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The program, set to be implemented in partnership with Gate Consulting Group, was unveiled during WIFR’s end-of-year dinner in Kigali on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event was organised to reflect on and celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past year.

Dozens of representatives from leading institutions across banking, insurance, and related sectors attended the glamorous and highly interactive dinner. Organisations represented included Bank of Kigali, NCBA, BPR, I&M Bank, EcoBank, Old Mutual, ZEP-Re, One Acre Fund, Rwanda Finance, Access to Finance Rwanda, Urwego Bank, Mayfair Insurance, and Old Mutual among others.

Amanda Musiimire, who served as the MC for the event, engages Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers Association, during the highly interactive dinner.

Speaking at the event, Salma Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, praised the partnership with WIFR, saying, “It was an easy collaboration because we both shared the same vision of supporting women’s development.”

According to Nkusi, the mentorship program is designed to bridge leadership gaps by overcoming existing barriers.

“While formal education is invaluable, this program opens up opportunities for employees to network, learn from leaders, and navigate challenges, all while becoming more strategic about their growth,” Nkusi stated.

From left to right: Women in Finance Rwanda Foundation Vice Chair Belinda Bwiza, Founding Chair Lina Higiro, and Gates Consulting Group CEO Salma Nkusi pose for a photo during WIFR’s end-of-year dinner in Kigali on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Nkusi’s decision to pursue a mentorship program, dubbed 'LiftHerUp’ two years ago, was influenced by her personal career journey as a woman and the valuable lessons she has learned over the years.

“I felt like what I missed, I really want to give it to younger women. One of our key goals is to shift mindsets, helping women realize that they have a voice and can contribute meaningfully at the table,” added the CEO.

In the new partnership, at least 20 women from WIFR’s membership will be onboarded into the nine-month program starting in March 2025. They will benefit from carefully crafted activities and interventions aimed at preparing them for career growth, unlocking their full potential, and building a pipeline of future women leaders.

WIFR’s end-of-year dinner was organised to reflect on and celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past year.

According to a 2023 report from the World Bank, labour force participation in Rwanda stands at 55.1% for women and 66.4% for men, reflecting a gender gap in employment rates.

Nkusi acknowledged the government’s efforts in increasing women’s participation in the workforce and emphasized the need to boost the number of women in key decision-making positions, particularly in privately owned institutions, where the gap remains huge.

Lina Higiro, the Founding chair of WIFR, encouraged attendees to enrol in the mentorship program as mentors or mentees to build meaningful connections for their career growth.

“Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor,” quipped Higiro, who currently serves as Regional Head of Business Operations at NCBA Group.

Sylvain Nsabimana, Senior Finance Manager at NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC, also encouraged women to take up the challenge. Having mentored young professionals at NCBA, he believes strongly in the benefits of mentorship in scaling and deepening the sector.

“Young women should step up and take on leadership roles, as they are fully capable of leading institutions,” said Nsabimana, who helps manage WIFR’s finances and accounts.

Meanwhile, during the Saturday dinner, 16 young women were recognized for completing courses undertaken in partnership with different institutions including Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).

Some beneficiaries of the WIFR scholarship program, who successfully completed courses undertaken in partnership with various institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).

Since its launch in 2023, the foundation has extended scholarships to about 50 staff members in the banking sector.

Clarrise Mukantambara, a Loan Officer at BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, expressed her immense joy after successfully completing the scholarship course.

“Thanks to Women in Finance Rwanda and its co-founder Lina Higiro, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my skills and grow professionally. The knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable, and I’m excited to apply it in my career,” shared Mukantambara.

Access to Finance Rwanda CEO, Iyacu Jean Bosco, announced that AFR, part of the FSD network, will support the WIFR Research project on the State of Women in the Financial Sector in collaboration with the Central Bank (BNR). He emphasized that this initiative would be the first of its kind in Africa. As part of WIFR’s Data Pillar, the research findings will inform policy-making and enhance accountability in the sector.

Access to Finance Rwanda CEO Iyacu Jean Bosco delivers his remarks during the dinner, announcing that AFR, as part of the FSD network, will support the WIFR research project on the state of women in the financial sector in collaboration with the Central Bank.

Building on this momentum, Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers Association, commended the foundation’s efforts and expressed a strong commitment to continued partnership.

The evening’s program also highlighted the work of Belinda Bwiza, co-founder of WIFR, who spearheaded the Mentorship Pillar, further advancing the organization’s mission to empower women in the financial sector.

As a gesture of gratitude, the WIFR leadership extended appreciation tokens to key partners, including the heads of the Rwanda Bankers Association, Access to Finance Rwanda, and IGIHE, for their unwavering support. Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, presented the tokens, while Amanda Musiimire served as the MC for the event.

Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, presents tokens of appreciation to key partners for their unwavering support.

With nearly 15 member institutions signing the WIFR Gender Diversity Charter—a framework for measuring and monitoring progress annually—the Rwandan financial sector now leads the way in promoting accountability for gender equality.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania, focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas, including education, defence, and security.

The two Heads of State also discussed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and infrastructure development.

President Kagame arrived in Nouakchott on Monday evening to participate in the forum, organized by the African Union in partnership with UNICEF.

Hosted by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who also serves as the current African Union Chairperson, the forum is being held under the theme, 'Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa.'

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Key discussions will cover curriculum reform, teacher development, digital technologies in education, inclusive education, and financing mechanisms for educational transformation.

The conference aims to identify best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve overall learning outcomes.

With the African Union’s theme for 2024 focused on education, the forum will also explore strategies to build resilient education systems that prepare African youth to tackle the continent’s challenges and seize its economic potential.

President Paul Kagame held discussions with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania

The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas, including education, defence, and security.

The two Heads of State also discussed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and infrastructure development.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Maurice is recognized for his pioneering work as the founding CEO of KCB Bank Rwanda, where he was instrumental in shaping the bank’s market presence and operational foundation.

His tenure as Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda further cemented his reputation, having successfully overseen its evolution into one of the country’s leading financial institutions. He has also previously served as Chair of the Rwanda Bankers Association.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Benjamin Rugangazi, Chairman of NCBA Bank Rwanda’s Board of Directors, said: “Maurice’s track record speaks volumes. He joins us at a time when we are deepening our efforts in corporate banking and expanding our retail footprint. With his leadership, we look forward to accelerating the bank’s growth trajectory and delivering enhanced value to our customers and shareholders.”

Maurice’s expertise as a Certified Public Accountant and Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers is complemented by his academic credentials.

He holds an MBA from Strathmore University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi. As a certified Executive Coach, Maurice is passionate about empowering teams and fostering a culture of excellence.

Maurice’s leadership is rooted in transformative strategies and a commitment to robust governance, which resonate with NCBA Bank Rwanda’s mission to drive financial inclusion and innovation.

In his first remarks as Managing Director, Maurice shared a forward-looking vision.

'I am excited to build on the great work my predecessors have done and on the bank’s strong foundation as we steer NCBA Rwanda into the next phase of growth. I look forward to working closely with the team at NCBA and the wider financial sector in Rwanda to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders and the country at large,' he noted.

The announcement signals a confident step forward for NCBA Bank Rwanda as it aims to redefine its role in the market, fostering resilience and innovation in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.

NCBA Bank Rwanda is a subsidiary of NCBA Group, a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers.

NCBA Group operates a network of 115 branches in five countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, it is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.

NCBA Bank Rwanda is currently present in Kigali with four branches and in other districts of Musanze, Nyagatare, and Kayonza. The bank will soon be unveiling new branches in Rubavu and Rusizi.

Through the partnership with MTN Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd on “MoKash,” a mobile savings and loan product, the bank has attracted over 4.7 million customers and disbursed over 13 million loans worth Frw386 billion.

MoKash continues to play a critical role in expanding financial inclusion in Rwanda by serving 2 million women and 2.5 million youth.

Maurice Toroitich has been appointed as the Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda.

Maurice has been warmly welcomed as the Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda.

IGIHE

During a plenary of the National Transitional Council, over 90 percent of councilors approved the elevation of the president’s military rank, the council said in a statement.

Deby, 40, a former army general, assumed power after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, died from wounds sustained on the front line in the country’s north in April 2021.

He won the presidential election in May 2024 after leading a transitional government for three years.

Chad’s lawmakers on Monday voted to elevate President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to the rank of field marshal, the highest military rank in Chad.

Xinhua

According to the Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Syria, targeting such sites as Syrian navy vessels docked at Latakia Port, military depots in coastal areas, and arms depots in Damascus.

In addition, the attacks hit the 112th Brigade between the cities of Sheikh Miskin and Nawa in the west of Daraa province, as well as military depots near the Mahja town in northern Daraa.

Two civilians were killed in the assaults on the 12th Brigade in the city of Izraa, the observatory added.

In Damascus, a Xinhua correspondent witnessed Israeli warplanes flying overhead.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told reporters on Monday that the Israeli army launched strikes targeting “strategic weapons systems, residual chemical weapons capabilities, and long-range missiles and rockets” in Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of “extremist elements,” claiming that Israel does not aim to interfere in Syria’s internal politics.

He also said that “the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) carried out a targeted and temporary operation to take control of areas near the border” with Syria because Syrian militants crossed into the buffer zone between the two countries over the weekend, violating the Agreement on Disengagement signed in 1974 between Israel and Syria.

Airstrikes are expected to continue in the coming days, an anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua.

Multiple regional countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, among others, condemned the occupation, calling for respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Also on Monday, Syrian online media outlet Sawt al-Asima reported that Muhammad al-Bashir, born in 1983 and an electrical engineer and head of the “Syrian Salvation Government” opposition group in Idlib under the aegis of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been tasked with forming a new Syrian government.

Following the latest developments in Syria, the international community has voiced concern about peace and stability in the country, as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for calm and “avoiding violence at this sensitive time.”

“We will need the support of the international community to ensure that any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria,” said Guterres.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country would continue diplomatic consultations with relevant parties as well as the United Nations to help stabilize the situation, highlighting the necessity to hold dialogue among different segments of the Syrian society.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday voiced readiness to support and coordinate efforts with all stakeholders to secure Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, saying that Türkiye will make efforts for the safe return of over 3.5 million Syrian refugees residing in the country back home.

China hopes all parties concerned will proceed from the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and find a political solution to restore stability in Syria as soon as possible, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters on Monday, stressing that the future of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people.

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said that Washington “will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process, led by the UN, to establish a transition away from” the Assad government, while President-elect Donald Trump said on social media that “The United States should have nothing to do with” the situation in Syria.

Xinhua

This decision follows a Ministerial Order No. 002/MoH/2024, issued on November 29, 2024, which amends Ministerial Order No. 002/MoH/2019 (April 8, 2019), setting the conditions under which a medical doctor can legally perform an abortion.

Article 5 of the new Ministerial Order, published in the Official Gazette on December 9, 2024, outlines the criteria that must be met for healthcare providers to offer abortion services and expands the list of authorized facilities.

'Abortion is performed in a public or a private health facility authorized by the Ministry in charge of health to operate as a hospital, a health center or a polyclinic. However, the Ministry in charge of health may authorise a clinic that fulfils the requirements to carry out abortion services after assessment of the requirements' states Article 5 of the Order.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in reproductive health have long highlighted that the complexity of legal abortion services often restricts access, particularly when these services are only available in larger hospitals, making it difficult for many women to obtain the care they need.

Legal grounds for performing an abortion include cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage, where the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman’s health or the fetus, or when the woman is a minor. Abortions are also permitted when the pregnancy threatens the health of the woman or the fetus she is carrying.

With over 512 health centers across Rwanda, the country plans to ensure that all of these centers are staffed with qualified doctors within the next three years, which will increase the availability of comprehensive healthcare services.

The Health Development Initiative Rwanda (HDI Rwanda) has expressed strong support for these recent changes.

In a post shared on X , the organization stated, 'This development is a significant step toward safeguarding the health of women and girls, particularly by addressing the harmful effects of illegal abortions, which have resulted in serious injury or death for many women.'
'This decision will enhance access to safe, reliable, and timely health services for women and girls in need of these critical services,' HDI Rwanda added.

According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), a total of 4,378 women and girls received medical abortions between 2020 and 2023, citing various reasons.

The RBC report shows that 60% of those who accessed abortion services were victims of sexual violence, 32% had abortions due to health risks to the woman or fetus, 3% were minors, 2% were impregnated by a close relative, and 1% were victims of forced marriages.

The law stipulates that, except when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s health or the life of the child, an abortion should only be performed if the pregnancy is no more than 22 weeks along.

Legal grounds for performing an abortion include cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage, where the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman’s health or the fetus, or when the woman is a minor.

IGIHE

On December 9, 2024, a French court convicted Cameroonian researcher Charles Onana for denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The conviction stemmed from his book, Rwanda, la vérité sur l’opération turquoise: quand les archives parlent (Rwanda, the Truth about the Turquoise Operation: When the Archives Speak), published on October 30, 2019.

The verdict followed a complaint filed by three organizations: CPCR, Survie, and IBUKA France. In his book, Onana claimed there was no deliberate plan for the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The court ordered Onana to pay a fine of €7,400 within 120 days, while Damien Serieyx, his publishing director, was fined €5,000. The court explained that both Onana and Serieyx would be eligible for a 20% reduction in their fines if paid within 30 days, but the reduction would not exceed €1,500.

Onana and Serieyx were also ordered to pay €11,000 in damages to the parties who filed complaints.

Commenting on the ruling, Ambassador Nduhungirehe expressed his satisfaction with the “historic decision” of the court.

'I am pleased with the decision of the XVIIth Chamber of the Paris Criminal Court, which has just found Cameroonian writer Charles Onana guilty of denying the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda,' he said.

'This is a landmark decision that, I hope, will discourage all journalists, writers, and politicians who engage in genocide denial in Europe and our region,' added Amb. Nduhungirehe.

Raphael Doridant from the Survie organization also welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that Onana’s statements in his book amounted to genocide denial.

Doridant further explained that Onana’s words were an insult to the memory and dignity of genocide victims and their families, calling the court’s decision a victory against genocide denial.

Onana’s legal team, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision.

Minister Nduhungirehe expressed his satisfaction with the “historic decision” of the court in Onana’s trial.

IGIHE

Upon arrival, Sulayem engaged with young girls at the BK Arena for the “Girls on Track” program welcoming over 100 young women from schools across Kigali to a packed schedule of exciting and inspiring events at the BK Arena.

Joined by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and racing driver, F1 analyst, and presenter Naomi Schiff, the girls took to the track in karts for the first time as well challenging themselves on the simulators, trying their hands at different sporting challenges.

Besides, they had the chance to meet with and hear from inspiring experts from across the world of motorsport who shared their advice and experiences with the girls.

Participants also had the unique opportunity to connect online with FIA Women in Motorsport Chairperson Burcu Çetinkaya who joined them remotely from the Women in Motorsport North America summit in Indianapolis, fostering an inspiring international dialogue.

The participants, involved in karting and e-sport activities, are set to play a role in the upcoming General Assembly events.

Key figures at the program included Minister of Sports Nyirishema Richard, Permanent Secretary Nelly Mukazayire, State Minister of Education Irere Claudette, and Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) President Gakwaya Christian.

The week-long General Assembly, coinciding with the FIA’s 120th anniversary, will feature ten major activities. These include a tree-planting initiative at Nyandungu Eco-Park, a session for university students on motorsport career opportunities, and visits to the Zipline facility in Muhanga District.

Additionally, there will be a meet-and-greet for motorsport enthusiasts and displays of iconic race cars, including the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC, Porsche 99X Electric (GEN3 Evo), and Red Bull RB13.

On Thursday, December 12, a session will focus on the role of technology in reducing environmental damage.

The General Assembly and awards ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13, at the BK Arena, recognizing achievements across various motorsport disciplines including Formula One, Rally, and Karting.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem engaged with young girls at the BK Arena.

The President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem was accompanied by Rwandan officials as he arrived at BK Arena.

IGIHE

Kagame was warmly welcomed by his Mauritania counterpart Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union.

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Key discussions will cover curriculum reform, teacher development, digital technologies in education, inclusive education, and financing mechanisms for educational transformation.

The conference aims to identify best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve overall learning outcomes.

Held under the theme, 'Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa,' the forum will run between December 9-11, 2024.

With the African Union’s theme for 2024 focused on education, the forum will also explore strategies to build resilient education systems that prepare African youth to tackle the continent’s challenges and seize its economic potential.

President Kagame is in Nouakchott, Mauritania where he will attend the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability.

This forum underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in transforming education to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy.

It comes at a time when Africa has made significant strides in expanding access to education but still faces challenges in ensuring quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all.

The continent struggles with high numbers of out-of-school children, poor infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and the impact of crises such as climate change and conflict.

Upon arrival, President Kagame was warmly welcomed by his Mauritania counterpart Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Sam K Nkurunziza