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The 19th National Dialogue Council held in 2024, adopted 13 resolutions aimed at strengthening economic growth, improving citizens’ livelihoods, and enhancing governance.

The State Minister for National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Godfrey Kabera, has told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that overall implementation stands at more than 80%.

He said agriculture has seen steady improvement, driven by expanded cultivated land, irrigation projects, and supporting infrastructure.

Projects such as the development of the Nyiramageni and Akanyaru wetlands, along with irrigation schemes in Kirehe, Kayonza, and other areas, have played a key role. These efforts were accompanied by investments in post-harvest handling and storage to reduce losses.

Kabera emphasized that access to markets is critical for agricultural and livestock products, noting that more than 4,200 kilometers of feeder roads have been upgraded and maintained to improve connectivity. He added that over 58% of these roads are currently in good condition.

On the resolution calling for the establishment of furniture workshops across the country and increased value addition, Kabera said improved management systems have been introduced to ensure sustainability and profitability.

He noted that the facilities have so far created employment for more than 370,000 people, highlighting their importance to the economy and household incomes.

In the area of skills development, 24 technical and vocational education and training (TVET) schools have been completed since the conclusion of the 19th National Dialogue Council, while 135 others have started offering vocational courses. As a result, each administrative sector now has access to TVET programmes.

Growing diaspora contribution

Efforts to engage Rwandans living abroad have continued to focus on investment promotion and increasing remittances. Data from the National Bank of Rwanda shows that remittances amounted to USD 502 million in 2024, compared to USD 505 million in 2023.

Kabera said members of the diaspora have been sensitized about investment opportunities in sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and industry.

He added that diaspora investment reached USD 35 million, describing the figure as a positive sign of strong commitment by Rwandans abroad to national development.

Other outcomes of the Umushyikirano resolutions include identifying young Rwandans pursuing advanced studies abroad and encouraging them to return home upon completion. According to Kabera, more than 150 skilled professionals have already returned and been integrated into key sectors facing skills shortages.

The 20th National Umushyikirano Council meeting is scheduled to take place on February 5—6, 2026.

The word Umushyikirano translates to a meeting where participants are able to exchange ideas, share experiences and question each other. Today Umushyikirano is known as the National Dialogue Council.

As part of efforts to reconstruct Rwanda and nurture a shared national identity, the Government of Rwanda drew on aspects of Rwandan culture and traditional practices to enrich and adapt its development programs to the country’s needs and context.

The result is a set of Home Grown Solutions, culturally owned practices translated into sustainable development programs. One of these Home Grown Solutions is Umushyikirano.

Governed by the Rwandan Constitution (Article 168), Umushyikirano is a forum where participants debate issues relating to the state of the nation, the state of local government and national unity. The Office of the Prime Minister is responsible for the overall co-ordination of Umushyikirano.

The 19th National Dialogue Council held in 2024, adopted 13 resolutions aimed at strengthening economic growth, improving citizens’ livelihoods, and enhancing governance.

IGIHE

The appointment of Steward Soroba Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party, appeared in a presidential order dated January 30. Local media quickly noted that Budia passed away in 2021, sparking widespread ridicule on social media.

In a short statement, the presidency announced the dismissal of Press Secretary David Amour Major and Valentino Dhel Maluet, the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, without giving reasons. The statement thanked both officials for their service.

Amour later said the president’s office had relied on names submitted by stakeholders and that one party failed to properly verify the list, calling it an 'administrative oversight.' It remains unclear whether this explanation led to his removal.

The panel was created to help prepare the country for elections, though doubts remain about whether the vote will happen as planned.

South Sudan continues to face insecurity, with recent fighting displacing more than 180,000 people, according to the UN.

Previous elections have been repeatedly postponed, leaving Kiir in power since independence in 2011.

IGIHE

The data, covering new cancer cases diagnosed in 2023, were released on February 3, 2026, during RBC’s National Cancer Symposium, convened to discuss strategies and pathways to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer by 2027.

In total, 5,635 new cancer cases were recorded in 2023. Among women, breast cancer topped the list with 719 new cases, compared to just 32 men diagnosed with the disease. Among men, prostate cancer was most prevalent, with 525 new cases.

Cervical cancer followed, with 664 new cases among women. Stomach cancer affected 271 women and 222 men. Liver cancer ranked fifth, with 195 men and 186 women diagnosed. Sixth was colorectal cancer, with 185 women and 145 men affected.

Blood cancers also ranked highly: leukaemia was diagnosed in 145 women and 158 men, while lymphoma affected 135 women and 114 men. Lung cancer was ninth, with 104 women and 76 men diagnosed, and oral cancer ranked tenth, affecting 60 women and 99 men.

RBC Director General Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi highlighted Rwanda’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027. Currently, nine of the country’s 30 districts have already achieved this milestone.

'Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Yet it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer,” he said, adding, “For Rwanda, eliminating cervical cancer is not only a public health priority, it is a matter of equity, of defending women’s rights, and of securing the health of future generations'

This goal aligns with the internationally recognised “90-70-90” targets: 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women should be screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive treatment. Rwanda has already exceeded the vaccination target, reached approximately 31% of the screening goal, and achieved 81% of the treatment target.

The estimated cost to fully achieve this goal is $27.8 million. RBC remains optimistic, citing strong government commitment and recent expansions in cancer care, including at Mituweli Hospital.

Dr. Maniragaba Théoneste, Director of the cancer control unit at RBC, emphasised the importance of early screening, noting that cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected in its initial stages.

'When detected at stage one or two, cancer can be cured before it spreads to other organs, such as the liver or brain. Early detection saves lives,' he said.

While the virus that causes cervical cancer (HPV) is sexually transmitted, symptoms of the disease may not appear for a decade or more. Donathile Akayezu, who recovered from cervical cancer last year, shared that she initially mistook her symptoms for a routine infection. Only after testing was the cancer detected.

'At first, I felt hopeless, but after treatment, I recovered and returned to my normal life. I continue regular check-ups but no longer take medication,' she said.

Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer continue to focus on vaccinating children and raising awareness among women about the importance of regular screening.

RBC’s National Cancer Symposium was convened to discuss strategies and pathways to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer by 2027.

RBC Director General Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi highlighted Rwanda’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027.

Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer continue to focus on vaccinating children and raising awareness among women about the importance of regular screening.

IGIHE

Both sides should explore the potential for cooperation in emerging fields including green development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, so as to drive economic growth and transformation, Xi said when holding talks with President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay Yamandu Orsi in Beijing.

Orsi on Sunday began a week-long state visit to China. He is the first leader from Latin America to visit China in 2026, and his visit follows those of leaders from Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Finland and Britain.

“On this day 38 years ago, China and Uruguay established diplomatic relations,” Xi said, pointing out that over the years, regardless of changes in the international situation, the two countries have always got along with each other on the basis of mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xi called on both sides to carry forward their traditions and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership under the new circumstances, to make sure their friendship grows stronger and more vibrant.

China and Uruguay should continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels and across all areas, enhance exchanges of experience in governance, and continuously deepen strategic mutual trust, Xi emphasized.

Xi said that the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China had adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a blueprint for China’s development over the next five years, which will offer broad opportunities for countries worldwide, including Uruguay.

The peoples of China and Uruguay share a natural affinity, Xi noted, adding the two sides should continue to deepen exchanges in areas like culture, education, sports, media and subnational engagement, and facilitate personnel exchanges, to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two peoples.

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, said Xi, noting the international landscape is marked by a mix of turbulence and transformation, while unilateral bullying is intensifying.

China supports Uruguay in taking over chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2026 and is willing to work with Uruguay to strengthen solidarity in the Global South, jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work together to seek common development, so as to make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Xi added that China has always valued its relations with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and supports LAC countries in upholding their sovereignty, security and development interests.

China also supports Uruguay in assuming the rotating presidencies of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), and stands ready to work with Uruguay and other regional countries to further promote the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future, Xi said.

Orsi said China is an important cooperation partner of Uruguay, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is at its best in history.

Noting that Uruguay firmly supports the one-China principle and supports the “one country, two systems” policy, he said Uruguay aspires to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and bring bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

Echoing Xi, Orsi called for boosting cooperation in wide-ranging areas to inject stronger momentum into Uruguay-China relations and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

Uruguay stands ready to work with China to stay committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the international trading system, further advance LAC-China relations, and defend the common interests of the Global South, he said.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 10 cooperation documents covering investment, trade and other fields.

Prior to the talks, Xi hosted a welcoming ceremony for Orsi in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. At noon, Xi hosted a welcome banquet for him in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

During Orsi’s visit, the two sides issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay Yamandu Orsi, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2026.

Xinhua

Obasanjo was speaking at a high-level meeting of the African Union—East African Community—Southern African Development Community (AU—EAC—SADC) Panel of Facilitators on the eastern DRC peace process, held at State House in Entebbe and hosted by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday.

'The issue concerns management or mismanagement of diversity within the DRC and the relationship of the DRC with its neighbours,' Obasanjo said, noting that the same fundamental challenges that triggered UN peacekeeping intervention in 1960 persist today. He said that while many actors claim to understand the crisis, differing diagnoses have slowed efforts to resolve it.

'Once you diagnose your disease properly, it is half solved,' he said, adding that peace can only be achieved if all stakeholders agree on the nature of the problem and apply the right solutions.

Obasanjo stressed that the African Union must remain at the centre of the peace process, even as international partners such as the United States, Qatar and France express interest in supporting stability in the region. He cautioned, however, that externally driven solutions risk failing to address local realities.

'A solution imported from outside Africa may not properly deal with the situation that we have in our hands,' he said, pointing out that the conflict involves multiple armed groups beyond the M23 and reflects long-standing, unresolved grievances.

President Museveni, in his remarks, said the conflict in eastern Congo is well understood in the region and should not have taken decades to resolve. He noted that Uganda hosts about 500,000 Congolese refugees, part of an estimated two million refugees living in the country.

'We know the problem so well,' Museveni said, citing strong ethnic and cultural ties between communities across borders in Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC.

'It is really a shame that it should take so long because it is easy to solve,” he remarked.

Museveni noted that while Congo once faced secessionist threats, the current crisis is driven by grievances rather than attempts to break up the country. He said this presented an opportunity for authorities in Kinshasa to address long-standing complaints and restore stability.

Obasanjo described Museveni as being in a unique position to contribute to the peace effort, citing his long involvement in regional affairs and the absence of strong opposition to his role among the stakeholders consulted, including leaders in Rwanda and Burundi, as well as representatives of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.

Also present at the meeting was Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo and the African Union’s lead mediator on the eastern DRC peace process. Obasanjo is part of a panel of experts appointed by the AU that includes former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.

The panel was established in March 2025 following the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes into a unified framework aimed at harmonising regional and continental efforts to resolve the crisis. Its mandate includes guiding negotiations between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the M23, and overseeing the implementation of agreed measures such as the neutralisation of the FDLR militia.

Analysts say the root causes of the conflict include historical ethnic grievances, failed political settlements and persistent discrimination against some communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese whose citizenship has often been questioned. The AFC/M23 movement says it is fighting to defend the rights of these marginalised groups.

Obasanjo said African leaders involved in the process had accepted responsibility for finding a durable solution.

'We will seek and look for an African solution to our African problem,' he said.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African leaders to confront the root causes of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying lasting peace will remain elusive unless the underlying problems are correctly diagnosed and addressed.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The agreement was signed in Kigali on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during the Rwanda—Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum, a meeting focused on enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

Rwanda was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Jean-Guy Afrika, while Brazil was represented by Jorge Viana, President of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX-Brazil).

APEX-Brazil also signed an MoU with the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda (PSF), represented by its Chairman, Stephen Ruzibiza to enhance cooperation between the two institutions.

In his remarks, RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika noted that the forum is about connecting businesses, identifying projects, and creating investment pathways that generate value for both countries.

“Brazil and Rwanda are two dynamic economies with complementary strengths. Brazil brings global leadership in agribusiness, manufacturing, and energy on an industrial scale. Rwanda offers a stable, reform-driven investment environment, strategic access to East and Central African markets, and a fast-growing services and logistics sector,” he said.

Brazilian Ambassador to Rwanda Irene Vida Gala welcomed the Brazilian delegation, noting that the forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The Rwanda—Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum was jointly organized by RDB and APEX-Brazil. Its objective is to further promote trade, economic cooperation, business partnerships, and investment, with a strong focus on private-sector engagement.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Brazil date back to 1981, and since then the two countries have signed several cooperation agreements. In 2019, they signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to enhance air transport cooperation.

Another cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening food security was signed in 2011. Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and oranges.

Since 2022, Rwanda has been importing wheat from Brazil following a decline in supplies previously sourced from Ukraine. Rwanda also imports sugar from Brazil.

Rwanda was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Jean-Guy Afrika, while Brazil was represented by Jorge Viana, President of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX-Brazil).

APEX-Brazil also signed an MoU with the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda (PSF), represented by its Chairman, Stephen Ruzibiza to enhance cooperation between the two institutions.

The forum reflects the growing interest in strengthening economic ties and building a practical partnership driven by trade, investment and private-sector collaboration.

Brazilian Ambassador to Rwanda Irene Vida Gala welcomed the Brazilian delegation, noting that the forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning. The U.S. delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and including Jared Kushner, also arrived in the Emirati capital on Wednesday following a diplomatic stop in Israel.

'Another round of negotiations has begun in Abu Dhabi,' Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, wrote on social media, adding Kyiv’s team was seeking 'to achieve a just and lasting peace'.

The two-day trilateral talks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating a US-brokered agreement calling for a halt to attacks on energy facilities. A large Russian drone and missile barrage in the run-up to the talks pounded Ukraine’s energy grid, knocking out power and heating in freezing temperatures.

'Each such Russian strike confirms that attitudes in Moscow have not changed. They continue to bet on war and the destruction of Ukraine, and they do not take diplomacy seriously,' Zelenskyy said.

'The work of our negotiating team will be adjusted accordingly,' he added.

The main sticking points remain the long-term fate of Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and security guarantees for Kyiv. Moscow wants Kyiv to withdraw from parts of the Donbas and seeks recognition of territories it has annexed. Ukraine has rejected a one-sided pullback of forces and insists the conflict should be frozen along current front lines.

While Ukraine’s delegation is led by Umerov, Russia is represented by its military intelligence director, Igor Kostyukov. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev met US officials in Florida over the weekend. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said those talks were 'productive and constructive'.

Russia occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine and has threatened to take the rest of Donetsk if talks fail. Ukraine has warned that ceding ground would embolden Moscow and it will not sign a deal that fails to deter future invasions.

“We are working within the clear directives of (Ukrainian) President Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a dignified and lasting peace,” Umerov said.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that hosting the talks reflects its balanced relations with all parties and its commitment to supporting international efforts for a 'comprehensive and lasting political solution' to the crisis.

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators have begun a second round of United States-brokered talks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they seek to advance negotiations on how to end Russia’s nearly four-year war on Ukraine.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The award was presented on February 4, 2026, during the World Government Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to a statement from Rwanda’s Embassy in the UAE.

The recognition was awarded to IremboGov, a platform developed by IREMBO, in acknowledgment of its role in improving digital government services.

The award was received on behalf of the Government of Rwanda by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE, John Mirenge, together with Estelle Kayitesi, Head of Policy and Partnerships at IREMBO.

The GovTech Prize 2026 recognizes global government entities for pioneering technology-driven solutions that enhance public services.

The awards are part of the annual World Government Summit, a global forum launched in 2013 that brings together government leaders, experts, and private sector stakeholders to discuss governance challenges and the role of innovation in addressing them.

The 2026 summit, held from February 3 to 5, brought together participants from more than 150 countries.

The awards are held annually in the UAE. Over the past decade, thousands of applications from 126 countries have been submitted for consideration.

Rwanda has invested heavily in digitizing public services, enabling citizens to access services remotely without the need to physically visit service centers.

By 2024, the country had digitized about 680 government services, making them accessible online.

These efforts go hand in hand with expanded internet infrastructure. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), more than 12 million people own and use mobile phones, while nine million use the internet.

The IremboGov platform was launched in 2015 and currently hosts over 240 government services. Statistics show that the platform processes more than 500,000 service requests each month, with 80 percent of payments made digitally.

This recognition highlights Rwanda’s growing profile as a leader in the use of digital solutions to enhance public service delivery.

Rwanda has received global recognition after IremboGov, the country’s digital public service platform, won the Best Government Service in the World award at the GovTech Prize 2026 Awards.

The award was presented on February 4, 2026, during the World Government Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The award was received on behalf of the Government of Rwanda by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE, John Mirenge, together with Estelle Kayitesi, Head of Policy and Partnerships at IREMBO.

IGIHE

The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence is made up of 40 distinguished individuals from across the world.

“Today, we are taking an important step to help ensure artificial intelligence serves all of humanity,” said Guterres. “It will be the first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to helping close the AI knowledge gap and assess the real impacts of AI across economies and societies.”

The panel will provide an authoritative reference point at a moment when reliable, unbiased understanding of AI has never been more critical, he told reporters.

A shortlist of 40 individuals with deep expertise across disciplines was formed following an open global call that drew more than 2,600 applications. All members will serve in their personal capacity, independent of any government, company or institution, said Guterres.

The panel will have a three-year term from the date of appointment.

“AI is transforming our world. The question is whether we will shape this transformation together, or allow it to shape us. At a time of deep geopolitical tension and growing technological rivalry, we urgently need common ground — and a practical basis for cooperation based on science and solidarity. That is what this panel can help deliver,” said Guterres.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 4, 2026.

Xinhua

Now marking its 33rd edition, Fruit Logistica has drawn 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries, together with trade visitors arriving from more than 150 nations.

The fair functions as a vital global hub, bringing together farmers, suppliers, buyers, logistics specialists, and innovation leaders from across the entire fresh produce supply chain.

Rwanda is represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwandan Embassy in Germany and 15 local companies specializing in horticultural exports.

These participants are using the platform to highlight the quality of Rwandan produce, establish valuable new business relationships, deepen their understanding of international markets, and expand their export opportunities.

The Rwandan team has been actively engaging with global counterparts, including following up on partnerships formed during the country’s participation in the previous edition of the fair.

In addition, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, held discussions with stakeholders connected to the Rwanda Development Board, exploring possibilities for expanded cooperation in several areas.

Taking part in such a prominent international gathering is expected to create fresh export pathways for Rwanda and further solidify the country’s presence in the global fruit and vegetable trade.

Rwanda has continued to build momentum in horticultural production and exports. In the final week of January 2026, from January 26 to 30, the country generated more than USD 10.85 million through the shipment of roughly 8,500 tonnes of agricultural products.

This included 427 tonnes of vegetables that brought in USD 474,594, shipped mainly to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, and other African markets.

During the same period, 627 tonnes of fruits were exported for USD 745,216, with principal destinations being the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Spain, and various African countries.

Rwanda also sent 30 tonnes of flowers abroad, earning USD 250,468, primarily to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Beyond these horticultural items, 5,787 tonnes of other agricultural and livestock products were exported, contributing an additional USD 2.9 million, with key markets including the United States, Oman, and African nations.

Earlier, in December 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources confirmed that Rwanda’s combined agricultural exports for the full year had surpassed USD 893 million.

Guided by the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the country is working toward a clear goal of raising annual foreign exchange earnings from these sectors to USD 1.5 billion by 2029, supported by sustained efforts to boost production volumes, improve quality standards, and strengthen access to international markets.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe