Category: Uncategorized

  • Africa’s defence leaders convene in Kigali to push for innovation in training and education #rwanda #RwOT

    Hosted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College, this year’s conference, which kicked off on Monday, November 11, is being held under the theme 'The Future of African Military Training and Education: Bridging the Digital Divide.'

    The three-day meeting brings together Commandants of African Command and Staff Colleges, senior defence representatives, and security experts from 24 nations to deliberate on how to harness technology and digital learning in building a more self-reliant and interoperable African defence architecture.

    In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, welcomed delegates to what he described as a gathering of Africa’s 'intellectual and professional military leadership.'

    'This forum is more than a meeting of institutions; it is a convergence of Africa’s intellectual and professional military leadership,' Brig Gen Nyamvumba said. 'It is where ideas are exchanged, doctrines refined and partnerships strengthened in pursuit of interoperable regional and African standby forces for a more secure, resilient and self-reliant Africa.'

    Highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, Brig Gen Nyamvumba underscored the need to integrate digital tools and innovative methodologies into Africa’s military education systems.

    'Over the next three days, we shall deliberate on critical issues affecting our military education systems, from standardisation of curricula and exchange programmes to integrating technology and leveraging digital learning platforms,' he added.

    He also announced the handover of the ACoC chairmanship from the RDF Command and Staff College to the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Command and Staff College, commending the forum’s continued role in harmonising doctrines and training across the continent.

    Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, officially opened the conference, commending ACoC’s work in promoting unity of purpose among African military education institutions. He described the forum as a cornerstone in building Africa’s collective defence capacity through shared learning and collaboration.

    'The threats facing Africa are multifaceted, from terrorism and cyber warfare to illegal migration, transnational crime and climate-related insecurity,' Minister Marizamunda said. 'Addressing these requires a generation of officers who are not only tactically capable but also digitally literate, ethically grounded and strategically agile.'

    He lauded the RDF Command and Staff College for its 'exemplary stewardship' as the current chair of ACoC, noting that Rwanda’s leadership had strengthened cooperation among member institutions and prepared the ground for a smooth transition to Tanzania.

    Maj Gen Stephen Mnkande, Commandant of Tanzania’s TPDF Command and Staff College, emphasised that education and training were the backbone of Africa’s readiness to respond to emerging security threats under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.

    'For the African Standby Force to remain ready, education and training are essential,' he said. 'Forums like the ACoC allow Commandants to harmonise doctrines and ensure that all our forces speak the same language when it comes to African Union operations. As the world moves fast into digitisation, we too must embrace technology in our training and preparedness.'

    Air Commodore N. Maghidir of Libya’s Command and Staff College, which hosted the previous edition of the conference in Tripoli, commended Rwanda for its hospitality and organisational excellence. He noted that such gatherings provide 'a very important opportunity for Africa’s military academies to discuss complex security and strategic challenges' facing the continent.

    The ACoC, established as a continental platform for Commandants of African Command and Staff Colleges, aims to enhance professional military education, promote harmonisation of training doctrines, and strengthen interoperability among member states.

    As discussions continue in Kigali, participants are expected to develop actionable recommendations to modernise military education, foster digital transformation, and build a new generation of African military leaders equipped to respond to both traditional and emerging security challenges.

    Officers from 24 countries are attending the conference.

    Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda arrives for the conference.

    Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, arrives for the conference.

    The conference will run for three days.

    In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, welcomed delegates to what he described as a gathering of Africa’s 'intellectual and professional military leadership.'

    Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, officially opened the conference, commending ACoC’s work in promoting unity of purpose among African military education institutions.

    Air Commodore N. Maghidir of Libya’s Command and Staff College, which hosted the previous edition of the conference in Tripoli, commended Rwanda for its hospitality and organisational excellence.

    Maj Gen Stephen Mnkande, Commandant of Tanzania’s TPDF Command and Staff College, emphasised that education and training were the backbone of Africa’s readiness to respond to emerging security threats under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.

    Military college commandants attending the ACoC 2025 conference.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/africa-s-defence-leaders-convene-in-kigali-to-push-for-innovation-in-training

  • UAE–Rwanda trade forum opens doors for agricultural partnerships and investment #rwanda #RwOT

    The event, held under the theme of promoting investment and market access in agricultural and food products, aimed to deepen cooperation between Rwandan producers and Emirati investors across key export sectors, including coffee, tea, honey, and horticultural products such as avocados.

    In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, stated that the forum marked 'a significant step in the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.'

    Al Kaabi noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Rwanda reached USD 1.698 billion in 2024, representing a 61% increase from the previous year. The UAE remains Rwanda’s leading export destination by value, with Rwandan exports to the UAE rising by 68%, from USD 895 million in 2023 to USD 1.504 billion in 2024.

    He added that the UAE’s growing demand for premium, traceable, and sustainable food products presents 'natural opportunities for Rwandan producers,' emphasizing that the UAE offers attractive avenues for investment in food processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging, and agri-tech innovation.

    Joining virtually from Abu Dhabi, John Mirenge, Rwanda’s envoy to the UAE, commended the ongoing partnership and stated: 'Rwanda and the UAE enjoy excellent relations built on mutual respect and trust.'

    Amb. Mirenge highlighted that UAE investment commitments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 320 million, with more projects in the pipeline. He added that discussions on a possible Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations are progressing well. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to further strengthen trade and business collaboration between the two countries.

    Representing Rwanda’s agricultural exporters, Eric Ruganintwali, Planning Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), underscored the sector’s steady performance and called for stronger coordination to boost Rwanda’s market share in the UAE.

    'Over the past four years, Rwanda’s agricultural exports to the UAE have grown by 34% annually, driven mainly by avocados, tea, and coffee,' he remarked. He also encouraged producers to embrace direct sales and large-scale shipments via sea transport to increase competitiveness.

    Didace Mparirwa, Head of Agriculture and Livestock at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized that such forums are not only a networking platform but a vital bridge between local producers and international markets.

    'These engagements give our agripreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and form valuable partnerships,' he said. 'Many farmers and companies have been able to secure contracts and expand their market reach through similar events. This model should not be a one-off activity, it should become a consistent platform for growth and learning.'

    Dr. Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea, echoed similar sentiments, calling the forum a timely and practical step toward unlocking Rwanda’s export potential.

    'This was a tremendous experience for us because it revealed the true scale of opportunity in the UAE market,' Dr. Mawo noted. 'We’ve seen where we stand in terms of exports and identified the gaps we need to address. What matters now is taking concrete action to meet the demand and positioning our products more strategically.'

    Presentations from the UAE delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), showcased the UAE’s position as a global trade hub, offering modern infrastructure, favourable tax policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets.

    Dr. Khaleifa Mohamed Ali Al Rayssi, Senior Specialist in Investment Support and Inducements at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the UAE’s global connectivity, remarking on its strategic significance:

    'The UAE’s geographic position makes it a global gateway in the Middle East. Within four hours, you can reach about 2.5 billion people, and within eight hours, nearly five billion people. This connectivity is why the UAE has become a center of international trade, logistics, and investment.'

    The hybrid forum concluded with a mini-exhibition of Rwandan coffee, tea, honey, and fruit products, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to diversifying exports, and attracting sustainable investment from the UAE and beyond.

    The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Rwanda, particularly in agriculture, food security, logistics, and sustainable economic development.

    The high-level UAE—Rwanda Trade Forum on coffee, tea, honey, and fruits brought together over 20 companies and senior government representatives to strengthen bilateral trade and investment in Rwanda’s high-value agricultural sector.

    Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, stated that the forum marked 'a significant step in the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.'

    Eric Ruganintwali, Planning Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), underscored the sector’s steady performance and called for stronger coordination to boost Rwanda’s market share in the UAE.

    The hybrid forum concluded with a mini-exhibition of Rwandan coffee, tea, honey, and fruit products, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to diversifying exports, and attracting sustainable investment from the UAE and beyond.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/uae-rwanda-trade-forum-opens-doors-for-agricultural-partnerships-and-investment

  • Experts call for stronger G20-Africa partnership over debt sustainability #rwanda #RwOT

    The conference, organized by G20 Presidency South Africa in collaboration with the African Union (AU) at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

    AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals Francisca Tatchouop Belobe addressed the event that the resilience of African nations is being tested by an unsustainable debt burden and a financial system that penalizes Africa.

    “The rising debt burden is a cause for Africa’s financial constraints,” Belobe said, highlighting that in 2024 alone, debt service payments exceeded 70 billion U.S. dollars as a significant number of African governments are spending more on servicing debt than on investing in human development.

    Noting that Africa’s public debt has grown from approximately 100 billion dollars in the 1990s to roughly 1.8 trillion dollars now, or about two-thirds of the continent’s GDP, she said the continent’s rising costs of public debt servicing are diverting scarce resources.

    The AU commissioner said about 57 percent of Africa’s population lives in countries where debt servicing surpasses social spending, underscoring that the situation is “unsustainable, not only economically but morally.”

    “Such iniquities in the global financial system restrained African nations of the means to invest in what truly matters, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy transition, and the green and digital economies that will define the future,” Belobe warned.

    The AU commissioner called for a partnership that treats Africa “not as a risk to be managed, but as a partner to be empowered.” She also outlined AU initiatives, including efforts to establish an African debt monitoring mechanism for fiscal transparency and Africa’s financial autonomy.

    South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes stressed the urgency of the dialogue to address “one of our foremost priorities — ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries.”

    He said the policy space available to developing countries is significantly constrained by their debt servicing obligations, with many countries paying more for debt costs than critical development enablers like social welfare, health care, and education.

    “We are working to ensure that the sovereign credit ratings are fair and transparent and to address high risk premiums for developing economies,” Botes said, adding that South Africa is reviewing the cost of capital during its G20 presidency.

    The high-level dialogue served as a critical platform for experts and policymakers to amplify Africa’s collective voice within the G20. Participants pushed for fairer global financing, lower cost of capital, and reforms that drive sustainable growth.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/experts-call-for-stronger-g20-africa-partnership-over-debt-sustainability

  • COP30 summit kicks off in Belem, Brazil #rwanda #RwOT

    At the opening ceremony, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev called to meet the goals of the climate summit held last year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

    COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for appointing him and reiterated that COP30 must present solutions.

    Despite recent setbacks, the living conditions of populations around the world can and must continue to improve, Correa do Lago emphasized. “Science, education, culture are the path that we have to follow,” he said.

    Multilateralism is definitely the way forward in the fight against climate change, he said.

    A series of topics, including climate adaptation, just transition, and implementation of the Paris Agreement’s global balance, are expected to be discussed at the event.

    Delegations of over 190 countries and regions have registered to participate in the conference, which runs through Nov. 21, according to the COP30 presidency.

    Participants arrive at the venue of the 30th United Nations climate change conferencein Belem, Brazil, Nov. 10, 2025. The 30th United Nations climate change conference, commonly known as COP30, opened Monday in Belem, in the Brazilian state of Para, with the aim of putting the fight against climate change back in the center of international priorities, according to local authorities.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/cop30-summit-kicks-off-in-belem-brazil

  • Why Rwanda Stock Exchange is introducing a green investment segment #rwanda #RwOT

    The official launch is scheduled for late November 2025, during the annual conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), which will be hosted in Kigali.

    Currently, companies developing green projects are listed on the exchange alongside other businesses, without a dedicated framework. The new section will provide them with a distinct space to attract investors who prioritise sustainability and environmental protection.

    Typically, companies listed on the RSE raise funds by issuing bonds, which investors purchase. The proceeds serve as business capital, to be repaid later with agreed-upon interest, an approach considered a more affordable alternative to traditional bank loans.

    RSE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba explained that while the exchange already has segments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and general bonds, the decision was made to introduce a specialised green segment to attract investors interested in climate-conscious initiatives.

    'When green bonds are issued specifically for environmental protection, investors focused on sustainability and biodiversity are able to participate more directly,' Rwabukumba told IGIHE.

    'Such investors are often willing to commit more capital because they see the value beyond profit, they recognise the broader impact on communities and the planet.'

    Rwabukumba noted that the creation of this new section aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to promote a green and inclusive economy, adding that it represents a pioneering step on the African continent.

    'This will be the first dedicated green investment segment of its kind in the region, and likely across Africa,' he said. 'Sometimes when we talk about building a green economy, people assume there are no tangible implementation measures. This initiative will demonstrate that we are not only committed in words but also in action, through dedicated financial infrastructure.'

    The development of the Green Exchange Window is being undertaken in partnership with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, a global leader in sustainable finance. The collaboration aims to ensure the new segment operates to international standards and attracts both local and foreign investors.

    Rwabukumba added that RSE has already facilitated green bond issuances, including those by the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), which has raised more than Frw 70 billion for environmentally sustainable projects. These existing instruments will be integrated into the new segment, with other project developers encouraged to participate.

    He expressed confidence that the initiative will draw additional investors and partners, given Rwanda’s growing portfolio of green projects and its strong commitment to environmental protection.

    Rwabukumba further encouraged companies seeking capital for environmentally friendly ventures to explore this new financing avenue, emphasising that the capital market offers one of the most cost-effective means of raising investment funds in the country.

    RSE CEO Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba explained that while the exchange already has segments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and general bonds, the decision was made to introduce a specialised green segment to attract investors interested in climate-conscious initiatives.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/why-rwanda-stock-exchange-is-introducing-a-green-investment-segment

  • Fighting genocide ideology in Europe and the trials of genocidaires: A conversation with Mujyambere #rwanda #RwOT

    According to recent data from the Rwandan Prosecutor General’s Office, over 1,100 people are still wanted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi. Many of them have found refuge in different countries in the region and Europe.

    Among them are former businessmen, leaders, and individuals who studied in these countries. Many of them continue to instill hatred and genocide ideology in their children, even in the countries they sought refuge in.

    Denial and trivialization of the Genocide against the Tutsi is predominantly led by the children of those directly or indirectly involved in the Genocide, such as members of Jambo ASL, and individuals who support their ideology, including Filip Reyntjens, Pierre Pean, Robin Philpot, Bernard Lugan, Serge Desouter, Madeleine Raffin, Luc De Temmermann, Peter Erlinder, Peter Verlinden, Judi Rever, Charles Onana, and others.

    The IBUKA-Europe meeting held on November 1-2, 2025, discussed topics such as combating the increasing genocide ideology, ways to fight it, justice, educating young people about history, and more.

    Currently, IBUKA has branches in Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

    In an interview with IGIHE, the President of IBUKA in Italy, who also leads IBUKA-Europe, Honorine Mujyambere, explained that they have plans to fight genocide ideology, including delivering talks and testimonies that clearly explain Rwanda’s history, focusing on the youth to prevent any misleading narratives.

    'We continue to strengthen our efforts in combating genocide denial, we collaborate more, and we also expand our activities. Being able to reach many people and present the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi, especially using technology, is another tool in fighting those who deny or distort the Genocide.'

    Mujyambere emphasized that all of their activities are closely tied to the youth, as they are the strength of the future and make extensive use of social media. They educate them about history to ensure they play a part in confronting genocide deniers hiding behind social media platforms.

    She stated that the only effective tool to eliminate genocide ideology among the youth, especially those from genocidaires’ families, is to educate them and show them the crimes committed by their parents and the severity of those crimes.

    She continued, 'We show them the crimes their parents committed in Rwanda. Many of them have been convicted by the Gacaca courts or other international criminal courts.'

    She added, 'In all the countries where IBUKA operates, we have long taken measures to encourage the youth to participate in activities to remember the Genocide, and this is part of what we have discussed, and it is already being done and yielding results.'

    Mujyambere explained that their efforts go beyond just awareness campaigns; they also go into schools to teach the history of the Genocide, with some schools beginning to implement these lessons.

    She said, 'Through delivering talks at universities and higher learning institutions, we now have students writing their final theses about the Genocide. They come to us looking for information. All of this is the result of IBUKA’s discussions in schools.'

    Mujyambere emphasized that all of their activities are closely tied to the youth, as they are the strength of the future and make extensive use of social media.

    Europe’s weak commitment to fighting genocide denial

    In 2015, a British court ruled that five Rwandans charged with involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi would not be sent back to Rwanda for trial.

    The court argued that these individuals could not receive fair justice in Rwanda. The individuals involved were Vincent Bajinya, Celestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza, Emmanuel Nteziryayo, and Celestin Mutabaruka.

    Mujyambere highlighted that the lack of political will is one of the challenges they face in combating genocide denial.

    She continued, 'These European countries mistakenly believe that Rwanda does not offer human rights protections, which is why they are hesitant to send genocide suspects to Rwanda. In some instances, they even apply minimal effort in following up on these cases, but we will not give up; we will continue to fight.'

    However, she noted that some countries, like France, have started to make significant strides in tackling genocide crimes. Recently, France confirmed the involvement of Munyemana Sosthène in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and sentenced him to 24 years in prison.

    IBUKA President in Rwanda Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire also highlighted that genocide ideology remains a serious issue in Europe. They work together with IBUKA branches globally to share information, especially since much of the evidence is stored in Rwanda.

    He said, 'When it comes to fighting genocide ideology, we collaborate with IBUKA branches in various countries. Witnesses, memorial sites, and physical evidence of the Genocide are based in Rwanda. What we do is work with our colleagues representing IBUKA in the diaspora to send them the necessary information.'

    He further stated that all countries still harboring genocide suspects should strengthen their efforts to prosecute them so that justice can be served to the victims.

    He added, 'Although genocide crimes do not expire, the perpetrators age, and the victims also grow older. It is truly tragic that victims of the Genocide may pass away without ever seeing justice done.'

    The IBUKA-Europe meeting held on November 1-2, 2025, discussed topics such as combating the increasing genocide ideology, ways to fight it, justice, educating young people about history, and more.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/fighting-genocide-ideology-in-europe-and-the-trials-of-genocidaires-a

  • Auto24 supplies 35 eco-friendly cars to Treize Ride #rwanda #RwOT

    The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to cut air pollution, with transport currently accounting for about 34% of the country’s total emissions.

    Rwanda has in recent years promoted the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, from motorcycles to public transport, as part of its broader strategy to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable transport sector.

    AUTO24, known for trading in environmentally friendly vehicles, partnered with Treize Ride to expand access to low-emission cars designed to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

    AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza said the company remains committed to introducing modern, energy-efficient vehicles in line with the country’s green agenda.

    'Passenger transport vehicles are among the biggest contributors to harmful emissions, which is why we are focused on bringing hybrid and electric models that meet both environmental and operational needs,' Ruzibiza said.

    The vehicles, Toyota Corolla Levin Plug-In Hybrids, can travel long distances on electric power alone before switching to fuel, offering flexibility and efficiency for urban transport operations.

    Treize Ride Chief Executive Officer Niringiyimana Pierre Canisius said the company’s decision to acquire eco-friendly cars was driven by both economic and environmental considerations.

    'We chose to partner with AUTO24 because it’s one of the few dealerships offering high-quality, low-emission vehicles that are still new. This aligns with the government’s policy encouraging the use of environmentally friendly cars,' he explained.

    Beyond reducing emissions, Niringiyimana noted that the transition is expected to lower the company’s fuel expenses and improve service efficiency.

    Rwanda’s green mobility plan envisions that by 2030, electric and hybrid vehicles will represent 20% of public transport, 30% of motorcycles, and 8% of private cars.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution remains one of the leading public health challenges globally, increasing the risks of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among pregnant women, children, and those with chronic conditions.

    Car dealership AUTO24 Rwanda supplied 35 hybrid electric vehicles to taxi and transport company Treize Ride, in a move aimed at supporting the shift toward greener mobility.

    The vehicle delivery supports Rwanda’s move toward greener mobility.

    Treize Ride Chief Executive Officer Niringiyimana Pierre Canisius said the company’s decision to acquire eco-friendly cars was driven by both economic and environmental considerations.

    AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza said the company remains committed to introducing modern, energy-efficient vehicles in line with the country’s green agenda.

    This interior of the car.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/auto24-supplies-35-eco-friendly-cars-to-treize-ride

  • Health and hospitality costs fuel 7.1% surge in Rwanda’s consumer prices in October #rwanda #RwOT

    The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on November 10 shows that the urban index, which serves as the headline measure for monetary policy, rose by 1.3 percent compared to September 2025. Over the past 12 months, the average annual inflation rate stood at 6.7 percent.

    Sector-wise, health costs recorded the sharpest increase among major categories, soaring by 71.3 percent year-on-year, followed by restaurants and hotels (+19.1%) and alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics (+16.0%). Separately, meat prices rose by 19.2 percent. Prices in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased by 7.5 percent, while transport costs were up 8.5 percent.

    By contrast, vegetable prices fell by 9.5 percent, easing food inflation pressures. The overall category of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by a modest 1.6 percent compared to October 2024.

    The report further shows that imported goods prices increased by 9.1 percent over the year, slightly higher than the 6.4 percent rise in local goods, reflecting ongoing external cost pressures. The energy index climbed by 10.9 percent year-on-year, while fresh products saw a mild increase of 0.4 percent.

    In rural areas, the CPI rose by 3.8 percent compared to October last year and by 0.8 percent month-on-month. The overall national CPI, combining both rural and urban data, increased by 5.1 percent year-on-year and 1.0 percent from the previous month.

    The report also noted that underlying inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy, stood at 9.0 percent on an annual basis and 0.8 percent monthly, signalling continued upward pressure in core consumer prices.

    NISR compiles the CPI using prices of 1,622 products collected across 12 urban centres and rural areas nationwide. The indicator tracks the average change over time in prices paid by households for goods and services and serves as a key benchmark for monetary policy decisions.

    Rwanda’s urban consumer prices increased by 7.1 percent in October 2025 compared to the same month last year, driven largely by steep rises in health, hospitality, and housing costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/health-and-hospitality-costs-fuel-7-1-surge-in-rwanda-s-consumer-prices-in

  • AfDB approves $9 million grant for flood adaptation to increase community resilience in western Rwanda #rwanda #RwOT

    The African Development Fund (ADF) is the concessional window of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.

    Established in 1972, it became operational in 1974. The ADF-recipient countries include those that are increasing their economic capacities and heading toward becoming the new emerging markets, as well as those that remain fragile and need special assistance for basic levels of service delivery.

    According to a statement released by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project aims to build climate resilience in flood-prone catchments of Rusizi and Karongi districts by implementing nature-based flood adaptation and promoting community-led soil conservation and catchment restoration.

    Expected outcomes include reduced flood and landslide exposure, decreased soil erosion and water siltation, and improved land productivity.

    An estimated 1.2 million residents are expected to gain from improved early warning systems and better protection of key water resources, while over 620,000 people will benefit from reduced flood risk.

    Other activities include the reforestation of 10,000 hectares, construction of vegetated flood barriers, and rehabilitation of degraded riverbanks and hillsides.

    More than 6,000 people will receive climate adaptation training and 120 technical students will gain practical experience in eco-engineering and water management.

    'By using nature as our first line of defence, we are helping Rwandan communities adapt to a changing climate while creating jobs, restoring ecosystems, and securing their future,' said Lazarus Phiri, Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer and project task manager.

    Flooding and landslides have repeatedly devastated this region, claiming lives, damaging schools and water systems, and undermining livelihoods.

    Through nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, terracing, and riverbank stabilisation, the project will reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase agricultural productivity.

    The grant will be utilized to finance the Nature-Based Flood Adaptation Project to strengthen the climate resilience of communities and water infrastructure in the western districts of Karongi and Rusizi.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afdb-approves-9-million-grant-for-nature-based-flood-adaptation-to-increase

  • Petrol price in Rwanda increases by Frw 127 #rwanda #RwOT

    These new prices were released on the night of Friday, November 7, 2025, and will be in effect for the next two months.

    They replace the prices set in September 2025, when a liter of petrol was priced at Frw 1,862 and diesel at Frw 1,808. This means the price of petrol has increased by Frw 127 per liter, while the price of diesel has gone up by Frw 92 per liter.

    RURA explained that , in response to rising pump prices influenced by global trends, the government has continued to strengthen fuel reserves and prudent macroeconomic management to protect consumers and maintain market stability.
    The new prices take effect on November 8, 2025.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/petrol-price-in-rwanda-increases-by-frw-127