The incidents occurred during a Group D Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier played on October 15, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium, where Rwanda’s Amavubi defeated Benin’s Les Guepards 2-1. This victory placed Rwanda third in the group, level on points with Benin.
After the match, Benin players attempted to confront the referees and some members of Rwanda’s coaching staff. Fortunately, security personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.
Following a disciplinary committee meeting at CAF, it was concluded that Benin violated Article 45 of the governing regulations. As a result, the Benin FA was fined $5,000 for general misconduct and an additional $25,000 for aggression against the referees, totaling to $30,000.
Despite the fine, Benin secured qualification for the tournament to be held in Morocco alongside Nigeria, finishing second in the group with eight points, ahead of Rwanda on goal difference.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 30, 2024, has drawn widespread attention.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, KSA said preliminary assessments indicate that the object is a fragment of a space vehicle, specifically a metallic ring used as a separation mechanism for rockets.
The object, measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter, startled residents when it fell in the village, creating a loud thud upon impact. Panic quickly turned to curiosity as residents gathered to inspect the mysterious debris.
KSA explained that such objects are typically designed to burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere or land in uninhabited areas, such as oceans. However, in this rare case, the fragment reached the ground in a populated area, making it an isolated but significant incident.
KSA is now working within established international space law frameworks to investigate the matter and determine the exact origin of the object.
The agency expressed its gratitude to the residents of Mukuku Village for their swift action in reporting the incident and cooperating with authorities to ensure public safety.
KSA further assured the public that the fallen object poses no immediate threat to safety.
“Our experts will analyze the object, use existing frameworks to identify the owner, and keep the public informed of the next steps and outcomes,” the government agency stated.
The incident has reignited discussions about space debris and the need for stringent measures to manage objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Space agencies worldwide are increasingly grappling with the challenge of ensuring that rocket components and satellites are disposed of responsibly.
On this day in 2024, IGIHE visited various places in Kigali, capturing memories of the moments and speaking with some of the celebrants.
The Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, led a mass at Saint Michel Cathedral. He read from the Gospel of Luke 17:11–19, recounting the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, of whom only one returned to thank God.
He reminded the congregation of the importance of gratitude, reflecting on how God had been with them throughout the year, despite some challenging moments.
“We thank God for being with us this year, and we entrust you and your families to Him for 2025, a year of multiple jubilees, including 125 years since the Good News reached Kigali,” he said.
{{Testimonies of gratitude}}
Bonaventure Habimana, a church member at Saint Michel Cathedral, shared how God helped him through many challenges in 2024. He had come to pray for guidance in 2025.
“There are many people I studied or worked with who have passed away, but here I am, with so much ahead of me. I came here to thank God for guiding me and also to ask for His presence in the new year so that I may prosper even further,” he said.
Aime Confiance Ishimwe shared similar sentiments in reference to many of her ambitions and goals achieved in the past year. “I came here today to thank God and seek blessings for my endeavors. My goal is to elevate myself in what I do and improve my life, and I believe God will guide me in achieving that,” she said.
Just like at St Michael, so many other churches across the country, gathered worshippers in large numbers.
At EPR Kiyovu Parish, Isaie Iradufasha, a father of one, described 2024 as a fulfilling year, marked by his wedding.
“I’m ending the year having married, and I thank God for that. I hardly used to pray, but now I do. Some of my goals for 2024 were achieved, and those that weren’t, I’ll carry them into 2025,” he proudly said.
At the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR), congregants celebrated the transition into 2025 with gatherings across the country. The main event took place at Ntora Church in Gisozi, where the lead evangelist Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye, delivered the new year’s, commending the congregation’s dedication to God’s work.
At Zion Temple Celebration Centre, worshippers were immersed in a service that extended into the wee hours of January 1, 2025. As a tradition, the church designates an annual and for this year, the theme is “Year of Breaking Limits,” symbolizing a time to move toward greater achievements.
Apostle Paul Gitwaza, disclosed a prophecy based on Isaiah 54:2–3: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”
These verses are part of a prophecy of restoration and blessing. They metaphorically describe preparation for growth and expansion, symbolizing God’s promise to bless His people abundantly and extend their influence. It reflects themes of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness.
He emphasized that this scripture will guide the church throughout 2025, encouraging believers to think big, expand their reach, and aim for lasting success.
“This is a time for expansion—moving from one to many, from nothing to something, from small to great. If you have one plot of land, acquire two; if you have little, aim for much,” he said.
He urged believers to strengthen their foundation to ensure that what they build is durable and impactful for future generations. “Ensure that everything you do is grounded and has a strong foundation. It must last and withstand time,” Gitwaza said.
{{Women Foundation Ministries}}
Members of Women Foundation Ministries gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre to give thanks for 2024, with some sharing testimonies of breakthroughs.
Jane Mutesi expressed gratitude for her spiritual growth in 2024. “I wasn’t used to fasting, but I decided to follow the pastor’s teachings. On the second day of fasting, I felt freed from spiritual bondage,” she said.
Diane Kandama shared how God worked miracles in areas she had doubted. “I grew up as a believer, but it wasn’t deeply rooted in my heart. Now, I am convinced that God heals sorrow and pain,” she said.
Apostle Mignone Kabera predicted that in 2025, Jesus would not only visit the members of Women Foundation Ministries but also dwell in their homes, bringing blessings and transformation.
{{Celebrations beyond churches}}
In Kigali’s Car Free Zone, young people gathered in large numbers to mark the end of the year with entertainment.
Janvier Harerintwali, one of the attendees shared his joy in achieving a significant milestone in the past year by renovating his mother’s house. “I was able to renovate my mom’s house and make economic progress. My goal is to expand on my land this year,” he affirmed.
Fiette Ishimwe celebrated finding a good school. “2024 was a good year. I achieved many great things, including getting into a school I never imagined,” she disclosed.
Iradukunda Jackson was proud to have earned his permanent driver’s license. “This year went well because I accomplished my goal of getting my [B&C] driver’s license. My next target for 2025 is to make good use of it,” he said.
Recognized as a promising young talent, Yangiriyeneza recently showcased his skills in Rwanda’s U-20 Championship, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Rutsiro FC.
Following this performance, his academy revealed that he has attracted interest from Portuguese clubs after undergoing trials for the second time.
Yangiriyeneza previously trained with top-tier Portuguese teams G.D. Estoril Praia and Rio Ave F.C., earning recognition from their youth teams.
His academy stated, “Erirohe, who recently turned 18, is being sought by U-19 teams in Portugal after impressive trials and excellent performances for Rwanda’s U-20 National Team. His contract is expected to be finalized soon.”
In addition to Portugal, reports indicate that Moroccan clubs are also keen on signing him, leaving the final decision in the player’s hands.
He made these remarks in his New Year’s address to Rwandans, marking the transition from 2024 to 2025.
Reflecting on 2024, Kagame highlighted the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation. He described these milestones as symbols of the country’s progress.
“We celebrated and commemorated our nation’s liberation. Both events remind us of where we came from and how far we have come, driven by our shared goal of development and reconstruction,” he said.
President Kagame also mentioned the successful elections held in 2024, reinforcing the trust between Rwandans and their leaders.
“The recent elections were well-organized, further affirming the trust citizens have in their leaders and institutions. I thank all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda for your support during the elections and in other times of need,” he stated.
“Rwandans have voiced their ambition for even greater achievements and better services in the years to come. Together, we must work to realize these aspirations.”
{{Condolences for Marburg victims}}
One of Rwanda’s significant challenges in 2024 was the Marburg virus outbreak, which claimed 15 lives, primarily among healthcare workers.
President Kagame expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “We stand with you in this time of grief.”
He commended healthcare workers for their bravery and thanked Rwanda’s partners for their contributions, which helped end the outbreak by early December 2024.
{{Addressing regional security challenges}}
The year 2024 saw strained relations between Rwanda and neighboring countries, including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as security issues in the region. President Kagame reassured that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty remain non-negotiable.
“I want to assure you that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty will always be safeguarded, no matter the circumstances,” he affirmed.
He added, “Quick fixes cannot resolve these issues. Lasting solutions rooted in addressing the core problems are needed to ensure enduring peace for all citizens of the region. This is essential for everyone. There can be no peace for some without peace for others. We all need peace.”
The Head of State stressed that Rwanda would not accept being misrepresented in the ongoing regional challenges.
{{Rwanda’s development vision and Formula One aspirations}}
The President reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to self-driven development, stating, “You cannot wait for others to develop you if you do not put effort into your own growth.”
He highlighted Rwanda’s recent hosting of the FIA conference, the first of its kind in Africa, and the announcement of plans to host Formula One. He noted that these initiatives aim to leverage sports for economic growth that benefits all citizens.
{{A call to the youth}}
President Kagame expressed his confidence in the youth’s role in advancing the country’s development beyond current expectations.
“We count on you to take Rwanda to new heights, beyond what we have imagined. Always remember that we have the ability to shape the future we desire and deserve,” he said.
Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, was the first to celebrate, marking the start of January 1, 2025, earlier today. The country is located in the world’s earliest time zone, UTC+14.
As the first country to welcome 2025, Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island, was followed shortly after by New Zealand. Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower lit up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display, drawing thousands of spectators to ring in the New Year.
Australia followed suit, with Sydney’s world-famous fireworks over Sydney Harbour attracting large crowds despite some disruptions. The celebrations in both nations set the tone for the global festivities that would follow.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea soon joined the festivities. Japan welcomed the New Year with traditional ceremonies and cultural rituals, while South Korea, in observance of a national mourning period, kept the celebrations more subdued. Both nations celebrated in their unique ways, embracing the New Year in their respective time zones.
As the evening wore on, countries across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, began their celebrations.
Meanwhile, nations in South Asia, like India and Sri Lanka, were preparing to usher in 2025. The global progression of New Year celebrations continued across the globe, as each time zone marked the arrival of the New Year in succession.
Rwanda will welcome the New Year 12 hours after Kiritimati Island in Kiribati due to the time difference.
The City of Kigali authorities have confirmed that the night sky in Kigali will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display on Tuesday night. The fireworks show will conclude the countdown to the New Year at exactly midnight on January 1.
According to a public notice issued on December 30, celebrations will take place at Canal Olympia, Rebero, and Imbuga City Walk in the City Centre.
Fireworks will also be displayed at key locations, including the Kigali Convention Centre and Kigali Serena Hotel, offering a stunning visual experience for thousands of revellers.
With groundbreaking achievements in trading volumes, the launch of innovative financial instruments, and the implementation of forward-looking sustainability initiatives, the RSE continues to drive economic progress and investor confidence.
Some of the year’s key milestones include record-breaking market performance and cutting-edge product offerings plus strategic advancements shaping the future of Rwanda’s capital markets.
From its early years as a modest over-the-counter market lacking listed companies or active stockbrokers, the RSE has undergone a remarkable evolution into a fully-fledged daily trading stock exchange. This year, its achievements are remarkable:
{{Trading activities and investor participation}}
Total market turnover hit a new record and surged past the Frw100 billion mark to close the year at Frw129 billion, a 126% increase from the previous year. The Rwanda share index (RSI) is also up by 15.86%.
The RSE also surpassed its own record in issuance and listing of three products from private issuers in the last quarter of the year, raising at least Frw51 billion.
The new listings include Prime Energy Plc (the first-ever green bond on the RSE market) worth Frw9.58 billion with a 7-year maturity at a coupon rate of 13.75% per annum and listing of the first tranche of Frw3 billion corporate bond of Mahwi Grain Millers Plc paying 15% per annum. It is worth noting that both companies graduated from the RSE’s Capital market Investment Clinic (IC).
Finally, the issuance and listing of Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) Plc 2nd tranche Sustainability-Linked Bond worth Frw33.5 billion with a 7-year maturity at a coupon rate of 12.9% per annum.
All the issuances were oversubscribed and participation from retail investors including members of the Diaspora was remarkable giving hope for future growth of investor participation which overall has increased 37.35% to 95,672 dominated by domestic investors at the rate of 95.75%.
These numbers underscore the growing participation of both institutional and retail investors, driven by better accessibility and targeted education initiatives. The market capitalization has also slightly increased to Frw3.8 trillion from Frw3.6 trillion at the end of December 2023.
{{Pioneering new financial products}}
To broaden investment opportunities and support sustainable development, the RSE introduced a suite of new financial instruments which include the following;
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) & Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) which will provide investors with a low-cost, diversified, and flexible investment option, broadening access to the stock market, offering attractive returns and contributing to urban development.
Green Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds which have placed Rwanda on the map as a leader in sustainable finance, attracting socially responsible investments and supporting environmental goals.
ESG Reporting Guidelines where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines were introduced to ensure listed companies adopt global best practices in transparency and sustainability. These guidelines are open to other corporates who may wish to use them.
However, the RSE’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. First, much as activity on the secondary market has improved over the years, it is still low compared to other advanced markets across the globe.
In addition, there is also a limited number of products and little diversification for investors. For instance, initially aiming for an average of 2 new listings per year, the exchange has realized closer to 1 per year, aligning with trends observed in other African stock exchanges.
Factors such as limited financial literacy, low savings rates, and reluctance from companies to go public have contributed to this slower-than-anticipated growth.
As challenging as it may be, deepening our market further is not solely our responsibility as an exchange. Policymakers, regulators, and Rwandans themselves must undergo a mindset change as there is need for a collective effort to address these obstacles.
Undeterred, the RSE remains committed to cultivating the domestic market and encouraging more Rwandan companies to raise money and list on the Exchange.
Just like in some countries, the government’s privatization policy through capital markets and perhaps a deliberate policy to encourage or compel public utility companies or companies of a certain size or systemic enough to go public could offer a promising avenue for expansion.
On the other hand, various efforts to enhance local professional skills and financial services aim to support a growing pipeline of potential issuers.
As Rwanda progresses on its development trajectory, the capital markets will and must play a pivotal role in mobilizing long-term domestic finance and fostering a robust savings culture.
Positioned at the forefront, the RSE is poised to deepen and diversify the country’s financial landscape in the years ahead especially now that we aspire to be an international financial hub of recon through the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) initiative.
We should also leverage on the presidency of the African Securities Exchanges top body (ASEA) for continued growth and collaboration within Africa’s securities exchanges landscape and use Rwanda’s prominence in the regional and international financial arena.
This reflects the country’s commitment to fostering collaboration and integration within Africa’s financial markets, further solidifying its role as a driver of economic development and prosperity across the continent.
{{Driving regional and digital transformation}}
Looking ahead, the RSE is poised for continued growth through a few strategic initiatives including some of the following;
The East African Capital Market Infrastructure (CMI) project, which is part of integration of financial market. The overall objective under this component is to allow a seamless movement of securities and payments between the different EAC capital markets.
Its compatible at the regional level to enable the creation of a regional financial market in the EAC. The project will see full automation of trading operations on the RSE and increase efficiency.
The African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP) is in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the RSE is collaborating with other exchanges to create a unified trading platform thereby boosting cross-border investments and positioning Rwanda as a regional financial hub.
The RSE plans to launch cutting-edge digital platforms to streamline trading, enhance transparency, and improve user experience.
New offerings such as the introduction of a green exchange window, multi-currency-denominated instruments, market-making and Islamic finance or Sharia compliant platforms will also enhance product offerings.
And finally, sustainability commitments with renewed efforts to promote green financing and ESG practices will play a pivotal role in supporting Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
And as 2024 comes to a close, the RSE stands as a testament to the transformative power of a well-structured and innovative capital market.
With record-breaking achievements, groundbreaking product introductions, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the RSE has laid a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
Investors, policymakers, and stakeholders alike can look forward to an even brighter 2025, as the we continue to drive Rwanda’s economic growth and establish itself as a leader in Africa’s financial landscape. Together, we are building a resilient and sustainable financial ecosystem
{{The author is the CEO, Rwanda Stock Exchange & Chairman of African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA).}}
The partnerships, spanning sectors such as agriculture, climate change, trade, technology, and education, have reinforced Rwanda’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and mutual growth.
While the year witnessed several agreements, this article highlights some of the most impactful ones, underscoring Rwanda’s role as a key player on the global stage.
The year began on a momentous note with the Kingdom of Jordan. On January 7, 2024, Rwanda and Jordan solidified their partnership across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, health, and medical science.
The ceremony, attended by President Paul Kagame and King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, marked a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations.
The agreements also included a pact to eliminate double taxation, a move aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.
This collaboration builds upon existing ties and promises to invigorate tourism and agricultural ventures, setting a strong tone for the year ahead.
Later that month, Rwanda turned its focus to global environmental stewardship. On January 21, a key agreement on climate change was signed with Denmark at the picturesque Nyandungu Eco Park.
Representing a shared commitment to environmental preservation, this partnership drew on Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and Denmark’s expertise in eco-friendly innovation.
Together, the two nations pledged to address climate challenges, advancing Rwanda’s green agenda while strengthening Denmark’s environmental outreach.
In a show of enduring friendship, Rwanda and Belgium inked a bilateral cooperation agreement valued at approximately Rwf131 billion on January 30.
This agreement, covering 2024–2029, strategically channels resources into agriculture, urbanization, health, and public finance management.
As February unfolded, Rwanda joined hands with the European Union to promote sustainable mining practices. The partnership aims to improve mineral supply chains, enhance value addition, and combat illegal mineral trading.
With a focus on eco-friendly mining and technological innovation, this agreement represents a pivotal step toward advancing Rwanda’s mining sector while aligning with global sustainability goals.
The first quarter of the year also witnessed strengthened ties with China. On March 28, Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province entered a Sister Cities Agreement with Jinhua, marking a historic first in Rwanda-China relations.
This partnership was complemented by a five-year educational exchange program between Jinhua Polytechnic and IPRC Musanze.
The initiative, which enables Rwandan students to study both at home and in China, reflects a decade-long relationship rooted in mutual capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The second quarter brought an ambitious collaboration with Mali. From May 25 to 27, the first Joint Permanent Commission meeting between the two countries culminated in 19 agreements across diverse sectors such as health, security, agriculture, and technology.
The accords, rooted in shared values of inclusive development, reflect a growing partnership that has steadily evolved since Mali established its embassy in Kigali in 2017.
June saw a renewed focus on innovation with the Kigali Innovation City project. Rwanda and Africa50 signed an agreement to accelerate the implementation of this transformative initiative, which aims to position Kigali as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
With 61 hectares of land designated for development, this partnership seeks to attract global investors, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation in Africa.
The momentum continued into August when Rwanda and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on transport cooperation.
Held during a bilateral meeting between Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, this agreement laid the groundwork for enhanced infrastructure development and connectivity.
A key moment for Rwanda-Egypt relations came on August 12, 2024, when the two nations finalized a deal concerning the supply of medical equipment and devices for the Rwanda-Egypt Heart Centre.
Also known as the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Care Centre, this facility, under construction in Masaka, Kicukiro District, will play a crucial role in the treatment of heart-related diseases.
The first phase of the facility is expected to become operational in early 2026, a landmark achievement that stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2021.
This collaboration highlights the ongoing medical and technological exchange between Rwanda and Egypt and underscores Rwanda’s commitment to improving healthcare for its citizens.
In September, diplomatic relations took centre stage as Rwanda and The Bahamas signed an MoU for mutual visa requirements exemption.
Formalized on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, this agreement symbolized a significant step toward fostering ease of movement and stronger bilateral ties between the two nations.
Rwanda’s commitment to climate change mitigation was further solidified with Sweden in an MoU signed later that month.
Through a partnership aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Rwanda and Sweden pledged to trade carbon credits and support each other’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
This initiative showcased Rwanda’s proactive stance on global climate issues while benefiting from Sweden’s expertise in sustainable energy solutions.
The final months of the year were marked by notable agreements with Nigeria, Russia, and Poland.
In early November, Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation and Nigeria’s Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU to boost trade and investment.
The collaboration promises to streamline procedures, reduce trade barriers, and explore opportunities in sectors ranging from agriculture to creative industries.
Days later, an agreement with Russia removed visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders, reflecting long-standing ties in education, military training, and cultural exchange.
On November 13, Rwanda signed an Air Service Agreement with Poland, heralding the prospect of direct flights between the two countries.
Represented by Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka and Poland’s Secretary of State Lasek Maciej, the deal promises to enhance economic and cultural exchanges, connecting Rwanda to Europe in unprecedented ways.
The agreements, building on those signed in previous years, highlight Rwanda’s strong commitment to driving national growth and strengthening its global partnerships.
In its latest directive, the Ministry of Economy declared that all national and foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) employing women would face closure if they failed to comply with the ban.
The directive, shared on social media platform X, warned that noncompliance would lead to the cancellation of an NGO’s operating license. This follows a prior 2021 suspension of Afghan women’s employment in NGOs, citing non-adherence to the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic dress codes.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy, responsible for supervising national and foreign organizations, reaffirmed its stance, stating that women’s work in institutions not under Taliban control must cease.
The ministry warned, “In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be cancelled.”
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has implemented measures that significantly restrict women’s presence in public life. Girls and women have been barred from post-primary education, public parks, and most forms of employment. The UN has described these actions as “gender apartheid.”
The new restrictions extend beyond employment. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada recently issued a decree banning windows in residential buildings that overlook areas where women may sit or work.
The order applies to new and existing structures, requiring property owners to obscure such views using walls, fences, or screens.
A statement from government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid justified the policy, claiming it would “remove harm” and prevent “obscene acts.”
Municipal authorities are tasked with ensuring compliance during construction and renovations.
The Taliban has also prohibited women from singing or reciting poetry in public, with some local broadcasters halting the airing of female voices.
Despite these measures, the Taliban claims to have issued thousands of work permits to women and denies obstructing humanitarian operations.
However, the United Nations has reported increasing restrictions on female aid workers, hindering critical relief efforts. The Taliban insists these actions are in line with Islamic law and necessary to maintain public safety and social norms.
The international community has condemned the Taliban’s policies, with many urging the group to reverse its decisions to allow Afghan women greater participation in society.
Huang Xin, deputy dean of the School of International Education at Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, said, “Talent training programs and teaching plans for the new group of Rwandan students are being perfected based on the feedback from the first group of students.”
Vocational education, as an important bridge to continue the traditional friendship between China and Africa, shoulders the important responsibility of training variety of talents, passing on technical skills, promoting employment and entrepreneurship, and adding youth power to the dream of modernization for China and Africa. At present, China has built the world’s largest vocational education system.
In the system, Luban Workshops shines like a pearl in the international cooperation of China’s vocational education. Currently, more than 30 workshops have been jointly built in Asia, Europe and Africa. And nearly 10,000 students have been trained in academic education and more than 31,000 people received vocational training.
Jinhua’s cooperation with African countries in vocational education is a “golden card” for China-Africa educational exchanges and cooperation.
As the first batch of pilot institutions of “Future Africa– China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan” project, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology welcomed the first group of 30 Rwandan students involved in the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan in April this year. They gained fruitful results during the year in Jinhua.
At Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season IX in 2024, MBONIMANA Philimine won the highest score while Tuyihimbaze Israel won the third prize.
In the finals of Industrial Robot Installation and Maintenance Technical Competition Season V(International Group) of the 2024 Belt and Road and BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition, Tuyihimbaze Israel, Musengamana Eugene and Iradukunda Abel won the third prize; Umwali Ange Natacha, Ngabonziza Elie and Uwamahoro Alphonsine won the gold medal in the finals of the Finance and Business Circuit (International Group) of the 2024 World Vocational College Skills Competition, while Mbonimana Philimine won the bronze medal in the Equipment Manufacturing circuit (International Group).
Umwali Ange Natacha was also employed as the international communication envoy of Jin Hub and the promotion officer of Jinhua Mountain Cultural Travel, telling the good story of Jinhua to the world.
At present, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology is also preparing the graduation ceremony for these Rwandan students. The students say that they have lived an extremely fulfilling life in Jinhua and hope to become witnesses, beneficiaries, builders as well as story tellers of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
Umwali Ange Natacha and Hafashimana Patrick say that they will stay in Jinhua after graduation and have signed letters of intent with Zhejiang Wandefu Intelligent Technology Co., LTD. and Jinhua Runxing Technology Co., LTD respectively.
“Most overseas students choose to return to their country after graduation. We have contacted Chinese enterprises in Rwanda through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda and the Association of Overseas Chinese in Rwanda, and actively helped them realize their dream of returning to China.”
Qian Xiangming, dean of Musanze International College of Jinhua University of Vocational Technology says. He hopes that Rwandan students will innovate and explore “small but beautiful” cooperation projects when promoting local economic development, and become a link of business exchanges between Jinhua and Africa.
In the overseas development of vocational education for Africa, in addition to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction are highly active as well.
In October 2023, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Morocco Mondiapolis University cooperated in running an overseas branch – Morocco Yiwu Business School, jointly carrying out the training of international trade talents, big data technical talents, and e-commerce talents.
In 2018, Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction gave full play to the industrial advantages of national intangible heritage Dongyang wood carving, and cooperated with the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of the Congo to recruit the first batch of international students from the country, becoming the first vocational college in Zhejiang province to recruit international students in the field of arts and crafts.
At the end of March this year, it cooperated with Sassu University of the Republic of the Congo to build the “China-the Republic of the Congo Silk Road College”, carrying out all-round cooperation in running schools around personnel training, skills training and cultural exchanges.
