Faith Batamuriza, Head of Retirement Benefits Supervision at BNR, told the Dusangire Ijambo talk show on Rwanda Television that while the rate is still low, increased awareness campaigns are helping more Rwandans understand the importance of saving for retirement.
“Pension coverage is at 48%, which is still far from where we want to be. Our campaigns aim to show people that saving now ensures a stable life in old age without financial stress,” she said.
Batamuriza noted that the pension sector is a critical part of Rwanda’s financial system and a driver of economic growth through investment. BNR, she added, monitors pension funds to safeguard members’ savings and ensure investments are made prudently.
Dr. Hitimana Regis, Chief Benefits Officer at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), said pension schemes are designed to provide income security when people’s ability to work declines. Rwanda’s formal pension system has been in place since independence in 1962.
For those in the informal sector, the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme offers a pathway to retirement savings. To date, 4.2 million people have registered, with 3.6 million actively contributing, and more than Frw 80 billion saved.
Private pension arrangements are also growing, allowing employers to set up retirement benefits for staff or enabling individuals and companies to create pension funds that supplement statutory schemes.
Dr. Hitimana said recent reforms have increased contribution rates and boosted payouts for retirees. He stressed that contributions are mandatory for employers, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, Rwanda’s RNIT Iterambere Fund (RIF) has mobilised Frw 59.1 billion to date, including amounts withdrawn by members. In 2024, the number of shareholders saving through the fund surged by 69.97%, rising from 19,495 in 2023 to 33,137.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation accused the OHCHR of making “sensational” claims without evidence, calling into question the agency’s credibility and methodology.
“OHCHR alleges, without any evidence, corroboration, or reported motives, that the Rwanda Defence Force ‘aided’ in the killing of 319 civilians on farms in eastern DRC. The gratuitous inclusion of the RDF in these allegations is unacceptable and brings into question the credibility of OHCHR and its methodology,” the statement read in part.
Kigali criticised the agency for failing to help de-escalate a conflict that has persisted for more than three decades, warning that such allegations risk undermining ongoing peace processes in the DRC.
The UN, in its reports, has accused the RDF of supporting the AFC/M23 rebel offensive in eastern DRC, claims the government has dismissed as false. Rwanda insists that its defensive measures along the border with the DRC are aimed at neutralising security threats posed by the FDLR rebel group, formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In the recent report, the UN report also accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel group of killing between 169 and 319 civilians in several localities within Rutshuru Territory between July 9 and 21, 2025. The group has denied the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Thursday night, AFC/M23 questioned the credibility of the report, noting that many of the cited areas fall within Virunga National Park — a protected zone where farming is prohibited. The group argued that alleged massacres could not have occurred in “nonexistent farmlands,” further casting doubt on the claims.
AFC/M23 also challenged the OHCHR’s reliance on reports from armed groups and local organisations with no presence in the affected areas, including Wazalendo, FDLR, and the Rutshuru Territory Youth Council. The rebels called for an independent investigation and invited UN offices to participate.
The group further accused the UN of selectively ignoring documented atrocities committed by Congolese government forces and their allies, including massacres of Banyamulenge and Hema communities, drone strikes on civilian areas, and repression of dissent.
“AFC/M23 strongly condemns this biased report, which propagates misinformation and undermines peace efforts. We hereby demand the immediate retraction of Report BCNUDH/OD/138/2025 and a public apology, as well as an independent investigation into the origins of these false allegations and internal accountability at the UNJHRO,” said rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
The group has urged the UN to address bias and apply equal scrutiny to all parties involved in rights violations.
AFC/M23 currently controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC and is engaged in Qatar-led talks with the Kinshasa government aimed at ending the protracted conflict, which the rebels attribute to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
This newly opened property is the latest venture by local investor Pierre Habyarimana, a native of Musanze. The lodge offers six guest rooms, a private apartment ideal for families, and an additional 14 standard rooms. It also boasts a rare feature in the area, a helipad capable of accommodating two small helicopters for guests arriving by air.
Guests at Buhanga Eco Lodge can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including a private restaurant, conference space, swimming pool, tennis, football, volleyball, and basketball courts. The property also offers a jacuzzi, massage services, a fitness room, bicycles for leisure rides, and other amenities designed to make every stay memorable.
“Inspired by the guidance of our President, Paul Kagame, who encourages us to invest in our own country and use locally made products (Made in Rwanda), I started this project to create jobs for many Rwandan families and provide high-quality services to visitors,” Habyarimana told IGIHE.
Set in a serene location surrounded by bamboo, diverse tree species, and blooming flowers, the lodge offers fresh air and a peaceful environment. Habyarimana describes it as an ideal getaway for tourists, Rwandans returning from the diaspora, and domestic travelers alike.
Rates for the Presidential Villa range from $8,250 for six to 11 guests, $6,800 for five to eight guests, and $4,000 for one to four guests. The apartment, suitable for two to four people, is priced at $2,750. The lodge also offers discounted rates for Rwandans from the diaspora.
Beyond Buhanga Eco Lodge, Musanze District hosts more than 50 hotels, including several five-star establishments catering to high-end international travelers.
According to Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, these hotels play a major role in the district’s and the province’s economic growth.
“We have hotels ranging from five-star to one-star, so every visitor can find a suitable option and be well accommodated,” he said.
The governor also noted that the hospitality sector creates numerous jobs, from tour guides and hotel staff to food service providers, drivers, and other service workers, benefitting local communities. Many hotel projects also use locally sourced materials, particularly volcanic stone, which is abundant in the region.
On August 8, 2025, RDB announced the start of the second phase of its collaboration with Bayern Munich. The revised agreement extends the partnership until 2028, shifting its focus from the “Visit Rwanda” promotional campaign to strengthen youth football scouting and development programs.
The changes prompted speculation in some outlets that Bayern Munich had pulled out of its deal with Rwanda. The German champions, however, issued a statement rejecting that narrative.
“Yesterday, FC Bayern announced that there have been substantive developments in its cooperation with the Rwandan Development Board [RDB]. In some media coverage, the impression may have arisen that FC Bayern had ended its partnership with the RDB. This is not correct,” the club stated.
“Following positive and constructive discussions, we have jointly decided to transition the commercial element of our previous agreement [“Visit Rwanda”] into a new cooperation for youth football, running until 2028. As a result, the entire focus of our partnership — which also includes the Ministry of Sports of Rwanda — is now on expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali,” adds the statement.
{{Investing in Rwanda’s football future}}
Rwanda’s football history boasts memorable highlights, including the men’s national team’s debut at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and the U-17 national team’s qualification for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.
That U-17 squad had been specially prepared for the tournament, but since then, no youth or senior team has made a similar breakthrough on the international stage.
Today, Rwanda is committed to nurturing young sporting talent, with the government viewing sport as both a driver of national pride and a growing industry built on skill and performance.
Since the partnership began in August 2023, Bayern Munich has played an active role in this vision. The club established the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali two years ago, now home to 30 fully sponsored young players.
The academy offers a professional environment rarely seen in Rwanda, with access to high-quality training, modern facilities, and expert coaching—including staff from Germany.
Training sessions take place at the Kigali Pelé Stadium, with evening practice made possible by floodlights, ensuring players get the most out of their development programs.
The collaboration is already producing results. Two Rwandan players, Ndayishimiye Barthazar and David Okoce, have been selected to join Bayern Munich’s U-19 team—a sign that the partnership is beginning to open professional pathways for local talent.
With the renewed agreement, both Bayern Munich and Rwanda aim to build a stronger foundation for the future of football in the country, turning potential into lasting success on and off the pitch.
In a conversation with Daniel Bernard, co-founder of Ride For Unity, she shared how her personal journey mirrors Rwanda’s own recovery—rooted in unity, visionary leadership, and accountability.
Ride For Unity is a global movement using cycling to build bridges, empower communities, and create lasting social impact.
Mukazayire’s life story is inseparable from Rwanda’s own. Born and raised in the country, she studied economics at the University of Rwanda and went on to earn a master’s degree.
A lifelong athlete, she played basketball in secondary school, at university, and briefly for the national team. Even today, she remains active through CrossFit and weightlifting. “Sport has always been part of my day-to-day,” she shared.
Her journey, however, is not just one of personal achievement but a reflection of Rwanda’s resilience. “As a Rwandan, it’s difficult to dissociate one’s journey from the country’s,” she noted. Emerging from the devastation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced a complex reality: survivors, returning refugees, fractured families, and a destroyed economy.
Mukazayire’s own family history mirrors this complexity, with some members as survivors and others, including her mother, involved in the genocide. “I had voices telling me you cannot make it,” she admitted. Yet, Rwanda’s visionary leadership provided a platform for her and countless others to rebuild their lives.
“This leadership,” she emphasized, “instilled hope and equal opportunity. The vision of the leadership that picked up all the pieces set a path for me and so many others to be where we are.” Through unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation, Rwanda created an ecosystem where merit and hard work could thrive.
She acknowledges that her rise would not have been possible without the post-1994 transformation.
“We all, including me, got an opportunity to live again, to see hope, or see a belief that there can be a future because of a leadership that had a vision,” she said.
That vision, she added, was rooted in unity, reconciliation, and rebuilding—a national foundation that created equal opportunities and allowed merit to drive progress.
Mukazayire credits her achievements to both the environment Rwanda has created and personal discipline.
“Confidence is realizing the unique talent in you… Competence means putting in the work… Consistency equals discipline,” she explained. For her, these values are as essential in life as they are in sport.
Mukazayire believes Rwanda’s success lies in its ability to “live what you say.” Governance, she noted, is anchored in accountability through systems like the National Dialogue—where citizens and leaders evaluate the nation’s progress—citizen outreach visits where ministers answer directly to the public, and performance contracts that hold leaders to their promises.
“We’ve understood that Rwanda is what we’ve got. There’s no us without Rwanda,” she said.
While Rwanda has made remarkable economic progress—from a GDP collapse in 1994 to over $1,000 per capita —the challenges ahead are significant.
“Without economic transformation, without alleviating poverty, you’ll still be struggling,” she cautioned. The country’s ambitions are bold, targeting $4,000 GDP per capita by 2035 and $12,000 by 2050. Achieving this, she said, will require strategic investment, import substitution, job creation, and harnessing the energy of the nation’s youthful population.
On sport’s role in this vision, Mukazayire considers it as a key driver of transformation. She cited studies showing that every dollar invested in sport can generate $124 through its ripple effect on other sectors.
“Our leadership has been clear that this is a sector where you have to invest before you attract,” she said.
Mukazayire also spoke of sport as an engine for national transformation, underpinned by her three guiding principles: confidence, competence, and consistency.
She highlighted Rwanda’s “invest before you attract” approach, exemplified by facilities like BK Arena builtn in just six months, alongside ongoing efforts in talent development and the growth of a vibrant sports-business ecosystem.
{{Women empowerment}}
Mukazayire is particularly proud of the country’s progress in empowering women in sport. Female referees, coaches, and technical staff are now common.
Through the “Isonga” program, schools must field both boys’ and girls’ teams in multiple disciplines. Yet she stresses that quotas alone, such as the constitutional requirement for at least 30 percent female representation in decision-making positions, are not enough.
“Are we building ourselves to take up those opportunities and being bold enough to know we can do it… Are they confident enough to seize opportunities they have, to build their skills and their abilities and knowledge to take up the 30%? That’s the biggest challenge,” she said.
For Mukazayire, serving as Minister of Sports is about harnessing the unifying power of sport to inspire, transform lives, and position Rwanda as a beacon of possibility for Africa and beyond.
The strike hit a tent designated for journalists, killing al-Sharif, correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa, according to Al Jazeera.
The broadcaster described the attack as a “targeted assassination” and “a blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed shock and condemned the strike, emphasising the urgent need to protect media workers reporting from conflict zones.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike and said it had targeted al-Sharif, accusing him of being involved in Hamas activities. The IDF alleged al-Sharif had served as the head of a terrorist cell within Hamas and had participated in attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. The military also claimed to possess documents linking him to Hamas units dating back to 2019.
However, the CPJ criticised these claims, stating that Israel had failed to provide credible evidence. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of CPJ, said this pattern of posthumous accusations without proof was consistent with previous incidents involving Israeli forces and journalists.
Al Jazeera’s managing editor, Mohamed Moawad, highlighted the critical role of al-Sharif and his colleagues in providing coverage from inside Gaza, where international journalists are largely barred from reporting freely.
“They were targeted while in their tent, not on the front lines,” Moawad said, citing an attempt to silence independent reporting from the region.
The UN and various international media organisations have repeatedly called for the protection of journalists in Gaza, emphasising that attacks on media personnel undermine press freedom and obstruct the flow of critical information from the conflict zone.
The Israeli offensive was launched in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds taken hostage. Since then, more than 61,000 people have been reported killed in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
The event, held at the Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo, was attended by dignitaries including the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, along with university leadership, faculty, parents, and invited guests.
This year’s cohort included 486 master’s degree recipients, 38 postgraduate diploma holders, 1,129 bachelor’s degree graduates and students from the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) program received professional certificates.
The university also recognized students who completed certificate programs through its Center for Equity and Inclusiveness, an initiative promoting skills, diversity, and inclusion within and beyond the campus.
In his address, UoK Chancellor Dr. Carlos Fernando Sotz commended the graduates for their resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. He highlighted their ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
“You have demonstrated that being an overcomer is not about having a smooth path, but about the ability to rise, adapt, and thrive despite the hurdles. You have done exactly that. Your journey has required not only intelligence and dedication, but also resilience, emotional strength, and vision,” he stated.
Dr. Sotz reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and holistic student development, urging graduates to uphold these values, use their knowledge to solve problems, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Minister Murangwa congratulated the graduates, stressing that the challenges they will face in their careers should be seen as opportunities to grow and excel.
“The world you are stepping into is full of complexity, but also full of opportunity. Climate change, inequality, technological disruption, economic volatility—these are among the many challenges that define our era,” he noted.
“Every challenge is a door waiting to be opened by someone like you, an overcomer. Whatever path you choose, pursue it with passion and integrity. Build networks. Learn continuously. Listen deeply. And never underestimate the influence you can have, no matter where you begin,” the minister added.
Chairman of the Board of Promoters, Professor Nshuti Manasseh, urged graduates to acquire knowledge that would enable them to make a meaningful impact on society.
“Be fearless in your pursuit of purpose. Be authentic in your relationships. Stay curious. Remain grounded. And always remember: success is not just about what you gain, but about what you give back,” he advised.
“Whether you become policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, or innovators, the world will measure your greatness not only by your achievements but by the lives you touch and the legacies you build,” added Prof. Nshuti.
Chairman of the Governing Board at the University of Kigali, Philibert Afrika, highlighted key pillars that will shape the strategic direction of the university in securing a future-ready institution.
These pillars include sustainability leadership, innovation in teaching and learning, deeper global partnerships, and a focus on staff development and financial sustainability, all of which are expected to guide UoK’s growth in the next chapter.
“In line with our Green Campus ambition, we are integrating environmentally friendly infrastructure, promoting digital innovation, and fostering a culture of ecological responsibility, positioning the University of Kigali as a model for sustainable higher education in Rwanda and beyond,” Afrika said.
Since its inception in 2013 with just 35 students, the University of Kigali has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting a vibrant community of over 8,000.
The latest cohort includes 1,653 graduates, comprising 807 males (49%) and 846 females (51%).
Speaking in an interview published by the local Saturday Punch, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesman for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said no amount of pressure from Washington could persuade Nigeria to rescind its decision against accepting some foreign nationals deported from the United States, some of whom are directly from prison.
“Even if other African countries are accepting deportees from the United States, Nigeria will not accept them,” he said, reiterating that the country has its own issues that “we are struggling with.”
With a population of more than 200 million people, Nigeria is not in a position to accommodate foreign deportees, especially those with potential criminal backgrounds, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar said in a separate interview with local media last month.
Nigeria’s unwavering stance signals a new layer of complexity in diplomatic relations between Washington and African nations, according to Tuggar, adding that acceding to such requests could set an unsustainable precedent for future deportations.
AFP, citing security sources, reported on Sunday that “at least around 20” soldiers had been arrested over the past three days in connection with what was described as an “attempt to destabilise the institutions.” An army source confirmed the alleged plot and said that “necessary arrests” had been carried out.
Among those detained is General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti region and senior officer.
“Soldiers came early this morning to arrest General Abass Dembele in Kati,” near the capital Bamako, a source close to the general said, adding that no reason for his detention had been provided.
A member of the junta-backed National Transition Council claimed that as many as 50 soldiers were in custody, all suspected of seeking to overthrow the military leadership.
The arrests highlight growing tensions within Mali’s armed forces. “This proves that the officers are struggling to control the situation,” said Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga, pointing to “grumblings” over the role of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps. “Some soldiers are unhappy with the treatment given to the Russian mercenaries at the expense of Malian soldiers,” he added.
Since 2012, Mali has faced relentless violence from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, along with criminal and communal conflict. After taking power, the junta expelled French forces and aligned with Russia, but the security situation remains volatile.
In July, the military-appointed legislature passed a bill granting junta leader General Assimi Goita a renewable five-year presidential mandate, effectively removing any immediate path back to civilian rule. The junta had initially promised elections by March 2024, but the timetable has since been abandoned.
The government has not yet issued an official statement on the alleged coup plot or the fate of the detained soldiers.
Youssouf made the call in a statement issued Saturday in observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which falls on Aug. 9 each year. The day aims to raise awareness about the rights of indigenous populations worldwide and to acknowledge their contributions to pressing global issues.
Highlighting the essential significance of recognizing the rich heritage, knowledge systems, and resilience of indigenous communities across Africa and beyond, he underscored the vital role they play in preserving cultural diversity, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable development in alignment with the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063.
The chairperson called on AU members, partners, and all stakeholders to work together through inclusive policy-making, equitable resource-sharing, and respect for traditional knowledge systems.
He also stressed the crucial importance of ensuring that “indigenous voices are heard, their rights upheld, and their contributions fully valued in building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Africa for all.”
Youssouf emphasized the 55-member continental organization’s resolve to promote and safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other continental instruments.
He urged African countries to enhance measures aimed at protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and to reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which serves as a global normative framework that complements AU instruments.
According to the UN, there are approximately 476 million indigenous people worldwide, residing in 90 countries and speaking a significant majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages, while also representing around 5,000 distinct cultures. Despite their rich cultural diversity, indigenous peoples face common challenges in safeguarding their rights as distinct communities.
