Following their private meeting, the two Heads of State convened with the African Union–appointed Panel of Experts, comprising former African leaders: former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
According to the Office of the President, the talks focused on the “security situation in eastern DRC, the progress of ongoing diplomatic engagements, and ways to strengthen coordination between regional and continental mediation efforts to advance peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.”
The Panel of Experts was established in March 2025 through the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, creating a unified framework to harmonise efforts among stakeholders addressing the crisis in eastern DRC. Its mandate includes guiding peace negotiations between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the M23 and other factions active in the region.
The merged peace process prioritises the implementation of previously agreed measures, such as the disarmament of the FDLR militia, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The regional efforts are complemented by international support from countries including Qatar and the United States, aimed at restoring stability in the region.
According to authorities, more than Ksh.11 billion (about Rwf 124 billion) was siphoned off through fictitious surgeries and fraudulent claims by health facilities within just six months, between October 2024 and April 2025.
Introduced to replace the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the system was designed to modernise access to healthcare and provide improved health coverage for all Kenyans. However, only months after its launch, it is now facing a serious crisis of confidence, with hundreds of facilities accused of manipulating reimbursement claims.
Investigations have uncovered practices such as fictitious treatments, inflated billing, and the registration of “ghost patients.” Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, appearing before members of the National Assembly in Naivasha this week, revealed a disturbing trend in which expectant mothers were allegedly forced to undergo unnecessary caesarean sections to inflate insurance claims.
“Somebody wants to force a mother to a C-section when she can deliver normally just because they want to get a difference of Ksh.20,000 (Rwf 225,000),” Duale told lawmakers.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula expressed concern over the growing reliance on surgical deliveries.
“We used to see doctors tell mothers to push during birth. Nowadays it is just go to theatre. We want to go back to pushing,” he said.
Authorities said irregularities were detected using artificial intelligence, including one striking case in Kwale County, where an insured individual was listed as having 381 dependents.
“We are handing over that patient to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” Duale said.
In response to the revelations, more than 1,100 health facilities have been closed or suspended, and dozens of medical professionals have been deregistered from the SHA system. Criminal investigations are ongoing, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations pursuing those implicated in the fraud.
Despite the crisis, the government maintains that the Taifa Care programme, central to Kenya’s push for universal health coverage, will continue. Officials say tighter controls and stronger oversight measures are being implemented to restore public trust and ensure the system operates fairly for all Kenyans.
Launched as part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) in 2017, when only 27% of district residents had electricity access, the initiative has made steady progress with coverage reaching 60.6% by 2024.
In an interview with IGIHE, Jean Claude Habanabakize, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, highlighted the district’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access.
“Our goal under the upcoming 2025–2029 development plan is 100% household coverage,” he stated. The EPC Nyabihu Project, implemented by the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), draws funding from multiple sources.
It includes 14.7 million USD (approximately Rwf 21.46 billion) from one budget line, supplemented by over Rwf 5 billion specifically for connecting the 21,000 households.
“This combined investment will raise electricity coverage to 82.9% in the near term,” Habanabakize explained. “Already, 17,209 households are connected via the main power line. Upon full completion, we anticipate reaching 92% coverage.”
He noted that sectors where electricity has been extended are experiencing rapid socio-economic growth, with businesses thriving and development accelerating.
Habanabakize also urged residents to adhere to land use plans and relocate to designated village settlements, where infrastructure rollout, including electricity, is more efficient and cost-effective.
DIRCO said the decision follows “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice” by Seidman, which it described as posing “a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.”
“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” the department said.
DIRCO said Seidman’s actions were “a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention,” adding that they have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.
It urged the Israeli government to ensure that its future diplomatic conduct respects South Africa and established principles of international engagement.
The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between the Ministry of Education and MTN Rwanda to identify areas of collaboration to improve digital access across the education sector.
Under the partnership MINEDUC and MTN will align on various interventions and initiatives such as zero-rating of selected education platforms, customized bundles for teachers, and affordable connectivity solutions for education institutions and learning-related activities.
These interventions are designed to strengthen teaching, learning, and access to digital resources nationwide.
The Digital Skills and Digital Jobs initiative specifically, is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen youth employability, digital entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.
Delivered through the MTN Skills Academy, the DSDJ platform provides free, on-demand training in digital literacy, digital marketing, data analytics, coding, financial literacy, and work readiness, alongside career guidance and access to more than 500 online courses to support young people’s transition from learning to earning.
Importantly, the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative will be integrated into the Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) Programme, enabling out-of-school youth who are often excluded from formal learning pathways to access practical digital skills and participate in Rwanda’s digital transformation.
Through RISE and beyond, the platform will support job readiness, digital entrepreneurship, and the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative directly contributes to national priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, particularly in the areas of job creation, digital inclusion, and human capital development.
It complements existing education, TVET, and workforce-development frameworks by addressing persistent digital skills gaps while ensuring alignment with national standards and policy direction.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education emphasized the importance of strategic public–private partnerships in accelerating national priorities and expanding opportunities for young people across Rwanda.
“Developing relevant digital skills is essential to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. Through policy-aligned partnerships such as this, we are expanding access to future-ready competencies while ensuring inclusion, quality, and coherence with our national education and skills frameworks.”
“This partnership with the Ministry of Education is about ensuring that technology truly supports learning for both students and educators. By expanding access to connectivity, supporting customized data and devices plans, and strengthening digital skills, we are working together to make digital education more inclusive and practical.
“We believe that when learners and educators are empowered with the right tools, they are better prepared for the future of work and Rwanda’s digital growth,” states Monzer Ali Chief Executive Officer MTN Rwandacell Plc.
The Ministry of Education will provide policy guidance, alignment with national standards, and oversight, while MTN Rwanda contributes digital infrastructure and delivery expertise, ensuring the initiative strengthens and complements existing public programmes.
MTN Rwandacell Plc is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers, with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
Inyambo cows are renowned for their striking features, most notably their long, elegant, upward-curving horns, which make them stand out in any crowd. But beyond their beauty lies a deep historical and cultural connection that ties them directly to Rwanda’s monarchy and the traditions of the people. These cows are not simply bred for milk or meat like ordinary cattle; they have a much more profound role in Rwandan society.
The roots of the Inyambo breed trace back to the 12th century, and their association with the Nyiginya monarchy has shaped their role in Rwandan culture. Unlike other cattle, Inyambo were not just a part of the royal family’s possessions; they were essential for royal ceremonies and played a central role in the celebration of power and prestige. Kings and chiefs would keep these cows as symbols of their status, and during important events, the
Inyambo were adorned with beads, bells, and jewellery.
Trained from a young age, these cows were made to parade gracefully and were even taught to follow traditional songs, creating a spectacle that showcased Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions.
The Inyambo were not mere personal property of the kings; they belonged to the kingdom itself. These cows were seen as public treasures, embodying the unity of the Rwandan people and symbolizing the identity of the nation.
Historical records suggest that Rwandan kings were often reminded by their advisors that the Inyambo cows were part of the nation’s heritage, not just private possessions. This connection to the people and the kingdom made the Inyambo far more than just cattle; they were living representations of Rwanda’s culture, strength, and unity.
Beyond their royal associations, Inyambo cows have a deep cultural significance. They symbolise gratitude, blessings, and the close relationship between the people and their land. As symbols of prosperity and goodwill, the Inyambo were often used as gifts and diplomatic tokens, further cementing their role as icons of Rwandan culture.
However, the journey of the Inyambo breed has not been without its challenges. Over time, diseases, wars, and crossbreeding with other cattle breeds led to a significant decline in their population. The once-prevalent Inyambo cows found themselves on the brink of endangerment.
Recognising the importance of preserving this iconic breed, the government of Rwanda has taken active steps to protect and revive the Inyambo population, ensuring that this piece of living heritage does not fade into history.
Today, the Inyambo are carefully preserved and maintained at institutions like the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where herders continue the ancient traditions of grooming, handling, and parading the cows.
These cows are not only a cultural attraction for visitors but also a source of national pride. Visitors to Rwanda can marvel at the sight of the Inyambo cows, and many are drawn to the sight of the cows’ ceremonial parades, where the elegance and grandeur of these animals are on full display.
To further protect and preserve the breed, modern breeding programs have been introduced by the Rwanda Agriculture Board. These programs combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge techniques, including in vitro fertilisation and cryopreservation, to maintain the breed’s unique genetic traits. Such scientific efforts ensure that the Inyambo cows continue to thrive in a changing world, securing their place in both Rwanda’s past and its future.
The Inyambo also continue to play a vital role in Rwandan cultural celebrations. During national events and festivals like Umuganura, where the country celebrates its harvest and unity, the Inyambo cows are paraded as symbols of elegance and cultural pride. Their presence at these celebrations is a reminder of the nation’s rich royal history and its commitment to preserving its traditions.
In essence, the Inyambo cows are not just cattle; they are a living bridge between Rwanda’s past and present. These majestic animals are a direct link to the royal courts of the past, and they continue to serve as symbols of Rwanda’s cultural pride, history, and unity. They represent the strength of the Rwandan people and their resilience in preserving their heritage.
So, the next time you see the majestic horns of an Inyambo cow, take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, and tradition that these animals carry with them. They are not just a reminder of Rwanda’s royal past but also a symbol of a proud and thriving nation that has maintained its cultural roots while looking toward the future.
The Bank Group’s contribution includes $24.64 million from the African Development Fund, its concessional lending arm, and an additional $5.21 million from the AfDB. The remaining funds will come from the Government of Rwanda.
The project will expand and upgrade the Centre of Excellence, located in Kigali Innovation City, a growing tech hub in the Rwandan capital. Plans include enhanced academic programs and student training, new laboratories and facilities, advanced equipment procurement, and stronger linkages with the private sector.
Phase II will train 470 students in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation and mobility sciences, and digital health at bachelor’s and master’s levels, with most beneficiaries coming from Rwanda and other East African Community countries. The project will also provide PhD and post-doctoral training for University of Rwanda staff to ensure high-quality teaching and research.
In addition, the project will support curriculum reform, accreditation, and collaborative research with leading international institutions. Regional integration will be promoted through student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing events, and entrepreneurship support programs.
A notable innovation under Phase II is the establishment of a Biomedical Innovation Park, which will allow students, researchers, and private companies to design, test, and produce health technologies tailored to local and regional needs.
The project is expected to benefit the wider community by providing hospitals and clinics with locally trained specialists capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing medical equipment. Expanded access to digital health tools and telemedicine will also make healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural areas.
During its construction phase, the project will create hundreds of temporary jobs, mainly for young people. In the long term, it is expected to stimulate the development of health technology businesses, attract research funding, and create skilled employment opportunities.
“This project will equip our young people with world-class skills while bringing better health services closer to families. It is an investment in talent, innovation, and the wellbeing of our communities,” said Hendrina Doroba, AfDB Manager for Education and Skills Development.
Following approval on January 9, the project will be implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the University of Rwanda and is scheduled to run through 2030. It supports Rwanda’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-driven economy and a resilient, inclusive health system.
These accomplishments were spotlighted during a formal handover ceremony on January 28, 2026, as the outgoing board transitioned responsibilities to the newly appointed members.
Goshen Finance PLC’s Board consists of nine directors, each serving a three-year term that can be renewed up to twice.
Five new members were elected late last year to replace those whose terms had concluded, while the remaining four carried over and will continue until their individual terms expire. These continuing directors will also guide and mentor the newcomers during the transition.
Among the departing members were several who had served the full nine years since joining in 2016, including former Board Chairperson Peter Nkubara. In his remarks, Nkubara highlighted key milestones from their tenure.
He noted that client numbers had surged from 27,270 in 2016 to 73,072 today. Over the same timeframe, total assets grew from Rwf 5.5 billion to more than Rwf 25 billion.
The loan portfolio also saw substantial expansion, rising from Rwf 2.7 billion in 2016 to Rwf 19 billion by the close of 2025, while serving nearly 6,000 individual clients.
Nkubara emphasized the institution’s strong asset quality, with a non-performing loan ratio of only 0.9%, well under the 5% threshold mandated by the National Bank of Rwanda.
Gross profit has shown consistent improvement since 2017, climbing from Rwf 82 million to over Rwf 900 million.
He pointed to other notable advances, such as the introduction of profit-sharing with shareholders beginning in 2023. Nkubara encouraged the incoming board to capitalize on this foundation by forging new partnerships and maintaining the company’s upward trajectory.
“Achieving these results required close collaboration with many partners and stakeholders,” Nkubara remarked. Key allies include the Development Bank of Rwanda, which extended a Rwf 2 billion loan specifically to support farmers, and the U.S.-based nonprofit EDIFY.
Through that partnership, Goshen now manages over Rwf 1.5 billion in low-interest loans for educational institutions, primarily primary and nursery schools.
He urged the new leadership to preserve and build on the trust established, deepen existing collaborations, and further refine loan management across various segments.
Incoming Board Chairperson Jonathan Gatera commended Goshen Finance PLC for remaining true to its Christian values while delivering services and achieving sustained progress since its founding.
Gatera affirmed that he and the new board are dedicated to elevating the institution further, with an ambitious vision of eventually transforming it into a full commercial bank.
“If we set our minds to it, we could make that transition within the next three years,” he said. “We have everything it takes, nothing others possess that we lack, and we also have faith in God’s guidance. Looking at our strengths across operations, I am convinced we can reach this goal by working together and seeking divine direction.”
He added that the board will prioritize extending credit to previously underserved sectors and activities.
Goshen Finance PLC is a microfinance institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Established in 2005, it now operates nine branches throughout Kigali and various provinces across Rwanda.
In a press release issued on the same day, the Council of the EU said that it decided to impose restrictive measures on 15 Iranian officials and six entities.
With the latest decision, the EU’s restrictive measures now apply to 247 individuals and 50 entities, the Council said.
The measures include asset freezes, travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to those listed.
Recently, the EU has further stepped up pressure on Iran, aligning with the United States.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, Trump expressed serious concern about the growing economic engagement between London and Beijing but did not provide detailed specifics on potential consequences for the U.K.
“Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said when asked about the United Kingdom deepening ties with China. His remarks reflected Washington’s broader scepticism toward closer Western commercial and strategic engagement with Beijing, even as Starmer was in China pursuing expanded cooperation.
Starmer, the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, had been working to reset relations with President Xi Jinping. The leaders announced several landmark agreements, including 30‑day visa‑free travel for British citizens in China and reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky, moves designed to boost trade and mutual investment.
Starmer described the tone of his talks with Xi as “very warm and constructive” and stressed that the United Kingdom had “a huge amount to offer” China in terms of business opportunities.
Despite Starmer’s efforts to balance economic goals with concerns about human rights and security, Trump’s comments underscored ongoing tensions between the United States and its allies over China’s role in global supply chains and economic systems.
U.S. officials have long cautioned that deepening commercial ties with Beijing could expose Western economies to undue influence and create strategic vulnerabilities, a view Trump reiterated with his warning.
Analysts say Trump’s remarks reflect a broader trend in Washington to view China not only as a competitor but as a geopolitical rival whose growing influence could challenge U.S. leadership and that of its traditional allies. The warning to the U.K. was echoed in Trump’s criticism of Canada for similarly expanding economic engagement with China.
British officials, for their part, emphasized that the agreements reached with China are not part of a formal free‑trade pact but are intended to expand practical cooperation while safeguarding national interests.
Starmer has sought to reassure both domestic critics and international partners that the U.K. is capable of fostering a “sophisticated” relationship with China that includes frank discussions on security issues such as espionage and human rights, including concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
