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This project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across East Africa.

ENSURE seeks to improve long-term agricultural sustainability by expanding access to robust extension services and strengthening Partner States’ capacity to deliver effective training and responsive services.

It will focus on three primary areas: creating a harmonized regional policy for extension and inputs, deploying a regional pluralistic extension approach (involving public, private, and NGO sectors), and building capacity to address trans-boundary pests like the fall armyworm and desert locusts.

Over 5 million people, including 50% women, are expected to benefit from improved agricultural extension systems, and the project is expected to create at least 1 million jobs, with half of those benefiting women.

Speaking during the launch of the project on Tuesday, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said that the project begins at a pivotal moment as the EAC aims to transform its agricultural sector through various initiatives, including the Agricultural Inputs System Development Programme and the EAC Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP).

The DSG underscored the importance of the project in promoting a regional approach to strengthening agricultural extension, enhancing the role of extension in transforming agriculture, facilitating farmers access to advice and information, and supporting the adoption of climate-smart technologies and building the resilience of farming communities.

'I ask everyone to concentrate on how our efforts will contribute to the project’s broader goals, while also emphasizing value for money. Our citizens are the true stakeholders in this process, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the outcomes of this project lead to meaningful improvements in the agricultural sector of the Partner States.'

Ariik further emphasised the critical role of agriculture in the region’s economic landscape, adding that the agricultural sector remains the backbone of EAC economies in addition to employing over 60% of the population.

On his part, the AfDB Chief Agricultural Technologies Officer – Agricultural Research, Production and Sustainability, Dr. Innocent Musyabimana, highlighted the importance of investment in agriculture for fostering regional development.

'The African Development Bank is committed to financing projects that enhance agricultural resilience and productivity. We are proud to support the ENSURE Project, as it aligns with our mission to improve food security and reduce poverty across the continent,' said Dr. Nusyabimana.

Dr. Musyabimana said the project seeks to address the main challenges faced by farmers in the region including: limited access to extension services and training, limited access to new climate-smart technologies and inputs, and limited knowledge and skills to use these inputs effectively.

'With the use of digital extension technologies (internet, podcasts, videos, social media platforms), the project will seek to bridge the gap in access to extension information between men, women, and youth by promoting more equitable access among these different beneficiaries,' he said.

The three-year project is expected to meaningfully support the improvement of women and men’s access to agricultural technology and knowledge to support the implementation of its Gender Policy and place the institution as a leader in this sector.

The project will concentrate on advancing agricultural innovations that can attract youth to participate in agricultural activities as well as reduce the workload for women and boost their productivity and raise their income.

This photo taken in 2020 shows farmers grouped in Duhingire Isoko Ruheru Cooperative in Ruheru Sector of Nyaruguru District watering irish potatoes using engine powered water pump. Photo Théophile Niyitegeka

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He made the disclosure during a media briefing on Tuesday, Muswere noting that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has set up 214 surveillance traps to combat armyworms, which have been ravaging many parts of the southern African country.

All districts now have chemicals on standby to respond to the pest. Sixty trucks, one for each district, have been purchased to ensure a timely response and better preparedness, he said.

Muswere added that 639,809 knapsack sprayers have also been distributed to some beneficiaries of the Presidential Agricultural Input Support Scheme, under which farmers in rural areas are assisted to engage in climate-proof agriculture.

Farmers, who are expecting good harvests following favorable rains during the current agriculture season, have expressed concern that they may lose out to armyworms, which primarily feed on leaves and may also attack maize stalks.

Muswere assured farmers that Zimbabwe’s Grain Marketing Board, the country’s leading grain trading and marketing entity, currently has sufficient grain to meet the needs of rural communities until the next harvest.

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The index slightly rose to 102.8 in January 2025 from 102.7 in December 2024, indicating trade volumes remain above trend. A barometer reading above 100 suggests higher-than-trend trade activity, while readings below 100 indicate potential decline.

While the WTO noted accelerating merchandise trade growth, it also warned of risks from rising trade policy uncertainty and potential new tariffs that could impact trade in the medium term. A slowdown in demand is expected later this year.

The barometer’s components showed consistent trends in export orders, electronic components, and raw materials. Meanwhile, automotive products, container shipping, and air freight all performed better than expected.

WTO’s projections for 2024 and 2025 trade volume growth, released in October 2024, were largely in line with the developments observed in the first three quarters of 2024, with anticipated growth rates of 2.7 percent for 2024 and 3 percent for 2025.

The World Trade Organization (WTO), on Wednesday, March 12, reported steady growth in global goods trade at the start of 2025.

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The RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.

The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including a 3-year-old girl, and reported that some of the 23 injured were critically wounded and had to be transferred to medical facilities.

The RSF also launched drone strikes on key locations in El Fasher, but the SAF successfully intercepted the drones with air defense systems. The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.

El Fasher has been a hotspot of intense fighting between the SAF and the RSF since May 2023.

Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing conflict since April 2023, resulting in over 29,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 15 million people, according to UN and migration agency reports.

The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed that the RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.

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The report was presented during the 57th session of the Economic Commission for Africa: Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Zuzana Schwidrowski, UNECA’s director of macroeconomics, finance, and governance, highlighted that while African economies are resilient, growth rates are still insufficient to significantly drive social development across the continent.

She also pointed out ongoing risks such as global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and reduced aid, which could hinder growth.

Although intra-African trade is diversifying and becoming more vibrant in certain regions, overall trade’s contribution to growth has declined compared to past levels.

The report also revealed that, despite a decline in extreme poverty across the continent, it remains persistently high in most regions, with North Africa as the only exception.

Climate change poses an additional challenge, with rising temperatures expected to lower agricultural yields, exacerbating food insecurity in some regions.

Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 3.8 percent in 2025 and 4.1 percent in 2026.

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The event, held in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, was organized by Shooting Touch, an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts in partnership with the district leadership.

It highlighted the intersection of gender equity and public health. Through basketball competitions and open discussions, community leaders emphasized the need to challenge traditional gender norms and improve health awareness.

Notably, the event provided free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV, allowing more than 157 community members to access vital health information and medical support.

Local officials underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive development. Appolinarie Bamurange, the Gender Monitoring Officer, stressed that achieving gender equality requires collective action and systemic change.

'Everyone’s rights matter and must be fully respected. Our country’s vision is shared and equal welfare, security, and protection of every citizen, with no gender-based discrimination,' she said.

'We must put all our efforts together and find solutions to the challenges we encounter. This will lead us to common and shared development, where no one is left behind because of being male or female,' she added.

The basketball competitions played a central role in showcasing the capabilities of women and youth. Four competitive matches featured women’s teams, U13 youth teams, and U18 girls’ and boys’ teams from Rilima and Mayange Sectors.

These games not only provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills but also challenged the societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.

There is a societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.

Ephraim Sebarundi, the Executive Secretary of Rilima Sector, highlighted the value of integrating gender equality principles through sports.

'The Mayange and Rilima women’s teams have shown us outstanding basketball matches. I am sure they could even win against the men! Together, let’s appreciate this gender equality in sports and integrate gender equality principles into the lives of young boys and men,' he said.

Beyond the court, the event advanced community health efforts. Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80, increasing access to early detection and medical advice.

Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.

According to Benjamin Tuyishimire, the Health Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the goal was to empower individuals to take control of their health.

'It’s important for individuals to know their health status and to encourage them to visit health facilities and take initiative in improving their well-being,' he explained.

The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.

By combining athletic engagement with public health outreach and gender advocacy, the community is fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender or social status.

Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.

These games provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills.

Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80.

Sports has emerged as a powerful tool to promote gender equality.

The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.

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This announcement follows a brief visit by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.

Angola, which has been acting as the official mediator in the conflict, confirmed that it will first hold preliminary consultations with M23 representatives to organize a delegation for the talks with the Kinshasa government.

The upcoming discussions mark the first formal dialogue between the two sides after months of escalating violence in eastern Congo.

The conflict intensified in late January when the rebels advanced and seized control of the strategic city of Goma. Last month, they also captured Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city.

Despite the rebel group’s territorial gains, the DRC government had previously refused to engage with M23, maintaining a hardline stance against direct negotiations.

President Tshisekedi has consistently rejected direct engagement with M23. He notably skipped the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, where regional leaders urged the DRC to open talks with the rebels.

The pressure on Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations increased during the African Union (AU) summit on February 15, which he also missed to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany.

The AU summit endorsed earlier resolutions from EAC and SADC, reinforcing calls for direct dialogue with M23 to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While M23 welcomed the proposal, Kinshasa remained opposed until now.

Angola’s mediation efforts aim to bridge the gap between the two sides and create a pathway to lasting peace in the conflict-torn eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

For its part, M23 has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that decisions were made without their involvement.

The upcoming talks represent a critical opportunity to directly address their grievances and seek a negotiated resolution.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi made a brief visit to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.

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He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare. The session was centered on issues highlighted in the 2023-2024 report by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

Responding to a question from MP Germaine Mukabalisa about efforts to improve journalists’ welfare, Mugenzi clarified that journalists are primarily overseen by RGB.

“RGB does not report to MINALOC, meaning I cannot directly request their report, but we work together. However, this collaboration must be handled carefully to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if I were to speak on RGB’s operations, people might question why I do not do the same for LODA, which is under my direct responsibility,” he explained.

Although RGB does not report directly to MINALOC, Mugenzi assured that collaboration with different government bodies could help resolve these issues.

'The media agenda and journalists’ welfare are matters we will continue to work on together because they fall under our mandate. Although their report is handled elsewhere, I can always engage with the Minister in charge to find a way forward,” he said

“I assure you that this is not an unsolvable issue. What is important is to establish platforms for dialogue and consultation to address these challenges. Both RGB and MINALOC will work together to provide solutions to the concerns raised,” Mugenzi emphasized.

The report by RGB revealed that 44.5% of journalists earn less than Rwf 200,000 per month, an amount deemed insufficient for journalists to perform their duties effectively.

The team from MINALOC appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare.

It also indicated that only 42.9% of media outlets provide formal employment contracts to their employees, while only 28.6% offer social security benefits.

The report further highlighted the low representation of women in the media sector. Mugenzi acknowledged this concern but stressed that no one is excluded from the profession.

“Women should continue to increase their participation in the media industry, moving from the current 35% recorded in 2023 to 50% or even beyond,” he stated.

The government, through collaborative efforts with RGB and other stakeholders, aims to address these challenges and create a conducive working environment for all media practitioners in the country.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, Gender Equality, and Social Welfare, Nabahire Anastase (right), and his Deputy, De Bonheur Jeanne D’Arc.

Local Government Minister, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi has pledged more collaboration to address challenges faced by the media sector.

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In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Tesi Rusagara, the Minister of State for Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, outlined Rwanda’s strategic plan.

Among the key targets are doubling exports to $7.3 billion and increasing private investments to 21.5 per cent of GDP. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Rwanda into a lower-middle-income country by 2035 and an upper-middle-income country by 2050.

“Taxation plays a crucial role in financing investments and attracting private sector participation,” Minister Rusagara stated. Thus, the government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14 per cent to 18 per cent over the next five years through comprehensive tax reforms.

These reforms are designed to widen the tax base and increase domestic resource mobilization. For example, previously exempt sectors, such as financial services and ICT, are now included in the tax framework to align with Rwanda’s growing economy.

The government is also mindful of the potential impact on consumers and businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to inflation like fuel and food. Special measures are being implemented to monitor and mitigate these effects.

The tax reforms also aim to encourage positive behavior. For instance, the government is offering tax waivers on electric vehicles to promote the adoption of green mobility. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth while addressing environmental concerns.

Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda. Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.

This reflects strong investor confidence in the country’s manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT sectors. “PPPs are essential in leveraging capital, expertise, and innovation to drive infrastructure development,” Rusagara said.

Investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, ICT, and hospitality, are central to the government’s vision. These projects not only improve connectivity but also stimulate job creation and ancillary industries.

Looking ahead, Rwanda remains focused on enhancing its international financial sector to attract investors and solidify its position as a stable and lucrative market in Africa. The government is optimistic that its strategic initiatives will drive long-term economic prosperity.

With a clear roadmap and a commitment to sustainable growth, Rwanda is poised to achieve its ambitious development goals and emerge as a leading economy in the region.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda.

Rwanda is charting an ambitious path to accelerate its economic growth, aiming to double exports.

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Government officials argue that CAF should have consulted them before taking such drastic measures, especially since the stadium had already been undergoing renovations.

Speaking today, 12 March 2025, Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, confirmed that the government received the news of the stadium’s suspension earlier in the day.

“It is true that we woke up today to the news that CAF has closed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to issues with the pitch. Their inspection was conducted about two weeks ago, following the match between Simba and Azam. However, it is important to remember that we had already declared the stadium closed for renovations,” he said.

Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, elaborated on the circumstances leading up to CAF’s decision. “These matches attract large crowds and involve numerous security measures.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) had requested to use the stadium, and on the match day, the pitch had been trimmed down completely. Given the intensity of the game, players experienced some minor instability while running,” he explained.

He further revealed that CAF officials were present during the match and advised the Tanzanian authorities to make necessary improvements. Additionally, they requested to inspect the equipment used for pitch maintenance.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cited the continued decline in the quality of the stadium’s playing surface as the primary reason for the temporary suspension. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, TFF confirmed that this decision will impact upcoming fixtures.

Notably, the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) quarter-final match between Simba SC and Egypt’s Al Masry, originally scheduled for April 9 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, will now need to be relocated to an alternative venue.

“CAF will conduct an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 20 March 2025 to assess the improvements made before deciding whether to lift the suspension or extend it,” the TFF statement added.

CAF has directed the Tanzanian authorities to undertake urgent improvements to meet the required standards and prevent the stadium from facing a prolonged ban.

The outcome of the scheduled inspection on 20 March will determine whether the iconic stadium can resume hosting major continental matches or remain under suspension.

The Tanzanian government remains hopeful that the ongoing renovations and collaboration with CAF will lead to a positive resolution.

For now, the spotlight remains on the efforts to restore the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to the standards expected by the continental football governing body.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily banned the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium for its games.

Government officials argue that CAF should have consulted them before taking such drastic measures, especially since the stadium had already been undergoing renovations.

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