The agreement was signed in Kigali on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during the Rwanda–Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum, a meeting focused on enhancing economic ties between the two countries.
Rwanda was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Jean-Guy Afrika, while Brazil was represented by Jorge Viana, President of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX-Brazil).
APEX-Brazil also signed an MoU with the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda (PSF), represented by its Chairman, Stephen Ruzibiza to enhance cooperation between the two institutions.
In his remarks, RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika noted that the forum is about connecting businesses, identifying projects, and creating investment pathways that generate value for both countries.
“Brazil and Rwanda are two dynamic economies with complementary strengths. Brazil brings global leadership in agribusiness, manufacturing, and energy on an industrial scale. Rwanda offers a stable, reform-driven investment environment, strategic access to East and Central African markets, and a fast-growing services and logistics sector,” he said.
Brazilian Ambassador to Rwanda Irene Vida Gala welcomed the Brazilian delegation, noting that the forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The Rwanda–Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum was jointly organized by RDB and APEX-Brazil. Its objective is to further promote trade, economic cooperation, business partnerships, and investment, with a strong focus on private-sector engagement.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Brazil date back to 1981, and since then the two countries have signed several cooperation agreements. In 2019, they signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to enhance air transport cooperation.
Another cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening food security was signed in 2011. Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and oranges.
Since 2022, Rwanda has been importing wheat from Brazil following a decline in supplies previously sourced from Ukraine. Rwanda also imports sugar from Brazil.
Obasanjo was speaking at a high-level meeting of the African Union–East African Community–Southern African Development Community (AU–EAC–SADC) Panel of Facilitators on the eastern DRC peace process, held at State House in Entebbe and hosted by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday.
“The issue concerns management or mismanagement of diversity within the DRC and the relationship of the DRC with its neighbours,” Obasanjo said, noting that the same fundamental challenges that triggered UN peacekeeping intervention in 1960 persist today. He said that while many actors claim to understand the crisis, differing diagnoses have slowed efforts to resolve it.
“Once you diagnose your disease properly, it is half solved,” he said, adding that peace can only be achieved if all stakeholders agree on the nature of the problem and apply the right solutions.
Obasanjo stressed that the African Union must remain at the centre of the peace process, even as international partners such as the United States, Qatar and France express interest in supporting stability in the region. He cautioned, however, that externally driven solutions risk failing to address local realities.
“A solution imported from outside Africa may not properly deal with the situation that we have in our hands,” he said, pointing out that the conflict involves multiple armed groups beyond the M23 and reflects long-standing, unresolved grievances.
President Museveni, in his remarks, said the conflict in eastern Congo is well understood in the region and should not have taken decades to resolve. He noted that Uganda hosts about 500,000 Congolese refugees, part of an estimated two million refugees living in the country.
“We know the problem so well,” Museveni said, citing strong ethnic and cultural ties between communities across borders in Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC.
“It is really a shame that it should take so long because it is easy to solve,” he remarked.
Museveni noted that while Congo once faced secessionist threats, the current crisis is driven by grievances rather than attempts to break up the country. He said this presented an opportunity for authorities in Kinshasa to address long-standing complaints and restore stability.
Obasanjo described Museveni as being in a unique position to contribute to the peace effort, citing his long involvement in regional affairs and the absence of strong opposition to his role among the stakeholders consulted, including leaders in Rwanda and Burundi, as well as representatives of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.
Also present at the meeting was Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo and the African Union’s lead mediator on the eastern DRC peace process. Obasanjo is part of a panel of experts appointed by the AU that includes former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
The panel was established in March 2025 following the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes into a unified framework aimed at harmonising regional and continental efforts to resolve the crisis. Its mandate includes guiding negotiations between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the M23, and overseeing the implementation of agreed measures such as the neutralisation of the FDLR militia.
Analysts say the root causes of the conflict include historical ethnic grievances, failed political settlements and persistent discrimination against some communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese whose citizenship has often been questioned. The AFC/M23 movement says it is fighting to defend the rights of these marginalised groups.
Obasanjo said African leaders involved in the process had accepted responsibility for finding a durable solution.
“We will seek and look for an African solution to our African problem,” he said.
Both sides should explore the potential for cooperation in emerging fields including green development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, so as to drive economic growth and transformation, Xi said when holding talks with President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay Yamandu Orsi in Beijing.
Orsi on Sunday began a week-long state visit to China. He is the first leader from Latin America to visit China in 2026, and his visit follows those of leaders from Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Finland and Britain.
“On this day 38 years ago, China and Uruguay established diplomatic relations,” Xi said, pointing out that over the years, regardless of changes in the international situation, the two countries have always got along with each other on the basis of mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Xi called on both sides to carry forward their traditions and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership under the new circumstances, to make sure their friendship grows stronger and more vibrant.
China and Uruguay should continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels and across all areas, enhance exchanges of experience in governance, and continuously deepen strategic mutual trust, Xi emphasized.
Xi said that the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China had adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a blueprint for China’s development over the next five years, which will offer broad opportunities for countries worldwide, including Uruguay.
The peoples of China and Uruguay share a natural affinity, Xi noted, adding the two sides should continue to deepen exchanges in areas like culture, education, sports, media and subnational engagement, and facilitate personnel exchanges, to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two peoples.
The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, said Xi, noting the international landscape is marked by a mix of turbulence and transformation, while unilateral bullying is intensifying.
China supports Uruguay in taking over chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2026 and is willing to work with Uruguay to strengthen solidarity in the Global South, jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work together to seek common development, so as to make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.
Xi added that China has always valued its relations with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and supports LAC countries in upholding their sovereignty, security and development interests.
China also supports Uruguay in assuming the rotating presidencies of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), and stands ready to work with Uruguay and other regional countries to further promote the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future, Xi said.
Orsi said China is an important cooperation partner of Uruguay, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is at its best in history.
Noting that Uruguay firmly supports the one-China principle and supports the “one country, two systems” policy, he said Uruguay aspires to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and bring bilateral cooperation to a higher level.
Echoing Xi, Orsi called for boosting cooperation in wide-ranging areas to inject stronger momentum into Uruguay-China relations and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.
Uruguay stands ready to work with China to stay committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the international trading system, further advance LAC-China relations, and defend the common interests of the Global South, he said.
After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 10 cooperation documents covering investment, trade and other fields.
Prior to the talks, Xi hosted a welcoming ceremony for Orsi in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. At noon, Xi hosted a welcome banquet for him in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
During Orsi’s visit, the two sides issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The data, covering new cancer cases diagnosed in 2023, were released on February 3, 2026, during RBC’s National Cancer Symposium, convened to discuss strategies and pathways to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer by 2027.
In total, 5,635 new cancer cases were recorded in 2023. Among women, breast cancer topped the list with 719 new cases, compared to just 32 men diagnosed with the disease. Among men, prostate cancer was most prevalent, with 525 new cases.
Cervical cancer followed, with 664 new cases among women. Stomach cancer affected 271 women and 222 men. Liver cancer ranked fifth, with 195 men and 186 women diagnosed. Sixth was colorectal cancer, with 185 women and 145 men affected.
Blood cancers also ranked highly: leukaemia was diagnosed in 145 women and 158 men, while lymphoma affected 135 women and 114 men. Lung cancer was ninth, with 104 women and 76 men diagnosed, and oral cancer ranked tenth, affecting 60 women and 99 men.
RBC Director General Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi highlighted Rwanda’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027. Currently, nine of the country’s 30 districts have already achieved this milestone.
“Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Yet it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer,” he said, adding, “For Rwanda, eliminating cervical cancer is not only a public health priority, it is a matter of equity, of defending women’s rights, and of securing the health of future generations”
This goal aligns with the internationally recognised “90-70-90” targets: 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women should be screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive treatment. Rwanda has already exceeded the vaccination target, reached approximately 31% of the screening goal, and achieved 81% of the treatment target.
The estimated cost to fully achieve this goal is $27.8 million. RBC remains optimistic, citing strong government commitment and recent expansions in cancer care, including at Mituweli Hospital.
Dr. Maniragaba Théoneste, Director of the cancer control unit at RBC, emphasised the importance of early screening, noting that cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected in its initial stages.
“When detected at stage one or two, cancer can be cured before it spreads to other organs, such as the liver or brain. Early detection saves lives,” he said.
While the virus that causes cervical cancer (HPV) is sexually transmitted, symptoms of the disease may not appear for a decade or more. Donathile Akayezu, who recovered from cervical cancer last year, shared that she initially mistook her symptoms for a routine infection. Only after testing was the cancer detected.
“At first, I felt hopeless, but after treatment, I recovered and returned to my normal life. I continue regular check-ups but no longer take medication,” she said.
Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer continue to focus on vaccinating children and raising awareness among women about the importance of regular screening.
The appointment of Steward Soroba Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party, appeared in a presidential order dated January 30. Local media quickly noted that Budia passed away in 2021, sparking widespread ridicule on social media.
In a short statement, the presidency announced the dismissal of Press Secretary David Amour Major and Valentino Dhel Maluet, the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, without giving reasons. The statement thanked both officials for their service.
Amour later said the president’s office had relied on names submitted by stakeholders and that one party failed to properly verify the list, calling it an “administrative oversight.” It remains unclear whether this explanation led to his removal.
The panel was created to help prepare the country for elections, though doubts remain about whether the vote will happen as planned.
South Sudan continues to face insecurity, with recent fighting displacing more than 180,000 people, according to the UN.
Previous elections have been repeatedly postponed, leaving Kiir in power since independence in 2011.
The 19th National Dialogue Council held in 2024, adopted 13 resolutions aimed at strengthening economic growth, improving citizens’ livelihoods, and enhancing governance.
The State Minister for National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Godfrey Kabera, has told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that overall implementation stands at more than 80%.
He said agriculture has seen steady improvement, driven by expanded cultivated land, irrigation projects, and supporting infrastructure.
Projects such as the development of the Nyiramageni and Akanyaru wetlands, along with irrigation schemes in Kirehe, Kayonza, and other areas, have played a key role. These efforts were accompanied by investments in post-harvest handling and storage to reduce losses.
Kabera emphasized that access to markets is critical for agricultural and livestock products, noting that more than 4,200 kilometers of feeder roads have been upgraded and maintained to improve connectivity. He added that over 58% of these roads are currently in good condition.
On the resolution calling for the establishment of furniture workshops across the country and increased value addition, Kabera said improved management systems have been introduced to ensure sustainability and profitability.
He noted that the facilities have so far created employment for more than 370,000 people, highlighting their importance to the economy and household incomes.
In the area of skills development, 24 technical and vocational education and training (TVET) schools have been completed since the conclusion of the 19th National Dialogue Council, while 135 others have started offering vocational courses. As a result, each administrative sector now has access to TVET programmes.
{{Growing diaspora contribution}}
Efforts to engage Rwandans living abroad have continued to focus on investment promotion and increasing remittances. Data from the National Bank of Rwanda shows that remittances amounted to USD 502 million in 2024, compared to USD 505 million in 2023.
Kabera said members of the diaspora have been sensitized about investment opportunities in sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and industry.
He added that diaspora investment reached USD 35 million, describing the figure as a positive sign of strong commitment by Rwandans abroad to national development.
Other outcomes of the Umushyikirano resolutions include identifying young Rwandans pursuing advanced studies abroad and encouraging them to return home upon completion. According to Kabera, more than 150 skilled professionals have already returned and been integrated into key sectors facing skills shortages.
The 20th National Umushyikirano Council meeting is scheduled to take place on February 5–6, 2026.
The word [Umushyikirano->https://www.umushyikirano.gov.rw/about] translates to a meeting where participants are able to exchange ideas, share experiences and question each other. Today Umushyikirano is known as the National Dialogue Council.
As part of efforts to reconstruct Rwanda and nurture a shared national identity, the Government of Rwanda drew on aspects of Rwandan culture and traditional practices to enrich and adapt its development programs to the country’s needs and context.
The result is a set of Home Grown Solutions, culturally owned practices translated into sustainable development programs. One of these Home Grown Solutions is Umushyikirano.
Governed by the Rwandan Constitution (Article 168), Umushyikirano is a forum where participants debate issues relating to the state of the nation, the state of local government and national unity. The Office of the Prime Minister is responsible for the overall co-ordination of Umushyikirano.
The Sudan Doctors Network said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted several residential neighborhoods and the Al-Shartai Health Center. The group condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of international humanitarian law.
“Most of the victims were patients who were receiving treatment inside the health center at the time of the strike,” a witness in Kadugli told Xinhua, adding the attack occurred at 4:00 p.m. (1400 GMT).
The RSF did not immediately respond to the volunteer group’s report.
The strikes follow a strategic shift in the conflict. Earlier on Tuesday, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said its units had finally entered the city, which has been besieged for more than two years by the RSF and the allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
The prolonged blockade has forced nearly 80 percent of Kadugli’s 183,750 residents to flee and caused severe food shortages, according to the UN data.
The RSF has intensified its campaign across the Kordofan region since October 2025, following its capture of El Fasher, the last major army stronghold in neighboring Darfur.
Sudan has been engulfed in a power struggle between the SAF and RSF since mid-April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and created the world’s largest displacement crisis.
The airline shared the update on X account, on February 4, 2026.
“Due to heavy fog causing low visibility at Kigali International Airport, some flights to and from Kigali may experience delays,” the statement read. RwandAir sincerely apologized for any inconvenience this may cause to affected passengers.
Under international aviation regulations and safety standards, adverse weather conditions, such as dense fog that reduces visibility below safe operational minimums, are a valid and recognized reason for airlines to delay, divert, or suspend flights.
Pilots and air traffic control prioritize safety, and proceeding in unsafe conditions could pose serious risks, including potential accidents.
Common weather-related triggers for such disruptions include heavy rainfall, strong crosswinds, dense fog, thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, or any factors deemed hazardous by aviation authorities.
In a communiqué released by Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of the Department of Communication, the armed group said the facility served as a central hub for the planning, coordination, and execution of drone operations, which it says were used in attacks against civilians as well as AFC/M23 positions in areas under its control.
The group said the drone strikes affected several territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Kalehe, Mwenga, and Minembwe.
“The AFC/M23 will never stand idly by while innocent civilians are systematically targeted,” the communiqué said, warning that the group would act “to neutralise these threats at their source” if such attacks continue.
The statement also called on the Kinshasa government to make what it described as “an unequivocal choice between peace and war,” adding that “if it chooses peace, it must strictly respect the ceasefire.”
The AFC/M23 further rejected any attempt by the government to shift responsibility for the attack, asserting that it carried out the Kisangani operation.
“The AFC/M23 carried out the operation in Kisangani. The Kinshasa regime is fully aware of the military equipment it abandoned at the airports of Goma and Kavumu and must also understand that the use of drones and mercenaries is neither exclusive to nor the sole prerogative of Kinshasa,” the statement reiterated.
The group issued an appeal to the international community, urging immediate action to end abuses against civilians and to address impunity for alleged crimes.
“The AFC/M23 issues an urgent appeal to the international community to act without delay to put an end to the barbarity of the Kinshasa regime and to end impunity for crimes committed against civilians,” the AFC/M23 stated.
Researchers from the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Frazer Institute studied cell interactions at cellular resolution in non-small cell lung carcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, to better understand why some patients don’t respond to immunotherapy treatment, said a UQ statement on Wednesday.
Using machine-learning algorithms and computational approaches, the study, published in Nature Communications, examined how cells interact and metabolize glucose, which cancer cells thrive on, said Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe from UQ’s Frazer Institute.
“We were able to dive deep into the complex nature of cells, basically looking at the cells’ personal lives in the complex composition of a tumor, and found certain metabolic neighborhoods were associated with response and resistance to immunotherapy,” Kulasinghe said.
Immunotherapy is costly and benefits only a minority of patients, he said, adding that “it’s important to understand how to identify these patients, and those that might need combination or alternative therapies.”
Lead author James Monkman from UQ’s Frazer Institute said higher glucose uptake in cancer cells was associated with poorer outcomes.
“We know cancer cells love sugar, and we analyzed where glucose was being processed in the cells and where it wasn’t,” Monkman said. “You could have a region of a tumor processing glucose in a completely different way to another area of the tumor.”
The next step is to develop targeted treatments, such as with metabolic inhibitors, to make immunotherapy more effective, and eventually enable precision medicine tailored to each patient’s tumor, with plans to extend the approach to other cancers, the researchers said.
