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One of the signed MoUs establishes comprehensive cooperation in the agriculture sector, a vital area for both countries given its role in food security and economic development.

The agreement aims to promote joint efforts in research, market access, and climate-resilient farming, with the goal of increasing agricultural productivity and achieving food self-sufficiency across the region.

The second MoU formalizes the establishment and operationalization of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) liaison office in Kigali. Although the office has been operational since March 2018, this renewed agreement reflects a shared determination to enhance its role in facilitating trade.

By enabling direct cargo clearance, faster information exchange, and easier payment systems, the TPA office in Kigali plays a strategic role in supporting Rwanda’s imports and exports through the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The signing ceremony was attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Tanzanian counterpart, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fostering closer cooperation.

'Our partnership with Tanzania goes beyond trade,' said Amb. Nduhungirehe. 'It is deeply rooted in our shared history, common cultural values, and a collective commitment to advancing the well-being of our people.'

He credited the progress in bilateral relations to the visionary leadership of both countries’ Heads of State, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong collaboration within regional blocs such as the East African Community.

Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo echoed this sentiment, stating, 'Rwanda is a valuable partner for Tanzania. If over 70% of Rwandan goods transit through Tanzania, it clearly shows how important Rwanda is to our ports.'

He also underscored the strategic importance of the Kigali-Isaka Standard Gauge Railway project, which remains a key item on the bilateral agenda, and pointed to growing Tanzanian investments in Rwanda, particularly in the energy sector.

The discussions also addressed cooperation in tourism, environmental conservation, and investment promotion.

The MoUs were signed on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Minister Nduhungirehe credited the progress in bilateral relations to the visionary leadership of both countries’ Heads of State, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong collaboration within regional blocs such as the East African Community.

Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo, described Rwanda as a valuable and reliable partner to Tanzania.

Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo, and his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed the cooperation agreements, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Rania Umutoni

Following his commitment to develop infrastructure aimed at advancing national development, in July 2021, the Government of Rwanda granted Masai Ujiri a 2.4-hectare parcel of land located in Amahoro Village, Rukiri II Cell, Remera Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali City.

This land was allocated for specific national interest purposes to accelerate development.
The presidential decree authorizing the land grant was published in the Official Gazette on July 19, 2021, following a request by the Minister of Environment and approval by the Cabinet on June 12, 2021.

Demonstrating determination, Masai Ujiri promptly initiated the construction project of Zaria Court Kigali immediately after receiving the land.

'Zaria Court,' named after the Zaria region in Nigeria where entrepreneur Masai Ujiri—who also holds Canadian citizenship and is widely recognized for his career in the NBA and as former President of the Toronto Raptors—originates, is a state-of-the-art facility in Kigali dedicated to sports, culture, and entertainment.

The Zaria Court Kigali complex, which has been completed at a cost of approximately $25 million (over Frw36 billion), is now fully operational and preparations are underway for its official inauguration.

The facility comprises multiple components, including an 80-room hotel, several restaurants, a rooftop dining and bar area, a gym, office spaces, and a broadcast studio.

Additionally, the complex features a multipurpose arena hosting various sports events, festivals, concerts, markets, and other activities. It also includes a large supermarket aimed at serving both residents and visitors.

The construction of Zaria Court Kigali was officially launched in August 2023 by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri.

Che Rupari, Brand and Compass Manager at Zaria Court Rwanda, recently described the new facility as a versatile hub for sports, hospitality, culture, and entertainment.

'Zaria Court is one of the newest venues in this area, featuring multiple sports courts including football and basketball, event spaces, and a hotel. Our vision is simple: come play, stay, and enjoy,' he stated.

Rupari further explained that the venue can accommodate large gatherings, with a capacity of over 5,000 people. The sports bar comfortably seats 200 to 300 guests, while the basketball court—also a multipurpose area—can host a significant number of attendees.

He emphasized that visiting Zaria Court offers a diverse experience all in one place: whether playing basketball or football, watching a game at the bar, relaxing, or even resting overnight at the hotel.

'This is a venue suited for various events. Whether you’re planning for 1,000 guests, 20 people, or a large crowd, we have the space to accommodate you. Zaria Court is a multifunctional venue ready to host any kind of event.'

'As previously noted, the completed Zaria Court project has incurred costs exceeding $25 million, with potential for further investment.'

He emphasized that sports serve as a unifying force, and through facilities such as basketball and football courts, youth are provided with opportunities to engage socially, collaborate, and initiate developmental projects.

'Our vision was to establish a multifunctional venue where young people can convene, interact, and collaborate—integrating hospitality, sports, and entertainment to foster innovation and creative expression.'

Addressing the financial outlook, he clarified that while profitability is an objective consistent with any enterprise, the primary mission is to empower youth by cultivating their talents in arts, sports, and related sectors.

'We anticipate a return on investment over time; however, the fundamental value lies in creating a hub for connection and dialogue among African youth.'

'We are confident that facilitating such transformative engagement will ultimately generate economic benefits, although our foremost priority remains social impact.'

He reported that the construction phase employed over 700 workers, of whom 30% were women, alongside more than 3,000 casual laborers. Approximately 1 billion Rwandan Francs disbursed to personnel significantly contributed to the national economy.

Post-construction, the facility is expected to provide permanent employment for over 300 individuals across its diverse operational units.

Notably, the site encompasses a historically significant area formerly occupied by Hotel Amahoro, which served as lodging for United Nations personnel, including General Romeo Dallaire, during the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Furthermore, he highlighted that 90% of the construction materials were locally sourced within Rwanda, with only 10% imported, underscoring the project’s commitment to supporting local industry.

IGIHE

Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, head of the counter-intelligence directorate in Hamas’ General Security Apparatus, was killed on Wednesday, the IDF said in a statement.

According to the Israeli army, the directorate is responsible for thwarting espionage and securing senior Hamas officials.

The statement added that over the past day, in cooperation with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force struck dozens of military targets in the Gaza Strip.

Palestine’s official news agency WAFA reported that Israeli warplanes struck a school sheltering displaced civilians in the Gaza City on Friday, killing at least five Palestinians and wounding dozens of others.

Xinhua

The crew of Southwest Flight 1496 responded to two onboard traffic alerts Friday afternoon while climbing out of Hollywood Burbank Airport, requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts. The flight continued to Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully, according to a Southwest Airlines statement.

“Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to further understand the circumstances,” said the airline in the statement, adding: “No injuries were immediately reported by customers, but two flight attendants are being treated for injuries.”

Passengers aboard the plane took to social media to share their terrifying experiences.

“Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention,” said Jimmy Dore, a comedian, in a post on X.

“Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us,” he added.

Another passenger, with X account name Steve U., said on X: “People were screaming as the plane dove. A flight attendant is being looked at right now with an ice pack on her head.”

The passenger called the incident another screwup that “almost cost the lives of the 150+ people on board.”

About six minutes after the flight took off from Hollywood Burbank Airport and headed to Las Vegas, it abruptly descended 475 feet (144.78 meters) from 14,100 feet (4,297.68 meters), reported local KABC television station, citing data from Flightradar24.

The other plane, a Hawker Hunter, was at an altitude of approximately 14,653 feet (4,466.23 meters) when the Southwest flight began to descend, said the report.

The FAA said it is investigating the incident.

The incident came a week after a U.S. passenger jet was forced to make an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in North Dakota.

The crew of Southwest Flight 1496 responded to two onboard traffic alerts Friday afternoon while climbing out of Hollywood Burbank Airport, requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts.

Xinhua

The attack occurred during the night of July 24 to 25, 2025, when Wazalendo launched an offensive on M23 positions in Luke and Katobotobo, both located in the Nyamaboko I groupement. The operation aimed to reclaim the contested zones from rebel control.

According to a medical worker at the Luke health center, the fighting resulted in at least 11 deaths, including eight civilians.

'We have confirmed 11 fatalities, among them eight civilians. Twenty-one others are wounded and are being treated locally, as it is currently impossible to transfer them to Kinigi or Masisi due to ongoing clashes,' the health worker said.

In response to the attack, M23 forces pushed back the Wazalendo units and extended their control to Mulema, a strategic area near Waloa Yungu in Walikale Territory.

As of July 25, Wazalendo fighters are said to be regrouping along the outskirts of Masisi Territory, near the Walikale border, according to sources from North Kivu Province.

The renewed fighting comes as peace talks are expected to begin in early August 2025 in Qatar. The negotiations aim to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC and are based on a framework agreement signed by both the M23/AFC and the Congolese government on July 19.

The agreement includes a commitment from both sides to observe a permanent ceasefire and work toward a political resolution to the conflict.

The AFC/ M23 coalition forces, have reportedly captured the locality of Mulema in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, following an overnight assault by pro-government Wazalendo militias.

IGIHE

Held under the theme “Enabling Healthcare Access through Digital Innovation,” the event brought together industry leaders, insurers, healthcare providers, and government stakeholders to celebrate Smart’s suite of cutting-edge solutions designed to streamline healthcare access across Rwanda and beyond.

The Smart Access app, now available on Google Play, allows users to manage their healthcare needs seamlessly, with features such as biometric verification, real-time insurance information, provider location services, and wellness tracking.

With roaming capability across 12 African countries, members can access healthcare services without pre-authorisation or coverage concerns, making it a vital tool for regional mobility. The platform also supports uninsured patients by enabling them to locate nearby healthcare providers and access educational health content, promoting inclusive access to care.

'Today marks a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s journey toward a digitally empowered healthcare system,' said Cleophas Obiero, Country Manager for Smart Applications International Rwanda.

'Our goal is simple yet powerful: to enable every individual, regardless of where they are, to access quality healthcare with dignity and ease.'

Reflecting on his own experience in 2013, when a hospital visit in Kigali took three hours due to manual insurance verification, Obiero highlighted the app’s transformative impact.

'With Smart Access, you provide your member number, place your fingerprint, and you’re served. Claims are sent instantly, and hospitals are paid on time.'

Operating in 680 Rwandan healthcare facilities and over 9,000 across 12 African countries, Smart Applications manages transactions worth approximately 290 Rwandan francs for 1.7 billion people.

Obiero emphasised the company’s commitment to local innovation, citing how the app eliminates the need for physical insurance cards.

'A child in Burera can now get treatment with just a member number and a fingerprint, without someone travelling from Kigali,' he said.

Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director of Smart Applications International Limited, praised Rwanda’s progressive approach to digital healthcare.

'Rwanda ranks first in East Africa in the Universal Health Coverage Essential Services Index, thanks to its commitment to digitisation and patient-centred care,' Muiru said, noting Rwanda’s 53% score on the World Health Organisation’s Universal Health Coverage Essential Services Index.

'Rwanda’s conducive environment for digitisation allows us to contribute to patient-centred care,' Muiru added, emphasising compliance with global data privacy and protection standards like HIPAA and GDPR.

He highlighted how Smart Applications has supported this progress by integrating identity management, claims processing, and data analytics into a unified ecosystem that serves insurers, hospitals, and patients alike.

'This digital ecosystem eliminates cumbersome paperwork and lengthy communication processes,' Muiru noted. 'It enables real-time data-driven decision making for better inventory management, underwriting, and ultimately, improved health outcomes.'

The Group Managing Director and his team showcased the company’s broader ecosystem of solutions, including SmartHealth+ (a hospital management ERP), SmartInsure (a medical insurance ERP), SmartAnalytics (real-time data dashboards), and SmartLink, which enables seamless patient access to hospital services.

'Every second, about 80,000 healthcare transactions are managed on our platform,' Muiru said.

Lessons from the app’s 2022 launch in Kenya have shaped its rollout in Rwanda, with a focus on versatility and user-centric design.

'We’ve made the app navigable and empowering, catering to scenarios like a child falling sick at school,' he explained.

Andrew Kulayige, CEO of Britam Insurance (Rwanda) Ltd and Chair of the Association of Insurers in Rwanda, praised Smart’s solutions as a catalyst for increasing insurance penetration, currently at 2%.

'Platforms like Smart Access allow us to reach every corner of this country, offering accessibility, reliability, and flexibility,' he said.

Mendies Mhiribidi, Chairperson of the Rwanda Insurance Brokers Association, called Smart Access a 'human face to insurance.'

She noted its role in reducing fraud and enhancing transparency, allowing members to view benefits, entitlements, and hospital charges in real time.

'Hospitals can’t overcharge or add unnecessary services anymore,' Mhiribidi said.
Urging the public to embrace the technology, she added, 'This innovation simplifies your life and improves your healthcare experience.'

With the Smart solutions and the visionary leadership in the country, the leaders affirmed that Rwanda is well-positioned to leverage Smart’s solutions for medical tourism and universal health coverage.

The company’s AI-driven tools, real-time analytics, and interoperable platforms like SmartLink further enhance operational efficiency, from inventory management to claims processing, aligning with national digital health initiatives.

Integration of AI to enhance service delivery, such as generating and previewing e-claims, is designed to minimise rejections, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

'We are here to work together for smart, secure, seamless healthcare,' Muiru noted, calling for continued collaboration.

The Smart Access app, now available on Google Play, allows users to manage their healthcare needs seamlessly, with features such as biometric verification, real-time insurance information, provider location services, and wellness tracking.

Held under the theme “Enabling Healthcare Access through Digital Innovation,” the event brought together industry leaders, insurers, healthcare providers, and government stakeholders to celebrate Smart’s suite of cutting-edge solutions designed to streamline healthcare access across Rwanda and beyond.

Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director of Smart Applications International Limited, praised Rwanda’s progressive approach to digital healthcare.

The Group Managing Director and his team showcased the company’s broader ecosystem of solutions, including SmartHealth+ (a hospital management ERP), SmartInsure (a medical insurance ERP), SmartAnalytics (real-time data dashboards), and SmartLink, which enables seamless patient access to hospital services.

Cleophas Obiero, Country Manager for Smart Applications International Rwanda, emphasised the company’s commitment to local innovation, citing how the app eliminates the need for physical insurance cards.

Andrew Kulayige, CEO of Britam Insurance (Rwanda) Ltd and Chair of the Association of Insurers in Rwanda, praised Smart’s solutions as a catalyst for increasing insurance penetration, currently at 2%.

Collins Ngeno, Group Technology Director at Smart Applications, also delivered a presentation on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing digital healthcare solutions.

Innocent Niyonshuti, Head of IT Support Operations at Smart Applications Rwanda, also delivered a presentation on the use of the Smart Link system in Rwandan hospitals.

The team showcased Smart Application’s broader ecosystem of solutions.

Group Marketing Director, Esther Kiringa, was also present.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“Juncao technology offers far more than mushroom cultivation; it is a comprehensive innovation having crop, livestock production, environmental protection, livelihood nutrition and economic empowerment,” said Telesphore Ndabamenye, director general of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.

He made the remark while attending the closing ceremony of a Juncao technology workshop held on Wednesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Stressing the importance of Juncao technology in advancing agricultural transformation, Ndabamenye said the participation of trainees from diverse economies highlighted the broad applicability of the technology, particularly in addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

“Juncao technology is regarded in Rwanda as a vital contributor to the country’s inclusive agriculture transformation. It supports our national vision of a professionalized and commercialized farming sector with active participation of both men and women as stated under Rwanda’s vision 2050,” he said.

He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to integrating Juncao technology into the country’s strategy for food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, and economic development, in full alignment with continental and global development agendas.

Since Juncao was first introduced to Rwanda in 2006, more than 35,000 local farmers have received training, and over 4,000 households, along with 50 companies and cooperatives, have been supported in engaging in Juncao-related activities.

The July 16-23 Juncao workshop was held at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center, co-hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.

As part of the training, participants visited several projects in Huye and Nyanza, gained hands-on experience, and deepened their understanding of Juncao technology’s potential.

Innocent Shayamano, chief agriculture extension specialist and project coordinator from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the workshop covered critical areas such as cultivation management of Juncao grass, including all its agronomic aspects.

“This course was relevant and significant for our country. We have seen the opportunities in embracing Juncao technology in terms of using Juncao grass as a substitute for livestock feed. This technology came to transform livelihoods and ensure that rural communities have enough income,” he said.

Chinese Juncao expert Lin Hui said the participants’ active engagement, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm for applying the acquired knowledge were truly inspiring.

According to Lin, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China has organized 388 training courses over the years, benefiting more than 16,000 people worldwide.

According to Li Jiahui, a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, the technology has benefited over 100 countries since 2001, helping families lift themselves out of poverty and achieve prosperity.

“It has been proven that Juncao is not merely a technology but a grass of wealth and a grass of happiness. China takes great pride in sharing the technology as part of its commitment to South-South cooperation,” Li added.

Xinhua

The average life expectancy for Japanese females dropped 0.01 year from 2023, followed in the global ranking by South Korea at 86.40 and Spain at 86.34, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Meanwhile, Japanese men’s life expectancy remained unchanged at 81.09, ranking 6th globally after Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy and Spain, slipping one place from 2023.

The country’s life expectancy declined in 2021 and 2022 due to the increase in deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, but rebounded in 2023 when average lifespans for both men and women surpassed those from the previous year for the first time in three years.

Japanese women in 2024 had the highest life expectancy in the world at 87.13 years, remaining in the top spot for the 40th straight year, a health ministry survey showed on Friday.

Xinhua

The update was shared by Dr Festus Maniriho, who heads the FIP-PRODAR project, a $18 million initiative aimed at environmental conservation, with a focus on agroforestry—planting trees alongside crops.

The project, which runs from 2023 to 2028, is being implemented in eight districts: Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, and Gakenke. By its completion, it aims to restore up to 60,000 square kilometres of land.

Dr Maniriho attributed the milestone to the government’s commitment and support from development partners in addressing the impact of climate change.

'More than 31% of Rwanda’s total land is now covered with trees, including agroforestry. This demonstrates how seriously the country is investing in environmental protection,' he said.

The most commonly planted tree species for timber include eucalyptus, grevillea, and alnus. The government continues to distribute seedlings to communities to encourage expansion of forested areas.

In Gisenyi Sector, part of Rubavu District, forestry officer Tuyisenge Aaron said there are over 600 documented forest plots covering approximately 194 hectares, primarily planted with eucalyptus trees. Despite its urban setting, Gisenyi maintains a substantial forest cover, managed through six cooperatives that oversee proper harvesting and prevent premature tree cutting.

Local residents are also contributing to reforestation efforts. Sibomana Athanase, a farmer from Rugerero Sector, has planted 156 avocado trees on a hillside in Rubavu.

'I expect the trees to generate income, especially since avocados are in high demand. My children will benefit from the harvest, and I’ll sell the rest to cover school fees,' he said.

The Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) is among the organisations playing a key role in afforestation, especially in rural areas. In partnership with other stakeholders, RWARRI planted more than 200,000 trees in Rubavu and Rutsiro districts in 2024/2025. These areas border the Sebeya River and Lake Kivu. The organisation now aims to double that number.

'This year, we plan to plant 400,000 trees across over 500 hectares, particularly on hills surrounding Lake Kivu,' said Uwizeye Belange, RWARRI’s Executive Director.

Tree planting is also central to Rwanda’s broader climate action agenda. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, and reforestation plays a vital role in capturing carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, the government plans to plant 100 million trees by 2027, including over 6.4 million fruit trees, with a focus on 11 priority districts most in need of forest cover.

Rwanda has exceeded its national reforestation target under the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), achieving 31% forest cover, slightly above the initial 30% goal. This translates to 8,165 square kilometres of land now covered with trees across the country.

IGIHE

Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, is being tried in absentia after the Senate voted on May 22 to lift the immunity he held as a lifetime senator. The decision opened the door for prosecutors to formally bring charges against the former head of state.

The military prosecution accuses Kabila of playing a key role in supporting the M23/AFC rebel coalition, which has taken control of Goma since January and Bukavu since February this year.

Investigators say their case is supported by witness testimonies and physical evidence gathered from rebel-controlled areas. Prosecutors also allege that Kabila met with rebel leaders and played an active role in shaping their political and military strategies.

Although Kabila has denied the accusations, the government insists he is a central figure in the rebellion. In March, Kabila dismissed the claims as politically motivated and said if he were truly behind the insurgency, the rebels would have made even more gains.

Kabila returned to the country in May after more than a year in exile across several African nations, including South Africa. He travelled to Goma and Bukavu, where he held meetings with various community and political groups. His supporters described the visit as a step toward peace. However, authorities in Kinshasa saw it differently, accusing him of using the meetings to legitimise the rebel movement.

Before his return, Kabila released a 12-point proposal that he said could help bring peace to the DRC. His plan included disbanding armed groups, engaging in national dialogue, reaching out to neighbouring countries, and ending authoritarian rule.

Despite these public gestures, the government views Kabila’s actions as a direct threat to national stability.

Kabila is not expected to appear in court, but officials say the hearings will continue in his absence. The trial marks the first time a former Congolese president has faced prosecution before a military court.

Joseph Kabila, who led DRC from 2001 to 2019, is being tried in absentia after the Senate voted on May 22 to lift the immunity he held as a lifetime senator. The decision opened the door for prosecutors to formally bring charges against the former head of state.

Wycliffe Nyamasege