According to the company, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to fight hunger, improve nutrition, and promote self-sufficiency in food systems, particularly across the African continent.
Speaking at the launch, Mega Global Market’s CEO, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, explained that the initiative was created to improve the well-being of communities by providing access not just to food, but to nutritious and health-enhancing options.
“We are here to launch the African Wellness Junction as a complement to the UN’s goal of food self-sufficiency,” said Dr. Habumugisha. “Our goal is to help people access healthy food options and achieve complete nutrition without the risks associated with poor diets.”
Through this new program, Mega Global Market has reduced the cost of its products. Nutritional supplements sold wholesale in Rwanda will now be discounted by 50%, while individual customers will enjoy a 30% price cut. Gym equipment has also been made more affordable, with prices reduced by up to 20%.
Mega Global Market is known for offering a variety of nutritional supplements and wellness products. Among them is Best Lady Care, a supplement designed to help women regulate hormones, support reproductive health, and enhance sexual wellness. Another product, Best Man Prime, is believed to support prostate health and boosts testosterone.
The company also offers Best Kids Brain Gummies, which aid in children’s growth and brain development, along with other popular supplements such as Best Fish Oil, Best Fit & Detox Tea, Best X Power Coffee, and Best Brain Booster—all formulated to improve overall health and bodily function.
In addition to supplements, the company provides various wellness machines designed to support physical health. These include the G-Foot Massage, which promotes nerve stimulation and blood circulation through reflexology; the G-Leg Beautician, which helps relieve varicose veins, swelling, fatigue, and even symptoms of depression.
The popular Treadmill allows users to jog in place, promoting bone strength, muscle tone, and blood flow. Other machines include the G-Vibration Plate, Portable Sauna, G-Body Shaker, and G-Advanced Chair, each offering unique benefits for overall body performance and recovery.
The initiative, led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), aims to address missed or delayed diagnoses of syphilis in pregnant women—a key driver of congenital syphilis, which can cause stillbirths, low birth weight, neurological damage, or even neonatal death.
Dr. Charles Berabose, Director of Sexually Transmitted Infections at RBC, says the new test will deliver results within 30 minutes, allowing immediate treatment during routine antenatal visits.
“The test can be done right in the antenatal room. That will help us catch infections earlier and start treatment right away. Rwanda has already trained lab technicians nationwide to carry out the RPR test and plans to train health workers on the new kits ahead of their launch,” Dr Berabose told the New Times.
The test is part of a “triple elimination” package that also screens for HIV and hepatitis B. Unlike the current lab-based RPR method, which takes hours and often delays treatment, the new approach will be conducted directly in antenatal rooms.
Rwanda’s high antenatal care attendance, with 98% of pregnant women attending at least one visit, offers a strategic entry point for early screening and intervention.
Health workers are being trained in preparation for the rollout, which is expected early next year.
The United States announced the development following a meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025. Rwanda was represented by Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while the DRC delegation included an expert in economic affairs. The U.S. was represented by Massad Boulos, Advisor for African Affairs.
The move builds on the Washington Declaration of Principles signed in April and aligns with the broader Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, with the support of the United States.
Rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared prosperity, the REIF outlines a forward-looking economic partnership designed to unlock investment opportunities, curb illicit mineral trade, and support sustainable development across multiple sectors.
{{Shared commitment to stability and inclusive development
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Both governments reaffirm their commitment to combating the illicit trade of minerals, which has long fueled violence and undermined good governance in the region. By formalising their cooperation through the REIF, Rwanda and the DRC aim to dismantle the economic drivers of conflict and shift toward a future anchored in cross-border collaboration, industrial development, and community empowerment.
The framework recognises the potential for greater synergy with regional and continental bodies, particularly through the revitalisation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and seeks alignment with initiatives such as the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan.
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Rwanda and the DRC have committed to jointly reforming and formalising the mineral sector, particularly in critical minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, and gold. They aim to eradicate the financing of armed groups through illicit trade and to develop a world-class, industrial mining sector that creates value from extraction to end-user.
Both countries will work toward formalising artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), expanding opportunities for alternative livelihoods, and strengthening transparency, traceability, and professional standards.
Improving cross-border interoperability, particularly in border management, is central to this effort. By doing so, they hope to attract global investment and promote equitable value sharing through industrial development initiatives.
While reaffirming sovereign control over natural resources, both governments agree that communities must benefit directly from the revenues and advantages generated through extraction, processing, and trade. This approach aims to promote a productive, rules-based economy anchored in transparency and local empowerment.
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Energy is viewed as a cornerstone of industrialisation and regional development. The two countries have expressed their intention to prioritise increased electricity generation and access for both industry and households. They will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project and sustainably exploiting methane gas from Lake Kivu for electricity generation and transmission.
These efforts will be coordinated with neighbouring countries and guided by the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan. Where appropriate, the multilateral governance structures of the CEPGL may be used to support implementation.
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Rwanda and the DRC will cooperate in developing mutually beneficial infrastructure in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and information and communication technology (ICT).
This includes plans for passenger and cargo transport infrastructure, warehousing, ports, and markets. Both governments are keen to attract private sector investment that can catalyse economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
These infrastructure initiatives will be aligned with the U.S.-supported Lobito Corridor to enhance regional and global connectivity and improve access to international markets.
{{National park management and cross-border tourism
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The two countries also plan to collaborate on cross-border conservation and science-based management of biodiversity and ecosystems. A key part of this will be the development of a coordinated cross-border security strategy to address shared threats in protected areas. This includes harmonising enforcement mechanisms and legal frameworks.
Additionally, Rwanda and the DRC intend to build a sustainable cross-border tourism sector by supporting each other’s tourism operators and promoting community-based initiatives. They plan to implement a harmonised tourism revenue-sharing model and standardised policies to strengthen community livelihoods through conservation.
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Recognising the importance of a united health response, Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination to prevent and manage disease outbreaks. This includes collaborative planning and response to epidemics and pandemics, with an emphasis on information sharing to promote scientific research and health-related commercial ventures.
{{Other areas of cooperation
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The REIF is designed as a living platform, allowing for the continuous identification and integration of new opportunities. The Participants are committed to exploring expanded cooperation in areas such as water and sanitation infrastructure, agribusiness (including livestock), education, sports, and entertainment.
They have also pledged to accelerate trade liberalisation and regional integration, ensuring that REIF remains dynamic and responsive to emerging regional needs.
The REIF will be finalised through a dedicated agreement outlining coordination mechanisms for its implementation. Officials from both countries have reiterated that all efforts will be carried out in full respect of national laws and sovereignty.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate economic agreements would follow. The REIF now serves as the foundation for those agreements, charting a clear and strategic path from principle to execution.
Zigiranyirazo was previously accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but was later acquitted.
He was among eight Rwandans who remained stranded in Niger after multiple countries denied them asylum, despite either being acquitted or having completed sentences issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Arusha, Tanzania.
Initially sentenced to 20 years in prison on December 18, 2008, Zigiranyirazo was acquitted by the Appeals Chamber on November 16, 2009.
He was known as a member of “Akazu” — a close-knit inner circle around the Habyarimana regime that played a key role in orchestrating the Genocide. Zigiranyirazo was also the brother of Agathe Kanziga, wife of the late President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The strike move was earlier announced after members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 voted to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing.
This vote followed members’ overwhelming rejection of Boeing’s earlier proposal on July 27 as a labor agreement officially expired before midnight.
The workers were based at Boeing’s facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as Mascoutah, Illinois.
“We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant in the statement on Sunday.
“They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise,” IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said.
“Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
The IAM union is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
Boeing expressed disappointment over the vote. Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager, and senior St. Louis site executive, said in a statement that the company was “disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.”
Boeing was “prepared for a strike and had fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,” he added.
In August, the OPEC+ countries saw an oil output increase of 548,000 bpd amid a plan to gradually unwind their most recent layer of output cuts.
Sunday’s decision was made during a virtual meeting where member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, reviewed global market conditions and outlook, according to a statement on the OPEC website.
The statement noted that the gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions.
In a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, AUSSOM also refuted media reports alleging heavy casualties among its soldiers in Bariire.
“AUSSOM wishes to clarify that its forces, in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), initiated a major offensive to recapture Bariire town on Aug. 1,” the AU mission said, responding to claims made by al-Shabab regarding the destruction of AU-owned armored personnel carriers and the retreat of AUSSOM troops following intense fighting in Bariire.
“The joint military operation has resulted in substantial losses for the terrorist group, with over 50 al-Shabab militants killed and many others sustaining serious injuries,” AUSSOM said.
The agriculturally rich Bariire town, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River.
Local residents said the fighting on Friday was the most intense in recent days between the militants and allied forces.
“AUSSOM and SNAF troops are determined to recapture Bariire town and other territories still under al-Shabab control to ensure lasting peace and security for the people of Somalia,” said El Hadji Ibrahima Boly Diene, special representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia and head of AUSSOM.
The internal vote, held on August 1 under the supervision of CCM Deputy Secretary General John Mongella, saw Jesca secure 391 votes, placing her second on the Mainland list, just behind outgoing legislator Ng’wasi Kamani, who garnered 409 votes.
The results mark a crucial step in Jesca’s bid to enter Parliament, a path once taken by her father nearly three decades ago.
Raised in Chato, Geita region, Jesca has embraced the values her father championed.
At the recent event, she told supporters: “I was raised on the principles of hard work, integrity, and self-reliance. My main mission is to defend, collaborate, but most importantly, to speak out loudly in the political, economic, and developmental journey.
“I have the intention and vision to ensure that the manifesto of our CCM party for the years 2020-2025, with the slogan ‘Work and Integrity, We Move Forward,’ is implemented for the broad interests of our nation, Tanzania.”
John Magufuli began his own political journey in 1995 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Chato district. His reputation as a firm and efficient leader grew during his long ministerial career, particularly in the Ministry of Works, where he earned the nickname “The Bulldozer” for his aggressive push on infrastructure projects.
From 1995 to 2015, he held key portfolios, including Minister of Lands, Livestock, and ultimately Works, roles that laid the foundation for his nomination as CCM’s presidential candidate in 2015.
After securing 58% of the national vote in the general election, he was sworn in as Tanzania’s fifth president in November 2015. His presidency was characterised by strong anti-corruption rhetoric, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on public sector discipline, a legacy that continues to shape Tanzanian politics.
Jesca’s rise in the CCM Youth Wing polls now positions her as one of the party’s promising young figures, seeking to contribute to national leadership from within Parliament.
While she has yet to secure the seat officially, the final list still awaits ratification by the party’s top organs. Her strong showing signals both personal ambition and a symbolic continuation of her family’s political legacy.
If successful, Jesca Magufuli will join a new generation of leaders stepping into the political spotlight, and she’ll do so by walking a path first paved by her father.
The decisive goal came just before halftime when Gor Mahia’s creative playmaker Austin Odhiambo danced through the Congolese defence and calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner in the 45+2 minute. The lively crowd erupted as Kenya took the lead against one of Africa’s most experienced sides.
Odhiambo’s strike followed a pass from David Sakwa, showcasing Kenya’s attacking flair and composure on their debut in this continental tournament reserved exclusively for home-based players.
Despite DR Congo controlling early possession, Kenya grew in confidence and maintained a disciplined defensive structure that frustrated the visitors throughout the match.
In the second half, DR Congo increased their pressure, with players like Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala threatening with headers, and Heltone Kayembe forcing a notable save from Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi. However, the solid defence, marshalled by Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, stood firm to repel multiple late corners and protect the slim lead.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, in his first major tournament at the helm, used tactical substitutions, bringing on Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire in the final quarter to strengthen the midfield and close out the win.
The victory marks a proud start for Kenya, who are co-hosting the CHAN tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania for the first time. The team will now face Angola on Thursday in what promises to be another tough Group A encounter, while DR Congo will look to recover against Morocco.
Adding to the excitement, Kenyan President William Ruto attended the match alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a passionate sports enthusiast. The day before, President Ruto pledged 600 million shillings (approximately Frw 6.7 billion ) in bonuses if the Harambee Stars clinch the CHAN title.
The president also promised incremental rewards for reaching the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final, alongside match-win bonuses of Frw 10 million per player.
The CHAN 2024 tournament began on Saturday, August 2, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the Taifa Stars secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, igniting the East African region’s enthusiasm for the championship.
Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to qualify for the tournament. In the qualifiers, they were eliminated after a 4-4 aggregate draw against South Sudan, losing on the away goals rule. This is the second consecutive time they’ve missed out on the CHAN tournament.
Mama Mukura, whose loyalty to the sport spanned over six decades, died at her home after battling illness. According to club officials, she had recently been discharged from hospital and passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
“We were shocked to receive the news. She had gone to bed as usual, but this morning she was found lifeless,” said Gatera Edmond, spokesperson for Mukura VS.
Mukura VS, in collaboration with her family and members of the local football community, is now preparing to give her a fitting farewell.
Club officials described her as a “grandmother to all football lovers,” and said she would be remembered not only for her unwavering support but for the values she stood for: resilience, unity, and passion for the game.
Born in 1922 in Kabitoki Village, Save Sector, Gisagara District, Mukanemeye was the youngest of eight children. She left school early and worked as a cook for Catholic sisters in Kibeho. At 43, she got married but never had children; instead, she became a mother figure to generations of football fans.
Her love affair with football began in her school years and continued through adulthood. She often joined local boys in village matches and once attended a royal football match graced by King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
When Mukura Victory Sports was founded in 1963, she became one of its earliest and most loyal fans. Over the decades, she rarely missed a game in Huye and proudly wore the club’s colours, often cheering from the stands with unmatched enthusiasm. Her presence became synonymous with Mukura home games, earning her the nickname “Mama Mukura.”
Despite her allegiance to Mukura, Mukanemeye was also a devoted follower of Amavubi, Rwanda’s national team. In a 2022 interview with IGIHE, she recalled the joy football brought to her life and encouraged young people to embrace sports not just as entertainment, but as a source of unity and identity.
“We considered her the grandmother of all football fans, not just because she loved Mukura VS, but also because she deeply supported the national team. She was a role model to many, and it’s only right that we give her a respectful farewell and continue her legacy,” said Gatera.
Funeral arrangements are underway, with Mukura VS pledging to honour her with the respect befitting a club icon.
