Category: Uncategorized

The two-day event marks the fourth global observance of the day and is expected to spotlight Kiswahili’s growing role in regional integration, education, diplomacy, and economic development.

Organised under the theme 'Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development,' the celebrations are recognised by UNESCO and are being held in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) and the Government of Rwanda.

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the organisers said the event will serve as a platform to reaffirm Kiswahili’s importance in shaping Africa’s unity, identity, and development trajectory.

'This year’s celebration aims to reaffirm Kiswahili’s pivotal role in fostering regional integration, cultural identity, and socio-economic development across the continent,' the statement read.

The programme will feature a mix of cultural showcases — including music, poetry, and visual art performed in Kiswahili — as well as academic dialogues and expert panel discussions on the language’s application in education, technology, media, and public policy.

The East African Kiswahili Commission, headquartered in Zanzibar, is leading efforts to standardise and promote the language across the region. Established under Article 137 (2) of the EAC Treaty, the commission provides support through research, curriculum development, terminology coordination, and policy guidance.

According to the organisers, Kiswahili’s significance goes far beyond the classroom. The language is increasingly seen as a strategic tool for strengthening political ties and facilitating cross-border communication among EAC member states.

'It is also vital for effective diplomacy, enabling clearer communication and building stronger political relationships,' the statement noted.

'Economically, emphasising Kiswahili in business transactions across the African Free Trade Area enhances trade efficiency and opportunities, boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities across various sectors.'

The Kigali gathering is expected to draw a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, linguists, artists, and civil society representatives, all united in celebrating Kiswahili’s role as a language of daily life and intercultural exchange.

Kiswahili is spoken by more than 200 million people across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. It serves as a working language of both the African Union and the East African Community, and its influence continues to expand.

Rwanda officially adopted Kiswahili as one of its four national languages in 2017, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French. The government further cemented its commitment in 2023 by integrating Kiswahili more deeply into public administration, education, and regional cooperation efforts, a move aligned with its obligations as an EAC member state.

World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations in Tanzania. Rwanda will host the 2025 World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations, scheduled for July 6—7 in the capital, Kigali.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran and in view of the security and safety assessments under the country’s present circumstances, spokesman of the Iranian Roads and Urban Development Ministry Majid Akhavan said in a statement.

He said that the suspension of domestic and foreign flights to and from airports in Iran’s northern, southern and western parts was extended until 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) on Thursday.

He added the country’s eastern airspace, which had been reopened on June 29 to domestic and international flights, would remain open.

Iran on Saturday reopened its airspace in central and western areas to international transit flights.

The country closed its airspace on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. After a 12-day aerial conflict, the two countries achieved a ceasefire on June 24.

Iran on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace in the country’s central and western parts to international transit flights after having reopened it five days ago.

Xinhua

The laws establishing these taxes published in the Official Gazette on May 29, 2025, are part of ongoing tax policy reforms aimed at enhancing domestic revenue collection.

When fully implemented, the measures are expected to generate an additional Frw174.1 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year and up to Frw353 billion by the 2029/2030 fiscal year.

Here are a few things you need to know:

1. Taxes on hybrid vehicles

Hybrid vehicles, which previously benefited from major exemptions since 2021, are now subject to different taxes, though these remain lower than those applied to fuel-powered vehicles.

The applicable taxes include 18 percent VAT, 5 percent withholding tax, and an excise duty based on the year of manufacture. However, Hybrid vehicles still enjoy the 25 percent import duty exemption.

Under the new excise law, vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 1500cc, as well as hybrid vehicles that are under three years old, are subject to a tax rate of 5 percent.

Vehicles with engine capacity between 1500cc and 2500cc or hybrids aged three to eight years, are taxed at 10 percent. Vehicles with engine capacity above 2500cc or hybrids older than eight years are taxed at 15 percent.

Certain vehicles are exempt from excise tax. These include minibuses and buses with a capacity of more than 14 passengers, trucks and single-cabin pickups used for transporting goods, refrigerated vehicles, tourism vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles for persons with disabilities.

Electric vehicles, their batteries, and charging equipment remain VAT-exempt until 30 June 2028.

2. VAT on transport of goods

Land transportation of goods, which was previously exempt, is now subject to 18 percent VAT starting 1 July. International transport services, however, remain zero-rated.

Entities required to charge VAT include VAT-registered taxpayers, voluntary registrants, and businesses with a turnover of Frw 5 million over three months or Frw20 million annually.

Transport services that remain VAT-exempt, when provided by licensed operators, include land transport of passengers in vehicles with a capacity of 14 or more, air passenger transport, transport by boat for passengers or cargo, and the collection and transportation of household solid waste.

3. Tourism tax on accommodation

Law Nº 015/2025 of 27/05/2025 introduces a 3 percent tourism tax on accommodation, defined as a service that provides a room or place to sleep or rest.

Accommodation providers are required to register for the tax with the Tax Administration. The tax becomes due upon receipt of payment and must be declared and paid within 15 days following the end of each declaration month.

Providers are also required to use the Electronic Invoicing System (EBM) to comply with tax regulations and ensure accurate reporting and declaration.

4. Environmental levy

Law Nº 010/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishes a 0.2 percent environmental levy on imported items packaged in plastic materials, calculated based on their customs value.

The law identifies nine categories of items subject to the levy. These include bottled water; all types of juice, energy drinks and carbonated non-alcoholic beverages; peanut butter, honey and related products; body lotions, petroleum jelly and shampoos; mattresses; clothes; shoes; all types of soaps; and toilet paper.

5. Motor-vehicle road maintenance levy

Under Law Nº 013/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishing a levy on petrol, gas oil, and motor vehicles for road maintenance, owners of locally registered motor vehicles can now declare and pay the levy according to the following vehicle categories:

• Car and Jeep: Frw50,000

• Pick-up, microbus, minibus, bus: Frw100,000

• Truck and half-trailer: Frw120,000

• Trailer: Frw150,000

The levy on motor vehicles for road maintenance is declared and paid annually to the tax administration not later than December 31 of each year.

In recent weeks, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has actively engaged with various sectors to clarify the new changes, ensuring that stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the procedures for declaration and payment.

Many have expressed optimism following these consultations, which were designed to ensure effective implementation and compliance.

IGIHE

Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye expressed pride in the Skytrax accolade, calling it 'a testimony to all the bits and pieces—the bolts and cogs—that come together with precision.'

He noted that the award, received at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show on June 17, 2025, reflects not only RwandAir’s service excellence but also its strategic role in connecting Rwanda to global markets and promoting the national brand on the international stage.

“It’s a massive award that reflects on the country, the trust and confidence placed in us by the government of Rwanda and the authorities. Our team of just over a thousand employees combines to project a bridge that connects Rwanda to the world and the world to Rwanda,” said the CCO, who has been with RwandAir for the last six months.

“This links to verticals like tourism, economy, and corporate demand, ensuring the flows of commerce are maintained within the country and the outside world. It also allows the Rwanda brand to fly on our wings to the rest of the world,” he added.

The airline plans to maintain its momentum with an ambitious fleet expansion strategy. Caunhye confirmed the addition of a fourth Airbus A330 by August 2025, alongside two Boeing 737s scheduled to join the fleet in August and September.

The additional aircraft are expected to increase RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by 15—20%. However, Caunhye noted that this still falls short of Africa’s rapidly growing demand, which continues to rise at 12—14% annually, well above the global average of 3—4%

New routes are also on the horizon, with Mombasa and Zanzibar slated for late 2025, and Jeddah expected in early 2026. These additions aim to strengthen RwandAir’s hub in Kigali, which is strategically positioned to connect East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as key European and Middle Eastern cities such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.

'We’re far from achieving full balance,' Caunhye admitted, but the airline is strategically expanding to capture critical market share in a region where demand is robust but competition is fierce.

Navigating challenges in African aviation

Operating in Africa presents unique challenges, from high operational costs to geopolitical disruptions. Caunhye highlighted the inverse relationship between flight duration and profitability: 'The further you fly, the more reduced your margins.'

Unlike carriers in large domestic markets like the US or China, RwandAir relies heavily on long-haul routes, with its shortest flight to Nairobi or Entebbe lasting about 90 minutes. This increases fuel, crew, and maintenance costs, squeezing margins in a market where ticket prices are often 30-50% composed of non-airline costs like airport taxes and overflight fees.

Recent disruptions, such as the closure of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s airspace and Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar, have tested RwandAir’s resilience. Caunhye emphasized the importance of rapid recovery, aiming to resolve disruptions within 24 hours to maintain passenger trust.

The airline is also adapting by strengthening East African networks and leveraging partnerships, such as with Qatar Airways, to expand reach without relying solely on its own fleet.

During the recent interview, Caunhye also revealed that financial sustainability remains a goal for RwandAir, which, like many state-owned African carriers, faces intense competition and escalating costs.

Caunhye acknowledged that the airline is 'not yet at full equilibrium' but is on track to achieve it by doubling its fleet within five years.

This expansion aligns with the anticipated completion of the Bugesera International Airport, designed to handle 8-10 million passengers annually compared to the current Kigali airport’s 1-3 million.

'The new Kigali airport will be a game-changer,' Caunhye said, positioning RwandAir to compete with Africa’s leading aviation hubs.

Tapping the cargo market

RwandAir is also eyeing Africa’s untapped cargo market. Operating a Boeing 737 freighter, the airline aims to transport Rwanda’s premium produce—coffee, tea, and other goods—to markets in China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Plans for a widebody cargo aircraft capable of seven- to eight-hour flights are in discussion to ensure fresh delivery to global markets.

Additionally, the CCO noted that strategic partnerships, including those with Visit Rwanda and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), are boosting RwandAir’s growth while promoting Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.

'We contribute to their success, and they to ours,' Caunhye noted, highlighting the synergy with Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Caunhye also highlighted the airline’s continued investment in its workforce, including efforts to nurture future talent through its pilot cadet programme. He described the initiative as an opportunity for young Rwandans to become 'ambassadors of this ambitious country,' instilled with a professional ethos poised to shape the future of aviation for generations to come.

Catch the full interview below to hear more from RwandAir’s CCO, Fouad Caunhye.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, but he was not convicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

Combs, 55, faced federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, which were part of a complex legal case involving his former relationships and alleged illicit activities.

The charges stemmed from accusations that Combs used his power to coerce women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into participating in “Freak Offs,” elaborate sex parties with male escorts.

Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including Ventura, who described incidents of abuse, coercion, and detailed the nature of the “Freak Offs.”

According to media reports, Combs’ defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, countered these claims, arguing that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the prosecution had exaggerated the case.

The defense introduced text messages between Combs and Ventura to support their claim of a loving, consensual relationship.

Agnifilo also portrayed Ventura’s relationship with Combs as a “great modern love story,” distancing the charges from any real criminal wrongdoing.

Despite the defense’s efforts, Combs was convicted on the lesser charges of transporting two women for prostitution.

However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and the associated crimes of kidnapping, arson, and bribery. These charges, had they resulted in a conviction, could have led to a 20-year prison sentence or more.

The trial lasted nearly two months, and the jury’s verdict, delivered on July 2, 2025, marked a significant moment in Combs’ legal battles.

With the acquittals, Combs avoided the life sentence that had loomed over him, but he now faces up to 10 years in prison for the charges on which he was convicted.

Throughout the trial, Combs’ legal team depicted Combs as a victim of false accusations, particularly regarding the alleged abuse and forced participation in the “Freak Offs,” a term used by Combs to describe the sex parties.

The outcome of the trial provides some relief for Combs, whose reputation has been severely impacted by the charges and his time spent behind bars leading up to the trial.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges against him in a high-profile trial in New York.

IGIHE

For the first time, Shazia experienced childbirth with access to doctors, medicines, and professional care. Her daughter was also the first baby delivered at one of ten new maternity clinics built by the UAE across Afghanistan, marking the start of a new chapter for maternal health in rural areas.

'Our economic condition was pretty bad all through. Now, thanks to the help we have received, we are much better off. We thank the UAE for this transformation in our lives,' Shazia said.

Her husband, Ramadan Mohammadi, recalled their struggles to access care in the past. 'Six of our children were born at home because we couldn’t afford transportation to distant hospitals. This is the first time a clinic has been built near our house, and it has been a blessing for us.'

These UAE-funded clinics have brought much needed medical care to communities that have long lacked access to even the most basic health services. Located in seven provinces — Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat, Paktia, Paktika, Helmand, and Kandahar — the facilities offer maternity and paediatric care, counselling, contraceptive services, emergency care, medicines and referrals for high-risk cases. They also serve as hubs for community outreach, offering health education, awareness programmes, and life-saving vaccinations, including for COVID-19 and BCG to protect against tuberculosis, to more than 20 people each day.

Dr. Ikramullah, a doctor at one of the clinics described the change underway, 'Previously, childbirth happened at home, without any medical support, in unsafe, unhygienic conditions. It is changing now, and the people here are so delighted. We not only ensure safe deliveries, but also provide vaccinations, nutritional assistance, and continuous medical care for mothers and newborns.'

He pointed to a young child named Ayesha Qamari as an example of the progress being made, 'The impact of these maternity centres is already being felt. This baby is just one of hundreds of children receiving crucial health checks and vaccinations. This will help bring down the high infant mortality rate in Afghanistan, one of the highest in the world.' According to UNICEF, more than 57 children out of 1,000 in Afghanistan die before reaching the age of five.

Ayesha’s mother shared her experience, 'We have come to the clinic three or four times. Earlier, we could not afford the cost of transport to the city hospital. Many times, the sick children would not survive the long journey. We are deeply indebted to the UAE for building this clinic in our vicinity.'

Beyond healthcare, the initiative is also revitalising the local economy. Small businesses — offering services such as transportation and food supply — have emerged around the clinics and over 100 Afghans have been employed in a range of roles, from medical support to administration.

Mawlawi Ameenullah Sharif, Health Director of Nagarhar Province, noted the broader impact, 'We thank the UAE for their investment in Afghanistan’s healthcare. This clinic was urgently needed, and now, the poor have access to essential services, including vaccinations, maternal care, and nutrition support.'

The clinics are all state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced medical equipment, solar power, mobile units, and ambulances — and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals. They reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving quality of life, empowering women and children, and strengthening local communities in Afghanistan.

Expected to impact the lives of more than 100,000 women in the coming years, these facilities represent a transformative step toward accessible healthcare in some of the country’s most underserved areas.

IGIHE

The report, which concluded its investigation on April 20, alleged the presence of Rwandan troops in areas controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition and accused Rwanda of illegally extracting 3T minerals (Tungsten, Tantalum, and Tin) from the region.

In a statement shared on July 2, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, dismissed these allegations as false while reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to a newly signed US-brokered Peace Agreement aimed at stabilizing the region.

The UN report claimed that Rwandan troops were operating in AFC/M23-controlled areas, with thousands more positioned at the DRC border, preparing to enter.

Rwanda has consistently denied any military presence in eastern DRC.

Addressing the report’s findings, Makolo criticized its portrayal of Rwanda’s security measures, stating, 'The report confirms DRC state support for the FDLR genocidal militia and the Congolese army’s reliance on the FDLR as a frontline fighting force, but then deliberately misrepresents Rwanda’s longstanding security concerns related to the persistent threat of the FDLR and its affiliated groups, which necessitates the defence posture in our border areas.'

Makolo also highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to the US-brokered Peace Agreement signed last Friday, which she described as a pivotal step toward resolving regional tensions.

'Following the signing of the US-brokered Peace Agreement last Friday, Rwanda is fully committed to its implementation, including the neutralization of the FDLR, which will enable the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, the safe return of refugees to their home areas, and much-needed stability in our region,' she stated.

The agreement is expected to address the FDLR threat, paving the way for improved security and the return of displaced populations.

On the allegations of illegal 3T mineral extraction, Makolo categorically rejected the claims, underscoring Rwanda’s regulated mining sector.

'Rwanda has its own 3T critical mineral reserves and unlike eastern DRC whose mining sector is mostly artisanal and characterized by predatory exploitation by armed groups and corrupt DRC officials, Rwanda operates a regulated and formalized mining sector, with investment in mineral processing and other infrastructure that allows for commercial refining of minerals and appropriate certification,' she said.

Makolo also pointed to the economic potential of the Peace Agreement, noting that it 'will ultimately present opportunities for economic cooperation, with US private investment in the region to further formalize the mining sectors and allow for improved standards and revenue/tax collection by the respective governments.'

Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, dismissed UN Group of Experts allegations as false while reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to a newly signed US-brokered Peace Agreement aimed at stabilizing the region.

IGIHE

He invested in infrastructure projects, particularly in real estate developments that have completely transformed the face of the country.

In a youth-focused program on Rwanda Television called 'Password’, Dennis Karera shared how he ventured into business, the various roles he undertook in the army that liberated the country, and also offered advice to young people.

Karera’s story begins in Uganda, where he was born as a refugee, like many other Rwandans who were exiled because of the bad governance that existed in Rwanda at the time.

After enduring the hardships of exile, Karera, together with other energetic young men, decided to join the Ugandan army as a way to learn how they could one day fight for rights to return to their homeland.

'We felt that it wasn’t enough to simply be refugees where we were, living there unhappily. So, we decided to join the Ugandan army, saying to ourselves, 'Let’s go and learn how we might find a way forward.’'

'We went and became soldiers while we were still very young. We joined the war, most of us aged 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, driven by the conviction that we could not continue living as refugees.'

He explained that the struggle to liberate the country was not easy, but that as challenges increased, they gained new knowledge and became even more determined, because they had a purpose and a goal to fight for.

'There were many challenges. We were young, but should we have given up just because we were young? The idea was: you are there, so fight for this cause, and indeed, that work was done. Honestly, if we hadn’t been young, I doubt we would have had the same courage,' he said.

Kigali Heights, built by Denis Karera, was recently purchased by the Rwandan company Yyussa.

In 1992, a meeting was held in Volcanoes National Park, where military operations were being coordinated. It was a gathering to pool ideas and discuss what would be done after defeating the enemy. Everyone had an opportunity to share what they thought they could contribute in order to achieve complete liberation for the country.

After the struggle to liberate the country and stop the Genocide against the Tutsi, there followed another battle, that of building the development of a nation that had been devastated.

Many of those who played a role in the country’s liberation initially worked in various government positions, while others chose to invest in different sectors.

Karera also worked for the government in different roles, including in security services, the Ministry of Education, and others, although from time to time he also engaged in business activities.

In 1997, he requested a bank loan of 70 million Rwandan francs (Frw), presenting a project he wanted to implement and explaining how it would have a positive impact on society.

Although it was uncommon for an individual to seek such a large loan at the time, he was eventually approved and received the funds in phases, and the venture turned out to be successful.

'Within two years, the project was doing extremely well. I repaid the millions and was left with resources to continue growing my businesses,' hennoted.

Through Savannah Creek Development Company, Karera is building modern buildings in Nyarutarama, in the areas formerly known as Kangondo and Kibiraro.

After concluding his government service, he reflected on how he could contribute both to his personal growth and the country as a whole. While initially considering continuing his previous activities, he decided that expanding them would be a more impactful approach.

In 2008, he embarked on a project valued at 500 million Rwandan francs. He applied for a loan from the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), secured the funding, and successfully executed the project, which progressed smoothly.

After a short period, he returned to the bank to request a loan of Frw 1 billion, embarking on a major project to construct the Crown Conference Hall in Nyarutarama. Located near the Tennis Club and Golf Course, this venue hosts a wide range of meetings and events.

He continued expanding his business ventures, and in 2011, he sought out business partners. Starting with an initial investment of Frw 1 billion, he and his partners successfully raised about $40 million, which they used to embark on groundbreaking projects. This led to the construction of Kigali Heights, a landmark development in the city.

Inaugurated in 2016, the building was later sold to Yyussa, a Rwandan-owned company, for approximately $31 million (equivalent to over Frw 43.8 billion).

Karera also shared that he remains active in business and, along with his partners, now manages investments worth at least $200 million (over Frw 280 billion) across various sectors.

One of the most promising projects currently underway is being developed by Savannah Creek Development Company, which is modernizing the Kangondo neighborhood. The project will feature 600 residential units, including apartments and unique housing structures that reflect Kigali’s distinctive architecture.

The housing units will be designed in a range of styles, such as Tuscan, Classical, Mediterranean, Contemporary, and Apartment designs, to cater to the purchasing power of different buyers. The project is expected to cost at least $60 million.

The buildings being constructed in Nyarutarama are modern in design and construction.

Businessman Denis Karera emphasized that young people should be bolder and more courageous.

Advice to young people

Karera also emphasized that when you perform well, it gets noticed, helping to build a strong reputation and open doors of opportunity. He encouraged young people to dedicate themselves fully to everything they do.

He explained that having a clear vision of who you want to become from a young age is crucial, as it helps you stay focused on your goals.

'Let me offer some guidance to young people: start preparing now for the person you want to become in the future. Begin to envision yourself and ask, 'Who are the people doing the things I see and hear about?’ To expand your knowledge, you need to listen attentively.
Today, there are many distractions, unlike in our time when we didn’t even have mobile phones,' he said.

Karera urged young people to continue broadening their knowledge through reading diverse books, as reading expands the mind. He also suggested educational trips and engaging in meaningful conversations as valuable ways to learn.

Karera further reminded young people to uphold truth and integrity, avoiding anything that could undermine their dreams.

Denis Karera addressing the audience at the inauguration of Kigali Heights.

Crown Conference Hall, located in Nyarutarama, is one of Denis Karera’s projects.

President Kagame attended the official inauguration of the Kigali Heights building in 2016.

IGIHE

As he briefed the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently, the Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Telesphore Ndabamenye, explained that the projects, which will irrigate up to 4,000 hectares of land, include Mpanga, Mahama I, and Mahama II.

Ndabamenye highlighted that the Mpanga project, which has an $18 million budget, will irrigate 650 hectares. However, its implementation has been delayed due to the lack of electricity necessary to operate the water pumps that will draw water from the Akagera River.

'The engines needed to initiate the trials are expected to arrive in August, with operations scheduled to commence in October 2025,' he noted.

The Mahama I project, which will irrigate 1,225 hectares at a cost of $27 million, and Mahama II, covering 1,900 hectares at a cost of $32 million, are both expected to be completed by December 2025.

Ndabamenye explained that the variation in project costs is due to factors such as the size of the land to be irrigated, the nature of the soil, and the power requirements for water pumping.

In addition to these projects, Rwanda is also pursuing two other major initiatives. One, funded by the World Bank, is the CDAT project, which will irrigate 11,000 hectares and is expected to be completed by 2027.

The other, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is KIIWP2, which will cover 2,200 hectares and is scheduled for completion by 2028.

To achieve its goal of irrigating 500,000 hectares of land to combat climate change, Rwanda will require substantial investment and swift implementation of these projects.

Funding for these initiatives has been provided through loans from the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank), as well as other domestic financing sources.

These irrigation projects are expected to boost Rwanda’s irrigated land area from the current 70,000 hectares to 130,000 hectares by 2029, supporting sustainable agricultural growth and enhancing food security.

The $77 million irrigation projects will be implemented in Kirehe District.

IGIHE

On July 1, 2025, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced new prices for petroleum products, with the price of a litre of petrol increasing by Frw 170, rising from Frw 1,633 to Frw 1,803 , while diesel rose to Frw 1,757 from Frw 1,647.

These prices came into effect on July 2 at 6:00 a.m. The authority also indicated that these new petroleum product prices include revised Value-Added Tax (VAT) charges.

Speaking to Rwanda Television, Dr. Jimmy Gasore explained that the new prices have risen due to the implementation of Cabinet decisions, as well as increasing costs on the global market.

'What is different from usual is that the resolutions arising from the Cabinet’s decisions have now been implemented. As Rwandans may recall, in February this year, the Cabinet established new taxes, in particular stipulating that, starting on July 1, the price of petrol would include value-added tax. That tax has now been applied, which is why the increase is higher than what we usually see for petroleum products,' he said.

Dr. Gasore stated that the Government had taken measures to prevent price increases from becoming excessively high, committing to retain certain subsidies on petroleum products.

As a result, the price of petrol rose by 11%, although it was initially projected to increase by 18%. Similarly, diesel was expected to increase by 14% but only rose by 6.8%.

Dr. Gasore explained that there should not be significant changes in transportation fares and costs.

He gave the example of motorcycle taxi rides, noting that for a ride costing Frw 500, the fuel portion should not exceed Frw 200. Therefore, the 11% increase in fuel prices would not justify raising the fare by more than Frw 20.

'We believe that, in reality, the recent increases should not lead to higher national transport costs.'

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, noted that the recent price hikes are not alarming for business operations in general.

He explained that, typically, transportation costs for goods imported from neighboring countries or transported within Rwanda account for 22% of the total cost of the goods.

'That 22% is not significant enough for transportation to substantially raise prices for essential food items that every Rwandan needs on a daily basis,' Kajangwe noted.

He explained that, for example, for rice transported from Rusizi District in the Western Province, the new prices might add approximately Frw 6 per kilogram in transportation costs.

This means that for a 25-kilogram sack of rice from Bugarama, the price would increase by only Frw 150.

He further clarified that for other goods such as maize from Nyagatare District or potatoes from Musanze District, transportation costs might rise by about Frw 4.

'These are not amounts that should be perceived as significantly driving up the prices of essential daily food items. However, the government has also foregone certain revenues to ensure that these price increases remain manageable,' Kajangwe noted.

RURA emphasized that, in response to rising global petroleum prices and in order to ease the burden on consumers, the Government of Rwanda has maintained sufficient petroleum reserves in its storage facilities.

The price of a litre of petrol has increased by 170 Rwandan francs

IGIHE