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The state-run institution currently manages assets worth over Frw 3.5 trillion (approximately $2.5 billion), with a strategic focus on channeling the resources into sectors that drive economic growth, social impact, and long-term returns.

Speaking to the Rwandan diaspora during the Rwanda Convention 2025 held in Texas, USA, on July 5, Louise Kanyonga, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), emphasised RSSB’s dual mission, social protection and nation-aligned investments, and highlighted key opportunities available both in Rwanda and abroad.

'RSSB is truly owned by every single Rwandan,' said Kanyonga. 'We manage assets of about $2.5 billion across all the different asset classes… we invest towards the transformation of the country.'

A highlight of RSSB’s efforts is Ejo Heza, the national long-term savings scheme now being actively marketed to the diaspora. Designed for both informal sector workers and Rwandans living abroad, Ejo Heza offers an impressive 10—11% annual return, compounded over time.

'If you want to make sure you’re securing a long-term financial future for your loved ones and families back home, I really encourage you to learn more about Ejo Heza,' said Kanyonga.

'It’s a super attractive opportunity for you. You too can save and watch your savings grow over time,” she added.

The scheme not only ensures retirement security, but also reinforces financial inclusion in a country where most of the population works outside the formal economy.

Vision City II and Heza Estate

In real estate, RSSB continues to lead the market as Rwanda’s largest developer. Two major housing projects were spotlighted at the convention:

Vision City II, set to begin construction in September 2025, will be three times larger than the first phase, featuring a diverse range of villas, apartments, and townhouses.

'The residential units you have in Vision City I are almost sold out… We’re starting the second phase in September,' Kanyonga confirmed.

Heza Estate, another upcoming development, will cater to the middle-income segment with approximately 500 units priced from $70,000. The estate will include both apartments and standalone homes, offering options for homeowners and investors alike.

'Please check it out at the stand. Pricing is very competitive and attractive… It’s a really exciting opportunity,' she said.

SME financing

Kanyonga also announced the creation of a new $30 million SME fund, aimed at unlocking long-term capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund is expected to grow to $100 million, with regulatory clearance anticipated by August 2025.

'This SME fund is really for you,' she told diaspora entrepreneurs. 'We want to be exposed to the real economy and actually finance real businesses.'

Unlike commercial bank loans, which can be expensive and short-term, the RSSB fund will offer patient capital, including equity and flexible financing terms tailored to the realities of local businesses.

Strategic sector investments

RSSB is already firmly embedded in several of Rwanda’s most strategic and high-impact sectors, according to Kanyonga. In healthcare, the institution manages Mutuelle de Santé, the national health insurance program that now covers advanced medical services such as kidney transplants and cancer treatment, a major step toward reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical referrals.

In the realm of innovation, RSSB has positioned itself as a forward-thinking investor, having been an early backer of Zipline, the drone delivery company revolutionising medical logistics across Rwanda. It has also directed capital into pharmaceutical manufacturing, further strengthening the country’s healthcare self-sufficiency.

RSSB is also making major contributions to hospitality and tourism, with investments in landmark assets such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the newly upgraded Kigali Golf Club, and hospitality infrastructure around Akagera National Park, bolstering both domestic and international tourism.

Beyond Rwanda’s borders, the institution is participating in pan-African investment through the $250 million Buranga Fund, a joint venture with the Qatar Investment Authority, which is already supporting Rwandan companies and eyeing broader regional opportunities.

Invest, don’t just remit

Closing her remarks, Kanyonga urged the diaspora to move beyond remittances and take part in long-term investment.

'Let’s think about moving beyond just remittances to actually investing actively in the economy. There’s so much you can do,' she said. 'Every single franc we invest [should] bring in three times the productivity.'

She also encouraged young professionals abroad to consider careers with RSSB, which operates a digital factory employing up to 60 Rwandans and building high-impact tools in-house.

'We’re building amazing products and services… 11 million Rwandans are our clients directly because of a service we offer,' she added.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In his speech, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, paid tribute to the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) for liberating the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle.

He expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of men and women in Rwanda’s military and police forces who have worked for over 31 years to maintain peace and security both within Rwanda and across various parts of the African continent.

Amb. Nzabamwita highlighted that Liberation Day is a moment to reflect on Rwanda’s journey over the past 31 years, a journey that has seen significant progress in both social development and economic growth. He attributed this success to wise leadership, sound policies, and strategic national programs.

He noted that under this leadership, Rwanda has significantly reduced poverty, from 39% to 27% in the past seven years, lifting 1.5 million people out of poverty. He added that in 2024, the economy grew by 8.9%, enabling job creation, especially for the youth, and strengthening the fight against poverty.

The ambassador also commended the growing relationship between Rwanda and Russia, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Amb. Georgiy Chepik, Deputy Director of the Department of African States
at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the guest of honor, acknowledged Rwanda’s remarkable progress following its tragic history.

He praised Rwanda’s success in reconciliation, peacebuilding, and socio-economic transformation, noting that the country is steadily advancing toward sustainable development.

Chepik reiterated Russia’s continued support for Rwanda’s sovereignty and expressed satisfaction with the current cooperation between the two countries, particularly in political, trade, and economic spheres.

He also welcomed Rwanda’s active participation in the inaugural Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference held in November 2024.

During this conference, both countries signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, a deal that has been in effect since February 2025.

In his closing remarks, Chepik expressed confidence that the friendship between Rwanda and Russia will continue to grow, fostering peace and prosperity for both nations and contributing to lasting peace across the African continent.

IGIHE

Speaking at the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Texas, USA, running from July 4 to 6, he highlighted the significance of the deal, which aims to address longstanding tensions in the Great Lakes region.

The convention, resuming after a six-year hiatus, brought together hundreds of Rwandans from the diaspora and guests from Rwanda to celebrate culture, unity, and national development.

The peace agreement, brokered in Washington with U.S. support, is comprehensive, covering political, security, economic, and humanitarian aspects.

'We are optimistic because those three aspects are taken care of.
However, we are cautiously optimistic because we have an experience with the DRC of signing agreements without implementing them,' he noted.

Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda’s security concerns, particularly the threat posed by the FDLR, a genocidal force, are central to the agreement.

'We have decided together to ensure that this movement, this FDLR, is neutralized once and for all, which will allow Rwanda to lift its defensive measures,' he stated.

On the economic front, the agreement fosters joint investments between Rwanda and the DRC, supported by U.S. companies.

These include managing shared natural resources like the Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks, methane gas in Lake Kivu, hydropower via the CZ3 power plant, and the mineral value chain for electronics.

'This kind of positive collaboration would be a good incentive for permanent peace and prosperity in our region,' Nduhungirehe noted.

Politically, the agreement supports dialogue between the DRC government and the M23 movement, addressing root causes of conflict such as the persecution and marginalization of Congolese Tutsi communities.

Ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar, mediated by Qatar, mark progress, as the DRC has now agreed to engage with M23, a commitment absent in prior failed agreements.

However, Nduhungirehe tempered optimism with caution, citing the DRC’s history of signing but not implementing agreements.

Since the 1999 Lusaka ceasefire, at least 10 agreements, including the 2009 Goma accord that gave M23 its name, have gone unimplemented.

He also raised concerns about DRC’s militarization, including new weapons, attack drones, armored vehicles, and mercenaries, such as Colombian operatives hired by Blackwater during Washington negotiations.

'We know that the DRC has not implemented previous agreements… Rwanda will do its part of the deal, and we hope that the DRC will also follow through,' he said.

Addressing differences from past efforts, Nduhungirehe noted that the current agreement builds on the Luanda Process, mediated by Angola’s President Joao Lourenço in 2024, which collapsed due to the DRC’s refusal to negotiate with M23.

The inclusion of economic cooperation and U.S. support distinguishes this deal. He also responded to critics of the Trump administration, which facilitated the agreement, saying, 'So what? Having interests in the region is not a problem, provided they are interested in helping Rwanda and DRC achieve peace and stability.'

IGIHE

The UCI Road World Championships is an annual international road cycling competition, bringing together national teams from around the world under the organization of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

For the first time, the event is set to take place on the African continent, with Rwanda chosen as the host after beating Morocco in the selection process in September 2021.

In preparation for the upcoming Road World Championships, Rwanda is implementing various infrastructure projects, including the construction and upgrading of roads to meet international standards.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, has told IGIHE that the roadworks are being carried out in accordance with the competition’s requirements, which include the removal of speed bumps along the designated race routes.

“One of the key conditions is that roads used for the race must be free of speed bumps. As such, all speed bumps along the planned routes are currently being removed,” she explained.

When asked whether the speed bumps would be reinstalled after the event, she noted: “There are still several months ahead, so the situation could evolve. However, what is clear for now is that once the race is over, the speed bumps on those roads will be reinstated.”

The Road World Championships is expected to attract numerous participants from across the globe, along with visitors who will come for both the event and tourism activities.

First held in 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the most recent edition of the championship took place in Zürich, Switzerland, in 2024.

Kigali is removing speed bumps from roads that will be used for the races during the upcoming Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships.

IGIHE

Rwanda and Kenya secured automatic qualification for the African Women’s Championship, as they were the only two countries to participate in the competition, which offered two available slots.

Nigeria was among the three countries that had initially confirmed participation in the tournament taking place in Nairobi but withdrew at the last minute.

In the match played on Friday at Kasarani Indoor Stadium, Rwanda defeated Kenya in straight sets 3-0 (16-25, 15-25, and 20-25).

Rwanda and Kenya are scheduled to play five matches in this tournament, which will conclude on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

In the men’s category, the competition has attracted six countries, including Rwanda, which will play its first match on Saturday against Algeria at 4:00 p.m.

Rwanda is in Group A alongside Kenya and Algeria, while Group B comprises Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

In 2024, Rwanda won the women’s title after defeating Kenya in the final, while the men’s team finished in third place after beating Algeria.

Rwanda has qualified for the Women’s Sitting Volleyball World Championship to be held in China.

Rwanda’s Women’s Team started with a win over Kenya in the opening match.

Rwanda and Kenya will play five matches against each other in the African Championship taking place in Nairobi.

Kenya also secured qualification along with Rwanda.

IGIHE

In a statement published on his X account, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 44 suspects were detained in relation to 65 forest fires that occurred in 12 provinces between June 26 and July 4, 10 of them were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on six of them.

Earlier in the day, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced that the forest fire in Cesme, a popular resort town, was brought under control by Friday morning. Efforts to contain the blazes in Odemis and Buca districts are still ongoing.

Two people lost their lives in Odemis — an 81-year-old bedridden man and a forestry worker who died while battling the blaze, according to Yumakli.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fires, but high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful winds have created ideal conditions for forest fires to spread rapidly. Investigations are underway to determine whether negligence or arson may have played a role.

Xinhua

The selection process, held at Green Hills Academy in Kigali on July 4, 2025, involved children from various football academies across Kigali City, with a significant number from FTPR Lions Academy.

The event featured competitive matches among the participants, allowing coaches to evaluate and identify the most promising players.

Shining Football Academy claimed victory in the Under-9 category, while FTPR Lions Academy secured the overall title, outperforming other academies, including Agaciro Football Academy, Centre Gikondo, and Esperance Football Academy.

The selected twelve will travel to England next week, supported by Green Hills Academy and Kigali International Community School.

Alain Mbabazi, Athletic Director at Green Hills Academy, expressed confidence in the initiative’s success, noting that the chosen players are expected to excel.

He also highlighted the potential for Arsenal to retain some of these talents based on their performance during the camp.

The selection process, held at Green Hills Academy in Kigali on July 4, 2025, involved children from various football academies across Kigali City, with a significant number from FTPR Lions Academy.

The event featured competitive matches among the participants, allowing coaches to evaluate and identify the most promising players.

FTPR Lions Academy won the trophy in the under-11 category.

Alain Mbabazi, Athletic Director at Green Hills Academy, expressed confidence in the initiative’s success, noting that the chosen players are expected to excel.

IGIHE

The new branch, located in Cyugamo Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector of Kicukiro District, officially opened on June 30, 2025.

It launched with a team of five staff members, including officers responsible for regular savings and withdrawals, loan and project analysis, as well as a branch manager overseeing operations.

The CEO of Duterimbere IMF PLC, Alphonse Ngabonziza, stated that the branch was opened in response to requests from residents of the area, who expressed challenges in accessing services from the city center, which previously housed the nearest branches.

'This is a rapidly developing area, yet it is evident that financial institutions here are still limited. That’s why we brought our services closer to the local population to help them continue advancing economically.'

Jeannette Mukamana, a client of Duterimbere IMF PLC, shared that she used to face challenges accessing the institution’s services because it required her to travel to downtown Kigali, which negatively affected her business operations.

At times, when she urgently needed funds, she had to set aside an entire day just to reach another branch, costing her valuable time.

She said: 'I started out only selling gas, but after receiving a loan from Duterimbere IMF PLC, I have now expanded my business to include a hardware shop as well. Previously, I had to go to the city center for their services, but now that the branch is closer to me, it will make my business much easier.'

Duterimbere Duterimbere IMF PLC is a microfinance institution that specializes in providing financial services to women, offering them low-interest loans that are disbursed in a short period of just seven days.

Duterimbere IMF Plc has opened a new branch in Kabuga, located in Masaka Sector, Gako Cell, Cyugamo Village.

Some employees of Duterimbere IMF Plc assigned to the new Kabuga branch.

The new Duterimbere IMF Plc branch opened in Kabuga was established in response to requests from clients who previously had to seek services in downtown Kigali.

During the opening of the Duterimbere IMF Plc branch, guests were given a tour of all the rooms where services will be offered.

Mukamana Jeannette, a client of Duterimbere IMF Plc, spoke about how the microfinance institution continues to support her development.

The CEO of Duterimbere IMF Plc, Alphonse Ngabonziza, stated that the branch was opened in response to requests from residents of the area.

IGIHE

He was speaking at a reception held on the evening of July 4 at the Kigali Convention Centre to mark Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.

Kagame reflected on Rwanda’s liberation journey, the sacrifices made by many, and the enduring threat posed by those who wish to destabilize the country.

He particularly condemned the continued threat of the FDLR rebel group, and the recent collaboration that saw SADC troops supporting Kinshasa’s campaign against its citizens (the M23).

'In the recent months and so you see again the whole world was watching. Mercenaries came from Europe, then other confused brothers and sisters from our continent… They sent in everything to support a government that is killing its own people, that supports genociders, people who killed our people here,' Kagame said.

He added that threats to Rwanda, the weapon build-up in Goma and Bukavu, and drone warfare claims clearly signaled broader intentions: 'It was aimed at Rwanda.'

Following the capture of Goma, SADC troops found themselves encircled by the rebel group and requested safe passage to withdraw through Rwanda—despite their earlier support for a coalition that harbored intentions to destabilize the country.

'We gave them passage. We gave them security. We made sure they went back home. But they could have perished if they really put up a fight. There’s no question about it,' he noted.

Kagame made it clear that Rwanda’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

'We can walk 2,000 kilometers from here fighting if and when we have to fight,' he said. 'Those people who tell you nonsense that they have drones, they have what? They will come and attack Rwanda? We will find you where you are launching those drones from.'

He called on the international community and critics to understand that Rwanda’s primary demand is mutual respect and non-interference: 'Just if you can’t cooperate with us, leave us alone.'

Addressing those who withhold support or threaten to withdraw funding, Kagame said, 'Yes, that money when it comes, I assure you, you will not find a place that puts that money to good use more than we do… But to wag a finger at me, I’ll break it. Just that thing alone.'

Turning inward, Kagame urged Rwandans — young and old — to remember the meaning of their liberation and the responsibilities it entails. 'You are not a bunch of sheep that must be herded to a slaughterhouse… You should never accept it,' he said. 'I would rather go to my grave giving it a fight… How I go there matters.'

Reflecting on Rwanda’s transformation over the last three decades, Kagame asserted, 'It’s not just that we removed the killers and we took over. No, we are not just new people in our thinking, in our existence. We are new people because we have changed things towards what they should be.'

He concluded with a powerful message to those who believe in divine accountability: 'So don’t let anyone be allowed to take us back years in history… When you are being asked to account, for me, I’m prepared with my notes in my pocket. When they say, 'Hey, what did you do?’ I say, 'Sir, this is what I did. I apologize for my shortcomings but I think largely there is something I will show for it.’'

Kagame urged all Rwandans to reflect on the long journey of liberation and continue to defend and advance their nation with pride, dignity, and unity.

IGIHE

“We reached an agreement in Washington, D.C., but it is not up to Washington to implement it. It’s those who reached the agreement who must actually implement what we agreed,” President Kagame stated during a conversation with the media on Rwanda’s Liberation Day on Friday, July 4.

Expressing his optimism about the deal succeeding, he explained that resolving such complex issues requires Cooperation and flexibility.

“You don’t get 100% of what you want because there are many parties concerned with the problem. Each one may get a piece of what they wanted, another gets a piece of what they wanted, and together, stability comes out of it. So, for me, I think there is a chance that we may get somewhere with that,” the president noted.

The Washington-mediated agreement was signed on June 27 to address tensions in eastern DRC. It focuses on joint security measures to neutralise the FDLR militia, which Rwanda has identified as a persistent threat along its border.

During the interview, the head of state affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to its end of the bargain and insisted that the DRC do the same by eliminating the threat along the border with Rwanda.

'If FDLR is not removed, the problem continues to be there, and Rwanda will always do what it has to do,' Kagame warned.

“You will never find Rwanda at fault when it comes to implementing what we have agreed to do. Never,' he added.

President Kagame highlighted that the deal with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration rests on three interconnected pillars: political, economic, and security, stressing that focusing solely on one aspect, such as the region’s mineral wealth, oversimplifies the conflict.

He criticised past approaches that reduced the crisis to economic motives, noting, 'They talk about minerals as the centre of the whole problem. They should also blame themselves.'

He argued that the Trump administration’s holistic approach, unlike previous efforts, acknowledges the complexity of the conflict, including political issues like the denial of citizenship to Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and the internal dynamics within the DRC.

The president also pointed to a parallel Qatar-mediated process involving the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, describing it as addressing the 'internal matters' of Congo, which he said are often wrongly framed as solely a Rwanda-DRC issue.

'Congo has always tried to make this problem only a problem between Rwanda and DRC, but there is a bigger component that is DRC’s problem,' Kagame said, citing the need to resolve issues like the marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities within Congo.

Kagame expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for prioritising the region’s challenges, contrasting their engagement with the indifference of previous Western powers.

'I thank them that they even paid attention to the problem at all,' he said, noting that global focus often centres on conflicts in the Middle East or Ukraine.

Addressing criticisms that the Trump administration’s approach is exploitative, Kagame challenged detractors to reflect on their own inaction.

'You were here all these years, doing nothing except doing the wrong thing,' he said, questioning the effectiveness of past sanctions and UN missions in Congo, which he accused of perpetuating biased narratives.

He specifically criticised the UN’s Group of Experts for focusing blame on Rwanda and M23 while ignoring the FDLR’s role in spreading 'genocide ideology' and destabilising the region.

'You will never find them writing anything comprehensively about FDLR. You’ll never find them writing anything comprehensively about how government institutions are connected with FDLR in spreading hate ideology, genocide ideology—things that are being done in broad daylight for everybody to see,' Kagame said. 'So you wonder, how can experts not see that?'

President Kagame was also adamant about his stance on Rwanda’s broader journey toward self-reliance.

'We don’t owe our living to anyone,' he declared, emphasising that Rwanda’s progress over the last three decades reflects a commitment to never again be 'sheep to be slaughtered.'

President Paul Kagame said that the success of the latest peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) depends not on external guarantees but on the commitment of both countries to implement the agreed terms honestly and in good faith.

Wycliffe Nyamasege