The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s role in advancing peace and stability.
Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japan–Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.
Minister Iwaya further noted Japan’s humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan’s support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.
Rwanda’s relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.
This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.
The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) Project, aims to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services.
It offers modern tractors, operator training, and a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model that enables farmers—especially youth—to acquire tractors with a 5 percent down payment, with the balance repayable over five years from service income.
The launch brought together government officials, partners, and farmers, and featured live tractor demonstrations, equipment handovers, and farmer testimonials highlighting the benefits of mechanisation.
Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer Rwanda, noted that since the project’s launch during agricultural seasons A and B, it has already recorded significant success.
Through catalytic financing and the deployment of 15 tractors, the project has supported over 6,000 farmers and cultivated more than 3,000 hectares.
“It is designed to address persistent challenges such as limited access to modern equipment, high labour demands, and low productivity, while promoting sustainable and climate-smart farming practices,” she said.
Ruzibuka emphasized that Heifer’s financing has improved access and availability of mechanisation services over the past seven months, proving strong demand and impact.
“Through this expansion in Nyagatare, we are moving closer to our vision of ensuring every district in Rwanda has access to affordable and reliable mechanisation services. These hubs are not only about tractors, but also about creating a new generation of rural entrepreneurs—from operators and booking agents to technicians—who can transform agriculture into a thriving business sector,” she added.
The Nyagatare mechanisation hub will provide modern tractors and implements to help farmers cultivate larger areas more efficiently, reduce reliance on manual labour, and boost productivity and incomes. It will also serve as a training and service centre for operators, booking agents, and technicians, while integrating Hello Tractor’s digital platform for transparent and convenient service access.
Stephen Gasana, Mayor of Nyagatare, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He explained that 59.3 percent of district residents are crop farmers while 39.2 percent are cattle keepers, both groups requiring these services. In the 2024/25 agricultural season, 83,190 hectares of land were cultivated, producing 261,640 tonnes of selected crops. However, only 7,654 hectares were cultivated using tractors.
“This limited mechanisation negatively impacted yields due to challenges such as incomplete land cultivation and delays in farming activities,” he said.
“We believe that bringing these services closer to farmers will help us implement government policies, including cultivating 70 percent of grazing land. This target was not achieved in time because it required a large labour force within a short period, which was difficult to manage,” he added.
Folu Okunade, Chief Operating Officer of Hello Tractor, which connects tractor owners with farmers in need of mechanisation services, stressed the scale of the challenge across Africa.
“Africa needs five million tractors to close the mechanisation gap. This represents a $122 billion opportunity that must be addressed. In Rwanda specifically, there are only 250 active tractors currently on the market,” he said.
“The country actually needs 26,000 tractors to close that gap and reach the global average, fully servicing its arable land. That represents a $700 million opportunity for Rwanda. We know there are challenges, but we are excited to help tackle them,” he added.
“This service of tractors and related machinery is very beneficial, as it creates jobs in different ways and helps people improve their livelihoods.”
While officiating the launch, Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said mechanisation is central to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation.
“This launch comes at a time when our country is implementing the National Strategy for Transformation of Agriculture [PSTA 5], which seeks to advance the sector over the next five years. This strategy emphasizes agricultural modernization and the use of environmentally friendly technologies.
In particular, mechanisation plays a critical role in reducing reliance on traditional, labour-intensive methods, enabling timely cultivation of larger plots, increasing productivity, and creating rural jobs—all of which directly raise farmers’ incomes.
By establishing hubs like this, we are putting into practice one of the pillars of PSTA 5, which leverages modern technology and innovation to make agriculture inclusive and transformative,” Ndabamenye said.
“We therefore encourage youth in this district and beyond to take part in this programme, because it is a great opportunity. Since we came here to launch such a centre, we hope that farmers in Nyagatare will start using it effectively, make the most of it, and eventually extend its benefits beyond Nyagatare to other districts as well.”
{{Success stories from the first hub}}
Olivier Niyitegeka, a farmer from Kamate Village, Karangazi Sector in Nyagatare District, explained that using a tractor for cultivation is very different from relying on manual labour.
In the last agricultural season, he cultivated one hectare with a tractor and harvested approximately 7.7 tonnes, compared to his neighbour who cultivated two hectares manually and harvested only 9 tonnes.
“We pay only Frw 85,000 per hectare, which is affordable. When we use a tractor, the soil absorbs water more easily, unlike with manual cultivation, which leaves crops vulnerable to drying when the weather is too hot. That’s what affected my neighbour’s crops. Tractors are efficient and save time,” he said.
Rutayisire Jackson, a dedicated livestock farmer, shared a similar experience. Before connecting with Hello Tractor, he relied on manual labour and traditional tools to cultivate three hectares of Napier grass and two hectares of maize. Meeting the nutritional needs of his eight cows was a constant struggle, especially during dry seasons when fodder shortages were severe.
With access to reliable and timely tractor services, Rutayisire expanded his herd from eight to ten cows.
“My daily milk yield rose from 120 to 170 litres, increasing my daily income from Frw 48,000 to Frw 68,000—a 41.7 percent increase in productivity and a 74.1 percent improvement in cost-benefit ratio.
Even during dry spells, efficient fodder production has helped me maintain milk output and income, making my farm more resilient, profitable, and scalable,” he said.
A story that captured the attention of many involved a Rwandan man living in Europe who, in 2016, travelled to Kigali to buy a house in Nyarutarama. He had been assured by a friend that a local construction company could provide a fully built home, and he brought with him 80 million Rwandan francs to make the purchase.
However, the excitement of finally owning a home in his homeland quickly turned into disappointment. Soon after moving in with his family during the holidays, he discovered multiple construction flaws: poorly installed tiles, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and other structural problems. Attempts to resolve the issues with the company were unsuccessful, leaving him facing a significant financial loss.
His story is not unique; several other diaspora Rwandans have reported being misled, defrauded, or left powerless due to the difficulty of monitoring construction from abroad.
In response to these challenges, a new digital platform dubbed StoneForge has been launched. It aims to provide Rwandans in the diaspora with a way to supervise their construction projects remotely, ensuring full transparency and control over their investments.
According to Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, StoneForge was developed in direct response to frequent complaints from diaspora members struggling with unreliable site managers, limited oversight, and a lack of accountability for their investments. The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.
“StoneForge was born from a clear need — helping busy Rwandans, especially in the diaspora, supervise their construction projects remotely with full transparency and control,” said Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.
“Our platform brings everything into one centralised dashboard: daily updates, material tracking, costs, reports — all automated. It’s peace of mind, built into technology.”
Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites. Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.
According to the founders, what sets StoneForge apart is its all-in-one approach. While other apps scatter budgeting, planning, and updates across multiple tools, StoneForge brings them together with live visuals and automated reporting, giving owners a clear picture of their project from start to finish.
For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.
“With StoneForge, I don’t need to call my site manager every day or worry about what’s happening on site. From wherever I am, I can see what’s being done, how much it costs, and even view progress with live feed of the site and reports in real time. It’s like being on site, without actually being there,” he said.
StoneForge is initially targeting Rwandans in the diaspora, but the founders say it could also benefit busy professionals and organisations managing multiple construction projects locally.
By digitising supervision and providing transparency, the platform aims to restore trust in a process that for years has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable.
According to a statement issued by the AEC on Thursday, the Shanghai office will be led by Bieni Da, chief representative of the AEC in China, who is tasked with ensuring that the chamber plays a pivotal role in connecting Chinese businesses and government entities with African stakeholders.
“The objective is clear: to drive impactful, long-term collaboration across strategic sectors of the economy, enabling investments that are mutually beneficial and aligned with both continents’ development goals,” it said.
The AEC, an energy advocacy group based in South Africa, was founded in 2018 with the mandate to promote sustainable investment and best practices within the energy sector in Africa.
In the statement, the AEC noted that despite the continent’s high energy demand, many African energy firms struggle to access the capital needed to scale operations and boost production.
The chamber added that its Shanghai office will play an instrumental part in connecting Chinese companies with African projects, facilitating partnerships, and bringing African opportunities to the Chinese market.
“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain — from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power, and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas, and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and more,” NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the AEC, said in the statement.
The AEC will also organize high-level investment forums in Shanghai to foster continued dialogue and engagement.
“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects… This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” Ayuk added.
The Senegalese Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, in a statement, confirmed that Mame Mandiaye Niang was among those targeted by the sanctions, describing the move as a “serious infringement” on the independence of international justice.
In a statement released Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Nicolas Guillou (France), Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji), Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal), and Kimberly Prost (Canada) of having “directly participated in efforts undertaken by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. or Israeli nationals without the consent of either country.”
“Senegal calls on the U.S. authorities to lift these sanctions, which constitute a serious violation of the principle of judicial independence and of the right of ICC judges to freely and calmly carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the 125 States Parties to the Rome Statute,” the Senegalese ministry said.
The Rome Statute, which defines the jurisdiction of the ICC, was first ratified by Senegal.
The statement added that Senegal reaffirmed its “full solidarity with Judge Niang” and the other magistrates targeted by the U.S. sanctions, while the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs assured the ICC of its “steadfast support.”
The closure, which followed customer complaints about poor service and negligence during a wedding ceremony in early July, surprised many, who questioned how a hotel that had been in operation for years could continue without proper authorisation.
At the time of the announcement, RDB warned that if the hotel continued operating beyond July 22, 2025, it would be in violation of national laws, a breach that could attract heavy penalties. The agency further explained that reopening would only be considered once the hotel had fulfilled all requirements to obtain an operating license in the tourism sector and complied fully with the relevant laws.
The revelation that such a prominent establishment lacked a valid operating license shocked the public, given that the hotel was well-known and had been welcoming guests for some time.
Speaking to IGIHE, Irène Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, explained that the situation was not unusual, pointing out that Rwanda’s 2014 Tourism Law allows investors to begin their projects while still working toward fulfilling conditions for an operating license, depending on the type of investment.
She clarified that beginning operations does not automatically mean an establishment is licensed in the tourism sector.
“In this case, the issue is not complicated. Registering an investment is simple and can be done online within six hours. But the key question is: what type of investment is it? A hotel, a restaurant, a nightclub, or apartments? The license granted depends on the category, and in their case, they were operating without ever applying for the proper license,” Murerwa said.
She added that although RDB was aware of the hotel’s investment activities, the owners had not completed all requirements needed to secure a tourism license.
“Anyone could see their doors open and assume they were licensed. Of course, RDB knew about them, just as we know many investors. We don’t close businesses the moment they open. We first conduct visits, hold discussions, and agree on timelines. Some investors fulfil requirements quickly, while others encounter delays. That was the case here,” she explained.
According to Murerwa, after an establishment begins operations, RDB reviews whether it meets the standards required for its specific category of tourism business.
“When challenges are communicated, we listen and allow time to address them, because our role is both regulatory and developmental. But once the grace period expires and compliance is still lacking, then closure becomes necessary,” she said.
Murerwa confirmed that Château le Marara had been inspected several times and was repeatedly reminded of what it needed to comply with. However, despite discussions, the hotel continued to report difficulties in meeting the legal requirements.
“We visited them and held discussions. But at some point, it became clear they were not treating the requirements with the seriousness of legal obligations. People wondered how such a well-known hotel, recognised by the community and local authorities, could lack RDB approval. The truth is that while they had the right to invest, they did not have the license to operate in the tourism sector,” she said.
Currently, investors registering in the tourism industry are required to fulfil up to 22 conditions, in addition to specific requirements depending on the category of business. These include registering the investment, employing qualified staff, and adhering to hygiene, safety, and environmental standards, among others.
While she did not disclose which specific requirements Château le Marara had failed to meet, Murerwa emphasised that any failure to comply constitutes a violation of the law.
“In tourism, there are many conditions to meet. If out of more than 20, you have fulfilled only five, you are still violating the law. While much attention is on Château le Marara, many other establishments have not met all conditions, and these cases must equally be reported to the authorities,” she concluded.
According to RDB officials, an establishment may be suspended for several reasons, such as employing workers without contracts—which is prohibited by law—or when clients suffer health complications due to non-compliance with required standards.
By law, RDB may grant an establishment a grace period during which it continues to operate while working to meet the required conditions. However, if follow-up inspections reveal ongoing non-compliance and no valid justification is provided, the institution risks suspension.
Murerwa explained: “There are instances where, for example, an employee mistreats a guest. That alone does not immediately warrant closure. In such cases, we conduct visits, issue warnings, and give time for correction. But if a client suffers health complications because the establishment failed to meet hygiene or safety requirements, then it becomes a serious matter, and closure is enforced immediately.”
She emphasised that closure is not necessarily permanent. Once the owner fixes the violations and meets all required conditions, they may request reopening. The application is reviewed through an inspection by a joint team from RDB, the Police, and other relevant agencies. If the team confirms compliance, the establishment is granted a license to resume operations.
Currently, a tourism operating license issued by RDB costs 80,000 Rwandan francs, although the fee may change in the future as part of an ongoing legal review process.
Château le Marara is located in Karongi District, on the shores of Lake Kivu.
RDB clarifies the reasons behind the closure of Château le Marara.
A month has now passed since Château le Marara was ordered to close its doors
Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR’s representative in South Sudan, told Xinhua in an interview that the agency is struggling to provide basic needs such as health and education for more than 550,000 Sudanese refugees, as dwindling funds have already led to food ration cuts.
“We have witnessed ongoing reductions in the capacity of UN agencies to support refugees in South Sudan. Food rations, for example, are lower than before, while UNHCR has managed to maintain essential services such as health and education; indeed, the standards are not as high as they once were,” Verney said in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Verney noted that despite the financial constraints, UN agencies are engaging with other institutions to sustain refugee support.
“So it is a difficult situation, but there are also some very positive developments, very strong engagement of the banks, World Bank, African Development Bank, on displacement issues and refugees in South Sudan, which gives us some confidence that we can be optimistic,” she said.
The UNHCR official said the greater challenge was the loss of flexible resources that previously allowed UNHCR to respond swiftly to multiple crises in South Sudan.
Since the conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, more than 1 million people, including both South Sudanese returnees and Sudanese refugees, have entered South Sudan, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, caused by conflict, climate shocks like flooding and heatwaves.
According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, over half of South Sudan’s population is experiencing severe food insecurity.
With clear signs of famine risk in specific areas and widespread crisis elsewhere, the UN has urged urgent, multi-sector humanitarian intervention to prevent further deterioration and loss of life.
Speaking during an interview with conservative radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday, Trump said he would be “going out tonight with the police and with the military” and pledged that “we’re going to do a job.”
The statement comes less than two weeks after Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., and invoked provisions of the Home Rule Act to assume federal control of the city’s law enforcement.
On August 11, his administration transferred authority over the Metropolitan Police Department to federal command and deployed National Guard troops across the city. Since then, Washington has seen a significant increase in the presence of federal agents and military personnel, with checkpoints and joint patrols established in several neighbourhoods.
The move has generated mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the deployment demonstrates a firm commitment to restoring order, while critics, including local officials, have expressed concern that the takeover undermines the city’s autonomy and risks politicising public safety.
In Congress, lawmakers are already debating legislation that could extend federal control of Washington’s police force beyond the initial emergency period, signalling that the measure could have lasting political implications.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, August 21, 2025, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said Washington was “encouraged by continued negotiations between the DRC and M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar.”
He described this week’s talks as a “critical step” following the signing of a Declaration of Principles last month, which laid out a roadmap for ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Boulos reaffirmed the U.S. call for “an immediate end to violence against civilians” and stressed the importance of “concrete actions to uphold commitments to peace and stability.”
The comments come as both Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 announced this week that they would send delegations to Qatar.
The meetings are, among others, intended to evaluate progress on commitments made in the July 19 Declaration of Principles, including a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed that his group’s technical team would focus on “the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.”
The Congolese government also confirmed its participation, while emphasising that its negotiators would prioritise protecting national interests.
Despite the July agreement, mistrust between the two parties remains high. The sides had initially pledged to meet key commitments by July 29, paving the way for formal peace talks by August 8. Instead, accusations of ceasefire violations and disputes over detainees stalled progress.
The question of prisoners remains particularly contentious. AFC/M23 claims Kinshasa is holding around 700 members and supporters, while the government insists any releases can only follow the signing of a final peace deal. The impasse derailed efforts to conclude a broader agreement by August 18.
Qatar, which has been mediating since July, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it continues to work closely with both sides to encourage compromise.
This comes as a staunch Trump ally alleged that the top U.S. Fed official committed mortgage fraud, which is “appropriate for referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration of criminal prosecution,” according to media reports.
Taking to social media, Trump on Wednesday wrote: “Cook must resign, now!!!”
In the letter posted on X, Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte claimed Cook “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud under the criminal statute.”
Pulte was referring to mortgages in the U.S. state of Michigan and Georgia that Cook took out in June and July 2021 respectively. The letter, dated Aug. 15 and addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, said Cook stipulated that the two residences would be her principal addresses for at least a year, a move that could enable her to get a more favorable mortgage rate.
While no investigation has been disclosed so far, Cook said on Wednesday she had “no intention of being bullied to step down.”
“I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts,” Cook said in a media statement.
Pulte, an outspoken ally of the U.S. president, has been a vocal critic of the Fed, as well as Fed Chair Jerome Powell, for failing to heed the White House’s calls to lower interest rates, CNN reported.
According to Quartz, an American business news website, Pulte “in the months after his Senate confirmation … added to his job description helping orchestrate a fiery campaign against Powell and demanding the central bank chief to step down.”
“The new focus on Cook is an expansion of the Trump administration’s intense pressure campaign against the Fed, specifically central bankers who aren’t perceived as allies of the president,” CNN opined.
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) reported that Trump “appears to be rallying for another open seat on the board, which would allow him to appoint someone more aligned with his views.”
Analysts have also expressed concerns as the Trump administration made the new move in its bid to take control of the Federal Reserve and crimp its independence. In the past months, Trump has bashed Powell over the Fed’s monetary policy decisions and pressured the central bank to cut interest rates.
“This is part of a process to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve,” Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua that “Trump wants his people on the Federal Reserve so the bank lowers interest rates. It is all about wanting to control all the major levers of power. He needs people who are loyal to him and follow his instructions.”
Similarly, Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua that “Trump views the entire federal government as something that works for him and to advance his political agenda.”
“Anybody who’s not on board with that is, in his view, corrupt and needs to be replaced, regardless of facts and regardless of what the law says,” Galdieri said.
Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua that “I think it will make it less likely the Fed will lower rates … Since they won’t want to be seen buckling to (White House) pressure.”
“The effort to oust Cook will likely lead to higher long-term rates and less investment in the United States,” Baker added.
