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The milestone event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together senior government officials, regulators, global partners, and industry leaders to reflect on the Centre’s achievements in its mission to position Rwanda as a financial hub and to outline its next phase of growth.

Over the past five years, KIFC has undergone a rapid ascent on the global financial stage. Kigali now ranks as Africa’s third-best financial centre and second in Sub-Saharan Africa, a recognition attributed to the country’s strong governance, predictable regulatory environment and coordinated institutional support.

Since its inception in 2020, the Centre has mobilised more than $1 billion in targeted investment commitments and licensed over 250 entities, signalling growing confidence among global investors structuring capital through Rwanda.

In her address, KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge described the anniversary as both a celebration and a defining moment for the Centre’s long-term vision. She emphasised that Rwanda’s next phase will focus on consolidating gains and steering the financial hub toward three priority segments: asset management, climate finance, and fintech.

'Success depends on capital, credibility and confidence,' Mudenge said, outlining how KIFC aims to make Rwanda the easiest and most efficient jurisdiction for investors choosing an African base.

She noted that asset management will anchor the Centre’s strategy by positioning Rwanda as a gateway for both foreign and domestic capital mobilisation. Climate finance will shape the policy direction, supporting Rwanda’s ambition for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, while fintech will serve as the accelerator, enabling faster, more transparent and more accessible financial services.

The CEO also recognised the strong collaboration across government ministries, regulators and development partners that has enabled KIFC’s progress, extending special appreciation to Luxembourg for its support in the development of the Centre’s next five-year strategy.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Yusuf Murangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Centre’s next phase. He praised the rapid progress made so far, saying KIFC had 'proven beyond doubt that Rwanda can build a credible, competitive, and internationally respected financial centre.'

Murangwa emphasised that KIFC is now entering a decisive scaling phase. 'The Government of Rwanda remains fully and unequivocally committed to this initiative. KIFC will continue to be a catalyst for prosperity, not only for Rwanda, but for Africa at large.'

Luxembourg’s Chargé d’Affaires, Charlotte Helminger, commended Rwanda’s momentum, observing that 'some achieve more in five years than others do in 50,' which, she said, reflects the impressive strides KIFC has made in such a short time.

She cited ongoing joint initiatives, including the Luxembourg Green Exchange’s support to the Rwanda Stock Exchange Green Window, the establishment of the FinTech Centre, development of industry-wide API standards, and work on training and fiduciary-agent curricula, as examples of the 'ambitious and forward-looking collaboration' driving the Centre’s next phase.

KIFC executives highlighted the building blocks behind the Centre’s growth, including policy reform, global promotion and talent development. Over the last five years, Rwanda has enacted more than 23 international-standard financial laws, expanded its double-taxation treaty network to 17 countries and fully aligned its regulatory frameworks with OECD and FATF expectations. These measures have strengthened investor protections, enhanced transparency and positioned Rwanda as one of Africa’s most credible jurisdictions for fund structuring.

The Centre has also invested heavily in talent, establishing the Financial Sector Skills Council and training over 1,000 professionals in partnership with CISI, ICAEW, CFA Society and others. Rwanda’s adoption of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the launch of the Rwanda Green Taxonomy, the second in Africa, further underscored the country’s commitment to responsible and climate-aligned finance.

During a panel discussion at the event, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) CEO Thapelo Tsheole highlighted Kigali’s unique edge as a nascent financial hub, free from the entrenched legacy systems that often slow innovation in established centres.

'The honest truth is that when you’re building a new financial centre, you don’t have the luxury of legacy baggage, and that’s actually an advantage. We can design rules that are modern from day one,' Tsheole said.

He emphasised benchmarking against global leaders like Singapore and Luxembourg while adapting to African contexts, alongside voluntary compliance with OECD peer reviews and FATF assessments to build trust.

Panellists from PwC Rwanda, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), MoneyPhone, and Liedekerke echoed the sentiments, hailing Rwanda’s collaborative ecosystem and regulatory agility as drivers of surging interest from international private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure funds.

'We had this very fast-track recognition of the advantages of funds, which was a very pleasant surprise. During the general solicitation process, we were meeting with very capable and technical experts from the CMA, and that was a very pleasant experience,' remarked Louise Verstraete from Liedekerke.

As KIFC marks five years, its ambitious strategy in asset management, climate finance, and fintech is expected to translate into tangible growth for Rwanda’s financial ecosystem, further shaping the country’s engagement in regional and global markets.

The milestone event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together senior government officials, regulators, global partners, and industry leaders to reflect on the Centre’s achievements in its mission to position Rwanda as a financial hub and to outline its next phase of growth.

KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge described the anniversary as both a celebration and a defining moment for the Centre’s long-term vision.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Yusuf Murangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Centre’s next phase.

Luxembourg’s Chargé d’Affaires, Charlotte Helminger, commended KIFC’s momentum as encouraging.

Panellists from PwC Rwanda, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), MoneyPhone, and Liedekerke hailed Rwanda’s collaborative ecosystem and regulatory agility.

ICT Minister Paula Ingabire attended the event.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Soraya Hakuziyaremye, was among the dignitaries who graced the dinner.

The CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba (center), also attended the event.

Regis Rugemanshuro (left), CEO of the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), was among the key figures at the event.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly appointed officials at Parliament buildings, Kagame said the accusations often come from individuals seeking to pressure Rwanda and wrongly link it to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

'Rwanda signed the agreement willingly, accepted it, and will fulfil its obligations so that, if others also meet their responsibilities, it will lead us to peace,' he said.

He acknowledged that implementing such agreements is challenging, noting that 'the path is never easy. Some people do not speak the truth. There are things people wish for, sometimes not even included in the agreement, or they think should have been included. In an agreement, you don’t get everything you want, but you get what is necessary, and others also get what is necessary.'

Allegations that Rwanda breached the Washington agreement stem from the recent advance of the AFC/M23 rebels to the city of Uvira. Some parties have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, claiming it violated the agreement, a claim Kigali has consistently refuted.

Kagame emphasised that Rwanda did not breach any agreements, pointing out that hostilities between the AFC/M23 rebels and Kinshasa coalition forces were already occurring when he travelled to the United States.

'When we went to America, fighting had already been ongoing for days and weeks, and even on the day we travelled, clashes continued in some areas,' he said.

He added that claims suggesting Rwanda’s actions triggered the fighting are false. 'The situation already existed; it did not start after the agreements,' he reiterated.

He concluded by reiterating that many of the allegations against Rwanda are based on falsehoods and malice.

The inauguration ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Solange Uwituze as State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Usta Kaitesi as State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Charles Murigande as Senator, and two Court of Appeals judges, Dr. Ntete Jules Marius and Dr. Nshimiyimana Didace.

President Paul Kagame has dismissed allegations that Rwanda violated the Washington D.C. peace agreement signed on December 4, 2025, saying the claims are false and rooted in misunderstanding or malice.

IGIHE

The latest batch of returnees comprised 234 children, 22 men, and 81 women, who crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.

The repatriation follows agreements reached during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

Upon arrival on December 11, 2025, returnees were taken to the Kijote Transit Camp in Nyabihu District.

These Rwandans had been living in a transit camp in Goma after fleeing from various areas in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR.

The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Ishimwe Pacifique, urged the returnees to join others in building the nation.

“We consider you as the strength we had lost, but we are happy to join hands with you in rebuilding the nation,' she noted.

Returnees will be provided with essential documents, and further assistance to facilitate their reintegration.

Those over 18 years old will receive $188, while those under 18 will receive $113. Additionally, each individual will be given essential food supplies worth Frw 45,000.

The latest batch of returnees comprised 234 children, 22 men, and 81 women, who crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.

Upon arrival on December 11, 2025, returnees were taken to the Kijote Transit Camp in Nyabihu District.

IGIHE

Difference She Makes, launched in 2025 and already reaching more than six million people in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and beyond, is pushing for a shift from symbolic inclusion to real transformation. The campaign argues that while Africa leads globally in progressive gender policies in the justice sector, those policies have not translated into equitable leadership opportunities for women.

Reports, including from the International Bar Association, show that women are joining law schools, courts, corporate legal departments and law firms in unprecedented numbers. Yet across many countries, they remain under-represented at senior levels, and where women do rise, cultural norms and institutional biases often impede their ability to lead fully and visibly.

Driving accountability, not celebration

Difference She Makes seeks to close this gap by building institutional accountability for cultural change, beyond simply celebrating representation statistics. The movement uses storytelling, art, culture and intergenerational dialogue to expose invisible barriers and elevate the voices of women shaping Africa’s evolving legal landscape.

'This campaign is a timely intervention,' said Irene Kerubo of Difference She Makes. 'While women continue to enter the legal profession in record numbers, their leadership is still held back by persistent structural and cultural constraints. This campaign brings those realities to the surface, not simply to acknowledge the gaps, but to drive accountability and reimagine environments where women in law can lead and thrive.'

The campaign’s philosophy centres on three principles: transformation over tokenism, institutional responsibility over individual burden, and transparency instead of exclusive power networks.

Advocate Susan Musambaki noted that the movement 'amplifies our collective voice to make legal spaces more inclusive and truly reflective of women’s leadership.'

A continental coalition for change

Difference She Makes is powered by a diverse mix of legal trailblazers, young professionals and partner organisations committed to reform. Among them are Linda Kasonde, Zambia’s first female Bar Association President; Nigerian lawyer Becky Dike; South African human rights lawyer Tamika Thumbiran; retired Judge Mohini Moodley; and Kenya’s Natasha Ali Errey.

The movement also collaborates with influential platforms, including Legally Clueless, Drunken Lectures, Nalafem and the East Africa Media Group, building momentum toward a continent-wide coalition for structural reform.

Visibility remains a core challenge, according to South African journalist Ntombi Nkosi, who said the initiative ensures that 'women in law are not just included, but visible, respected and celebrated.'

Key initiatives driving impact

Difference She Makes has launched several pioneering initiatives:

1. Amplifying Women’s Stories

Through the Legally Clueless podcast, a journalist—lawyer fellowship and a digital storytelling series, the campaign is uncovering entrenched biases in Africa’s justice systems. The first episode features Anne Ireri, CEO of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya).

2. Pan-African to Global Advocacy

In partnership with NALAFEM, the movement is coordinating a regional advocacy agenda that highlights Africa’s achievements and remaining challenges. Insights from regional convenings will shape Africa’s contribution to the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), positioning the continent as a leading voice on gender equality in justice.

3. Off the Table, On the Record Series

This dialogue series creates culturally grounded safe spaces for women, allies and decision-makers to address issues often avoided in formal settings, surfacing realities that must be acknowledged to drive meaningful change.

4. Voice and Verdict Fellowship

A first-of-its-kind Pan-African fellowship bringing together six journalists and legal professionals from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The fellows will produce investigative storytelling aimed at confronting tokenism, institutional bias and opaque power structures within Africa’s justice systems.

The fellowship includes legal professionals Susan Musambaki, Judith Anukie Ojovbo and Mpho Mokgehle, alongside journalists Ntombi Nkosi, Lucy Riley and Isioma Joseph Madike.

IGIHE

Burundian forces have been working alongside the FARDC troops for over three years in their fight against the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, who are engaged in a battle against President Tshisekedi’s government.

Various UN reports indicate that the Burundian military is working alongside FDLR fighters in this conflict.

The FDLR is a terrorist group made up of former members of EX-FAR and Interahamwe who were involved in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The group is built on the ideology of genocide, which they have spread in Eastern DR Congo for over 30 years.

Speaking to RBA on December 10, Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed that Burundi collaborates with FDLR.

“Burundi does not support the FDLR; they collaborate. Burundi works with the FDLR because it is one coalition, with FARDC joining forces with the FDLR, Burundian troops, and mercenaries—it’s one unified coalition,” he stated.

Nduhungirehe also noted that over 20,000 Burundian soldiers stationed in South Kivu had kept the Banyamulenge people confined to their homes, preventing them from going to markets or engaging in other livelihood activities.

In Eastern DR Congo, there are between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters aligned with FARDC and Burundian forces.

“The main concern is about security. You cannot collaborate with the FDLR without intentions to disrupt Rwanda’s security because what FDLR desires is to destabilize Rwanda, and you remember in 2023, during elections in DR Congo, President Tshisekedi mentioned in political meetings or on radio and TV that he had plans to launch attacks on Kigali, without deploying ground troops, and he would support Rwanda’s youth in overthrowing the government.”

These words, spoken publicly, were later reflected in actions as Tshisekedi aligned FARDC, FDLR, Burundian forces, and mercenaries to fight in a campaign aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.

“This situation is threatening regional security. To resolve this issue, Burundian forces need to leave Eastern Congo, the FDLR must be eradicated, and these attacks by Congolese troops should end, allowing us to implement the agreements we’ve signed.”

Rwanda indicates that by March 2025, relations with Burundi were headed in a positive direction but were strained when President Ndayishimiye deviated from the held negotiations and began making false claims in international media that Rwanda was preparing for war against Burundi.

Rwanda and DR Congo signed peace and economic cooperation agreements on December 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with the presence of Burundian president.

However, on that same day, a coalition of FARDC, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, FDLR, and mercenaries launched attacks in South Kivu near the Rwandan border, causing over 1,000 people to flee to Rwanda.

Nduhungirehe said, “We told the mediators, we told everyone involved that what we want is peace. For peace to return, Burundian forces creating instability in South Kivu must withdraw, and these attacks by the Congolese government must stop so that we can implement the agreements we signed.”

The signed agreements include provisions that, once the fighting ceases, a joint security coordination mechanism involving DR Congo, Rwanda, and the U.S. will be responsible for implementing security measures, including the elimination of the FDLR, after which Rwanda can lift its border security measures.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said that the security issue between Rwanda and Burundi involves Burundi’s collaboration with the FDLR, a terrorist group with the goal of destabilizing the country and continuing the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

IGIHE

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood when an unoccupied building collapsed, triggering the collapse of an adjacent four-story structure, the prosecutor said. The second building was hosting a traditional Aqiqah celebration marking a birth.

Women and children were among the victims. Sixteen other people were injured, with some in serious condition. Authorities said the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

Judicial police have opened an investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings show the two buildings were constructed in 2006.

Local officials said the structures were built under so-called “self-construction” schemes for residents of the Ain Smen area as part of the “Fez, City Without Slums” program.

The disaster has renewed concerns over building safety in Morocco. In January, Secretary of State for Housing Adib Ben Ibrahim said about 38,800 buildings nationwide were at risk of collapse.

Fez, Morocco’s third-largest city, has seen protests in recent months over poor living conditions and public services. The collapse is among the deadliest building accidents in the country since a minaret fell in the historic city of Meknes in 2010, killing 41 people.

Xinhua

The bookstore offers a broad selection of titles, including Bibles, devotionals, inspirational wisdom books, children’s literature, and Bible commentaries. Customers can place orders through the TLG Africa website or via social media platforms such as Instagram, with deliveries made to any location across Rwanda.

According to Patience Harerayesu, the Managing Director of TLG Africa, also known as The Legacy of God in Africa, the organisation’s affordability model is supported by its partnership with Alpha Courses in the United Kingdom. Alpha Courses is a global Christian organisation known for running programmes that introduce people to the basics of the Christian faith, and it helps TLG source books at lower costs.

She says the goal is to ensure that Christian knowledge remains within reach for anyone seeking spiritual development.

'We want people to be able to order a book online and have it delivered wherever they are in Rwanda,' she told IGIHE.

TLG Africa’s growing presence was most recently visible during the Niwe Healing Concert held at BK Arena, where the organisation was among the event’s supporters. Its stand attracted concert-goers who visited to browse books, make purchases, and learn more about the platform’s mission of promoting a reading culture rooted in faith.

One of the moments that stood out during the concert involved gospel artist Richard Nick Ngendahayo, who received a book gift from TLG Africa.

TLG Africa team member presents a copy of The Power of a Praying Husband to gospel artist Richard Nick Ngendahayo.

The team presented him with The Power of a Praying Husband, describing the gesture as an appreciation for his ministry and the influence he continues to have among young believers and worshippers.

TLG Africa’s team said their participation in the event offered an opportunity to connect directly with readers, interact with various Christian communities, and reinforce the value of spiritual growth through reading.

The TGL Africa team described the gesture as an appreciation for the renowned gospel artist’s ministry and the influence he continues to have among young believers and worshippers.

How to order a book on the TLG Africa website

The platform continues to draw attention for its straightforward online ordering process. Customers looking to purchase a book simply visit the website, search for their preferred title, select it, click 'Order Now', and await delivery to their location.

Beyond sales, TLG Africa positions itself as an organisation committed to enriching communities with literature that inspires learning and strengthens spiritual understanding. The bookstore stocks both new and gently used Christian titles, catering to readers seeking faith-based guidance, study materials, or meaningful gifts.

To place an order, visit TLG Africa on their website: https://tlg-africa.lovable.app/

IGIHE

Paluku, a veteran journalist and former head of Radio Kivu One, was reportedly shot in Goma. The attackers remain unidentified.

According to a statement from AFC/M23 Cabinet Director, Jean-Pierre Lukamba Alumba Omokoko, Paluku died at Goma General Hospital.

'Following this criminal act, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,' Lukamba stated, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and the revolutionary community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A native of Butembo in North Kivu Province, Paluku joined AFC/M23 in July 2024. Since then, he had frequently been seen alongside the coalion political coordinator Corneille Nangaa, with sources indicating that their relationship went beyond professional ties and that the two were close friends.

Paluku, a veteran journalist and former head of Radio Kivu One, was reportedly shot in Goma. The attackers remain unidentified.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions were chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, and Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

During the meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on current developments in regional and multilateral issues.

The meeting comes at a time when the relationship between Rwanda and Poland continues to grow stronger.

During Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Kigali in February 2024, the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for trade and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency.

Education remains a cornerstone of this partnership, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to the signing of a series of MoUs between UR and four Polish universities.

On November 13, 2024, Poland and Rwanda signed an Air Service Agreement to enable regular flights between the two countries, creating opportunities to enhance economic and cultural exchanges.

Diplomatic ties have also grown in recent years, with Rwanda opening its embassy in Warsaw in 2021, followed by Poland opening its embassy in Kigali the following year.

Rwanda and Poland on Wednesday, December 10, held a political consultation session during which both sides explored areas of cooperation, including investment, education and ICT.

IGIHE

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana took the action after three Ghanaians were reportedly deported from Israel under unacceptable circumstances.

“The government of Ghana will continue to safeguard the dignity of its nationals and also that of other nationals,” the statement said.

The statement said that the charge d’affaires ad interim at the Israeli Embassy in Ghana was summoned to the ministry, in the absence of Israel’s ambassador, and that both governments agreed to pursue an amicable resolution to the impasse.

“We in Ghana deeply value our relations with all friendly countries and expect our citizens to be treated with dignity and respect just the same way as other governments expect us to treat their nationals,” it added.

Xinhua