During the visit, President Kagame gifted the Emir with Inyambo cows, an iconic and deeply revered symbol in Rwandan culture. The symbolic gesture is rooted in Rwandan tradition, signifying friendship, mutual respect, and the strong bond between the two leaders and their nations.
The two leaders also held a private tête-à-tête at the farm, marking another milestone in the steadily growing relations between Rwanda and Qatar. The meeting follows their recent engagement earlier in November in Doha, during the World Summit for Social Development, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
Sheikh Tamim’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, according to Ali bin Hamad Al Aida, the Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy in Rwanda. He noted that the visit signals Qatar’s commitment to expanding its partnerships across Africa, focusing on peace, security, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Rwanda is regarded as a trusted partner, with the visit expected to deepen cooperation based on shared interests and longstanding mutual respect.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, highlighted the extensive areas of collaboration already underway. These include major projects such as the construction of Bugesera International Airport, in which Qatar holds a 60% stake. Qatar Airways is also expected to acquire a 49% shareholding in RwandAir, further reinforcing aviation cooperation.
He added that new ventures are likely to emerge from the visit, including opportunities linked to Kigali Innovation City, a flagship initiative aimed at positioning Rwanda as a continental technology hub.
Rwanda and Qatar continue to strengthen ties across investment, tourism, transport, and infrastructure. The Emir’s visit is expected to culminate in the signing of new partnership agreements, expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation.
Sheikh Tamim last visited Kigali in July 2022 as a special guest at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). His return marks an ongoing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.
Using food supplements is a modern approach to obtaining nutrients from a variety of plants, all compressed into a single pill or spoonful of powder.
This method is commonly used in developed countries, where people seeking a diverse range of fruits, including rare ones, turn to supplements to access the nutrients they cannot easily obtain.
In Rwanda, there is only one factory producing these supplements, known as Alpha Natural Resources Company (ANARECO Ltd).
It was founded by Dr. Emmanuel Manirafasha, a visionary dedicated to developing food products that function as medicine without causing any harm to the body.
Dr. Manirafasha is one of Rwanda’s leading experts in Biochemistry and Chemistry, specializing in the creation of non-toxic medicines derived from natural resources. He pursued his studies in China at one of the world’s top universities, where he earned a Ph.D. His work has resulted in the development of several innovative formulas for various projects.
The Chinese government offered him considerable financial support to implement his formulas, including a hefty sum of $5 million, as well as other assets, including land and properties in China. However, he turned down the offer and decided to bring his innovative work back to Rwanda.
One of the formulas he developed allows for the creation of nutritional supplements that combine various plants into a single pill or spoonful of powder.
These products help the body gain the required strength and energy and efficiently eliminate waste.
This formula was so valuable that the Chinese government tried to secure it by offering Dr. Manirafasha $5 million, along with further perks, but he chose to remain in Rwanda to develop it.
Among the supplements he developed is METABOOSTa, a combination of 12 different plants, some found in Rwanda, others imported. The ingredients include fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds, such as bananas, maize, papaya, and chia seeds, all combined into a single supplement.
Another supplement, MetabAsta, is made in capsule form. The capsule dissolves in the stomach to protect it from stomach acid and supports the body’s energy production.
Dr. Manirafasha has leveraged advanced technology in his factory, ANARECO Ltd, to create these products.
When the Chinese government realized he refused to sell his formula to them, they decided to collaborate, offering access to their high-tech laboratories for his work.
METABOOSTa is easy to use; one takes two spoons of powder, mixes it in water, and drinks it like tea without needing sugar, as the formula replaces the need for sweeteners. It is taken before consuming any other food or supplements. On the other hand, MetabAsta requires the consumption of two capsules in the morning and evening after meals.
According to Dr. Manirafasha, a 250g pack of METABOOSTa costs Frw 20,000, which is affordable compared to other similar products on the market, which can cost up to Frw 400,000 for various packages taking into consideration the variety of blended ingredients.
For MetabAsta, Dr. Manirafasha says, one can buy 60 capsules for just Frw 40,000 at ANARECO Ltd, while elsewhere the same package could cost up to Frw 800,000.
Dr. Manirafasha imports certain ingredients from China, where high-tech factories help in manufacturing a variety of plant-based powders. These ingredients are then blended in Rwanda, using machines capable of processing up to 400kg at a time.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Manirafasha stated his plan to export 80% of his products abroad.
He explained, “We combine various ingredients like papaya, maize, chia seeds, and bananas into METABOOSTa, providing every type of nutrient needed without missing any. That’s the power of our formula.”
For MetabAsta, the capsules are produced in machines at ANARECO Ltd, which ensure the proper filling and sealing of each capsule. The factory uses high-tech equipment to ensure the quality of each batch.
Once the process is complete, each product is labeled with a unique technological mark that prevents counterfeiting.
Dr. Manirafasha also shared his ambitious plans for the future. “We are expanding our factory. In three years, we aim to have a major production facility with 12 different manufacturing lines for products like METABOOSTa. We are also looking to hire over 3,000 employees.”
The capsules produced at the factory are highly efficient, with one machine able to produce 400 capsules per minute. Soon, another machine will be introduced, capable of producing 1,000 capsules per minute. With plans for a large-scale factory, Dr. Manirafasha’s vision is to be able to produce up to 10,000 capsules per minute.
“We are in the process of acquiring land for the factory, which will include research and testing labs to ensure our products meet the highest standards,” he added.
Through his innovative work, Dr. Manirafasha is not only revolutionizing the nutritional supplement industry in Rwanda but is also positioning the country as a leader in advanced health supplements on the global market.
These prices replaced the rates introduced in September 2025, when a litre of petrol cost Frw 1,862 and diesel cost Frw 1,808. This means petrol increased by Frw 127 per litre, while diesel rose by Frw 92. Such a significant rise in fuel prices is rare in Rwanda.
In an interview with IGIHE, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, explained that the increase in fuel prices this time is driven by two main factors.
“To put it simply, the rise was caused by two things. You may recall that in July, the government introduced VAT on petrol prices. Once you add an extra 18% to any product, the price naturally goes up. That is why you saw prices rise,” he said.
Kajangwe added, “In the past two months, what pushed prices up slightly is that most of our fuel normally transits through Tanzania because fuel transported through the country is cheaper than that transported through Kenya. But due to some recent issues, importers started sourcing fuel through Kenya. Since fuel from Kenya is a bit more expensive, it affects overall prices.”
Rwanda revises fuel prices every two months. This is because transporting fuel from Arab countries where it is purchased to Kigali typically takes about two months.
This means global market prices affect Rwanda’s fuel prices with a two-month delay.
On November 15, 2025, a barrel of oil on the global market was selling at $60.09, down from $64.1 on September 1, 2025.
Looking at the past two months, this month saw the sharpest drop, with prices ranging between $60.98, $58, and $60.09 since November 1.
In Rwanda, the retail price of petrol is determined by the international price from the previous two months, the cost of transporting the fuel from the ports of Dar es Salaam or Mombasa to Kigali, the exchange rate, and the VAT applied.
The Managing Director of Société Pétrolière Ltd (SP), Habimana Claudien, said that sourcing fuel from Kenya is one of the three reasons prices increased.
He explained, “We used to import most of our petrol through Tanzania, but now we have started importing through Kenya and fuel in Kenya is more expensive. Another reason is the slight increase in prices on the global market.”
He revealed that at least 99% of fuel imported into Rwanda would be transited through Tanzania. However, delays in offloading ships and security concerns during Tanzania’s recent presidential elections pushed companies to source fuel through Kenya.
In September 2025, 34% of imported petrol came through Kenya, while Tanzania handled 66%. In October 2025, 87% of fuel came from Tanzania and 13% from Kenya. Overall, fuel imported through Kenya in the past two months rose to 23%, up from just 1%.
He said, “So you can see that petrol coming through Kenya has increased and since it is more expensive, this contributed to the price increase.”
Habimana added that although the price of diesel rose to Frw 1,900 per litre, the government introduced a subsidy of Frw 78 per litre.
He explained, “Without that subsidy, the impact would have been much bigger. You know diesel drives public transport and most goods. The government reduced the tax by Frw 78 per litre. However, there is no subsidy on petrol, which is why petrol is much more expensive.”
He concluded by saying that despite these challenges, it is important for Rwanda to continue using both transport corridors through Tanzania and Kenya when importing fuel, as this would give the country better flexibility.
{{What will be the economic impact?}}
Kajangwe explained that although fuel prices have increased, the government is exploring ways to reduce them in the coming months.
“There are measures the government is putting in place to see how these prices can be brought down, including looking at how fuel coming through Kenya can become cheaper. We expect that in the next three or four months …” he said.
Regarding the possibility of a subsidy, Kajangwe said he could not confirm it but noted that the government constantly reviews the situation.
He highlighted that the rise in fuel prices should not significantly impact the prices of basic commodities because transport costs are not increasing dramatically.
According to an analysis by the Ministry, transport costs may rise by between Frw 4 and Frw 6 per kilogram for goods brought from the Eastern Province, and between Frw 6 and Frw 8 for goods from Rusizi District.
“There should not be an impact on general business, and you have seen that public transport fares have not increased. People should not use this as an excuse to raise prices. Often, those who want to take advantage increase prices by Frw 20, Frw 30, or Frw 40 when there is no real justification,” he said.
However, based on MINICOM’s assessment, if a truck carries five tons of goods meaning 5,000 kilograms the existing transport cost would increase by between Frw 20,000 and Frw 30,000 for goods transported from the Eastern Province, and between Frw 30,000 and Frw 40,000 for those transported from Rusizi. This makes it difficult for transporters to absorb the extra costs since they consume large amounts of diesel.
Cyprien Musabirema, a truck driver transporting goods from the Southern Province to Kigali, said the situation has already changed because transport costs have risen.
He explained, “Transport fares have not increased, but the cost of diesel we use has increased significantly. Previously, I used Frw 260,000 for fuel, but now it is about Frw 320,000. That is extra money added, yet the client does not want to adjust the payment. It becomes very complicated, but we accept the loss to avoid losing customers, hoping they will eventually understand.”
Modetse Nsengiyumva, a motorcycle taxi rider, said the Frw 123 increase in petrol per litre puts them at a loss because customers refuse to pay higher fares.
He said, “You tell a customer that fuel has increased, and he replies that his salary has not changed.”
He added that a motorcyclist using petrol at Frw 1,989 per litre cannot make a profit of more than Frw 2,000 a day, yet they have daily needs, including supporting their families.
Claudien Habimana also noted, “When petrol becomes more expensive but the user’s budget does not increase, he reduces the number of trips he makes. Once trips are reduced, activities are delayed. In that case, people start relying more on phone calls instead of moving around.”
On the other hand, economic expert Teddy Kaberuka told IGIHE that price increases are inevitable when fuel prices rise.
He explained, “It is well known that when petrol and diesel prices go up, they affect market prices. A person who transports goods to the market faces higher transport costs. For example, someone who used to use a small truck to bring potatoes must use more diesel, and he cannot absorb that cost.”
He added that rising prices reduce people’s purchasing power, making them unable to buy the same amount of goods as before.
Currently, in the East African region, a litre of petrol costs Frw 2,059 in Uganda, Frw 2,069 in Kenya, Frw 1,635 in Tanzania, Frw 1,967 in Burundi, and Frw 1,773 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the fall of the First Republic did little to resolve the underlying issues. Juvénal Habyarimana’s regime, which took power after the coup, perpetuated the same destructive ideologies of ethnic division and exclusion.
The consequences of these unresolved issues would become tragically clear in the years that followed, as the nation spiraled toward even deeper devastation.
{{The rise of PARMEHUTU and its internal struggle}}
According to a book dubbed ‘The History of Rwanda’ co-authored by Paul Rutayisire and Deo Byanafashe, the path to the establishment of PARMEHUTU as Rwanda’s ruling party in the 1960s was marked by political battles.
Once the party’s primary goal of securing power for the Hutu was achieved, it lost its direction. By October 23, 1966, PARMEHUTU, which had once been a vibrant political force, had devolved into a de facto one-party system, fully integrated into state structures.
Yet, once the primary opponents to the party, including the Rwandese National Union (UNAR) and the Inyenzi movement were eliminated, cracks began to show.
The party, no longer unified by an external enemy, was consumed by infighting and internal contradictions. The nation’s leadership, once defined by clear objectives, now seemed rudderless.
The power struggles within PARMEHUTU came to the forefront, exposing corruption, regionalism, and a lack of internal discipline.
A report in 1964, commissioned by the President himself, painted a grim picture of the country’s mismanagement: illegal detentions, politicized judicial and administrative systems, and a lack of collaboration between regional authorities. These issues, however, were swept under the rug, as the report was never presented to the National Assembly for debate.
{{Regionalism and the deepening divisions}}
As PARMEHUTU struggled to maintain its grip on power, regional divisions grew sharper. Tensions between the North and South, as well as between provinces like Butare and Gitarama, escalated, revealing deep-rooted regional rivalries.
The government was increasingly dominated by a clique of politicians from Gitarama, where President Kayibanda’s power base was strongest.
By 1972, this concentration of power among a small, loyalist group sparked frustrations, especially among the military, which was largely composed of individuals from the Northern regions.
This concentration of power and exclusion of other regions was further highlighted by Kayibanda’s final government reshuffle in February 1972.
Out of 18 ministers, six were from Gitarama, which made up a third of the cabinet, a stark representation of the growing imbalances that contributed to the regime’s downfall.
{{The massacre of the Tutsi }}
In 1972, President Kayibanda initiated a campaign to rid the country of Tutsis from schools, higher institutions, and public establishments.
This policy was framed as a continuation of the 1959 Revolution’s objectives, which had promised to eliminate Tutsi in Rwanda’s social, political, and economic spheres.
By February 1973, a coordinated effort by the government saw lists of “undesirable” Tutsi civil servants posted on notice boards, and Tutsis were systematically purged from various sectors of society.
This wave of ethnic cleansing, which saw entire families displaced and Tutsi intellectuals targeted, was justified by the government as necessary to address the demographic imbalance between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority.
Yet, the real reasons behind the persecution were political. Kayibanda and his inner circle sought to consolidate their power and eliminate any opposition within the Tutsi population.
While the purge targeted Tutsis, it also fractured the unity of PARMEHUTU. The government’s inability to manage the country effectively, paired with widespread dissatisfaction, alienated even Kayibanda’s most loyal supporters.
{{The final blow }}
The political turmoil and sectarian violence finally reached a boiling point in the summer of 1973.
The ongoing internal divisions were a tipping point for the military, particularly the northern officers, who began to resent the Gitarama clique’s stranglehold on power.
On July 5, 1973, the military, led by Defense Minister Juvénal Habyarimana, staged a coup, overthrowing Kayibanda’s government.
The coup was swift. Kayibanda was arrested and removed from power. He and many of his allies were later imprisoned and reportedly starved to death.
By the time the coup occurred, the First Republic had already collapsed under the weight of internal divisions.
However, ethnic divisions persisted under Habyarimana’s leadership, leading to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which was halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).
“Every single day,” he says, “I have to do this. It’s no joke. I spend most of the time just imagining how great this project will be.”
Half Yemeni, half Ukrainian, Richi never imagined his life would take root in Rwanda. Before the war in Ukraine, triggered on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, he was a successful real estate entrepreneur in Kyiv, owner of a café, a beauty salon, and a father to twins born just months before the fighting erupted.
Since then, fighting and airstrikes have caused more than 40,000 civilian casualties, while 3.7 million people have been internally displaced, and a further 6.9 million have fled Ukraine, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
On the day the war began, he was in Poland. His family soon joined him. They drove west to Spain, spent nearly two years there, tried Germany, where his wife has family roots, and visited Portugal. But Europe, for all its comfort, felt temporary.
“I wasn’t sure where my life was leading,” he recalls. “I never thought I’d find happiness again. I never thought that this would be in Rwanda.”
Then a friend who lived in Kigali suggested, “Just come. Visit without your family. See if it’s for you.” Richi bought a ticket and arrived for a 10-day scouting trip. The moment he stepped out of Kigali International Airport, he knew.
“The streets were so clean. Everything was so simple, so beautiful, so organized,” he says.
“Then I learned about more rapid development, huge opportunities in the service sector, and everyone said it was safe. I’m not here to find a job. I’m here to start a business. It was clean, safe, simple, far from Europe’s problems. It felt like destiny.”
Richi soon discovered that Rwanda is not only welcoming to foreigners but is also engineered for their success. “Not only the government, but the people, business partners, other owners, everyone wants to do better business,” he says. “In Europe and Ukraine, you’re more on your own. Here, everybody is open.”
That openness led him to William Shaka, a local landowner who had nurtured a farm in Bugesera for 15 years with a quiet dream to one day transform it into something more than agriculture.
Richi and his wife, passionate about eco-tourism, real estate, and marketing, saw the same vision. “We met,” Richi says, “and it was destiny again.”
Their first test? A mango festival. Over 1,100 people showed up. “It was crazy,” Richi laughs. “We realised there is demand for farm visits in Rwanda. People in Kigali want something new. Bugesera is closer, the roads are better, and it’s fresh.”
What began as a festival soon blossomed into Eagle View Farm: an agro-tourism project blending working agriculture with guest rooms, a lakeside restaurant, a wellness centre, and a vision of families waking up to pick oranges from trees outside their door.
“Imagine this,” Richi says, standing by a fish pond with orange groves behind it. “Your children wake up and say, ‘Wow, oranges!’ You tell them, ‘Go get some.’ They pick them. You wash them, cut them. Just like it was supposed to be.”
Every morning, Richi and his family do yoga on the lake shore, watching fishermen cast nets at 7:30 a.m. in perfect unison. “Only birds and fishermen,” he says. “Pure peace.”
The future kitchen, still under construction, overlooks the water. “Can you imagine working here?” he asks, gesturing wide. “Chefs getting fresh products from the farm, cooking with this view. It’s the dream.”
One year ago, when the family moved in, there was only a house. Now, over 10 guest rooms are rising, along with the restaurant and wellness centre.
“It’s all coming to reality,” Richi says. “Very soon, everyone will know about this project.” But Eagle View is more than a business, it’s a prototype. “I hope we motivate other investors to create farm-integrated, eco-tourism projects across Rwanda,” he says.
“With fast internet and AI, you can be in the middle of nowhere and still solve problems instantly. Take a photo of a diseased leaf AI tells you what to do. No waiting for an expert from Kigali. This opens crazy possibilities.”
Since Richi began posting about farm life online, the messages pour in from expats, investors, and especially Rwandans abroad. Many own unused land back home.
Some write: “You’re living the dream. We want to come home.” His response is direct: “Come home. It’s time to invest in Rwanda. The longer you wait, the harder this will be. Such lifestyles will become rarer.”
He speaks not of happiness, but of something more sustainable. “Happiness comes in phases,” he says. “We’re not designed to be happy all the time. But we can be calm. We can be peaceful.” Buddhist monks don’t seek happiness. They seek peace. If I had to describe my life now, I’d say: peaceful.”
To anyone curious about Rwanda, agro-tourism or a life rooted in the land, Richi extends a warm invitation to come and see it firsthand.
“Please visit us. If you’re into eco-tourism, nature, agriculture, wilderness, and self-development, you’ll see a project that shows where Rwanda is heading. We’re building something unique. Welcome to Eagle View Farm.”
While most attention has focused on the railway linking Rwanda and Tanzania, plans also exist for connections with Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan under the Northern Corridor initiatives.
The project, expected to facilitate trade and travel, is particularly significant for Rwanda, a landlocked country heavily reliant on regional transport routes.
The planned route from Rusumo to Kigali will pass through the Dubai Ports area in Kicukiro and extend 18 kilometres further to the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.
Signed in March 2018, the 532-kilometre railway agreement has seen construction advance on the Tanzanian side. However, work on the Rwandan section remains on hold pending finalisation of cross-border agreements.
Emmanuel Nuwamanya, acting Head of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure, told discussions organised by the African Development Bank on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that Rwanda’s feasibility studies are complete.
“The studies will guide the construction process. Now, it is a matter of seeing neighbouring countries begin their sections,” he said.
Rwanda plans to invest over $1.5 billion in its segment, while Tanzania, which hosts the larger portion, is expected to contribute more than $2.5 billion.
Officials note the railway could reduce transport costs by up to 40%, easing the movement of goods in and out of Rwanda. For traders, the project is especially significant, as 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports pass through the port of Dar es Salaam.
The project, long anticipated for over 20 years, is expected to strengthen regional trade links and integrate Rwanda more fully into East Africa’s transport network.
Speaking before the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation, Rwanda’s Military Advisor Col. Deo Mutabazi expressed concern that peacekeeping missions are being forced to “achieve less with less” as the UN grapples with a liquidity crisis.
“We are holding this debate when peacekeeping missions are facing a substantial liquidity crisis that has led to major downsizing, with the risk of losing the hard-earned gains on the ground,” Col. Mutabazi said, describing recent percentage cuts to missions as “unfair and non-transparent.”
Rwanda, which currently ranks among the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations, continues to play a vital role in global peacekeeping efforts. According to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as of September 2025, Rwanda was the second-largest troop-contributing country with 5,885 personnel, following Nepal with 6,031. Other leading contributors include Bangladesh (5,649), India (5,206), and Indonesia (2,731).
{{Addressing root causes of conflict
}}
Col. Mutabazi emphasised that the UN should place greater focus on addressing the root causes of conflict rather than relying heavily on military responses. He noted that sustainable peace depends on tackling governance challenges, corruption, discrimination, and poverty, issues that often fuel instability.
“No amount of capabilities, technologies, and even training to effectively protect civilians than investing in creating conducive conditions for peace through political dialogue for conflict resolution, an area that UN peacekeeping has invested less in,” he stressed.
{{Unrealistic mandates undermine trust
}}
The Rwandan representative criticised what he termed “unrealistic mandates”, which he said often undermine trust between peacekeeping missions and host nations. He called for a review of the penholdership system, warning that current practices risk turning mission mandates into “Christmas trees” that serve interests beyond those of the host country.
“It is time to rethink the penholdership that has led to mandates serving other interests than the host nation’s,” he said, adding that peacekeeping should not pursue military solutions to inherently political problems.
Col. Mutabazi also backed UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which supports stronger partnerships between the UN and regional forces in peace enforcement operations.
{{Ensuring legal clarity
}}
Rwanda further called for peacekeeping mandates to undergo legal scrutiny before approval to ensure that missions do not inadvertently associate with sanctioned groups.
“Maintaining legal clarity is essential to uphold both the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping,” Col. Mutabazi stated.
{{Strengthening community engagement
}}
Addressing the challenge of operating with reduced resources, Rwanda proposed community engagement initiatives as a cost-effective way to enhance civilian protection. The approach includes local partnerships on health, sanitation, environmental protection, and education.
According to Col. Mutabazi, such initiatives “build trust between peacekeepers, local leaders and communities,” while countering misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that often fuel tensions in conflict zones.
Concluding his remarks, Col. Mutabazi reaffirmed Rwanda’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping and paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of global stability.
“Rwanda remains dedicated to supporting peace efforts and honours the brave peacekeepers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for peace and security,” he said.
Six years later, the Managing Director of Fortis Green Holdings calls Kigali home, a place where business, purpose, and family have found a shared rhythm. The holding company, active in renewable energy, has expanded into housing and now manages 36 assets across eight countries in Africa.
{{From Sierra Leone to Kigali
}}
Shafer’s African journey began long before Rwanda. In 2008, he moved to Sierra Leone, where he spent nearly seven years investing and working in one of West Africa’s toughest environments.
“It’s where I fell in love with the idea of using business not just to make money, but to make a difference in people’s lives,” he recalls.
After returning to the United States, he and his wife knew they would eventually come back to Africa. Their decision to settle in Kigali, he says, was primarily a family choice.
“We wanted a city that gives us the highest probability of not burning out, safety, pace of life, and access to the rest of the continent. Kigali just felt right.”
Today, the Shafers are firmly rooted. His wife works at the International School of Kigali, their two children are thriving, and the family is building a home in Kibagabaga. “Now that we’re here, this is really where we’re supposed to be,” he says with conviction.
Arriving only two months before Covid-19, Shafer witnessed Kigali’s transformation from lockdown quiet to post-pandemic vibrancy.
“What’s happened since then, from tourism to sports and infrastructure, is incredible,” he says. “It’s an honour to be in Rwanda during this phase of its journey.”
{{A mission to bridge capital and impact
}}
Through Fortis Green Holdings, Shafer is working to solve a global problem: the lack of electricity affecting more than 600 million Africans. His mission is to attract American capital to invest in sustainable African infrastructure that delivers both financial and social returns.
“Rwanda offers the perfect balance,” he notes. “There’s institutional stability, rule of law, and a genuine partnership spirit from government agencies like REG, EUCL, MININFRA, and RDB.”
Fortis Green today owns three power plants in Rwanda, including the 8.5 MW Agahozo Shalom solar farm, the Rwaza hydropower plant near Musanze, and another project in Nyamasheke.
Beyond the energy itself, Shafer finds meaning in the land that hosts the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, once home to orphans from the Genocide against the Tutsi and now a haven for vulnerable youth.
“Paying rent there supports their work. We even employ graduates from that school. It’s humbling.”
{{Building the Masaka eco-estate
}}
Last month, Fortis Green broke ground on the Masaka Views Eco-Estate, a $25 million (approximately Rwf 36 billion) project that merges sustainability with community living. Spread over seven hectares, the development includes 33 townhouses, 51 family homes, and about 300 apartments, mixing for-sale and for-rent models.
“Most developers build to sell. We build to own and rent because we believe in Rwanda’s growth story. Selling today means giving up the future value we know this economy will create,” Shafer explains the long-term vision.
He adds that the housing component will play a critical role in supporting broader national development, particularly in the upcoming Masaka Medical City.
“This is core infrastructure that’s required for the Masaka Medical City to operate effectively. As we continue to expand Kigali’s housing stock, we’re creating environments where families and workers can live, thrive, and ultimately go out and impact the economy more broadly.”
The project will deliver its first homes by early 2026 and the first apartments within 12 months. Each unit is designed with EDGE certification, a global green-building standard that ensures energy and water efficiency, solar water heating, and sustainable materials.
Fortis Green offers three finishing options, from basic shell units to luxury packages, giving families flexibility in choosing their home. Three- and four-bedroom single-family houses are priced between $120,000 and $135,000, appealing to middle-income buyers seeking more flexible financing options.
“We want to be here long term,” Shafer stresses. “Our goal is to make quality housing attainable without compromising sustainability.”
{{Nurturing wellness and community
}}
Fortis Green’s philosophy extends past walls and roofs. The Masaka Eco-Estate is designed as a living community with gardens, recreation areas, and wellness spaces.
“In 18 to 24 months, we’ll have 400 families living there,” Shafer says. “We take that seriously.”
Plans include community gardens, yoga and exercise classes, and partnerships with mental-health professionals.
“We’re still developing these programs, but we want to promote holistic well-being, physical, mental, spiritual, and social.”
{{Rwanda’s investment advantage
}}
Having worked in more than 15 African countries, Shafer considers Rwanda’s environment unique.
“The professionalism and predictability are unmatched. You can register a business in 24–48 hours, meet officials who show up on time, and have zero tolerance for corruption. That gives investors confidence.”
Most of Fortis Green’s funding comes from the United States, complemented by local financing such as loans from the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). Shafer believes Rwanda’s consistency and transparency are key to attracting more international capital.
“The best way to build trust is through success stories,” he says. “Rwanda is already providing that.”
{{Jobs, growth, and the next chapter
}}
Fortis Green employs about 40 people across its energy and housing divisions. The Masaka project alone will engage 300 to 400 workers daily during construction.
“Our bigger impact,” Shafer notes, “is in powering and housing the infrastructure that keeps Rwanda’s economy growing.”
The company plans to build 10,000 housing units in 10 years, with several new projects set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, its second energy fund, Green Fund II, targeting $100 million (Rwf 145 billion), is due to launch next year to expand renewable investments across Africa.
{{Basketball, community, and family life
}}
Outside the boardroom, Shafer’s passion takes him to the court. A former college basketball player, he co-founded the Kigali Hoops League, a youth program that trains over 100 children in the Rwandan capital.
“We get the opportunity to play on some courts around the city. We play at Zaria Court on Saturday mornings, and I’d say it’s probably the best thing I’ve started in Kigali on a personal level,” he shares.
At home, family remains his grounding force. “Our kids have grown up here,” he reflects. “They get to be children longer, with fewer distractions. We’re grateful for that.”
As for his long-term vision, Shafer says his goal is to make Fortis Green a trusted pathway for American investors, creating opportunities that deliver both financial returns and real impact for African communities.
“We’re here to stay. We’re building a lasting business and, hopefully, a legacy that endures here in Rwanda,” he concludes.
Watch Jonathan Shafer’s full exclusive interview with IGIHE below.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore, presented the policy to the Chamber of Deputies, saying it seeks to ensure sustainable, well-planned, and inclusive cities while tackling informal settlements.
The plan aims to increase the proportion of citizens living in urban areas from 27.9% in 2022 to 52% by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
The policy also targets the improvement of existing informal settlements and the creation of safe, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly cities. It is based on four key pillars: collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and partners; efficient use of land through high-density settlements; improved social welfare; and economic development.
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During the parliamentary session, MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite asked what affordable housing means for Rwandans, noting that homes currently cost between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million, which remain beyond the reach of many citizens.
Dr Gasore explained that housing affordability is usually measured by whether a household pays more than one-third of its income on housing.
“If you rent a house and pay more than a third of your income, you are living in an expensive house. If you take a loan and pay more than a third of your income, you are in an expensive house. That is why, when we talk about affordable housing, we look at the lowest possible cost at which a house can be provided here in Kigali and still be affordable,” he said.
Dr Gasore noted that, given current income levels and construction costs, strict international affordability standards may not always be feasible in Rwanda.
“Today, the houses costing between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million are what we consider affordable. We are not strictly following the one-third rule; rather, we are looking at what is technically feasible while keeping in mind that there are people who do not have that money and still need a place to live,” he added.
Plans also include providing one-room units for rent to accommodate low-income earners, ensuring access to housing even for those who cannot afford to purchase a home.
“Once the houses are built, we will also provide single-room units that people can rent according to their means,” the Minister noted.
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Dr Gasore also highlighted that city residents must adjust to urban realities, including shared accommodation arrangements.
“People have to accept that in the city, they will live as city residents. There are things we must accept and prepare for accordingly,” he said.
He further emphasised that lowering rental costs will require greater government involvement in housing construction and increasing the overall supply of urban homes.
Dr Bizimana made the remarks on November 11, 2025, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber had earlier flagged issues in the construction of houses for vulnerable genocide survivors, particularly concerning poor smoke ventilation systems in kitchens.
The Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, explained that the problem largely resulted from the use of unsuitable cooking materials by residents. He noted, however, that affected households are being sensitised to adopt safer cooking practices.
PAC Chairperson, MP Valens Muhakwa, questioned the explanation, pointing out that similar complaints had been recorded in different districts. He called for a fresh technical assessment to determine whether structural flaws might have occurred during construction and to ensure corrective action is taken.
Minister Bizimana acknowledged that while some of the issues are linked to how residents use the houses, others stem from construction errors. He assured that the matter is being addressed.
According to the Minister, 6,973 homes for vulnerable genocide survivors need to be rebuilt, and more than 29,000 others will have to be repaired. However, due to budget constraints, only 298 new houses are expected to be constructed during the current fiscal year, as MINUBUMWE received an allocation of Frw 5 billion.
Dr Bizimana further explained that a new integrated approach has been adopted to align housing support for genocide survivors with broader national programmes targeting vulnerable citizens.
“We have agreed that survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi should no longer be treated as a separate category in housing projects. They will now be integrated with other vulnerable groups so that construction efforts move together,” he said.
“This approach not only promotes inclusion but also helps address the perception of genocide survivors as an isolated group.”
The Minister added that standard housing models have been approved to reduce construction costs and ensure uniformity across provinces and districts.
“Each province and district now has an approved design adapted to local building standards, which will help streamline implementation and control costs,” he noted.
Dr Bizimana explained that the new model will also give districts more autonomy in implementing housing projects. They will be able to work with local contractors or existing partners instead of relying exclusively on the Reserve Force (Inkeragutabara).
“We have agreed that where the Ministry of Defence finds it feasible for a district to construct houses at a lower cost through another contractor, the district will be authorised to award that contract. This flexibility will enable more houses to be built within the same budget,” he said.
Findings by RHA indicate that the cost of building one house varies significantly across districts, averaging Frw 17.3 million in Bugesera, Frw 16.5 million in Kayonza, and Frw 20 million in Nyamagabe.
Dr Bizimana cited an example from Rusizi District, where a house built by FPR Inkotanyi members for a vulnerable survivor cost just Rwf 9 million yet was sturdier than some that cost twice as much.
He concluded that empowering districts to oversee construction could lower costs and increase the number of houses built for survivors.
