Author: admin

While technology continues to offer numerous opportunities — from innovation and learning to improving productivity — it has also brought with it a wave of risks, especially for children who often lack the maturity to discern appropriate online content.

According to officials, these risks fall into four categories: information-related, contact-related, behaviour-related, and contractual.

Information-related risks include exposure to degrading or pornographic material, violent or hateful content, fake news, and content that promotes bad behaviour.

Contact-related risks involve child trafficking, harassment, hate speech, intimidation, sexual solicitation, and online grooming.

Behaviour-related risks include cyberbullying, receiving sexually explicit messages, sharing of nude or revenge images, public humiliation, impersonation, coercion, and gambling, among others.

Authorities warn that such exposure has serious psychological and moral effects on children. In response, Rwanda has introduced a new Child Online Protection Policy, adopted in September 2025, aimed at ensuring a safer digital environment for children.

The policy calls for close collaboration between government institutions and internet service providers to detect and block harmful content before it reaches children. It also provides for clear legal and regulatory frameworks enabling authorities to sanction platforms that fail to remove flagged material.

Additionally, the framework seeks to establish systems for monitoring online offenders in line with international standards.

To discourage the production and consumption of pornographic material, the policy introduces ethical guidelines for technology developers and service providers, requiring them to uphold Rwandan cultural values and prioritise children’s safety online.

It also seeks to ensure that minors do not access age-inappropriate content and that children’s data stored on devices or online platforms is adequately protected. The policy further encourages responsible advertising by requiring online marketing to be categorised according to age groups.

Service providers will be obliged to put in place mechanisms to identify and restrict content unsuitable for minors.

To strengthen accountability, the government plans to establish a toll-free hotline through which citizens can report harmful online content, seek assistance from experts, and request the removal or suspension of offending websites.

Children under 18 make up nearly half of Rwanda’s population. The government aims to make the internet accessible to all, while ensuring that young users are equipped with digital literacy and protection mechanisms.

The Child Online Protection Policy envisions an inclusive digital environment that safeguards children’s rights while promoting safe and responsible technology use.

The policy will be implemented over a five-year period with an estimated budget of Frw 1.52 billion.

Its implementation will involve multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), RURA, RISA, REB, the Rwanda National Police, and other partners.

The new policy calls for close collaboration between government institutions and internet service providers to detect and block harmful content before it reaches children.

IGIHE

Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister had spoken with Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons, about preparations for their return. An Israeli official told Kan public broadcaster that the army expects the hostages to arrive before Monday morning.

“The IDF has completed its preparations for the release of the hostages and assesses that all of them will be released before Trump’s arrival,” the official said.

Media reports suggested that Hamas has told mediators it is prepared to release all 20 living hostages as early as Sunday, ahead of a Monday deadline under the ceasefire agreement, if Israel frees at least two of seven high-profile Palestinian prisoners previously removed from the release list. It is unclear whether Israel will accept the condition.

Under the ceasefire deal, Hamas will release 20 living and 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023. In exchange, Israel will free roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and allow increased humanitarian aid into the enclave, devastated by Israeli strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is ready to receive hostages “immediately,” amid reports that Hamas may release them later in the day under certain conditions.

Xinhua

'It is already very rare to see an independent film, and even rarer to see an independent African one. So, we wanted to expose them to that,' explains Scott Hillier, founder of the festival and partner of the French Institute.

The students, from Green Hills Academy and the École Française Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, participated in a contest aimed at developing their critical thinking.

'They had to judge a film based on its performance, the emotion it evoked, its aesthetics, and its story. This engaged them a lot, and they all voted for a film to award it a prize,' Hillier adds.

The festival also allowed the young audience to discover films from other international festivals curated by Hillier, offering a global panorama of independent cinema.

'We presented African films, then films from the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe. Their reaction surprised me: they really enjoyed it and actively participated in the voting,' he says.

Among the films screened, Deja Nu from Côte d’Ivoire and The Yellow Dress from Kenya particularly impressed Hillier, whom he describes as showcasing raw, emotional, and authentic storytelling talent.

In total, 21 films are competing this year, across 14 categories, ranging from feature films to documentaries, student films, and experimental works. The festival also offers the Rwandan Film Students Special Award, allowing Rwandan students to screen their films on a big screen in front of an audience outside their school.

Hillier emphasises the importance of promoting authentic stories. 'Seeing the amazed faces of young viewers reinforces this choice. We want to tell impactful stories that spark conversations, even if opinions are divided,' he says.

The inaugural screening was initiated by the director of the French Institute in Rwanda, Ms. Lee Fou Messica, and organised in collaboration with Aimée Umutoni Kabuguza, who convinced Scott Hillier to hold the first edition of the AAIFF in Rwanda rather than in Cape Town.

In this school screening, the students’ votes awarded Beyond The Ring, a South African documentary directed by Mari Geldenhuys and Malcolm Rainers, as the winner of their competition. Meanwhile, the main festival will officially kick off on Friday and run through Sunday, with the grand prize to be awarded during Sunday’s closing ceremony.

Among the young Rwandan talents present, Méthode Muhire, a film student at East African University Rwanda (EAUR), shared his journey: 'At first, I knew nothing about cinema. After a brief course in video production and some experience in photography and videography, I decided to develop my skills at university. Today, I have made two short films, won two international awards, and am working on a new project called Fallout.'

For Hillier, Kigali proves to be an ideal location for the festival: 'This is where it all happens. Rwandans have warmly welcomed the festival, and we hope to host even more participants this year.'

Moreover, the AAIFF is part of the Ecu Festival Group and continues to promote African independent cinema, giving a voice to a new generation of filmmakers.

The French Institute in Kigali, in partnership with the AAIFF, presented independent African films, offering Rwandan high school students a rare opportunity to discover the continent’s cinema.

The initiative was organized by the French Institute in Rwanda in partnership with Scott Hillier, the festival’s founder and partner.

Scott Hillier emphasizes the importance of promoting authentic stories.

Among the young Rwandan talents present was Méthode Muhire, a film student at East African University Rwanda (EAUR).

Méthode Muhire noted that he has already produced two short films and received two international awards.

Hillier considers Kigali an ideal venue for the festival.

IGIHE

Her passing was confirmed by family members and colleagues at Transparency International Rwanda.

Early life

In various interviews with IGIHE, Ingabire shared that she was deeply affected by the traumatic experiences of her childhood, particularly the hardship of living as a refugee.

These experiences fueled her passion for fighting injustice and corruption.

As a young girl, Ingabire realized that her family’s home in Burundi was not truly theirs. This revelation sparked her determination to return to her homeland, Rwanda, and contribute to its development with all her strength and knowledge.

Although she grew up in Burundi, where her family had sought refuge, she always dreamed of returning to Rwanda. She had grown weary of the life of persecution and lack of full rights, a situation she faced as a refugee.

Ingabire attended primary and secondary school in Burundi and pursued university studies in other countries before returning to Rwanda in 2001.

She held a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and Human Rights (University of Pretoria — South Africa), a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communication (Université de Lille — France), and a Diploma in Law and Human Rights from Institut de Droits de l’Homme de Strasbourg, France.

Career

Ingabire is one of the founding members of Transparency International Rwanda, established in 2004. In 2015, she was elected for the second term as the organization’s chairperson.

In an interview with IGIHE, she stated, 'Before joining Transparency International Rwanda, I worked at many institutions, but my focus was always on women’s rights and advocating for sustainable development.'

'I worked at ORINFOR for many years, and also in various print media outlets, as well as with organizations such as Pro Femmes Twese Hamwe, IBUKA, and other women’s rights groups.'

Ingabire was known for her outspoken nature, often condemning wrongdoings publicly, which occasionally led to people labeling her as an antagonist. However, she once stated that those who saw her in that light were misunderstanding her.

She said, 'It’s true that people often misunderstand me because of my work, which requires making tough decisions. But in reality, I am just a simple person who is humble and approachable. I have no quarrels or grudges against anyone. I’ve never fought anyone since I was born.'

Throughout her life, Ingabire lived by three core principles: prayer, respect, and perseverance.

Marie Immaculée Ingabire, the Chairperson of Transparency International Rwanda, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 64 due to illness.

IGIHE

According to a post on X by the Presidency on Thursday, the discussions highlighted 'ongoing efforts to advance peace in the Great Lakes region, and Rwanda’s continuous commitment to lasting peace and security.'

The meeting comes at a critical moment in the U.S.-mediated peace process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two countries signed the Washington Accord on June 27, 2025. The agreement was designed to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and to lift Rwanda’s defensive posture along the border.

However, implementation of the peace deal has faced challenges. Tensions deepened last week when the DRC declined, at the last minute, to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). The framework was expected to bolster economic cooperation between Kigali and Kinshasa and strengthen regional integration efforts.

'The Rwandan delegation in Washington, D.C. this week was ready to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which benefits both our countries and the region,' Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo wrote on X on October 4.

'We are puzzled by the DRC’s last-minute decision not to sign the agreement, given the positive atmosphere of the negotiations … and the diligent mediation work of Senior Advisor Massad Boulos and the State Department.'

Despite the setback, Rwanda has reiterated its commitment to both the peace agreement and the broader U.S.-facilitated mediation efforts.

'Rwanda believes in the peace agreement and in the approach of the U.S. mediation, and hopes that the REIF will eventually be signed,' Makolo added. 'The peace process must succeed. It is the best chance for stability and economic development for our region.'

President Kagame’s meeting with Boulos on Thursday signals continued U.S. engagement in the Great Lakes, even as the region navigates setbacks in both security and economic cooperation tracks.

President Paul Kagame met with Massad Boulos, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, for talks centred on advancing peace and security in the Great Lakes region.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Forum, which builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, focuses on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges. It brings together high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up Global Gateway investments in partner countries.

Later today, President Kagame is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss Rwanda’s partnership with the European Union.

The 2025 Forum provides a platform for participating countries and institutions to strengthen collaboration, identify investment opportunities, and promote sustainable development through enhanced global connectivity.

President Paul Kagame has joined other Heads of State and Government for the second edition of the Global Gateway Forum 2025, taking place in Brussels, Belgium, from 9 to 10 October.

The Forum, which builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, focuses on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.

President Kagame is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss Rwanda’s partnership with the European Union.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Vision 2020 set ambitious targets to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, and build infrastructure, leading to significant progress in healthcare, education, governance, and economic stability.

Now, Rwanda is looking to the future with Vision 2050, which aims to transform the nation into a high-income economy by mid-century, ensuring prosperity and opportunity for all. Let’s explore 10 key aspects of Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

1. A vision for prosperity and high living standards

At the heart of Vision 2050 is Rwanda’s goal to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income nation by 2050.

Between 1998 and 1999, the country set a target to increase GDP per capita from USD 250 per year to USD 900 by 2020.

The current roadmap targets an ambitious GDP per capita of USD 4,036 by 2035 and USD 12,476 by 2050.

To reach these targets, the needed GDP growth rates (annual average) are at least 12% during 2018-2035 and 10% from 2036 to 2050.

This economic growth is expected to provide Rwandans with better living standards, including universal access to quality education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.

Rwanda aims to become high income country by 2050.

2. Human development as a key pillar

Human development is a central pillar of Vision 2050, aiming to harness the economic potential of Rwanda’s growing workforce. By 2050, the working-age population is expected to increase to 65.7%, up from 61% in 2017.

To realize the benefits of this demographic dividend, the Vision focuses on key priorities: ensuring universal access to high-quality healthcare and education, transforming the workforce for greater productivity, and promoting skills development.

These investments are crucial for fostering a healthy, educated, and skilled labor force, which will be essential for driving Rwanda’s economic transformation and achieving long-term prosperity.

Rwanda seeks to harness the economic potential of growing workforce.

3. Economic growth through competitiveness and innovation

Rwanda is committed to enhancing its global competitiveness by developing a diversified economy.

By 2035, Rwanda plans to be among the top 10 countries for ease of doing business, rank among the top 20 economies in competitiveness by 2035 and top 10 in 2050.

This vision includes specific priorities which focus on creating a diversified economy built upon future industries.

It emphasizes developing competitive manufacturing, supported by a regional logistics hub, and driving transformative growth through modern and innovative services sectors.

The vision also prioritizes export-oriented knowledge services and high-end sustainable tourism, while ensuring universal access to financial services for all, among others.

The bird’s eye view of Kigali Special Economic Zone

4. Agriculture for wealth creation

In 2024, agriculture contributed 24 percent to GDP and employed over 43 percent of the population as at March 2025. As agriculture remains a key sector, Vision 2050 focuses on transforming the sector to generate wealth and reduce poverty.

By increasing the use of modern farming technologies, ensuring market-oriented agriculture, and enhancing climate resilience, Rwanda will integrate its agricultural products into global value chains.

This shift will lead to higher productivity and greater economic opportunities for both men and women in agriculture.

Irrigation technology plays a vital role in Rwanda’s agriculture transformation.

5. Urbanization and smart cities for growth

Urbanization is a central aspect of Rwanda’s future development. By 2050, 70% of the population is projected to live in urban areas, with Kigali and six secondary cities serving as hubs of socioeconomic activity.

Rural settlements will grow in a clustered and densified way with the necessary basic infrastructure, services and facilities.

Rural households settled in integrated planned settlements will increase from 67.2% (EICV5 2016/17) to 80% by 2024 and 100% by 2035. This will be maintained throughout 2050.

Overall, the country will embrace smart and green cities that are energy-efficient and designed to thrive in a sustainable urban ecosystem.

Kigali City will undergo significant transfrmations gradually.

6. A modern and accountable governance system

Vision 2050 emphasizes the importance of accountable institutions and effective governance.

The vision outlines the continued development of citizen-centered reforms, where local innovations and home-grown solutions will remain central to the country’s development.

Institutions will be modernized, ensuring efficiency and transparency in public service delivery, reinforcing Rwanda’s progress towards socioeconomic transformation.

Rwanda has promoted transparency and accountability under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

7. A green growth and climate resilience path

Sustainability is key in Vision 2050. The plan includes a Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy.

Rwanda will focus on efficient use of natural resources while ensuring the country’s climate adaptation strategies are strong enough to cope with challenges posed by global warming.

By protecting the environment, Rwanda will achieve long-term ecological sustainability alongside its economic growth.

8. Energy sustainability for the future

Energy access will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic expansion. Access to electricity stood at 72% in 2024 from 34% in 2017. By 2050, 100% of the population is expected to have access to electricity, with renewable energy making up at least 60% of the power generation mix.

Increased energy consumption is expected as Rwanda’s economy grows, but this will be managed sustainably to ensure energy supply meets demand without compromising environmental goals.

9. Life expectancy

Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sets ambitious targets for improving the health and well-being of its citizens, with life expectancy being a central indicator of success.

As of 2020, life expectancy in Rwanda stood at 67.8 years. However, Vision 2050 aims for significant improvement, projecting 71.7 years by 2035 and 73 years by 2050.

This is a reflection of the country’s focus on enhancing healthcare, access to medical services, and overall living standards.

Compared to regional averages, Rwanda’s current life expectancy is strong, particularly when compared to neighbors like Uganda (63 years).

10. Population growth and reduced unemployment

The country’s population, projected to grow at a slower rate, is expected to reach 1.4% by 2050, down from 2.5% in 2019, with a growing proportion of the workforce entering the productive age group.

Rwanda’s last national census in 2022 reported a population of 13.2 million, up from 10.5 million recorded in 2012. As of July 2025, Rwanda’s population had reached 14.1 million. In 2050, the population is expected to reach 22 million in 2022.

Besides, by 2050, Rwanda aims to significantly reduce unemployment, targeting an unemployment rate of 5%, down from 15.2% in 2019.

This will be driven by investments in education, skills development, and private sector growth.

Achieving Vision 2050 will not happen overnight, and a rigorous implementation framework is in place to ensure that progress is monitored and adjusted regularly.

The vision includes five-year reviews, starting with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which serves to bridge the Vision 2020 and Vision 2050, to assess how the goals are being met and identify necessary adjustments.

The elaboration of Vision 2050 has taken into consideration the global and regional development agendas, to ensure harmonization of targets and indicators.

Those include: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, and the Paris Agreement on climate change among other instruments.

The artistic impression of Kigali City in 2050.

Kigali City will undergo significant transfrmations gradually.

IGIHE

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote.

He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for the “historic and unprecedented event.”

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at the White House, Trump said he may travel to the Middle East “sometime toward the end of the week.”

Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday.

Since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement, and killing at least 67,183 people and injuring 169,841 others, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of a Gaza peace plan.

Xinhua

The group, which included Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, was greeted by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading “Children need love, not bombs.” They arrived in Jordan on Tuesday before returning home.

Addressing a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandela appeared emotional as he recounted their long and difficult journey, saying that the focus should remain on the people of Palestine, who have endured atrocities under the Israeli government for years.

“Ours was a humanitarian mission to break the blockade and end the siege and get aid to Gaza,” he said, noting that there was no violence accompanying their actions.

Mandela said that the Israeli government intercepted dozens of their boats in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and human rights

During six days of detention, Mandela said they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, including being denied food and the opportunity to shower.

Following their arrest, he said they were handcuffed with wires tied tightly behind their backs and “paraded.” “We were taken to detention and denied food, but it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to,” Mandela noted.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas’s cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.

In response to the blockade, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from multiple countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities.

Mandla Mandela (L), grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, and other South African activists attend a press conference following their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 8, 2025. Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

Mandla Mandela (2nd L, front), grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, and his wife leave after a press conference at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 8, 2025.

Xinhua

Afreximbank, a Pan-African multilateral financial institution established in 1993, is dedicated to promoting intra- and extra-African trade across its 53 African and 13 Caribbean member states.

The high-level workshop and launch event held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, trade promotion agencies, private sector associations, and exporters and importers, to explore how digital platforms can accelerate trade growth and regional integration in Rwanda and beyond.

Themed 'Boosting Trade in Rwanda through the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG),' the event highlighted Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s National Export Strategy II, Digital Transformation Strategy, and the country’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

A step toward digital trade integration

The launch event highlighted Afreximbank’s continued dedication to facilitating trade through the ATG platform, a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to simplify cross-border trade, reduce costs, and improve transparency.

The platform was inaugurated by the Afreximbank on June 22, 2023, in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat. It offers integrated access to essential trade services such as trade finance, payment systems, due diligence services, and market intelligence—all of which align with Rwanda’s priorities to enhance SME competitiveness, digital inclusion, and export diversification.

In his remarks, Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, emphasised that the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) is crucial to transforming how African businesses interact. He noted that 90 banks across 35 countries and 9,000 verified companies are already trading on the platform.

'But I tell you this is not a vision anymore, this is a reality. ATG is live, and across Africa, right now, we have 90 banks accounting across 35 countries that have joined the ATG ecosystem. We have 9,000 verified companies that are trading…And to date, we have computed bills in excess of $200 million this year alone,' Onyia said.

At the same time, Onyia noted that Rwanda’s strategic location and commitment to digital solutions position it as a leader in driving this transformation across the continent.

Rwanda’s strategic role in the AfCFTA

The workshop also served as a platform to discuss how Rwanda’s active participation in the AfCFTA can be supported by digital trade tools like the ATG. Dr. Alexis Kabayiza, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted Rwanda’s role in regional trade integration.

He remarked that the government’s digital transformation efforts, including the Rwanda Electronic Single Window and Umucyo e-procurement platform, have already streamlined trade processes within the country. With the introduction of the ATG, he noted that Rwanda aims to further enhance its digital infrastructure, making it a competitive trade hub in the region.

'To achieve the promise of AfCFTA, we must strengthen the enablers of trade, such as efficient payments, interoperable digital platforms, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. The Africa Trade Gateway is one of those innovations. It translates the AfCFTA vision into practical solutions and empowers businesses to connect, transact, and grow with confidence,' Dr. Kabayiza, who represented the Minister for Trade Prudence Sebahizi at the event, stated.

Boosting SME competitiveness

A key focus of the ATG platform is supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of Africa’s economy. The workshop included dedicated sessions where SMEs could learn how to leverage the ATG to access financing, markets, and partnerships across the continent.

Afreximbank’s initiative is in line with Rwanda’s goal of fostering an environment that supports SMEs through digital solutions and increased access to trade finance.

Rwandan businesswoman Brigette Harrington, CEO of Igire Coffee, shared her experience with the audience, noting that the Africa Trade Gateway plays a critical role in helping businesses like hers navigate the complexities of cross-border trade.

'The duty, the world duty on this is 20%. Under AfCFTA, my customer is going to pay 2.5%. … It’s about levelling the playing field so that when you ship your products from here to another African country, you can at least compete. … So, I think that the purpose of ATG is to provide a platform, like an e-commerce platform. Whereby, you can put, you can list your products on that platform and also list how a person purchases.' Harrington said.

Collaborative effort for future trade success

Afreximbank’s collaboration with local institutions such as the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) was emphasised throughout the event.

The partnerships are integral to embedding the ATG platform within Rwanda’s broader trade facilitation and investment promotion ecosystem.

Panel discussions focused on the importance of creating a harmonised regulatory framework and developing secure digital identities to further enhance the ease of doing business within the region.

The Africa Trade Gateway initiative builds on successful workshops held in Kenya and Ethiopia, where participants emphasised the central role of digital trade infrastructure in realising the AfCFTA’s potential.

Rwanda’s proactive approach to innovation and trade facilitation, combined with its strong commitment to digital inclusion, positions it as an ideal partner in Afreximbank’s mission to deepen continental integration through digital transformation and inclusive trade.

As the workshop concluded, stakeholders voiced their optimism about the future of African trade, with the ATG providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to bridge the gap between Africa’s potential and its trading realities.

Afreximbank launched the Rwanda Chapter of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) in Kigali on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

The high-level workshop and launch event held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, trade promotion agencies, private sector associations, and exporters and importers.

Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, emphasised that the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) is crucial to transforming how African businesses interact.

Dr. Alexis Kabayiza, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted Rwanda’s role in regional trade integration.

Dr. Ayub Shitseswa delivered remarks on behalf of Felix Chege, CEO Real Sources.

The Private Sector Federation (PSF)CEO, Stephen Ruzibiza, attended the event.

Tony Francis, CEO of Rwanda Bankers’ Association, also attended the workshop.

Trade development strategist Christine Nyairo moderated a panel on 'Voices from ATG Community Partners: Accelerating Africa’s Single Continental Market — Collaborations, Networks & Market Access.

Rwandan businesswoman Brigette Harrington, CEO of Igire Coffee, shared her experience with the audience, noting that the Africa Trade Gateway plays a critical role in helping businesses like hers navigate the complexities of cross-border trade.

Wycliffe Nyamasege