This partnership is a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.
The UCI Road World Championship is one of the most prestigious events in international cycling, drawing elite athletes, industry stakeholders, and fans from around the world.
The weeklong competition will bring global attention to Kigali and is expected to deliver high-level racing, sportsmanship, and a celebration of cycling culture.
BRALIRWA’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives. As Rwanda welcomes international visitors and athletes, BRALIRWA will play a central role in promoting unity, excellence, and national pride through its portfolio of beverage brands.
“We are delighted to welcome BRALIRWA as the official beverage sponsor of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” said Samson Ndayishimiye, President of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). “Their support brings added energy to what will be a defining moment for Rwandan sport.”
During the championship, BRALIRWA will organize fan zones, sports workshops, and community screenings of the races. These activities will be hosted in local neighborhoods to encourage participation, promote sportsmanship, and provide entertainment and refreshment in an inclusive setting.
'We will create spaces where communities can come together to celebrate the championship, enjoy our beverages, and share the joy of true togetherness,' said Lieke, BRALIRWA’s Marketing Director.
'Through our fan zones and activations, we aim to offer memorable experiences while also promoting responsible enjoyment throughout the event.'
As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.
BRALIRWA Plc has announced its official beverage sponsorship of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, which will take place in Kigali from 21st to 28th September.
This partnership is viewed as a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.
As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.
During the ceremony, the President reaffirmed the strong ties between Rwanda and China, describing China as a long-standing and reliable partner.
As Xinhua reported, he expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.
President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.
Amb. Gao conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings, and hailed the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, where China-Rwanda relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring fruitful cooperation on all fronts.
China stands ready to work together with the Rwandan side to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador added.
China has emerged as one of the countries that clearly sees the investment potential in Rwanda. Over the past five years, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of foreign direct investment into the country.
In 2024 alone, Chinese investments in Rwanda reached $460 million, surpassing $445 million from India.
In previous years, Chinese investment figures were $79.1 million in 2023, $182.4 million in 2022, $357.7 million in 2021, and $282 million in 2020.
Across this five-year period, China led all other countries in the volume of investments made in Rwanda in four out of five years.
Beyond attracting Chinese investment, Rwanda is also expanding its exports to China at a notable pace.
Between 2021 and 2024, Rwandan exports to China grew from $16 million to over $100 million, representing more than a fivefold increase in just four years.
In 2024 alone, Rwandan exports to China rose by 29.5%.
This growth reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral trade, with the total trade volume between Rwanda and China reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, up from $742 million in 2021.
Ambassador Gao Wenqi assumed his post as China’s new Ambassador to Rwanda recently, succeeding Wang Xuekun, who completed his term at the beginning of this year .
President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.
President Paul Kagame received the credentials of Gao Wenqi, the new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Rwanda on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Rwanda and China have for long enjoyed cordial relations based on mutual trust.
Minister Nduhungirehe made this clear on July 29, 2025, during a session of the Chamber of Deputies to ratify the recently signed peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC.
MP Christine Mukabunani had asked whether Rwanda’s participation in the peace deal might prompt countries that had sanctioned it to reconsider their decisions.
She posed the question: 'Given Rwanda’s decision to sign this agreement, do you expect the countries that imposed sanctions to lift them now?'
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe clarified that the Rwanda-DRC agreement was never intended as a means to have sanctions lifted, and that Rwanda signed it solely out of its commitment to regional peace.
'The Washington Agreement was not aimed at removing sanctions,' he said. 'The countries that imposed those measures did so for their own reasons â” reasons we have openly rejected. We made our position clear, including recently, because these sanctions have also prevented those countries, particularly in Europe and North America, from meaningfully contributing to the search for solutions.'
He noted that some countries that had imposed sanctions later attempted to participate in the peace process, but Rwanda dismissed their involvement.
'There were actors who tried to re-enter the conversation through manipulative channels under the guise of supporting this agreement. Yet these are the same countries that, as recently as January and February, were threatening further sanctions. They didn’t speak about the region â” they explicitly sided with Congo.'
Nduhungirehe emphasised that Rwanda’s decision to sign the agreement had nothing to do with seeking favours from those nations.
'These agreements are not about pleading. We are not here to beg anyone. Let them do as they wish. We signed the agreement because we want peace in the region â” not to convince European countries to lift sanctions.'
He added that the sanctions imposed on Rwanda had served as a lesson, encouraging the country to become more self-reliant and to guard against foreign aid being used as a form of pressure or coercion.
'These past months have taught us an important lesson. Rwanda must build its own resilience and avoid becoming dependent on aid that is weaponised for political purposes. Every cent we receive must be used for its intended development goals. If donors use funding to advance political agendas, we reject that â” and even now, we are not pleading for sanctions to be lifted. They can make their own decisions, since they were the ones who imposed the sanctions in the first place.'
Several Western nations, including Belgium, imposed sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of playing a role in the insecurity in Eastern DRC. In response, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing its bias and efforts to rally the international community to impose further punitive measures.
Rwanda has consistently stated that it will not be intimidated by foreign sanctions aimed at dictating its internal affairs, especially when its actions are rooted in preserving national security and the interests of its people.
During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, members of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously voted in favour of the agreement, which seeks to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region by addressing longstanding security issues.
Minister Nduhungirehe declared Rwanda’s position during a session of the Chamber of Deputies to ratify the recently signed peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC.
During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, members of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously voted in favour of the agreement, which seeks to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region by addressing longstanding security issues.
Announced in a special Gazette notice on July 28, 2025, Trade Minister Selemani Saidi Jafo clarified that the government will no longer issue or renew business licences for non-citizens engaged in these sectors.
The banned businesses include mobile money transfer services, electronic device repairs, small-scale mining, postal and parcel delivery, tour guiding, radio and television operations, and museum shop management.
Additionally, foreigners will be prohibited from involvement in real estate, clearing and forwarding services, on-farm crop purchasing, and cleaning services for homes, offices, or the environment.
Salon businesses will only be allowed if they operate within hotels or serve tourism purposes. Moreover, foreign ownership of wholesale and retail businesses is banned, with exceptions made for supermarkets, specialised outlets, and wholesale centres dedicated to local producers.
Other restricted sectors include gambling machine operations and small manufacturing industries.
The penalties for foreigners violating these restrictions are severe: a fine of no less than 10 million Tanzanian shillings (approximately Ksh 495,845), imprisonment for up to six months, and revocation of visas and residence permits.
Tanzanian citizens who assist foreigners in running banned businesses face fines of up to 5 million Tanzanian shillings (around Ksh 247,922) or imprisonment for up to three months.
The government states that this move aims to protect local businesses and promote economic participation by Tanzanian citizens, but critics warn it may damage Tanzania’s international business relations with neighbouring countries and other international partners.
President Samia Suluhu’s administration has banned foreigners from operating 15 categories of small and medium-sized businesses.
He made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during a parliamentary session where Members of Parliament voted to ratify the Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 27, 2025.
MP Minani Bizimana raised concerns about expectations for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures while the root causes of insecurity have not yet been resolved.
He asked, 'Is national defense now considered a crime? Even powerful nations maintain defense systems, including satellite surveillance. So why would it be a problem for Rwanda to do the same?'
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted that trusting the DRC remains difficult.
'We signed the agreement, but we know these peopleâ”we’ve worked with them and we’re still in contact. There are mercenaries fighting on the front lines. You saw Romanian mercenaries pass through Kigali, and now they have brought in others from Colombia⦠we told them, 'this is happening right in front of you, and you are watching.’'
He emphasized that Rwanda expects the DRC to fully implement the commitments it signed onto.
'What we are asking for is political will. As we have always said, we cannot accept any situation that threatens Rwanda’s security or that of its people. That is non-negotiable. That is why our defense measures will remain in place until a clear and visible resolution is achieved.'
Minister Nduhungirehe further stated that Rwanda cannot dismantle its security structures as long as the FDLR, whose presence prompted the measures, is still active and has not been dismantled, as stipulated in the agreement.
He explained that the peace process would begin with encouraging FDLR fighters to voluntarily repatriate. For those who refuse, military force would be used to neutralize the threat.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has stated that Rwanda’s defense measures along its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will remain in place until a tangible and lasting solution is reached to address the security threat posed by the FDLR terrorist group.
The Henley Passport Index, widely regarded as the original and most authoritative ranking of global passport strength, evaluates the travel freedom of 199 passports against 227 destinations.
The ranking is based on the number of countries a passport holder can access without needing a visa in advance. With historical data spanning two decades and expert analysis updated regularly, the index has become an essential tool for global citizens and a trusted reference point for policymakers worldwide.
In its July 2025 edition, the index exposes a stark divide between the most and least powerful passports. At the top of the list is Singapore, whose citizens can travel to an impressive 193 destinations without needing a visa in advance, making it the world’s most powerful passport once again.
Japan, South Korea, and a bloc of European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, closely follow, with scores ranging from 190 to 189.
In contrast, at the very bottom sits Afghanistan, whose passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 destinations, the lowest score on the index. Syria follows with access to 27 destinations, while Iraq ranks just above with 30.
Citizens of Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia fare slightly better, though still severely limited, with access to 32 destinations each. Meanwhile, Libya and Nepal round out the group with a modest 38 destinations.
The rankings reflect more than just travel limitations; they underscore broader issues of conflict, governance, and diplomatic isolation.
Countries at the bottom of the list are often plagued by internal instability, strained international relations, and economic hardship, all of which directly affect their citizens’ ability to move freely across borders.
On the African continent, there have been some noteworthy shifts, with Rwanda steadily improving its rankings over the years.
In the latest ranking, the Rwandan passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 63 destinations, a score that places it ahead of several of its regional peers and signals growing confidence in the country’s stability, diplomacy, and openness.
This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).
Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighbourhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.
The Henley Passport Index, widely regarded as the original and most authoritative ranking of global passport strength, evaluates the travel freedom of 199 passports against 227 destinations.
In a statement, Downing Street called on Israel to immediately allow the United Nations to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to prevent starvation, agree to a ceasefire, and clearly state that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.
The statement also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday. He said the British government’s primary goal is to change the reality on the ground, and that “this is intended to further that cause.”
Starmer also explained the timing of the announcement: “I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is receding and feels further away today than it has for many years.”
“There is no better solution for the future of the region than two states,” with Israel living with its secure borders recognized and at peace with their neighbors free from the threat of terrorism, and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security free of occupations, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday at a high-level international conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held at the UN headquarters.
At a media press stakeout after his statement at the meeting, Lammy said the decision that has been taken “puts us on a pathway towards recognition” of the State of Palestine.
“We have seen the most terrific scenes. The global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid,” he told reporters.
More than 200 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter to the prime minister and Lammy on Saturday, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, noted that the discussions had made significant progress and showed potential to restore cordial relations between the two countries.
“Rwanda and Burundi are on a promising path to ending hostilities and reaching an understanding, as discussions between the leaders of both countries continue,” he stated.
There was renewed optimism that Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye would refrain from launching further baseless accusations against Rwanda, as he had between December 2023 and February 2025. At the time, he threatened regime change in Rwanda and accused it of planning attacks on his country.
However, that optimism quickly faded. Following the two rounds of dialogue hosted in each country, President Ndayishimiye renewed his hostile remarks against Rwanda, declaring that Burundians were prepared to defend themselves should Rwanda attempt aggression.
On May 4, Minister Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to peaceful relations with Burundi but expressed concern that each time progress was made, President Ndayishimiye undermined it through media statements.
'These accusations are not based on facts. When someone says that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi, it’s simply not trueâ”and even Burundians know that. We hope these kinds of comments decrease, especially from the Burundian side, so that we can continue working together and restore relations in the right time.'
Ndayishimiye also revived longstanding grievances, insisting that until Rwanda extradites individuals suspected of involvement in the failed May 2015 coup against former Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, the borders between the two countries will remain closed.
Burundi closed its borders in 2015, reopened them in 2022, but shut them again in January 2024 following a RED Tabara attack in Gatumba, a Bujumbura province zone near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What truly led Ndayishimiye to derail the negotiations?
A report by United Nations experts, released on July 3, 2025, revealed that Burundian President Ndayishimiye’s renewed attacks on Rwanda in February were prompted by significant territorial gains by the M23/AFC coalition in South Kivu Province, nearing Burundi’s border.
Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have long collaborated in efforts to combat M23/AFC, accusing Rwanda of supporting the group, as well as the armed rebel group RED Tabara. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
The Rwanda-Burundi talks held in March had initially led to a de-escalation in rhetoric from Ndayishimiye. However, tensions flared again in late March when M23/AFC captured more territory in South Kivu, testing Burundi’s patience.
President Ndayishimiye stated at the time: “We know Rwanda is attempting to attack us through Congolese territory, using the RED Tabara militia. But let me be clear, if they try to reach Bujumbura via Congo, then we also know that Kigali isn’t far if we pass through Kirundo.”
According to the UN experts, beginning in early April 2025â”just days after those remarksâ”Burundi deployed between 7,000 and 9,000 troops into South Kivu.
These forces were stationed in the Rusizi Plain near the border and in the mountainous areas surrounding Minembwe in Fizi Territory to contain M23/AFC advances.
The report further notes that Burundian troops operate in close coordination with the Congolese army (FARDC), the Wazalendo militias backed by the DRC government, and the FDLR, a genocidal militia hostile to the Rwandan government.
Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized that the Burundian population is fully aware that Rwanda harbors no intentions of attacking their country.
President Ndayishimiye disrupted bilateral talks between Rwandan and Burundian delegations, alleging the existence of a coordinated plot to destabilize his country.
President Ndayishimiye deployed a large number of troops to the Rusizi Valley and the surrounding hills near Minembwe, with the aim of preventing further advances.
Baghaei’s remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments a day earlier, in which Trump alleged that Iran had intervened in the latest round of talks aimed at ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The negotiations, held in Qatar, were suspended last week with both Israeli and U.S. delegations walking out.
Describing Trump’s claim as “absolutely baseless,” Baghaei said the accusation was an attempt to deflect U.S. responsibility for its complicity in what he called Israeli “crimes” against the Palestinians.
Baghaei said that Hamas negotiators were capable of discerning and pursuing the interests of Gaza’s population and did not need any third party’s intervention in that regard.
Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s position, shared by many countries, condemning what he called “genocide” in Gaza and supporting any initiative that would lead to an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and the cessation of Israeli actions in the territory.
Trump, in a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, claimed that “I think they (Iran) got involved in this negotiation, telling Hamas and giving Hamas signals and orders.” He didn’t provide further details on the claim.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the claim that Iran had interfered in the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry early Tuesday.
The country has been investing in nuclear energy for nearly seven years, including strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada.
In an interview on The Long Form podcast, Dr. Lassina Zerbo, chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board and former prime minister of Burkina Faso, outlined how nuclear energy could transform not only Rwanda but the broader continent, offering a sustainable path to socio-economic development.
Dr. Zerbo, a geophysicist and former executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), says Rwanda’s pioneering nuclear strategy is on track for a 2030 launch.
'If everything goes to plan, we should have the first nuclear power plant in Rwanda by 2030,' Dr. Zerbo who serves as an Energy Advisor and Member of the Strategy and Policy Council in the Office of the President, crediting President Paul Kagame’s disciplined vision.
'It’s a challenging timeline, but not impossible,” he added.
Dr. Lassina Zerbo, a geophysicist and former executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), says Rwanda’s pioneering nuclear strategy is on track for a 2030 launch.
Unlike the massive, costly nuclear plants of decades past, Rwanda is embracing SMRs and micro reactorsâ”compact, innovative systems designed for efficiency and safety.
'Small modular reactors range from 300 to 350 megawatts, while micro reactors can be as small as a 40-foot container,' Zerbo explained.
These 'plug-and-play' reactors require minimal infrastructure upgrades, making them a viable option for African nations with developing electrical grids.
'You don’t need to overhaul everything like you would for a 1-gigawatt plant,' he noted, contrasting Rwanda’s approach with larger projects in Kenya and Egypt.
In some advanced nations, nuclear power accounts for up to 20% of electricity production.
Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety, Zerbo emphasised technological advancements that reduce risks.
'The cooling systems in SMRs and micro reactors, like passive cooling or the use of thorium and molten salt, make them far safer than traditional reactors,' he said.
He also tackled the issue of nuclear waste, a common worry. 'Our ambition is to use waste from one reactor as fuel for another. With micro reactors, waste is minimal, and vendors can remove and replace modules after 15 to 20 years.'
Beyond powering its cities and villages, Rwanda’s nuclear program aims to serve as a blueprint for Africa, a vision widely discussed at the recently concluded Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025).
'If we succeed here, it can inspire other African nations,' Zerbo remarked, pointing to countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, which are exploring similar technologies.
In efforts to actualise its nuclear energy ambitions, Rwanda has secured partnerships with global vendors, including Russia’s Rosatom for SMRs and U.S.-based Nano Nuclear Energy and Denmark’s Copenhagen Atomics for micro reactors.
'We’re diversifying to avoid dependency and mitigate geopolitical risks,' Zerbo noted, addressing concerns about aligning with partners like Rosatom amid global tensions.
From Burkina Faso to global stages
Zerbo’s journey to becoming Rwanda’s nuclear chief is as compelling as the technology he champions. Born in Bobo-Dioulasso in 1963, when Burkina Faso was still Upper Volta, he rose from a modest upbringing to a global career in science and diplomacy.
As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a lawyer inspired by a French film about injustice, but a government scholarship steered him toward geophysics. His work in the mining industry and later at the CTBTO, where he monitored global nuclear tests, earned him international recognition.
In 2021, Zerbo briefly served as Burkina Faso’s prime minister, a role cut short by a coup d’état.
Reflecting on the experience, he remained unfazed.
'I never felt threatened,' he said, describing the chaotic night when gunfire erupted in Ouagadougou. 'I was watching a football match with the president when it started. I knew I hadn’t done anything to compromise myself.'
His resilience and optimism continue to shine through as he serves Africa, now from Kigali.
Drawing on his experiences in Burkina Faso, where jihadist terrorism remains a growing threat, he stressed the need for regional unity.
'Terrorism thrives where people lack opportunity,' he said, advocating for a dual approach of deterrence and development.
'We need to give people a reason to live, not just fight with guns.'
He sees Rwanda’s stability and progress as a beacon of hope, likening it to a phoenix rising from its ashes after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed more than a million lives and left a trail of destruction.
'Rwanda’s nuclear program is about showing what’s possible when you combine vision, discipline, and courage.'
Watch the full interview with Dr. Lassina Zerbo on The Long Form podcast to hear more about his journey and Rwanda’s energy ambitions.
