Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, stating that Wednesday coincided with the Beginning of Spring on the Chinese lunar calendar, which represents a new start. On the auspicious day, Xi expressed his readiness to work with Putin to chart a new blueprint for bilateral ties.
Putin wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival, vibrant energy and immediate success in all endeavors.
Noting that their two meetings last year steered China-Russia relations into a new phase of development, Xi said the two countries commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, sustained robust bilateral economic and trade exchanges, elevated people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and remained committed to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
Highlighting that this year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, Xi emphasized that the country will be more proactive in expanding its high-level opening up and will share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education, he said.
Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries.
China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Xi said.
As responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law, he added.
Expressing full confidence in Russia-China relations, Putin said that both sides should continue to support each other steadfastly in safeguarding their national sovereignty and security, and in achieving economic and social development and prosperity. They should also promote education and cultural exchanges to benefit the two peoples, he added.
Facing a complex and ever-changing international situation, Russia is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, thereby injecting positive energy into international affairs.
Russia will actively support China’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, he said.
The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern.
He made the intervention on February 6, 2026, during the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), following concerns voiced by popular musician Bruce Melodie, who said artists and digital content creators in Rwanda are unable to fully benefit from their online work.
Bruce Melodie noted that while creators in other countries directly generate significant income from social media platforms, Rwandans face restrictions that even push some to monetize their content through other countries.
He stressed that enabling monetization would help create jobs and reduce unemployment among young people.
In response, President Kagame questioned what was required to resolve the issue so that Rwandan social media users could earn income without having to register under other countries.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, explained that for a country to qualify for social media monetization, platforms assess three key requirements. She revealed that Rwanda currently falls short on one of them: the level of advertising investment.
According to Minister Ingabire, platforms require a minimum advertising spend of between USD 1 million and USD 1.5 million from local advertisers.
She said discussions with the management of major social media platforms have already addressed the other requirements, leaving the need to scale up advertising investment as the main remaining challenge.
“This is something we all need to take on as a shared responsibility,” she said. “Companies must recognise that social media platforms are also effective advertising spaces. We need mobilization to encourage businesses to advertise online.”
President Kagame directed the Ministry of ICT and Innovation to intensify awareness efforts targeting advertisers, enabling Rwandan users to generate income from their digital content.
He delivered the message on February 6, 2026, during the second day of the National Umushyikirano Council underway at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Echoing President Paul Kagame’s statement on February 5, Amb. Nduhungirehe reiterated that the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an internal Congolese matter and was not caused by Rwanda.
He said DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who accuses Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 coalition, abandoned African-led peace initiatives that were intended to restore stability in his country, opting instead to seek mediation beyond the continent.
“He is the one who took the process outside Africa, going to Qatar and Washington to involve those countries in the talks, without even mentioning Paris in France. So claims that Rwanda moved the negotiations outside Africa are simply false,” he said.
Amb. Nduhungirehe noted that despite the signing of a peace agreement in Washington, the coalition of Congolese government forces continued to launch attacks against AFC/M23 positions and civilians, including Banyamulenge communities in Minembwe Commune.
He told participants that Rwanda supports the full implementation of the peace agreements, the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, and the restoration of lasting peace across the region.
The minister further assured Rwandans that while fighting persists in the neighbouring country, Rwanda’s borders and population remain well protected through a range of defence systems.
“Rwanda is secure. The country is protected. Rwandans should go about their lives and sleep peacefully. We have put in place defence measures, some of which you have seen intercepting incoming shells, and others. All are designed to protect Rwanda and its people, so that we can continue pursuing our development goals,” he said.
Rwanda introduced enhanced defence measures following mortar attacks launched by the FDLR, in collaboration with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), which targeted parts of Musanze District, in March, May, and June 2022.
Instead, Trump has called for a new agreement, one he believes would be more comprehensive and modernized. The rejection of the proposal signals a significant moment in global nuclear arms control, particularly as the treaty expired without renewal.
The New START treaty, which was signed in 2010, had been a cornerstone of U.S.-Russia nuclear relations, limiting the number of strategic nuclear warheads each country could deploy.
Under the treaty, both nations were required to reduce their stockpiles to 1,550 warheads, with a cap of 700 on deployed delivery systems such as missiles and bombers.
However, with its expiration on February 5, 2026, the treaty no longer remains in effect, leaving both the U.S. and Russia without a binding framework governing their nuclear arsenals for the first time in decades.
President Trump rejected Putin’s suggestion to extend the treaty for another year, instead calling for a new agreement that he claims will address more than just the U.S. and Russian stockpiles. Trump has long expressed a desire to involve other nuclear-armed nations, particularly China, in future negotiations.
In a statement, Trump said the current agreement is badly negotiated and stressed the need for a better deal that accounts for all nuclear powers.
Trump’s administration believes that any future arms control deal should account for China’s growing nuclear capabilities, which remain significantly smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia.
Russia, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with the U.S. decision and stressed the importance of maintaining strategic stability.
Arms control experts have raised concerns that the lack of a new agreement could increase global nuclear risks.
This situation marks the first time in over fifty years that the U.S. and Russia do not have a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement in place.
The absence of such a treaty raises alarms about the potential for a new nuclear arms race and the risks that it could pose to global stability.
The AG 431 seed was officially launched on February 5, 2026, in the districts of Gatsibo and Nyagatare.
Research conducted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) shows that the AG 431 maize variety is well adapted to climate variability, performing reliably under different weather conditions.
The seed was selected from four maize varieties that underwent field trials in 2025 and was later approved by the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) for commercial use.
Farmers from Gatsibo and Nyagatare were among the first to be introduced to the new variety, which is currently being multiplied on 60 hectares in the Southern Province. Early adopters say the seed produces nearly double the yield compared to traditional maize varieties.
Haruna Muvunyi, a farmer from Kanyangese Cell in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District, said he planted the maize seed to test its performance and was impressed by the results.
“Considering that this is a new seed, on five acres of land you would normally not harvest more than 50 kilograms. But with this new variety, the yield is double that,” he said.
Muvunyi encouraged other farmers to adopt the seed due to its high productivity.
Djonga Mnyaradzi, Seed Production Manager at AATF, said the AG 431 maize variety is tolerant to both drought and excessive rainfall. He noted that it performs particularly well during dry seasons and yields even better when soil moisture is adequate.
“When rainfall is sufficient or well distributed, the yields are very high. This gives farmers confidence even in the face of climate change, whether it brings heavy rainfall or prolonged dry spells,” he explained.
The RAB Director for Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts, Kayumba John, said all maize seed grown in the country is locally multiplied and urged farmers to use certified seeds for market-oriented farming.
“The advantage of this new seed is that farmers are involved from the beginning. Whenever a new seed is released, we invite them to see and compare it with what they have been using. This removes doubts about quality,” he said, adding that the new variety contributes to national food self-sufficiency.
Currently, Rwanda has about 30 seed multiplication entities, including private seed companies and farmers’ cooperatives. Agriculture officials note that while all improved seeds used in Rwanda are locally produced, adoption among farmers remains below 60 percent.
According to a ministry statement, 143,164 people have been evacuated across several provinces at risk of flooding. The province of Larache, including the city of Ksar El Kebir and surrounding villages, is the worst affected, with 110,941 residents displaced.
The statement added that gradual evacuation operations are continuing based on the severity of potential damage, with logistical support provided to ensure the safe transport of those affected.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology warned Thursday that heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected to continue across numerous provinces in the coming days.
Sassou Nguesso made the announcement at the opening of the country’s first major agricultural fair, which will run through Feb. 15 at the Bambou-Mingali site in the district of Ignie, about 60 km north of Brazzaville.
“I will continue to support the agricultural drive that I decided to launch in 2021. Therefore, I declare myself a candidate for the March presidential election,” he said.
In the election, the incumbent president will run as the candidate of the Presidential Majority, a coalition comprising 18 political parties. The parties signed a joint declaration on Feb. 2 endorsing Sassou Nguesso’s candidacy.
Building on Rwanda’s pioneering 2016 launch of the world’s first national drone delivery service, the new deal expands Zipline’s operations to full nationwide coverage, introduces Africa’s first urban drone delivery network, and establishes the continent’s first autonomous delivery testing centre.
Under the expansion, Rwanda will also become the first country in Africa to deploy Zipline’s next-generation urban delivery system, Platform 2 (P2), designed for fast, quiet and highly precise deliveries in dense cities such as Kigali, where nearly 40 per cent of national healthcare demand is concentrated.
The system is already in use in the United States, delivering thousands of items daily to homes, offices and public spaces.
Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the partnership reflects Rwanda’s long-term commitment to using technology to improve public services and save lives.
“Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people,” Ingabire said. “We have seen the extraordinary impact of drone delivery in saving time, saving money and saving lives. With this partnership, we are expanding to urban delivery and reaching even more communities. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline’s expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa’s future in healthcare and innovation.”
As part of the agreement, Zipline will establish a new long-range distribution hub in Karongi District, complementing its existing centres in Muhanga and Kayonza. The Karongi hub will extend delivery services to districts beyond the Nyungwe Forest, including communities near Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Within Rwanda, the facility is expected to serve about 200 health posts and 60 major health facilities, reaching more than 2.9 million people.
With the addition of the new hub and the rollout of urban services, Zipline’s nationwide network in Rwanda will cover more than 11 million people and support approximately 350 local jobs. The Karongi site, built near the Rwanda–DRC border, has also been described as a symbol of cooperation and peace between the two countries.
Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton said Rwanda’s approach to innovation continues to set a global benchmark.
“In 2016, Rwanda made a decision that changed health access forever,” Burton said. “Rwanda did not ask whether it had been done before. It asked whether it could work and whether it could save lives. Today, Rwanda is doing it again. This is a global first — not because the technology exists, but because the leadership exists.”
She added that Rwanda’s leadership was a key reason the U.S. Government is backing the expansion and why Zipline is investing beyond its contract in research, technology and high-skill jobs in the country.
In another first, the agreement includes the establishment of Zipline’s first overseas research and development hub in Rwanda. The new AI and robotics testing facility will support aircraft performance testing, development of new safety systems and next-generation logistics software, while also contributing to local skills development and innovation.
Pierre Kayitana, Zipline Rwanda’s Country Director, said the expansion creates a single, integrated logistics system serving all Rwandans.
“Rwanda pioneered autonomous logistics for the world,” Kayitana said. “With the addition of a third hub and upcoming urban services in Kigali, Rwanda is creating a seamless national system that serves all citizens equally.”
Under the financing model, the U.S. Government will provide upfront infrastructure funding to enable the scale-up, while the Government of Rwanda will cover ongoing operations. Officials say the approach ensures the expansion is financially sustainable, nationally owned and fully integrated into Rwanda’s broader strategy for resilient, technology-driven healthcare.
Since its launch, Zipline’s drone delivery network in Rwanda has provided on-demand access to blood, vaccines and essential medicines, significantly reducing waste and improving health outcomes. According to Zipline, the system has contributed to a 51 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and strengthened real-time health data integration with national emergency response systems.
During the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) on February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the progress achieved since the program’s implementation.
NST2 is designed to strengthen Rwanda’s economy over five years, with a focus on strategic sectors that contribute to sustainable growth.
According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda’s economy is growing at an encouraging rate where it currently stands at 8.7%. Quarterly growth stood at 6.5% in the first quarter, 7.8% in the second, and 11.8% in the third.
This growth was driven by agriculture, industry, and services, with agriculture expanding by 7% (up from 5% in 2024), industry by 10%, and services by 9% on average.
“These results show that our economy is steadily gaining momentum, giving confidence that we are on track to achieve our goal,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said.
The growth in production across sectors has been complemented by policies to create jobs for Rwandans. As a result, the unemployment rate fell from 16.8% in 2024 to 11.7% by the end of 2025, down from 24.3% in 2022.
NST2 had set a goal of creating 250,000 jobs annually. By the end of 2025, over 800,000 jobs had been generated since 2024, with more than 760,000 or 93% being non-agricultural positions.
Exports also recorded strong growth, rising from $3.5 billion in 2023/2024 to $5.7 billion, marking a significant increase, on track toward a target of $7 billion by 2029.
“This growth in exports is helping narrow the trade deficit and strengthen Rwanda’s capacity for self-reliance,” the Prime Minister noted.
Revenue collection also improved, reaching 3,000.2 billion Rwandan francs, while domestic savings rose from 12% to 15.6% of GDP. The government continued investing in the “Ejo Heza” saving scheme, with Rwf 52.8 billion mobilized in 2024/2025, alongside reforms to Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs).
Private investment increased from $2.2 billion to $2.7 billion, with a long-term target of $4.6 billion annually.
Dr. Nsengiyumva emphasized that these achievements in just two years demonstrate Rwanda’s potential, while urging continued collaboration to fully realize NST2’s objectives.
In agriculture, fertilizer use has more than doubled since 2017, reaching 74 kg per hectare, with a target of 94.6 kg per hectare by 2029. Irrigated land expanded from 71,000 hectares in 2023/2024 to over 74,000 hectares, with a long-term goal of 134,000 hectares. Terracing projects now cover 146,000 hectares, aiming for 167,000, and mechanized terraces exceed 1.04 million hectares.
In livestock, annual milk production has grown from over 700 million liters in 2017 to more than 1 billion liters.
Industry development continues to be a priority, focusing on mining, agro-processing, livestock, and construction materials. Yet, challenges remain, including low productivity in agriculture, livestock, and industry, which affects prices. Targeted measures are being implemented to boost output.
Industrial zones in Rwamagana, Musanze, Muhanga, Bugesera, and Kigali have been strengthened to increase production, create jobs, and enhance value chains for international trade.
Mining sector output rose by 12% from 9% in 2023, while industrial production in 2025 averaged an 8% increase. Tourism earnings grew to $647 million from $620 million, with a target of $1.1 billion under NST2.
Investments in tourism infrastructure, including Kigali’s new airport and hosting international events, support this growth. In 2024/2025, this sector contributed $108 million, up from $95 million, with a target of $224 million.
Rwanda also hosted global events, including the Cycling World Championship and archery competitions, boosting its international profile.
The development of urban master plans is progressing, with 25 of 28 completed. Access to electricity reached 82.9% of households and 89% in development zones, up from 86% at NST2’s start.
In the energy sector, the government has begun constructing energy storage facilities while expanding electricity generation through several projects.
These include the Nyabarongo II hydropower plant, expected to provide 58 MW; the peat plant in Gishoma producing 15 MW; a methane gas project with a capacity of 100 MW; and the peat power plant in Gisagara, which has been upgraded to deliver 80 MW, up from the current 25 MW.
Access to clean water now reaches 84% of all villages, up from 80% in 2023/2024.
In recent years, water treatment plants have been established, including the Saki plant with a capacity of 11,000 cubic meters per day and the Ngororero plant producing just over 3,000 cubic meters daily. Efforts have also been intensified to reduce water loss in distribution networks.
Road construction and maintenance have been strengthened to improve connectivity for farmers and livestock producers, helping them bring their products to markets. The country now has around 4,200 kilometers of feeder roads, 600 kilometers of national roads, while new projects are expanding heavily used routes in Kigali and modernizing intersections using advanced technology.
To improve public transport in Kigali, the government has introduced the Ecofleet company to enhance service delivery in the sector.
Rwanda has reduced air pollution by 28%, with a target of 38% by 2029. To achieve this, wetland restoration projects have been launched alongside a large-scale tree-planting program aiming to plant 72 million trees, of which over 26 million have already been planted.
In healthcare, the Prime Minister highlighted significant improvements. Maternal mortality has decreased from 105 per 100,000 in 2023/2024 to 97 per 100,000 in 2025, while under-five mortality dropped from 45 to 39.4 per 1,000 children.
The government has prioritized expanding the healthcare workforce fourfold and accelerating key projects, including Masaka Hospital, the expansion of King Faisal Hospital, and facilities in Ruhengeri, Muhororo, and Kabgayi.
In education, major reforms this year have focused on improving the quality of learning and aligning it with labor market needs.
Rwanda continues to work with the private sector to develop technical, vocational, and skills-based schools to produce a more skilled workforce.
The goal is to increase the proportion of students in technical and vocational programs from 38% to 60% of all secondary school students.
The resources will support targeted initiatives to empower women in rural communities, while addressing gaps in other critical sectors.
The plan was officially launched on February 4, 2026. UN Women has already secured $3.5 million, or about 55% of the required funding.
Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative in Rwanda, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with various institutions to bridge existing gaps.
She noted that agreements have been signed with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Equity Bank, and I&M Bank, alongside collaboration with various government agencies.
This strong governmental backing, she explained, provides a foundation for identifying opportunities for further collaboration to continue advancing women’s empowerment.
Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, reaffirmed the government’s long-standing commitment to partnering with UN Women.
She stressed that, amid global economic pressures, unified efforts among stakeholders are essential to propel initiatives that deliver real benefits for Rwandans, attracting further support along the way.
UN Women focuses globally on advancing women’s rights through leadership development, economic self-reliance, and efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
In Rwanda, the previous 2020–2025 strategic period delivered significant results where over 85,000 people received training on gender-based violence prevention while more than 35,000 survivors (including 26,570 women and 8,876 men) accessed support services.
Furthermore, UN Women has helped 9,000 women obtain loans, trained over 24,000 individuals in economic empowerment, and supported 3,000 women in establishing their own small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the country’s notable advancements in women’s rights and leadership.
He emphasized that future efforts should prioritize inclusive economic growth with women at the center, aligning with Rwanda’s ambitions to reach middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.
While international support from the UN, other organizations, and financial partners remains valuable, Ozonnia said, building a robust domestic economic foundation will be crucial for long-term success.
UN Women first began operations in Rwanda in 1996 as UNIFEM and was rebranded as UN Women Rwanda in 2010.
Its ongoing mission centers on advocating for gender equality, empowering women, and combating violence against them, positioning the agency as a committed partner in Rwanda’s development journey.
