Balinda reflected on the significant progress that East Africa has made in professionalizing its sports sector, noting that governments, private sector partnerships, and institutions have worked hard to create better infrastructure, opportunities, and training for athletes.
However, he believes that there is still work to be done to elevate the region’s sports potential on a global scale.
“A key factor that will take East African sports to the next level is embracing diversity. Diversity will not only improve the quality of play but also encourage a more inclusive sporting culture,” he said.
He emphasized that sports are a powerful tool for breaking barriers and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender identities.
By promoting diverse representation, from grassroots to elite competition, he believes that East Africa can continue to nurture talent in a fair and balanced environment.
Balinda also stressed the importance of involving women in sports leadership and decision-making roles, an area where East Africa has room for improvement.
“In order to truly progress, we must ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate and lead within the sports ecosystem,” he said.
As the games continue in Mombasa, the call for diversity and inclusion echoes across the region, urging policymakers, athletes, and communities to work together in building a more inclusive, professional, and sustainable sports sector.
East African countries are increasingly recognizing the value of sports as a vehicle for social change, economic growth, and diplomatic engagement. With more voices advocating for a more inclusive future, the region is poised to continue making strides in the global sports arena.
Industry leaders gathered to discuss the ongoing impact of solar-powered, rechargeable head torches and mini-grids on mining operations for different mining companies countrywide.
The Illuminating Small-Scale Mining in Rwanda (ISMR) project, led by PACT-Rwanda, is driving the adoption of these sustainable energy solutions as part of broader global efforts to promote resilience and social impact across various sectors, including public health, governance, and energy.
James Mcquilken, the Global Director of Responsible Mining at PACT, explained that the initiative, which began four years ago, aims to bring artisanal miners up to the same occupational health and safety standards as larger mining operations.
“Small-scale miners should have access to safe and decent working conditions. When we visited mines in Rwanda, miners were using handheld torches with poor lighting. This contrasts with the well-lit tunnels of large-scale mines, which use rechargeable head torches. We decided to introduce this technology to improve safety and productivity,” Mcquilken said.
Over the past year, the project has introduced solar-powered head torches and mini-grids at several partner mines. These changes aim to address the challenges faced by miners, particularly the high costs and environmental damage caused by traditional battery-powered torches.
“By providing miners with access to solar energy, we are not only improving working conditions but also reducing their reliance on expensive and environmentally harmful power sources,” he noted.
Moise Mutabazi, the Country Director of Pact Rwanda, highlighted the positive outcomes of the project, which include significant cost savings for small scale miners.
“Miners have saved up to 70% bills saving due to mini grid solar instalation. This has led to greater efficiency in their work, as they can now afford the electricity needed for their operations without overburdening themselves financially,” he said.
One of the key challenges affecting miners in Rwanda is access to finance where to support the adoption of renewable energy solutions, partnerships have been formed with financial institutions like Equity Bank Rwanda. Financial literacy training for miners has been critical in ensuring that they can afford these technologies.
The project’s focus on gender inclusivity has also garnered attention. Empowering women-led mining operation through the introduction of solar energy has not only improved working conditions but also empowered female miners.
Polcarpe Nshimirimana, Senior Program Manager at the ISMR project, says that gender equality is a central component of the initiative.
“We cannot afford to leave women behind in this sector. This project has not only provided access to better lighting but also promoted gender equality in the mining sector as a whole,” he said.
The Rwanda Mining Board has also played a key role in ensuring that the initiative aligns with national mining policies. Discussions with the Rwanda Mining Board are underway to scaling these changes to other mining operations across the country.
Donat Nsengumuremyi, the Mining Extraction and Inspection manager at Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) acknowledged that the imitative is a good move in the right direction.
“Through such forums, we get more acquainted on what has been achieved, discuss the best practices and forge a way forward,” he said.
The major focus is to provide miners with the tools and knowledge needed to operate more sustainably while maintaining the financial viability of their businesses. As the sector shifts toward renewable energy, the goal is not just to improve working conditions but also to set a precedent for responsible mining practices across the region and beyond.
The funds are included in the 2024/2025 national budget.
Télésphore Ngoga, Conservation Analyst at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), told RBA that the initiative will focus on addressing key challenges such as wildlife encroaching on local communities, providing clean water to residents who currently fetch it from the parks, and reducing overcrowding in schools near the parks.
Since 2005, the government has invested Frw10 billion in projects designed to improve the livelihoods of communities surrounding the national parks, including Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera parks.
In collaboration with RDB, which oversees tourism, as well as local government entities and nearby communities, more than 880 development projects have been implemented. These include schools, health centers, housing, water infrastructure, and initiatives to boost agricultural productivity.
According to RDB, these efforts not only support environmental conservation but also transform the lives of Rwandans. Many residents near the parks, who previously engaged in harmful activities such as poaching or collecting water from the parks, have since abandoned these practices.
The tourism sector is projected to continue expanding as a key driver of economic growth in Rwanda, with [revenues expected to exceed $660 million in 2024->https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/rwanda-s-tourism-revenue-projected-to-reach-660-million-by-end-of-2024#:~:text=Rwanda’s%20tourism%20revenue%20projected%20to,by%20end%20of%202024%20%7C%20IGIHE], up from $620 million in 2023.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Kenya’s premier bar association expressed full support for Karua, calling the decision an unjustified attack on her professional integrity and a setback for regional cooperation in legal practice.
“We express our unqualified disenchantment with the derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed decision taken by the Law Council of Uganda. This decision not only offends the mutual cooperation that exists between the Kenyan and Ugandan bar, but the manner in which it was communicated and the reasons given are ludicrous and distasteful,” LSK stated.
“It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, especially a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar.”
The Uganda Law Council had declined Karua’s application to represent Besigye and his co-accused at the General Court Martial, citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of Karua’s involvement in the trial.
In its response, LSK has stated its intention to take immediate action to resolve the situation. The society called for an urgent engagement with the Kenyan Attorney General to address the issue and ensure a fair, reciprocal agreement on cross-border legal practice.
LSK also threatened to suspend the admission of Ugandan lawyers to Kenya until Uganda demonstrates a commitment to fostering mutual legal cooperation.
“Kenya has been a leader in promoting regional cooperation in legal practice, but the lack of reciprocity from Uganda is unacceptable,” the LSK statement read. “We must either find a mutually beneficial, reciprocal arrangement or withdraw from one-sided agreements that undermine the dignity of Kenyan legal practice.”
Karua, a former Justice Minister in Kenya and one of the senior lawyers in the country, had earlier also expressed her dismay over the decision.
“The issues raised in your letter could have been addressed if you had asked for any additional documents you required,” Karua wrote in her protest letter to the Uganda Law Council. “Instead, this decision undermines the spirit of regional cooperation and the principle of justice.”
Karua noted that the decision not only attacked her personal integrity but also violated Besigye’s constitutional right to choose his legal representation.
She had hoped to lead a team of 50 lawyers in the case where Besigye and his ally, Obeid Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of firearms. They were controversially apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua.
The duo’s trial has drawn widespread attention, with rights groups and legal experts questioning the jurisdiction of the military court over civilians and the political motivations behind the charges.
According to EAC Secretariat, the three-day forum provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and propose solutions on enhancing economic integration and social development, regional peace and security, progress on developing the constitution for the EAC political confederation and amending the EAC Treaty to serve the now enlarged EAC.
Participants include representatives from EAC Partner States’ governments, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, professional bodies, academia, EAC Organs and Institutions, development partners, and other interest groups.
Speaking during the forum, the Chief Guest, Mr. Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service in Kenya, reiterated President William Ruto’s commitment, as the new Chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads, to steering the region toward increased economic and social integration.
Mr. Koskei commended EAC’s achievements in intra-regional trade, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.
“Let’s encourage jointly working together. The joint hosting of AFCON 2027 will foster unity among Partner States, and build on future initiatives such as joint infrastructure projects, peace, security efforts and social integration programs. These milestones remind us of what we can achieve when we work together,” he noted.
He emphasized that accountability to citizens and efficient use of resources are crucial for regional integration. While commending EAC’s clean audit record and financial management, he called for enhanced transparency and citizen participation through various regional platforms.
He highlighted the Community’s efficiency improvements through institutional strengthening and citizen-focused initiatives like the East African Passport.
“Since the 2016 launch of the EAC e-Passport, member states’ nationals have enjoyed free travel across the region without separate visas or travel documents. Visa exemptions for EAC citizens have enhanced mobility, while efforts continue to harmonize immigration and visa policies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia,” he noted.
Mr. Koskei further added that the EAC Single Tourist Visa, introduced in 2014, allows tourists to move freely between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with plans to include more member states.
“Harmonized work permits and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) enable professionals like accountants and engineers to practice across member states,” he stated.
On her part, the EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva, highlighted the Community’s significant progress over 25 years, particularly in implementing the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union protocols.
“These frameworks have allowed for the liberalization of intra-regional trade, reduced barriers to business, and enhanced the movement of goods, services, and people,” she noted.
The Secretary General emphasized progress through initiatives like the Electronic Single Window System and East African Electronic Passport.
“The reduction of transit times for goods, particularly from Mombasa to Kigali, from 21 days to 3 days today, exemplifies the impact of our integration efforts,” she added.
One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) have streamlined customs procedures, reducing border crossing times by 70% and generating annual savings exceeding USD 63 million. Transit times from Mombasa to Kampala have decreased from 18 days in 2007 to 4-5 days currently.
Nduva noted that the Electronic Single Window (ESW) System has simplified customs and trade documentation, while Regional Trucking Initiatives, including a Centralized Monitoring Centre, have enhanced goods tracking and response to emerging issues.
Significant infrastructure upgrades along the Northern Corridor have improved goods flow between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
“These efforts have yielded impressive results in regional trade. Intra-EAC trade grew from $6.2 billion in 2017 to $13.8 billion in 2023. The EAC’s merchandise trade with the rest of the world also rose from $65.3 billion in 2017 to $109.4 billion in 2023,” she added.
Trade between the EAC and Africa grew from $19.4 billion in 2017 to $24.4 billion in 2023, boosted by participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The forum aims to share good practices and lessons from 25 years of regional integration through presentations, recorded stakeholder testimonies (documentaries), and exhibitions.
The meeting will submit clear and practical recommendations to the Secretary General for consideration by the EAC Council of Ministers.
In his message, the Pope emphasized the themes of hope, fraternity, and peace, all conveyed through the Eucharist.
The event, which attracted thousands of participants including clergy, religious, and lay faithful from both Rwanda and beyond, provided an opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal.
The message, which was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was addressed to Bishop Vincent Harolimana, Bishop of Ruhengeri and delegate of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda (CEPR) for the Eucharistic Congresses.
In his message, Pope Francis joined the faithful in Rwanda in their “joy” and “thanksgiving,” celebrating the significance of the event.
Reflecting on the conference’s theme, “Let us fix our gaze on Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist: a source of hope, fraternity, and peace,” he described Communion as the “centre of all Christian life” and a “tangible sign of Christ’s love for humanity.”
The Pope encouraged the faithful to live out this message by embracing the call to “give ourselves to others,” fostering collaboration to “build a civilisation of love.”
He further underscored the Eucharist’s role in inspiring Catholics to become missionaries of fraternity and hope, emphasizing the need to address the various “hungers” humanity faces, particularly the “hunger for meaning.”
Looking ahead to the 125th anniversary of Rwanda’s evangelisation and the upcoming Jubilee, Pope Francis urged the faithful to turn to “Christ, the bread of life,” and extend solidarity to those in vulnerable situations.
“We must be tangible signs of hope,” he reminded them, echoing the message of the Bull of Indiction for the Holy Year.
In his conclusion, Pope Francis highlighted the shared responsibility the Eucharist calls for, not only in responding to humanity’s physical needs but also in nurturing a spiritual hope “in the triune God.”
He stressed that the Eucharist’s nature is “essentially relational,” inviting people to live “in community” and break down barriers of “race, language, or cultural tradition.”
However, this potential is accompanied by significant challenges, including high unemployment rates, an outdated education system, and political exclusion. Despite these hurdles, Africa’s youth, particularly Generation Z, are determined to play an active role in shaping their societies.
Unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues facing Africa’s young population. With 40% of the youth unemployed, the situation is dire. The lack of job opportunities not only affects economic stability but also fuels social unrest, crime, and substance abuse.
Observers say that this youth unemployment crisis has far-reaching consequences. When young people are excluded from the job market, they become disillusioned and often turn to protests and uprisings.
The frustration of Generation Z, which constitutes 31% of Africa’s population, is palpable. These young people are demanding more than just promises. They want action. A major part of the solution lies in reforming the education system to better align with today’s economic demands.
At the ongoing African Education and Youth Employability Forum in Nouakchott, Mauritania, President Paul Kagame has called for urgent need to reform Africa’s education systems. He shares the view that Africa’s growing youth population is a critical driver of economic growth, this opportunity cannot simply just go to waste.
“In just a decade from now, young Africans will represent the biggest share of the global population entering the workforce. This generation has the potential of becoming a powerful engine for growth and prosperity—not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world,” he said.
Experts believe that many African countries still offer curricula that fail to prepare students for the modern job market. Graduates often lack the practical skills needed to thrive in industries that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements.
It means Africa must invest in industry-based education and ensure that young people graduate with skills that directly correlate with the needs of employers. More importantly, the education system must shift from preparing students for traditional, white-collar jobs to cultivating entrepreneurs.
Aby Agina, a financial journalism expert says that young Africans today are not just looking for employment, they are eager to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
“But the power of Africa’s youth does not stop at economics. Young people across the continent are also calling for more political engagement. They are rejecting the outdated notion that they are “leaders of tomorrow. They are the “leaders of today,” Agina says.
According to him, Rwanda stands out as an example of positive youth integration into governance. With young people holding key positions in both the public and private sectors, Rwanda has demonstrated that youth inclusion is not only possible but also essential for national progress.
Technology has also become a powerful tool for Africa’s youth in driving change. Many young people are using digital platforms to launch businesses, access global markets, and push for social justice.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity for Africa’s youth to leapfrog traditional barriers to success. Rather than fearing AI as a threat to employment, young people can use it to enhance productivity, conduct research, and improve their businesses.
Social media, too, has become a platform for youth to raise awareness on critical issues, mobilize for social change, and build entrepreneurial ventures. By embracing technology, Africa’s youth can redefine the continent’s economic and social landscape.
The private sector and civil society also have crucial roles to play in empowering Africa’s youth. The private sector is the largest source of employment on the continent, and by creating more job opportunities and supporting youth-focused initiatives, businesses can help tackle the unemployment crisis.
Similarly, civil society organizations are essential in mobilizing young people and providing them with the tools and platforms to advocate for change. Governments must collaborate with these sectors to create a conducive environment where youth can thrive, innovate, and contribute to national development.
The power of Africa’s youth lies in their ambition, resilience, and drive to create a better future. However, to unlock their full potential, African governments, private sectors, and civil society must provide the right opportunities, resources, and platforms for engagement.
If this happens, Africa’s youth can lead the way in driving transformative change—not just in their own countries, but across the continent and globally.
Africa’s future lies with its bold, tech-savvy youth. With the right support, they can drive progress and create a brighter, more prosperous continent for all.
The project, located on the shores of Lake Mugesera in Rwamagana District, Eastern Province, is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s efforts to enhance water security.
The loan agreement was signed by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and John Mirenge, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both sides on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of the project in promoting economic and social progress.
“This agreement reflects ADFD’s commitment to financing infrastructure projects that promote economic and social progress in beneficiary countries. It also underscores our commitment to strengthening and advancing our strategic partnership with the Republic of Rwanda, contributing to the development of key sectors vital to the country’s growth,” he said.
The Karenge Water Treatment Plant project will expand transmission and distribution systems, ensuring clean and sustainable water supplies to critical areas in Rwanda. By incorporating advanced technologies, the initiative aims to improve the efficiency of water systems, address growing demand, and strengthen the nation’s water security.
Ambassador Mirenge expressed Rwanda’s appreciation for ADFD’s support, saying that cooperation with ADFD demonstrates the UAE’s steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable development globally.
“The expansion of the water transmission and distribution systems at the Karenge Water Treatment Plant is a critical initiative to achieve our national objectives of providing clean water to our population and developing robust and sustainable water infrastructure to meet the needs of communities,” the ambassador remarked.
The initiative is also expected to create jobs and elevate the quality of life for Rwandan citizens.
As part of a larger program to ensure Kigali’s self-sufficiency in water supply, the project will include the construction of a water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 36,000 cubic meters, along with expanded distribution systems to key areas of the capital.
The forum, themed “Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa,” brought together African leaders to address key challenges in education and youth employment.
Kagame pointed to the vast potential of Africa’s growing youth population, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth.
“In just a decade from now, young Africans will represent the biggest share of the global population entering the workforce,” he said.
“We cannot let this opportunity go to waste. This generation has the potential of becoming a powerful engine for growth and prosperity—not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world.”
The Rwandan Head of State stressed the need to equip young people with skills aligned with modern labour market demands.
“What we need to do is equip these young people with the skills and expertise to meet the demands of the labour market,” Kagame noted, highlighting the partnership with UNICEF for digital skills and connectivity as a promising model.
Kagame also emphasized the importance of increased investment in education, citing Rwanda’s efforts.
“In Rwanda, we have increased the share of education spending in our budget from 11% in the year 2020 to 17.7% in the year 2024,” he stated.
Beyond increased funding, he highlighted the importance of quality reforms, saying, “The focus should be on quality if we want to see long-term results. This means training and hiring better-qualified teachers, modernizing the curriculum, and encouraging critical thinking rather than rote memorization.”
He further urged African nations to take ownership of their education strategies, reducing dependence on external support.
“Effective partnerships should not be confused with outsourcing responsibility or leadership. It is not a question about being big or small or having sufficient resources; it is about making the right choices. This is well within Africa’s means,” Kagame asserted.
Hosted by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in collaboration with the African Union and UNICEF, the forum aimed to explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes, and prepare youth to tackle Africa’s challenges.
The president closed with a call to action, urging leaders to create opportunities that discourage risky migration in search of better prospects.
“As we speak, many young Africans are putting their lives in danger to go find better opportunities abroad. This is a sign that we need to do more to empower our youth,” he remarked.
“Africa is our common home, and we must ensure that every African has a future on this continent.”
The forum’s outcomes are expected to inform policies to revamp education systems and boost youth employability, strengthening Africa’s position in the global economy.
Among the leaders present at the forum were President Muhammadu Ghazouani of Mauritania, who hosted the event and currently chairs the African Union; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria; and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Ted Chaiban, Deputy Director of UNICEF were also in attendance.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. According to an indictment filed more than five years ago, he is accused of advancing favorable regulations for a telecommunications mogul in exchange for positive media coverage of himself and his family.
He is also alleged to have accepted luxury gifts, including cigars and champagne worth tens of thousands of dollars, from a billionaire Hollywood producer in return for assistance with personal matters.
Netanyahu arrived at the Tel Aviv courthouse around 10:00 a.m., where he was met by a mixed crowd of protesters and supporters. Some expressed support, while others urged him to intensify efforts to secure the release of approximately 100 hostages still held in Gaza. Coalition ministers and lawmakers, responding to a call from Netanyahu’s office the previous night, also attended to show support.
At the start of the session, Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, criticized the Israeli judicial system, calling the trial “political persecution.” Hadad described the indictment as “flawed and invalid” and argued that the case should have been dismissed.
Netanyahu began his testimony at approximately 11:30 a.m., opening with the statement, “I have waited eight years for this moment to tell the truth as I remember it.” He described his testimony as “an opportunity to puncture the baseless accusations” against him.
Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for more than 17 years, holds the record as the country’s longest-serving leader.
