With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party took 42.0 percent, the National Election Commission data showed.
Even if all the remaining uncounted votes go to Kim, Lee will win the presidential by-election, confirming his victory.
Local broadcaster JTBC and three terrestrial broadcasters including KBS, MBC and SBS forecast earlier that Lee was certain to be elected the country’s 21st president.
Preliminary voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, marking the highest in 28 years since the voting rate recorded 80.7 percent in 1997.
Out of about 44.39 million eligible voters, some 35.24 million cast their ballots at 14,295 polling stations across the country.
The voter turnout, which included those who participated in early voting last Thursday and Friday, was up from 77.1 percent tallied in the previous presidential election in 2022.
President Kagame arrived in Algiers earlier on Tuesday at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The two Heads of State presided over the signing of wide-ranging agreements covering areas such as air services, visa exemption, communication, police cooperation, pharmaceuticals, higher education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, justice, professional training, and investment promotion.
The signing followed bilateral discussions between the leaders and their respective delegations, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen economic, diplomatic, and institutional ties.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Kagame and President Tebboune reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between their countries.
President Kagame also announced that Rwanda would soon open an embassy in Algeria, a move expected to enhance diplomatic engagement and expand avenues for collaboration.
Earlier in the day, President Kagame was received with full honours in Algiers, where he held a private meeting with President Tebboune.
The two leaders discussed continental priorities, including the promotion of intra-African trade, capacity building, and the importance of sharing experiences in post-conflict recovery and nation-building.
President Kagame also visited the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial), where he laid a wreath in honour of those who died during Algeria’s war of independence.
As part of his visit, Kagame is expected to tour the National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA), where five Rwandan students are currently enrolled in AI and Data Science programmes.
This marks Kagame’s second official visit to Algeria since 2015. The trip builds on growing momentum in Rwanda-Algeria relations, particularly following a meeting between the two leaders in December 2024 on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Mauritania.
Algeria and Rwanda share a history of robust bilateral cooperation. In the 2016/2017 academic year, Algeria awarded scholarships to 25 Rwandan students, reflecting its commitment to educational partnerships.
Since 1982, the two countries have signed multiple agreements spanning economic development, cultural exchange, and institutional cooperation, with Algeria’s opening of its embassy in Kigali in December 2023 marking a significant step in deepening diplomatic ties.
My journey followed the path of the Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt, where water, culture, and daily life come together to reveal a calmer rhythm of the city.
It started at the river itself. I stepped off the bus and onto a boat, one of many that now glide along what used to be a royal site for washing horses. Today, the Liangma River has become a symbol of how old places can find new life.
As the boat moved gently under bridges and past gardens, our guide shared stories of the river. One bridge came alive with glowing images of dragons and phoenixes; another is said to bring good luck to couples who propose there. Listening to these stories while watching the water shimmer in the sunlight gave the whole ride a feeling of quiet wonder.
We soon arrived at Solana Blue Harbour, and walking into its cobbled paths felt like stepping into a small Mediterranean town. With its rooftops, peaceful plazas, and lakeside cafés, Blue Harbour is more than a shopping spot—it’s a place to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the moment. Since teaming up with Ant Group in 2024, it’s also become easier for international visitors, thanks to multilingual staff and smooth mobile payments.
After a quick ride, I found myself at Pop Mart’s Pop Land, a place full of colour, music, and imagination. Pop Mart is known around the world for its designer toys and creative experiences, and this park brings all of that to life.
Everywhere I looked, families and young people were smiling, taking photos with their favourite characters, and exploring themed zones filled with games and surprises. It felt like a space where anyone could reconnect with their inner child or discover something new.
As the sun began to dip, my final stop brought me back in time: Prince Shuncheng Mansion, a Qing Dynasty home now restored beside Chaoyang Park. Compared to the lively energy of the day, this place was calm and grounded.
In the courtyard, soft music floated through the air. Women in traditional hanfu moved gracefully to the rhythm of ancient melodies. A tea master invited guests to taste freshly brewed tea known as oolong, among others, each step part of a quiet ritual. Once a royal residence, the mansion now serves as a space where visitors can step into history, not just read about it.
By the end of the day, I felt like I had walked through different chapters of Beijing, each with its own mood and meaning. In a place often described by traffic and technology, I found something else: a day of connection, reflection, and discovery. And maybe, somewhere along this river, there’s a piece of Beijing waiting for everyone.
The company is now working diligently to deliver motorcycles to a large number of applicants, reassuring those awaiting their bikes that deliveries are ongoing.
The promotion, which saw the flagship EKON M3 electric bike’s price slashed from Frwf1.95 million to Frw750,000 with a Frw75,000 deposit to reserve, “has sparked remarkable interests in many riders,” according to a statement from Spiro management.
This interest is tangibly demonstrated by the numbers: to date, 3,500 Spiro bikes are already on Rwandan roads. The promotion alone has resulted in 3,515 new bookings, with 1,656 of these bikes fully paid for and 1,470 already successfully deployed to their new owners. Spiro describes this as “a clear sign of how riders are embracing the shift to electric.”
In response to the high demand, Spiro has been rolling out deliveries in batches since April. “As of today, many early applicants who signed up first have already received their motorcycles, and we continue to dispatch bikes daily,” the company stated. They emphasized their communication strategy, noting, “We’ve clearly communicated that this promotion was a first come, first served roll-out basis.”
Understanding that many are eagerly awaiting their new e-bikes, Spiro offered reassurance: “Please note that all riders who have received their motorcycles were contacted by phone and guided through the collection process. For those who haven’t been contacted yet, please rest assured that you will be contacted soon.”
To manage the increased volume, Spiro confirmed, “We’ve added more staff to manage customer service, make calls, and oversee physical delivery points.”
This surge in adoption comes as Rwanda prepares for a significant shift in its public transport sector. The Government of Rwanda announced that starting in January 2025, all new motorbike taxis registered for public transport in Kigali must be electric, an initiative aimed at curbing pollution.
Spiro’s efforts align with this governmental push and its broader vision. “Spiro is on a mission to revolutionize mobility in Africa through the large-scale electrification of transportation, enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable development,” the company affirmed.
They aim to achieve this by providing affordable e-transport solutions and establishing a comprehensive EV ecosystem, including a wide network of charging infrastructure.
So far, Spiro has 70 active battery swapping stations, with 56 more underway to keep riders powered up and moving smoothly.
The company also thanked its clients for their patience and shared commitment to building a greener future. “You deserve better, and we are committed to delivering the very best,” it stated.
In a recent interview on Sanny Ntayombya’s ‘Long Form’ Podcast, Nteziryayo outlined his journey from a rural upbringing to leading a company that operates across 11 African countries, offering insights into Rwanda’s tech ecosystem, the challenges of securing investment, and the potential for technology to drive economic growth.
Raised in Kisoro, Uganda, in a family of nine siblings without access to electricity, Nteziryayo initially dreamed of becoming an architect, inspired by a prominent local figure.
“My brothers went to good schools and came home with stories,” he recalled. “I wanted to be an architect because a successful guy in our town was one.”
But in a household where academic achievement was highly valued, his ambitions were shaped by strong parental and family influence, especially the emphasis on science-based careers.
“My parents and uncles believed that if you were smart, you pursued law, medicine, or engineering—nothing else,” he said.
“My uncle, who was a headmaster, insisted on sciences. So, architecture became my compromise. My brother had already become an architect, and I wanted to outdo him.”
After moving to Rwanda in 1994, exposure to the internet during boarding school broadened his horizons. A government scholarship in the early 2000s took him to La Roche University in the U.S., where he earned a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Post-graduation in 2004, Nteziryayo joined a Fortune 500 company as a software tester, earning $30,000 annually—a significant leap for a young man from Kisoro. He later worked with industry leaders like Dish Network and Accenture, building a solid engineering career.
However, a desire to create a solution for Africa, together with his girlfriend, whom he later married, led to his first venture, Chivotel, in 2012, which digitised international calling cards. In 2015, with college friends Odelon and Pacific Mahoro, he founded Huza (initially Pesachoice), focusing on HR technology and workplace banking.
Huza’s platform enables employers to manage workforces efficiently and allows employees to access salaries before payday, addressing critical financial needs.
“If kids start school, you don’t have to wait until the end of the month,” Nteziryayo explained.
Operating in 11 African countries, Huza faces challenges in markets unfamiliar with software-as-a-service models, but Rwanda’s structured environment and supportive policies have been key.
“Rwanda is my garage,” he said, referencing Silicon Valley’s startup ethos. “Government sandboxes let us test technology before scaling.”
Nteziryayo sees Rwanda as a potential breeding ground for a billion-dollar startup within a decade, driven by hubs like Norrsken and growing investor interest.
However, he highlighted obstacles, such as African startups being dominated by foreign founders. A 2020 study confirmed that most African startups raising over $1 million were led by foreigners, often due to investors’ favouring familiarity.
Nevertheless, Nteziryayo acknowledged opportunities for African entrepreneurs. His company, Huza, benefited from Google’s Black Founders Fund, which supports minority-led ventures.
On the future of technology, Nteziryayo pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain as game-changers for Africa. AI could optimise farming, while blockchain could ensure secure medical records. Yet, he cautioned about risks like hacking and AI-driven misinformation.
“All technologies can be used for good and bad,” he said, stressing robust security measures.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Nteziryayo advised resilience and strategic timing.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—nine out of 10 startups fail,” he said, citing Alibaba’s Jack Ma: work for inspiring mentors in your 20s, build in your 30s, and aim for success in your 40s.
He noted that Grants from organisations like Norrsken or 250Startups offer initial funding, but persistence is crucial.
“You’ll get rejected more than accepted,” he warned, recommending tools like social media and AI to identify opportunities.
Addressing Rwanda’s urban-rural divide, Nteziryayo emphasised information access as a bridge.
“Information is the most valuable tool. In remote areas, people need weather or market price data to improve agriculture, not Bitcoin,” he remarked.
“Technology can bridge the gap by delivering relevant information, like crop rotation tips or fair prices for produce. Infrastructure like roads, telephones, and internet access is crucial,” he remarked.”
The highly anticipated event united Bralirwa’s partners and football fans for a premium celebration of sport, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.
The high-stakes showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan unfolded on big screens in a premium setting, as guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment, from crisp, ice-cold beers to gourmet cuisine, all curated for an unforgettable fan experience.
As the match kept fans on the edge of their seats, the energy reached a peak with the final whistle and trophy presentation, capturing the spirit and emotion of Europe’s biggest club football night.
Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Inter Milan not only thrilled the crowd but also marked the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title, making the moment even more historic. But the night was far from over.
An exclusive afterparty turned the event into a full-fledged celebration, featuring thrilling live performances by the Symphony Band and Moogisha, alongside DJs Lamper and Khizz Beats, who kept the crowd energised late into the night.
The Kigali viewing party was the climax of a series of pre-final activations rolled out by Heineken across key outlets in the city. The consumer engagements gave lucky fans the chance to win exclusive merchandise and coveted invitations to the main event, building up momentum and excitement for the final.
Speaking about the impact of the event, Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa, noted:
“The UEFA Champions League is more than just a game. It’s a moment that brings people together. Through unique experiences like this, Heineken continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed international premium beer in Rwanda. We’re proud to deliver moments that matter for our consumers and partners alike.”
From start to finish, the event showcased Heineken’s unmatched ability to blend sport, lifestyle, and premium experiences, raising the bar for branded events in Rwanda — and leaving guests with memories to last well beyond the final whistle.
On the first day of his visit, President Kagame was received by his counterpart and laid a wreath at the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial) in honour of those who lost their lives during the Algerian War of Independence.
During the visit, the two Heads of State will hold a one-on-one meeting at El Mouradia Palace, followed by bilateral talks between their respective delegations. The leaders will also address members of the press during a joint press conference.
Several bilateral agreements between the Governments of Rwanda and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria are expected to be signed during the visit.
The Head of State is also expected to visit the National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA), where five Rwandan students are currently enrolled in programs specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
During the visit, a State Dinner will be held in honour of President Kagame. This is President Kagame’s second visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following his visit in 2015.
The visit builds on ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation. For example, on December 9, 2024, President Kagame held talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to explore ways of deepening collaboration between Rwanda and Algeria.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania, focused on enhancing partnerships in key areas such as education, defence, and security.
The two Heads of State also discussed potential cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure development.
Algeria and Rwanda enjoy strong bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as security and education. This partnership includes a student exchange program, with Rwandan students traveling to Algeria for their studies.
In the 2016/2017 academic year, Algeria awarded scholarships to 25 Rwandan students, demonstrating its commitment to educational collaboration.
Since 1982, Rwanda and Algeria have signed several agreements covering areas such as economic development, social welfare, cultural exchange, and institutional cooperation.
The two nations have also committed to enhancing ties in key sectors like health, trade, investment, security, and education.
In December 2023, Algeria opened its embassy in Rwanda, a move that signaled its intention to deepen diplomatic and cooperative ties with Rwanda.
Meanwhile, President Kagame’s visit to Algeria coincides with the presence of Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, in the country for a friendly match against the Algerian national team.
The delegation, comprising members of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC), arrived from several countries, including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.
According to Reconstruire RDC (Rebuild DRC), a social media platform founded by Kabila, the delegation delivered a message from Diongo, affirming the MRC’s readiness to support national recovery and respond to Kabila’s call for unity.
“Carrying a message from the Honourable Franck Diongo, delegates of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC)… were received this afternoon in Goma by President Joseph Kabila,” the platform stated.
“The MRC is committed to playing its part, responding to the call made by President Kabila to all those who passionately love Congo to come to its aid.”
Diongo is a vocal critic of President Tshisekedi. He has in the past strongly criticised Tshisekedi’s regime, calling it ‘bloody’ and accusing it of human rights violations, terror, and corruption.
According to the politician, who obtained political asylum in Belgium in June 2024, Tshisekedi’s government threatens unity and the future of the DRC.
The Monday meeting adds to a growing list of political engagements by Kabila since his return to the DRC from South Africa in late May. In recent days, he has also met with leaders of religious organisations and officials of the M23 rebel movement, which has seized large swaths of territory in eastern DRC.
Kabila also received youth associations from Goma on the same day. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the critical role of young people in preserving national unity and resisting division in the wake of the security situation in the DRC.
Youth representatives welcomed the message and expressed their desire to be actively involved in shaping the country’s future.
The series of meetings follows a national address delivered by Kabila on May 23, in which he proposed a 12-point roadmap to end violence and rebuild the DRC. His proposals include the withdrawal of foreign forces, disarmament of armed groups, and strengthening of regional cooperation.
The Gates Foundation chairman spoke at the foundation’s event held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday, June 2. The event was attended by over 12,000 participants, including African leaders, health workers, development experts, and youth.
He reiterated his commitment to donate $200 billion over the next 20 years, most of which will go to Africa, to support health systems and sustainable development.
Gates said that resilient health systems cannot be achieved without African leadership and homegrown solutions. He emphasised that unleashing human potential through health and education should place every African country on a path to prosperity.
“By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity – and that path is an exciting thing to be part of,” he added.
He stressed the transformative role AI can play in healthcare, citing Rwanda’s use of AI-powered ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies and improve maternal care.
He also highlighted how African youth are embracing AI and thinking critically about how to apply it to solve local problems.
In addition to Rwanda, Gates mentioned Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia as countries where data, technology, and community-based systems are being used to reduce child mortality and combat diseases like malaria and HIV.
“I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources. The kind of fieldwork to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible,” Gates remarked.
In Rwanda, companies such as eFiche are providing AI-powered health services that include disease prediction, health data management, and advanced diagnostics.
Recently, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health launched a new AI-driven platform that allows community health workers to receive training via mobile phones, removing the need for in-person sessions.
During his speech, Gates called for deeper investment in primary healthcare, describing it as foundational to improving well-being and reducing inequality across the continent.
“With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results,” he said.
“Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.”
The event also featured remarks from international figures such as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and advocate Graça Machel, who called for sustained partnerships to advance Africa’s development goals.
Machel described Gates’ long-standing collaboration with Africa as a reflection of his respect for African leadership, ideas, and innovation.
“We are counting on Mr Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” Machel stated.
Gates committed to giving 99% of his wealth to charity as the Gates Foundation marked its 25th anniversary last month. At the event, he also shared his plan to wind down the foundation by 2045.
He noted that this decision was inspired in part by Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay, ‘The Gospel of Wealth,’ which argued that the rich should return their fortunes to society.
Speaking at the Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2025, which focused on topics such as livestock health, milk value addition, and improving market access for dairy products, BK Insurance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers, especially those engaged in professional livestock farming.
Eric Ntaganira, Head of Agribusiness at BK Insurance, highlighted the importance of insurance in mitigating financial losses caused by disasters or unforeseen events.
“When you have insurance, you farm with confidence,” he said. “As livestock farming becomes more professional and capital-intensive, it’s essential that farmers protect their investments to ensure peace of mind and sustainable growth.”
Ntaganira noted that BK Insurance is actively working to expand access to insurance services for farmers while also raising awareness about how these services operate.
“We take time to explain what is covered and what is not. Whether a farmer owns one cow or many, they are eligible for coverage. This service is tailored for professional livestock farmers, and we’ve already registered over 20,000 clients,” he added.
BK Insurance provides a variety of insurance products, including vehicle, fire, construction, agriculture, and livestock insurance.
According to a nationwide survey, more than 50% of farmers and livestock keepers who insure with BK Insurance expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 98% reporting positive experiences.
Since the launch of the “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi” (Feel Secure, You are Insured) initiative, BK Insurance has disbursed over Frw2.5 billion in compensation to policyholders in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
