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Innovate4DigiJobs seeks to foster purpose-driven innovation by supporting solutions that generate sustainable impact and empower communities, particularly by equipping youth with the skills, tools, and networks to thrive in the digital era.

'Innovate4DigiJobs is not just about winning a competition — it’s about the impact we’re targeting,' said Alex Ntale, CEO of the Rwanda ICT Chamber.

'If your passion is about changing lives, not just chasing profits, we want to make sure you’re not left behind.'

The program invites participation from a diverse pool of actors, including business development service providers, TVET institutions, social enterprises, cooperatives, and workers’ or employers’ organisations.

The application deadline has been extended to June 27, 2025, and submissions can be made via the ICT Chamber’s official portal: ictchamber.rw/innovate4jobs-application-form.

Speaking at the launch, ILO Project Manager Fatima Elsanousi Sirelkhatim highlighted the program’s inclusive approach to digital transformation: 'It is vital to ensure no one is left behind.'

Echoing that sentiment, Ngabo Brave, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, emphasised the need for digital skills to serve positive and transformative purposes: 'It would be unfortunate to have digital skills and apply them in the wrong way. Innovate4DigiJobs paves a meaningful path for young people to leverage their digital talents the right way.'

The Innovate4DigiJobs challenge encourages young innovators to go beyond technology for its own sake and instead focus on digital solutions that uplift communities, generate decent jobs, and fuel inclusive growth.

The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader digital transformation goals and complements ongoing efforts by public and private actors to nurture a tech-savvy, empowered youth capable of driving inclusive growth and innovation.

The Rwanda ICT Chamber, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Government of Luxembourg, has launched Innovate4DigiJobs, an ambitious initiative aimed at connecting young digital talents to employment and opportunity within Rwanda’s growing digital economy.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The latest data shows broad-based growth across all major sectors, with the services and industry sectors recording particularly robust performance.

Services remained the dominant contributor to the economy, accounting for 46% of GDP. The sector expanded by 9% year-on-year, buoyed by double-digit growth in wholesale and retail trade (14%), information and communication services (19%), and public administration (14%).

Financial services rose by 8%, while hotels and restaurants saw a 5% increase. Education grew by 5%, though health services experienced a 1% decline. Notably, land transport expanded by 10%, offsetting a 10% drop in air transport, resulting in an overall 4% growth in transport services.

Industry contributed 23% to GDP and recorded a 9% growth in the first quarter. The construction sub-sector led with a 13% increase, reflecting ongoing infrastructure development. Manufacturing expanded by 12%, driven by strong growth in the production of metal products (up 22%), chemicals, rubber and plastic products (up 15%), and food processing (up 2%).

However, the mining and quarrying sub-sector contracted by 3%, weighed down by an 18% fall in coltan exports and a 12% decline in wolfram exports. In contrast, cassiterite exports increased by 9%, with processed cassiterite exports surging by 90%, even as raw exports declined by 5%.

Agriculture, which contributed 24% to GDP, recorded modest growth of 2%. Food crop production declined by 1% due to lower maize and beans output, down 5% and 1%, respectively, after a strong harvest in 2024.

Conversely, Irish potato and cassava production rose by 3% and 5%, respectively. Export crops posted mixed results: coffee production increased by 16%, while tea production fell by 9%, following a spike of 21% in Q1 2024.

Net taxes contributed the remaining 7% to GDP.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The 13th PSCSC intake was attended by 20 law enforcement officers from Rwanda as well as 14 from allied students from South Sudan, Kenya, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Botswana.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta presided over the colourful graduation, which was also attended by Police Chiefs from Kenya and South Sudan, diplomats as well as families of the graduates.

It was also attended by Deputy Police Chiefs and high ranking law enforcement officers Central African Republic (CAR), Botswana, Eswatini and Namibia.

Minister Biruta congratulated the senior law enforcement officers upon successful completion of the rigorous academic and professional programme.

“Today, we have gathered here to celebrate your achievements, as well as your efforts, hard work, team spirit, commitment, and resilience,” Minister Biruta said.

He reminded them that learning is continuous, where there is still more to do, more to learn, and more to achieve.

“The world’s history shows that conflict is a constant feature of human society. In today’s world, modernization and globalization have made law enforcement more challenging and multifaceted. Maintaining peace and security therefore, requires even greater effort, not only to prevent and combat crimes, but also to address the underlying factors that can lead to conflict,” the Minister stated.

He expressed gratitude to the African countries that sent students to participate in this course, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges and fostering a peaceful continent.

The Minister also said that fighting crimes and resolving conflicts on the continent calls for regional and international cooperation, especially in this technological era and globalized world.

The acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Assoc. Prof Didas M. Kayihura, said that a world increasingly marked by tension and volatility, the work of peace-builders and
conflict transformation experts are more vital than ever.

He congratulated them for choosing to be part of the solution—agents of healing, unity, and constructive change.

“The knowledge and competencies you have acquired at the National Police College, through this Masters Programme… place you at the heart of continental and global efforts to promote sustainable peace,” Kayihura said. “From mediation to negotiation, from conflict analysis to post-conflict reconstruction, you are now better equipped to lead with compassion, wisdom, and vision.”

Veda Sunassee, the Chief Executive Office of African Leadership University, said that the graduation reflects a vision rooted in trust, purpose, and progress.

He urged them to carry on with the values of integrity, excellence and nation-building, which define this programme.

The PSCSC is a one-year programme delivered by the National Police College in partnership with the University of Rwanda and the African Leadership University.

It combines three components; the Police Command and Staff, which awards successful participants with the Passed Staff College (Psc) title; Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.

The 13th PSCSC intake was attended by 20 law enforcement officers from Rwanda as well as 14 from allied students from South Sudan, Kenya, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Botswana.

The PSCSC is a one-year programme delivered by the National Police College in partnership with the University of Rwanda and the African Leadership University.

The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, June 20, 2025.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta who presided over the colourful graduation, congratulated the senior law enforcement officers upon successful completion of the rigorous academic and professional programme.

The ceremony was attended by Police Chiefs from Kenya and South Sudan, diplomats as well as families of the graduates. It was also attended by Deputy Police Chiefs and high ranking law enforcement officers Central African Republic (CAR), Botswana, Eswatini and Namibia.

IGIHE

Speaking during a joint Parliamentary session on Thursday, June 19, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente said the measure is intended to prevent unexpected disruptions linked to ongoing global conflicts, particularly the Israel-Iran war.

The conflict, which began on June 13, 2025, has sparked global concern over the potential shortage or surge in prices of petroleum products, which are essential for economies and daily life.

The fears are justified, given that both sides have targeted oil storage and infrastructure in their attacks. As of June 19, 2025, the price of a barrel of crude oil had risen to $78.85, reflecting a 7% increase since the war began.

Analysts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route between Iran and Oman, were to be blocked, crude oil prices could spike to between $120 and $130 per barrel. The strait facilitates the daily movement of 16 to 21 million barrels of oil.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament while presenting the Government’s performance in improving citizens’ welfare, Prime Minister Ngirente was asked what measures Rwanda is taking to mitigate potential impacts from a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

'We currently have a team assessing how this issue could affect us and the potential consequences. Since our petroleum is imported, any international disruption always prompts us to form a response team to determine the necessary steps,” he responded.

'Even as we speak, the task force is monitoring daily updates on the state of fuel imports, national reserves, and weekly inflows — whether through Dar es Salaam or Mombasa — and evaluating how to distribute them based on origin and impact scenarios.'

Ngirente stressed, 'We aim to avoid surprises… the government must always stay prepared.'

Expected impacts

Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore explained that 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through the Strait of Hormuz, including oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran.

'All these countries export through that route. A disruption there would impact the global market, and consequently, Rwanda. We would likely experience a price increase or reduced import volumes,' he said.

He noted that while most shipping routes pass through Hormuz, such global-scale disruptions typically prompt swift international responses to prevent long-term crises.

'Even if something were to happen, we expect it would not last long. There might be price volatility, but not a severe global collapse.'

Rwanda currently has seven storage facilities with a combined capacity of 117.2 million litres of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.

'You know we have strategic reserves, and a monitoring team constantly tracks imports to ensure our tanks are full where we can rely on our reserves in the case of a short-term disruption, while the world resolves the issue,” Dr. Gasore stated.

Plans are underway to expand Rwanda’s fuel storage capacity to 334 million litres.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente said the government has established a task force to monitor fuel imports and national reserves in response to the escalating war between Israel and Iran.

Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore explained that 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through the Strait of Hormuz, including oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran.

Members of Parliament and Senators raised concerns that the ongoing war between Israel and Iran could disrupt the supply of petroleum products in Rwanda.

IGIHE

According to the ministry, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, will be observed as Independence Day, while Friday, July 4, 2025, will mark Liberation Day. In addition to the national holidays, the government has granted public holidays on Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, 2025, creating a long holiday break for citizens.

Independence Day commemorates Rwanda’s achievement of sovereignty from colonial rule on July 1, 1962, marking the birth of the nation as an independent state. Liberation Day, on the other hand, celebrates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s subsequent liberation by the Rwandan Patriotic Army, symbolising national unity, recovery, and hope for a peaceful future.

Official government work will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025, following the extended break. The Ministry also emphasised that essential services will remain operational during this period.

“Essential services will remain open to ensure continuity of operations,” the statement issued on Friday, June 20, reads in part.

As the nation prepares to celebrate these important national holidays, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour urged all Rwandans to observe the holidays “responsibly and safely”.

The extended break provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together and reflect on Rwanda’s progress and achievements as the country marks its independence and liberation.

The Liberation monument at Parliament gardens in Kigali. Liberation Day, observed on July 4, celebrates the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s subsequent liberation by the Rwandan Patriotic Army, symbolising national unity, recovery, and hope for a peaceful future.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the state-owned airport management firm and the global leader in energy management and automation.

Schneider Electric, with a presence in over 100 countries, will provide technical support, consultancy, and maintenance services focused on energy management, electrical infrastructure, and automation systems across RAC-managed airports.

Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of RAC, said the partnership aligns with the company’s vision to modernise Rwanda’s aviation infrastructure.

'Schneider Electric’s global expertise aligns with our vision to modernise and maintain high-quality aviation infrastructure and to deliver world-class solutions crafted to the unique needs of Rwanda’s airports,” he stated.

“This MOU intends to establish a strategic partnership between Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) and Schneider Electric to enhance passenger experience, enhance operational efficiency and resilience, ensure compliance and safety, strengthen cyber security, and promote the sustainability of airport operations in Rwanda.”

The collaboration is expected to accelerate digital transformation within Rwanda’s airports, supporting RAC’s broader ambition to build sustainable and future-ready aviation facilities.

'This partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation, decarbonisation, and resilience-building across RAC-managed airports while ensuring compliance with global aviation standards,” Habonimana added.

The MOU also provides a structure for the development of both short- and long-term projects through mutual agreements.

Schneider Electric will deploy its EcoStruxure for Airports platform to optimise intelligent automation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency.

Ifeanyi Odoh, President of Schneider Electric (Kenya) Limited, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s aviation sector through advanced technological solutions.

“We are excited to leverage our EcoStruxure for Airports platform to improve intelligent automation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency at these critical facilities,” Odoh said, further expressing Schneider Electric’s readiness to collaborate with the RAC to establish a Unified Operations Centre (UOC) to centralise oversight and decision-making.

“Aligning with RAC’s Net Zero objectives, we are prepared to develop a comprehensive sustainability roadmap focusing on renewable energy integration, microgrids, and energy efficiency measures to support decarbonisation and sustainability goals,” he explained.

He emphasised the potential for AI-assisted condition-based maintenance practices to enhance asset lifespan and operational durability.

“Through AI-driven predictive maintenance and lifecycle management, we can significantly improve operations.”

To facilitate this, Odoh assured that Schneider Electric would provide consulting, training, and technical support to ensure the effective implementation and transfer of knowledge.

The new agreement marks a key step in RAC’s mission to transform Rwanda into a regional aviation hub, as the country continues to invest in infrastructure that meets international standards for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, such as the Bugesera International Airport currently under construction.

This MOU intends to establish a strategic collaboration between Rwanda Airport Company (RAC) and Schneider Electric to enhance passenger experience, efficiency, resiliency, adherence to compliance, Safety, Cyber Security, and sustainability of airport operations in Rwanda.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The charges stem from testimonies and evidence presented during an ongoing trial involving nine individuals, among them journalist Théoneste Nsengimana of Umubavu TV.

The prosecution has linked Ingabire to covert training sessions allegedly organized under the banner of DALFA-Umurinzi, a political movement that has not been legally registered in Rwanda.

Prosecutors claim that these sessions served as a platform for plotting a campaign to overthrow the government, allegedly through non-violent strategies inspired by the book Blueprint for Revolution by Serbian activist Srdja Popovic.

According to testimonies, the sessions were attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members who were reportedly coached on how to exploit popular grievances, such as land tax policies, urban relocation disputes (notably in Kangondo), and grievances of motorcycle taxi drivers, to provoke public demonstrations.

Training modules referred to as Operation Shirubwoba, Serwakira, and Sondage were reportedly used to encourage participants to raise concerns in their communities and mobilize others through informal surveys and dialogue techniques.

Prosecutors argue that the ultimate goal was to launch coordinated protests on October 14, 2021, during a so-called commemorative event dubbed 'Ingabire Day.'

One key witness, Nzabandora Boniface, testified that he initially joined the training under the belief it was for English language instruction, only to discover its political intentions. Alarmed by the agenda, he decided to withdraw and later reported the matter to authorities.

The prosecution maintains that the sessions were orchestrated by Sibomana Sylvain, allegedly with the assistance of a woman named Assumpta, and that Ingabire herself was central to connecting and supporting both organizers.

It is alleged that she not only facilitated the planning but also financed the internet data used by participants during the training. Audio recordings from these sessions, presented in court, reportedly capture discussions on anti-government mobilization strategies, including how to frame narratives to agitate relocated citizens and informal traders.

In her defense, Ingabire denied organizing or endorsing the sessions, asserting that she merely put Sibomana in contact with Assumpta after the former complained of dental problems and requested help.

However, prosecutors dismissed this explanation, insisting that Ingabire’s involvement went far beyond casual support. They argued that she was fully aware of the operation and closely followed its progress.

Journalist Théoneste Nsengimana also faces serious charges, including attempts to overthrow the government, spreading false information, and affiliation with a criminal group.

The prosecution claims that his media platforms, Umubavu TV and Umubavu.com, were used to amplify false and inflammatory content against the state.

This included allegations that singer Kizito Mihigo had been murdered rather than having died by suicide, and reports accusing the government of detaining individuals like Idamage Iryamugwiza Yvonne and Karasira Aimable without cause.

Nsengimana has denied all charges, stating that the information he broadcast was sourced from Ingabire’s close associates, known as “Inkora IVU” (supporters of Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza).

Given the repeated references to Ingabire throughout the trial, the court concluded that it was essential to hear her account directly. However, after reviewing her testimony, the judges found her explanations insufficient and determined that there was enough evidence to justify a full investigation.

All accused individuals have pleaded not guilty and have requested their release, citing extended pretrial detention.

The prosecution, however, has called for life sentences for all defendants, except for Alphonse Mutabazi, who did not attend the training sessions, for whom a 20-year prison term is being sought.

The investigation into Victoire Ingabire is expected to conclude by July 3, 2025. The next hearing is scheduled for July 7, where the findings of the probe may shape the future direction of the case.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed the arrest of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza on June 19, 2025.

IGIHE

Rayon Sports FC is undergoing a major rebuild as it eyes a strong campaign both in domestic competitions and on the continental stage in the CAF Confederation Cup.

As part of its technical restructuring, the club has been unveiling new signings to its coaching staff. Following the appointment of Afahmia Lotfi as head coach, Rayon has now brought in Bakame to take charge of the goalkeeping department.

The club’s Football Administrative Director, Irambona Eric, confirmed the deal via social media, announcing that talks with Bakame had been successfully concluded.

Bakame had been with Bugesera FC since 2023, initially joining as a player before hanging up his gloves and taking on the role of goalkeeping coach.

However, towards the end of last season, as Bugesera prepared to face Rayon on matchday 28 of the Rwanda Premier League, he was suspended in a tactical move by the club.

This marks a homecoming for the 36-year-old, who previously donned the Rayon jersey as a player until 2018 before making a move to Kenyan giants AFC Leopards.

Over the course of his playing career, Bakame featured for several top clubs including APR FC, Police FC, AS Kigali, Tusker FC (Kenya), and Atraco FC.

He now replaces Mazimpaka André as Rayon’s new goalkeeping coach, bringing both experience and familiarity back to the Blues’ dressing room.

Ndayishimiye Eric ‘Bakame’ has returned to Rayon Sports, a club he last played for in 2018.

Ndayishimiye Eric ‘Bakame’ was the goalkeeping coach at Bugesera FC.

IGIHE

Speaking to IGIHE, Kitoko shared that while he has not set a specific date, his return is imminent.

'Yes, I’ve been preparing for it. I want to return. It’s been 12 years since I left home. I miss making music in Rwanda, but more importantly, there are personal and professional projects I want to pursue there. At any moment, you might hear that I’ve made the move,' he stated.

Despite being based in the UK, Kitoko affirmed that he remains musically active. With more flexibility in his schedule compared to previous years, when he balanced his academic commitments with business, he has found renewed energy for his music career.

Kitoko recently released a new single titled “In Love”, adding to his catalog of popular tracks that began with his 2008 breakout song 'Ikiragi.' His early success quickly established him as a leading voice in Rwanda’s music scene.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Kitoko has continued to invest in his education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from South Bank University in 2022 and later enrolled in a Master’s program at London Metropolitan University.

The artist is also scheduled to perform at the upcoming Rwanda Liberation Day celebration in Belgium on July 4, 2025.

Kitoko earned a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from South Bank University in 2022 and later enrolled in a Master’s program at London Metropolitan University.

IGIHE