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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Kigali on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Rwandan Head of State emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes actionable change, urging leaders to align their words with practical, impactful solutions.

'We should get tired of saying the right things for so long. We want to see the right things happen,' President Kagame stated during a panel discussion at the Kigali Convention Center.

'At a personal level, I have been on this stage saying many things, even repeating myself, and then I see my brothers and sisters, my colleagues, saying the same things over and over. But we need to ask ourselves, even before anyone else asks us, what is there to show for what we have been saying? We really need to get tired of this,' he emphasized.

President Kagame acknowledged that Africa holds incredible potential with its young workforce. He noted that for Africa to position itself as a leading source of global talent, priority should be on improving quality and creating an enabling political environment for young people to thrive.

'Sometimes we forget that beyond providing education and healthcare, and encouraging their participation in their own growth and that of their country, there has to be an environment that allows everything to happen—a political framework that ensures stability, enabling all the actions we talk about,' President Kagame explained.

He added, 'We must build infrastructure that serves young people, and from there, they will excel in entrepreneurship, innovation, or whatever careers can earn them a good living, which everyone aspires to. Africa has everything to be where we want to be. If we fail, we can only blame ourselves.'

Under President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has been at the forefront of youth-driven innovation, setting an example with its commitment to fostering youth development through various initiatives like YouthConnekt.

Launched in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the YouthConnekt program aims to empower young people by connecting them with resources, skills, role models, and peers to help them achieve socio-economic success.

The seventh edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, held under the theme 'Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skilling', has brought together more than 3,000 youths from across Africa.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Prime Minister Matekane urged young people to harness digital solutions available to them today to realize their dreams, including access to credit facilities.

Reflecting on challenges faced by African youth in a rapidly changing world, Mumbi encouraged young people to leverage access to information to drive change within their communities and elevate themselves.

'We have quite an advantage because we have been brought up in a generation where we have access to information. If we look at what we can do with that information, how we can empower ourselves to create change, I think it would take us to the next level where we can rely heavily on ourselves,' she said.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth. She warned that without equipping young Africans, the continent risks losing its values and resources to others.

'Africans, young women and men, have what it takes to conduct their own affairs and lead their own destiny, so never again should you walk out of any room doubting your own ability,” Eziakonwa stated.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project was held on November 7, 2024.

The integrated steel plant, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons, is projected to create 1,000 direct jobs and support Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2) by bolstering the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, specifically in the Kimonyi sector.

The plant will source raw materials from local mining sites in Burera and Ngororero districts, capitalizing on Rwanda’s iron ore reserves to drive production.

Output from the plant will include rebar and other essential construction materials.

Additionally, it will process locally mined iron ore, helping reduce the country’s reliance on imports while targeting an export value of approximately $50 million.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports and strengthening Rwanda’s position as a key player in the region’s steel industry.

Tiwari expressed a commitment to creating local economic opportunities, emphasizing collaboration with the Rwandan government, partners, and community members to make Rwanda a leader in steel processing.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, remarked that large-scale industrial projects like this align with Rwanda’s five-year plan, which targets a 10% annual growth in industrial output.

“This project underscores our commitment to leveraging local resources, reducing imports, and creating decent jobs for Rwandans,' he said.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, emphasized that Rwanda’s supportive investment climate, skilled workforce, and stable governance under President Paul Kagame make the country a prime location for international investment.

Das expressed optimism about the opportunities that such favorable conditions present to investors.

In recent years, Rwanda has imported substantial amounts of steel, with 184,000 tons in 2022, 195,000 tons in 2023, and 146,000 tons in the first eight months of 2024.

The new plant is expected to address this demand gap. The Rwandan government remains committed to supporting investors through policies, infrastructure, and security to promote sustainable economic growth.

The groundbreaking cermeony tok place on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry speaking at the event.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, in Kimonyi sector.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, commened Rwanda’s supportive investment climate.

IGIHE

Following a heated confrontation on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Akol stunned the public and his colleagues with inflammatory statements in the media, not only expressing no remorse but further escalating the situation by threatening Zaake’s life.

'I don’t regret what I did to Zaake. I could even kill him if I had a chance,' Akol said and He went on to imply that Zaake might be suffering from mental health issues, suggesting he should be admitted to Butabika Hospital, Uganda’s national mental health facility.

Akol declared he was “well trained” and capable of taking on all members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) at once, singling out Francis Zaake as a specific target.

“I can even beat up all NUP MPs if they can all come at once. I have no problem with killing, so Zaake should be careful with me,” Akol boasted.

MP Anthony Akol has said that he would kill his colleague Zaake if he got an opportunity.

The confrontation between Akol and Zaake began during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, when Zaake raised concerns about a potential firearm in the chamber, fearing for the safety of lawmakers.

He approached Speaker Anita Among to voice his suspicions, suggesting that someone might have brought a weapon into the session, which was about to debate the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Speaker Among called a brief recess to conduct a security check, which yielded no firearm. However, when Zaake returned to his seat, he found it occupied by Akol, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly spiraled into a physical altercation.

Zaake was later rushed to St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, where he is currently receiving medical treatment, and has since announced plans to pursue legal action against Akol.

MP Francis Zaake is currently receiving medical treatment St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.

These shocking remarks have ignited widespread condemnation, particularly as Akol drew on his past as a former child soldier in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group infamous for its brutal violence and forced abductions under warlord Joseph Kony in Northern Uganda.

The National Unity Platform and human rights advocates have swiftly condemned the statements, warning that such rhetoric reflects a dangerous normalization of violence in Uganda’s political arena and taps into deeply painful memories of the LRA’s atrocities.

As of now, there have been no official statements from Ugandan political parties, human rights organizations, or government officials condemning MP Anthony Akol’s recent threats against MP Francis Zaake. The incident has sparked public concern, but formal responses from key stakeholders are yet to be issued.

This is not the first time Zaake has faced violence in Uganda’s parliament. Known for his outspoken stance on human rights and criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, Zaake has been a frequent target of both verbal and physical attacks.

Hon Francis Zaake.

In 2017, he was part of a chaotic session over a proposed amendment to remove the presidential age limit, sustaining injuries while security forces attempted to remove him.

In 2019, he was hospitalized after a physical altercation within parliament, and in 2020, he was injured again by security forces who reportedly attempted to remove him from his home during COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Uganda’s Parliament is no stranger to controversies. In 2017, a chaotic session where MPs hurled chairs and punches at each other ensured over a proposed amendment to remove the presidential age limit.

Sam K Nkurunziza

He shared these insights during a panel discussion at the Singapore FinTech Festival on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

The panel discussion, themed “Financial Network in the Fastest Growing Continent,” focused on Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure transformation, a key driver of the continent’s economic and societal growth.

'Rwanda views digital transformation as a cornerstone of its socio-economic development strategy, recognizing digital infrastructure and innovation as critical enablers of sustainable growth,' Rwangombwa said.

He added, 'Through a robust, multi-sectoral approach, Rwanda is setting a foundation for a dynamic digital economy that directly supports financial inclusion, data-driven policymaking, and enhanced service delivery across the country.'

The session concluded by recognizing the transformative potential of digital financial services while stressing the importance of overcoming connectivity, digital literacy and security challenges for sustainable growth.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Rwangombwa chaired a roundtable session titled 'Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Balancing Innovation and Compliance for Digital Banks' at the Insights Forum in Singapore.

This discussion addressed the complex regulatory challenges digital banks face as they innovate and expand.

Governor Rwangombwa highlighted the dual mandate of the National Bank of Rwanda: promoting financial innovation while ensuring stability.

'As digital banking grows, we remain committed to fostering innovation that is both inclusive and secure,' he said.

Digital services have become central to Rwanda’s economy, with 73% of Rwandans (5.9 million people) using some form of electronic financial service by 2024—a significant rise from 30% (2.1 million) in 2020, according to a recent report by Access to Finance Rwanda.

The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), launched in 2016, has grown into a global gathering for policymakers, regulators, central bankers, FinTech innovators, technologists, investors, and financial industry leaders.

This year’s event running through November 6-8, encourages impactful connections and collaborations, facilitating discussions on innovative financial solutions, evolving regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.

SFF also advocates for sustainable practices, underscoring the importance of responsibility in all facets of the festival.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), John Rwangombwa has emphasized the critical role of digital transformation in Rwanda’s development.

The panel discussion, themed “Financial Network in the Fastest Growing Continent,” focused on Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure transformation.

IGIHE

Local media reports indicate that Engonga was dismissed for 'irregularities' and 'inappropriate conduct' under a decree issued by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Engonga has been trending on social media for most of the week after a recent investigation uncovered more than 400 explicit videos featuring him with multiple women, including relatives and wives of high-ranking officials, even the President’s sister.

The videos, filmed in offices, hotels, and restrooms, were leaked online after Engonga was arrested on unrelated corruption charges. Local media reported that the footage was discovered in his personal office and appeared to have been recorded with the consent of the women involved.

The videos have caused an uproar on social media, with Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Mangue, vowing to take “severe measures” against officials involved in sexual activities in their offices.

“We will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials engaging in sexual relations in the country’s ministries,” the Vice President stated on his X page on Monday, adding that the acts constitute violations of the code of conduct and public ethics laws.

The country’s Attorney General also weighed in on the matter, stating that while the recordings appeared consensual, Engonga could face charges for “public health crimes” if he has a sexually transmitted infection.

Equatorial Guinea’s First Lady condemned the acts as well, saying they were 'distorting the image and reputation of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman.'

Engonga is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, president of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The 54-year-old is married and has six children.

Local media reports indicate that Baltasar Engonga was dismissed for 'irregularities' and 'inappropriate conduct' under a decree issued by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Thursday, November 8, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of PSF Rwanda, and Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, represented their respective organizations at the signing ceremony.

Under the MoU, LCCI and PSF Rwanda will collaborate in several areas, including facilitating trade by streamlining procedures, reducing barriers, and promoting the exchange of goods and services between Nigeria and Rwanda; and promoting investment by identifying opportunities in both countries, organizing trade missions, and fostering business partnerships.

Other priority areas include sharing information by exchanging data on market trends, trade regulations, and investment incentives to aid business decision-making; building capacity through joint workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance business competitiveness in both countries; and hosting events to organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums for networking and partnership-building.

The MoU identifies specific sectors for collaboration, such as agriculture (with a focus on Rwandan coffee and tea production), energy, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, praised the agreement as a testament to the two countries’ shared vision of prosperity.

'This MoU is a testament to our shared vision—a vision of a vibrant and interconnected African business landscape where Rwanda and Nigeria stand as beacons of economic collaboration and mutual growth,' he said.

'The Rwandan government is fully committed to supporting this endeavour. We have implemented policies to streamline business procedures, enhance infrastructure, and promote a conducive investment climate.'

The Lagos International Trade Fair, which kicked off on November 1, 2024, is the largest international exhibition in West Africa. During the 10-day event, participants have a chance to network with potential buyers and create business partnerships.

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to an announcement by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, published in the Official Gazette on November 7, individuals from various countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, Eritrea, Namibia, Madagascar, and Rwanda (for those whose parents are not originally Rwandan), were granted Rwandan nationality.

The list also includes individuals from the UK, France, the United States, India, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Russia, Poland, Pakistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Italy, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Iraq.

The Organic Law N° 002/2021.OL of 16/07/2021 governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.

Rwandan nationality by origin is granted to individuals born to at least one Rwandan parent with ancestral nationality, meaning the parent is a Rwandan by origin and not by acquisition.

To apply for nationality by origin, applicants are required to present one of the following documents; testimony by the applicant or by at least one person and corroborated by evidence, a relative who has Rwandan nationality by origin, or any other proof demonstrating his or her Rwandan origin.

Nationality by acquisition, on the other hand, includes several pathways: birth on Rwandan territory, marriage to a Rwandan national, substantial and sustainable investments, special skills, and statelessness.

For instance, those born on Rwandan soil or married to a Rwandan citizen for at least five years are eligible to apply.

Individuals who contribute significant investments, possess unique skills needed by Rwanda, or are stateless may also qualify, provided they demonstrate good conduct and do not pose security risks​.

Kenyan journalist Eugene Kenneth Anangwe (left) is among individuals granted Rwnadan nationality.

The Organic Law governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.

Rwanda has granted nationality to 296 people from different countries.

IGIHE

The exhibitor from Mali was using the drum to promote shea butter produced by his manual workshop at the 2024 CIIE in Shanghai, running from Nov. 5 to 10.

“Our company has participated in the CIIE on three occasions, and I always see numerous opportunities here,” said Thera, adding that he is confident of attracting more big clients over the next few days.

According to Thera, his wife, a Chinese national, was the first person who told him that shea butter, a specialty he was all too familiar with during his childhood, may prove a surprising skin care cream option for Chinese people, while the CIIE is the first platform that has shown him he can cooperate with merchants from various countries.

China is offering over 120 free booths and other support measures to 37 of the world’s least developed countries at the 2024 CIIE, thereby helping them showcase their products at the expo. China has also expanded the exhibition area for African agricultural products.

In the area around Thera’s booth, other African exhibitors can be seen introducing farm produce including coffee beans, cashew nuts and tropical fruits, with constant streams of visitors stopping to have a look or taste.

China’s imports of African agricultural products have registered strong growth over the past years with the country rolling out supporting policies, including streamlining customs procedures and reducing or exempting tariffs, said Sun Hong, deputy director of the Institute of African Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Sun defined the CIIE as one of the platforms enabling Chinese consumers to learn more about African agricultural products, and said that efforts should be made to support more Chinese enterprises in investing in relevant industries in African countries, such as processing, logistics and warehousing.

Holding a large piece of beeswax in one hand and a small box of honey in the other, Jackson Mponela, production manager for commerce and development at Tanzania Future Enterprises Company Ltd., said he is confident about the products and hopes to capture the Chinese market of over 1.4 billion people.

“I watched a video about the CIIE held last year and I was so impressed by the hustle and bustle there, so I figured we should start our first CIIE journey this year,” said Mponela, adding that he expects to secure new partnerships at the expo and learn more about how other companies are being operated.

“We brought many varieties of newly designed handmade Afghan carpets to the expo to better cater to the needs of Chinese consumers,” said Ali Faiz from Biraro Trading Company, which has participated at the CIIE for five consecutive years. Ali added that it used to be difficult for small businesses in Afghanistan to find overseas markets for local products.

To attract more Chinese buyers, Ali decided to use short videos and livestreaming to share knowledge about Afghan carpets and hold cultural experience activities together with other exhibitors during this year’s CIIE.

Helping enterprises from the least developed countries tap the Chinese market and integrate into the global economy is a feature of the CIIE, said Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of commerce, adding that the expo has always been a public good for the whole world.

The CIIE is just one of China’s endeavors to support the least developed countries. In September, China announced that the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China would enjoy zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines starting from Dec. 1 this year.

China will also strengthen cooperation with those countries in terms of inspection and quarantine, and provide vocational training for e-commerce enterprises to help the least developed countries improve their trade capacity, said Tang.

Xinhua

In a statement, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said the donation, part of ongoing international relief efforts, consists of over 19 tons of supplies, including fortified food for children, medicines, and medical supplies.

The consignment, transported by the national carrier RwandAir, was received by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization in Amman.

Rwanda reiterated the call for “an end to the conflict and the protection of civilian lives.”

This is the second shipment Rwanda has sent to Gaza since the latest conflict began in October 2023. In late October 2023, the government of Rwanda dispatched 16 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which included essential medicines, food, and water.

The recent conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, involving rocket fire, ground incursions, and assaults on civilians near the Gaza border. Israel responded with airstrikes and a military campaign targeting Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.

The conflict has since resulted in extensive fighting, leading to over 40,000 deaths and widespread destruction, drawing global attention and calls for humanitarian aid and diplomatic interventions.

The donation, part of ongoing international relief efforts, consists of over 19 tons of supplies, including fortified food for children, medicines, and medical supplies.

Wycliffe Nyamasege