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However, further studies are needed to determine the quantity of oil and the costs involved in its extraction.

'The good news is that we have oil. Preliminary research in Lake Kivu revealed 13 wells with signs of oil,' RMB’s CEO, Francis Kamanzi, told members of parliament on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

“Considering discoveries in neighboring regions like Uganda, oil was discovered in Lake Albert, which is believed to be part of the same rift valley stretching through Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika. There is confidence that oil exists,” he added.

Kamanzi shared the development during a discussion between the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality and the Ministry of Environment.

Efforts to explore oil in Rwanda began years ago but were halted in 2014.

They resumed after Canada-based company Black Swan Energy discovered that parts of Eastern Kivu could yield oil and gas easily.

The presence of methane gas in Lake Kivu was an initial indicator of potential oil deposits, as methane is often found alongside oil.

Kamanzi expressed optimism, suggesting that Lake Kivu might have larger oil reserves than neighboring countries: 'Our Lake Kivu is deeper than other lakes in the region, so we might have more oil than our neighbors.'

While the initial studies confirmed the presence of oil, deeper exploration is needed to determine the quantity, type, and commercial viability.

This involves drilling to collect samples for laboratory analysis.

The process is expensive, as the cost of drilling one well can exceed $15 million (approximately Frw 20 billion).

Earlier research, conducted at depths of up to 480 meters, included deploying machines to collect samples from the lakebed.

These samples confirmed the presence of methane gas and potential oil reserves.

The next phase involves deploying advanced machines to create detailed maps of the lakebed, identifying precise locations of oil and gas reserves.

Previous exploration phases cost Frw 1.7 billion, and future stages are estimated to require between Frw 8 billion and Frw10 billion.

Oil extracted from Lake Kivu could vary in form, ranging from solid asphalt to liquid fuels like diesel or gasoline, or even gas. Determining the exact type will depend on further tests.

Extracting oil from Lake Kivu would follow a similar process to that used for methane gas extraction.

It starts with drilling deep holes in the lakebed, using specialized equipment capable of penetrating rocks and other materials. Once drilled, the base is reinforced with sand or gravel.

Pipes are then inserted into the holes to pump oil from beneath the lakebed to surface storage tanks.

The potential for oil in Lake Kivu represents an exciting opportunity for Rwanda, but significant investment and research are still required to unlock its full potential.

Earlier research, conducted at depths of up to 480 meters, included deploying machines to collect samples from the lakebed.

RMB’s CEO, Francis Kamanzi shared the development with members of parliament on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The development emerged during a discussion between the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality and the Ministry of Environment.

Parliamentarians said that oil discovery in Rwanda presents an opportunity to tap into.

IGIHE

The outbreak, which has been reported in two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba, has raised alarm due to its high case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89% and its potential regional implications.

In a statement dated January 14, 2025, WHO said the agency received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected MVD cases on January 10, 2025.

“Six people were reported to have been affected, five of whom had died,” the statement reads in part.

According to WHO, by January 11, the number of suspected cases had risen to nine, with eight deaths.

Symptoms observed included high fever, headache, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting with blood (haematemesis), body weakness (malaise), and external haemorrhage in later stages.

WHO formally alerted its Member States and International Health Regulations (IHR) State Parties on 13 January through its Event Information Site (EIS), a secure web-based platform for issuing rapid alerts of public health risks with potential international implications.

Tanzania’s national rapid response teams have been deployed to support outbreak investigations, intensify surveillance activities, and trace contacts of suspected cases.

Laboratory samples from two patients have been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation, while a mobile laboratory has been established in the affected region to expedite testing. Treatment units have also been set up to manage suspected cases.

The outbreak follows a previous MVD incident in the same region in March 2023, during which nine cases were reported, resulting in six deaths. The Kagera region is known to harbour zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, which are natural hosts of the Marburg virus.

WHO assesses the national risk level as high due to the outbreak’s high CFR, its geographic spread across two districts, and the involvement of healthcare workers among the suspected cases. The delayed detection of cases and incomplete information on the outbreak heighten concerns.

According to the global health agency, the region’s strategic location as a transit hub—with significant cross-border movement involving neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—further raises the potential for regional spread.

Globally, the risk is considered low at this stage, as there is no confirmed international spread. However, the Kagera region’s connectivity through transportation networks and its airport linking to Tanzania’s capital and beyond underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and coordination.

To control the outbreak and reduce transmission, individuals have been urged to avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected patients.

Those suspected or confirmed to have Marburg Virus Disease should seek care at designated treatment centers to prevent household transmission.

Communities are also strongly advised to adhere to safe burial protocols for deceased individuals to minimize the risk of further spread.

WHO has also emphasized the necessity of cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries to harmonize reporting systems, share critical data, and strengthen readiness capacities.

Enhanced surveillance at points of entry and in border regions is vital to preventing the international spread of the virus.

The suspected outbreak in Tanzania comes just weeks after Rwanda declared the end of its Marburg virus outbreak on December 20, 2024.

The Rwandan outbreak, which began in mid-September, affected 66 individuals, resulting in 15 fatalities and 51 recoveries.

The Marburg virus outbreak, which has been reported in two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba, has raised alarm due to its high case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89% and its potential regional implications.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The 40th General Assembly was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, alongside RDF service Chiefs, heads of security organs, and selected members.

The 2025 business plan sets ambitious goals for ZIGAMA CSS, including increasing its gross income and raising its net profit.

Mr Nick Barigye, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, ZIGAMA CSS, highlighted the cooperative’s robust financial performance.

He revealed its total assets for 2024 and projected growth for 2025. He affirmed that the achievements underscore the cooperative’s solid foundation and commitment to enhancing the welfare of its members.

ZIGAMA CSS is a cooperative bank composed of members from various security organisations, including the Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National Police, Rwanda Correctional Services, National Intelligence and Security Service, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, and Rwanda Forensic Institute.

The bank continues to grow, having announced in December 2023 that it was expected to earn Frw35.7 billion that year, up from Frw22.8 billion in 2022, which was an increase from Frw17.7 billion in 2021.

The ZIGAMA CSS General Assembly was held on Tuesday, January 14, at the RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura to review and approve the cooperative’s 2025 business plan.

The 40th General Assembly was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, alongside RDF service Chiefs, heads of security organs, and selected members.

ZIGAMA CSS is a cooperative bank composed of members from various security organisations

IGIHE

The arrest follows his controversial declaration of martial law in December, which was quickly reversed by the National Assembly.

Reports indicate that Yoon was taken into custody at 10:33 a.m. local time (0133 GMT) by a joint investigation team from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI), and the defense ministry’s investigative unit.

TV footage showed Yoon being transported in a black vehicle to the CIO office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, before being moved to the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, located just 5 km away.

The CIO now has 48 hours to decide whether to request an additional warrant for Yoon’s detention, which could last up to 20 days for further questioning or if he will be released.

Yoon’s arrest follows an earlier failed attempt on January 3, when his security forces prevented the execution of the arrest warrant.

On January 7, a Seoul court approved an extension of the warrant.

This action comes after Yoon repeatedly ignored calls from investigators to voluntarily appear for questioning.

In a pre-recorded statement, Yoon condemned the arrest, claiming the warrant was illegal and executed through force.

He stated that his acceptance of the procedure was to prevent further conflict.

The arrest took place after Yoon’s supporters, legal team, and ruling party lawmakers blocked investigators for over two hours at the main gate of the presidential residence.

Despite this, the investigators from the CIO and NOI were able to break through the security cordons.

The martial law declaration on December 3, which was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later, led to charges of insurrection against Yoon.

Following the martial law incident, the National Assembly voted to impeach the president on December 14, and the case is now under review by the constitutional court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate.

Yoon’s impeachment trial began with its first formal hearing on January 14, but it lasted only four minutes as Yoon failed to appear.

A new justice, appointed by the opposition Democratic Party, was included in the hearings despite Yoon’s objection.

With two out of three vacancies filled on the nine-member bench, there is increasing speculation that Yoon’s impeachment could be upheld.

For Yoon to be removed from office, at least six justices must support the motion.

The court is scheduled to hold further hearings on January 16, 21, 23, and February 4.

Yoon’s arrest follows an earlier failed attempt on January 3, when presidential guards prevented the execution of the arrest warrant.

IGIHE

In February and March 2024, Rwanda made history as the first Sub-Saharan African nation to host an ATP Challenger event.

The 'ATP Challenger 50 Tour' featured over 60 players ranked 150th and higher worldwide, marking a significant milestone for tennis in the region.

On January 14, 2025, the Rwanda Tennis Federation announced that the 'ATP Challenger 75 Tour' and 'ATP Challenger 100 Tour' will be held from February 24 to March 1, 2025, and March 3 to March 9, 2025, respectively.

The first tournament, the ATP Challenger 75 Tour, will award 75 ranking points to the champion, while the ATP Challenger 100 Tour in the second week will offer 100 points.

Both tournaments are part of the ATP Challenger Tour, a platform designed for players aiming to improve their rankings and qualify for ATP Tour and Grand Slam events.

The 2024 ATP Challenger 50 Tour in Rwanda was a resounding success, with Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak defeating Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) to claim the title.

The final match saw an illustrious audience, including President Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, ATP Challenger Tour Director Eric Lamquet, Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) President Jean Claude Talon, Rwandan Tennis Federation President Théoneste Karenzi, and tennis legend Yannick Noah, the 1983 Roland Garros champion.

The ATP Challenger Tour has been a springboard for some of the biggest names in tennis.

Players like Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world No. 3, and former world No. 1 stars such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Roddick, all rose through the Challenger circuit.

Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, also began his journey in the series.

Rwanda’s continued involvement in hosting these tournaments reinforces its position as a key destination for professional tennis in Africa, fostering the growth of the sport and inspiring the next generation of players.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame posed for a photo with the finalists of the singles match during the ATP Challenger 50 Tour on March 2, 2024.

IGIHE

The figure, reported by the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday, represents a threefold increase from the 315,000 displaced in December 2023.

In Port-au-Prince, the capital, the displacement rate nearly doubled, driven by violence, collapsing healthcare services, and worsening food insecurity.

Most displaced individuals, including many children, came from the metropolitan area and sought refuge in rural provinces or relied on overstretched host communities for shelter. Only a small number managed to find refuge in temporary camps.

Adding to the strain, over 200,000 Haitians were deported back to Haiti last year, exacerbating pressure on the country’s limited social services. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, criticized the deportations, noting that Haiti lacks basic services and remains engulfed in violence.

The situation worsened with severe flooding in late 2024, affecting more than 315,000 people nationwide.

Despite the challenges, international efforts provided some relief: the World Food Programme (WFP) assisted 1.7 million people with food aid and school meals, while the IOM delivered 18 million liters of clean water and rehabilitated water systems to benefit affected families.

UN agencies emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support and long-term solutions to address the root causes of Haiti’s crisis. For 2025, the UN and its partners are seeking $900 million to assist 4 million Haitians, highlighting the scale of the ongoing humanitarian challenge.

IOM staff interact with residents, ensuring they have access to necessary information and assistance. Photo Credit IOM 2024 / Antoine Lemonnier

IGIHE

The summit, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” will be held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

It will include meetings of the AU Executive Council, consisting of foreign ministers, from February 12 to 13, followed by a gathering of African heads of state and government on February 15 and 16.

Elections to determine the next AUC chairperson for the 2025-2028 term, along with the other senior leadership roles, will occur during these sessions.

All eight senior positions, including deputy chairperson and six commissioners, are open for candidates, with portfolio assignments reflecting regional representation.

Candidates for the AUC chairperson position—Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Odinga of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar—recently shared their visions in a live debate.

They outlined strategies for implementing Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term plan for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa.

The summit’s theme also underscores the AU’s commitment to reparatory justice. The organization has long advocated for reparations for historical injustices against Africans and people of African descent, emphasizing the restitution of cultural artifacts looted during colonization.

Since its founding in 1963, the AU has taken steps to advance this cause, aligning it with the broader goal of decolonization and justice for Africa’s heritage.

African Union headquarters in Ethiopia

IGIHE

CAF’s decision follows thorough inspections and assessments conducted by their technical and infrastructure experts. According to the findings, while significant progress has been made in the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, and healthcare facilities, the current infrastructure is not yet fully prepared to meet the high standards required for hosting the prestigious tournament.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in the efforts of the host nation’s leaders — President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

“The progress made so far is commendable. However, additional time is necessary to ensure the highest quality of infrastructure. We are committed to delivering a world-class tournament that celebrates African football.”

The postponement allows the host countries to continue their preparations without the pressure of impending deadlines. Ongoing construction and renovations will now have the required time to meet CAF’s standards, enhancing overall tournament experience for teams and fans alike.

The competition draw for CHAN 2024 initially scheduled for February 2025 will still take place in Nairobi on January 15, 2025. The exact dates for the rescheduled Championship in August 2025 will be announced by CAF in due course.

The football fraternity will have to wait until August to watch CHAN 2024

IGIHE

To claim that the future belongs to Africa is a reality backed by every socioeconomic indicator. But to turn this potential into progress, Africa must strategically position itself to seize the moment.

The good news is we are making strides, the realization that Africa’s socioeconomic transformation lies in the hands of its people is now widespread.

No one else will do it for us and attempts to develop the continent without ownership and leadership by Africans have not fared well but we understand our challenges and aspirations better than anyone else.

Recent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and internal political weaknesses have exposed vulnerabilities, including trade imbalances, skyrocketing inflation, and slowed growth.

However, these challenges have also provided valuable lessons. For instance, the inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines highlighted the urgent need to invest in local vaccine manufacturing.

Rwanda, in partnership with BioNTech, is playing its part by establishing a cutting-edge mRNA-enabled vaccine manufacturing plant, setting a precedent for the continent.

To secure Africa’s future, Africa must seek solutions from within. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a testament to this unity, connecting 1.3 billion people across 54 countries with a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion.

With the political will for reform and steady implementation, the AfCFTA is set to be a game-changer for trade, investment, and economic integration across the continent.

On the global stage, Africa has started to leverage its influence effectively by advocating for a unified position on climate action, reforming international financial systems and amplifying our voices within global platforms.

With this, Africa is demonstrating that it can shape its destiny and Rwanda’s journey offers valuable lessons for our socioeconomic transformation as being driven by ownership.

Developing homegrown solutions rooted in our culture and tailored to our unique challenges alongside partnerships are crucial and most productive when aligned with our vision and goals.

Given the existing challenges, there is need for significant investment in productive sectors to create opportunities for our young population such as expanding energy access, building robust digital financial ecosystems and navigating a fragmented global economic system.

With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa must act decisively navigating a world marked by weakening multilateralism, rising trade barriers, geopolitical tensions, and increasing climate disasters.

Africa must strengthen its global positioning but most importantly, we must resist being instrumentalized and keep the improved wellbeing of our people as the ultimate prize. Africa’s moment is now, we are ready to collaborate and lead.

The Author is Rwanda’s Prime Minister.

Dr. Edouard Ngirente

The report, an initiative of the Brookings Institution’s Africa Growth Initiative, provides critical insights and strategies for addressing the continent’s priorities over the next five years.

In his keynote address, delivered virtually, Dr. Ngirente said Africa is on a 'promising growth path,' emphasizing the continent’s unique demographic advantage.

“Our continent will soon be home to the youngest and most active labour force in the world, offering huge potential for economic development,” he said.

By 2050, Africa is projected to account for 25% of the global population, with nearly 800 million people entering the workforce, according to the report.

Dr. Ngirente stressed the importance of unlocking this potential through investments in human capital, job creation, and modernizing agriculture to ensure food security.

He also called for improved infrastructure for transport and connectivity, a critical enabler for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Prime Minister praised the AfCFTA as “proof of our collective strength,” noting that it connects 1.4 billion people across Africa with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion.

The report echoes this optimism, stating that AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade, which currently stands at just 14%, to levels comparable to other regions like Europe and Asia.

The Foresight Africa Report 2025 highlights that by promoting regional collaboration and innovation, Africa can accelerate its progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the report warns that less than 6% of SDG targets are on track in Africa, underscoring the need for bold and coordinated action.

Rwanda’s model of progress

Sharing Rwanda’s success story, Ngirente attributed the country’s progress to visionary leadership, investment in education, and robust accountability mechanisms.

“We have invested in human capital, focusing on education and skills development, empowering Rwandans to better contribute to inclusive growth,” he said, adding that Rwanda has also demonstrated the value of strong institutions, ensuring timely responses to citizens’ needs.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for Africa to embrace modern technologies to remain competitive in a changing global landscape. The Foresight Africa Report 2025 highlights that Africa’s digital economy could create 230 million jobs and generate $130 billion in economic value by 2030.

On climate change, Ngirente emphasized the urgency of proactive measures, a sentiment echoed in the report, which estimates that nearly 900 million Africans could face climate hazards by 2050. However, the global net-zero transition presents opportunities in green industries, with the potential to generate $2 billion annually and create 700,000 jobs by 2030.

Ngirente concluded his remarks by emphasizing Africa’s growing role on the global stage, urging everyone to consider the opportunities and reaffirm their commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential.

'Africa is positioning itself as a significant and influential player in the global arena, with the potential to drive sustainable development and enhance the well-being of its citizens. Strengthening and enabling the private sector to support government initiatives is crucial to achieve these goals.'

Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Édouard Ngirente, outlined Africa’s promising trajectory toward sustainable growth and development during the launch of the Foresight Africa Report 2025 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege