According to the July 2025 edition of the index, Rwandan passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 63 destinations. 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).
At the top of the African continent, Seychelles leads the ranking with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (149) and South Africa (103). These nations remain Africa’s strongest performers on the global mobility scale.
Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighborhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.
Globally, Singapore tops the 2025 index with a visa-free score of 193, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 25 countries without a visa.
The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative passport ranking system. The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power.
Rwanda’s upward mobility in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, especially across Africa and Asia.
Rwanda has been ranked among Africa’s top 25 most powerful passports in the newly released Henley Passport Index 2025, which assesses global mobility by measuring the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa.
According to local media reports, ADF fighters stormed a Catholic church early Saturday in the town of Komanda, Ituri Province. A local civil society leader in Komanda said most of the victims, primarily Catholic worshippers, were preparing for Sunday celebrations when the attack took place. Several houses were burned, and an unknown number of people remain missing.
Witnesses said the assailants also looted a local bank and other community properties before retreating into the nearby forest.
The ADF rebels have stepped up assaults in Ituri since early July. In a statement issued earlier this week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC condemned the recent ADF attacks, which have killed at least 82 civilians in both Ituri and neighboring North Kivu Province.
The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC, prompting joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces to pursue the group since November 2021.
At least 43 civilians were killed overnight from Saturday to Sunday in an attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local sources said Sunday. Photo by Reuters
“The Ministry strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the step taken by the terrorist RSF militia in announcing a fake government, claiming to assign government positions to run Sudan,” the statement said.
The ministry urged neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, as well as all governmental and non-governmental entities, to denounce the declaration of the parallel government and refrain from recognizing or engaging with it.
It emphasized that any form of engagement with the parallel government would constitute an infringement on Sudan’s legitimate authority and sovereignty over its entire territory, and a clear violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people.
On Saturday, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government.
The parallel government was announced in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram, naming Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as the “prime minister.”
According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as “President of the Presidential Council,” the highest sovereign authority, while leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as “Vice President of the Presidential Council.”
The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.
The Sudanese government on Sunday rejected a parallel government declared by a coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging other countries not to recognize it, according to a statement by the Sudanese Foreign Ministry.
He made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.
Addressing over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered at BK Arena, President Kagame praised Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri and his team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
'Masai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,' said Kagame. 'Through him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.'
In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival.
'I want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,' he told the youth. 'Put in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in youâ”and that’s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.'
He added: 'Africa should not remain lagging behind the rest of the world. In a small way, through this festival, we are reminded that we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and continue to make Africa proud.'
The President reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa’s youth.
'We welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you’ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.'
The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme 'A Borderless Africa.'
The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.
The opening ceremony at BK Arena reflected the energy and vibrance of the festival. South African DJ Uncle Waffles, born Ungelihle Zwane, set the arena alight with a high-energy set that blended her signature Amapiano hits like 'Asylum' and 'Yahyuppiyah' with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd.
A breakout star in Africa’s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.
Also returning to the stage was the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whose young performers blended dance with basketball choreography in an inspiring showcase of creativity and movement. Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned choreographer and philanthropist, thanked both Masai Ujiri and President Kagame for creating platforms that empower African youth.
Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.
'You are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent somethingâ”and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,' he said.
Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness.
'We all grew up in Africa. We wore our pants the same. We walked barefoot to school. If we can do it, you can do it even bigger and better.'
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.
'Giants of Africa is more than basketball, it’s a celebration of African excellence,' she said. 'Thanks to President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa’s future is shaped with purpose.'
Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.
'Believe in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.'
Beyond the courts, the festival integrates community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion. Among the highlights is the unveiling of new basketball courts through the Built Within initiative and a showcase of African fashion under the 'Threads of Africa' event.
Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries.
President Kagame made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.
Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.
The festival brings together over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries.
The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.
The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme 'A Borderless Africa.'
Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for 'People' and 'Biodiversity,' highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.
The award, presented by Wetland Link International (WLI), is the only global quality mark dedicated to wetland educators and visitor attractions, recognising sites that promote conservation and public awareness of wetlands such as rivers, marshes, and coasts.
Opened to the public in July 2022 after six years of restoration work, Nyandungu Eco-Park is now one of the capital’s most treasured urban nature escapes.
Located in Kigali, a Ramsar-accredited Wetland City, Nyandungu Eco-Park has rapidly become a flagship urban nature sanctuary. Since opening to the public in July 2022, following six years of extensive restoration, the park has seen a steady rise in visitors, welcoming 76,754 people in 2024, up from 67,222 in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022.
Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of rehabilitated wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 62 indigenous plant species.
Nyandungu Eco-tourism Park welcomed 76,754 visitors in 2024, marking a steady rise in interest for Rwanda’s eco-tourism initiatives.
The transformation from a degraded wetland to a thriving ecosystem was made possible by a Frw 4.5 billion investment led by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), with funding from the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme.
Nyandungu offers visitors a unique combination of recreation and education with features such as a medicinal garden, the Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10 kilometres of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.
The park is set for a 43-hectare expansion.
Rwanda’s Nyandungu Eco-Park has earned global recognition as one of the world’s leading wetland education centres, winning the prestigious Star Wetland Centre Award at the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held on July 27, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for 'People' and 'Biodiversity,' highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic MC Tino, the night opened in style as DJ RY hit the decks around 8:00 PM, warming up the crowd with a rich blend of classic American hip-hop, old-school Rwandan tracks, and pan-African favourites. The nostalgia was palpable, and the dancefloor filled up quickly as the beats echoed through the retro-themed venue.
The lineup kept the energy high all night. Brek The Entertainer took over with a vibrant Rhumba set, spinning hits from icons like Madilu System, before handing over to DJ Nicolas Peks, who turned up the tempo with crowd-pleasing Reggaeton, Bongo Flava, and chart-toppers from across East Africa.
In a crowd full of sequins, bell-bottoms, and bold vintage looks, comedian Clapton Kibonge and Delphine Umuhoza (wife of media personality Benjamin Gicumbi) stole the spotlight. They were crowned Best Dressed of the night, each walking away with special experience gifts from Kigali Universe.
Clapton wowed the audience with a full-on 1970s African musician lookâ”complete with flared bell-bottom trousers, platform shoes, a vintage cassette player, and a classic radio, channelling the spirit of a bygone era with striking authenticity.
Delphine, on the other hand, embodied old-school American hip-hop glam with oversized pants, bold jewellery, and attitude to match.
The crowd was a vibrant mix of familiar faces and fashionistas, including Fuadi Uwihanganye, DJ Pius, Coach Gael (architect of Kigali Universe), Kenny Mugarura of 1:55 AM, Michelle Iradukunda, and Aissa Cyiza, all contributing to the night’s electric atmosphere.
As the festival drew to a close, DJ RY and DJ Nicolas Peks joined forces in a unique tag-team set, each alternating tracks to keep the party going late into the night, an unforgettable moment that perfectly encapsulated the festival’s spirit of musical unity across generations.
This year’s edition followed the success of the 2024 event held at Juru Park in Rebero, and if last night is any indication, the Oldies Music Festival has solidified its place as a must-attend celebration on Kigali’s cultural calendar.
Aissa Cyiza and MC Tino of Royal FM made a stylish appearance at the event.
Basile Uwimana was behind the planning of the concert.
Attendees came thoughtfully dressed for the occasion.
The ladies showed off retro-style outfits.
Fuadi Uwihanganye also made a stylish appearance.
Clapton Kibonge made a striking entrance at the concert.
Coach Gael sported a classic retro hairstyle, paying homage to a beloved style from years ago.
Media personalities Aissa Cyiza and Umuhire Rebecca also made a stylish appearance at the event.
This was the fifth edition of the concert.
DJ RY has been a constant presence, spinning tracks at all the Oldies festivals so far.
DJ Nicolas Peks thrilled the crowd.
The festival was filled with people donning mostly vintage-inspired fashion.
Rwandan rapper Elijah Ntare Shema, popularly known as The Dice Kid, continues to make waves with his introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and unapologetic authenticity.
Whether performing live, crafting verses in the studio, or connecting with fans online, he embodies a new generation of Rwandan artists determined to push creative boundaries.
In a recent appearance on IGIHE Culture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz, The Dice Kid opened up about his journey as an artist, his growth, and the values that guide his music. Candid and grounded, he reflected on how it all began at the age of 16.
For him, music has never been just a career; it’s a calling.
'I want to lay a foundation for future artists in Rwanda’s fresh music industry,' he shared.
Rwandan rapper Elijah Ntare Shema, popularly known as The Dice Kid, continues to make waves with his introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and unapologetic authenticity.
His name, like the many sides of a dice, reflects his diverse interests in music, fashion, film, and storytelling, all of which come together to form his artistic identity.
The Dice Kid’s latest body of work, Infinity Pack, created in collaboration with Eers, dives deep into themes of peace, love, patience, and kindness, virtues he says are essential in navigating life’s never-ending journey.
One of the standout tracks, 'Luckily Unlucky,' has resonated strongly with fans. It’s an honest reflection on navigating hardship and remaining grounded in the face of adversity.
'It’s about the journey, the highs and lows,' he explained, capturing the emotional core of the song.
The Dice Kid made the revelations in a recent appearance on IGIHE Culture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz.
Another hard-hitting track, 'Salty Rappers,' addresses hypocrisy, jealousy, and industry toxicity. With sharp lyricism and spiritual insight, he confronts fake alliances, chasing fame, and the loneliness that can come with success.
Creative process
When it comes to making music, The Dice Kid is all about energy. He prefers a minimal, mood-driven studio setup of LED lights, solitude, and just the beat to guide him.
'Crowded studios kill the vibe,' he noted, favouring a focused, organic creation space.
Working closely with elite local producers like Khabib, Juny Quickly, and Kuba, he builds most of his tracks from scratch, blending traditional hip-hop sounds with soulful, afro-fusion, and alternative influences.
He also shared the albums that shaped his sound: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Hair by Nasty C, 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole, and Graduation by Kanye West. With confidence, he added Infinity Pack to the list, believing it will leave its mark on Rwanda’s musical history.
Kigali roots and real-life wisdom
Off-stage, The Dice Kid embraces life in Kigali, his city, his muse. A fan of genuine conversations and hangouts with close friends, he highlighted his favourite chill spots like Three Chaps, Buns, and Gate 10, where creative energy and good vibes flow freely.
In the interview, he spoke with humility and clarity about success, growth, and consistency. He encourages emerging artists to stay grounded, ignore noise, and value even the smallest wins.
'Appreciate every single win. Consistency makes you a master,' he shared. 'Celebrate getting 400 monthly listeners the same way you’d celebrate 40,000.'
His philosophy, rooted in self-awareness and spiritual growth, sets him apart in a music industry often driven by trends and instant fame.
From the beat to the message, from style to soul, The Dice Kid is doing more than entertaining; he’s inspiring. Whether it’s through his raw lyrics, carefully curated visuals, or his thoughtful interviews, he continues to raise the bar for what Rwandan hip-hop can be.
The decision was reached during an ordinary congress of the party in the CAR capital, Bangui.
The supporters of the MCU praised Touadera for his commitment to peace, stability, and national development in a country affected by ongoing conflict with armed groups, according to local media.
Touadera was elected CAR president in 2016 and reelected in 2020. In his acceptance speech, Touadera announced the decision to run for a third term in the upcoming December 2025 presidential, legislative and local elections.
The ruling party of the Central African Republic (CAR), United Hearts Movement (MCU), nominated incumbent president Faustin-Archange Touadera as its presidential candidate on Saturday.
The historic achievement came after Rwanda defeated Sierra Leone by 51 runs in the final.
Rwanda batted first and posted a total of 135 runs in 20 overs, with Sierra Leone managing to take seven wickets. In response, Sierra Leone was bowled out for just 84 runs in 18.1 overs, falling short of the target and handing Rwanda a commanding victory.
With this win, both Rwanda and Sierra Leone have secured promotion to Division One, where they will join Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The eight teams will face off in September 2025 in Namibia during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
Only one team will earn a coveted spot to represent the continent at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India later this year.
Rwanda’s national women’s cricket team has earned promotion to Division One after clinching top spot at the ICC Africa Division Two tournament held in Botswana.
The historic achievement came after Rwanda defeated Sierra Leone by 51 runs in the final.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the ministerial session of the 16th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Tanzania, the two countries signed bilateral cooperation agreements aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening overall collaboration.
One key agreement includes the establishment of a Kigali office for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), a major step towards boosting trade between the two nations.
The agreements were signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Tanzanian counterpart, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo. Both ministers emphasised that the cooperation is driven by shared goals of national development, improved livelihoods, and regional progress.
Amb. Kombo noted that while Rwanda and Tanzania already have several agreements in place, there is a strong interest in expanding cooperation into new areas.
Citing the fact that he and most of his delegation flew into Kigali aboard RwandAir, Kombo said discussions are underway to enable Tanzania’s national carrier, Air Tanzania, to resume direct flights to the Rwandan capital.
'I learned that 90% of our delegation, myself included, came here with RwandAir. It’s performing even better than our own airline. This encourages us, because easing travel is essential to any form of cooperation,' he said.
'Air travel cooperation is still under discussion, and we are working on reviving Air Tanzania’s Kigali flights. The airline previously operated this route but stopped due to various reasons. Now that we have new aircraft, we’re actively exploring its return.'
Railway project remains stalled
The long-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kigali and Dar es Salaam remains a critical infrastructure project for landlocked East African countries. More than two decades since it was first proposed, it is still seen as a game-changer in reducing transport costs and facilitating trade.
The proposed railway would enter Rwanda through Rusumo, pass through Kigaliâ”where Dubai Ports is developing a dry port in Kicukiroâ”and extend 18 more kilometers to Bugesera International Airport.
The railway project connecting the two countries is highly anticipated.
An agreement for a 532-kilometer section of the railway was signed on March 9, 2018. While construction has advanced on the Tanzanian side, progress on the Rwandan section has stalled.
Amb. Kombo said that after learning of the delay, he began closely following up with Tanzanian stakeholders, including contacting two ministers to push for the development of a coordinated implementation plan.
He emphasised that the railway remains a strategic priority with the potential to significantly boost trade across the region.
Tanzania and Rwanda also share the Rusumo Falls hydropower project with Burundi, which is expected to enhance energy access and improve livelihoods in the tri-border area.
Tanzania is a key trade corridor for Rwanda
Minister Nduhungirehe described Tanzania as a vital trade corridor for Rwanda, noting that more than 70% of Rwanda’s imports pass through Tanzanian ports.
He added that Tanzania is Rwanda’s second-largest source of imports, accounting for 15% of all goods brought into the country over the past three years.
A functional railway, he said, would further ease the cross-border movement of goods and people and reinforce regional connectivity.
Kiswahili teachers to support language promotion in Rwanda
Amb. Kombo also highlighted plans to support Kiswahili education in Rwanda. He praised Rwanda for being among the few African countries with four official languages, including Kiswahili.
'Rwanda is one of the few nations with four official languages. In Tanzania, we have only two, one of which is Kiswahili, and we are its custodians, along with its headquarters. So, we have a responsibility to do more,' he said.
He announced plans to send Tanzanian teachers to Rwanda to support Kiswahili instruction and to supply learning materials, including textbooks.
The Tanzanian minister also highlighted the continued expansion of Tanzanian investments in Rwanda, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors. Tanzanian firms are involved in building petroleum storage facilities and setting up manufacturing plants.
The two countries also have existing cooperation agreements covering media, ICT, and internet infrastructure.
Discussions during the visit further explored new areas of cooperation, including tourism development, environmental protection, energy, healthcare, and investment promotion.
'The foundation of our partnership is strong, and today we’ve taken another step toward building a future of shared prosperity,' said Amb. Kombo.
Tanzania Foreign Minister Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo noted that while Rwanda and Tanzania already have several agreements in place, there is a strong interest in expanding cooperation into new areas.
Minister Nduhungirehe described Tanzania as a vital trade corridor for Rwanda, noting that more than 70% of Rwanda’s imports pass through Tanzanian ports.
The agreements were signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Tanzanian counterpart, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo. Both ministers emphasised that the cooperation is driven by shared goals of national development, improved livelihoods, and regional progress.
The Rusumo Hydropower Plant holds great promise for the three partner countries.
Dar es Salaam port is a major transit point for a large volume of goods shipped to Rwanda.
