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The launch, however, came after a brief delay, with Musk explaining that the team needed additional time to 'purge out the propaganda.'

At its initial release, GrokPedia featured over 885,000 articles, though technical issues caused the site to briefly go offline. The platform returned later the same day, showcasing a dark-themed homepage with a single search bar and font styling reminiscent of both Wikipedia and the Grok chatbot.

Labeled as 'version v0.1,' the site is still in early beta, with a significant gap compared to Wikipedia’s more than seven million English-language articles.

Unlike Wikipedia, GrokPedia is entirely AI-driven. Content is managed and fact-checked by Grok rather than edited by users. Corrections can only be suggested through a form, which the system then reviews.

Each entry includes subheadings and citations, reflecting Wikipedia’s familiar structure. Much of GrokPedia’s content is adapted from Wikipedia itself under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license, allowing reuse with proper credit.

Lauren Dickinson, a spokesperson for the Wikimedia Foundation, said, 'Wikipedia’s knowledge is and always will be human. Through open collaboration and consensus, people from all backgrounds build a neutral, living record of human understanding… even GrokPedia needs Wikipedia to exist.'

Musk’s motivation

Musk has long accused Wikipedia of holding a left-wing bias, claiming the platform gives unfair treatment to conservative viewpoints and relies heavily on liberal-leaning sources. In 2019, he called his own Wikipedia page a 'war zone with a zillion edits' on X. Earlier this year, he urged followers to 'defund Wikipedia until balance is restored.'

In September, Musk described GrokPedia as a 'massive improvement over Wikipedia' and 'a necessary step towards the xAI goal of understanding the Universe.'

The launch follows Musk’s pattern of creating alternatives to mainstream platforms he perceives as politically slanted. Notably, Larry Sanger, one of Wikipedia’s cofounders, voiced support for GrokPedia’s creation.

How GrokPedia differs from Wikipedia

Unlike Wikipedia, which relies on volunteers to edit and discuss entries, GrokPedia limits public editing to suggested corrections. While this is intended to reduce misinformation, it may slow updates to fast-changing topics.

As of the beta release, the platform lists under 900,000 entries, roughly an eighth of Wikipedia’s English total. Musk has stated that the AI will rapidly expand the database, though the project remains in early testing.

GrokPedia also highlights ideological differences. Users have noted stark contrasts in entries on politically and socially sensitive topics. For example, the AI entry on George Floyd positions him as an 'American man with a lengthy criminal record,' while Wikipedia describes him as 'an African American man who was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest.'

Critics argue that GrokPedia, rather than eliminating bias, appears to replace Wikipedia’s perceived left-leaning bias with a more conservative or 'anti-woke' perspective. Controversial topics such as transgender issues, U.S. slavery, and Musk’s own biography have sparked debate over content framing and ideological slant.

AI limitations and plagiarism concerns

Despite Musk positioning GrokPedia as a rival to Wikipedia, early analysis revealed instances of content nearly identical to Wikipedia, with only minor adaptations and a disclaimer noting its source. The AI model, like any large language model, is prone to hallucinations.

Additionally, GrokPedia lacks Wikipedia’s open editing history and decentralised moderation, making independent verification of information difficult. Critics argue that the AI-driven approach, intended to eliminate human bias, may instead reflect the ideological views of its creator and the training data used.

While GrokPedia remains in beta, Musk touts it as 'the world’s largest and most accurate knowledge source without centralised control.' It aims to serve both human readers and artificial intelligence models. Whether GrokPedia will evolve into a credible alternative to Wikipedia or remain a controversial, AI-driven encyclopedia will depend on how its content, bias, and reliability are addressed in the coming months.

Elon Musk’s latest venture, GrokPedia, went live on Monday, October 27, 2025, under his company xAI. Powered by Musk’s Grok AI model, the platform aims to become an online encyclopedia that rivals Wikipedia.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the plane, registration number 5Y-CCA, was en route from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, a popular airstrip serving lodges in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, when it went down early Tuesday morning. The crash occurred around 07:30 CAT in the Tsimba-Matuga area of Matuga Constituency.

'Government authorities have already arrived at the scene to determine the cause of the crash and its consequences,' said KCAA Director General Emile Arao in a statement.

The crash occurred around 07:30 CAT in the Tsimba-Matuga area of Matuga Constituency.

According to reports by Kenya’s Citizen TV, the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leaving debris scattered across the crash site. Photos shared from the scene showed parts of the aircraft smouldering as emergency teams worked amid difficult weather conditions.

Rescue and recovery operations were immediately launched, though officials noted that poor weather was hampering efforts. Police and other government agencies have secured the area as investigators begin probing the cause of the crash.

Reports indicate that all the 12 onboard perished in the crash.

Mombasa Air Safari said there were 10 passengers on board, eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the captain.

“Sadly, there are no survivors. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event,” said the travel agency in a statement.

The Masai Mara, located in southwest Kenya, is one of Africa’s most visited safari destinations, attracting thousands of tourists annually for its rich wildlife and spectacular Great Migration.

The plane, registration number 5Y-CCA, was en route from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, a popular airstrip serving lodges in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, when it went down early Tuesday morning.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The government’s five-year plan, running from 2024 to 2029, is supported by a clear financing architecture. While private investment is set to provide 43 percent of the total, the remaining 57 percent will come from public resources, including government revenues and external grants and concessional loans. This public-private funding mix is designed to propel Rwanda towards an average annual GDP growth rate of 9.3 percent over the five-year period.

Doubling private investment and creating jobs

The NST2 aims to more than double private investment, from a 2023 baseline of $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029. This capital influx is expected to support the creation of 1.25 million productive and decent jobs over the strategy’s duration, addressing key unemployment challenges.

Much of the investment will be channelled through the domestic financial system, according to the newly released Financial Sector Development Strategy (FSDS) 2025—2029. Over 70 percent of private funding is expected to flow via local banks, insurers, pension funds, capital markets, and a growing fintech sector.

The approach aligns with Rwanda’s long-term goals of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050, by building a more competitive, innovative financial sector capable of directing capital to manufacturing, agriculture, housing, and small businesses.

Addressing financial bottlenecks

Despite a 96 percent financial inclusion rate, Rwanda faces bottlenecks that limit private capital flow. These include low national savings, high lending costs, a shortage of long-term financing products, and gaps in access to finance for SMEs, women, youth, and agriculture-dependent communities. The government aims to raise national savings from 12.4 percent of GDP to over 25 percent by 2029.

Reforms to unlock credit

The FSDS sets out reforms to strengthen trust in financial institutions, expand accessibility, enhance customer engagement, and boost financial literacy. Banks and microfinance institutions are expected to expand credit to productive enterprises, while Umurenge SACCOs will be consolidated into a national cooperative bank to improve community-level lending efficiency. These reforms are intended to help businesses grow and generate jobs.

Capital markets as an engine of growth

The strategy also targets capital market development. Plans include expanding listings on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, increasing corporate bond issuance, and attracting venture capital and private equity into high-growth sectors. Export revenues are projected to grow by at least 13 percent annually, reaching $7.3 billion by 2029.

Pension funds, including the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme, will provide a stronger domestic supply of long-term capital, offering Rwandans more opportunities to save and invest.

Digital finance to accelerate investment

Digital finance forms a key part of the plan. Building on mobile money and the eKash national payment system, Rwanda is exploring the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency to reduce transaction costs and facilitate cross-border trade.

To track implementation, the FSDS establishes a governance and monitoring framework led by the Ministry of Finance with sector regulators. Progress will be measured through quarterly reports and joint reviews assessing the financial sector’s contribution to NST2 goals.

Though Rwanda’s financial sector currently contributes just 2 percent of GDP, the government emphasises its outsized role in mobilising investment for national growth.

Officials believe that, if successfully implemented, these reforms will create a stronger, more resilient economy, reduce reliance on concessional financing, and unlock opportunities for citizens to save, invest, and generate wealth.

Workers package green beans for export inside the NAEB warehouse in Kigali. Rwanda has placed the private sector at the centre of its economic transformation, targeting 43 percent of financing for the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) to come from private investment.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict him on Thursday.

Bolsonaro was found guilty on five counts — plotting a coup d’etat, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.

The Supreme Federal Court opened the case on Sept. 2, with a conviction requiring a majority of the five-justice panel reviewing the case.

Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittal.

The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest. He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justices.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison on Thursday after four out of five Supreme Federal Court justices voted to convict him of attempting a coup.

Xinhua

The contingent, led by Joint Task Force Commander Major General Emmy K. Ruvusha, arrived at Kigali International Airport to a warm reception following their contribution to ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in northern Mozambique.

Addressing the troops, Major General Kagame commended their dedication, professionalism, and resilience in the face of operational challenges. He lauded their outstanding achievements over the past year and urged them to continue upholding the highest standards of conduct and discipline as members of the RDF.

Rwandan troops were first deployed to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

Since the deployment, joint operations between the Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several districts, and facilitated the safe return of thousands of displaced residents.

The return of the contingent comes two months after Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo’s visit to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement was signed to extend Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado.

'Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,' President Chapo said during his visit, acknowledging Rwanda’s crucial role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite sporadic attacks that still occur.

Addressing the troops, Major General Kagame commended their dedication, professionalism, and resilience in the face of operational challenges.

The contingent, led by Joint Task Force Commander Major General Emmy K. Ruvusha, arrived at Kigali International Airport to a warm reception following their contribution to ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in northern Mozambique.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The three-day event runs from October 27-30, 2025, under the theme, 'The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth'.

The conference provides a platform for thoughtful debate and dialogue aimed at establishing a solutions-based narrative on the future of investment and policy.

On the first day of FII9, President Kagame is expected to participate in a Heads of State Conclave, probing the question, 'What’s the true cost of economic security?'.

President Kagame, alongside Presidents of Guyana, Kosovo, Colombia, Bulgaria, Albania and the Premier of Bermuda, will discuss the current state of shifting trade pursuits, and the ways to safeguard national interests while preserving shared prosperity.

This discussion will be moderated by Matteo Renzi, Senator of the Italian Republic and Former Prime Minister of Italy.

President Kagame will also join a panel discussion questioning, 'Is Humanity Heading in the Right Direction?', alongside President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, as well as Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA.

The discussion will be moderated by Richard Attias, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Acting CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute.

FII Institute started in 2017 as an annual event bringing together stakeholders interested in investing in long-standing solutions to global challenges.

FII Institute has chosen four focus areas where inequalities are glaring, to work together on collective solutions; AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Saudi Arabia is a country in West Asia, located in the center of the Middle East.

Covering most of the Arabian Peninsula, it spans an area of approximately 2,150,000 km², making it the fifth-largest country in Asia, the largest in the Middle East, and the twelfth-largest in the world.

It is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south.

Rwanda and Saudi Arabia already enjoy strong diplomatic and economic relations, with agreements in healthcare, education, energy, and infrastructure.

President Kagame has arrived in Saudi Arabia for FII9 conference.

IGIHE

In a statement issued on Monday, October 27, the group rejected the allegations as inaccurate, clarifying that Twangiza Mining had temporarily suspended operations in May 2025 due to security and technical challenges, not as a result of looting.

The group explained that the mine, formerly a subsidiary of Banro Corporation (Canada) and now operated by Chinese-owned Baiyin International Investments Ltd, faced operational disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions, targeted attacks on Chinese workers, and extensive aerial bombardments by FARDC drones since October 2025. These factors made normal mining activity impossible, AFC/M23 said.

The group also dismissed claims regarding underground mineral transport, noting that Twangiza is an open-pit mine, with all facilities, including processing and storage, located on the surface and compliant with international standards.

'There is no underground tunnel system, and no underground deposits have been exploited,' said AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka rejected the allegations as inaccurate, clarifying that Twangiza Mining had temporarily suspended operations in May 2025 due to security and technical challenges, not as a result of looting.

Other allegations addressed included the expulsion of residents and the demolition of churches. AFC/M23 clarified that population movements were caused by ongoing military operations by FARDC, Wazalendo, and FDLR, not by the mining company. Damage to civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings, was attributed to indiscriminate aerial bombings, not Twangiza Mining.

AFC/M23 also rejected claims that Twangiza Mining relies on Rwandan technicians, calling such narratives part of a broader campaign of ethnic stigmatisation against Eastern Congolese communities.

The group clarified that the mine employs Congolese, Chinese, and South African staff, all recruited through official and traceable channels, and that there is no evidence of Rwandan workforce involvement. AFC/M23 added that Reuters’ reporting failed to verify these claims, which they said fuels divisive rhetoric.

Concluding its response, AFC/M23 said: “Reuters’ claims appear largely inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of the real situation. The letter from CEO Chao Xianfeng dated 8 May 2025 confirms that Twangiza Mining suspended its operations, meaning that activity was indeed halted, but without any intention of definitive closure.”

“This nuance, a temporary shutdown for technical and security reasons, is essential to distinguish an industrial adjustment decision from a cessation of activity.”

Twangiza gold mine, located in the rebels-controlled South Kivu province, DRC.

IGIHE

Among its achievements over the past century are more than 1,300 schools, including 853 nursery schools, 258 primary schools, 137 secondary schools, and three universities.

The church also takes pride in having established three hospitals, 18 health centers, hotels, business buildings, and other infrastructure that benefit the Rwandan community.

Archbishop Mbanda, who is in his final year of service, told IGIHE that he is grateful for how he has used the power God gave him to advance the Gospel in Rwanda.

'When I began, we had 1.2 million followers, that number has grown. During my time as Archbishop, we also established two new dioceses: Karongi and Nyaruguru. We thank God for that,' he said.

Archbishop Mbanda, who turned 71 on October 25, 2025, recalled that when he succeeded Rwaje, who had laid the foundation for the Gasabo Diocese, much still needed to be done.

He said that progress has been remarkable, from 2,903 congregants to more than 9,000 today.

'In Gasabo Diocese alone, we have built 22 well-constructed nursery schools and 14 modern churches. When I first came to Kibagabaga, it was hard to find a proper path or structure, but today we have a beautiful cathedral and the impressive Trinity Corner and Trinity Plaza, which generate income to sustain our mission,' he added.

Another milestone is the completion of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s new headquarters in Kibagabaga, moving from its former location in Remera. The site also includes the Archbishop’s official residence, which, though he does not occupy it, generates 5 million Rwandan francs per month.

'In Kibagabaga, we now have two-story buildings. It’s a sign of growth in infrastructure, in the number of followers, and in the spread of the Gospel,' said Archbishop Mbanda.

Archbishop Mbanda mentioned that EACC’s initial goal was to have between 4,000 and 6,000 students by 2026, and they are already on track to reach 4,000 students.

Advancing healthcare

The Anglican Church of Rwanda operates three major hospitals: Gahini Hospital in Kayonza District, Shyira Hospital in Nyabihu District, and Kigeme Hospital in Nyamagabe District, in addition to various health centers and clinics.

Archbishop Mbanda highlights his involvement in the establishment of two health centers during his leadership, which continue to contribute to the improvement of Rwandans’ health.

Two of the three Anglican Universities founded under his leadership

The Anglican Church of Rwanda has prioritized high-quality education. Today, it operates three universities, including Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College in Musanze District, which opened in 2014 and currently has around 4,000 students.

Other institutions include Hanika Anglican Integrated Polytechnic (HAIP) in the Southern Province, offering various programs up to Bachelor’s degree, and East African Christian College (EACC).

While launching business facilities at EACC, Archbishop Mbanda expressed his pride in having helped establish two of these universities: “By God’s grace, we have built excellent infrastructure and now seek the capacity to ensure their sustainability,” he said.

The new building at EACC will cost $1 million (over 1.4 billion Rwandan francs). It will include 16 classrooms, two large lecture halls for 160 students, 16 spaces for businesses, and 18 rooms for offices and storage, all to be completed within nine months.

Archbishop Mbanda mentioned that EACC’s initial goal was to have between 4,000 and 6,000 students by 2026, and they are already on track to reach 4,000 students.

'The academic programs we envisioned at that time, including business, theology, education, and medicine, are now in place and functioning. We also started a program to train early childhood education teachers, which has been successful. Our infrastructure plans have also come to fruition.'

EACC is led by Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba, former Minister of Education in Rwanda. He shared that the university has plans to expand its capacity to 6,000 students, with plans to further develop the campus, including equipping the medical laboratory and increasing dormitory spaces.

'We plan to establish a model primary school. Today, we have a nursery school that will support our students studying education at the university. We are also seeking approval for eight new programs, five at the undergraduate level and three at master’s level,' he added.

The new building at EACC will cost $1 million.

28 years without support from Canterbury

For years, the Anglican Church of Rwanda, along with other GAFCON churches, followed Gospel principles distinct from the Church of England, particularly after Canterbury supported actions like blessing same-sex unions. This shift raised concerns about potential financial struggles, as it was believed Canterbury provided financial support.

When asked about how they would survive, Archbishop Mbanda responded: ” As far as I know, since 1997, we have not received any funding from Canterbury. The Anglican Church of Rwanda has reached a point where it must be self-sustaining, and that’s how it is.”

The Church headquarters is self-sustaining, and dioceses are reaching the same level of independence. That is why we encourage our congregants to work hard to support themselves. There’s no loss in what we have done.

This message extends even to non-Anglican Christians, as Archbishop Mbanda stated: “All Rwandans must work hard and support themselves rather than waiting for charity.”

When Archbishop Mbanda assumed his new responsibilities succeeding Onesphore Rwaje on January 17, 2018, the Anglican Church of Rwanda relied on small contributions from donors, typically around $4,000 or $3,000 at the national level.

“Today, we never rely on those small amounts. We now generate over 150 million Rwandan francs monthly through the infrastructure we have built. For example, the EACC university generates over 200 million Rwandan francs, which can help support its mission.”

EACC is led by Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba, former Minister of Education in Rwanda.

Archbishop Mbanda mentioned that EACC’s initial goal was to have between 4,000 and 6,000 students by 2026, and they are already on track to reach 4,000 students.

The Anglican Church of Rwanda has begun the contsruction of new commercial buildings at East African Christian College worth $1 million.

IGIHE

Bessent told CBS, the BBC’s US news partner, that the framework includes a final agreement on TikTok’s US operations and a deferral of China’s tightened controls on rare earth mineral exports. He added that he does not expect the 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods threatened by President Trump to come into force, while China will resume large-scale soybean purchases from the US.

Both nations are aiming to de-escalate tensions following months of uncertainty in global trade. The meeting between Trump and Xi is scheduled to take place on Thursday in South Korea, as part of the US president’s Asia tour.

Bessent met senior Chinese trade officials on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia, where both sides described their talks as 'constructive.' He said the countries had 'reached a substantial framework for the two leaders,' adding that 'the tariffs will be averted.'

In a statement, China’s government said both negotiating teams 'reached a basic consensus on arrangements to address their respective concerns' and that 'both sides agreed to further finalise specific details.'

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has imposed or threatened sweeping tariffs on imported goods from several countries, arguing that they would strengthen US manufacturing and create jobs. While this approach has led to new trade agreements with countries such as the UK, it has also triggered sharp disputes with China, the largest target of US tariffs.

Earlier this month, Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting in November, in response to Beijing’s decision to tighten controls on exports of rare earth elements minerals crucial to the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable-energy components. At the time, Trump accused China of 'becoming very hostile' and trying to 'hold the world captive.'

China, which processes nearly 90 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals, has now agreed to delay those restrictions for one year while reassessing the policy, Bessent confirmed during a separate television interview.

Another key issue in the discussions is the soybean trade, a sector that has suffered since China halted imports during the height of the trade war. Bessent, himself a soybean farmer, suggested that an agreement would bring relief to US producers.

'I’m actually a soybean farmer, so I have felt this pain too,' he said. 'I believe when the announcement of the deal with China is made public, our soybean farmers will feel really good about what’s going on for this season and the coming seasons for several years.'

The proposed trade framework signals a potential turning point in relations between the world’s two largest economies, which have been locked in tariff battles and technology disputes since Trump’s return to office.

The United States and China have agreed on the framework of a potential trade deal that will be discussed later this week when President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Rania Umutoni

His closest challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, garnered 35.2%, according to the Council’s president, Clement Atangana.

The result means Biya, who first took office in 1982, will remain in power for another seven-year term.

This year’s election drew significant attention, with Bakary leading a spirited campaign that attracted large crowds and support from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups. Despite his challenge, Biya’s long-established party structure and loyal base are said to have contributed to his latest victory.

While the announcement was met with celebration among Biya’s supporters, some parts of the country remained tense. Streets in Bamenda, a major city in the English-speaking west, were largely deserted amid fears of unrest. Reports indicated that at least four people were killed in Douala on Sunday during clashes between protesters and security forces.

Biya’s leadership has been marked by both achievements and enduring challenges. He is credited with expanding the country’s education system, establishing new public universities, and successfully resolving the Bakassi Peninsula dispute, which saw the oil-rich territory peacefully transferred from Nigeria to Cameroon.

However, his government continues to face difficulties, including an ongoing separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions, high youth unemployment, and concerns over infrastructure and public service delivery.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, has been re-elected for an eighth consecutive term, extending his more than four-decade rule.

Wycliffe Nyamasege