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By the start of the 2025/2026 school year, 21% of schools will be newly connected to the internet, with efforts underway to increase that number further.

Technology has become a critical tool in transforming education across Rwanda, from primary schools to universities. Digital tools, including audiovisual books, are increasingly being used to enhance teaching materials and streamline educational processes.

However, school leaders in areas without electricity or internet connectivity face challenges in delivering lessons and submitting digital reports.

At the close of the 2022/2023 school year, Rwanda had a total of 4,923 schools, comprising 1,568 public schools, 2,065 government-subsidized schools, and 1,290 private schools.

Notably, over 80% of these schools were connected to the electricity grid.

However, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana revealed late last week that more than 500 schools in remote areas still lack electricity, although efforts to connect them to the grid are ongoing.

Nsengimana shared, “Many of these schools are located far from the electricity grid, and we are exploring alternative ways to connect them.”

Currently, about 62% of schools have internet access, but this figure is set to increase significantly.

'Many schools now have electricity, and 62% are connected to the internet. An additional 21% will gain internet access in the first semester of the upcoming 2025/2026 school year, and the process is ongoing,' Nsengimana noted.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, speaking at the International Teachers’ Day celebration, acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to electricity and internet access in some schools.

He emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that every school has access to these vital resources.

Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that internet access is already high in certain sectors.

In Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools, 83.1% have internet, while internet penetration in general secondary and vocational education schools stands at 75.3%.

In primary schools, 56.5% have internet access, with further improvements expected in the coming years.

Some schools have been provided with Starlink internet.

IGIHE

Rwanda is among the countries focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and since 2019, it has signed an agreement with Russia to establish a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) in Rwanda.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of a ministerial roundtable on Financing Africa’s Nuclear Energy Future in Kigali on December 16, 2024, Dr. Gasore emphasized that many developed countries have successfully embraced nuclear energy.

He reiterated that while discussions with Russia continue, nuclear energy projects require careful consideration and long-term planning.

'The project has progressed, and we are in discussions, but nuclear energy requires a thoughtful approach. It’s our first time venturing into this area, so we must proceed cautiously. The projects are moving forward, and when the time is right, we will make a decision to begin implementation,' Dr. Gasore stated.

He noted that before Rwanda embarks on building a nuclear power plant, it is crucial to consult with other countries that already have nuclear facilities. This will help Rwanda learn from their experiences, understand the challenges they faced, and determine the best approach for its own projects.

Dr. Gasore further explained that nuclear energy projects are long-term endeavors.

'It’s not something for the immediate future, but rather a medium to long-term project, often taking over five years. Once a plant is built, it typically operates for about 60 years.

“Therefore, implementation takes between five and ten years. It’s a careful process because, as we know, nuclear accidents, though rare, can have severe consequences. Additionally, there are strict international regulations that must be adhered to, making it impractical to rush the process,' he added.

In August, Russian Ambassador to Rwanda, Alexander Polyakov, announced that experts from Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy agency, would visit Rwanda to provide detailed insights on how the projects outlined in the agreements would be executed.

Nuclear power plants are operational in 32 countries, providing more than 10% of the world’s electricity. For example, South Africa produces 8.154 gigawatt hours (GWh) of nuclear electricity per hour, South Korea generates 171.640 GWh, and the United States produces 779.186 GWh.

Nuclear energy has various uses, including electricity generation, medical treatments (especially for serious diseases like cancer, where radiation is used for treatment), security applications (such as in scanning devices), and even in the development of weapons.

To generate electricity from nuclear energy, uranium ore is utilized, which is also used in the production of nuclear weapons.

Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, has revealed that discussions between Rwanda and Russia regarding the construction of a nuclear energy plant are still ongoing.

IGIHE

The Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida, hosted the guests and highlighted the significance of the occasion. In his address, Al Aida commemorated the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, who founded the nation on December 18, 1878, and praised Qatar’s development over the last 146 years.

'Qatar has grown into a beacon of progress and achievement. Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, our country continues to advance a purposeful national vision, reflected in our remarkable strides in human, economic, social, and environmental development,' Al Aida said.

The Charge d’Affaires further emphasized Qatar’s consistent role as a reliable global partner, citing its policies grounded in cooperation, transparency, and balance. He underscored the strong and flourishing relations between Qatar and Rwanda, describing them as a testament to shared aspirations.

'Qatar-Rwanda relations have flourished across multiple domains, evolving into a strategic and long-term partnership under the leadership of both nations,' Al Aida noted.

He highlighted the Bugesera International Airport project as a transformative initiative that reflects the shared vision of both nations, describing it as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region.

The Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida, hosted the guests and highlighted the significance of the occasion.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, celebrated the deepening bilateral ties between Qatar and Rwanda. He acknowledged Qatar’s visionary leadership and praised the country’s remarkable achievements in fostering global prosperity and development.

'Rwanda values the excellent relations between our two countries and reaffirms its commitment to strengthen further the cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our people,' Nduhungirehe said.

He commended Qatar for successfully organizing significant global events, including the Doha Forum and the Formula One Qatar Airways Grand Prix, which were attended by President Kagame.

Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s recent bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix, underscoring Qatar’s experience as a valuable reference.

'We are looking forward to learning from the experience of countries like Qatar, with which Rwanda takes inspiration,' he stated.

The Minister also took a moment to honor the late Qatari Ambassador Misfer bin Faisal Al Shahwani, who passed away in July this year. He described him as a distinguished diplomat who played an active role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida delivering his keynote address.

Further reflecting on the achievements of Qatar-Rwanda cooperation, Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of the $1.3 billion Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% investment stake. He described it as a gateway for increased opportunities for people and businesses in the region.

The Minister praised Qatar’s contributions to capacity building in Rwanda through the Qatar Fund for Development. He highlighted the role of scholarships in providing world-class education to Rwandans and preparing youth for the jobs of the future.

'By equipping the youth with the right skills, we are creating the ideal conditions for our societies to grow more prosperous,' he said.

Nduhungirehe also acknowledged Qatar’s role in sports development in Rwanda through its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, which fosters talent and strengthens the country’s sports ecosystem.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, celebrated the deepening bilateral ties between Qatar and Rwanda.

During the celebration, recognition gifts were presented to various stakeholders for their contributions to the embassy’s operations and activities. Among the honored partners was IGIHE, recognized for its exemplary support as a valued working media partner.

The evening was marked by a spirit of camaraderie as guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and celebrated the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar. Both Al Aida and Nduhungirehe reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to fostering peace, development, and shared prosperity.

In closing, remarks. Nduhungirehe affirmed that Rwanda highly appreciates the continued and fortified partnership displayed between the two countries and that the ongoing collaboration would continue to build a bright future for both of our nations.

The evening was marked by a spirit of camaraderie and guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and celebrated the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar.

The Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida cut the cake in celebration.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Investigators are conducting a criminal investigation into murder, terrorist acts, and the illegal circulation of weapons and ammunition “in connection with the death of two servicemen in the capital,” the committee said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiological, chemical and biological defense troops, and his assistant were killed by an explosion in a residential building in Moscow.

The committee had previously said it opened a criminal case, adding the blast occurred after the detonation of an explosive device planted in a scooter parked next to the entrance of the residential building.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiological, chemical and biological defense troops was killed by an explosion in a residential building in Moscow.

Xinhua

Conducted in Musanze District on the farmlands of the Twizamure Cyuve cooperative, the study utilized technology to monitor climate and soil conditions. Results showed a productivity rate exceeding 75%.

Dr. Martin Kuradusenge, a lecturer at UR, College of Science and Technology and the principal investigator (PI) of this research, explained that the research provides farmers with valuable insights, enabling them to predict crop yields more effectively.

'We’re presenting the results of three years of research on agricultural forecasting using technology known as Internet of Things (IoT) that tracks climate conditions, such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture' he said.

'This technology works both in the air and the soil, offering farmers a clearer picture of what to expect in the upcoming growing season according to the growth stage of the crop. With this information, farmers can take proactive measures, especially when yield predictions are low and they need support from local authorities.'

Dr. Kuradusenge emphasized that while forecasting cannot be entirely precise due to its predictive nature, a success rate of 75% or higher is considered an achievement.

He confirmed that the research has already produced yield predictions above 75%, and continuous improvements will be made to increase accuracy over time, with a target of 90% or higher.

Therese Uwamahoro, President of the Twizamure Cyuve Cooperative, highlighted the practical benefits of the research.

'This research helps us make informed decisions on what crops to plant, based on the data we gather about our fields. It enables us to avoid losses and optimize our yields,' Uwamahoro said.

'Farming is not just a livelihood; it’s an integral part of national growth, and this partnership with UR is helping us understand seasonal forecasts for both dry and rainy periods,' she added.

Charlene Umuhoza, a student at UR, expressed how the research offered valuable knowledge that will benefit farmers.

'Through this research, I’ve learned how agricultural technology will help solve many of the challenges farmers face. We can apply this knowledge to improve productivity and meet market demands,' she noted.

SMART-CYPS (Smart Crop Yield Prediction System) is the title given to the technology used in this study involving IoT sensors placed in fields to collect data on climate and soil conditions.

This data provides farmers with comprehensive insights, enabling them to optimize farming practices based on their specific needs.

The outcomes of this research were also published in the international scientific journals and can be accessed using the following links: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/13/1/225 and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43926-024-00079-0

The box containing information about weather data.

This technology is powered by solar energy.

Results showed a productivity rate exceeding 75%.

The University of Rwanda (UR) has presented the findings of its three-year research on crop yield forecasting.

Farmers also followed the presentation of research findings.

IGIHE

NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi announced the statistics during a joint press conference with the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

The growth was primarily driven by strong performances in the services and industry sectors, signalling continued economic resilience.

DG Murenzi highlighted that the country’s GDP at current market prices is estimated at Frw 4.806 trillion, a notable increase from Frw 4.246 trillion in Q3 of 2023. The services sector maintained its dominance, contributing 49% to GDP, while agriculture and industry accounted for 24% and 20% respectively.

Rwanda’s Q3 performance builds on earlier successes in Q1 (9.7%) and Q2 (9.8%), bringing the average growth for the first nine months of 2024 to 9.2%.

The services sector emerged as the top performer in Q3, recording a 10% growth. Significant growth within the sector was observed in wholesale and retail trade (19%), hotels and restaurants (17%), financial services (15%), and information and communication services (19%). Additionally, public administration activities increased by 10%, further contributing to the sector’s overall performance.

The industry sector experienced notable growth of 8%, primarily fueled by a significant 26% increase in mining and quarrying activities. Within this segment, exports of key minerals recorded substantial gains, with Coltan exports rising by 42%, Cassiterite exports growing by 27%, and Wolfram exports increasing by 15%.

Manufacturing also showed positive results, particularly in the production of chemicals, rubber, and plastic products, which increased by 20%, while metal products and machinery grew by 14%. However, food processing experienced a slight decline of 1% compared to its strong growth of 16% in Q3 of 2023.

The agriculture sector reported a 4% growth, driven by a 16% increase in export crop production, particularly coffee exports, which surged by 22%. On the other hand, tea production faced a decline of 10% during the period.

The Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Ivan Murenzi, announced the Q3 statistics on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, during a press conference that was also attended by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa.

According to DG Murenzi, Rwanda’s strong Q3 performance builds on earlier successes in Q1 (9.7%) and Q2 (9.8%), bringing the average growth for the first nine months of 2024 to 9.2%.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Grok was first launched on November 4, 2023, and has over the past year undergone significant improvements with the company launching Grok-2 in August 2024.

Previously, Grok was only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, a move that limited access to paying users.

However, in a strategic shift, X has now rolled out Grok for free to all users on its platform. This decision aims to broaden the AI’s user base, gather real-time feedback, and refine its capabilities through more extensive interaction.

According to a recent statement, X said the latest version of Grok is faster, sharper, and offers enhanced multilingual support, making it more accessible and effective for users around the world.

The AI chatbot now includes additional features such as web search, citations, and Aurora, X’s recently released image generator.

“Since launching Grok-2 in August, we have been hard at work improving Grok on X, adding new features like web search, citations, and our recent image generator, Aurora,” the statement read.

“Over the past few weeks we have been quietly testing a new version of the Grok-2 model, which is three times faster and offers improved accuracy, instruction-following, and multilingual capabilities.”

This development is part of X’s broader push to enhance user experience through artificial intelligence.

Grok, inspired by Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, was designed to be playful and capable of handling a wide range of conversational topics, including those deemed 'spicy' or complex.

According to the social media giant, the design also aligns with Musk’s advocacy for free speech, allowing Grok to tackle challenging and sensitive subjects with greater openness compared to its competitors.

Despite being free, access to Grok comes with certain limitations to ensure smooth performance and maintain a balanced user experience. Free-tier users can send up to 10 messages every two hours, analyze up to three images per day, and generate no more than three images daily.

Additionally, to access Grok, a user’s account must be at least seven days old and linked to a verified phone number.

Premium and Premium+ subscribers, on the other hand, enjoy significantly higher usage limits. Premium users can send up to 50 messages per day and face fewer restrictions on features like image generation and analysis.

With this move, X is aiming to establish Grok as a formidable rival to other leading AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude.

The decision to make Grok free is also a part of X’s long-term strategy to integrate AI tools seamlessly into its platform, both on mobile and web. Users can interact with Grok through a dedicated section where they can engage in conversations, analyze content, and generate images using Aurora.

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has announced that Grok, its AI chatbot, is now available for free to all users.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The project aims to streamline fuel transportation to landlocked countries, reducing their dependence on trucking systems, which are costly, environmentally harmful, and prone to inefficiencies such as accidents and fuel spillages.

Currently, fuel to Uganda and Rwanda is transported by trucks from Eldoret or Kisumu, with a smaller share moved across Lake Victoria via vessels loaded at Kisumu Oil Jetty and unloaded at Entebbe.

This pipeline project was first conceptualized in 1995 but has faced delays for nearly three decades. Renewed momentum emerged in May 2024 when Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the pipeline.

Talks expanded further in July 2024 to include Rwanda and South Sudan, signaling the growing importance of regional integration in energy security.

A recent ministerial meeting held in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together energy officials led by Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy, Okaasai Sidronius, and Rwanda’s High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Ismael Baguma.

At the forum, Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) framework, noting the pipeline’s potential to reduce fuel transportation costs and enhance energy security.

At the onset, the pipeline is envisioned to play a role in fostering economic growth, energy stability, and environmental sustainability for the region. According to analysts, the project is a critical step toward regional energy independence and long-term prosperity.

To fast-track progress, a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) was inaugurated to oversee the project’s planning and execution. The JTC is tasked with updating previous studies to ensure alignment with current needs and regional development goals.

The renewed Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline reflects the collaborative determination of the EAC member states to address energy challenges and unlock economic opportunities across the region.

Renewed plans to construct a refined petroleum products pipeline stretching from Eldoret through Kampala and to Kigali are underway.

IGIHE

The mercenaries, part of the Agemira group from Bulgaria and RALF from Romania, have been collaborating with DRC forces since 2022 to fight the M23 armed group in the volatile North Kivu province.

The DRC government insists that the fighters are not mercenaries but rather instructors training its army in various skills, including warfare and the use of modern weapons. Additionally, they are among those safeguarding the cities of Goma and Sake.

In a post on X on Monday, December 16, 2024, General Muhoozi threatened decisive action against the 'white mercenaries'.

“I’m going to give only one warning to all white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. From 2nd January 2025, we will attack all mercenaries in our area of operations.”

The Ugandan army general added, “In the name of Jesus Christ, the God of all Bachwezi, there shall not be left one white mercenary in DRC this time next year!”

Since November 2021, Ugandan forces have been conducting operations named 'Shujaa' to combat the ADF terrorist group in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, in collaboration with DRC forces.

It is unclear whether the mercenaries operating in eastern DRC have reached areas controlled by Ugandan forces. However, reports by UN experts confirm that the mercenaries operate primarily in Goma and Sake.

In a post on X on Monday, December 16, 2024, General Muhoozi threatened decisive action against the 'white mercenaries'.

IGIHE

In some advanced nations, nuclear power accounts for up to 20% of electricity production, while the rest comes from hydropower plants and other renewable energy sources.

On December 16, 2024, ministers from various countries responsible for energy met in Rwanda to discuss what African countries need to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear-generated electricity.

Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, stated that Africa aims to accelerate its development using nuclear energy, which requires investments from partners and financial institutions.

'Many countries used nuclear power to advance their development. As Africans, we are now discussing with experts, including those from South Africa who already use this energy, to ask: What are the requirements? What are the risks, and how can we mitigate them? Most importantly, how can we harness nuclear energy to meet our needs?' he wondered.

The discussions centered on the adoption of nuclear energy over the next 30 years to drive development.

Gasore confirmed that strategies are being developed to ensure Africa has sufficient energy for development within the next 30 years.

He underscored that achieving this goal requires boldness. 'Many developed countries relied on nuclear energy. Why shouldn’t we adopt it to propel our progress?' he questioned

Generating nuclear energy requires significant investments, consideration under discussion 'We are exploring how development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders can support Africa in this journey toward nuclear energy,' he said.

Another key requirement is advanced technical knowledge for Africans and Rwandans, which Gasore believes is attainable, given that some African countries like Egypt and South Africa are already using nuclear energy.

In recent years, Rwanda signed an agreement with Russia regarding the development of nuclear energy and the Minister confirmed that discussions are ongoing, as this is a long-term project.

Currently, Rwanda reports having sufficient energy to meet its domestic needs, but additional energy is continuously required to support economic growth, which increases daily demand.

Finance Minister Hon Yusufu Murangwa was part of the discussions.

In some advanced nations, nuclear power accounts for up to 20% of electricity production.

The Minister of Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, was also among the speakers.

Ambassador Claver Gatete, the head of UNECA, was among the participants.

IGIHE