The Africa CDC, in its latest study titled “Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership,” released Wednesday, said the “alarming rate” of antimicrobial resistance across 14 African countries poses an urgent continental public health threat.
The study, the largest of its kind conducted in Africa, analyzed more than 187,000 test results from 205 laboratories between 2016 and 2019 in 14 countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, and Nigeria, revealing a growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics against common bacterial infections.
Drug resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics used to treat infections less effective. The phenomenon results in common infections becoming harder to treat, more expensive to manage, and more likely to spread, according to the study.
It highlighted drug resistance as a growing epidemic affecting multiple countries across the continent. One of the “most concerning” findings is that resistance to a powerful group of antibiotics, known as third-generation cephalosporins, is exceptionally high in Ghana and Malawi.
The study also revealed demographic disparities in drug-resistant infections, with older adults and hospitalized patients being particularly vulnerable. It said the existing demographic disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to protect at-risk populations.
The Africa CDC also highlighted “serious gaps” in laboratory infrastructure and data collection systems. Findings reveal that fewer than 2 percent of health facilities were equipped to test for bacterial infections, and only 12 percent of drug resistance records were linked to patient information.
“The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population,” Macron stated on his official X account. He emphasized the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Macron underscored the broader vision behind France’s recognition of Palestine, saying, “We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East.”
In a formal letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said the urgent need is to achieve the only viable solution (two-state solution) to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, put an end to terrorism and all forms of violence, and ensure lasting peace and security for Israel and the entire region.
The move follows Macron’s earlier declaration in April, saying that France would recognize the Palestinian state during an international conference on Palestine, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York in June. But under pressure from the United States, the international conference has been postponed until the end of July.
Barigye was among senior state officials appointed on Thursday as President Kagame unveiled a new Cabinet to steer government operations under his leadership and that of the new Prime Minister.
Barigye will now deputise Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye, who assumed leadership of the central bank earlier this year. His expertise will be crucial as Rwanda intensifies efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen financial inclusion, and advance digital financial infrastructure.
Barigye’s appointment comes just days after he was named Group Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL), a leading investment company and the largest private-sector employer in Rwanda.
He briefly stepped into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.
Under his stewardship, KIFC gained global recognition and attracted strategic international partnerships and investments that bolstered Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
He also previously served as a senior executive at Crystal Ventures Ltd from 2008 to 2014.
In the new state appointments announced on Thursday, four new faces, including two ministers and two state ministers, were appointed to the government.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes State Minister for Infrastructure.
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This follows the appointment of Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, which triggered the formation of a new Cabinet in accordance with the Rwandan Constitution.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes the State Minister for Infrastructure.
Another notable appointment in the new list of state officers unveiled on Thursday night is that of Nick Barigye as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, a role previously held by the Prime Minister-designate.
The newly announced Cabinet comprises 21 ministers and 10 state ministers, with the majority of them having served under outgoing Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and retaining their positions.
{{Full List of Appointments}}
{{I. Ministers}}
1. Judith Uwizeye – Minister in the Office of the President
2. Inès Mpambara – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
3. Yusuf Murangwa – Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
4. Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja – Minister of Justice / Attorney General
6. Juvenal Marizamunda – Minister of Defense
7. Consolée Uwimana – Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
8. Dr. Vincent Biruta – Minister of Interior
9. Dominique Habimana – Minister of Local Government
10. Dr. Jimmy Gasore – Minister of Infrastructure
11. Paula Ingabire – Minister of ICT and Innovation
12. Joseph Nsengimana – Minister of Education
13. Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye – Minister of Environment
14. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe – Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
15. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana – Minister of Health
16. Prudence Sebahizi – Minister of Trade and Industry
17. Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports
18. Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana – Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement
19. Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka – Minister of Public Service and Labor
20. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira – Minister in Charge of Emergency Management
21. Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumutwishima – Minister of Youth and Arts
{{II. Ministers of State}}
1. Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation
2. Mutesi Linda Rusagara – Minister of State for Resource Mobilisation and Public Investment
3. Godfrey Kabera – Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury
4. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye – Minister of State for Infrastructure
5. Marie Solange Kayisire – Minister of State for Local Government
6. Claudette Irere – Minister of State for Education
7. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye – Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources
8. Dr. Yvan Butera – Minister of State for Health
9. Sandrine Umutoni – Minister of State for Youth and Arts
10. Rwego Ngarambe – Minister of State for Sports
{{III. Other Senior Officials}}
1. Jean-Guy Afrika – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with the rank of Minister
2. Juliana Muganza – Deputy CEO of RDB, with the rank of Minister of State
3. Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with the rank of Minister
4. Nick Barigye – Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).
The meeting follows Dr. Nsengiyumva’s appointment on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, replacing Edouard Ngirente, who had served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister since 2017.
The appointment of Dr. Nsengiyumva is expected to trigger the formation of a new Cabinet, per the provisions of Rwanda’s Constitution.
A seasoned technocrat with a PhD in economics, Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. His professional journey has also included roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and in the Ministry of Education.
Reacting to his appointment on Wednesday, Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Kagame and pledged to lead with humility and commitment.
“Thank you, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, for your trust and confidence once again. I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful,” he wrote on X.
“I pledge to serve you and Rwanda with humility and dedication under your leadership and guidance. I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose.”
As the seventh Prime Minister of Rwanda since 1994, Nsengiyumva takes office at a critical juncture, with just four years remaining to implement the country’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), a five-year development plan launched in 2024.
The NST2 outlines ambitious goals across key sectors, including job creation, economic growth, education, healthcare, and service delivery. Among the headline targets are the creation of 1.25 million productive jobs by 2029, doubling private investment from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion, and raising exports from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion.
In agriculture, output is projected to increase by over 50%, driven by an 85% expansion in irrigated land, improved access to fertilisers and seeds, and modernised livestock production. The sector is expected to grow by at least 6% annually through a market-oriented approach.
Education reforms will see pre-primary school enrolment rise from 35% to 65%, while efforts to boost science and technology learning will be scaled up. At least 500,000 people are set to be trained in digital skills, and vocational training will be tailored to match labour market demands.
Healthcare access and quality are also set for transformation. The number of registered health workers is expected to quadruple, with targeted improvements in maternal and child health services. The government aims to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%.
By 2029, every household, school, and health facility in Rwanda is expected to have access to electricity and clean water. Meanwhile, a digital national ID and fully digitised government services are planned to streamline public service delivery.
Tourism revenue is projected to double, with Rwanda positioning itself as a leading destination for international conferences. On the global stage, the government will focus on foreign investment, increased trade, and deeper engagement with the Rwandan diaspora in national development efforts.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva will be at the centre of driving this wide-ranging national agenda. His leadership is expected to focus on accelerating progress where needed, reinforcing delivery mechanisms, and ensuring Rwanda stays on track to achieve its development goals by 2029.
Developed in China, Juncao — a hybrid grass — is a multifunctional agricultural resource initially introduced for mushroom cultivation. It has since proven effective in addressing food security, income generation, and environmental challenges.
Innocent Shayamano, chief agriculture extension specialist and project coordinator from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the technology is playing a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.
“This technology can transform lives. It aligns with our national development agenda, particularly Vision 2030, which aims to improve rural household incomes,” Shayamano told Xinhua on the sidelines of a workshop on Juncao technology in Huye District, southern Rwanda.
The July 16-23 workshop at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center, co-hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China, focuses on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection.
It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.
Shayamano, attending the workshop for the second time, was joined by five Zimbabwean farmers seeking to deepen their understanding of Juncao-based mushroom farming.
He noted that while Zimbabwean farmers have traditionally used cotton waste for mushroom cultivation, the rising cost and declining availability of cotton have made it less sustainable.
In contrast, Juncao grass, with a yield of over 200 tonnes per hectare, provides a cost-effective alternative.
“With climate change affecting livestock feed availability in dry regions, Juncao grass also offers a timely solution for fodder,” Shayamano said. “That’s why we are working to scale this technology across more farming communities.”
He said that the Zimbabwean participants would return home as lead trainers, tasked with sharing their knowledge and skills and encouraging wider adoption of the technology.
Zimbabwe and Rwanda are among several African countries integrating Juncao into their agricultural practices.
Abbas Ahmad Umar, a Nigerian farmer attending the workshop for the first time, described Juncao as a “grass of grace” due to its versatility.
“We use it to grow mushrooms, feed livestock, and even prevent soil erosion. When I return to Nigeria, I hope to raise awareness about Juncao, especially among youth and women,” he said.
Umar expressed confidence that Juncao’s multifunctionality could help alleviate poverty and support sustainable farming across Africa.
“Mushroom farming has many benefits, and I plan to apply what I’ve learned and eventually train others in my country,” he added.
The agreement was reached during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 July 2025. Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the meeting.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum following the Washington Peace Agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group signed earlier this month.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties said the new Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map (2025–2026) outlines key operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the repatriation and reintegration process.
The new plan aims to provide lasting solutions for thousands of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan refugees in DRC, and is seen as a critical component of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Paul Kagame has in the past maintained that Rwanda currently hosts more than 100,000 Congolese refugees affected by the conflict in eastern DRC, which is attributed to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Following the Thursday meeting, the parties reaffirmed the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without constraints. The plan also calls for improved coordination between the two governments and UNHCR, the provision of accurate information to refugees, and the establishment of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently hosted at a transit centre in Goma, DRC. This will be carried out with support from UNHCR and in coordination with relevant local authorities.
The road map also places emphasis on inclusive reintegration planning, ensuring returnees have access to housing, education, livelihoods, health services, and civil documentation. Additionally, it calls for engagement with donors and development partners to support the long-term recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the three parties also agreed to hold regular technical working group meetings to monitor implementation of the road map and plan to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to assess progress and offer strategic guidance.
School feeding has become an important part of Rwanda’s education policy, aimed at reducing child hunger during school hours and expanding access to learning, especially for children from low-income families.
At Busasamana Technical School, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga sees mushroom farming as a promising way to enhance meal quality for students. Mushroom cultivation presents new opportunities to improve the meals we provide, particularly for those whose families struggle financially, she said.
“The school feeding program faces a real challenge when some parents cannot afford to contribute on time,” she said. “Mushroom cultivation is potentially a good option to fill the gap. But we do not have enough knowledge and skills on the techniques needed to cultivate mushrooms.”
She made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua during a recent Juncao technology training session at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center (C-RATDC) in Huye District in the country’s Southern Province.
Munyurabanga was among 57 participants from five African countries attending the Second African Training Workshop on Applications of Juncao Technology, held from July 16 to July 23.
The workshop, co-hosted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, focused on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection. It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.
Earlier in May, Munyurabanga joined a study tour to China, where she was introduced to Juncao technology for the first time. The experience, she said, sparked a new interest in applying the innovation at her school.
“By chance, I was selected to take part in this latest capacity-building training,” she said. “I see it as a great opportunity for my school, and for the country, to deepen our understanding and improve our skills in mushroom cultivation. With the knowledge I have gained, I will be able to help produce enough mushrooms for our students when I return to school.”
Juncao, a hybrid grass developed in the 1980s by Lin Zhanxi, a professor of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, is a multifunctional agricultural technology. It is mainly used as a substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushrooms but also serves as livestock feed and aids in ecological restoration. The innovation has been introduced in over 100 countries, including Rwanda.
The Juncao technology project was launched at the UN headquarters in 2017 and supported by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.
Munyurabanga said that mushrooms were chosen among various vegetables because they are both nutritious and cost-effective. Currently, her school includes mushrooms in students’ meals at least twice a week.
Her school also has access to a large piece of land for agricultural activities. After returning from China, she introduced Juncao technology to her colleagues, who welcomed the idea. The school has since decided to plant Juncao grass to begin producing its own mushroom substrate.
“My hope is for our school to become a model in mushroom cultivation and substrate production,” she said. “Other schools could learn from us, not only how to grow mushrooms, but also how to prepare the substrate, how to cook the mushrooms, and how to incorporate them into school meals.”
Having gained insights into Rwanda’s school feeding program, Chen Xiaobin, an expert at the C-RATDC, said he hopes to organize future training workshops specifically for schools, aiming to better support the national feeding strategy through the application of Juncao technology.
He made the remarks at the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) Strategic Planning Meeting, held in Kigali from July 22 to 24, 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, governors, local government associations, and development partners from across the East African Community (EAC), under the theme: “Strengthening the Role of County and Local Governments in Regional Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation.”
Highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration, Mugenzi noted initiatives like cross-border markets and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
“Regional integration and cooperation are essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability,” he stated, underscoring the need for empowered local governments to drive these efforts.
He stressed that “Local governments play a crucial role in governance, poverty reduction, and regional collaboration,” urging coordinated partnerships to tackle challenges like youth unemployment, civic engagement, and climate change.
The Minister pointed to the Mpazi Rehousing Model in Kigali as a successful example of local governments addressing housing and socioeconomic issues through community collaboration.
He called for the EALGF to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, saying, “This forum should be the right platform to challenge us on how we could foster collaboration and innovation among regional Local Government leaders and associations, address shared challenges, and enhance sustainable development for our citizens.”
Mugenzi encouraged participants to focus on key priorities, including strategies to address regional challenges, empower local government associations, and set standards for effective service delivery.
Ben Kumumanya, Chairperson of the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) and Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Local Government, called for robust strategies to position local governments as key drivers of regional development.
“Our ultimate goal is to position counties and local governments as key drivers of regional development, increased visibility, and active contributors to the East African Community’s integration objectives,” he emphasized.
Kumumanya also urged delegates to focus on creating actionable strategies aligned with EAC priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2011, the EALGF facilitates engagement between local governments, promoting decentralization, local democracy, and cross-border trade to drive economic integration at the grassroots level.
The plant, owned by HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, will produce more than 1,800 tonnes of construction and sanitary hardware annually. Its product range includes plumbing and electrical fittings, water system pipes, LED lighting, Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels, and glass shower enclosures essential for interior finishing works.
Located in the rapidly developing Bugesera Industrial Park, the factory occupies a one-hectare plot, with 6,000 square metres of built-up space, half of which is currently in use. It has a daily production capacity of up to five tonnes and is expected to significantly reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported construction materials.
Speaking during a pre-inauguration event on Wednesday, July 23, Jean Bosco Mungwarareba, the founder and managing director of HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, said his 25 years of experience importing construction materials inspired him to invest in local production.
The move aligns with the government’s “Made in Rwanda” initiative aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit.
Mungwarareba said he aims to expand the factory’s capacity so that, in the near future, it can locally produce at least 30 percent of the construction materials he used to import.
“Eventually, we want to start exporting these high-quality products and help bring foreign currency into the country rather than lose it through imports.”
Currently, the factory employs 22 permanent staff, with more casual workers expected as production scales up.
The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has praised the initiative, noting the strategic importance of local manufacturing. Callixte Kanamugire, Chief Advocacy Officer at PSF, said the factory will not only help cut Rwanda’s import bill but also support job creation and export growth.
“These are globally competitive products. With the government’s emphasis on quality assurance, local factories like this one are well-positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets,” Kanamugire said, adding that such ventures are key to addressing Rwanda’s trade deficit.
The Bugesera Industrial Park, which spans 335.67 hectares, is being developed in three phases as part of a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP).
Phase I covers 91.63 hectares and already hosts 18 factories—12 operational and six under construction. Phase II, extending over 99.45 hectares, is set for completion by the end of this year, while Phase III (144.58 hectares) is scheduled to be finalised by 2027.
Once fully developed, the industrial zone is expected to contribute $1.2 billion to Rwanda’s manufacturing sector, create 45,000 jobs, and attract over $400 million in foreign direct investment.
Damascene Munyaneza, Director of Administration and Finance at HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, applauded government efforts in creating enabling environments for industrial growth.
“The establishment of special economic zones is accelerating the implementation of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2),” he said.
The establishment of the new factory marks a significant step towards greater self-reliance in the construction sector and positions Rwanda as a rising industrial hub in the region.
