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The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, marking a milestone for the first tri-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its kind, involving Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.

The 206 MW hydropower plant, located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, is expected to deliver reliable electricity to approximately 30 million people across the three nations.

The project will nearly double Burundi’s current power capacity, increase Rwanda’s by 30%, and provide critical baseload power to eastern DRC, fostering economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.

Anzana, known for developing and operating power projects across Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, with plans to acquire a minority equity interest in RHPCL.

'As an American company committed to powering opportunities across Africa, Anzana is proud to join RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,' said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana.

'Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future,' he added.

RHPCL’s Director, Aleem Karmali, echoed this sentiment, stating, ''The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region.'

The two parties aim to finalize a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, with Anzana acquiring at least a 10% equity stake in RHPCL.

The agreement will define governance, investment commitments, and future collaboration, setting the stage for a project that promises to transform the energy landscape of Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.

Ruzizi III hydroelectric project is expected to power Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC by 2030

Théophile Niyitegeka

In a statement, the Office of the President said the duo’s meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on the enduring partnership between Rwanda and the AfDB, and the transformative development projects achieved under Dr. Adesina’s leadership over the past decade.

“Their discussion focused on the fruitful partnership between Rwanda and the African Development Bank, and the successful collaboration across key economic sectors under Dr.
@akin_adesina’s leadership,” the statement reads.

The visit coincides with the AfDB’s latest approval of a $500,000 grant to fund a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a pioneering 5.5 km aerial transit system set to be sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car.

The project, valued at $100 million, aims to improve urban mobility, reduce emissions, and better connect communities to essential services.

'This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green, climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure,' said Dr. Adesina in a separate statement issued by AfDB.

The cable car will connect major routes including Nyabugogo to the Central Business District, and Kigali Convention Center to Sports City, integrating landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with operations launching by 2028, and a projected capacity of over 50,000 passengers daily.

Dr. Adesina’s visit also comes ahead of his scheduled departure from the Bank. He is set to be succeeded by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, former Mauritanian finance minister, who was elected in May and will assume office on September 1, 2025, after winning more than 75% of the shareholder vote.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), who is in Rwanda for the 28th Annual Conference on Global Economic Analysis.

The meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on the enduring partnership between Rwanda and the AfDB, and the transformative development projects achieved under Dr. Adesina’s leadership over the past decade.

Dr. Adesina’s visit comes ahead of his scheduled departure from the Bank.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Supported by the Government of Ireland, the workshop was a collaborative effort between FAO, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and the University College London Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP).

This publication captures key insights from the workshop, highlighting Rwanda’s progress in areas such as sustainable farming, food security, and gender inclusion, while underscoring key problems that remain, particularly around malnutrition, climate impacts, and fragmented action.

Working in cross-sectoral groups, participants applied a range of tools to unpack the country’s agrifood challenges, helping to shape a national agrifood strategy that better reflects the complexity of Rwanda’s agrifood systems.

In terms of next steps, Rwanda’s existing innovation efforts, such as policy labs and circular economy pilots, were recognized as valuable opportunities to scale through structured learning and cross-sector coordination.

The workshop introduced participants to a range of methods, as well as institutional and policy tools, to improve agrifood systems transformation.

FAO and IIPP are using insights from the workshop to develop a handbook for facilitators supporting governments interested in improving the design and implementation of agrifood systems policies and plans.

The report is a recommended read for policymakers, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders involved in providing guidance to governments on the sustainable development of agrifood systems.

By rethinking conventional policy processes, policymakers can help drive change — ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

For more insights into Rwanda’s approach to agrifood transformation, access the full report here: Workshop Report on Agrifood Systems Transformation in Rwanda

Links: Workshop Report on Training for Policymakers on Agrifood Systems Transformation

Links: Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture 2025-2030

The publication captures key insights from the workshop, highlighting Rwanda’s progress in areas such as sustainable farming, food security, and gender inclusion, while underscoring key problems that remain, particularly around malnutrition, climate impacts, and fragmented action.

IGIHE

This decision, outlined in a public notice issued on June 24, 2025, aims to allow the RMB to review and enhance the current regulations governing mineral trading licenses.

The suspension is part of a broader initiative to improve service delivery and strengthen regulatory compliance across the mineral trading sector.

The RMB emphasized that this necessary measure will not affect the renewals and amendments of existing licenses, ensuring continuity for current license holders.

Mining is among key sectors contributing to Rwanda’s economy.

IGIHE

The men, identified as Edris Aali, Azad Shojaei, and Rasoul Ahmad-Rasoul, were hanged in a prison in the northwestern city of Urmia after being convicted of cooperating with Israel and importing equipment used in the assassination of Iranian figures, the report said.

Their executions followed full judicial proceedings and were upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, it added.

Iran has executed several men on charges of spying for Mossad in recent months.

Iran on Wednesday executed three men convicted of cooperating with and spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported.

Xinhua

In a statement on Wednesday, the regional lender said the funds will be sourced from the Bank Group’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund.

The 5.5 km aerial transit system, valued at $100 million, aims to be Sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car network, promising to ease traffic, cut emissions, and connect communities to vital services.

More to follow…

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Pretoria High Court intervened following an urgent application by the Zambian government, which opposed the family’s decision to bury the late president abroad without state involvement.

The court said the burial would not proceed, citing an 'agreement between the parties,' and scheduled a special hearing on the matter for August 4 2025.

This means Lungu’s remains will not be laid to rest until at least that date.

Lungu died on 5 June 2025 in Pretoria at the age of 68, where he had been undergoing specialised treatment for an undisclosed illness. A former leader of the Patriotic Front, he served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema by a wide margin.

The dispute over his final resting place is the latest chapter in a long-running feud between Lungu and President Hichilema—one that appears to have outlived the former leader.

While Lungu’s family insists he wished to exclude his successor from his funeral, the government maintains that, as a former head of state, he belongs to the nation and should be accorded a state funeral in Zambia.

Initially, both sides agreed on a state funeral. However, the deal collapsed over disagreements on the logistics and symbolism of the ceremony, leading the family to plan a private burial in South Africa instead. This move prompted the government to seek legal redress in South Africa to reclaim control over the burial process.

In its filing, the Zambian government argued that private wishes should not override national interest, citing the precedent set with Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, whose family also objected to a state burial in 2021, but was overruled.

Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha has until July 4 to submit an amended motion supporting Lungu’s repatriation. The former president’s family has until July 11 to respond with their opposing papers. The Pretoria High Court will then hear the case in August and decide who has the final say over the burial and who will bear the costs of the legal proceedings.

Lungu died on 5 June 2025 in Pretoria at the age of 68, where he had been undergoing specialised treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Local officials reported that the confrontation happened shortly after the soldiers had received their paychecks. According to Fiston Misona Tabashile, president of the civil society in Walikale, tensions escalated into violence during an argument among the soldiers stationed in the area.

The region’s army spokesperson Major Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed the casualties and said that the eight wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.

'The perpetrators have been apprehended and are in custody,' said Mavudisa, urging the local population to continue their daily activities without fear.

Jean Kokwe, a local miner, noted that initial confusion led many residents to suspect armed groups were involved, but eyewitness accounts later clarified that the incident involved members of the Congolese military.

Mungazi is situated near the frontlines of ongoing military operations in eastern Congo, a region marked by complex security challenges and the presence of numerous armed groups competing for control.

The Congolese soldier is said to have opened fire on his fellow troops, killing three and injuring eight others after a brawl.

IGIHE

This position was conveyed by Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, during a phone conversation with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, on June 24, 2025 as indicated in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Al Udeid Air Base, situated in the desert southwest of Doha, is the most recent American military installation established in the Middle East.

Since its creation in 1996, it has functioned as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing U.S. military activities across a vast area that spans from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east.

Rwanda and Qatar have a strong partnership across various sectors, including investment, tourism, and transportation.

This relationship underscores Rwanda’s commitment to promoting a diplomacy rooted in mutual respect, peace, and development.

Meanwhile, Iran launched attacks on United States military bases in Qatar and Iraq following strikes against it on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense released a statement saying the country’s air defense systems intercepted missiles launched by Iran toward the Al-Udeid base, with no casualties reported.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed solidarity during a phone conversation with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, on June 24, 2025

IGIHE

From July 3 to 6, 2025, the renowned Ghanaian entertainment brand will host Culture Beach Jam, a four-day island takeover at Kwenda Rocks Beach Hotel in Zanzibar, promising music, culture, and unforgettable vibes.

Afrofuture, the official entertainment partner of the BAL, has been instrumental in infusing African energy into every city the league touched this season. Rwandans got their taste on May 24, when Afrofuture turned up the heat at Kozo in Kigali with a performance by LIY&A and a crowd still buzzing from the BAL semi-finals.

Now, the vibe shifts from courtside to coastline. According to the organisers, Culture Beach Jam is set to be a melting pot of live music, beach games, soulful nights, and boat parties, all taking place on one of East Africa’s most iconic islands.

The Culture Beach Jam experience kicks off on Thursday, July 3, with a laid-back welcome party designed to ease guests into the island vibe.

The energy picks up on Friday, July 4, with the main event dubbed Culture Beach Jam Day One featuring electrifying live performances from Nigerian Afro-fusion star BNXN, South African amapiano sensation Musa Keys, and Tanzania’s own Jaivah, setting the perfect tone for a night of cross-continental rhythms.

On Saturday, July 5, the day brings a sporty twist with the 7even Beach Football Tournament, while the evening winds down with the Strictly Soul Party, offering smooth sounds under the stars.

Finally, on Sunday, July 6, the celebration wraps up in true island style with curated, all-day boat parties, providing a scenic and soulful end to the four-day cultural escape.

For those looking to make the most of it, Afrofuture offers both VIP and General Access packages, with accommodation included. Single and double occupancy options are available, making it perfect for solo adventurers or group getaways.

Rwandans and other regional fans looking for the ultimate summer getaway can book now via www.culturebeachjam.com.

Wycliffe Nyamasege