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In a press briefing held in Kinshasa on Monday, Minister Shabani claimed that both Congolese and Rwandan interior ministers had been summoned to Doha to serve as 'moral authorities' or 'guarantors' in the deal signed between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group on Saturday, July 19, to end fighting in the eastern DRC.

Responding to the minister’s remarks in a post on X, Nduhungirehe labelled the claims as 'an outright lie,' accusing Kinshasa of routinely misinforming the Congolese public about the ongoing peace processes. He described such narratives as part of a broader pattern of communication failures from the Congolese government.

Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda’s role in the Doha talks was limited to that of an observer, following the June 27 peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda mediated by the United States.

“The truth is that on the afternoon of the signing of the Washington Peace Agreement, June 27, 2025, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs invited all parties (DRC and Rwanda) and all guarantors (United States, Togo, African Union Commission) to a meeting at the Qatari Embassy in Washington to discuss the next steps in the process,” he revealed.

That meeting, he said, was attended by the foreign ministers of Congo, Rwanda, and Togo, alongside U.S. Special Advisor Massad Boulos. It was during this gathering that Qatar requested all involved parties and guarantors to send representatives to Doha to follow up on the peace negotiations, emphasising that the Washington and Doha tracks were complementary.

'In that context, and only that context, Rwanda was invited to Doha as an observer, just like the United States and the African Union,' Nduhungirehe explained.

'The DRC is a party to the Doha process, and thus Minister Shabani could not possibly have been considered an 'observer.’'

The Rwandan minister also mocked recent remarks made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, who claimed that Rwanda’s economy has been 'suffocating' since February 2025 due to Western sanctions prompted by President Félix Tshisekedi’s 'firmness.'

'I must admit—I’m 'suffocating’ from laughter instead,' Nduhungirehe quipped.

The exchange follows a series of heated statements between officials of both countries in the aftermath of two landmark agreements: the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group.

While the Washington agreement focuses on dismantling the genocidal FDLR militia and easing border tensions, the Doha process aims to address the political roots of the M23 conflict through dialogue.

Minister Nduhungurehe on Sunday reiterated that the AFC/M23 is not covered under the Washington agreement’s Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), which is strictly bilateral between Kigali and Kinshasa.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has dismissed claims made by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Peter Kazadi Shabani, regarding Rwanda’s role in the ongoing Doha peace negotiations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This region is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, with the Volcanoes National Park at the forefront, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are found in few places around the world. In addition, the area is home to a variety of high-end hotels and other tourist attractions.

In an interview with IGIHE, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the region, driven by its outstanding natural beauty.

In Musanze District alone, there are more than 50 hotels, including five-star facilities that cater to elite tourists.

He mentioned notable hotels such as Amakoro Songa Lodge, located in Kinigi, Bisate Eco Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, which continue to provide employment opportunities for many people in the Northern Province.

“We have five-star hotels, as well as others with four and one-star ratings, so every visitor can find a place to stay here,” he said.

These hotels provide jobs across various sectors, including tourism transport, hotel staff, food services, and other related businesses, benefitting local residents living near these facilities.

Mugabowagahunde also pointed out that many of the construction materials used for these hotels come from within Musanze, particularly bamboo, which is abundant in the region. He noted that bamboo, once viewed as a nuisance, has now become a valuable building resource for the region’s high-end hotels.

“I was born in this area, and bamboo was once seen as a challenge […] but now it has become highly valuable, and these hotels are using it in their construction,” he added.

Moreover, these hotels are celebrated for their role in preserving Rwandan culture and promoting environmental sustainability, especially as Rwanda and the world face the challenges of climate change.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the region.

Mugabowagahunde cited Amakoro Songa Lodge, where guests are welcomed with traditional Kinyarwanda music, which helps introduce them to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

He also highlighted that many of the hotel employees, who once participated in illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation, are now educated on the importance of conserving the Volcanoes National Park and protecting wildlife.

“Additionally, visitors to these hotels are encouraged to plant trees as part of environmental conservation. Every guest plants a tree, names it, and can come back to check its growth, helping us preserve the environment,” he explained.

The hospitality sector also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy as the goods used in these hotels are often sourced from nearby communities. Farmers are trained on modern agricultural techniques to meet the demands of the hotels.

Aside from the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers other tourist attractions such as Burera and Ruhondo lakes, the Nkotsi and Bikara areas (where historical meetings between leaders took place), and Kabuye Hill in Gakenke District.

The region is also home to the Rugezi Marsh, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. Recently, over 400 species, including some rare ones, have been discovered in this area.

The Northern Province has also developed agricultural tourism, with districts like Rulindo and Gakenke offering visitors the opportunity to learn about coffee production.

“We have now launched agricultural tourism in Musanze, where people can learn about the cultivation of potatoes. We also have a potato processing plant where alcohol is produced from potatoes, which gives people a deeper understanding of the entire agricultural process,” he said.

Governor Mugabowagahunde highlighted that they are promoting agriculture-based tourism.

Recently, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced an investment of over 30.7 billion Rwandan francs to support community-based projects around the Volcanoes National Park until 2028.

Each year, communities surrounding the park receive 10% of the park’s revenue, which is invested in public welfare projects and development initiatives.

Reports indicate that 105 community projects have received funding, with 43.1% allocated to agriculture, 41% to infrastructure, 10.5% for tools and materials, 2.9% for repairing damage caused by wildlife, and 1.9% for local businesses near the park.

“This 10% helps us implement various projects, including water distribution across the community. For example, in the eight sectors surrounding the park, the water issue has been resolved,” the Governor explained.

These funds have also been used to build more infrastructure, including schools, bridges, and roads, which facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to markets and help alleviate poverty in the region.

Mugabowagahunde also stressed the importance of the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, which not only attracts tourists to the Northern Province but also creates numerous job opportunities for locals.

He expressed gratitude to the government for investing in infrastructure that makes visiting the region’s natural attractions easier and encouraged Rwandans to explore these areas as they have become much more accessible.

The Northern Province has a population of 2,038,511 people and covers an area of 3,293.3 square kilometers. It is made up of five districts, 89 sectors, 414 cells, and 2,744 villages.

Governor Mugabowagahunde during an interview with IGIHE.

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

If the international community is serious about ending the decade-long conflict in eastern Congo, it must avoid mistaking momentum for substance. Rushing peace talks in a region beset by deep ethnic grievances, contested national identities, and regional proxy politics is more likely to paper over tensions than resolve them. A flawed peace process may buy a brief ceasefire—but not peace.

The current negotiation timeline—ten days between August 8 and 18—is wholly unrealistic. The M23 rebellion is not simply a military insurrection; it is the symptom of long-standing issues involving citizenship, marginalization of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, and exclusion from state institutions. Such structural problems cannot be resolved in a single round of talks, nor can they be negotiated away through technical deals and diplomatic photo-ops. The risk is that peace becomes an elite-level transaction rather than a people-centered transformation.

Furthermore, the M23’s real leverage lies in its control of territory—including the symbolic strongholds of Goma and Bukavu. Ignoring this power dynamic in the name of expediency is a strategic error. Sustainable peace requires that the movement’s political grievances—particularly around nationality rights, representation in public life, and protection of their communities—be taken seriously. Dismissing these claims or insisting on immediate demobilization without reciprocal concessions will only incentivize the M23 to preserve its armed posture as a safeguard.

These risks are magnified by the broader regional context. In June 2025, the DRC and Rwanda signed peace agreement in Washington. Regional dynamics continue to play a significant role in the conflict, making it essential that neighboring states remain actively engaged in supporting a credible and lasting peace process. Yet the Doha process appears to be proceeding in a vacuum. Without strategic coordination between the Doha and Washington tracks, the peace process may produce incoherent agreements that are impossible to enforce.

The United States, as host and guarantor of the Washington Agreement, has a vital role to play in bridging these processes. A successful peace in eastern Congo hinges not just on silencing guns but also on aligning regional and domestic diplomacy. Washington should work closely with Doha to ensure that commitments made in one forum do not contradict or undermine the other.

Finally, the confidence-building measures outlined in the Declaration of Principles must go deeper than technical fixes. Prisoner exchanges and service restoration are important—but they are not sufficient. A genuine path to reconciliation must include the political integration of M23, protection of returnees, and affirmation of civil and political rights for all Congolese citizens, regardless of ethnicity or language. Peace without justice is simply a ceasefire with a countdown.

The stakes in eastern Congo are high, not only for the millions displaced and brutalized by war, but for the credibility of regional diplomacy. If the international community rushes a peace agreement that ignores the roots of the conflict, it will have paved the way for the next war.

The author is a University Don teaching Diplomacy and International Relations at the University of Rwanda.

Charles Kiiza

The ceremony took place on July 20, 2025, at the Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok.

The King extended his greetings to President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda, and underscored the importance of continued friendship based on shared values and mutual understanding.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Rwanda and Thailand, emphasising the value of closer collaboration in various sectors to enhance bilateral engagement.

Amb. Mukasine will serve with residence in Tokyo, Japan, where she is also accredited as Rwanda’s envoy to other countries in the region, including Malaysia and the Philippines.

Ahead of the credentials presentation, Amb. Mukasine held a courtesy meeting with Mrs. Natthira Krasaesarn, Secretary of the Department of Protocol at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Continuing her diplomatic engagements, the Ambassador met on July 21 with Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce. The discussions focused on deepening Rwanda—Thailand cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, renewable energy, agri-processing, culture, and hospitality.

Later that day, Amb. Mukasine met with the Thai Minister of Justice to review existing bilateral agreements and convey Rwanda’s gratitude for Thailand’s recent support in the repatriation of ten Rwandan nationals.

During her stay, Rwanda was also invited to participate in an upcoming Thai government
event designed to introduce African countries to the Thai public.

The cultural and diplomatic initiative aims to enhance people-to-people connections and promote a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s heritage and contemporary achievements.

Ambassador Claire Mukasine presented her Letters of Credence to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) on July 20, 2025.

The ceremony took place on July 20, 2025, at the Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok.

Amb. Mukasine will serve with residence in Tokyo, Japan, where she is also accredited as Rwanda’s envoy to other countries in the region, including Malaysia and the Philippines.

The engagements mark a significant step in enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between Rwanda and Thailand.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In its latest quarterly report released on July 21, 2025, NISR highlighted that Rwanda’s exports stood at $480.82 million, while imports into the country were valued at $1.379 billion.

Compared to the same period in 2024, Rwanda’s exports grew by 11.40% in Q1 2025. However, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, exports dropped by 29.02%.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as Rwanda’s top export destination, receiving goods worth $288.75 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) followed with $54.96 million, while China, Luxembourg, and the United States came next with $23.45 million, $11.98 million, and $10.73 million respectively.

Regionally, Uganda ranked second after the DRC, importing Rwandan goods worth $5.88 million, followed by Burundi at $3.74 million.

The DRC also received the highest value of re-exported goods through Rwanda, totaling $127.14 million representing a massive 93.91% of all re-exports, which stood at $135.39 million.

Meanwhile, the value of Rwanda’s imports slightly dropped by 2.23% in Q1 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024, and by 15.36% compared to Q4 of last year.

China was Rwanda’s top import partner, sending goods worth $338.53 million. Tanzania followed with $151.30 million, Kenya with $135.35 million, India with $115.65 million, and the UAE with $81.09 million.

Despite the impressive numbers, Rwanda’s overall trade volume decreased by 0.99% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which had reached $2.015 billion. It also saw a 29.02% drop compared to Q4 2024, which had recorded $2.484 billion.

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has revealed that Rwanda’s trade with international markets reached a total value of $1.995 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

IGIHE

The drug, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, is administered just twice a year and has shown 99.9% effectiveness in global trials.

Speaking to RBA, Dr. Ikuzo said if all goes as planned, the injection will offer a longer-lasting and less burdensome alternative to the current daily pills and two-monthly shots already available in the country.

Clinical trials for Lenacapavir Yeztugo have shown promising results. Phase III studies in South Africa and Uganda involved over 5,000 adolescent girls and young women aged 16 to 24, with no HIV infections reported among those who received the drug.

Speaking to RBA, Dr. Ikuzo said if all goes as planned, the injection will offer a longer-lasting and less burdensome alternative to the current daily pills and two-monthly shots already available in the country.

Further trials in countries including the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico targeted high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, where the drug also demonstrated high levels of protection.

Currently, Rwanda provides two main types of HIV prevention medication: a daily oral pill and a bimonthly injection now being rolled out in Kigali. The new biannual shot is expected to reduce the frequency of medication and improve adherence, especially for key populations at high risk of HIV.

'This new option will ease the stress of daily pills or six injections a year,' Dr. Ikuzo said. 'If everything goes well, we plan to begin rollout next year.'

Currently, HIV prevention services are prioritised for groups with the highest risk of infection — including young people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and discordant couples. These groups will also be prioritised for the new drug, which will initially be offered free of charge.

Dr. Ikuzo noted that Rwanda may eventually explore subsidised models to allow broader access as the country strengthens domestic health financing. Global partners such as the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation have pledged support for the early rollout in nine countries, including Rwanda.

While HIV treatment coverage among adults in Rwanda stands at 97%, only 80% of HIV-positive children aged 0—14 are receiving treatment. However, prevention of mother-to-child transmission has made major gains, with 99% of babies born to HIV-positive mothers testing negative by age two.

Dr. Ikuzo also warned against religious claims of miraculous HIV cures, explaining that while some patients achieve undetectable viral loads through consistent treatment, this does not mean they are cured.

'There is no vaccine or cure for HIV,' he said. 'Some may test negative due to viral suppression, but the virus remains in the body.'

He stressed the importance of continued protection during sex, even when a partner is virally suppressed, since such status is not always known or verifiable.

In Rwanda, about 3,200 people contract HIV each year, while 2,600 die from AIDS-related illnesses. Thanks to sustained prevention and treatment efforts, the country has seen an 82% drop in new infections and an 86% decline in HIV-related deaths over the past decade.

The drug, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, is administered just twice a year and has shown 99.9% effectiveness in global trials.

IGIHE

This is the result of decades-long, consistent national efforts to combat the proliferation of small and light weapons.

Following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced the persistent threat of leftover weapons hidden by ex-FAR members, Interahamwe militias, and various infiltrators. While some of these arms are still being discovered today, they are promptly catalogued and systematically destroyed.

Between 2009 and 2014, Rwanda destroyed a total of 12,327 firearms and 500 tons of explosives, in line with its national policy on combating the spread of small arms and light weapons.

Rwanda is a signatory to several international and regional frameworks targeting arms control. Among them is the Nairobi Protocol of 2000, which focuses on the prevention, control, and reduction of small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

Another key agreement is the Kinshasa Convention, signed on August 1, 2011, which governs small arms and light weapons in Central Africa.

These international and regional commitments align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful and secure continent. One of the flagship projects under this agenda is the 'Silencing the Guns' initiative, which was initially aimed at ending conflict by 2020 and has since been extended to 2030.

To strengthen control, traceability, and accountability, Rwanda has made significant investments in arms management systems. The country has acquired four electronic firearms marking machines, which allow for the unique identification of each weapon.

In an environmentally responsible shift, two firearm destruction machines have also been procured, replacing older open-area dismantling methods that posed safety and environmental risks.

To further secure firearm storage, Rwanda has invested in 335 bullet-resistant storage boxes and 88 gun racks designed for large firearms. Destruction of weapons now takes place within military facilities, a move that significantly reduces the risk of misuse or leakage during the disposal process.

Strict regulation of legal firearms

Firearm ownership is legal in Rwanda but tightly regulated. Possessing a firearm requires a valid permit, and owners must carry their license, ammunition, and all related documentation when in possession of a weapon. Article 18 of the 2018 Firearms Law strictly prohibits civilians from owning firearms intended for state security forces.

The government ensures that all firearms owned by the Rwanda National Police, licensed private security companies, and authorized civilians are properly marked and traceable. This traceability enhances national oversight and accountability in firearm management.

New policy for 2024—2029

Under the revised National Policy on the Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation (2024—2029), Rwanda has instituted a requirement that all newly acquired firearms be marked at the time of procurement. This includes weapons owned by private security companies and individuals licensed to possess firearms.

In December 2024, Rwanda received a mobile armoury to enhance the safety of firearm storage in the field. During the handover ceremony, Commissioner of Police (Rtd) Vianney Nshimiyimana, Head of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Unit at the Ministry of Internal Security, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to arms control.

He emphasised that while state-owned firearms and those legally possessed by civilians are secure, constant vigilance remains necessary. 'A single firearm in the wrong hands can jeopardise the safety of an entire city. That’s why we take this very seriously,' he said.

According to the ministry, unauthorised firearm possession is extremely rare in Rwanda today. Most illegal weapons still traced in the country originate from the post-genocide period, a lingering challenge that authorities continue to address with diligence and resolve.

Individuals with legal authorization are permitted to possess light firearms.

Ammunition and related materials are securely stored in safes made of bullet-resistant steel.

Civilians are not permitted to possess firearms designated for use by national security agencies.

IGIHE

The formal trade deficit dropped to $226.75 million in May, reflecting a 2.32% decrease from April 2025 and an even more substantial 18.42% decline compared to the same period last year. The reduction was primarily driven by a strong rebound in domestic exports and moderated import growth.

Rwanda’s total exports rose to $177.31 million, up 19.39% from April. Domestic exports, mainly goods produced within Rwanda, reached $127.81 million, marking a monthly increase of 21.24%, although still 39.58% lower than in May 2024.

The export rebound was largely driven by traditional mainstays, particularly tea, coffee, and fresh produce such as avocados, which generated US$31.98 million, representing a 12.64% increase from April and a 40.38% rise year-on-year.

Exports of animal and vegetable oils soared to $8.79 million, up 20.70% from April and a remarkable 358.48% compared to the same month last year. Beverages and tobacco, though modest in absolute value at $0.93 million, recorded a dramatic surge in annual growth rate of over 12,700%.

Machinery and transport equipment also contributed to the rebound with a 192.34% increase compared to May 2024, despite showing a monthly decline.

Meanwhile, re-exports rose to $49.51 million, representing a 14.87% increase from April, although this remained 16.25% below the level registered in May 2024. Re-exports continued to be driven by regional demand, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On the import side, Rwanda imported goods worth $404.06 million in May, a 6.15% increase from April. Despite the monthly uptick, this figure reflects a 26.35% decline compared to May 2024.

Imports were largely composed of mineral fuels and lubricants, valued at $60.48 million, which rose by 16.12% month-on-month. Machinery and transport equipment followed, amounting to $83.22 million, an increase of 12.66% from the previous month. Food and live animals, which cost $75.76 million, saw a modest year-on-year increase of 4.14%.

A striking development in May was the sharp rise in imports from Saudi Arabia, which surged by over 1,026% year-on-year, indicating a spike in petroleum or fuel-related imports. This import surge placed Saudi Arabia among Rwanda’s top import sources for the month.

In terms of trade partnerships, the United Arab Emirates remained Rwanda’s largest export destination, purchasing goods worth $44.68 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo followed with $22.31 million in imports from Rwanda, while China was third at $14.07 million.

On the import side, China led the way with $96.88 million in goods sold to Rwanda. Tanzania followed with $47.09 million, while India contributed $35.97 million. Imports from Kenya also saw a recovery, rising to $32.87 million after a significant slump earlier in the year.

Most of Rwanda’s trade was conducted via land routes, with land transport accounting for $357.25 million in imports and $84.60 million in domestic exports. However, air transport also saw increased activity, with $46.81 million in imports and $43.21 million in exports handled through airports, highlighting a growing reliance on air freight for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

Workers sort coffee for export at Kigali Special Economic Zone.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Healey said on social media platform X that at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting held on Monday, participating countries reached a new agreement to supply critical air defence ammunition to Ukraine, “as part of a 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.”

Last week, Trump said that he had secured an agreement with NATO allies to facilitate large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine. He also warned Russia that it would face a second round of tariffs if it fails to reach a peace deal within 50 days.

At the UDCG meeting, Healey affirmed Britain’s support, saying that Britain “backs this policy” and will fully participate to ensure its success, according to French news outlet AFP.

Healey also revealed that Britain and Germany have agreed to jointly provide air defence missiles to Ukraine. The partnership is part of a wider European initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

According to a press release from the British Ministry of Defence on Monday, Britain has already delivered more than 150 million pounds (202.5 million U.S. dollars) worth of air defence missiles and artillery to Ukraine over the past two months. The country is also ramping up procurement efforts to provide hundreds more air defence missiles and thousands of artillery shells.

In total, Britain is expected to spend at least 700 million pounds on air defence and artillery support for Ukraine this year, including the 150 million pounds worth of equipment already delivered, according to the release. (1 pound = 1.35 U.S. dollars)

Xinhua

The ceremony marked the graduation of OSO’s 4th cohort of fashion design students and the 2nd cohort specialising in soap and detergent production.

Most of the beneficiaries are girls and young women from vulnerable backgrounds, including school dropouts, teenage mothers, orphans, and those living with disabilities.

Founded in 2019, OSO offers year-long training that equips participants with hands-on entrepreneurial skills in fashion, agribusiness, and manufacturing. The organisation also provides post-graduation support, including business startup capital and mentorship.

'We take them in for a full year, train them, and help them build income-generating projects when they return to their communities,' said Delphine Uwamahoro, OSO’s founder and executive director. 'They become self-reliant, creative, and financially empowered.'

This year’s graduates bring the total number of OSO alumni to over 400, with 80 percent of previous participants having launched their own ventures.

Each of the new graduates received a Frw 200,000 startup grant, while the top three business plans were awarded an additional Frw 500,000.

The initiative has attracted growing support from development partners, and the latest milestone drew government officials and donors alike. Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde praised the graduates for taking steps toward transforming their lives and communities.

'These projects are not to be shelved—they must now become reality,' the governor said. 'We expect you to be change agents who will help eradicate poverty and promote inclusive development.'

Gakenke District Mayor Mukandayisenga Vestine reminded the graduates of government funding opportunities, urging them to apply for youth-targeted financing schemes.

'The country has resources. What matters now is your commitment to create jobs and solve problems,' she said.

Alongside the graduation, OSO officially opened a new dormitory with capacity for 87 students. Built in collaboration with the U.S.-based GO Campaign, the facility positions OSO to begin hosting learners from across East Africa and operate as a regional boarding school.

'Our vision is not limited to Rwanda,' said Uwamahoro. 'We want to welcome girls from Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania—because poverty and gender-based violence don’t stop at the border. Neither should opportunity.'

Key supporters present at the event included representatives from GO Campaign, Segal Family Foundation, Lemonaid ChariTea Foundation, Kvinna Till Kvinna, and World Connect.

OSO’s model targets girls and women aged 13 to 25, especially those from rural areas or facing extreme hardship. As it expands, the organisation hopes to become one of Africa’s leading incubators of female-led entrepreneurship and grassroots job creation.

The ceremony marked the graduation of OSO’s 4th cohort of fashion design students and the 2nd cohort specialising in soap and detergent production.

This year’s graduates bring the total number of OSO alumni to over 400, with 80 percent of previous participants having launched their own ventures.

Most of the beneficiaries are girls and young women from vulnerable backgrounds, including school dropouts, teenage mothers, orphans, and those living with disabilities.

Each of the new graduates received a Frw 200,000 startup grant, while the top three business plans were awarded an additional Frw 500,000.

Delphine Uwamahoro, OSO’s founder, said the program trains young women for a year to help them launch income-generating projects and become self-reliant.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde praised the graduates for taking steps toward transforming their lives and communities.

Gakenke District Mayor Mukandayisenga Vestine reminded the graduates of government funding opportunities, urging them to apply for youth-targeted financing schemes.

A traditional dance group entertained guests and graduates during the ceremony, adding a festive atmosphere to the celebration.

IGIHE