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Before Africa, Steffi led a successful life in Germany. She owned four cooking schools across Hamburg, Potsdam, Bremen, and Hamm, had a comfortable home, cars, and a thriving career. Yet, despite her achievements, she felt drawn to something different, something that would push her beyond familiar comforts.

Speaking in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Steffi revealed that her passion for dance had long been part of her life. She discovered it at 16, and it quickly became more than a hobby.

'In the morning, I stand up and dance,' she says.

Dance became a form of expression, connection, and personal freedom. Today in Kigali, she continues to dance several times a week and even hosts classes and events.

The decision to move to Africa came with uncertainty. Steffi and her children travelled across the continent, eventually arriving in Mwanza, Tanzania. It was here, in search of a dance community, that she made a pivotal decision: to cross the border into Kigali.

Their arrival coincided with the global COVID-19 lockdowns, leaving the family confined to a small house with no bed, sleeping on yoga mats. Travel was impossible, money scarce, and options limited.

Steffi responded by turning her skills into opportunity. She began cooking extra meals for her family and selling the surplus. What started as feeding ten instead of three quickly drew attention.

Using a WhatsApp catalogue to showcase dishes she missed from home, she found her first customers. Their encouragement led her to take a bolder step: opening a physical shop. Partnering with a local, Balinda, she launched her first outlet in Rugando. But just as momentum built, thieves broke in, taking everything she had worked to create.

Arriving in Rwanda with limited English and no knowledge of Kinyarwanda, the loss could have been crushing. Yet Steffi refused to give up. She returned to her WhatsApp catalogue, relying on customer trust to rebuild her business from scratch.

Two years later, she opened a second outlet in Remera, dubbed Steffi Metz Gourmet Shop. She converted a spare room and unused parking space into an outdoor cooking school, offering locals an alternative to everyday meals. The business grew, but challenges persisted. A landlord dispute forced her to relocate after just four months. Eventually, she found a larger, more suitable space in Gacuriro.

Along the way, Steffi trained staff in hotels, often without financial backing. She faced personal betrayals and repeated setbacks, yet she found support in Rwanda’s environment, where entrepreneurship and creativity were allowed to flourish.

For Steffi, the appeal of Rwanda goes beyond business opportunity. In Germany, regulations would have prevented her from producing even simple items like cheese in a small setup. In Rwanda, processes are faster and more flexible, even her visa renewal was granted overnight. Most importantly, the country allows her to live authentically.

'As a creative person, it’s absolutely necessary to be myself and not worry whether it’s allowed,' she says.

From a comfortable life in Germany to starting over amid lockdowns and uncertainty, Steffi Metz’s story is one of courage, adaptation, and relentless passion. Through dance, cooking, and entrepreneurship, she has built a life in Kigali that is vibrant, inspiring, and wholly her own.

'Rwanda touched me,' she says, a sentiment that echoes through every step of her extraordinary journey.

Watch the full exclusive interview with IGIHE below.

Steffi Metz’s shop.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Steffi Metz said that when she arrived in Africa in early 2020 with her two children, she had only two backpacks and no certainty about where the journey would take her.

Before Africa, Steffi led a successful life in Germany.

Steffi Metz during a recent interview with IGIHE’s Rania Umutoni.

Steffi Metz with plays with her baby.

Rania Umutoni

In his message on International Migrants Day, observed annually on Dec. 18, Guterres said migration is a powerful driver of progress, lifting economies, connecting cultures, and benefiting countries of origin and destination alike.

“Yet when migration is poorly governed or misrepresented, it can fuel hate and division, endangering the lives of people seeking safety and opportunity,” he said, adding that with borders tightening and smugglers and traffickers thriving, “women and children are among the most at risk.”

Pointing to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration adopted seven years ago, he said the international community “can and must harness the power of migration to advance sustainable development and build more resilient societies.”

“This starts with challenging the narratives that dehumanize migrants, and replacing them with stories of solidarity,” Guterres said, calling on the international community to “stand together for the rights of every migrant, and make migration dignified and safe for all.”

In December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed Dec. 18 as International Migrants Day.

Since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing along land and sea routes, with the true number likely far higher.

Xinhua

In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African government said the deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) was carried out in full compliance with the country’s immigration statutes.

The individuals were found to be engaging in employment without required work permits, in violation of immigration regulations, it said, adding that South Africa will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law.

During the operation, DHA officials, in cooperation with the police department, arrested and later deported the Kenyan nationals who were allegedly employed at a facility processing applications for so-called “refugees” seeking resettlement in the United States.

Several U.S. media outlets reported that two U.S. staff were “briefly detained and then released” during the operation.

The DIRCO’s statement rejected allegations concerning the handling of private information of U.S. officials, describing such claims as “unsubstantiated.”

“South Africa treats all matters of data security with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols. We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions,” the statement said.

The DIRCO said that while firmly dismissing unfounded claims, Pretoria remains committed to principled and transparent diplomacy, and official channels have been opened with the U.S. government to seek clarity on the matter and to reinforce the importance of mutual respect and fact-based dialogue in bilateral engagements.

The statement was issued against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States following an operation conducted by South African immigration authorities in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning what it described as the detention of U.S. officials. “The U.S. condemns in the strongest terms the South African government’s recent detention of U.S. officials performing their duties to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners.”

Claiming U.S. officials’ passport information had been publicly released, the U.S. State Department called it “an unacceptable form of harassment.”

“We are seeking immediate clarification from the South African government and expect full cooperation and accountability,” said U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott, adding that interfering in U.S. refugee operations is “unacceptable.”

The DHA, however, said in a statement published on Wednesday that no U.S. officials were arrested during the operation and that the enforcement action was not conducted at any diplomatic site.

“The presence of foreign officials apparently coordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The DIRCO has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter,” the DHA said.

Relations between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated since early this year, with analysts pointing to growing divergences between Pretoria and Washington on major international issues, including South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

In February, the U.S. administration denounced South Africa’s new land law, accusing the government of discriminating against white citizens, and issued an executive order cutting off U.S. aid.

Tensions further escalated on Aug. 7, when the United States imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African exports, the highest rate applied to any sub-Saharan African country.

The latest round of rhetorical clashes began in November, when Washington openly boycotted the Group of Twenty summit hosted by South Africa.

IGIHE

The organization, affiliated with Swiss-based charitable foundation Sight and Life (SAL), has introduced multi-layered evidence-based interventions to improve child, adolescent, women health as well as training and assisting farmers towards self-sustenance.

SAL Rwanda’s achievements were highlighted during a policy dialogue jointly organized by the Embassy of France and SAL Rwanda. The timing of the discussions was particularly relevant, as findings from Rwanda’s Sixth Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) show that 33% of children are stunted, while 25% of pregnant women are affected by anemia.

The forum aimed to assess the current state of nutrition in Rwanda, with a particular focus on pregnant women and young children, and to review progress. Results from recent national initiatives, including the government’s decision to replace iron and folic acid supplements with a more comprehensive Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) for pregnant women, showed tangible progress.

The limited nutrient composition constrained the impact of iron and folic acid constrained its impact. The newly adopted MMS formulation contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, offering broader nutritional support during pregnancy and contributing to improved maternal health and birth outcomes.

Elvis Gakuba, the Sight and Life Regional Director for Africa, stressed that improving nutrition for pregnant women and children is not just a health issue but also a vital investment in Rwanda’s long-term economic growth.

“Promoting adequate nutrition for pregnant women and children is not just about healthcare; it is an essential investment in the future of Rwanda. By prioritizing nutrition and well-being of both mothers and children, we are contributing directly to the nation’s development,” he explained.

Gakuba further shared that through a study conducted in partnership with UNICEF and RBC, SAL Rwanda has distributed MMS across all Rwandan districts. 'We have reached close to 90% of pregnant women,' he said.

Stéphane Le Brech, the First Counselor at the French Embassy in Rwanda, responsible for cultural cooperation, noted that the discussions were organized in line with commitments made during the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, held in Paris in March 2025.

The Rwandan government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. The National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), set to run from 2024 to 2029, aims to combat malnutrition and reduce the current stunting rate of 33% to 15% by 2029.

Sight and Life works across Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria, integrating nutrition with livelihoods and food system strengthening.

In Rwanda, for instance, the organization’s project to reduce post-harvest losses, including efforts to combat aflatoxins in maize, have supported 2,400 farmers, reducing crop losses by up to 40%. Around 6,500 tons of crops have been saved from aflatoxin contamination.

The organization also runs a Food Fortification Project aimed at enriching widely consumed foods with essential vitamins and minerals to improve nutrition and combat nutrient deficiencies.

With a $3.5 million grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Sight and Life is implementing the 'Nutrition in City Ecosystems – NICE' project, which works to improve nutrition in urban areas of developing countries through community-led initiatives.

The project fosters collaboration between the agriculture, food, and health sectors, and supports public-private partnerships, with a focus on women and youth entrepreneurship.

NICE enhances urban governance and promotes the development of sustainable food systems, increasing the availability of healthy, locally grown food produced through agroecological practices, while also raising awareness about environmentally responsible diets.

Over the past seven years, Sight and Life has provided training in agroecology and sustainable farming practices to farmers, supported 14 cooperatives in fishing and livestock, and provided agricultural inputs and project management skills to 25 early childhood development (ECD) institutions – reinforcing the link between nutrition, resilient livelihoods, and long-term national progress.

A discussion was held on the strategies to address and eliminate stunting in Rwanda.

Participants of the discussion pledged to tackle the issue of stunting in the country.

Elvis Gakuba, the Sight and Life Regional Director for Africa, stressed that improving nutrition for pregnant women and children is a vital investment in Rwanda’s long-term economic growth.

Stéphane Le Brech, the First Counselor at the French Embassy in Rwanda, responsible for cultural cooperation, noted that the discussions were organized in line with commitments made during the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, held in Paris in March 2025.

IGIHE

The new outlet, located in Gisenyi, along the main road near the Rubavu Mosque, marks a significant step in promoting sustainable cooking options.

According to the seventh integrated household living conditions survey (EICV7), the number of households in Rwanda using environmentally friendly cooking stoves reached 5.4% in 2024, up from just 1% in 2017.

BioMassters operates a factory in Rubavu with a capacity to process 15 tons of materials per day.

The company has been selling its products in various shops across Kigali for the past two years.

The stoves come in two models: the “Iryacu” stove, made in Rwanda using bricks, and the “Inzuchief” stove, made from metal. Both stoves are known for their durability, cleanliness, and efficiency, using 50% less fuel compared to charcoal stoves.

Claudia Muench, the CEO of BioMassters, told IGIHE that their stoves are designed to cook efficiently without producing smoke, making them a healthier option for households.

“Our stoves offer a solution for families—they are affordable, and the pellets used for cooking are cheaper compared to other traditional methods. They promote better health for users while protecting the environment as the forests are preserved,” she said.

Despite the challenges posed by the small size of the factory and the fact that many people are still unaware of their products, Muench is optimistic that these issues will be overcome over time by raising awareness through different campaigns and plan to build new factories.

Mulindwa Prosper, the Mayor of Rubavu, emphasized that the opening of the BioMassters outlet will boost the local economy.

“BioMassters’ initiatives help residents maintain cleanliness, protect the environment, and assist the government in safeguarding public health. The smokeless pellets contribute to better health outcomes, and they are made from sawdusts and forests left overs.

We appreciate BioMassters for opening a branch in our district, creating new jobs, and contributing to the national economy,” he stated.

Mulindwa also noted that, compared to charcoal, the cost of using pellets is 50% cheaper, which will help local residents save money.

BioMassters’ stoves use pellets made from wood and crop residues, which are both eco-friendly and affordable. A kilo of pellets costs between Rwf 350 Rwandan Francs in BioMassters stores and Rwf 380 from other partners across the country.

To date, BioMassters has distributed over 8,000 stoves to households, reaching more than 70,000 people across the country. The “Iryacu” stove costs 40,000 Rwandan Francs, while the “Inzuchief” stove is priced at 50,000 Rwandan Francs.

The Mayor of Rubavu, Mulindwa Prosper, alongside the BioMassters management, officially inaugurated the Rubavu branch.

The new Gisenyi branch is stocked with a wide range of BioMassters stoves.

BioMassters employees demonstrate the operation of their stoves.

The new BioMassters branch in Rubavu is located in Gisenyi.

IGIHE

“I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions,” he told reporters after briefing the Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations. “I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law.”

In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three UN personnel to a special criminal court. This referral must be rescinded, Guterres said. They have been charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. These charges must be dropped, he said.

“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen. The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference,” said Guterres.

In the press encounter, Guterres called for de-escalation of the tensions in Yemen.

Tensions have been simmering across Yemen, and dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat, he said. “A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa.”

Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue.

“Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement — one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings this devastating conflict to an end. Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 17, 2025. Guterres on Wednesday condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen.

Xinhua

“Rwanda recognizes the importance of Kiswahili in achieving inclusive and equitable education. Our government made a decision in 2017 to designate Kiswahili as one of the official languages of the country, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French,” Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere told the closing the 4th World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, on Monday.

“This move was not just symbolic. It was a deliberate strategy to position Rwanda within the East African Community and the broader African linguistic landscape, while also strengthening African solidarity and fraternity,” she said.

Caroline Asiimwe, executive secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, said Kiswahili language is fundamental to building society, nations, and the EAC region.

She emphasized the commission’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital innovation, urging young people to take ownership of Kiswahili’s digital future and use it as a tool for entrepreneurship and peace building.

“Let us build AI tools, dictionaries, and platforms in Kiswahili not only to preserve the language but to empower the next generation of African innovators,” Asiimwe said.

Co-hosted by Rwanda and the East African Kiswahili Commission, the two-day celebrations were held under the theme of “Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development” to examine relevant policies, best practices, and stakeholder engagement.

The event drew more than 300 participants, including senior government officials, delegates from EAC partner states, academics, Kiswahili experts, and university students.

The celebrations featured a regional symposium, youth engagement sessions, and an exhibition. Participants explored how Kiswahili, artificial intelligence, and inclusive education can advance a culture of peace and drive innovative initiatives.

Xinhua

For several years, the two nations have had a strained relationship, with Burundi accusing Rwanda of harboring individuals who attempted to overthrow the Burundian government in 2015.

At other times, Burundi has claimed that Rwanda supports the RED Tabara rebel group, although Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations.

On various occasions, President Ndayishimiye and other Burundian leaders have stated in international media that they possess information suggesting that Rwanda is planning an attack on Burundi. Since early 2024, Burundi has closed all its land borders with Rwanda.

Rwanda has also rejected these allegations. The country argues that Burundi, which shares a southern border with Rwanda, chose to collaborate with the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has links to the FDLR, thus aligning itself with the FDLR.

On the other hand, as the city of Uvira remains under the control of the AFC/M23, relations between Rwanda and Burundi have deteriorated further, with Burundi accusing Rwanda of shelling its territory.

In an interview with France 24 on December 18, 2025, Minister Nduhungirehe stated that the accusations from Burundi were false, adding that it was Burundi, not Rwanda, that had shelled the DRC territory.

'That’s false. It was actually shells from Burundi that hit the city of Kamanyola in Congo, causing refugees which triggered movements of refugees to Rwanda, in Bugarama.”

When asked whether there have been any discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed that security officials from both countries met over the weekend to discuss the ongoing tensions.

'Regarding Burundi, a meeting was held this weekend between the security services of both states to discuss de-escalation. And we believe that if these meetings continue, we will reach an agreement on a way forward for regional de-escalation and the reactivation of peace agreements,” he stated.

Regarding the DRC, talks between both countries are framed within the context of the Washington agreements, where the joint security coordination mechanism will oversee efforts to dismantle the FDLR terrorist group and remove the security measures Rwanda has imposed.

So far, a peace agreement was signed on December 4, 2025, but the DRC continues to stick to military action that continues to hinder the implementation.

The FDLR, composed of an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 fighters, collaborated with FARDC and over 20,000 Burundian soldiers during the fighting against M23.

Minister Nduhungirehe also noted that the joint security meetings will resume to focus on the dismantling of the FDLR group and the removal of Rwanda’s security measures.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe has revealed that the security services from both Rwanda and Burundi held a meeting over the past weekend aimed at addressing the escalating tensions between the two countries.

IGIHE

During a Defence Ministry Board meeting on December 17, 2025, attended by President Vladimir Putin, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov reported that Ukraine’s combat capability had been reduced by roughly one-third over the past year. He added that Ukraine’s ability to replenish its military forces through compulsory mobilisation of civilians had been severely impacted by the losses.

'Ukraine’s forces have lost nearly 500,000 servicemen, as a result of which Kiev has lost the ability to replenish its groupings through the compulsory mobilisation of civilians,' Belousov said.

In addition to personnel losses, Belousov alleged significant equipment losses by Ukraine in 2025. According to his report, Ukraine lost over 103,000 units of military equipment, including approximately 5,500 Western-made weapons, nearly double the amount lost in 2024. Russian officials argue that the figures reflect the severe toll the ongoing conflict has taken on Ukraine’s military infrastructure.

Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its military strength is further compounded by mobilisation challenges. Since the start of the war, Ukraine has implemented general mobilisation, barring men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country, and reduced the draft age from 27 to 25 in 2024.

Despite the measures, Ukraine has reportedly faced difficulties meeting recruitment targets. Violent clashes between reluctant recruits and conscription officers have been reported, including incidents of officers assaulting or chasing conscripts through the streets. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over these tactics, and some frontline commanders have complained about the shortage of soldiers to confront Russian forces.

While the figures are provided by the Russian Ministry of Defence, independent verification remains difficult. Both Ukrainian and Russian authorities often withhold or downplay casualty figures due to the sensitive nature of military losses. Independent sources have not confirmed the 500,000-soldier figure, and international monitors report varying casualty estimates, often lower than those presented by Russia.

The war in Ukraine continues, with both sides engaged in an ongoing struggle for territorial control. As the conflict approaches its fourth year, uncertainty remains over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military efforts amid heavy personnel and equipment losses.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine has lost 500,000 soldiers in the ongoing war in 2025 alone.

Rania Umutoni

Universities Promoting Linkages for Impactful Training, Innovation and Technology Transfer in Agriculture (UPLIFT-AG) is a project involving 12 universities from countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Denmark, Germany, and Italy.

The project seeks to educate, promote research, disseminate findings to the public, and foster innovation.

The project was officially launched on December 4, 2025, at the University of Rwanda, Musanze campus, in Busogo sector, where representatives from around 70 organizations were invited to discuss potential collaborations with the university to enhance agricultural research.

Dr. Guillaume Nyagatare, the Principal of UR-CAFF, explained that although the university has conducted significant research in agriculture, it was essential to collaborate with professionals from the field to understand the broader issues at play.

'Our university aims to be a leader in agriculture, providing research that benefits Rwandans and neighboring countries. However, for our research to be impactful, we need experts who work in the field every day, to help us better understand the challenges and inform our studies,' he stated.

Rev. Dr. Nathan Kanuma Taremwa, the Director of Research and Innovation and the project lead at UR-CAFF, explained that the project will work with various organizations in areas such as information sharing, research collaboration, teaching, providing internships to students, and more.

'We aim to work with numerous organizations in a structured manner, enhancing all parties involved through collaboration on essential research, supporting student education, and providing practical training, so that students can later apply their knowledge in the field,' he said.

Dr. Jean D’Amour Manirere, a lecturer at UR-CAFF, added that this collaboration will not only increase research at the university but also improve how research findings are shared with the intended beneficiaries.

Professor Thomas Bayer from the HNU University in Germany emphasized that collaboration between universities and agricultural institutions not only promotes research but also advances the development of agriculture itself.

'Partnerships between private sector organizations and universities are the key to development, especially in the agriculture sector. The fact that this initiative is launched in Rwanda is a significant step, and it will benefit students and institutions alike, as they will gain access to valuable project information and research,' he noted.

This project, launched in partnership with other African and European universities, is supported by the European Union (EU) from 2023 to 2026.

Dr. Guillaume Nyagatare, the Principal of UR-CAFF, explained that although the university has conducted significant research in agriculture, it was essential to collaborate with professionals from the field to understand the broader issues at play.

Professor Thomas Bayer from the HNU University in Germany emphasized that collaboration between universities and agricultural institutions not only promotes research but also advances the development of agriculture itself.

Dr. Nathan Kanuma Taremwa, the Director of Research and Innovation and the project lead at UR-CAFF, explained that the project will work with various organizations.

UR-CAFF gave an overview of the project to instituttions attending the launch of the UPLIFT-Ag project.

IGIHE