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The retreat reflects a deliberate shift in mindset as the Group positions 2026 as a defining year for consolidating gains and scaling impact.

Leadership described the coming year as one where execution would fully align with the Group’s core identity, rather than mere intention.

At the heart of this vision lies institutionalization, seen as the essential bedrock for preserving value, deepening established platforms, and building a robust leadership pipeline across Africa.

Nonso Okpala, Group Managing Director and CEO of VFD Group, underscored the uncompromising priority of profitability during the discussions.

“For VFD Group, which is an African investment company, the mindset in 2026 is institutionalization,” he stated. “It is about preserving what we have built, deepening what we have established, and enhancing our leadership bench. Our stock in trade is leadership, our people. We must transform skilled individuals into remarkable leaders capable of building great companies. As our ecosystem continues to grow, the firepower we need comes from placing leaders in companies where they can perform exceptionally.”

He further emphasized that while the Group recently concluded a ₦50 billion capital raise, capital must be matched with governance and leadership discipline to unlock sustainable value.

'We just concluded a N50 billion capital raise that provides the firepower to better express ourselves and seize opportunities. But capital alone isn’t enough. We must broaden our ecosystem, capacitate our leaders within respective companies, and institutionalize governance as a strategic tool to strengthen our businesses and enhance returns,' he said.

Kigali as a blueprint for execution

The choice of Kigali as the retreat location was intentional. Rwanda’s transformation journey served as both inspiration and a practical reference point for disciplined execution and long-term thinking.

'As a Black African, Rwanda is a poster child for progress and what’s possible on this continent,' Okpala noted. 'Having this meeting here is indicative of our stage of maturity. We want to draw from the lessons they’ve embedded, the pride and aspiration they represent, and identify with the possibilities that exist across Africa.'

Turning strategy into daily action

'The Group’s ambition is clear: value creation and execution,' Anadu explained. 'For Ghana, we break that down into trackable targets—daily, monthly, annually. Employees buy-in is essential; when people own the vision, execution becomes organic. We conduct daily operational reviews, weekly assessments, and monthly sit-downs to review what’s working, what’s not, and remain flexible. And crucially, we celebrate every win, no matter how small, it keeps us motivated and focused.'

Executives also explored practical ways to translate the Group’s overarching strategy into tangible results at the subsidiary level.

Chinelo Anadu, Managing Director of VFD Ghana, stressed the importance of execution discipline and fostering employee ownership.

“The Group’s ambition is clear: value creation through flawless execution,” she said.

“In Ghana, we translate that into trackable targets on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. Employee buy-in is crucial, when people truly own the vision, execution becomes organic. We conduct daily operational reviews, weekly assessments, and monthly sit-downs to review what’s working, what’s not, and remain flexible. And crucially, we celebrate every win, no matter how small, it keeps us motivated and focused.”

Chioma Esike, Managing Director, Herel Global, highlighted the need to remove limiting mindsets that hinder scale.

'The bottleneck we must remove is not thinking big,' Esike asserted. 'Too often, we have opportunities to think beyond scope but limit ourselves to conventional ways of operating. That mindset is a key hindrance to scaling and growth, and we’re laser-focused on eliminating it in 2026,' Esike said.

2026 strategic priorities

At the core of VFD Group’s 2026 vision are three interconnected priorities: driving profitability through strategic capital deployment, leveraging the recent ₦50 billion raise to seize opportunities and deliver superior returns; institutionalizing leadership by developing skilled professionals into visionary builders of enduring companies; and embedding governance as a core strategic element to fortify businesses and protect stakeholder value.

VFD Group stands as an African investment company dedicated to building continental capacity and creating platforms that enable the realization of strategic objectives.

With a diverse portfolio spanning multiple sectors, the Group remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing exceptional leadership and generating sustainable value throughout its ecosystem.

Cross section of Board of Directors of VFD Group Plc Ecosystem at the retreat held in Kigali

Cross section of VFD Group Plc Ecosystem Leaders at the 2026 retreat in Kigali, Rwanda

Nonso Okpala, Group Managing Director and CEO of VFD Group, underscored the uncompromising priority of profitability during the discussions.

IGIHE

Ambassador Al Hajri succeeds the late Misfer bin Faisal Al-Shahwani, who passed away in July 2024, while Ambassador Nakajo replaces Isao Fukushima, who had served since 2023.

Addressing the media after submitting his credentials, Ambassador Al Hajri highlighted the strong ties between Rwanda and Qatar and outlined his priorities for cultural and economic cooperation.

'Qatar and Rwanda have a very special relationship. We’ll start by completing the investments already underway, including the new airport and aviation projects, which will form the backbone for future investments,' he said.

Ambassador Nakajo echoed the sentiment, emphasising Rwanda-Japan collaboration across multiple sectors.

'I will commit myself to widening our relationship in any aspect, from economic and business to culture and human exchanges. Rwanda already offers a top business environment in Africa, and I aim to encourage more Japanese businesses to invest here,' he said.

Rwanda’s partnership with Qatar includes a planned 49% stake acquisition by Qatar Airways in RwandAir and a 60% investment in the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, set to open in 2027. Japan’s engagement spans nearly six decades and includes a 14 billion Yen loan to support education and a $20 million water pipeline in Kigali, improving access to clean water.

The accreditation of the two ambassadors underscores Rwanda’s expanding diplomatic and economic engagement with Asia and the Middle East, laying the groundwork for deeper investment, cultural exchange, and long-term cooperation.

President Paul Kagame received the credentials of Qatar’s new ambassador, Mansour Ali Fahd Al Shahwani Al Hajri.

Ambassador Al Hajri succeeds the late Misfer bin Faisal Al-Shahwani, who passed away in July 2024.

Addressing the media after submitting his credentials, Ambassador Al Hajri highlighted the strong ties between Rwanda and Qatar and outlined his priorities for cultural and economic cooperation.

President Kagame also received credentials from Japan’s ambassador, Kazuya Nakajo.

Ambassador Nakajo replaces Isao Fukushima, who had served since 2023.

Ambassador Nakajo emphasised Rwanda-Japan collaboration across multiple sectors.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking on the 44th anniversary of her first apparition on January 12, 1982, the 62-year-old Mukamazimpaka emphasised the enduring relevance of the Virgin Mary’s calls for sincere prayer, genuine love, and conversion.

The anniversary was solemnly commemorated with a Holy Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Kibeho, presided over by Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of the Diocese of Gikongoro. He was joined by retired Bishop Kizito Bahujimihigo of Kibungo Diocese, numerous priests, religious, and pilgrims from Rwanda and abroad.

The Kibeho apparitions began on November 28, 1981, when Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho Secondary School (now Our Lady of the Word Secondary School), reported seeing the Virgin Mary.

Mukamazimpaka followed on January 12, 1982, and Marie Claire Mukangango on March 2, 1982.

All three were teenage students at the small girls’ school of about 150 pupils. The Catholic Church, after thorough investigation, officially recognised the apparitions to Alphonsine and Nathalie in 2001, making Kibeho the only approved Marian site in Africa.

Marie Claire Mukangango was killed with her husband during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Mukamazimpaka’s experience

In an interview with IGIHE, Mukamazimpaka recounted that the Virgin Mary appeared to her countless times between January 12, 1982, and December 3, 1983, sometimes privately in her dormitory bed, sometimes with classmates, and on 30 public occasions before large crowds.

She described the Virgin Mary as a young woman of extraordinary beauty, aged between 20 and 30, dressed in a seamless white gown and a blue veil, neither distinctly Black nor white.

The apparitions typically came from the east, with Mary standing in the air about four metres above the ground.

The visionaries were shown harrowing scenes of violence and rivers of blood, images later understood as foretelling the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They also received personal guidance about their future lives.

Mukamazimpaka was told she would never marry and would remain in Kibeho to pray for the world, a calling she has faithfully followed.

Alphonsine Mumureke, who was told she would become a nun, now lives as a religious sister in Italy.

Mukamazimpaka urged people worldwide to heed the core messages: sincere prayer without hypocrisy, authentic love for God and neighbour, and heartfelt conversion.

'The Virgin Mary often called us to be 'beautiful flowers’, people filled with goodness and love, rather than withered ones who spread cruelty,' she said. 'Her message never ages. Only by living it can humanity find healing.'

She pointed to Kibeho’s transformation as visible proof of the messages’ power: once a little-known area, it is now a major pilgrimage site attracting over 1.2 million visitors from around the world, bringing spiritual peace and tangible development.

Concessa Mukarusagara, a former classmate of the visionaries, expressed sorrow that some Rwandans still overlook the message while pilgrims travel from distant countries to embrace it.

'This place is my home,' she told IGIHE. 'When I come here, I speak to my Mother, and she listens. I have seen her miracles and learned the patience she asked for. Praying the Rosary through Mary always resolves my difficulties.'

Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of Gikongoro Diocese highlighted Kibeho’s ongoing fruitfulness: 'No one leaves Kibeho unchanged, spiritually or even physically. What was once an obscure sector has become a town of light, consolation and blessing for many.'

Today, Kibeho stands as Africa’s sole Vatican-approved Marian apparition site, a beacon of hope and reconciliation 44 years after heaven, in the words of pilgrims, 'came down to visit us.'

Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, one of the two surviving visionaries officially recognized by the Catholic Church for the Marian apparitions in Kibeho, has affirmed that the messages delivered by the Virgin Mary 44 years ago have come to pass and continue to guide humanity.

The anniversary was solemnly commemorated with a Holy Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Kibeho, presided over by Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of the Diocese of Gikongoro. He was joined by retired Bishop Kizito Bahujimihigo of Kibungo Diocese, numerous priests, religious, and pilgrims from Rwanda and abroad.

Concessa Mukarusagara, a former classmate of the visionaries, expressed sorrow that some Rwandans still overlook Mary’s message while pilgrims travel from distant countries to embrace it.

The anniversary was solemnly commemorated with a Holy Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Kibeho.

IGIHE

According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment is conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed by disasters.

Prior to their departure for Jamaica, the RDF engineers received a briefing from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, who urged the deployed personnel to apply their full expertise, professionalism, and technical skills in order to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.

He emphasised that the beneficiaries of their support should clearly feel the positive impact of their work.

Brig Gen Tinka also highlighted the values that define the RDF, particularly discipline, which form the foundation of the Force.

'It is these values that earned you this responsibility,' he said, calling on the officers and other ranks to uphold and safeguard the RDF’s core values at all times.

Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean region in late October 2025 with devastating force. Jamaica experienced the most severe impact, prompting a large-scale multi-agency humanitarian response.

The deployment is conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed by disasters.

Prior to their departure for Jamaica, the RDF engineers received a briefing from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, deployed a contingent of military engineers to Jamaica to support the country’s recovery efforts by rehabilitating infrastructure destroyed by a powerful cyclone (Hurricane Melissa) last year.

Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division urged the deployed personnel to apply their full expertise, professionalism, and technical skills in order to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.

IGIHE

Kenny Mugarura, Global Entertainment, Sports & Events Director at Kigali Universe, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with IGIHE. He explained that the footbridge is part of the center’s ongoing expansion, which also includes a multifunctional building designed to host concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

The new building will accommodate up to 700 people and is expected to become a key venue for a variety of activities. In addition, Mugarura noted that there is still space available for further development on top of the CHIC building.

'The footbridge project is now complete, fully approved, and has received all necessary permits,' Mugarura said. 'We plan to open it this month or in February.'

The footbridge is a modern, architecturally striking structure that connects key sections of Kigali Universe, offering visitors a scenic route for walking, sightseeing, and photography.

Mugarura said the total cost, exceeding 900 million Frw, covered both imported materials and construction expenses. Some of the steel used in the bridge was sourced from China, while other components came from Turkey.

Designed by Turkish and Rwandan architects, the new footbridge can handle substantial visitor traffic and enhances the entertainment centre’s overall appeal.

The footbridge is a modern, architecturally striking structure that connects key sections of Kigali Universe.

Some of the steel used in the bridge was sourced from China, while other components came from Turkey.

According to the Kigali Universe management, the project cost more than 900 million Rwandan francs.

The footbridge offers visitors a scenic route for walking, sightseeing, and photography.

Kenny Mugarura, Global Entertainment, Sports & Events Director at Kigali Universe, takes IGIHE journalist Emmy Nsengiyumva on a tour of the footbridge.

The footbridge is part of the center’s ongoing expansion, which also includes a multifunctional building designed to host concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

The footbridge is a modern, architecturally striking structure that connects key sections of Kigali Universe, offering visitors a scenic route for walking, sightseeing, and photography.

IGIHE

This marks the highest ranking in the country’s history; the previous peak was 73rd in 2006, while the lowest position recorded was 92nd in 2015.

The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative global ranking system for passports.

The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power. Rankings are determined by factors such as visa-free access, visas on arrival, and the technological security features of the passport itself.

Holders of a Rwandan passport can now travel to 67 countries without a visa. The most recent country to lift entry visa requirements for Rwandan citizens is Liberia, following an agreement signed by both nations on September 10, 2025, in Monrovia.

Rwanda’s rise in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.

At the top of the index, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. It is closely followed by Japan and South Korea, whose citizens can travel to 188 countries without a prior visa.

At the tail end of the Henley Passport Index, Afghanistan ranks last, providing visa-free access to only 24 destinations, followed by Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Pakistan.

Rwanda’s passport has climbed six places among the world’s strongest, moving from 76th in 2025 to 70th in early 2026, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In 2021, he made history as the first Rwandan to sign with an NFL team, later continuing his career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), a journey defined as much by resilience and service as by sport.

His story begins in Zambia, where his parents sought refuge after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The family later relocated to the United States when he was just two years old, and his early years were marked by constant movement. From New York to Illinois and through towns including Hinsdale, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook, each new place helped shape his resilience and determination from a young age.

Emmanuel Rugamba made history in 2021 as the first Rwandan to sign with a National Football League (NFL) team, later continuing his career in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

'It was a lot of movement early on. We were trying to put the pieces together,' Rugamba told IGIHE in a recent exclusive Zoom interview, adding that adjusting to a new country as a large family was particularly challenging due to limited resources.

After settling in America, Rugamba recalls his parents’ stories of life in the refugee camp. “We all lived in a hut, about 25 to 30 of us lying next to each other,” he recalled. 'Despite the hardships, family was always the most important thing. That sense of togetherness kept our spirits up.”

His mother played a pivotal role in his journey. Born three months premature, she named him Emmanuel, meaning 'God is with us,' a testament to faith and hope. 'She was my rock. She keeps me grounded and humble. She showed me that I could do anything if I wanted to,' Rugamba said.

His mother worked tirelessly, putting herself through nursing school while taking English classes and supporting a family of ten.

Born in a refugee camp in Zambia 27 years ago, Emmanuel Rugamba could never have imagined that one day he would play professional football in North America.

A chance encounter with football

Sports weren’t a part of Rugamba’s early plan, but a twist of fate changed everything. At nine years old, he was too young to join basketball at the local recreation centre, and his mother, determined to keep him active, enrolled him in football instead.

'It changed my life forever,' he said, adding that football became his passion and his path forward.

High school brought new opportunities and mentorship. Coach Tim Lavery and Head Coach Michael Stein recognised Rugamba’s talent and guidance, encouraging him to pursue scholarships and professional opportunities.

He really changed my life, because simply having knowledge of that opportunity meant everything. Not everybody has that knowledge, especially when you come from an immigrant family where everyone is just trying to put the pieces together,' he revealed.

Rugamba’s work ethic and mental toughness set him apart.

'I wasn’t the fastest player on the field. I wasn’t the highest jumper, and I wasn’t the strongest. But I can confidently say that I believed I was the best player on the field whenever I stepped out there,” he said.

“That’s what you have to do, because football is a mental game, and about 70% of what happens on the field happens between your ears.'

NFL breakthrough

In 2021, Rugamba achieved a milestone by joining the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. The experience was thrilling yet daunting.

'I knew I wanted to be a football player, but I didn’t realise I was making history for Rwanda,' he said.

After seven months with the Browns, he transitioned to the CFL, playing for the Vancouver BC Lions and earning rookie-of-the-year nominations and all-star recognition. Rugamba described the CFL as faster-paced and more offence-driven than the NFL, highlighting the differences in field size, player count, and style of play.

After seven months with the Browns, Rugamba transitioned to the CFL, playing for the Vancouver BC Lions and earning rookie-of-the-year nominations and all-star recognition.

Giving back

While Rugamba’s football achievements are impressive, his off-field work defines him just as much. Through his nonprofit, Vision Forward Foundation, he has spoken at over 120 schools across Canada and the U.S., addressing inclusion, resilience, and anti-bullying.

'Football can only take you so far, but the message you give to the next generation lasts forever,' he said.

He is passionate about expanding opportunities for young Africans in sports, including in Rwanda.

'The biggest barriers are knowledge, opportunity, and resources,' Rugamba explained.

He welcomed Rwanda’s growing presence in American football, particularly the Visit Rwanda partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, signed in September last year, calling it a powerful step toward expanding opportunity.

'When I saw that partnership, I couldn’t stop smiling,' he said. 'I know what football can bring.'

For aspiring Rwandan and African players, Rugamba shares a simple truth: 'Ask a million questions. Find mentors. Be humble and willing to learn. That’s how you get to the international stage.'

Emmanuel Rugamba is passionate about expanding opportunities for young Africans in sports, including in Rwanda.

Looking ahead, Rugamba is eager to return to Rwanda, first to pay respects at the Genocide Memorial, then to engage with youth, sports organizations and policymakers. Through his foundation and partnerships, he hopes to bring mentorship programs and sports development initiatives back home.

'I want to be home,' he said. 'I want to see the youth, build programs, and give back in every way I can.'

Watch the full conversation below.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni held his final rally in Kampala, the capital, where his supporters donning yellow attires marched through the streets singing and chanting.

Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office, told his supporters gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds that the campaign was successful. He said some rallies turned out to be celebrations highlighting the achievements the country has registered.

Museveni urged voters to turn out in large numbers, assuring them that the elections would proceed without disruption.

His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, a pop star-turned politician, also urged voters to turn up and vote at his final rally.

Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is running on the ticket of the opposition National Unity Platform. This marks his second bid for the presidency after facing off with Museveni in the 2021 elections.

Six other candidates are also vying for the presidency after traversing several parts of the country and seeking support from voters.

Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Electoral Commission, told reporters that after the close of the campaigns, no candidate is supposed to converse for votes, noting that culprits would be penalized. He assured the country that a free and fair election will be delivered.

The elections are scheduled to start on Thursday at 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and close at 4:00 p.m. (1300 GMT), with about 21 million registered voters expected to turn up at polling stations across the country, according to the electoral body.

Museveni urged voters to turn out in large numbers, assuring them that the elections would proceed without disruption.

President Museveni’s main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, a pop star-turned politician, also urged voters to turn up and vote at his final rally.

Xinhua

Felix Plasencia, Venezuelan ambassador to Britain and former foreign minister, is planning to meet U.S. senior officials in Washington at Rodriguez’s behest, said the report, citing people familiar with the plans.

Maria Corina Machado, one of Venezuela’s major opposition figures, is expected to visit the White House.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Friday that personnel from the department’s Colombia-based Venezuela Affairs Unit will “conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of operations” in Venezuela, where the U.S. embassy was closed in 2019 with all embassy staff withdrawn.

On Friday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump praised cooperation from the Venezuelan acting president, announcing that a second U.S. strike against Venezuela “will not be needed.”

Felix Plasencia, Venezuelan ambassador to Britain and former foreign minister, is planning to meet U.S. senior officials in Washington at Rodriguez’s behest, said the report, citing people familiar with the plans.

Xinhua

The AU said in a statement that the chairperson has taken note of the recent presidential memorandum issued by the United States, directing the cessation of the country’s participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations (UN) entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-UN international organizations.

“The chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the UN underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats,” the statement read.

Youssouf stressed that these institutions “play an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peace-building, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

“Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings,” he said.

He said that multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which shared global objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community.

The AU commission also expressed its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the UN and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order, suspending U.S. participation in and funding for 66 international organizations, agencies and commissions, including a number of UN-affiliated bodies.

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Tuesday called for strengthening multilateral systems to address global challenges amid the U.S. decision to withdraw from various international institutions.

Xinhua