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This is a significant increase from the current $110 million generated from 35,000 tons of exported tea.

The role of tea in Rwanda’s economy was underscored on November 12, 2025, after officials from NAEB, alongside tea farmers from the Rutsiro Tea Growers’ Cooperative (RUTEGROC), participated in an activity to replant and expand the areas under tea cultivation.

This activity is part of the PSAC project, which seeks to support smallholder farmers to boost both the quantity and quality of crops, ensuring competitiveness in international markets.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, and Rulindo.

Nkurunziza Alex, traditional commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the PSAC project will help farmers address areas where tea plants have not flourished and expand cultivation areas.

“Tea continues to improve livelihoods, which is why we are focusing on filling gaps in tea cultivation and increasing the planted areas. Our collaboration with agronomists and farmers aims to boost production so that, by 2029, tea exports will generate $164 million for Rwanda,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by tea farmers, particularly the impacts of climate change, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers daily to achieve these goals.

Aloys Nzamwita, president of RUTEGROC, shared how the community’s perception of tea farming has evolved.

“When we first started, there was skepticism, but over time, people recognized its value. In 2015, a kilogram of tea sold for 100 Rwandan Francs, but today it sells for 460 Rwandan Francs. We now view tea farming as akin to owning a cow that is milked every day. Last year, we harvested 74 new hectares, and by 2027, we plan to expand by an additional 200 hectares,” he said.

Nzamwita also mentioned that tea farmers replacing old plants will benefit from an affordable payment plan during pruning, and increased yields.

Tea farmer Bitonda Boniface added, “Initially, we were hesitant because we only thought about growing potatoes. But with improved seedlings, our harvests will increase, and the money is good. Tea farming has lifted us out of poverty and provides monthly income to support our children’s education.”

The PSAC project aims to plant 8 million tea seedlings across 520 hectares in the six districts this year, with a focus on expanding cultivated areas and replacing poorly performing tea plants.

In Rutsiro, 150 hectares will be planted with tea in 2025, and by 2029, 40 million seedlings will be planted across 2,410 hectares.

Rwanda’s tea is expected to generate $164 million by 2029.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production.

Officials joined residents during tea seedlings planting exercise on Wednesday.

IGIHE

The renovation began following a suspension in May 2025 by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) of the monthly prayer gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, due to non-compliance with certain regulatory standards.

RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume.

These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Chief Priest of Ruhango Parish, where the Peace Valley (the shrine) is located, Ngendahayo Tumaini Dominique, stated that the renovation works and the expansion of the worship space are almost complete to enhance the security of the large crowds.

'The work to expand and renovate the Peace Valley seems to be nearing completion, as most of the planned structures have been built, with others almost finished,' Father Ngendahayo said.

He explained that 60 new, fully-compliant toilets had been constructed, over 500 meters of pedestrian route and vehicle pathways had been laid, and large parking lots and gardens with various trees were established to improve air quality for worshippers.

'We have completed the construction of 60 new toilets and showers, a garden, a road, and a large parking area, all of which are nearing completion, with laterite being added and compacted,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that weak individuals will be accommodated in the Ruhango Parish Church, where “giant screens” will be installed to help them follow the prayers held at the Peace Valley.

Father Ngendahayo also highlighted that surveillance cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of worshippers, adding that these efforts aim to meet the requirements set by RGB and improve security for the large crowds attending.

The renovation work began on July 7, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the beginning of December. At that time, RGB will be notified of the completion, which will grant permission to resume the prayer gatherings at the site.

The gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, began in 1991. Today, it has become a religious tourism destination, attracting visitors from across Africa and the world. The site attracts more than 100,000 people for worship on the first Sunday of each month.

Renovation work at the shrine known as ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, located in the Catholic Parish of Ruhango, Kabgayi Diocese, in the Ruhango District of Southern Province is nearing completion.

IGIHE

According to MINEMA, from January to October this year, Rwanda received 5,101 returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to return due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR, which had warned that returnees would be killed if they attempted to go home. The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The figures were disclosed on Tuesday, 12 November 2025, during a visit to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre, where officials met with recently returned Rwandans. Discussions during the visit focused on governance reforms, national opportunities, and the Ndi Umunyarwanda ('I am Rwandan') programme.

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Phanuel Sindayiheba, welcomed the returnees and commended their decision to come back.

'Rwanda has chosen not to be held back by discrimination, poverty, or ignorance, but to pursue development and unity among Rwandans,' he said.

Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in Charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE, emphasised the importance of the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme in fostering a sense of national identity.

'Although you are returning late, it is better late than never. You are encouraged to work hard to make up for lost time,' she said, adding that some returnees had been misled into prioritising ethnic identity over their Rwandan roots.

Kayumba Uwera also urged returning women to encourage their husbands to come back. 'Women have a strength we often do not realise. Many of you have already made the right choice to return, and you have inspired your husbands to follow,' she said.

Gonzage Karagire, Director of Refugee Programmes at MINEMA, said that receiving returning Rwandans is an ongoing effort.

'This year alone, over 5,000 Rwandans have come home. Currently, there are 592 people in this transit camp, including children and adults who recently returned,' he said.

Of the 592 returnees at Nyarushishi, 396 are children and 196 are adults. Among the adults, 160 are women and 36 are men.

Mushimiyimana Immaculée, who returned after 31 years in exile, recounted the challenges she faced and expressed her commitment to national unity.

'I only completed the first three grades, and I feel ashamed that at 32 years old I cannot read or write. I had to leave school when fighting broke out,' she said. She added that she intends to work with others to preserve unity and create opportunities for future generations.

Returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to come back due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR.

The officials who visited the centre were Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba and Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE.

IGIHE

Speaking before the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation, Rwanda’s Military Advisor Col. Deo Mutabazi expressed concern that peacekeeping missions are being forced to 'achieve less with less' as the UN grapples with a liquidity crisis.

'We are holding this debate when peacekeeping missions are facing a substantial liquidity crisis that has led to major downsizing, with the risk of losing the hard-earned gains on the ground,' Col. Mutabazi said, describing recent percentage cuts to missions as 'unfair and non-transparent.'

Rwanda, which currently ranks among the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations, continues to play a vital role in global peacekeeping efforts. According to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as of May 31, 2025, Rwanda was the second-largest troop-contributing country with 5,886 personnel, following Nepal with 6,119. Other leading contributors include Bangladesh (5,686), India (5,393), and Ghana (2,845).

Rwanda, which currently ranks among the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations, continues to play a vital role in global peacekeeping efforts.

Addressing root causes of conflict

Col. Mutabazi emphasised that the UN should place greater focus on addressing the root causes of conflict rather than relying heavily on military responses. He noted that sustainable peace depends on tackling governance challenges, corruption, discrimination, and poverty, issues that often fuel instability.

'No amount of capabilities, technologies, and even training to effectively protect civilians than investing in creating conducive conditions for peace through political dialogue for conflict resolution, an area that UN peacekeeping has invested less in,' he stressed.

Unrealistic mandates undermine trust

The Rwandan representative criticised what he termed 'unrealistic mandates', which he said often undermine trust between peacekeeping missions and host nations. He called for a review of the penholdership system, warning that current practices risk turning mission mandates into 'Christmas trees' that serve interests beyond those of the host country.

'It is time to rethink the penholdership that has led to mandates serving other interests than the host nation’s,' he said, adding that peacekeeping should not pursue military solutions to inherently political problems.

Speaking before the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation, Rwanda’s Military Advisor Col. Deo Mutabazi expressed concern that peacekeeping missions are being forced to 'achieve less with less' as the UN grapples with a liquidity crisis.

Col. Mutabazi also backed UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which supports stronger partnerships between the UN and regional forces in peace enforcement operations.

Ensuring legal clarity

Rwanda further called for peacekeeping mandates to undergo legal scrutiny before approval to ensure that missions do not inadvertently associate with sanctioned groups.

'Maintaining legal clarity is essential to uphold both the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping,' Col. Mutabazi stated.

Strengthening community engagement

Addressing the challenge of operating with reduced resources, Rwanda proposed community engagement initiatives as a cost-effective way to enhance civilian protection. The approach includes local partnerships on health, sanitation, environmental protection, and education.

According to Col. Mutabazi, such initiatives 'build trust between peacekeepers, local leaders and communities,' while countering misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that often fuel tensions in conflict zones.

Concluding his remarks, Col. Mutabazi reaffirmed Rwanda’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping and paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of global stability.

'Rwanda remains dedicated to supporting peace efforts and honours the brave peacekeepers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for peace and security,' he said.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a meeting between the multilateral development finance institution, the Government of Rwanda, and other development partners.

The meeting, held annually, serves as a platform to review all AfDB-funded projects in Rwanda, evaluating progress, identifying challenges, and discussing ways to improve implementation in future initiatives.

AfDB management revealed that over the past two years, the bank has invested $2.5 billion in 28 projects, mainly in infrastructure sectors such as water and sanitation, transport, and energy.

Aïssa Touré Sarr, AfDB’s Country Manager for Rwanda, said that 85% of these 28 projects have been successfully implemented.

'Of the projects we support, 34% are in water and sanitation, 30% in energy, and 16% in transport,” she stated.

Touré attributed these achievements to strong collaboration and partnership with the Government of Rwanda, which has enabled the bank to make a tangible contribution to the country’s development.

She added that the annual review meetings are a valuable opportunity to assess progress and strengthen implementation.

'These discussions allow us to evaluate the progress made in implementing our projects and to identify challenges so that we can continue contributing effectively to Rwanda’s development,' she said.

Touré further noted that in the past two years, the number of AfDB-supported projects in Rwanda increased from 26 to 28, while total investment rose from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.

She explained that one of the priority areas for upcoming investment is agriculture, following the Government of Rwanda’s request to focus on agro-processing and irrigation.

'Following the government’s request for increased investment in agriculture, we have earmarked $300 million to support irrigation and other agricultural development projects,' she said.

Emmanuel Nuwamanya, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure, commended AfDB’s continued contribution to Rwanda’s development through its support for various projects.

'We appreciate AfDB’s ongoing partnership with the Government of Rwanda in implementing projects related to water and sanitation, transport, and energy, which are helping to improve the lives of citizens and drive national development,' Nuwamanya said.

AfDB began its operations in Rwanda in 1974. While most of its funding has traditionally been directed towards infrastructure, the bank has now announced its intention to increase investment in agriculture to further stimulate growth in the sector.

The Frw 435 billion financing was announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a meeting between the multilateral development finance institution, the Government of Rwanda, and other development partners.

Aïssa Touré Sarr, AfDB’s Country Manager for Rwanda, said that over the past two years, the Bank has invested $2.5 billion in 28 projects, primarily in infrastructure sectors such as water and sanitation, transport, and energy.

Head of Development Finance Department at Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Gerald Mugabe, stated that the Government of Rwanda is prepared to continue improving project implementation.

IGIHE

These include Ghada Waly, Director General of UNOV; Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); and Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

On November 11, 2025, during her meeting with Director General Waly, Amb. Bakuramutsa commended UNOV’s role as a coordination platform for Vienna-based UN entities and emphasized Rwanda’s collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in areas such as anti-corruption and crime prevention.

At the IAEA, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in nuclear science and technology, underscoring its potential to drive socio-economic development in Rwanda.

Amb. Bakuramutsa emphasized Rwanda’s continued collaboration through the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme and other IAEA flagship initiatives.

Amb. Bakuramutsa also paid a courtesy call to Dr. Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in space science to support sustainable development.

On November 12, 2025, at UNIDO, Amb. Bakuramutsa met with Director General Gerd Müller.

The two officials discussed industrial cooperation for sustainable economic development and signed the project 'Strengthening Rwanda’s capacities to respond to industrial and natural hazards,' implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Rwanda National Police.

Also present during the ceremony was Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, Permanent Representative of Poland to UNIDO. The project is funded by Poland.

Amb. Bakuramutsa also presented her Letters of Credence to Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO. Discussions focused on the role of the CTBTO in fostering global peace and security, and the scientific and research benefits of CTBTO data centers.

In addition to the credentials presentation, Amb. Bakuramutsa held several side meetings with senior IAEA officials to discuss ongoing technical cooperation and strategic partnerships.

These included exchanges with Dongxin Feng, Director of the FAO-IAEA Joint Center for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture; Peri Lynne Johnson, IAEA Assistant Director General and Legal Advisor; Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Technical Cooperation Department; and Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Sciences and Applications.

She also met with Victor C. Diwandja Djemba, Chief, UNIDO Regional Bureau for Africa, and engaged with representatives of the Rwandan community living in Austria.

Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa met with officials including Ghada Waly, Director General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).

Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa also met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa presenting credentials to Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa with Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

Amb. Bakuramutsa also paid a courtesy call to Dr. Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

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Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

While most attention has focused on the railway linking Rwanda and Tanzania, plans also exist for connections with Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan under the Northern Corridor initiatives.

The project, expected to facilitate trade and travel, is particularly significant for Rwanda, a landlocked country heavily reliant on regional transport routes.

The planned route from Rusumo to Kigali will pass through the Dubai Ports area in Kicukiro and extend 18 kilometres further to the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.

Signed in March 2018, the 532-kilometre railway agreement has seen construction advance on the Tanzanian side. However, work on the Rwandan section remains on hold pending finalisation of cross-border agreements.

Emmanuel Nuwamanya, acting Head of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure, told discussions organised by the African Development Bank on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that Rwanda’s feasibility studies are complete.

'The studies will guide the construction process. Now, it is a matter of seeing neighbouring countries begin their sections,' he said.

Rwanda plans to invest over $1.5 billion in its segment, while Tanzania, which hosts the larger portion, is expected to contribute more than $2.5 billion.

Officials note the railway could reduce transport costs by up to 40%, easing the movement of goods in and out of Rwanda. For traders, the project is especially significant, as 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports pass through the port of Dar es Salaam.

The project, long anticipated for over 20 years, is expected to strengthen regional trade links and integrate Rwanda more fully into East Africa’s transport network.

Emmanuel Nuwamanya, acting Head of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure, told discussions organised by the African Development Bank on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that Rwanda’s feasibility studies are complete.

IGIHE

The DRC remains one of the countries most affected by food insecurity, with the situation particularly severe in the east, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the number is projected to rise to nearly 27 million people in the first half of 2026, he said.

Dujarric said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) remains deeply concerned about continued attacks against civilians in Beni and Lubero territories in North Kivu and also in Ituri province, with more than 1,000 people reportedly killed in the two provinces since the beginning of this year.

The impact on health services has been devastating, with at least six facilities attacked since the beginning of 2025 and a total of at least 28 health sites affected by armed attacks since 2024, said the spokesperson.

He said OCHA reiterated its call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Since January, the security situation in eastern DRC has worsened sharply amid renewed fighting involving the March 23 Movement rebel group, which seized several key towns, including Goma and Bukavu.

Humanitarian agencies say the escalating violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, deepening an already dire crisis.

Emergency food assistance is provided to displaced people in Goma in the eastern DR Congo. Photo by UN

Xinhua

The markers, damaged last year, are intended to prevent misunderstandings, accidental crossings, and help maintain stability in the area, Pokharel said in a statement.

The Blue Line, established by the UN in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, was further formalized with marker installations agreed to by Lebanon, Israel, and the UN in 2007.

Meanwhile, according to UNIFIL sources, Lebanese army intelligence, and local witnesses, the Israeli army has begun building a concrete wall at Jal al-Deir, behind a newly established military post in Mount al-Bat, about one kilometer inside Lebanese territory.

A Lebanese intelligence source said Israeli forces, backed by tanks, have completed roughly 35 meters of a six-meter-high wall.

However, the Israeli military told the Jewish News Syndicate that the barrier lies fully within Israeli territory, rejecting “unverified reports” of extensions beyond the Blue Line into southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that Beirut has yet to receive an official Israeli response to proposals for negotiations to reclaim occupied territory. “Talks have only addressed the principle of negotiation, not the details,” he said.

A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, largely ending the clashes triggered by the war in Gaza.

Despite the agreement, Israel continues occasional strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, and maintains forces at five key points along the border after a Feb. 18 deadline for full withdrawal passed.

The markers, damaged last year, are intended to prevent misunderstandings, accidental crossings, and help maintain stability in the area.

Xinhua

The House voted 222-209 to pass the deal, two days after the Senate voted 60-40 to approve the spending package. The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it soon.

The package would fund most federal agencies at current levels through Jan. 30, while providing full fiscal year funding for the Agriculture Department, the Veterans Affairs Department and military construction projects and the operations of Congress as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, whose funding was put in jeopardy amid the prolonged government shutdown.

The latest measure rescinds layoffs implemented by federal agencies since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1 and prohibits any further reductions in force before the expiration of the continuing resolution on Jan. 30.

The bill also provides back pay to all federal employees who did not receive pay during the shutdown. Although providing back pay after a shutdown is standard practice, Trump has warned that furloughed federal employees may not receive such payments.

As part of Democrats’ agreement to end the shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised Senate Democrats a vote “no later than the second week in December” to enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Some Democrats voiced objection, arguing that the agreement merely promises a vote and does not ensure the continuation of the subsidy, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Protecting health care benefits remains the Democrats’ central demand in the record-long shutdown standoff.

Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, called the deal a “disaster,” saying that Democrats gained almost nothing from it except a symbolic vote on health insurance subsidies. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker wrote on X that this was not a deal but an “empty promise.”

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York is among those who voted against the package. However, some Democrats are still furious with him and believe that he should be removed from the leadership position.

U.S. media have widely described the eight Democrats as “caving in,” but the lawmakers said that their compromise with the Republicans was primarily driven by the fact that the government shutdown had already caused too much pain for the American people.

This package covers only three of the 12 annual appropriations bills Congress must pass each year, leaving nine bills to be finalized.

During the period when the temporary funding measure is in effect, both parties will continue negotiating the remaining appropriations, meaning the U.S. government could face another potential shutdown in just over two months.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday night passed a Senate-approved spending package, ending the congressional deadlock that led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Xinhua