These lakes, believed to have formed simultaneously through volcanic activity, offer visitors a rare and peaceful experience. Known as the twin lakes due to their proximity and the fact that one feeds into the other, Burera and Ruhondo have a shared yet unique charm.
Historically, the lakes were formed when volcanic eruptions altered the course of the River Nyabarongo, redirecting its waters into the Burera valley.
As Lake Burera filled, its excess water flowed into Lake Ruhondo, eventually giving birth to the Mukungwa River. These lakes are nestled among rolling hills, majestic volcanoes, and vibrant local communities, offering a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
A narrow 1-kilometer strip of land separates the two lakes, which together cover an area of about 28,000 hectares. Beyond their natural allure, the lakes carry deep cultural significance.
One such story is the island of Akanyaseke, where pregnant girls were once exiled due to societal stigmas. While this practice has long since been abandoned, the island stands as a historical reminder of past cultural beliefs.
Lake Burera is dotted with several islands, some inhabited and others untouched, providing an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and a closer connection with nature.
Tourists visiting the lakes can indulge in nature walks, boat trips, birdwatching, and exploring islands such as Bushongo, Bishosho, Munanira, Muhabura, and Cuza.
The terraced hills encircling the lakes also offer excellent picnic spots, providing a perfect setting to enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning views of the lakes, birds, and surrounding landscapes.
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo not only offer scenic beauty but also invite visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s unique history and culture. They are a perfect post-gorilla trekking destination for those exploring Volcanoes National Park.
Adding to their significance, the lakes are also home to Rwanda’s first hydroelectric power plant, Ntaruka, which was built in 1959 and continues to operate today, symbolizing the area’s contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Built in partnership with Shooting Touch Rwanda, this court represents a major milestone as the Foundation continues to expand its global reach, following three successful Clinics in Ireland last summer.
The Pat Connaughton Foundation is thrilled to be a global organization, committed to making an impact through sports both locally and abroad.
The partnership with Shooting Touch Rwanda brings the power of basketball to the forefront as a means to unite communities and create life-changing opportunities.
Shooting Touch’s innovative sport-for-development programs help uplift youth and women in rural Rwanda by providing access to health services and educational resources, which aligns with the Pat Connaughton Foundation’s vision of transforming lives through the game of basketball.
The new court, completed in August 2024, is already being utilized by nearly 1,000 boys, girls, and women every week.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Shooting Touch to build our first Connaughton Court outside of America,” said NBA Champion Pat Connaughton. ”
“This project is a great representation of our commitment to create access to athletics for the next generation of student athletes worldwide. My foundation is proud to help enhance the incredible work that is already being done in Rwanda. Basketball is a universal language that can positively impact change while inspiring the next generation to dream big, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” he added.
In addition to being a platform for sports, the new court will serve as the home base for Shooting Touch’s holistic programs, which address crucial issues related to public health, gender equality, and economic mobility.
“Building a basketball court with Shooting Touch isn’t just about creating a space for sport—it’s about giving an entire community access to something much bigger,” said Liza Gallagher, Executive Director of Shooting Touch.
“Thanks to the incredible support of the Pat Connaughton Foundation, thousands of youth and women in Rwanda will now have a safe place to play, learn, and grow. By combining the love of the game with vital education and services, this partnership is creating lasting change that will impact generations to come.”
The completion of the court in Rukara Sector highlights the Pat Connaughton Foundation’s growing presence around the world and its unwavering dedication to using sports as a tool for positive change. With 12 courts completed and five more underway, the Foundation continues to create spaces that foster growth, education, and community.
{{About the Pat Connaughton Foundation}}
The Pat Connaughton Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission of creating access to athletics for the next generation of student athletes through Courts, Clinics, and Character.
The PCF focuses on teaching them the translatable life skills sports instill, including hard work, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and discipline. During the last 8 years the PCF has hosted 27 clinics, completed 13 Courts with 12 Schools/Organizations, and impacted over 25,300 youth student-athletes.
{{About Shooting Touch}}
Shooting Touch is an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to use the mobilizing power of basketball to bridge health and opportunity gaps for youth and women facing racial, gender, and economic inequalities.
Since launching Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) in 2012, it has continued to expand its reach in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, now operating programs in six sectors within the Districts of Kayonza and Bugesera. STR focuses on providing access to basketball for youth and women, while working to improve public health and gender equality in rural communities.
This advanced satellite, designed by TRL Space Rwanda, is equipped with innovative sensors capable of capturing high-resolution images across a wide color spectrum. The satellite will primarily provide accurate data for agriculture, including crop monitoring and soil analysis.
TRL Space Rwanda, a subsidiary of the Czech-based TRL Space, specializes in small satellites known as CubeSats. The company has been operating in Rwanda for three years and is headquartered at Norrsken House in Kigali.
Most of the engineers working with the company are Rwandans, having received training from European experts.
The satellite, weighing between 10 and 12 kilograms, measures 10 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm.
Construction began this week with a team of 20 engineers, including seven Rwandans. The project is scheduled for completion within the next 20 months, targeting a June 2026 launch date.
Upon completion, the satellite will be shipped to the United States, where it is expected to launch from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral in Florida, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Once in orbit, the satellite will operate at an altitude of 510 kilometers for five years, delivering crucial agricultural data. It may also support other sectors, including security and communication.
The Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) is currently setting up a data center to process the satellite’s transmissions. The project has so far attracted an investment of $1 million (approximately Frw1.3 billion), with further investments expected as the project advances.
Petr Kapoum, CEO of TRL Space Rwanda, shared in an interview with IGIHE that the long-term goal is to launch a new satellite every year in Rwanda’s name, ultimately creating a fleet of five satellites. He emphasized that the first launch would unlock numerous opportunities, both for commercial and non-profit applications.
TRL Space Rwanda has ambitious plans to position the country as a hub for small satellite manufacturing. The company is developing infrastructure, including research laboratories, to build and sell satellites to other African nations. Reports indicate that by January 2025, the necessary facilities for satellite assembly and testing will be complete.
Kapoum expressed optimism that Rwanda will become self-sufficient in satellite technology within the next five years, reducing reliance on foreign resources and establishing sustainable infrastructure.
Rwanda currently operates a “Teleport” facility, located in Mwurire, Rwamagana District, designed to receive satellite data. This 20-hectare facility is open to investors seeking to establish their own satellite ground stations.
Investors who prefer not to use Rwanda’s facilities can install antennas at the Teleport, with RSA offering maintenance and essential services such as internet access.
The Teleport is expected to attract interest from countries and investors, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with the infrastructure to manage satellite missions.
RSA’s CEO, Gaspard Twagirayezu, highlighted the sector’s profitability, encouraging private investors to capitalize on the opportunities within Rwanda’s growing space industry.
The meeting was announced through a post on Rwanda’s Presidency’s X account.
Borgstam, was appointed as the EU’s Special Envoy to the region in July 2024.
The idea to appoint an EU Special Envoy to the region stemmed from ongoing conflicts between countries in the area. The EU believes the envoy can contribute to resolving these issues.
A Swedish diplomat, Johan Borgstam previously served as the EU Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2008 to 2021 and to Ethiopia from 2017 to 2021.
In his current role, Borgstam assists Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in implementing the union’s policies in the Great Lakes Region.
Compiled by Africa Practice, a strategic consulting firm, and Africa No Filter, an advocacy lobby, the study blames the stereotypical portrayal of the continent by Western media for eroding investors’ confidence and stunting growth.
Titled “The Cost of Media Stereotypes to Africa,” the study focuses on electoral processes in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt and the skewed coverage from giant media entities from the Global North.
“African countries receive more media attention during elections, but with a disproportionate focus on negative issues like violence and election fraud,” the study says.
It notes that non-African countries with similar risks during the electioneering period receive more favorable coverage from the Western media, adding that the continent could save up to 0.14 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually, subject to positive media sentiment.
According to the study, the 4.2 billion dollars in losses occasioned by negative media coverage annually could fund the education of 12 million African children, and provide immunization to over 73 million children, higher than the combined populations of Angola and Mozambique.
In addition, the funds could help provide clean drinking water to two-thirds of the entire population of Nigeria, the most populous country on the continent estimated at 220 million people, says the study.
Negativity has dominated the discourse around African elections, with 88 percent of media articles about Kenya during polling being biased and sensational, compared to only 48 percent for Malaysia, the study observes.
Improved media sentiment, according to the study, could reduce borrowing rates on the continent by up to 1 percent, boosting macroeconomic stability and investors’ confidence.
Marcus Courage, chief executive officer of Africa Practice, said the study has underscored the urgency to challenge stereotypes about the continent advanced by Western media, rooted in racism and hegemonic attitudes.
Promoting fairer, unbiased and positive reporting about the continent will boost its credit rating and attract foreign direct investments in key sectors like tourism, manufacturing and financial services, Courage said.
Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, suggested that as the continent mulls establishing its own credit rating agency, governments should amplify positive narratives, including sustained growth, expanding democratic space, innovations and demographic dividend.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, and the Bank of Kigali is playing a crucial role in supporting its modernization. By providing financing solutions to innovative enterprises like Kivu Choice, BK is helping to enhance food production and affordability.
The aquaculture sector, in particular, holds immense potential to provide sustainable, nutritious foods to Rwandans while creating jobs and supporting rural livelihoods. This partnership will enable Kivu Choice to expand its production capacity and make nutritious fish products more accessible to communities across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali described the partnership as a transformative step for Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
“By supporting innovative businesses in aquaculture, we are helping to ensure affordable, sustainable nutritious foods for our people while also driving rural development. At Bank of Kigali, we believe that investing in agriculture is not just about growing food—it’s about fostering inclusive economic growth and building resilience in the communities that depend on it,” she stated.
Kamran Ahmad, Founder and CEO of Kivu Choice, emphasized the importance of the partnership for their mission.
“Our partnership with BK will allow us to significantly expand our equipment and infrastructure capacity so that we can continue to scale at pace to serve more of the market. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work closely together to tackle food and nutrition security; this investment takes us one step closer to making our products accessible and affordable across the entire country,” he noted.
In addition to expanding production capacity for Kivu Choice, this partnership also aims at financing the whole value chain to ensure the wider aquaculture industry benefits from it.
With 350 employees growing to 1,200 in 3 years, over 200 suppliers, and 3000 traders, this partnership will also target supplier and trader financing.
As part of its strategic focus on agricultural financing, Bank of Kigali continues to develop tailored financial solutions that support the sector’s modernization and resilience. From providing accessible financing to agribusinesses to offering customized financial products for farmers, BK ensures that the agriculture industry receives the necessary support to thrive.
{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}
Established in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest financial institution. As a leading commercial bank, it provides a wide range of services, including digital banking, to over 500,000 customers through an extensive branch network and digital platforms. BK is committed to fostering innovation and economic growth through targeted financial solutions for individuals, SMEs, and corporations.
{{About Kivu Choice Ltd}}
Kivu Choice is a vertically integrated Aquaculture company based in Rwanda with associated feed mill, hatchery, cage production, distribution, and sales outlets. Founded in 2021, and now producing over 500 thousand fish meals a month, the company is positioning itself as Africa’s fastest growing fish farm, with a mission to democratize access to animal protein by radically increasing affordability and supply across the region.
Mpox broke out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2022, with several cases reported in neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda in recent months. Rwanda also reported its first-ever Marburg outbreak late last month.
In a statement on Friday, October 11, 2024, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the organization had assessed the current Mpox and Marburg outbreaks and determined that no travel or trade restrictions are necessary.
According to WHO, priority should be given to public health measures and collaborative efforts to contain the outbreaks.
“Based on the current Mpox and Marburg outbreak risk assessments, WHO advises that no travel and trade restrictions are needed,” the organization stated.
WHO’s statement follows a condemnation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) regarding a travel advisory issued by the United States government against Rwanda.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a national public health agency in the United States, issued a Level 3 travel advisory on Monday, October 7, 2024, urging its citizens to reconsider nonessential travel to Rwanda due to the Marburg outbreak.
During a virtual meeting attended by the Rwandan Health Minister and journalists on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya termed the advisory unfair. He emphasized that decisions during the ongoing outbreak must be guided by scientific facts to avoid causing panic.
“The decision taken by the US government was not fair, and we believe this is not the treatment that Rwanda and Africa deserve,” he stated.
“By issuing a Level 3 advisory, we are creating unnecessary panic—in Rwanda, in neighboring countries, and even globally,” he protested.
Dr. Kaseya noted that US authorities had committed to consulting the Africa CDC before making such decisions in the future.
“We think this is disrespectful to us. I conveyed this clear message to US senior officials. More importantly, we agreed on a way forward, and I believe I received their commitment that in the future, they will not make such decisions again without consulting us,” he added.
The Africa CDC Director praised the measures implemented by the Rwandan government, stating that the outbreak is under control and there is nearly zero risk of Rwanda spreading the disease to other countries.
“It’s almost zero risk. I say ‘almost’ because we cannot say 100% for sure, but I can say that there is a 95% certainty that there is zero risk for Rwanda spreading the disease out of Rwanda. The mechanisms they have put in place to monitor contacts mean no contact can fly out of Rwanda. This is remarkable because they are monitoring these contacts on a daily basis,” he stated.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 58 Marburg cases, 13 deaths, and 15 recoveries.
The Rwandan Presidency confirmed the development through its X account, noting that both leaders also “exchanged on various strategies to help enhance disease prevention as well as building increased capacity for manufacturing of vaccines and medical kits on the continent.”
Dr. Kaseya is in Rwanda where he is attending the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) business forum, branded ‘Biashara Africa.’
During his visit, he reassured the nation of Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting Rwanda in its fight against the Marburg virus.
In addition to his meeting with President Kagame, Dr. Kaseya also held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, commending the government’s proactive approach to controlling the outbreak.
He expressed optimism that the virus would be contained soon, given the ongoing efforts.
Rwanda reported its first case of the Marburg virus on September 27, 2024. As of October 11, 58 people have been infected, with 15 having recovered. No new cases have been reported in the last two days.
Authorities have urged Rwandans to continue following preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and practicing proper hygiene.
In response to the outbreak, the government has also rolled out a vaccination program targeting high-risk individuals, with 346 doses administered so far.
The Marburg virus disease presents symptoms such as severe headaches, weakness, fever, watery diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms or observing them in others is encouraged to report to health authorities immediately.
Beyond addressing the current outbreak, Rwanda remains committed to long-term solutions for pandemic preparedness.
The BioNTech vaccine manufacturing plant, which began its first phase in Kigali in December 2023, is part of these efforts.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 50 million vaccine doses annually, significantly boosting the continent’s capacity for disease prevention.
The electric Robotaxi also referred to as Cybercab will cost less than $30,000 (approximately Frw 40 million), Tesla CEO and tech mogul Elon Musk revealed during the unveiling ceremony held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, on Thursday night.
Musk revealed that, unlike traditional ride-hailing services requiring a driver, the Cybercab will operate fully autonomously.
“You could fall asleep and wake up at your destination,” Musk stated.
The Robotaxi will utilize Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, allowing it to autonomously navigate highways, city streets, intersections, and perform tasks like lane changes, parking, summoning, and responding to traffic signals.
Tesla’s self-driving technology relies on a powerful neural network that gathers data from millions of Tesla vehicles, constantly learning from real-world driving conditions to improve the vehicle’s safety and decision-making capabilities.
The Cybercab, a two-seater with butterfly wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals, lacks a rear window. Musk mentioned that Tesla has produced 21 of these vehicles and that 50 fully autonomous vehicles were present at the launch.
Most of the prototypes displayed at the event featured a gold finish. The Cybercab also showcased matrix-style headlights integrated into a front light bar, similar to the Tesla Cybertruck’s design.
While further details were limited, it’s expected that the Cybercab will be Tesla’s first vehicle to feature wireless induction charging as a standard option.
However, some experts believe that the self driving technology still faces hurdles.
Garrett Nelson, a senior equity analyst at CFRA Research, cautioned, “A car capable of functioning as a self-driving taxi is still several years away, with numerous technological hurdles, safety tests, and regulatory approvals standing in the way.”
Tesla isn’t alone in the race for autonomous taxis. In China, Baidu is testing its own self-driving taxis on public roads. Meanwhile, Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, has been operating driverless taxi services, recently reporting over 100,000 weekly rides in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
General Motors’ Cruise resumed its autonomous taxi testing following a previous incident, and Amazon’s Zoox is developing a driverless van without a steering wheel, aiming to launch a paid service soon.
Every STEM center consists of a computer and electronics laboratory. By working closely with the higher education institutions that host these STEM centers, the organization guarantees that students obtain hands-on training to supplement their theoretical classroom learning.
So far, STEMpower’s presence in Rwanda is already bearing fruits, as many who have attended training sessions at the centers explain.
Victoire Irakoze, a 22-year-old mother, dropped out of school at an early age when she got pregnant, and would always find herself ill-equipped for the job market as a result.
However, STEMpower’s free computer literacy program at the Adventist College of Gitwe in Ruhango District has turned around her life after acquiring computer skills. She says that she is now better positioned for job opportunities.
“I literally didn’t know how to use a computer, and most of the job opportunities I came across required some basic skills on the same. After completing training at this center, I have the basic computer skills, and I am now more confident and optimistic to apply these skills on the labor market,” she explained.
Irakoze is one of the 131 students and community members who completed computer literacy training at College Adventist de Gitwe in the most recent cohort. Her story showcases the organization’s commitment to inclusive education and reviving of shattered dreams.
Emmanuel Tuyisenge is another beneficiary of STEMpower’s training programs whose testament further highlights the practical impact of the organization. The 22-year-old from Kanjongo Sector in Nyamasheke district, always dreamt of becoming an electronics technician, but lacked the financial means to pursue his dream.
In 2022, he heard about STEMpower and enrolled for its free-to-attend training program. After completing training, he opened ‘Emmy Shop of Electronics’, the only electronic repair shop in his village.
“I wanted to utilize the skills I acquired and then noticed there was no one in my area repairing electronic gadgets. My business is now running well, and I hope to expand it as time goes by,” he said.
{{Effective teaching methodology}}
Gervais Tuyizere, a high school student at Murama Secondary School in Ruhango district, also participated in a number of trainings by STEMpower. He says that they have helped him better understand what he was being taught in class.
“The hands-on teaching methodology helps me better understand what I am learning and it becomes easier to remember and apply it. I have since learnt how to install internet connection in my area, and how to do basic computer maintenance, thanks to this training,” he said.
Tuyizere says he envisions becoming an IT engineer and therefore believes the skills he has acquired will be of fundamental importance as he pursues his dream career.
STEMpower has established at least one STEM center in all four provinces of the country and in Kigali city, to reach as many beneficiaries as possible. The facilities are located at University of Rwanda- College of Science and Technology, Nyarugenge district, Ines Ruhengeri in Musanze district; Kibogora Polytechnic located in Nyamasheke district and at the University of Rwanda- College of Education in Kayonza district.
Other learning institutions hosting the centers are Gitwe Adventist College (Ruhango district), East African Christian College in Kicukiro district, Nyabiheke Refugee Camp (Gatsibo district) and University of Tourism, Technology and Business studies situated in Rubavu district.
These centers are not just for students but also serve members of the local community, providing vital skills and opportunities to those who might otherwise be left behind.
The non-profit organization will soon inaugurate a new STEM center at Rwanda Polytechnic College in Kigali as it expands its footprint in the country.
Besides Rwanda, STEMpower has presence in many other Africa’s Sub-Saharan countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mali, Congo-Brazzaville, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya among many others.
In total, the organization has established 125 STEM centers which are helping students learn innovation, real-world problem-solving and creativity, thereby empowering them to lift their respective countries from poverty.
