The 2017 tourism revenues constituted almost 50% of the country’s services exports.
The report of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) released on Tuesday indicates that national parks received 94,000 visitors in 2017, putting $18.7 million in the national coffers.
Volcanoes National Park accounted for 38% of all parks’ visits and fetched over 90% of the revenues. Akagera and Nyungwe national parks received 44,000 and 14,000 visitors, cashing in $1 million and $500,000 respectively.
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), ranked Rwanda in 2016 as Africa’s 3rd leading MICE tourism destination.
MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.
RDB annual report also showed that Rwanda recorded growth in investments registered in 2017. Export values and volumes also increased.
Registered 137 investment commitments amounted to $1.67 billion and are expected to generate 37,548 jobs. Most attracted were transformative investments in logistics, tourism, agro-processing, health and mining.
Overall exports fetched about $2 billion and grew by 36% compared to 2016 while merchandise exports grew by 58%. At least 100 export market destinations were served through 81 different products in 2017. Tourism exports grew by 12% from 2016-2017.
The report shows that the country’s population size was 11.3 million with $729 GDP per capita.
The 27-year old party puts forward the citizen-based development.
PL has been in Rwanda’s politics in different capacities including having seats in parliament and holding other senior positions in the government.
PL President Donatille Mukabalisa was the Speaker of the Lower House dissolved early this month.
Mukabalisa has told IGIHE in an exclusive interview that PL has confidence and abilities to do well in parliament.
It has selected 80 politically skilled candidates. Most of them are degree holders, two with PhD and eight with master’s degree in different disciplines.
Mukabalisa says PL MPs will strive to have in place good policies that consider citizens’ views.
She said PL will encourage MPs outreach to consult the public during law-making process. Getting closer to citizens and responding to their concerns is enshrined in PL’s principles.
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Categorisation of citizens basing on their financial means, locally known as Ubudehe, is one of the policies that has often ignited public outcry. Some claim to be denied services and opportunities due to their categories which do not match with their means.
Mukabalisa says PL intends to harmonise the categorisation to make everyone be in their right category and ensure that all the needy receive support to help them graduate from one category to the better.
“This has been an issue of debate for long. We shall have this corrected…if we want to build a knowledge-based economy, we need to support the education of the vulnerable students,” she remarks.
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PL is concerned that skills and research are highly needed in farming activities. This will lead to increased production.
Mukabalisa observes that research is paramount to optimise the country’s small land by identifying crops that are suitable for every area.
PL will strive to develop agro-processing and exportation of farm production in order to reduce trade deficit.
Mukabalisa says the party will ensure the government puts in place a bank for farmers to increase access to finances. PL will also advocate for an insurance scheme for farming activities.
It will also seek to empower Rwandans with industrial competences in order to develop this sector in the country. PL will ensure every district makes profit of the opportunities within its boundaries. This will be done by making sure the district has the funding to implement its projects.
Mukabalisa says PL will strive to set right what went wrong in the past. The party will ensure the 80-seat Lower House fulfils its duties of legislation and overseeing the government’s activities.
PL won six parliamentary seats in 2003, four in 2008 and five in 2013.
Basing on citizens attendance to PL campaigns, good manifesto and skilled candidates, Mukabalisa has confidence that the party will secure more seats this time than ever before.
Parliamentary general elections are slated for September 2-3 to decide on 53 seats. The 53 are sought by an RPF-lead coalition of seven parties, four other parties apart including PL and four independent candidates.
Other 27 seats for women, youth and people with disabilities will be decided on September 4.
Thousands of people, including several dignitaries and foreign leaders gathered on Sunday at Harare’s national stadium for the swearing-in of Mnangagwa.
President Kagame arrived in Harare for the event, this morning.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, of the ruling ZANU-PF party, won the July 30 election with 50.8% of the vote — just enough to meet the 50% threshold needed to avoid a run-off against main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, who scored 44.3%.
Mnangagwa pledged to “protect and promote the rights of Zimbabweans” in his oath.
The event was attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa‚Tanzania’s President John Magufuli, RDC’s President Joseph Kabila, Zambia’s President and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta among many others.
Rwanda leads England which is at the 19th place, the United States of America 22nd, France 29th, Germany 38th, Japan 16th and China 60th.
Speaking to IGIHE, Rwanda Police Spokesperson, Theos Badege said that citizens’ trust came from the Force’s persistence in respecting law, maintaining security, among others.
According to the latest Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Citizen Report Card, an annual publication which is produced to ascertain the levels of community satisfaction with regard to services, the net trust for the National Police, DASSO and Reserve forces was 98.1%.
Rwanda National Police continuously seeks to consolidate security gains, going beyond to put up modern methods of policing to make citizens understand their role in crime prevention, anti-corruption mechanisms; encouraging e-policing and infrastructure development, among others.
As shown in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International, Rwanda National Police leads the way among bodies fighting corruption in the country. Previous reports indicate that corruption perception in RNP went down from 15.5 percent in 2016 to 8 percent in 2017.
Since 2005, RNP officers also trained in peacekeeping to extend support to countries in need. About 1200 officers have been sent to Sudan, South-Sudan, Haiti, and others, for peacekeeping.
Finland, Switzerland, Singapore, Norway, and UAE in that order top the list of the most secure countries worldwide, according to WEF Report.
In the region, South-Africa and Nigeria are ranked as least secure countries as shown by its 118th and 123rd positions, respectively.
The pledge was announced by Minister of Defense, Gen. James Kabarebe in Kimironko as he participated in the monthly community work, Umuganda.
Gen. Kabarebe told the participants that President Kagame sent him to thank the residents for their commitment in building the nation as reflected in their massive participation in the monthly Umuganda.
“As you may see, the school was not in a good-shape. President Kagame made the Rwf5 million contribution in his capacity as a citizen. The money will facilitate Rwanda Defense Forces and citizens in constructing the school,” Kabarebe said.
Gen Kabarebe added that the Head of State had explicitly requested that the construction process does not take more than six months.
“And when the General issues a command, we carry out the orders. In six months from now, you will find the school standing with its new 18 classrooms,” Kabarebe assured Kimironko residents.
He added that with the partnership between Defense Forces, the district and residents, completing the project will be easily done.
Speaking to the press, Gasabo District Mayor, Stephen Rwamurangwa noted that with additional classrooms, there will be ample room for learners and an improvement in the study environment.
“The new 18 rooms will get the school in tandem with the Ministry of Education’s requirement of 45 students per classroom, reducing overcrowding and facilitate delivery of quality education,” Rwamurangwa said
Groupe Scholaire Kimironko has a student population of over 1000 children.
Initiated through a partnership between Imbuto Foundation, the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Sports and Culture; the “ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi” project consists of a televised nationwide search for creative youth in different categories including fine arts, dance, music, fashion, acting, drama, photography and literature.
The programme will be a platform for exposure and market for young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry, offering them an opportunity to be mentored by industry experts and receive advice on how to transform their talent into sustainable employment opportunities, in an effort to support their artistic development and future career aspirations.
While at the Official launch yesterday at Kigali Cultural Village, the Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi applauded the initiative which complements the government’s efforts of empowering youth.
“Your presence here means partnership. We take you as people who can contribute to the industry and can be part of the history of those who made this happen.” Mbabazi said
‘‘We believe that by developing and supporting these young talents, we will be highly contributing to the national economic development. Artists can change our life for the better and this project will provide opportunities for the youth in regards to employment. I thank Imbuto Foundation for sowing the right seeds that will transform Rwandan youth.’’ She added
According to the Deputy Director General of Imbuto Foundation, Geraldine Umutesi, Rwandan youth are fully capable. They only need people who can support them.
“The uniqueness of this ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi is that it provides a vision and an environment where these arts will stay long after our generation’’ Umutesi told the attendees.
Umutesi further stressed that the industry cannot be developed without contribution from the youth and called on them to participate, encourage, and inspire others to participate in the project.
PS John Ntigengwa from the Ministry of Sports and Culture, observed that the project is a partial answer to youth unemployment, which remains a persistent issue around the world.
“This project is an answer to youth employment gap in our country. Let me take this moment to request youth professionals, the private sector, and young creative minds to reconsider their options and give arts a chance.” Ntigengwa noted
According to Statistics, unemployment among Rwandans, especially youth (16-30) is at 21 %, of who 9% completed upper secondary and 6% are graduates of tertiary education.
During the event, Manzi Jackson, a young artist, performed a live display of Acrylic painting on canvas, within 30 minutes. His art which symbolizes the unity an organized youth needs, was sold to the highest bidder on spot at Rwf700 000.
The search for talent will be countrywide, with scheduled road trips slated for 8 – 30 September at 6 sites namely; Kigali, Rubavu, Rusizi, Huye, Nyagatare, Musanze.
{{The “ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi” Project launch in Pictures
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Ubudehe scheme categorises citizens according to their financial capacities.
PL made the promise on Thursday as it campaigned in Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts. The party is seeking seats in the parliament’s Lower House.
PL President Donatille Mukabalisa said the party will pursue programmes that alleviate poverty and help citizens graduate from categories to others on a higher financial stage.
She said their Members of Parliament (MPs) will strive to have adequate Ubudehe categories and ensure the vulnerable receive due support.
“That is something we shall follow up and make sure there are programmes aiming at taking people from one category to a better one,” said the former Speaker of the Lower House dissolved a fortnight ago.
The current four Ubudehe categories of Rwandans were drawn up in 2016. There are 376,192 households in first and poorest category. The category has 1,480,167 in 2016 equivalent to 16% of the country’s population.
The second category has 703,461 households comprised of 3,077,816 people equivalent to 29.8% of the population.
Category three has 1,267,171 households of 5,766,506 members equivalent to 53.7% of the population. Category four has 11,664 households with 58,069 people equivalent to 0.5% of the population.
The categories have caused public outcry with most complaining that they are in categories above their means. The categories are considered for the social protection schemes, for schools’ scholarships and community-based health insurance also known as Mutuelle de Santé.
Jean Mugabire, a participant in PL campaign in Karangazi Sector of Nyagatare District, suggest Ubudehe categories be ignored for some services such as university scholarships.
He said the categories exclude students in some categories from benefiting government support yet their families are not able to afford higher education costs.
PL also stressed on developing agriculture and livestock sector and empowering the cell level of local government.
The party has put forward 80 candidates for the 53 seats in 80-seat parliament. The 53 are also sought by an RPF-lead coalition of seven parties, four other parties apart and four independent candidates.
PL had five MPs in the last parliament term 2013-2018 while RPF and PSD had 41 and seven respectively.
Parliamentary general elections are slated for September 2-3 to decide on 53 seats. Other 27 seats for women, youth and people with disabilities will be decided on September 4.
Also known as Feast of Sacrifice or Big Eid, it is one of the two major festivals of Islam but considered the holier. The other is Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the Koran tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael but God offered him a lamb to sacrifice, ruling that no human life should be sacrificed in the name of God.
Among Christian and Jews communities, they believe that Abraham is ordered to sacrifice another son Isaac.
Rwandan Muslims have convened today at Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo to offer prayers.
Eid al-Adha has come two days after the two million Muslims started annual Islamic pilgrimage in Mina and Mecca cities of Saudi Arabia.
The Holy pilgrimage started August 19 running until 26 with 79 Rwandans participating.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana, led the gathering in prayers at Kigali Stadium.
He encouraged the Muslim community to fight drugs especially among the youth and report drug dealers.
Mufti Hitimana also urged the congregation to play their role in bringing about upcoming parliamentary elections, come September 2-3.
Eid al-Adha compels all Muslims with means to slaughter cows, goats and other animals as sacrifice and distribute meat among disadvantaged around them.
Mufti Hitimana reminded all Muslims to share feasts with the vulnerable in observance of the sacrifice.
“This is a day of showing compassion and happiness that should always be reflected among the Muslims. You have to observe that, help the poor and share meals with them,” he said.
He said that Rwandan Muslims should not wait for foreign counterparts to give them animals to offer as sacrifice.
Today, Rwanda Muslim Community has offered as sacrifice 1,000 cows and 2,000 goats at the value of Rwf200 million.
Laurette Mugabo was part of the 2,000 young professionals convened for “Meet the President’ session at Intare Conference Arena in Kigali, Sunday.
The group of young people from across the country and the Diaspora presented a range of views and challenges to President Paul Kagame in an interactive session.
Ms. Mugabo said she had a problem about the ease of getting a job in Rwanda for the youth especially those from Diaspora.
“When we come here, it’s really hard to get jobs. If you don’t have connections, it’s technically hard to get them (jobs)… a connection of someone recommending you… a friend or relative recommending you,” she said.
“On top of my head, my older sister graduated from the University of Kansas and sat here for one and a half years until my mum had to pull a few strings, asked a few people.”
Mugabo said her sister applied for a job in different institutions including Rwanda Development Board recently where “they had to pull a few strings as well.”
The issue irritated President Kagame who said the nepotism must stop if it is the case in job recruitment.
“It sounds very bad to me. I want explanation about that,” said the Head of State.
Ingabire Marie Immaculée, the Chairperson of Transparency International Rwanda, has told IGIHE “what that young girl told the President is true, she wasn’t lying.”
The recruitment process in Rwanda starts with the institution announcing a job vacancy via internet platforms. Interested candidates apply and then sit for written and interview tests.
For application, people fill a form and send it to the recruiters via e-mail. The recruiting institution shortlists some candidates for tests.
Ingabire said there are gaps all along the recruitment process, making it possible for bribery and injustice. She says it starts with the job vacancy announcement and continues into tests.
“There was a case of a teacher who passed away in Gasabo District and the Sector’s Education Officer told the head teacher that they had found someone who wanted to pay Rwf300,000 to replace the deceased,” she said.
Angelina Muganza, the Executive Secretary of Public Service Commission, has told IGIHE that there are often problems in selecting candidates for the job tests.
The report of the commission indicates that among 23 issues identified in the country’s employment, some are about the recruitment of unqualified servants.
They also include malpractices in placing people in jobs before completing three years in their previous positions as required by the law.
Others were found in jobs without having presented the required academic documents.
“We cannot know why recruiters have chosen those servants but we tell those institutions that they were wrong in that recruitment,” said Muganza.
The commission also found cases where contracted recruitment consultants had close relationships with people who won the jobs, casting doubt on the recruitment.
The Presidential Order states that a candidate wins a job after securing 70% of the written and interview tests combined.
Muganza said they are reducing injustice in recruitment by avoiding candidates’ names on answer booklets and video-recording interviews during the tests.
Transparency International Rwanda suggests more efforts be put in encouraging people to report bribery as survey indicated in 2017 that graft was reported by only 15% of all who encountered the vice.
He was speaking during the ‘Meet the President’ session at Intare Conference Arena, where he met over 2,000 young professionals from across the country and the Diaspora.
Observing that drugs were dangerous to the individual’s health and to the health of the country, the Head of State told the Rwandan youth that they owed it to themselves to join hands and make sure the issue was squarely addressed.
“Why on earth would you want to get wasted?” Kagame remarked on drug abuse amongst the youth.
“The country is your family. When you’re not well as an individual, the country is not well. When the country is not well, you as an individual are not well,”
“If you’re not doing drugs as an individual, make sure even the person you call a friend, a relative does not use drugs. It’s your responsibility, do something,” Kagame advised.
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President Kagame further urged the youth to push themselves harder and make use of their brains, as the country was not short of problems and could use many innovative ideas, to deal with them.
“Ask yourself, what is it that I can do to address problems myself or the country is faced with. If you do not exercise your brain it dies. If you don’t succeed today, or tomorrow, there is no harm. Keep trying, you may succeed at the 10th trial,” President Kagame counseled.
He told the youth to look at failure differently, pick lessons and learn why it didn’t work out so to try something else.
“It does not come automatically; you have to work at it.” Kagame remarked.
On opportunities, the head of State cautioned the youth that there was no shortcut. He observed that his job was to work with the government and other institutions to make sure as many opportunities were created as humanely possible and that every Rwandan, no matter their background, can access them.
“There is no shortcut. I cannot promise young people that you will wake up and have a job. We are the ones who have to chase opportunities. Opportunities will not chase us,” he added.
“We want a country with the freedom to realize your aspirations to be whatever you want to be. But we have to remember that as you want to exercise your legitimate, legal freedoms, you have to make sure you are not infringing on someone else’s freedom,” Kagame told the youth.
Overall the session focused on key areas of health, education and exercising skills through innovation and creativity in building the country.
