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“Its expiry would not only undermine those gains, but also remove the link to the Generalized System of Preferences, which has been so critical to many of our exporters,” Ramaphosa said.

Speaking at the South Africa-U.S. Trade and Investment Dialogue on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday night, Ramaphosa said industries such as agriculture and automotive manufacturing have significantly benefited from AGOA.

Implemented by former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s administration in 2000, AGOA provides duty-free treatment to goods from designated sub-Saharan African countries.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the problems between South Africa and the United States, particularly since January this year. “New challenges have emerged in our trade relationship, not least the reciprocal tariffs recently imposed on South African exports. These measures have already disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty for both our exporters and American importers,” Ramaphosa said.

At the 20th AGOA Forum in Johannesburg in November 2023, leaders and trade ministers called for a longer extension of the act and for its expansion to support greater investment, including the building of factories. However, the recent imposition of the U.S. tariffs on African countries has cast uncertainty over the future of AGOA.

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its expiry at the end of September, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the United States to renew the pact, warning that its lapse would carry serious consequences for South Africa.

Xinhua

The final stretch of the race proved to be a nail-biting conclusion. Gery, who started in 13th place after lap 1, steadily improved her position with each passing lap. By lap 5, she was already in 3rd place, but a challenging 6th lap saw her drop to 15th. Undeterred, Gery fought back and surged to the front in the final laps. Supported by her teammate Marion Bunel, who finished 5th, just 12 seconds behind Gery, the two French riders worked together to hold off the competition, allowing Gery to claim victory.

“It’s unbelievable. It was a long wait, but it’s amazing. It was a masterpiece for the team. There were only three of us, but we managed to race perfectly. We had three very strong girls, and Marion was amazing at the finish,” Gery said.

In a race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Gery crossed the finish line with a time of 3:24:26, securing her spot atop the podium in a highly competitive field.

Slovakia’s Viktoria Chladonová took the silver medal, finishing just 2 seconds behind Gery with a time of 3:24:28. Chladonová had a strong start and led for much of the race, but despite a valiant early effort and her sprint finish, she couldn’t hold off the relentless pace set by Gery and her teammate.

Spain’s Paula Blasi Cairol earned the bronze medal with a time of 3:24:38, just 12 seconds behind Gery. Blasi Cairol maintained a steady pace throughout the race, ultimately securing her spot on the podium.

France’s Celia Gery claimed the gold medal, Slovakia’s Viktoria Chladonová took silver, and Spain’s Paula Blasi Cairol earned bronze.

Italy’s Eleonora Ciabocco had a brief moment in the lead at lap 5, but she struggled to hold onto her position as the race progressed. She eventually finished 4th in the same time as Blasi Cairol, 3:24:38.

One of the standout moments of the race came from Sweden’s Kagevi Stina, who made a daring breakaway with 10 kilometers to go, gaining a 26-second lead. However, as the race reached its climax, the pack reeled her in, and she finished 11th.

The final stretch of the race proved to be a nail-biting conclusion.

Meanwhile, Poland’s Malwina Mul made a stunning comeback after initially falling behind. With incredible acceleration at kilometer 24, she gained a 10-second lead and briefly set herself apart from the field. However, she too fell short of the podium, finishing outside the top 10.

Tough day for local riders

It was a tough day for Rwanda’s local riders, as none of them managed to finish the race. Mwamikazi Jazilla, Nyirarukundo Claudette, Ntakirutimana Martha, and Iragena Charlotte all dropped out at various points in the race. Jazilla left on lap 7, Nyirarukundo on lap 6, Ntakirutimana on lap 5, and Iragena on lap 3. Only 35 riders out of the starting field managed to complete the demanding race.

Women Under 23 Road Race – Top 10 Results:

1. Celia Gery (FRA) — 3:24:26

2. Viktoria Chladonová (SVK) — 3:24:28 (+2 seconds)

3. Paula Blasi Cairol (ESP) — 3:24:38 (+12 seconds)

4. Eleonora Ciabocco (ITA) — 3:24:38 (+12 seconds)

5. Marion Bunel (FRA) — 3:24:38 (+12 seconds)

6. Isabella Holmgren (CAN) — 3:24:43 (+17 seconds)

7. Alena Ivanchenko (AIN) — 3:24:46 (+20 seconds)

8. Lore de Schepper (BEL) — 3:24:51 (+25 seconds)

9. Talia Appleton (AUS) — 3:24:57 (+31 seconds)

10. Linda Riedmann (GER) — 3:25:20 (+54 seconds)

France’s Celia Gery claimed the gold medal in the UCI Women’s Under-23 Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

The final stretch of the race proved to be a nail-biting conclusion.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing 51 students from 14 African countries, Kagame urged them to recognise the continent’s challenges, take responsibility for its development, and act decisively to shape its progress.

Founded by President Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the Kigali-based ASG was designed to transform governance in Africa by offering world-class public policy education and research programs tailored to the continent’s realities.

The inaugural cohort, representing Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, embodies the school’s vision of nurturing pan-African leaders.

During his keynote at the matriculation ceremony of the inaugural cohort, Kagame praised the founders and partners, including the Mastercard Foundation, for bringing the institution to life.

'Africa deserves focus and deep study, and that should be done by you, our youth and our future. Unlike anywhere else, your education here will challenge you to think critically and practically about how to move our continent forward,' he said.

'This school will prepare you for leadership, but the journey starts from within,” he added.

Kagame outlined three qualities he said are essential for the cohort:

Awareness

He urged students to pay attention to how Africa is perceived globally, question whether those perceptions are fair, and confront both inherited and self-inflicted challenges that continue to hold the continent back.

Responsibility

The Head of State emphasised that students must value themselves, their countries, and their people. He noted that Africa will only be taken seriously if its leaders respect their own roles and contribute actively to their communities.

Action

He called on students to apply their knowledge and skills decisively, warning that the continent cannot afford to lag behind as global economies and technologies advance.

'An institution is only as strong as the people it serves. Make the most of your time here. Soon, when your country looks to you for answers, you must be ready,' Kagame told the cohort.

Following the matriculation ceremony, the two co-founders participated in a panel discussion with ASG students under the theme, 'Mindset and Attitude of Leadership.'

During the discussion, Kagame reflected on Africa’s developmental trajectory, urging students to think critically about the continent’s past and future.

'Africa cannot just remain where it is. We need to move forward and progress like many other parts of the world that are at our level of development—or even behind us—but are now so far ahead of us. What happened to us? What happened to the continent? What happened to Africa? If we can have an institution like this, it allows people to have soul searching and figure out what we can do to move forward,' he said.

Former Prime Minister Desalegn highlighted lessons from other nations’ rapid transformations.

'Some countries, especially in Asia—Singapore, South Korea, even China—moved in a generational time from rags to riches. We African nations, which were better than them at certain periods, in most cases, remain in the shackles of poverty. The whole idea is that mindset, attitude, and leadership matter. We do have a leadership deficit and a problem of governance, and our young people should not continue as we were,' he said.

Kagame concluded by expressing confidence in the cohort’s potential to shape Africa’s future: 'We are counting on you. You are exactly who Africa needs.”

With its focus on practical leadership training and research grounded in African realities, ASG aims to equip a new generation of policymakers with the tools to address the continent’s pressing challenges and transform its governance landscape.

President Paul Kagame on Thursday challenged the inaugural cohort of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the newly established Africa School of Governance (ASG) to embrace awareness, responsibility, and action as they prepare to lead Africa into the future.

The inaugural cohort, representing Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, embodies the school’s vision of nurturing pan-African leaders.

Founded by President Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the Kigali-based ASG was designed to transform governance in Africa by offering world-class public policy education and research programs tailored to the continent’s realities.

Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is a co-founder of the African School of Governance.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As part of the Hotel’s ongoing dedication to social impact and educational empowerment, the team visited GS Rutunga School to donate essential school supplies to 100 students on September 19, 2025 , helping them begin their academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

Each student received a comprehensive package including a set of twelve notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, a mathematical instrument set and school bag.

This initiative reflects Marriott International’s belief that investing in education is investing in a brighter future.

The smiles and excitement on the students’ faces also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of even the simplest acts of kindness.

This outreach is part of Marriott’s broader Spirit to Serve philosophy, which encourages associates to engage in volunteerism and community service by stepping beyond the workplace.

This outreach is part of Marriott’s broader Spirit to Serve philosophy, which encourages associates to engage in volunteerism and community service.

Each student received a comprehensive package including a set of twelve notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, a mathematical instrument set and school bag.

IGIHE

Israeli forces continued their offensive across the Gaza Strip, carrying out strikes on 170 separate targets in the past 24 hours. Footage showed tanks in southwestern Gaza City, where heavy bombardments have triggered a mass exodus of residents.

Citing security sources, several Israeli media outlets reported on Wednesday that about 700,000 residents have already fled Gaza City, which previously had an estimated population of around 1 million.

The Israeli military said in a statement that its strikes hit “terrorists, military structures, weapons storage facilities and terror infrastructure sites.” Health authorities in Gaza reported at least 24 people killed over the past day.

According to the military, troops also killed militants and dismantled Hamas infrastructure, including positions used to ambush soldiers.

The army reported the death of Staff Sergeant Chalachew Shimon Demalash, 21, from Beersheba, who was killed by sniper fire in northern Gaza.

In a separate incident, Hamas attempted to shoot down an Israeli combat helicopter with a projectile, which failed to hit its target. The military said no injuries or damage were reported.

Before his departure, Netanyahu said his UN address would “condemn those leaders who, instead of denouncing (Hamas), want to give them a state in the heart of the Land of Israel. That will not happen.”

He added that he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, their fourth meeting since Trump’s reelection, to discuss the Gaza war and regional opportunities, which he claimed have been created by Israel’s recent military attacks across the Middle East.

The Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians since October 2023, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Israeli troops advanced further into Gaza City on Thursday.

Xinhua

The Paris court handed him five-year sentence, but cleared him of other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

Sarkozy, who maintains that the case is politically motivated, was accused of accepting millions of euros from Gaddafi in exchange for helping improve Libya’s international image.

While the court found insufficient evidence to link Sarkozy directly to illegal campaign financing, Judge Nathalie Gavarino stated that Sarkozy allowed aides to reach out to Libyan officials for financial support.

The investigation, which began in 2013, was based on allegations from Saif al-Islam, Gaddafi’s son, and Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who claimed to have proof of the funding. Takieddine alleged that the €50 million payments continued even after Sarkozy became president.

Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was charged with hiding evidence related to the case and committing fraud, charges she denies. Since losing re-election in 2012, Sarkozy has faced multiple legal battles, including a 2024 ruling for overspending in his 2012 re-election campaign.

The former president, who was sentenced to one year in prison for bribing a judge in 2021, is expected to be sentenced in this case later today.

Former French President Sarkozy has been found guilty of criminal conspiracy in Libyan case

IGIHE

The party, which debuted in July, introduced a new soundscape to a scene where Afrobeats and Amapiano have long dominated the dance floor. Its focus on R&B, hip-hop, and soul struck a chord with revellers nostalgic for the genre’s golden years, while also drawing in a younger crowd that has embraced the resurgence of contemporary R&B.

This weekend’s edition will once again be hosted by MC Zuba Mutesi, with DJs Khizzbeats, DJ Karim, and others keeping the vibe alive from evening until late.

Organised by SEEV Africa in collaboration with Intore Entertainment, Spin the Block positions itself within Kigali’s nightlife as one of the few locally-owned concepts dedicated to R&B and Old Skool music. It aims to build a space where audiences of different generations — from fans of the new R&B wave to those raised on the sounds of the 1990s and 2000s — can converge.

For the organisers, Spin the Block represents both cultural pride and creative ownership. 'This is about building something rooted in Rwanda, with local DJs, hosts, and a long-term vision,' SEEV Africa founder Paul Atwine said during the first edition.

For Kigali, Spin the Block signals both a celebration of nostalgia and a shift toward more diverse nightlife offerings.

The next edition of Spin the Block is scheduled for December 6th in Kigali, with the final event of the year set to take place in Accra, with the date to be announced soon.

This weekend’s edition will once again be hosted by MC Zuba Mutesi, with DJs Khizzbeats, DJ Karim, and others keeping the vibe alive from evening until late.

Organised by SEEV Africa in collaboration with Intore Entertainment, Spin the Block positions itself within Kigali’s nightlife as one of the few locally-owned concepts dedicated to R&B and Old Skool music.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This victory follows another milestone earlier this month, when BK teams triumphed at the Interbank Tournament by winning in swimming, basketball, and volleyball, underscoring the bank’s growing culture of sports excellence.

Rwanda has set ambitious goals in sports, seeing it not only as a source of entertainment but also as a driver of development. With programs that encourage mass participation and investment in infrastructure, the government is working toward a vision where athletics contribute directly to social cohesion and economic growth.

Bank of Kigali continuously embeds sports into its culture, and it has positioned itself not only as a financial leader, but as an advocate for employee well-being and community development.

Inside BK, sports serve as a catalyst for resilience, teamwork, and collaboration. Outside its walls, the bank’s investments in various sports initiatives such as executive golf tournaments, basketball competitions and others reflect a belief that sports are platforms where talent, and opportunity converge.

The 2025 Corporate League also celebrated individual achievements, with BK’s own Shyaka Olivier earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Speaking after the championship, Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, said:
'I am deeply proud of our Bank of Kigali family. Winning both the Corporate League and the Interbank Tournament shows that when we come together with passion and purpose, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Sport at BK is not just about trophies, it is about wellness and teamwork.

As BK prepares to represent Rwanda in the East Africa Corporate League, it sees its mission aligned with the country’s broader sports agenda: using athletics as a tool to nurture talent, promote inclusion, and strengthen national pride.

For Bank of Kigali, these victories in the pool, on the court, and on the field, do more than make the institution proud, they also contribute to Rwanda’s vision of a healthier nation, stronger sports culture, and the sector’s development.

Bank of Kigali Plc (BK) was crowned champion of the 2025 Rwanda Corporate League on September 13.

Bank of Kigali continuously embeds sports into its culture.

This victory follows another milestone earlier this month, when BK teams triumphed at the Interbank Tournament

The 2025 Corporate League also celebrated individual achievements.

IGIHE

The Hakan Power Plant, located in Mamba Sector next to the Akanyaru marshes, was launched in 2021 after four years of construction. Despite its design capacity of 80 megawatts—70 of which were meant to be fed into the grid—the plant currently generates only about 23 megawatts.

According to the project manager, Tonci Tadic, the main challenge has been the unreliable supply of peat. Initial feasibility studies suggested that the Akanyaru River would not disrupt peat extraction, but rising water levels linked to heavier rainfall have washed away significant deposits.

'What we have observed over the past four years is the impact of climate variability on the Akanyaru River,' Tadic said. 'The earlier study showed the river’s width at 3.5 meters, but it has since expanded to 4.9 meters, causing floods that sweep away our peat.'

Seasonal rains have compounded the problem, making peat mining nearly impossible for three to four months a year. The company also faces a shortage of specialized equipment to extract and transport peat, further limiting operations.

Calls for new investment

Tadic revealed that so far, about $450 million ( approximately Frw 500 billion) has been invested in the plant, but an additional $25 million is needed to expand capacity and resolve the bottlenecks.

'To deliver the 70 megawatts expected to the grid, we must expand the mining area from the current 300 hectares to 800 hectares,' he said. 'We also need at least 40 additional machines to support peat extraction and transportation. With $25 million invested over three years, I believe the plant could finally supply the full 70 megawatts.'

The investor also called for smoother cooperation with the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), which buys the electricity generated by the plant. He noted that while contracts stipulate payment within 45 days, delays have stretched to as long as four months.

'Meanwhile, the Rwanda Revenue Authority still counts penalties for late tax payments, even though REG itself has not paid us on time,' Tadic said.

The Rwandan government has pledged to support the company in addressing these challenges, with discussions underway on how to strengthen collaboration with other agencies.

Broader peat potential

Hakan Power Plant is not the only facility using peat in Rwanda. The Gishoma power plant in Rusizi District also produces 15 megawatts from peat.

Studies indicate that Rwanda holds an estimated 155 million tonnes of peat reserves covering about 50,000 hectares. According to REG data, about 77% of the country’s peat resources are concentrated in the Akanyaru and Nyabarongo wetlands, as well as the Rwabusoro valley.

So far, about $450 million has been invested in the plant.

According to the project manager, Tonci Tadic, the main challenge has been the unreliable supply of peat.

IGIHE

The Head of State made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 194th UCI Congress in Kigali on Thursday, where leaders from 132 national cycling federations gathered to mark the milestone event.

President Kagame lauded Lappartient for standing up for fairness in global sports hosting, noting that his principled leadership opened doors for Africa on the international stage.

'The main rule of any sport is fairness,' Kagame said. 'We thank UCI President David Lappartient for his integrity and courage to stand up for what is right and fair. Governing bodies of sports have a responsibility to open doors and expand access, and that is what we see UCI doing.'

He also addressed the scepticism and dismissive attitudes that often greet Africa hosting global events, calling them outdated and wrong.

'Too often, when Africa or another non-traditional host is chosen for a global event, the reaction is sceptical and frequently dismissive. These reflexive attitudes are outdated and wrong,' Kagame said, emphasizing that Africa has the talent, vision, and infrastructure to host world-class competitions.

President Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s own journey in developing cycling, pointing to investments in infrastructure, training, and the integration of three UCI satellite centres, which make the country only the second in Africa to host such facilities.

He also noted that this week’s championship features 108 nations, including a record 36 from Africa, underscoring the continent’s growing presence in the sport.

In his address on Thursday, UCI President David Lappartient hailed Rwanda’s role in making history by hosting the UCI Congress and World Championships.

'Your Excellency, President Paul Kagame, it’s a very big honour to have you here with us,' Lappartient said. 'The 132 national federations here asked me to thank you and to thank Rwanda for making the history. And it is a wonderful chapter. We will never forget our time in your beautiful country.'

He praised the passion and enthusiasm of Rwandan fans and athletes, noting that the images and memories of the week in Kigali would remain with the cycling world forever.

'Your presence in this room today gives us inspiration and adds prestige to the UCI Congress. Your Excellency, you have made a great impact on the UCI World Championship and the UCI Congress. Thank you very much,' he added.

On Sunday, during the official launch of the UCI in Kigali, Lappartient described the event as the fulfilment of a long-held dream since his 2017 election campaign.

'When I was running for president, I had a dream to bring our pinnacle event to Africa,' he said. 'The talent from Africa has grown tremendously and this week, the world will witness it… This will likely be the hardest UCI Road World Championship ever but also one of the most spectacular, in the Land of a Thousand Hills.'

He credited Rwanda’s leadership for making the milestone possible. 'Without the vision of President Paul Kagame, without our shared vision, it would have been impossible. We are so proud to be here for the first time ever,' Lappartient told the audience.

The week-long championship in Kigali is expected to leave a lasting legacy, not only in sporting achievements but also in demonstrating Africa’s capacity to host world-class events.

President Paul Kagame praised UCI President David Lappartient for his 'integrity and courage' in bringing the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships to Africa for the first time in the sport’s 125-year history.

President Kagame speaks during the opening ceremony of the 194th UCI Congress in Kigali on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The congress brought together leaders from 132 national cycling federations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege