Author: admin

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Ivorian Minister of Commerce Souleymane Diarrassouba highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to global economic shocks, mainly due to heavy reliance on commodities and infrastructure deficits.

More than half of African nations depend on oil, gas, or minerals for over 60% of their export earnings, leaving them exposed to global market fluctuations. Additionally, trade costs across the continent are 50% higher than the global average, owing to underdeveloped transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

Grynspan emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could create a market worth $3.4 trillion. She urged African countries to implement bold reforms, make strategic investments, and fully realize AfCFTA’s potential to enhance economic resilience and global competitiveness.

Key recommendations from the report include diversifying exports, boosting intra-African trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are responsible for 80% of Africa’s jobs ,and establishing early warning systems for trade risks.

Grynspan also lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience, noting the country contributes 40% of West Africa’s GDP growth and attracts 30% of the region’s foreign investments.

Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe underscored the role of the private sector as the economy’s engine, accounting for 75% of investments and 26% of GDP.

He outlined government efforts to improve business conditions, such as improving logistics, expanding digital connectivity, and providing targeted funding.

The report highlights Africa’s $194 billion annual infrastructure deficit and proposes solutions like tax incentives for industrialization, regional investment funds, and trade finance mechanisms to support businesses affected by crises.

Grynspan reiterated that Africa’s future lies in regional integration, urging faster implementation of AfCFTA. By adopting strategic reforms, the continent could reduce external dependency, stabilize revenue, and achieve more inclusive growth.

Key recommendations from the report include diversifying exports, boosting intra-African trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) , which are responsible for 80% of Africa’s jobs and establishing early warning systems for trade risks.

IGIHE

The Rwandan Head of State was warmly received by Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, the Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Hamad International Airport, as confirmed by Rwanda’s Embassy in Qatar.

Rwanda and Qatar share a strong, friendly relationship, cooperating in various sectors, which is further cemented through their ongoing diplomatic engagements.

At the end of last year, President Kagame participated in the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate event in the Formula 1 calendar.

In February 2024, President Kagame made another working visit to Qatar aimed at reinforcing the already solid ties between the two countries.

Qatari officials have also previously visited Rwanda; on January 31, 2025, President Kagame hosted Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters.

In June 2022, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Rwanda as a state guest during a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Kigali. This followed a visit in April 2019 by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Supreme Leader, aimed at advancing bilateral relations.

The two nations cooperate in security, investment promotion, trade, technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more. Qatar is also collaborating with Rwanda on the Bugesera Airport project, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake.

In January 2025, President Kagame noted significant progress in agreements signed with Qatar, especially concerning the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir.

President Paul Kagame is in Doha, Qatar for an official working visit.

IGIHE

The bus, operated by International Express, was traveling from Kigali to Musanze when it veered off the road and rolled down a hill, approximately 800 meters from the main road.

Rulindo District Mayor, Mukanyirigira Judith, had earlier confirmed 16 fatalities, but the death toll later rose to 20 lives which had been lost in the accident. She said that the bus was carrying 52 passengers when it lost control in the mountainous area.

'The vehicle went off the road and rolled down the slope. We are still investigating the cause of the accident,' said Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga.

The Government of Rwanda issued a statement expressing its condolences to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente conveyed the government’s deepest sympathy and confirmed that the injured were immediately transferred to local hospitals for medical care.

'The Government of Rwanda extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in today’s tragic road accident that claimed 20 lives and left several others injured in Rusiga Sector, Rulindo District,' he said in a statement.

The government has assured continued support for the bereaved and the injured, emphasizing the importance of road safety.

'We remind all road users, especially drivers, to follow the laws and regulations concerning road safety to prevent accidents and save lives,' added the Prime Minister.

A tragic bus accident in Rulindo District has resulted in the deaths of 20 people.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The new operating times were announced by the administration of North Kivu, which was established by M23 rebels following their recent capture of the area.

According to a statement from Governor Bahati Musanga Joseph, the border will now open at 6:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM, providing a longer window for people and goods to cross.

'Starting from Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Grande Barrière border (La Corniche) connecting Rwanda and the DRC will open at 6:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM,' the statement said.

Musanga emphasized that officials on both sides of the border would work together to ensure the smooth flow of activities and keep the crossing efficient and safe for all.

Previously, before the M23 rebels took control, the border’s opening time was later in the morning, and it closed earlier in the evening, limiting the time available for movement.

The administration of North Kivu, which was established by M23 rebels following their recent capture Goma has announced extended border crossing hours.

IGIHE

Speaking at a consultative meeting organized by the Rwanda Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on family well-being and child protection, she emphasized the need for religious groups to address issues affecting Rwandan families.

Uwimana referenced advice given by President Kagame during the National Prayer Breakfast, urging everyone to fulfill their responsibilities better. 'No one is perfect, but we must all do what is right,' she advised.

While Rwanda has made strides in family development and children’s rights, challenges remain, especially those related to conflict. A 2024 report from the Rwanda Governance Board highlighted issues such as alcoholism, lack of family communication, infidelity, and abuse of technology.

The Minister stressed the importance of nurturing children in a way that prepares them for the future. 'Children are raised at home, in schools, in churches, and on social media. We must reflect on the upbringing we provide,' she noted.

She also emphasized that family development should respect children’s rights, focusing on guidance with love, compassion, and authority. 'Parental guidance is always necessary,' she added.

Minister Uwimana called for stronger collaboration and resources to prevent family issues, urging a proactive approach rather than reactive measures.

On his part, Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, reinforced the importance of family as the foundation for national development. He called on religious leaders to assess whether current values align with the needs of building healthy families.

Both leaders agreed that religious organizations play a crucial role in shaping families and must work together to find sustainable solutions for future generations.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, has urged religious leaders to pay closer attention to child upbringing and family development.

Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, reinforced the importance of family as the foundation for national development.

IGIHE

This statement was made by M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025, after leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) called for the airport’s reopening to facilitate humanitarian aid, three days earlier.

“The technical issues, including unexploded bombs and the damaged runway, have created obstacles to reopening Goma’s international airport,” Kanyuka explained.

In addition, EAC and SADC leaders urged M23 to open key roads, such as the Goma-Bunagana, Goma-Lubero, and the route linking Goma to Bukavu through Lake Kivu.

In response, M23 confirmed that all these roads and water routes are accessible, but called on the SADC forces present in the DRC to use the available routes and return to their home countries.

Kanyuka further stated that while M23 supports the decisions made at the summit, especially regarding political talks with the DRC government, M23 must be part of the discussions on how these decisions will be implemented.

He also reminded that M23 declared a ceasefire on February 3, but reported that DRC and Burundi forces were preparing attacks on civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and the Kalehe center. He warned that M23 would retaliate if these attacks continue.

The spokesperson stated that if SADC and Burundi forces want peace in eastern DRC, they must respect the decisions made by EAC and SADC leaders and withdraw from the region.

The M23 armed group has said it can not reopen Goma International Airport due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway.

IGIHE

The call, issued in a letter signed by Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, comes in response to an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, which halted the disbursement of USAID and Center for Disease Contral funds pending review.

The funding suspension has affected numerous healthcare workers whose salaries and operations depended on American financial assistance.

'With immediate effect, all activities related to the disbursement of federal financial assistance have been paused. As a result, operations and emoluments directly supported by the U.S. government are suspended,' Dr. Atwine stated in the letter.

'However, in the meantime, we encourage contracted staff willing to continue working in the spirit of patriotism as volunteers to reach out for possible integration into the existing healthcare system,' she added.

The funding freeze has raised concerns about potential disruptions in essential health services, particularly in HIV/AIDS programs, maternal health, and infectious disease prevention. Uganda heavily relies on foreign aid, with U.S. funding playing a critical role in supporting public health initiatives.

Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health called on health workers previously funded by the United States to continue working voluntarily 'in the spirit of patriotism'.

Some affected health workers have expressed frustration over the government’s call for voluntary service.
'Many of us have families to feed and bills to pay. It’s not realistic to expect us to work without pay,' said a healthcare worker formerly supported by USAID, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Others worry about the long-term impact of the suspension on Uganda’s health system. 'These programs have saved millions of lives. If funding is not restored soon, we could see a serious crisis,' said Dr. James Okello, a senior medical officer.

The Ugandan government says it is in discussions with U.S. officials to find a resolution. 'We remain optimistic that engagements with the U.S. government will yield a positive outcome,' Dr. Atwine reassured, urging health workers to stay patient during the process.

However, with no immediate solution in sight, the uncertainty has left many health workers and beneficiaries anxious about the future of critical medical programs in the country.

Some affected health workers have expressed frustration over the government’s call for voluntary service.

IGIHE

Every aspect of tourism in the country is designed to preserve its natural beauty, protect wildlife, and uplift local communities, making it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking meaningful and responsible experiences.

At the heart of Rwanda’s eco-tourism success is its dedication to protecting biodiversity. The country is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly in safeguarding the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Unlike mass tourism destinations, Rwanda enforces strict regulations, limiting the number of daily trekking permits to minimize human impact while ensuring that tourism revenue directly funds conservation initiatives and benefits local communities.

Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, 10% of park revenues support local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Since its inception, over $12 million has been invested in projects benefiting communities near Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks, fostering conservation and economic growth.

This approach has not only led to a rise in gorilla populations but has also provided sustainable livelihoods for many Rwandans. Beyond gorillas, the country’s diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to wetlands and lakes, offer travelers immersive experiences with nature while reinforcing the importance of responsible tourism.

Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond its protected parks. The country has pioneered progressive environmental policies, including its 2008 ban on plastic bags, an initiative that has contributed significantly to Kigali’s reputation as Africa’s cleanest city.

The capital’s well-maintained streets, efficient waste management systems, and community-driven initiatives like Umuganda, a monthly nationwide cleanup, demonstrate how deeply sustainability is woven into Rwanda’s identity.

Kigali’s transformation into a modern, green city reflects the country’s broader efforts to balance development with environmental consciousness, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with long-term sustainability.

For those eager to explore Rwanda’s eco-friendly attractions beyond its national parks, a variety of destinations across the country showcase conservation, community involvement, and responsible tourism.

In Kigali, Nyandungu Eco Park has turned a once-degraded wetland into a thriving green space with walking trails and restored indigenous flora, offering a peaceful escape within the city.

Lake Muhazi in the Eastern Province provides a serene retreat with eco-lodges promoting sustainable tourism through kayaking, fishing, and low-impact recreational activities.

Further north, the scenic Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera offer breathtaking views and opportunities to support local communities through canoe excursions and cultural experiences.

In the west, the Gishwati-Mukura landscape stands as a testament to Rwanda’s reforestation efforts, where visitors can witness conservation in action while engaging with agroforestry projects that empower surrounding communities.

The rolling green fields of Kitabi Tea Estates in the south present another unique experience, allowing travelers to learn about sustainable tea farming while enjoying the beauty of Rwanda’s lush countryside.

A view of Nyungwe National Park canopy walkway

This is just a glimpse of what Rwanda has to offer. Once you’re here, you’ll have the chance to explore even more, and the experience will be nothing short of amazing.

Rwanda’s holistic approach to sustainable tourism is not only gaining international recognition but also delivering measurable success. Tourist arrivals increased from 521,000 in 2021 to 1.4 million in 2023, and projections indicate that these numbers will continue to rise, potentially doubling by 2029.

The government’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy ensures that tourism development remains aligned with environmental preservation and economic inclusivity.

Whether exploring its pristine wetlands, relaxing by its tranquil lakes, or trekking through its biodiverse forests, visitors leave with more than just memories; they depart with a deeper appreciation for a country that is setting the gold standard for sustainable travel in Africa.

Rwanda has pioneered progressive environmental policies, including its 2008 ban on plastic bags, an initiative that has contributed significantly to Kigali’s reputation as Africa’s cleanest city.

Théophile Niyitegeka

Let me start with my conclusion: DeepSeek’s key to success is maximizing efficiency under constraints.

Due to U.S. chip export restrictions, Chinese companies cannot access cutting-edge AI chips like NVIDIA’s H100, which are superior in bandwidth and communication speed. This forced DeepSeek to innovate under hardware limitations, pushing efficiency to the extreme by minimizing computational waste and maximizing every GPU cycle.

Here’s some examples on how DeepSeek optimized its performance:

• MoE (Mixture of Experts): Traditional models like GPT-3.5 activate the entire model for every task. DeepSeek’s MoE approach divides the model into multiple specialized “experts” and only activates the necessary ones, significantly improving efficiency. This means that instead of using all of the model’s resources for every task, only the parts that are most relevant are used, which reduces computational overhead.

• DeepSeekMLA (Multi-head Latent Attention): This technique compresses memory usage by focusing on key contextual information rather than storing everything—akin to remembering the essence of a book rather than every word.

Latent attention helps prioritize the most important data, allowing DeepSeek’s model to store and process fewer, more relevant pieces of information while maintaining high performance. By selecting only the critical data, DeepSeek reduces the strain on memory and speeds up processing,

• Precision Optimization: Instead of using high-precision formats like BF16 or FP32, DeepSeek stores parameters in FP8, reducing memory requirements without significant loss of accuracy. Imagine replacing high-resolution images with well-detailed sketches—less data, same impact.

In DeepSeek’s technical report on its V3 model, they mention that their training utilized NVIDIA’s H800 GPUs. The emergence of this product is tied to the U.S. government’s chip export restrictions imposed on China. The H100, one of the most powerful GPUs for AI training, was unavailable to Chinese companies due to these restrictions, which led NVIDIA to create the H800 as a “scaled-down” version to comply with export controls.

So, what exactly does “scaled-down” mean? The primary difference lies in the cross-GPU communication bandwidth—when AI tasks need to be distributed across multiple GPUs, they require fast data exchange, similar to a group of workers collaborating on a task. If the bandwidth is restricted, this communication slows down, impacting the overall computation efficiency. The NVLink bandwidth in the H800 is significantly reduced, much like workers going from face-to-face communication to using walkie-talkies, resulting in less efficient collaboration.

DeepSeek’s approach is Skipping the “Commander” and Doing It Themselves. NVIDIA already provides a high-level management system for GPU computing—CUDA(Compute Unified Device Architecture).

Think of CUDA as a factory manager who can automatically assign tasks to workers (GPU cores) without the user needing to worry about low-level details. However, in the case of the H800’s limitations, DeepSeek found that the default scheduling method provided by CUDA wasn’t sufficient for their extreme optimization needs.

To overcome this hardware bottleneck, DeepSeek’s engineers decided to bypass CUDA and directly control the GPU with lower-level instructions. They used a programming method called PTX (Parallel Thread Execution), which is much more granular than CUDA. If CUDA is a high-level “manager” in a factory, PTX is the act of directly instructing each worker (GPU core) individually. While this approach increases development complexity, it allows DeepSeek to fine-tune task distribution, improving the H800’s performance and compensating for the bandwidth limitation.

DeepSeek demonstrated that even with the H800’s limitations, extreme optimization could still maintain high efficiency in AI training. This means that the impact of NVIDIA’s restricted version of GPUs might not be as significant as initially anticipated. The market began to reassess the viability of AI development in China and whether there would be a future reliance on NVIDIA’s high-end chips. This series of events could be one of the factors contributing to the drop in NVIDIA’s stock price.

Of course, there are many reasons for NVIDIA’s stock price drop. Aside from DeepSeek’s breakthroughs, the market is also concerned that more AI companies might explore alternatives to NVIDIA’s ecosystem, such as products from AMD, Intel and domestic chipmakers. DeepSeek’s success isn’t just a technical breakthrough—it could also be signaling a shift in the AI industry’s landscape.

About the Author:

Yang Zhao is in charge of CGTN’s science, technology, and environmental coverage. He also founded CGTN’s Tech It Out studio, which produces award-winning scientific documentaries, including Human Carbon Footprint, Architectural Intelligence, and Land of Diversity.

DeepSeek is a free AI-powered chatbot that looks, feels, and functions similarly to ChatGPT.

Yang Zhao

Odinga is seeking to make history as the first Kenyan to hold the position of AU Commission Chair since the establishment of the body in 2002.

The election is set to be held on Saturday, February 16, where Odinga will face off against two other formidable candidates, including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

The longstanding opposition chief was endorsed by his political nemesis, President William Ruto, for the race, turning them into allies after their clash in the 2022 presidential election.

Having unsuccessfully contested for the presidency a record five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—this race could define his legacy as his retirement beckons.

The 80-year-old has previously held key positions in Kenya, including serving as a Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency for two decades and as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in a power-sharing government following the disputed 2007 presidential election.

With just a few days before 49 African heads of state convene in Addis Ababa to elect the next AUC chairperson, Odinga exudes a mix of confidence and pragmatism—a reflection of decades spent in the political trenches.

The AU Commission chairmanship presents the octogenarian an opportunity to cement his legacy beyond Kenya’s borders, positioning him as a continental leader at a time when Africa faces complex governance, economic, and security challenges.

Odinga has spent months crisscrossing Africa, rallying support from heads of state, foreign ministers, and diplomatic envoys. His campaign has emphasized his experience in governance, his deep-rooted Pan-African ideals, and his ability to foster unity within the AU, where he served as High Representative for Infrastructure Development from October 2018 to February 2023.

'I have spoken to all the leaders across Africa. If they agree, I will be the AUC chairperson. The vote will be cast on Saturday,' Odinga said on Monday, February 10 during an interdenominational prayer service organized by Kenya’s ODM Women’s Chapter.

With the AU’s rotational leadership principle in play, East Africa, where both Kenya and Djibouti belong, is seen as the preferred region to produce the next chair. This makes Youssouf Odinga’s strongest rival.

To secure a first-round victory, Odinga needs at least 33 votes out of 49 eligible heads of state. The election is conducted via secret ballot, meaning alliances and loyalties will be tested in the voting room. Despite his campaign efforts, Odinga knows that nothing is guaranteed.

“If I am elected, well and good; if I am not, that is also fine. Don’t I have my home?” Odinga told his supporters in Nairobi on Monday.

For Odinga, the AU Commission role represents more than just a new political chapter, it is a chance to shape Africa’s future on a grand scale. If he wins, he will oversee policies on economic integration, conflict resolution, and governance reforms across the continent. If he loses, it could mark the end of an era for one of Africa’s most resilient political figures.

Among his pledges if he wins the coveted seat is the rollout of a continental visa.

According to Odinga, the introduction of an AU visa would significantly enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent, thereby promoting intra-Africa trade.

Speaking during the launch of his campaign in Nairobi in August last year, Odinga lamented that traders and businesspeople in Africa are required to obtain numerous visas to travel across the continent, while their foreign counterparts can do so freely.

'My friend Aliko Dangote says that to travel across the continent, he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with a French visa in Africa. What a shame. In Europe, you only need a Schengen visa to travel across the entire continent without a problem,' Odinga said.

He pledged to introduce the AU visa to remove the bottlenecks that have hindered free movement for decades.

If elected AU Commission Chair, Odinga also promised to pursue a Continental Air Control System to streamline air travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving efficiency, and enhancing coordination between countries.

Despite Odinga’s robust campaign, Djbouti’s Youssouf remains a strong contender, backed by historical voting patterns where Francophone countries often support their own.

However, Odinga has garnered support from Anglophone and reformist AU blocs, leaving the outcome uncertain and potentially hinging on last-minute alliances.

Raila Odinga is seeking to make history as the first Kenyan to hold the position of AU Commission Chair since the establishment of the body in 2002.

Wycliffe Nyamasege