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The Senate’s latest attempt to pass a 'clean' continuing resolution failed Tuesday by a 54—44 vote, six short of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster.

The shutdown stems from a prolonged standoff in Congress over a new funding deal. Lawmakers in both chambers have failed to reach agreement despite 14 separate votes on temporary funding measures.

The deadlock has pitted Democrats, who are demanding an extension of healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans, against Republicans, who accuse them of tying unrelated policy priorities to the government funding bill.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed cautious optimism this week that a resolution might be nearing, saying his 'gut' suggested 'an off-ramp' could be close. But for now, there are few signs of concrete progress.

The previous record for the longest government shutdown was 35 days, set during President Donald Trump’s first term in 2019. Like the current crisis, that shutdown was driven by a bitter partisan dispute, then over border wall funding.

Mounting impacts nationwide

The effects of the ongoing closure are spreading across critical sectors. More than 800,000 federal employees have already missed multiple paychecks, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned this week that the nation’s air travel system could face major disruptions if the shutdown continues. He said about 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay.

“If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy told Fox News. “You will see mass flight delays. You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don’t have the air traffic controllers.”

The shutdown is also taking a toll on low-income families who depend on government assistance. Funding interruptions have affected the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to about 42 million Americans, roughly one in eight people nationwide.

A federal court recently ordered the Trump administration to release contingency funds to partially sustain SNAP payments, but President Trump has indicated on social media that full benefits will only resume when 'Radical Left Democrats open up government.' The White House later stated that it would comply with the court’s directive.

Economic consequences and public frustration

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy an estimated $14 billion if it extends to eight weeks. Analysts warn that disruptions in sectors such as aviation, healthcare, and food assistance could worsen if no deal is reached soon.

The political fallout is also deepening. A Gallup poll released this week shows public approval of Congress has fallen to 15 percent, down 11 points from last month, with 79 percent of Americans expressing disapproval of how lawmakers are handling the standoff.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blamed Republicans for 'surging healthcare costs' tied to stalled subsidy extensions, while Thune accused Democrats of worsening the shutdown’s toll on American families.

Despite rising frustration across the country, efforts to end the shutdown remain gridlocked.

Moderate lawmakers from both parties have indicated a willingness to broker a compromise ahead of Thanksgiving on November 27, but as of now, Washington remains at a standstill, and millions of Americans are bearing the cost of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

The United States government on Wednesday, November 5, entered its 36th day of shutdown, officially making it the longest in the nation’s history. The impasse, which began on October 1, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and disrupted essential services across the country.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

These households spread across 10 districts, were provided with electricity in partnership with the German Development Agency, GIZ.

The households that received electricity include 182 from Rwamagana District, 339 from Musanze, 273 from Rubavu, 419 from Nyaruguru, 142 from Nyamagabe, 200 from Kayonza, 163 from Bugesera, 483 from Muhanga, 413 from Ruhango, and 136 from Kamonyi District. Among these, 1,654 are headed by women.

Households that received electricity also included those in the model village of Kamamana, located in the Kaduha Cell, Munyaga Sector, in Rwamagana District.

Beatrice Muhimakazi, a resident of the village, said, 'I felt so happy when I was connected to electricity. That night, I thought about getting a television, and by morning I went to buy one. Before receiving electricity, we were isolated and sad, but today we are happy, we have light as we can use televisions and phones easily. We owe all of this to the president. We have progressed.'

Her neighbor, Béatrice Musabwamana, mentioned, 'Before we had electricity, we lived poorly, but after we got it, we were very happy because we saw many changes. We can listen to the radio and know the country’s progress. We plan to use the electricity to run businesses like selling milk, among other things.'

Ayubusa Turikumana Olivier, the Project Manager at REG’s EDCL branch, stated that the project aimed to increase the number of households with access to electricity, particularly focusing on low-income households.

Another aspect considered in this project was that these households were located in areas already covered by the electricity grid but had been left out due to their low economic capabilities.

'The uniqueness of this project is that we provided them with cash power and also helped with the installation of electricity in their homes for free. This is because these households couldn’t afford the Frw 50,000 or 100,000 required to bring electricity into their homes, along with necessary electrical equipment such as lights. We did it for free to help them improve their livelihoods,' he added.

Regarding the households that did not yet receive electricity, the official mentioned that discussions are ongoing to ensure they are connected soon.

Dorothée Merkl, Project Coordinator and Energy Advisor at GIZ, said they are in talks with REG to secure additional funding aimed at increasing the number of households connected to electricity, especially for the underprivileged.

She stated, 'We are in discussions with REG to secure an additional 100,000 Euros, which will help us increase the number of households with electricity, bringing the total to at least 6,700.'

This low-income electricity project is valued at over 350,000 Euros (approximately Frw 585 million).

Currently, 85% of the population has access to electricity, with a goal to achieve 100% coverage within the next five years. This will be supported by an investment of over 1 billion dollars aimed at generating 1,000 megawatts of electricity. At present, Rwanda generates 406.4 megawatts of electricity.

Data from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) shows that 2,750 households, mostly led by women and others from low-income backgrounds, received electricity within one year for free.

IGIHE

Ingabire stated that Rwanda plans to build between 720 and 800 new towers to increase internet access to 97%, up from the current 83%. She explained that this initiative would require over $300 million in funding.

She made these comments while presenting solutions to issues raised by Members of Parliament regarding the use of technology and the delivery of services to the public.

The Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, highlighted nine major challenges faced by citizens, including areas where internet access is unavailable and others where the signal strength is weak. Some systems, such as those in agriculture, education, health, and tax payment, struggle with low capacity to handle user requests.

Additionally, there is a need for fast internet for land data systems, but many rural areas lack access. Other issues include system failures that hinder the delivery of services, inaccurate civil registration data, and communication infrastructure gaps in border areas.

Minister Ingabire explained that internet access currently covers 83% of the country, leaving 17%, mostly sparsely populated and rural areas, without internet. Rwanda has 1,781 communication towers and 24,949 kilometers of fiber optic cables.

She noted, “We are looking into the gap we have in terms of coverage. To achieve nationwide, high-quality internet, it’s clear that we need to build more towers. Our country’s geography, with many mountainous areas, poses a challenge where some towers exist but are situated on high altitudes, making it difficult for the internet to reach lower areas.'

The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Ingabire Paula on Tuesday announced that Rwanda needs more than 2,500 additional towers to achieve 100% internet coverage.

The Minister mentioned that for full nationwide coverage, Rwanda needs to add 2,500 more towers. However, the country aims to first reach a 97% coverage, which requires between 720 and 800 additional towers.

Telecommunication companies in Rwanda are currently required to contribute to the construction of towers over a 10-15 year period. This will result in at least 220 towers being built by telecom companies, with the government aiming to add 500 more.

The Ministry has also established a fund where telecom companies contribute 4% of their annual revenue to support investments in underserved areas where investors are hesitant due to low profitability.

This funding has already led to the construction of 233 towers in the past five years, with plans for continued growth. The cost of building one tower is approximately $150,000, meaning the country will require $300 million to construct 500 towers.

Minister Ingabire noted that if everything goes according to plan, the required funds could be raised within three years, depending on the country’s financial situation.

Rwanda has also started using satellite technology to provide internet access to schools where it is challenging to build towers or deploy fiber optic cables.

Systems failures and solutions

Minister Ingabire mentioned that a monitoring system has been put in place to assess and resolve issues causing system failures. The 'Mbaza' project was introduced, allowing citizens to report any problems they encounter with government systems or services.

The Irembo platform, in partnership with service providers, has also introduced a system to resolve issues quickly, ensuring that problems are addressed within an hour.

Regarding civil registration data, the launch of digital ID cards is expected to address many of these challenges. The integration of identity information into a Single Source of Truth (SDID) will streamline services, making them faster and more accessible for the public.

Currently, the Irembo platform offers over 240 government services, with more than 3,000 employees and daily transactions exceeding $300,000. Around 45% of users now pay for services online, reducing service processing time by 80%.

Language and accessibility challenges

While there are 264.7 government websites, only 3% provide content in Kinyarwanda. Those that do offer Kinyarwanda have collaborated with RISA to ensure information is available in the local language.

Cross-border connectivity issues

Every year, Rwanda conducts a national assessment of the quality of mobile network services to identify areas where improvements are needed.

Additionally, coordination between Rwanda and its neighboring countries helps resolve cross-border communication issues.

In June 2025, a joint assessment was conducted at border areas, involving the Ministry of ICT, RURA, RISA, and telecom service providers. Measures were taken to strengthen existing towers and build new ones to improve connectivity.

Minister Ingabire emphasized the need for continuous infrastructure development to ensure that internet access reaches all parts of the country, based on available resources.

She also stressed the importance of not just increasing internet coverage but ensuring that citizens are able to use it effectively.

Telecommunication companies in Rwanda are currently required to contribute to the construction of towers over a 10-15 year period.

IGIHE

In Jamaica, infrastructure has been severely damaged, with more than 130 roads blocked and power and communication networks disrupted, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told a daily briefing.

Health services are under heavy strain, since several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, prompting the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization, he said.

Haq said the World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance in Jamaica.

A UN disaster assessment and coordination team is coordinating assistance teams and aid arriving, in support of the Jamaican government, he said.

In Haiti, Haq said that the United Nations and its partners continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up efforts to reach people in need.

The Food and Agriculture Organization indicated losses in beans, corn and fruit crops, as well as damage to fishing infrastructure, which is expected to increase hunger in a country where half of the population is already food insecure, said the spokesperson.

Speaking to reporters via video link, WFP’s Country Director in Cuba Etienne Labande said the hurricane left behind widespread flooding, power outages and heavy damage, with crops lost and many buildings partially or fully destroyed in the eastern part of Cuba.

One particularity in the response to the hurricane is the anticipatory action framework adopted by Cuba, coupled with a pre-approved UN allocation, which enabled UN agencies to preposition key supplies in vulnerable areas ahead of the hurricane’s landfall, Labande said.

A UN spokesperson said Tuesday that at least 30 people have been killed in Haiti and more than 1.5 million people affected in Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa.

Xinhua

Developed and hosted by RSwitch, Rwanda’s national e-payments switch, eKash links banks, SACCOs, mobile money operators, and fintechs under a single interoperable system. The platform allows users to send, receive, and pay instantly, regardless of the bank or mobile wallet they use.

At its core, eKash is about convenience and inclusivity. Transactions are settled in under 15 seconds, enabling individuals and businesses to move money anytime, anywhere, and across any platform. Beyond speed, the platform carries a broader national purpose, which is to strengthen Rwanda’s financial sovereignty and ensure full control over its payment infrastructure.

To accelerate this vision, the platform, which has been rolled out in phases, is set for its official launch on December 5, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).

A platform built for Rwanda’s digital ambitions

The rollout of eKash comes at a time when Rwanda is deepening its digital transformation agenda. Under the government’s Vision 2050 and the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, the country aims to build an innovation-led economy where cashless transactions become the norm rather than the exception.

In this vision, eKash plays a critical role. The platform represents a national digital payment infrastructure capable of operating even in times of external disruptions or sanctions. By reducing dependence on foreign payment systems, it ensures continuity, security, and local ownership of financial data.

eKash is not just a payment platform; it’s Rwanda’s national financial unifier. By bringing all players together under one system, eKash levels the playing field; banks, SACCOs, mobile money operators, and fintechs no longer have to integrate individually. One endpoint opens a plethora of market opportunities, giving every participant equal footing.

Financial inclusion at the centre

A defining feature of eKash is its focus on financial inclusion. The platform enables credit scoring and financial history portability, allowing previously unbanked Rwandans to access loans and other financial services for the first time.

Through seamless interoperability, money can move effortlessly between formal banks and mobile money accounts. For small traders and ordinary citizens, this reduces barriers to participation in the digital economy. For businesses, eKash offers a single collection point for payments, reducing reconciliation costs and improving cash flow management.

Enabling person-to-business (P2B) payments

Beyond person-to-person transfers, eKash also supports person-to-business (P2B) payments, enabling users to pay merchants, service providers, and utility bills directly from any bank or mobile wallet. This interoperability removes the friction traditionally associated with digital payments, where consumers and businesses often had to rely on multiple platforms or manual reconciliation.

For consumers, this means faster, simpler, and more convenient transactions. Whether paying for groceries, school fees, electricity, or mobile services, users can transact in real time without worrying about which bank or mobile money provider the merchant uses.

For businesses, P2B payments provide instant settlement and a single point of collection, reducing administrative overhead and improving cash flow management. Small traders and informal businesses can now accept digital payments, expand their customer base, and build a credible financial history that may unlock future credit and services.

This functionality goes beyond convenience; it helps formalise Rwanda’s cash-based economy, strengthens financial inclusion, and encourages reliable, data-driven operations across sectors. By simplifying and securing transactions, eKash ensures that every Rwandan, whether in Kigali’s commercial centres or rural districts, can engage confidently in the digital economy.

Driving the cashless economy vision

With Rwanda steadily establishing itself as one of Africa’s leaders in digital innovation, eKash is poised to play a pivotal role. The platform promises a future where money moves freely within the national financial ecosystem, securely, instantly, and without intermediaries.

Its success could also provide a model for other African economies seeking to localise payment infrastructure and reduce reliance on global systems.

Choosing eKash means embracing instant, inclusive, and intelligent payments, a system that empowers individuals, strengthens businesses, and drives Rwanda toward a fully cashless economy. The official launch of eKash on December 5th at KCC is set to connect the nation and accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a cashless, digitally empowered economy.

Developed and hosted by RSwitch, Rwanda’s national e-payments switch, eKash links banks, SACCOs, mobile money operators, and fintechs under a single interoperable system. The platform allows users to send, receive, and pay instantly, regardless of the bank or mobile wallet they use.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Cheney, who served two terms as vice president from 2001 to 2009, was a dominant and often controversial figure in American politics, known for his strong stance on national security and his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

According to CNN, his family announced his passing, attributing it to complications from pneumonia and heart disease.

Cheney’s wife of 61 years, Lynne, and his daughters, Liz and Mary, were by his side when he died.

In a statement, the family described him as “a great and good man” who instilled values of courage, honor, and love in his children and grandchildren.

Cheney’s aggressive warnings about Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, ties to al-Qaeda, and plans to arm terrorists were pivotal in building the case for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Over the years, he became a polarizing figure, particularly after he openly criticized President Donald Trump, even labeling him a “coward” and a serious threat to the republic.

Cheney cast his final vote in the 2024 election for Kamala Harris, a liberal Democrat, reflecting his disillusionment with the direction of the Republican Party under Trump’s leadership.

His health was a constant challenge, as he battled heart disease, surviving multiple heart attacks. In 2012, he received a heart transplant, which he described as “the gift of life itself.” Despite these challenges, Cheney remained active in public life until his passing.

Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and a key figure in the George W. Bush administration, has died at the age of 84.

IGIHE

Speaking on the opening day of the three-day UN summit at the Qatar National Convention Centre, hosted by Qatar, the Head of State credited Rwanda’s transformation to policies that place people at the centre of every decision.

'Social protection, community participation and accountability are firmly embedded in how we govern,' he said. 'Every policy decision by our institutions is concerned with advancing quality of life.'

Thirty years after the landmark Copenhagen Declaration, Kagame acknowledged global gains in reducing extreme poverty and expanding access to education and healthcare, but warned that persistent inequalities demand faster, smarter governance.

'These challenges are not new, but our governance systems have not evolved fast enough to solve them,' he said.

He urged leaders to keep 'the pendulum swinging in the right direction' by prioritising human capital above all else. 'For development to be sustained, it cannot be outsourced,' Kagame declared.

Rwanda’s own trajectory exemplifies this approach. Since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country has achieved near-universal health coverage through its Community-Based Health Insurance (Mutuelles de Santé), now reaching over 90 percent of the population and helping lift life expectancy from around 26 years in 1993 to 69.9 years today.

In education, the rollout of free basic schooling has driven near-universal primary enrollment, while initiatives like the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) provide cash transfers, public works jobs, and financial services to the poorest households, promoting income generation and social cohesion.

These efforts have yielded tangible results. The latest Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), released in April 2025, shows Rwanda’s national poverty rate plummeting by 12.4 percentage points over seven years, from 39.8 percent in 2017 to 27.4 percent in 2024, lifting approximately 1.5 million people out of poverty.

Extreme poverty also fell sharply to 3.1 percent, with rural electricity access surging from 34.4 percent to 72 percent and mobile phone ownership rising to 84.6 percent.

President Kagame also called for a reset in global partnerships, criticising imbalanced cooperation that excludes most of the world.

'For multilateral engagement to be effective, [it] will need to be tailored to delivering universal, measurable and timely results, not promises,' he said.

On global finance, Kagame insisted that institutions must become 'more fit for purpose' and create fiscal space for countries to adapt and grow.

'If we are serious about social development, then our solutions must serve the needs of all countries, not just a few.'

Concluding his remarks, President Kagame said Rwanda stands ready to collaborate.

'We should expect more challenges in the near future and prepare to prevent and manage them,' he said. 'Rwanda stands ready to work with all our partners to build a more inclusive and resilient future.'

The summit, running through November 6 and convened under UN General Assembly resolutions 78/261 and 78/318, brings together heads of state, UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, and civil society to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development amid global uncertainties such as conflicts and climate volatility.

President Paul Kagame on Tuesday told world leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development that Rwanda’s rapid social progress is driven by a strong focus on human capital, home-grown accountability, and the belief that development cannot be outsourced.

The summit, running through November 6 and convened under UN General Assembly resolutions 78/261 and 78/318, brings together heads of state, UN officials and other high ranking dignitaries.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The announcement was made during an extraordinary general assembly of shareholders held on November 2, 2025, where members also elected a new Board of Directors to replace the outgoing leadership that had served since 2016.

The outgoing board was chaired by Peter Nkubara, who has been succeeded by Jonathan Gatera as the new Board Chair.

Presenting the institution’s performance highlights, Nkubara noted that Goshen Finance had maintained consistent growth across key indicators, including assets, loan portfolio, and customer base.

'When we took over in 2016, total assets stood at Frw 3.1 billion. Today, we leave behind a stronger institution with assets worth Frw 24 billion, according to the financial report released in September 2025,' Nkubara said.

Over the same period, the institution’s loan portfolio expanded from Frw 2 billion to Frw 20 billion, while its customer base grew from 20,000 clients in 2016 to more than 70,000 in 2025. Including clients under cooperatives, the total now exceeds 100,000.

Goshen Finance also increased its branch network from six in 2016 to nine in 2025, strengthening its footprint across key districts.

Speaking during the assembly, Goshen Finance Managing Director Ignace Musangamfura, commended the outgoing board for its stewardship and commitment to good governance, which he said laid a solid foundation for sustained growth.

'I sincerely thank this outgoing board because they ensured strong corporate governance, which is crucial for growth. A company can’t thrive without a board that sets strategic direction, ensures compliance, and upholds standards set by oversight institutions like the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR),” Musangamfura said.

He pledged close collaboration with the newly elected board to sustain the institution’s momentum and implement ongoing digital transformation projects aligned with the country’s financial inclusion and innovation agenda.

'As an institution still in its growth journey, we recognise that we are operating in a highly digital era. Some of our technology-related projects have been delayed due to limited capital. We therefore need to strengthen investment in the coming years, and it’s encouraging to see shareholders showing strong commitment,” he added.

The new Board of Directors, chaired by Jonathan Gatera, includes Dr. Charles Hategekimana, Lois Nyirasoni, Vivien Niyomugenga, and Josephine Mugeni.

Founded in 2005 as a COPEC, Goshen Finance Plc was licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) in 2008 to operate as a microfinance institution. The institution now operates nine branches in Nyarugenge, Ruhango, Kimironko, Musanze, Nyabugogo, Rubavu, Remera, Downtown, and Rwamagana. The institution employs around 100 staff members.

Goshen Finance Plc has reported strong growth in its financial performance, with total assets rising to Frw 24 billion in 2025, up from Frw 3 billion in 2016.

Goshen Finance customer base grew from 20,000 clients in 2016 to more than 70,000 in 2025. Including clients under cooperatives, the total now exceeds 100,000.

The new board of Goshen Finance Plc has committed to promoting the growth and development of the institution.

Shareholders of Goshen Finance Plc convened in a special meeting to elect new leaders.

Jonathan Gatera was elected to chair the Board of Directors of Goshen Finance Plc.

Goshen Finance Plc’s Managing Director, Ignace Musangamfura, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing board for their dedicated service and significant contributions.

IGIHE

Mobile Subscribers grew by 6.9% to 8.1 million, while Active Data subscribers increased by 7.5% to 2.5 million. Active MoMo users rose by 12.2% to 5.8 million, underpinned by an expanding merchant network which reached 578k by the end of the quarter.

Service revenue increased by 14.2% to Frw 216.2 billion, driven by strong growth in Data and Mobile Money (MoMo) revenues, offsetting softer voice trends as customers continued their migration toward digital and fintech solutions.

Commenting on the results, Monzer Ali, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda, said: 'Reaching the 8 million subscriber milestone marks a defining moment for MTN Rwanda, a reflection of the deep trust Rwandans continue to place in our brand and services. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to growth, operational excellence, and innovation with purpose.

“As a strategic partner in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey, we remain focused on expanding access to connectivity, accelerating digital inclusion, and enabling every Rwandan to benefit from the opportunities of the digital economy. Through initiatives such as Tunga Taci na MTN, we continue to make smartphones more affordable and accessible, ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s bold digital future.'

Launched in August 2025, Tunga Taci na MTN is a new device financing programme introduced in partnership with Yellow Digital Retailers.

The initiative enables customers to acquire smartphones through flexible monthly payment plans, making ownership of smart devices more affordable and accessible.

Through this programme, MTN Rwanda continues to champion smartphone adoption, supporting the country’s Vision 2050 agenda of building a digitally empowered, knowledge-based society.

'Tunga Taci na MTN' follows on the success of 2024’s Ikosora+ initiative and reinforces the company’s purpose of enabling leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

The company’s fintech subsidiary, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MoMo Rwanda), continued to deliver outstanding growth, with MoMo revenue up 30.2% year-on-year to Frw 109.4 billion.

This performance was driven by the expansion of advanced services (payments, remittances and lending), which grew by 37.0% and now contribute 28.5% of MoMo revenue. MoMo’s contribution to service revenue rose to 50.6%, highlighting its central role in driving financial inclusion and Rwanda’s transition toward a cashless economy.

“As MTN Rwanda celebrates surpassing eight million customers, MoMo remains at the heart of this growth story, connecting people to opportunity and prosperity. Our MoMo customer base grew by 634,000 reaching 5.8 million, a strong testament to the trust and adoption Rwandans continue to place in us as they embrace a digital lifestyle,” said Chantal Kagame, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.

As she explained, this digital momentum is clearly reflected in the MoMoPay ecosystem, where both merchants and users continue to grow hand in hand.

The company’s merchant base reached an all-time high of 578k, while active MoMoPay users increased to 3.7 million, demonstrating how MoMo is digitizing day-to-day payments and driving financial inclusion across Rwanda.

“Today, average monthly MoMo transaction volumes have reached a record 246 million, underscoring how deeply MoMo is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Through innovation and inclusion, we are not just powering transactions, we are powering transformation, ensuring that every Rwandan is equipped to participate and thrive in the country’s digital future,' Chantal Kagame added.

Data revenue grew by 7.9% to Frw 35.8 billion, supported by an increase in 4G users and growth in 4G traffic. These gains were achieved through continuous network expansion and optimisation and targeted 3G-to-4G migration campaigns that have enhanced the customer experience. Voice revenue declined by 2.7% year-on-year as usage trends continue to evolve; however, focused customer-value propositions delivered a 1.8% quarter-on-quarter recovery.

Operational efficiencies remain a key priority, with the company realising cost savings through the execution of its Expense Efficiency Programme (EEP). Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 36.7% to Frw 89.7 billion, with the EBITDA margin expanding by 7.2 percentage points to 41.2%, reflecting the quality and sustainability of earnings achieved during the period. Profit after tax increased by 222.7% year-on-year to Frw 13.3 billion, supported by robust service revenue growth and lower depreciation charges.

'Our third quarter performance demonstrates the strength of our financial foundation and the discipline of our capital allocation. The improvement in EBITDA and profitability is evidence of our focus on operational excellence and efficient deployment of financial resources. As we continue to optimise our cost base, we are well positioned to fund strategic investments that will drive sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders,' noted Dunstan Ayodele Stober, Acting Chief Financial Officer of MTN Rwanda.

Looking ahead, MTN Rwanda remains focused on executing its Ambition 2025 strategy, enhancing customer value and delivering cost-efficient growth. The company expects continued commercial momentum in the final quarter of the year reflecting confidence in the resilience of its operating model and the scalability of its digital-platform strategy.

About MTN Rwandacell Plc

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and driving leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

As the country’s No 1 network, MTN offers innovative voice, data and fintech services for individual and corporate customers with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.

IGIHE

The Angolan President’s Office confirmed the development through a message shared on social media.

It further mentioned that President Lourenço sent Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete António, as a special envoy to Kinshasa to meet with DRC President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi in the framework of Angola’s broader efforts to mediate and resolve the security crisis in eastern DRC.

The conversation between Kagame and Lourenço followed a September 14, 2024, ministerial meeting in Luanda, where officials from Rwanda and the DRC discussed crucial issues, including the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group and efforts to cease hostilities between conflicting parties in North Kivu province.

Despite these discussions, reports indicate that the recent Luanda talks did not result in concrete outcomes. The DRC delegation rejected Angola’s proposal for cooperation in dismantling the FDLR and declined the idea of engaging in dialogue with the M23 rebel group, which controls large swathes in North Kivu.

On September 18, President Lourenço also met with Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. Their discussions centered on the progress of the Luanda talks. Huang Xia, who had previously visited Kigali and Kinshasa, expressed the UN’s full support for Angola’s continued efforts to secure peace and stability in eastern DRC.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC escalated following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group.

While the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, Kigali strongly denies these claims and, in turn, accuses the DRC of collaborating with FDLR. Rwanda insists that DRC should address its internal issues without involving Kigali in its mess.

President Paul Kagame (right) has held a phone conversation with his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço (left).

IGIHE