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The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) said it is working with partners to identify machines that can enable farmers and agricultural service providers to adopt the practice on a larger scale.

Of the 765,000 hectares planned for cultivation nationwide during the 2027A season, about 100,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated using soil-conserving methods, which the government considers an important way of improving productivity while protecting farmland.

The approach involves making small planting holes, applying manure or fertiliser and planting crops such as maize or beans without extensively turning over the soil. Farmers then cover the field with mulch.

The method helps retain moisture in the soil when it rains, allowing crops to access water for longer periods and potentially improving yields.

However, the lack of suitable machinery has emerged as one of the challenges to expanding the practice, particularly among farmers cultivating large areas.

RAB Acting Director General Dr. Florence Uwamahoro said the institution was working with various partners to find machinery that could be used by agricultural service providers across the country.

'We are working with different partners to obtain machinery used in soil-conserving agriculture. There are places such as RICA and others where some of these machines are already available, but we want all people providing mechanised farming services to have machines that can be used on large areas,' Dr. Uwamahoro said.

Her comments came on Tuesday during an expanded meeting on preparations for the 2027A agricultural season and measures to strengthen food security in Rwanda's Eastern Province.

The government plans to place greater emphasis on soil-conserving agriculture during the coming season, alongside the expansion of farming under the selected high-productivity areas known as Food Basket Sites (FOBASI).

Authorities expect agricultural output from the FOBASI areas to double compared with previous production levels.

About 246,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated under the FOBASI programme during the 2027A season, with around 100,000 hectares receiving particular attention.

Another 100,000 hectares will specifically be dedicated to soil-conserving agriculture.

FOBASI is a government programme designed to promote areas with high agricultural production potential. Farmers operating in the selected areas receive technical and financial support, early access to agricultural inputs and other assistance intended to improve productivity.

The programme is implemented on relatively small plots of about five hectares, managed by small groups of farmers.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-eyes-machinery-boost-to-expand-conservation-agriculture-in-2027a/

The event will take place at Umuko Lodge, bringing together enduro riders for a day of off-road racing designed to test their riding skills, endurance and ability to navigate challenging terrain.

Organised in partnership with the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), the competition will run from 8am to 3pm and form part of the national motorcycle racing calendar.

Riders will take on a demanding off-road course, with the competition expected to provide a test of both technical ability and stamina.

The third round comes as motorcycle sport continues to gain visibility in Rwanda, with events such as the Umuko Enduro Challenge creating opportunities for riders to compete while attracting spectators to scenic destinations outside Kigali.

Spectator entry will be free, allowing motorsport enthusiasts, families and adventure lovers to watch the competition and enjoy the lakeside setting.

The event will also combine racing with music and entertainment, with Rwandan artist OKKAMA scheduled to perform at an after-party at Umuko Lodge following the competition. A live DJ set will also feature during the entertainment programme.

Organisers say the combination of motorcycle racing, outdoor adventure and entertainment is expected to make the event a gathering point for the motorsport community and the wider public.

The challenge is supported by several sponsors and partners, including Keyrus Rwanda Ltd, Virunga Water, Balton Rwanda, Rwanda Motor, Suzuki, Sonatubes, Araka Digitalisation, Kabisa, Factory Link, Umuko Lodge, La Galette and Fenghao.

Virunga Water is among the partners supporting the event, with the company expected to provide refreshments for riders, teams and spectators.

The Umuko Enduro Challenge is part of efforts to promote enduro and motorcycle sport in Rwanda while creating opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.

The event will feature motorcycle racing, free entry for spectators and live entertainment.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/umuko-enduro-challenge-gears-up-for-third-round-of-rwanda-motorcycle-championship/

The pop superstar, 36, attended the August 15 wedding of recording engineers Oli Jacobs and Laura Sisk in the United Kingdom.

For the celebration, Swift opted for an elegant sleeveless navy blue dress decorated with gold floral appliqués.

She completed the look with a pearl necklace, red lipstick and her engagement and wedding rings.

Her choice of navy blue proved particularly versatile, offering a sophisticated look that works well during the warmer months while also transitioning easily into fall.

Swift's outfit stood out for its combination of simplicity and elegant detailing.

The dark navy color provided a polished alternative to brighter summer shades, while the gold floral decorations added a touch of glamour.

The look also came shortly after Swift married NFL star Travis Kelce.

The couple tied the knot in July, making Swift's appearance at another wedding particularly notable among fans following her fashion choices.

She attended the U.K. ceremony alongside longtime friends and collaborators, including singer Sabrina Carpenter and songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff.

The wedding was held at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Gloucestershire.

For fans inspired by Swift's look but unwilling to spend heavily on designer fashion, People highlighted several more affordable alternatives available on Amazon.

The recommended dresses begin at about $37 and feature elements similar to Swift's outfit, including flattering silhouettes, smocked waists, ruffle details and sophisticated necklines.

The alternatives are designed to work for different body types and occasions, making them suitable not only for weddings but also for other summer and early fall events.

Some can also be easily packed for travel, adding practicality to their appeal.

Swift's latest wedding guest appearance once again demonstrates her ability to turn a simple fashion choice into a trend, with her navy and gold ensemble offering an elegant option for anyone looking to transition their wardrobe from summer into fall.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/taylor-swifts-wedding-guest-dress-inspires-affordable-styles-on-amazon/

The company's service revenue reached Rwf167.5 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2026, up from the same period last year, while profit after tax stood at Rwf17.2 billion.

The performance comes as the use of digital services continues to expand in Rwanda, with individuals and businesses increasingly relying on mobile connectivity and digital payments for communication, commerce and other daily activities.

MTN Rwanda's subscriber base grew by 11.4 percent to 8.7 million during the period. Active data subscribers increased by 14.5 percent to 2.7 million, while active Mobile Money users rose by 14.9 percent to 6.4 million.

Data remained an important source of growth, with data revenue increasing by 14.3 percent to Rwf26.7 billion.

The increase was supported by a 63.6 percent rise in data traffic, as more customers adopted smartphones and made greater use of affordable data bundles.

Voice revenue also increased by 7.1 percent, supported by subscriber growth and the reintroduction of mobile termination rates in August 2025.

MTN Rwanda CEO Monzer Ali said the company's performance reflected more than financial growth, pointing to the expanding role of digital services in the economy.

'Every new smartphone connected, every entrepreneur paid through Mobile Money, and every community reached through our network represents another step towards a more connected, inclusive and digitally empowered Rwanda,' Ali said.

He said MTN Rwanda would continue investing in its network, technology and partnerships to expand access to digital services and support Rwanda's ambitions for a digitally enabled economy.

Mobile Money becomes bigger revenue driver

Mobile Money continued to be one of the strongest performers, with Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL), MTN Rwanda's subsidiary, reporting a 31.3 percent year-on-year increase in MoMo revenue to Rwf90.1 billion.

MoMo accounted for 53.8 percent of MTN Rwanda's service revenue in the first half, up from 49.9 percent during the same period in 2025.

The platform's active merchant base increased by 19.2 percent to 682,000, highlighting the growing use of mobile payments among businesses and consumers.

Advanced services, including remittances and lending, also recorded strong growth, increasing by 28.1 percent and accounting for 28.4 percent of MoMo revenue.

Chantal U Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, said the expansion of the merchant network demonstrated how deeply mobile money has become embedded in Rwanda's economy.

'Growing to 682,000 active merchants shows how deeply mobile money has become embedded in the way Rwandans transact, run businesses and participate in the economy,' she said.

She added that the company would continue working to make MoMo services simpler, more secure and accessible.

MTN Rwanda also recorded significant improvements in profitability and cash generation during the period.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 30.4 percent to Rwf70.5 billion, while the EBITDA margin expanded by 2.8 percentage points to 41.8 percent.

The company attributed the improvement partly to savings generated through its Expense Efficiency Programme.

Capital expenditure, excluding leases, remained largely unchanged at Rwf11.2 billion, while adjusted free cash flow increased by 38.7 percent to Rwf59.3 billion.

MTN Rwanda Chief Financial Officer John Bugunya said the results demonstrated the company's ability to combine commercial growth with tighter financial management.

He said the stronger free cash flow provided a solid financial base for continued investment in network and digital infrastructure.

Digital growth alongside community investment

MTN Rwanda's activities during the first half also included initiatives aimed at supporting communities.

In June, the company conducted its annual 21 Days of Y'ello Care campaign under the theme 'Expanding Equitable Health for Every Community.'

As part of the campaign, MTN Rwanda supported the renovation of the maternity ward and expansion of the laboratory at Kigese Health Centre in Rugarika Sector, Kamonyi District.
The facility serves approximately 61,000 people and handles between 50 and 60 deliveries each month.

As it enters the second half of 2026, MTN Rwanda said it will focus on sustaining its commercial growth, expanding financial inclusion through Mobile Money and improving the quality and reach of its network.

The company said continued investment in connectivity and digital financial services will remain central to its role in Rwanda's digital transformation, while supporting individuals, businesses and communities to participate more fully in the modern economy.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/mtn-rwanda-posts-rwf17-2bn-profit-after-tax-as-h1-revenue-rises-21-9/

RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry told IGIHE that the file was submitted on August 18, 2026.

Murangira said that although investigations are still ongoing, Shema is being investigated for allegedly issuing a bad cheque.

'His case file has been sent to the prosecution. Although investigations are still ongoing, he is being investigated for issuing a bad cheque,' he said.

RIB arrested Shema on August 11, 2026. He was subsequently detained at the RIB station in Kicukiro.

Shema was elected FERWAFA president on August 30, 2025, during the federation's ordinary general assembly, alongside members of the executive committee he leads. The team was dubbed the 'Dream Team.'

After taking office, Shema, a former president of AS Kigali, outlined plans to transform Rwandan football, with a focus on women's football, youth development and infrastructure, among other areas.

Shema served as president of AS Kigali for six years, during which the club won several trophies, including the 2019 and 2022 Peace Cups and the 2022 Super Cup.

Outside football, Shema is the managing director of Africa Medical Supplier, a company that supplies medical equipment in Rwanda.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ferwafa-boss-fabrice-shemas-case-file-forwarded-to-prosecution/

The tariffs were scheduled to take effect at midnight on August 19 and would have affected about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports.

Trump announced the three-day pause on August 18, saying the United States and Canada had reached a deal subject to the finalization of documents.

However, Carney gave a more cautious assessment, saying that 'substantial progress' had been made but that important work remained.

The Canadian government did not publicly confirm the details of an agreement announced by Trump.

The two leaders spoke on Tuesday afternoon, marking their second conversation of the week as negotiators worked to resolve the remaining trade disagreements.

According to the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the proposed agreement would include broader market access for American goods, economic security commitments and alignment on digital trade.

Trump also said Canada had committed to addressing U.S. concerns over Canadian duties on dairy products, alcoholic beverages and motor vehicles.

The trade dispute has created significant uncertainty for Canadian businesses.

The proposed tariffs would have affected products including wine, dairy goods and other imports, with industry groups warning that higher costs could lead to job losses and business closures.

A major disagreement has involved the automotive sector, particularly how North American content in vehicles assembled in Canada should be treated when calculating tariff deductions.

Trump also suggested that the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which was cancelled by former U.S. President Joe Biden in 2021, could potentially be revived, although he provided no details linking the project to the emerging trade agreement.

The three-day pause gives negotiators additional time to finalize the outstanding issues.

For Canada, the immediate threat of the new tariffs has been delayed, but the uncertainty remains until the two governments complete and formally confirm their agreement.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/trump-pauses-50-tariffs-on-canada-as-carney-says-more-work-remains/

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) said 100,000 hectares will be cultivated using soil conservation practices, while 246,000 hectares will be located in designated Food Basket Sites (FOBASI). Of the FOBASI area, 100,000 hectares will receive special attention.

The plans were announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during an expanded meeting held in the Eastern Province to assess preparations for the 2027A agricultural season and discuss measures to strengthen food security.

The Acting Director General of RAB, Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, said soil conservation farming will be among the key priorities during the upcoming season.

'Soil conservation farming is one of the approaches we want to invest in during this agricultural season. We tested it through research to find ways of addressing the effects of climate change,' Dr. Uwamahoro said.

She explained that the approach allows farmers to protect the soil while preparing their fields for planting.

According to Dr. Uwamahoro, farmers clear the land, make planting holes where crops will be planted, apply manure or fertilizer, and continue with weeding and mulching to improve soil conditions and increase production.

She said RAB has already trained a significant number of people who will work with farmers and help them adopt the soil conservation practices.

Government targets higher production in FOBASI areas

Dr. Uwamahoro said RAB is also targeting a significant increase in production from FOBASI areas.

She explained that the institution aims to double the production recorded last year, which has contributed to the decision to increase the area under cultivation.

Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa said preparations for the 2027A season have already begun, with authorities placing particular emphasis on soil conservation and ensuring farmers have the necessary inputs before the rainy season.

He said farmers have started being encouraged to register through Smart Nkunganire so that they can access fertilisers and seeds in time.

The aim is to ensure that farmers are ready to plant as soon as adequate rainfall begins, rather than starting preparations only after the rains have arrived.

'We have also set a target of reaching eight tonnes per hectare in both irrigated and rain-fed areas, while for rice, we aim to reach seven tonnes per hectare,' Rubingisa said.

Maize, beans, rice and soybeans among priority crops

The crops expected to receive particular attention during the 2027A season include maize, beans, rice and soybeans.

Authorities have also urged people who own large areas of farmland but do not cultivate them to allow other residents to use the land for farming.

The measure is intended to increase the amount of land under cultivation and contribute to higher agricultural production.

The preparations for the 2027A season are part of Rwanda's broader efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-to-cultivate-765000-hectares-in-2027a-season-as-government-targets-higher-yields/

Researchers from SWPS University and the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology studied 180 young adults aged 18 to 35 who experienced fear of failure.

The participants took part in four therapy sessions over two weeks, focusing on difficult childhood experiences involving criticism.

The researchers tested different imagery based techniques. One group recalled situations that had caused fear or anxiety.

Another used a technique called Imagery Rescripting, in which participants recalled a painful childhood experience and imagined a supportive defender entering the situation, confronting the person who was criticizing them and protecting the child.

A third group received a similar treatment but included a 10 minute delay designed to strengthen the intervention's effect.

The researchers found that all the imagery based approaches led to significant and lasting reductions in fear of failure.

Participants also experienced lower levels of sadness and guilt. Their physical stress responses when recalling childhood criticism also decreased.

Importantly, the improvements were still visible three and six months after the therapy sessions, suggesting that the effects were not temporary.

The researchers also discovered that imagery rescripting appeared to work particularly well when participants experienced a moment of surprise.

They explained that this may happen when what a person expects differs from what actually happens in the new imagined experience.

This mismatch, known as prediction error, may help the brain loosen established emotional patterns and create new responses to painful memories.

The researchers say the findings suggest that difficult childhood memories do not necessarily have to remain emotionally painful forever.

By creating safer and more supportive endings to distressing experiences, therapy may help people respond differently to challenges in their lives.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/revisiting-childhood-criticism-can-reduce-fear-of-failure-study-finds/

Nsengiyumva made the remarks on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while opening the Africa Water and Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium at the Kigali Convention Centre.

The five-day symposium, running through August 21, is jointly organised by the African Union, the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) and the Government of Rwanda, and facilitated by IRC, a global water, sanitation and hygiene organisation.

The event brings together African leaders, reformers, financiers and development partners to discuss ways of strengthening water and sanitation systems and mobilising sustainable investment.

Nsengiyumva said Africa remains significantly off track in meeting the Sustainable Development Goal on water and sanitation as the 2030 deadline approaches.

'Across Africa, 418 million people still lack basic water services, 779 million lack basic sanitation, and 839 million lack basic hygiene,' he said.

He noted that African countries have invested heavily in infrastructure, including water pipelines, boreholes and treatment plants, but said many of these facilities are not delivering services effectively.

'The lesson is clear: building infrastructure is important but, to a large extent, it is only the beginning; ensuring that the built infrastructure functions effectively and reaches communities over the long term is the real measure of success,' Nsengiyumva said.

He argued that stronger institutions, effective governance, sustainable financing and accountable leadership are needed to turn infrastructure investments into reliable and lasting services.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the African Union's endorsement in February 2026 of the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063, saying it places governance and leadership at the centre of efforts to achieve water security on the continent.

He said better governance could also help African countries unlock more domestic resources for the sector.

According to Nsengiyumva, an African Union panel on water investment found that improved governance, including sound tariffs, effective revenue collection and disciplined financial management, could unlock about $11.5 billion annually, while stronger domestic resource mobilisation could generate another $17.5 billion.

'Africa's water future can and should be paid for by Africans,' he said, while stressing that investors are more likely to commit capital to institutions that demonstrate financial discipline and accountability.

He urged participants to shift the conversation from simply seeking additional funding to building institutions capable of attracting and effectively managing investment.

Nsengiyumva also acknowledged challenges within Rwanda's own water sector, including high non-revenue water and ongoing efforts to improve rural water service delivery, including through private operators.

'There is nothing 'non-revenue' about water that has been treated and pumped, but never reaches the people it is meant to serve,' he said, describing such losses as both a waste of resources and a failure to deliver services to citizens.

The symposium is expected to produce the Kigali Communiqué on Systems Transformation for the Realisation of the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063.

Nsengiyumva urged participants to make the commitments in the communiqué specific and measurable, saying the success of the gathering should ultimately be judged by changes in the institutions, decisions and services delivered after participants return to their respective countries.

He also called for the discussions to continue beyond Kigali, urging participants to carry the commitments and proposed solutions to Abu Dhabi in December.

'I encourage all of you: ministers, regulators, utility leaders, mayors, financiers, civil society organisations and young professionals, to make this a document you truly own,' he said.

The symposium is focused on accelerating water and sanitation transformation for sustainable impact, with particular emphasis on financial credibility as a foundation for sustainable investment and resilient water and sanitation systems.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/africas-water-future-depends-on-stronger-institutions-accountable-leadership-pm-nsengiyumva/

Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Sleepwalker, which was filmed in 2025, became her final film role.

Chatwin, who previously worked with Panettiere on Heroes, reunited with her years later while filming Sleepwalker.

He said the experience allowed him to reconnect with the actress and see what she was going through at that stage of her life.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Chatwin described Panettiere as a warm and kind person with 'one of the biggest hearts' he had encountered.

However, he said he could also see that she was struggling and felt lonely outside the filming environment.

Chatwin reflected on the nature of acting, explaining that performers can spend hours surrounded by colleagues on set before returning home alone.

'At the end of the day, you go home from a warm fun movie set where everyone's telling you you're great and you're alone in your house,' he said.

He said he enjoyed talking with Panettiere and valued the opportunity to reconnect with her while working on the film.

Sleepwalker is a psychological thriller in which Panettiere plays a woman dealing with trauma following the loss of her daughter. The film also stars Chatwin and other actors.

Panettiere had previously spoken openly about some of the challenges she faced throughout her life, including addiction and postpartum depression. She also addressed her experiences in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

Chatwin's recollections provide a personal perspective on the actress during the final stage of her career, highlighting not only the difficulties she faced but also the kindness and warmth he remembered.

Panettiere began acting as a child and went on to build a successful career in television and film, becoming widely recognized for her roles in Heroes and Nashville.

Her final performance in Sleepwalker now stands as the last chapter of a career that spanned decades.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/actor-justin-chatwin-recalls-hayden-panettieres-loneliness-before-her-death/