, Kwame Senou, the Founder and Senior Adviser of Opinion & Public BCW, shed light on the conference’s highlights.

He explained that attendees should anticipate insightful presentations, hands-on workshops, and engaging discussions covering a range of topics such as crisis communication, youth engagement, countering misinformation, and leveraging new media.

The conference also pledges a distinctive networking opportunity, enabling participants to connect with like-minded individuals and explore innovative and effective communication strategies with industry leaders. Notable speakers include Alex Aiken, Executive Director of the United Kingdom Government Communications Services, and Annie Mutamba, co-founder of Africa Communications Week, alongside other seasoned communication professionals.

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In a world increasingly embracing the digital revolution, African governments are working harder than ever to maintain their status as trustworthy sources of information. Over the past decade, changes in public sector operations and the surge in digital platform usage by citizens have elevated communication demands.

According to Kwame, the CIGC provides an excellent platform for participants to engage with industry luminaries, explore how public sector communication can bolster trust among young people and their governments, and acquire pertinent skills to achieve this goal.

“We’re thrilled to host this annual event and eagerly welcome government agencies, public institutions, international organizations, media, and educational institutions to join the conference,” he enthused.

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As Kwame indicated, approximately 150 communication officials, top diplomats, business directors, and academic scholars in public governance are expected to attend. Attendees will have the chance to interact with over 50+ government officials, top diplomats, business directors, and academic scholars in public governance. They can engage with experienced speakers on current issues to strengthen existing business objectives.

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Kwame also elucidated that the conference’s primary objectives revolve around several key pillars. The event aims to foster capacity-building and developmental opportunities through immersive workshops and engaging dialogues.

“Moreover, we’re dedicated to nurturing a collaborative ecosystem that not only generates business prospects but also encourages innovation among esteemed industry experts,” he emphasized.

The conference is set to receive substantial media exposure through reputable media outlets and journalists in attendance, resulting in the dissemination of numerous stories across traditional, online, and social platforms.

Kwame underscored that the decision to organize this conference stems from a profound commitment to establish a robust information infrastructure supporting world-class communication practices within Africa’s public sector.

“Considering these goals, the overarching message we intend to convey to governments is two-fold. Firstly, while there’s an imperative to enhance communication strategies across key stakeholders, it’s equally crucial to recognize and prioritize communication with one of the most pivotal demographics – the youth. This strategic emphasis on engaging the youth underscores the fundamental essence of our theme and echoes the pivotal role they play as stakeholders,” he articulated.

Kwame asserted that, essentially, the conference serves as a potent platform to emphasize the significance of effective and inclusive communication, particularly with the youth. He believes that through this effort, the firm aims to strengthen the bonds of trust between governments and the younger generation, fostering a more connected, informed, and harmonious society.

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Opinion & Public BCW stands as a premier multilingual Francophone and West African public relations firm.

It represents WPP’s BCW brand in Ivory Coast. The firm’s mission revolves around facilitating impactful conversations that shape and influence public opinion, empowering organizations to attain their objectives in the African context.

With its comprehensive array of services, the firm offers tailored communication strategies to ensure client messages resonate with their intended audiences.

From thorough research and analysis to media relations management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and content creation, Opinion & Public BCW provides a holistic approach to guide brands through the intricacies of organizational communications and reputation management.

Besides, the firm boasts a team of experts equipped with the insights and tools necessary to make informed business decisions, driven by the goal of effecting meaningful change in people’s lives.

Opinion & Public BCW is predominantly owned by THOP The Holding Opinion and Public, a UK-registered communications group.

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Kwame revealed that Opinion & Public BCW emerged with dual objectives in mind. Firstly, its founders aimed to bridge the gap between Francophone and Anglophone Africa, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. Additionally, the firm aimed to serve as a valuable resource for multinational companies seeking to operate or introduce their offerings to the Francophone African market.

“In addition, a significant focus of our mission has been to empower governments with the knowledge and tools required for effective communication strategies. We recognize the vital role that proficient communication plays in connecting governments with their diverse audiences, ensuring that their messages resonate and foster understanding,” he stated.

Kwame also shed light on the firm’s aspiration, where it seeks to drive exponential growth for the agency on the continent while concurrently expanding its range of services. “We are committed to consistently securing awards and pioneering innovative initiatives to further enhance our achievements,” he concluded.

In addition to the aforementioned mayors, the statement reveals that a number of other local government leaders in the Northern Province have also been removed from their positions after investigations exposed their shortcomings in fulfilling their obligations. Notable among those dismissed is Geoffrey Mushaija, the former provincial executive secretary, who has been replaced by Emmanuel Nzabonimpa in an acting capacity.

The three districts affected by these changes have appointed interim mayors: Hamis Bizimana will temporarily lead Musanze, Aimé-François Niyonsenga will serve as the acting mayor of Gakenke, and Jean Baptiste Nshimiyimana has been assigned a similar role in Burera.

Further personnel changes include the removal of Axelle Kamanzi, the vice mayor of Musanze in charge of social welfare, and Innocent Twagirimana, the executive secretary of Kinigi sector.

Various senior staff members within the three districts have also been let go.

These dismissals follow the recent resignation of Andrew Mpuhwe Rucyahana, who stepped down from his position as the vice mayor for economic development in Musanze District for similar reasons.

According to the statement issued by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, an investigation found that the officials in question had not adequately upheld their responsibilities to promote and safeguard national unity, a fundamental principle enshrined in the constitution. These actions were triggered in part by a recent gathering held in Kinigi Sector of Musanze District, which brought together individuals from across the country, ostensibly to partake in the installation of the chief of the Abakono clan.

This gathering was met with condemnation from various quarters, including the ruling party RPF-Inkotanyi, for being sectarian in nature. The Prime Minister’s decision to dismiss these officials was carried out in accordance with instructions from the President, who serves as the guardian of the Constitution. This Constitution obliges all government officials, whether elected or not, to uphold the core tenets of the Constitution.

The installation of the Abakono clan chief on July 9 attracted a significant number of attendees from all corners of the country, including government officials, local leaders, and individuals from private and security sectors. However, many individuals criticized the event for setting a concerning precedent in a nation that has a painful history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, an event largely fueled by sectarianism.

Subsequent to the gathering, several participants, including Esperance Nyirasafari, the Vice President of the Senate, issued public apologies and expressed their commitment to avoiding such discriminatory acts in the future. Justin Kazoza, a businessman who was installed as the chief of the Abakono clan, later apologized for his involvement and renounced his newly-acquired title.

Speaking to participants of the ceremony held on 8th August 2023, Kagame’s first lesson was to “have a vision.” He advised the graduates to identify problems, dedicate their attention to solving them, and make those issues their purpose. He stressed that setbacks are inevitable but having a clear vision is the driving force that separates giving up from perseverance.

In his second lesson, Kagame cautioned the graduates about the doubters and naysayers they might encounter on their paths. He urged them to stay true to their convictions and to do what they believe is right, even if it means taking the less-traveled path. Kagame highlighted that true success often requires going against the norm and being prepared for criticism.

Lastly, Kagame emphasized the importance of collaboration and building meaningful relationships.

He stated that Africa’s challenges stem from a lack of productive collaboration and underutilization of collective wealth, not a scarcity of talent or resources. Kagame encouraged the graduates to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate them to excel. He reminded them not to forget the relationships they have formed during their time at RICA.

Founded by Dr. Howard G. Buffet with the goal of preparing innovators and entrepreneurs in agriculture, RICA celebrated its first graduation ceremony, conferring Bachelor of Science degrees in Conservation Agriculture to 75 graduates.

Speaking to the graduates, Buffet urged them to continue working diligently to make RICA the most successful institution in Rwanda. He also shared essential elements for success, including judgment, anticipation, resilience in the face of failure, and the impact of interpersonal relationships.

Chichi Brave Ntaganira, representing fellow graduates, expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment of RICA to their success. He acknowledged the challenges they faced as the first batch of students, but credited the school’s support for their achievements. Ntaganira highlighted that 60% of the graduates are already self-employed, running agricultural startups in areas such as service provision and input manufacturing in the seed industry.

Founded in 2019 through a partnership between American philanthropist Howard G. Buffet and the Rwandan government, RICA presents a comprehensive three-year program. This program leads to the attainment of a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture. Within this program, students have the option to specialize in either Animal Production or Crop Production, Mechanisation, and Food Processing.

RICA also places emphasis on nurturing leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication skills alongside the academic curriculum.

He made the remarks at a state dinner in honor of visiting President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar on Monday 7th, August 2023.

As he hosted his counterpart to a dinner at Kigali Convention Centre, Kagame reminisced on the negative impacts the pandemic (COVID-19), climate change, and geopolitical tensions have brought onto the continent.

He, however, noted that having challenges is not the issue; instead, leaving those challenges unaddressed is.

“In Africa, it is sad that there are people who think we are cursed to have the challenges we have, yet they don’t appreciate what they have. That can be transformed to address those challenges,” he stated.

“It is true that Africa is blessed with natural resources, but this fact on its own cannot change the status quo. We must sit down together and carve out better strategies to benefit from our collective wealth. That is the purpose of visiting each other,” he added.

Kagame also expressed his dissatisfaction with foreign countries that have made it a point to violate everything in Africa and later come out to teach lessons about values and human rights.

“In Rwanda, we have tried to do our best to address our challenges the best way we can, and we will not stop doing so, no matter what anyone thinks about us. Those values we can talk and debate, but there are no values better than ours,” he stated.

To Madagascar, the president promised that they have a reliable friend in Rwanda and the people of Rwanda.

According to Kagame, Rwanda and Madagascar have a long-term objective to bring prosperity to their people and the African continent. The two countries also have international membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which makes their relationship stronger.

In 2019, President Paul Kagame visited Madagascar and invited Rajoelina to visit Rwanda.

The Head of State also hinted at memories of his visit to Madagascar in 2019 and underscored the need for closer cooperation.

“We still have good memories of the visit we made to your country in 2019 that will make a big difference for our two countries. We wish to learn a number of things from one another as we respectfully work together to see that we move this continent closer to that place where we all want to be,” he remarked.

Rajoelina arrived in Rwanda on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit.

Before hosting the dinner on Monday, Kagame received his counterpart for discussions on areas of mutual interest at Urugwiro Village.

During the visit, Rwanda and Madagascar signed a private sector cooperation agreement to boost economic development as part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum.

The agreement was signed by Jeanne-Françoise Mubiligi, the Acting Chairperson of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF), and Guy Foka, President of the International Commission of Groupement des Entreprises de Madagascar (GEM).

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.

In recent years, Kagame said, Rwanda and Madagascar have been hit by extreme weather events that affected livelihoods, damaged biodiversity, and infrastructure. Therefore, he underscored the significance of sharing expertise, learning from each other’s experiences, and mobilizing domestic resources.

“The evidence is clear that our continent is disproportionately impacted by climate change. We must do our part and mobilize domestic resources to mitigate the effects of climate change. That is how we build long-term resilience,” he stated.

During their discussions, both heads of state emphasized the private sector’s importance in driving any country’s development ambitions.

On Monday, Rwanda and Madagascar signed a private sector cooperation agreement to boost economic development as part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum.

The agreement was signed by Jeanne-Françoise Mubiligi, the acting Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), and Guy Foka, President of the International Commission of Groupement des Entreprises de Madagascar (GEM).

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.

President Kagame said that the visit, including the signing of a new agreement, will open more doors for partnership. He highlighted that Rwanda stands ready to explore opportunities in different sectors, including tourism, ICT, mining, and agriculture, for mutual benefits.

“For both our countries, trade and investment are important drivers of economic growth. A more connected Africa is undoubtedly a more prosperous Africa,” noted Kagame.

Kagame last visited Madagascar in 2019. He thanked his counterpart for visiting Rwanda, adding that the previous visit to Madagascar left good memories. The President also reiterated Rwanda’s willingness to continue working with Madagascar.

On his part, Rajoelina, who arrived in Rwanda on Sunday evening for a three-day state visit, said that he had a long discussion with Kagame where they exchanged ideas for the future and want to keep exchanging best practices on how to transform both countries.

He saluted Kagame’s leadership that saw Rwanda becoming a model of development in Africa with significant progress in economic development after overcoming dark history.

“Rwanda has become a model, and you have demonstrated that all things are possible. You have bounced back and have experienced rapid growth. And we are following suit, that is why I have come here with a solid Malagasy team, consisting of ministers, MPs, and private sector representatives,” he noted.

The agreement entered on Monday 7th August 2023, was part of the Rwanda-Madagascar Business Forum, which brought together 30 delegates from 20 companies in Madagascar to meet and exchange with their Rwandan counterparts. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar led the delegation on a three-day state visit, upon the invitation of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The focus of the private sector cooperation will be on market expansion, strategic partnerships, and business development. Mubiligi emphasized the importance of identifying priority sectors of investment to strengthen small and medium enterprises in both countries and regions.

Lantosoa Rakotomalala, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), highlighted the collaborative efforts not only between Madagascar and Rwanda but also between other African countries.

Tahina Ramaromandray, Administrative Director at Groupe Filatex, expressed interest in knowledge exchange within the energy sector and learning best practices in special economic zones.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also signed an implementation plan of a previous MoU from February 2019, aiming to facilitate investment flow between Rwanda and Madagascar through capacity building and professional skill enhancement.

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB, emphasized the forum’s role in identifying synergies and exploring opportunities in priority sectors such as ICT, mining, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Akamanzi showcased Rwanda’s investment-friendly frameworks and eased regulations, including no restriction on capital repatriation and simplified business registration, supporting the country’s economic growth in recent years.

AnJia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a subsidiary of West International Holding, the Africa arm of West China Cement (WCC), which is a Chinese investment group listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has built AnJia Cement Factory in the Muhanga industrial park.

“Over the years, West China Cement and West International Holding have become key players in Africa’s efforts to reach self-sufficiency in cement production. I commend you for your commitment to infrastructure development on our continent,” said Kagame at the event.

“I had the opportunity to tour the Anjia factory, and you have set the bar high in terms of quality. We appreciate that. This state-of-the-art factory will contribute to Rwanda’s transformation journey. We thank you, and I assure you that you have our country’s full support,” he said.

He stated that today, the growth prospects for Africa’s cement industry look very promising, whereby a rapidly growing and urbanizing population in Africa, especially, is creating increased demand for housing and infrastructure.

“For manufacturers, this means more opportunities to invest in new markets and create jobs in our communities. Challenges, of course, remain, but they can be overcome through more cooperation,” Kagame said.

According to him, to enhance the performance of the industry, it is essential to deliver higher quality products and shift to more sustainable manufacturing practices.

“I thank the People’s Republic of China, West China Cement, and West International Holding for this significant contribution to Rwanda’s development and Africa as a whole. Anjia is undoubtedly a good addition to Rwanda’s manufacturing landscape. I only see successes in this, our strong partnership,” Kagame said.

Speaking at the event, Zhang Jimin, chairman of West China Cement Limited, said that AnJia marks the company’s first investment and represents the initial cooperation between West China Cement and the Rwandan government at all levels.

“The successful groundbreaking ceremony of the cement factory not only signifies the beginning of the production and operation of the project but also serves as a historical milestone for West China Cement’s investment and development in Rwanda,” added Zhang. “We will continue to expand our investments in Rwanda, with a total investment of more than 100 million U.S. dollars, thereby expanding the entire supply chain. Our aim is to provide high-quality products at a competitive price to contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development.”

West China Cement Limited invested 50 million U.S. dollars to construct a high-performance cement grinding plant with an annual output of 1 million tonnes in the Muhanga industrial park, said Wang Xuekun, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, at the ceremony.

“The visionary project will not only promote the development of Rwanda’s cement sector but also cater to the long-term demand for high-quality cement in reservoir projects and infrastructure construction. It will create over 1,000 local job opportunities, significantly enhancing the construction standards of Muhanga industrial park and contributing to Rwanda’s economic growth,” Wang explained.

He pointed out that the factory will pave the way for Rwanda’s self-sufficiency in cement products, reducing reliance on foreign cement imports and expanding the cement market in the surrounding countries.

Speaking at the event, Clare Akamanzi, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said that China remains the top source of investments in Rwanda, beating other countries globally.

“Over the last five years alone, at RDB we have registered investments from China worth close to a billion U.S. dollars which will collectively generate up to 250,00 jobs for Rwandans. And that is a very good contribution,” she said, adding that the factory stands as a testament to the immense potential of Rwanda’s manufacturing and construction sectors and the viable investment destination that Rwanda offers.