The eight companies are Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, iSpace US, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX and Voyager Technologies.
NASA made the announcement at the MAX POWER aerospace expo and air show at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Under the new Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2 (CLPS 2) framework, the companies will provide lunar delivery services, including managing, building, and operating landers that transport NASA science, technology, and infrastructure payloads to the Moon.
NASA also announced that it is moving forward with the development of a nuclear-powered Moon rover named Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration.
The six-wheeled rover will land at the Moon's South Pole to study the surface and subsurface, assess resource potential, and provide data to support future landing-site selection, infrastructure development and exploration activities.
The nuclear-powered rover will be able to operate during long lunar nights and in permanently shadowed regions believed to harbor ice, a capability considered crucial for a sustained human presence on the Moon, NASA said.
To extend infrastructure capabilities on the lunar surface, NASA said it plans to purchase commercial components for a Mini-Communications and Solar Tower, including solar arrays, batteries, and wireless power-transfer hardware.
NASA announced Saturday a series of initiatives to advance its Moon Base exploration, science and infrastructure capabilities, including the selection of eight companies for future lunar delivery missions.
During his visit, Chevalier toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where he paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He also toured the memorial's exhibition areas, where he was briefed on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda's journey towards rebuilding, unity and reconciliation.
Chevalier later visited Amahoro Stadium, where he met representatives of the Ministry of Sports and 25 young footballers aged between 13 and 17.
Born on November 6, 2001, in Calais, France, the 25-year-old goalkeeper came through Lille's youth academy before joining Valenciennes on loan for the 2021/22 season.
He returned to Lille in 2022 and established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. His performances earned him the award for best goalkeeper in France's Ligue 1 for the 2024/25 season.
In 2025, Chevalier joined Paris Saint-Germain from Lille, signing a contract that runs until 2030.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club goalkeeper Luca Chevalier arrived in Kigali this Sunday for a three-day visit to Rwanda. Chevalier toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where he paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Katz made the remarks at a memorial ceremony, adding that Israel 'cannot accept these threats' and would act as necessary.
Israel is 'more determined than ever' to 'preempt threats and pursue a proactive and offensive policy against its enemies,' he said.
Katz also vowed that Israeli troops would not withdraw from areas they occupy in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, warning that Hezbollah would face severe strikes if it joined Iran in an attack on Israel.
He urged Israelis to unite 'ahead of the major tasks that still lie before us' when national security is at stake.
His remarks came as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot seeks to form a government following an election that deprived Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc of its parliamentary majority.
Katz offered no evidence to support his claim on Iran. On October 27, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said the UN nuclear watchdog had detected no Iranian efforts to repair or rebuild nuclear facilities damaged in the United States and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026, though inspectors' limited access has prevented full verification of Iran's nuclear activities.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that Israel's mission against Iran is 'not yet complete,' reiterating allegations that Tehran is seeking to revive efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, which Iran has denied repeatedly.
Happy Herman Niyorurema, a student of economics and finance at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Texas, is the founder of Bakame AI, a start-up developing voice-based AI solutions for education and other services in markets where internet access and digital devices remain costly or limited.
The average internet penetration rate across Africa is approximately 36% to 38%, remaining below the global average of roughly 74%. Rwanda's rate stands at about 38%, according to reports by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Bakame AI allows learners to call a designated number and practise English, mathematics, chemistry and other subjects through conversations with an AI tutor.
Unlike many AI services that require users to download applications or connect to the internet, Bakame operates through telecommunications infrastructure, routing calls to the company's servers, where its AI system processes and responds to users.
The Dallas-based start-up describes its ambition as developing offline, agentic AI solutions for 2.9 billion people in the Global South, starting with Rwanda.
Happy Herman Niyorurema, founder of Bakame AI, a start-up developing voice-based AI solutions for education.
From a computer at 18 to building AI
Herman's journey into artificial intelligence began without a background in computer science.
Growing up in a low-income household in Rwanda, he did not have access to a computer until he was 18, when his uncle gave him one during the Covid-19 pandemic.
'I didn't have access to a computer until I was 18,' he recalled during an exclusive video interview with IGIHE.
He began teaching himself basic programming languages, including Python, HTML and CSS. Despite his growing interest in technology, he chose to study economics and finance at university rather than computer science.
The idea for Bakame took shape when he started exploring how to make AI accessible to people who could not afford the devices and internet connections required by many existing platforms.
When he approached a consulting firm to develop the product, he was quoted $100,000 (about 150 million Rwandan francs).
'I didn't have that money,' he said.
Instead, he paid for a one-hour consultation to establish whether the idea was technically possible. He was advised to learn more about telephone infrastructure, a process that took him about a year before he began building the product.
'That's how an economics and finance student found himself building things that should have been built by computer scientists,' he said, describing his journey into becoming a self-taught AI engineer.
Happy Herman Niyorurema, founder of Bakame AI, has received several recognitions for the innovation.
Turning phone calls into AI access
Herman says his research pointed to two related challenges: the digital divide and the growing gap in access to artificial intelligence.
He became particularly interested in the potential impact on education, where access to AI-powered learning tools could give students in Rwanda, for example, additional support in English and other subjects.
Rwanda pivoted to English as the main language of instruction in 2008, replacing French. However, the adoption has remained gradual, with many students and teachers still facing challenges in achieving strong English proficiency.
His solution was to build a platform that works through telephone networks rather than relying on internet connectivity.
'We don't really need internet to use Airtel or MTN,' he explained. 'We just need a phone, and we need access to basically their communication systems.'
Bakame currently operates offline through voice calls, according to Herman. When a user calls the number assigned to the platform, the call travels through the telecommunications operator's network before being routed to Bakame's servers, where the AI system generates a response.
This allows users to access the service without using mobile internet data. Herman says calls are currently toll-free.
An AI tutor that encourages critical thinking
Education is Bakame's initial focus. A student can select a lesson and engage in a conversation with the AI tutor, which asks questions to encourage learners to explain their reasoning and defend their views rather than simply receive answers.
Herman describes the approach as Socratic, using questions and dialogue to help students examine ideas and reach their own critical conclusions.
For example, after reading a passage on resilience or economic development, a learner may be asked whether they agree with the author's argument and to explain why.
The platform supports English, French and Kinyarwanda. Herman says it has been trained using more than 2,000 calls in Kinyarwanda.
For Rwandan learners, conversations begin in English, but the system can switch to Kinyarwanda when a student struggles with a word or concept before returning to English once the learner understands.
'That's something that reflects the human psychology, how we process things, how we learn,' he explained.
The company is exploring a similar model for Senegal, where learners could interact in French, with the system providing support.
In February 2026, Bakame AI won first place in the Global Best M-Gov Award (Gold) in Dubai, an award sponsored by the UAE government.
Early results and expansion plans
Bakame has already been tested in an education setting in Rwanda.
Herman says the company worked with Isomo Academy during a five-week pilot involving about 81 students. The version used in the pilot was accessed through computers because the students already had the devices, rather than through telephone calls.
According to Herman, the pilot recorded an improvement of more than 70% in English proficiency, based on specific acoustic measures and sentiment analysis.
The start-up is working with Isomo Academy and TCU, which has supported its research efforts. Herman said it is also in discussions with the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Rwanda) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, which has expressed its commitment to supporting the initiative in various ways.
He noted that Rwanda has an ambitious plan to develop 50 AI tools for use across different sectors of the economy by 2029, with education among the priority areas.
'Rwanda wants to build 50 AI tools that will be used in the economy. Most of the tools outlined in the policy are intended for education and could help improve learning,' he said, adding that Bakame could be among them.
Bakame has two engineers in Rwanda and three team members in the United States.
The company has attracted financial support through university programmes and international recognition. It received seed funding through Texas Christian University's (TCU) CREATE Accelerator programme and went on to win the Global Best M-Gov Award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026. TCU also reports that the venture has secured additional early-stage capital and pre-deployment government grants.
The funding has helped Bakame AI access computing resources and continue developing the platform.
Beyond Rwanda, the start-up is exploring deployment in Senegal, with a longer-term ambition to serve markets across the Global South. Herman also sees potential applications in agriculture and healthcare, although these remain areas for future development.
He believes Rwanda's growing focus on artificial intelligence creates opportunities for locally developed solutions.
'Intelligence is not intelligence when it's not accessible,' he said, arguing that AI must reach people who cannot use conventional digital platforms.
For young Rwandans interested in building technology businesses, Herman's advice is to start with the resources available rather than wait for perfect conditions or substantial funding.
'Build, pilot and present,' he said. 'You don't have to wait until you have a million dollars to start something.'
His ambition is to build a technology that can serve people across the Global South while becoming an innovation exported from Rwanda.
Watch the video below to learn more about Bakame AI and the mission driving its founder, Happy Herman Niyorurema.
That journey gave Saturday's opening of the seventh World Media Summit particular significance. On November 7, 2026, Xinhua News Agency marked its 95th anniversary as nearly 500 representatives from almost 330 organisations across 112 countries and regions gathered at the Great Hall of the People.
Jointly organised by Xinhua and the Beijing Municipal Government, the summit demonstrated China's capacity to bring diverse media institutions together around a shared challenge: ensuring that artificial intelligence strengthens journalism and that its benefits reach newsrooms around the world.
This year's summit is the largest to date in terms of participating countries, organisations and the seniority of delegates. Established in 2009, the gathering has become an important platform for international cooperation, particularly for media organisations from the Global South seeking stronger representation and greater access to technological opportunities.
This year's summit is the largest to date in terms of participating countries, organisations and the seniority of delegates.
The five-day programme, running from November 5 to 9, began translating those ambitions into tangible experiences ahead of Saturday's opening ceremony. On Thursday, Xinhua and robotics company UBTECH unveiled Xinyu and Xinyan, two humanoid news presenters. A reception on Friday brought delegation leaders together ahead of the formal opening.
Beyond the conference rooms, visits to Beijing's historic cultural sites and innovation centres connected the discussions to China's own experience, giving delegates a firsthand look at how cultural preservation and technological ambition can advance together.
Under the theme 'Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action', Saturday's proceedings produced concrete commitments. Xinhua launched the Global Media Initiative for the Joint Development of AI Application Standards, with 22 initial participants, including Bernama, TASS and South Africa's Independent Media.
The participants plan to spend approximately two years developing standards to safeguard news authenticity, data security and professional ethics. Xinhua's think tank also released its 'AI Plus Media: Global Development Report 2026', while the Beijing Consensus committed delegates to promoting inclusive and responsible AI and strengthening international cooperation.
For African newsrooms, these discussions carry immediate relevance. Artificial intelligence can expand reporting capacity and support multilingual publishing, but the cost of adopting the technology remains a barrier. Bernama Chairman Wong Chun Wai highlighted the potential for international cooperation to make AI more affordable.
Practical partnerships reinforced that message. On November 5, Xinhua signed cooperation agreements with the news agencies of Gabon and Lesotho, covering information and personnel exchanges. The agreements provide concrete avenues for strengthening professional ties and supporting newsroom modernisation.
The summit also brought together Xinhua and executives from the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and CNN to discuss technological change and media credibility, highlighting the value of international dialogue.
From a farmhouse transmitter to a forum connecting continents, Xinhua's 95th anniversary captured an extraordinary transformation.
Beijing's contribution was to give that history a forward-looking purpose: helping more countries participate in shaping journalism's next chapter.
Jointly organised by Xinhua and the Beijing Municipal Government, the summit brought global media together to discuss AI's role in journalism.Established in 2009, the summit provides a platform for international media cooperation, with a focus on amplifying Global South voices and expanding access to technology.The discussions explored technological change, media credibility and the importance of international cooperation.The summit was held under the theme 'Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action'.This year's summit has drawn the highest number of participating countries and organisations, as well as the most senior delegation of any edition.Nearly 500 representatives from almost 330 organisations across 112 countries and regions participated in the summit at the Great Hall of the People.Kenyan content creator Crazy Kenna, among the summit participants, films the proceedings.Experts highlighted the potential for international cooperation to make AI more affordable.
Held on November 7, the forum was hosted by the People's Government of Zhejiang Province under the theme 'Economic and Trade Prosperity, Cultural Mutual Learning, Win-Win Partnership, and People-to-People Bonds'.
This year's forum focused on economic and trade cooperation as its main thrust, highlighting the principle of letting the market play the leading role and enabling major platforms to support and deliver big cooperation initiatives.
For the first time, the main venue was set in Yiwu, showcasing open platforms such as the Yiwu International Trade Market, the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Centre, and the Chinagoods digital platform, as well as institutional innovations including market procurement trade, cross-border e-commerce, and overseas warehouse development.
Strengthening investment cooperation is an important pathway for China and Africa to deepen industrial and supply chain integration, jointly tackle challenges, and achieve common development.
During the forum, 49 China-Africa cooperation projects were signed, including the Kinshasa Yiwu Market project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the 105MW photovoltaic project in Tati, Botswana, the China-Africa Cross-border Logistics Supply Chain Ecosystem Co-building project, and African mineral import projects, with a total value of 40.96 billion yuan. The projects cover trade, overseas investment, engineering contracting, and foreign cooperation, among other areas.
Side events supporting economic and trade cooperation were equally rich. A series of economic and trade exchange activities held concurrently further promoted industrial and supply chain coordination, supported Africa's green development and the global expansion of Zhejiang's competitive industries, and helped achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
These included the China-Africa Industrial Cooperation and Sustainable Development Exchange Conference, the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation Exchange Conference, Forum on China-Africa Industrial Cooperation and Cross-border E-commerce Development and the Second National China-Africa Trade Index Seminar, and the 2026 China-Africa Trade Commodity Exhibition.
The forum released a number of cooperation outcomes. Two important outcomes under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation were unveiled: the China-Africa Trade Digitalization Trust Verification Platform, released by China Article Numbering Center Co., Ltd., and the 2026 Corporate Social Responsibility Report of Chinese Business in Africa, released by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters and the China Alliance for Social Responsibility of Chinese Enterprises in Africa.
In terms of economic and trade cooperation, Yiwu released World's Yiwu: Bridging China and Africa Through Trade — A New China-Africa Trade & Economic Cooperation Model, showcasing Yiwu's new mechanisms and pathways for business cooperation with the African market.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee released the Zero-Tariff Trade with Africa Compliance Guide, helping to enhance the quality and efficiency of practical China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
The 15th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum was held concurrently. Founded in 2011 and later incorporated into the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the forum has held 14 sessions in China and Africa, producing a series of think tank outcomes with international influence.
Among them, four outcomes, including the 'China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus' jointly released by the forum and scholars from more than 50 African countries, were written into the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027).
This year's 15th meeting, themed 'Openness, Cooperation, Mutual Learning and Shared Development: China and Africa Joining Hands to Advance Modernization', featured four sub-topics, including 'Advance the Comprehensive Zero-tariff Arrangement and Establish a New Framework for China Africa Cooperation on Industrial and Supply Chains'.
It released outcomes including the 'Think Tank Action Declaration on Advancing Modernization in the Global South Through China-Africa Cooperation' and the 'China-Africa Consensus on Mutual Learning Between Civilizations'. African think tanks from South Africa, Gabon, and other countries signed cooperation agreements with the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University.
As one of the important side events under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation has seen its profile steadily rise and its influence continue to expand, becoming an important platform for Zhejiang to serve the country's overall diplomacy and support the modernization of the Global South.
Since 2024, the forum has facilitated the signing of more than 100 cooperation projects with Africa, with a total value exceeding 120 billion yuan, injecting new momentum into China-Africa cooperation as it moves toward higher quality, deeper levels, and broader areas.
This year's forum focused on economic and trade cooperation as its main thrust, highlighting the principle of letting the market play the leading role and enabling major platforms to support and deliver big cooperation initiatives.
The hotel, which is expected to feature a 1,000-seat conference hall, four restaurants and a rooftop offering views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains, is being developed on a 3,000-square-metre site.
Construction is currently 70% complete. Bizimungu told IGIHE that he intends to have the facility meet four-star hotel standards and create between 300 and 400 jobs. 'We want it to be a four-star hotel,' he said.
He explained that the total investment could exceed Rwf10 billion slightly or fall below that figure, depending on the requirements for completing the project.
Although construction has progressed considerably, the completion timeline will depend on the delivery of interior design and furnishing requirements, including reception area fittings, tiles and other materials.
Bizimungu said that once the necessary specifications and sources of materials have been provided, the remaining work could take between one year and 18 months.
He added that discussions are also underway with four potential investors interested in managing the hotel. Their proposals could lead to some changes in the building to accommodate their operational requirements.
'We are in discussions with four potential investors to manage it. Some have made proposals regarding the building, meaning certain aspects could change,' he said.
Conference facilities, restaurants and leisure activities
Among the hotel's planned facilities is a conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, with seating arranged in a theatre-style layout.
Bizimungu said they had held discussions with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on developing conference facilities in different districts to enable them to host meetings and gatherings, including international conferences.
Although Rubavu attracts visitors seeking relaxation and leisure, he said the hotel would also target the conference tourism market.
The facility will have four restaurants, several outdoor seating areas where guests can enjoy the sunshine and music, a parking area, a nightclub and a swimming pool. A rooftop lounge will offer visitors panoramic views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains.
Bizimungu said the hotel's design and services were informed by Rubavu's tourism appeal, noting that many visitors travel to the district to relax, visit the hot springs or continue their journeys to Volcanoes National Park.
Inspired by demand for leisure facilities
Bizimungu said the idea of developing the hotel came from the tourism potential he sees in Rubavu, particularly its ability to accommodate people looking for places to unwind after long periods of work.
'The idea came from recognising Gisenyi's potential to accommodate people who spend the entire year working without taking a break and then come to Lake Kivu to relax,' he said.
He noted that he also wanted to contribute to making better use of the district's tourism opportunities, including recreational activities on the lake.
'If we have the capacity, we will acquire equipment for water sports on Lake Kivu as our contribution to Rwandans. We also want to make the most of the opportunities available to us in Rubavu,' he said.
The hot springs were also among the attractions that influenced his decision to invest in Rubavu, as they have the potential to draw both local and international visitors.
Bizimungu said he also intends to ensure that guests staying at the hotel receive information about places of historical and tourist interest in the district, including Mount Nengo, which is associated with the First World War.
He said the hotel's role would extend beyond accommodation by helping visitors discover what Rubavu has to offer, whether they are interested in relaxation, recreation or local history.
Construction of the hotel began in 2018, with the first phase initially expected to be completed in 2022. However, the project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bizimungu served as President of Rwanda from July 1994 until 2000, when he resigned. After his release from prison in 2007, he largely withdrew from active politics and focused on his private activities.
The hotel is being built on a 3,000-square-metre site overlooking Lake Kivu.Bizimungu expects the hotel to create between 300 and 400 jobs once it becomes operational.The facility will include a conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, arranged in a theatre-style layout.The hotel, estimated to cost nearly Rwf10 billion, is currently 70% complete.Former President of Rwanda Pasteur Bizimungu is developing a four-star hotel along the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District.
Police officers from the Fire and Rescue Brigade are currently undergoing training on how to operate the drones, which are expected to strengthen the country's capacity to respond to fire outbreaks.
The development was announced on November 6, 2026, during a media briefing organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure following inspections to assess compliance with fire safety regulations in various buildings.
The inspection team visited Inkundamahoro Market in Nyabugogo, a building in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District, that recently caught fire while being used for furniture manufacturing, as well as a building housing a car dealership.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, said the 1,300 fires recorded over the past five years had caused significant losses to residents and the country's economy.
He explained that the growing use of energy sources, particularly gas and electricity, could increase the risk of fires if the equipment involved is not handled properly.
'In some buildings, people use gas and electrical appliances for cooking, sometimes operating them side by side when they should be kept separate. This can increase the risk of fire outbreaks,' he said.
Col. Bizimungu also pointed out that some buildings store highly flammable materials together, contrary to safety regulations.
'We found places where metal equipment was stored together with wooden materials, paint containers, petrol, alcohol and other substances. If a fire breaks out in such circumstances, putting it out would be difficult,' he said.
He expressed concern that some of these materials were stored close to areas where people work or sleep, putting lives at risk in the event of a fire.
Some buildings lack adequate emergency exits
The inspections also revealed that some buildings do not have sufficient emergency exits to allow occupants to evacuate safely during fires, while others lack equipment needed to support firefighting operations.
At Inkundamahoro Market, for instance, some water supply systems designed for firefighting, as well as certain fire-extinguishing equipment, were found to be non-functional.
Col. Bizimungu stressed that buildings must have adequate emergency evacuation routes, fire detection systems and alarm equipment to alert occupants in the event of a fire.
He said the Government was continuing to strengthen fire prevention measures through inspections to enforce safety regulations and efforts to improve the capacity of firefighting agencies.
He warned building owners and occupants that failure to comply with fire safety requirements could result in accountability if investigations establish that negligence contributed to a fire outbreak.
The acquisition of firefighting drones is among the new measures being pursued by the Government to strengthen emergency response capabilities and limit the damage caused by fires to people's property and livelihoods.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, said that 1,300 fire incidents had been recorded across the country over the past five years. The recently fire-damaged furniture workshop has been urged to relocate to an industrial park.
He made the remarks on November 5, 2026, in London, during an evening reception bringing together the Rwandan delegation and tourism partners, held following the conclusion of the World Travel Market (WTM) 2026.
Speaking on behalf of Rwanda's High Commissioner to the UK, Johnston Busingye, Mugabutsinze said the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships established during three days of meetings and discussions among tourism industry professionals.
To illustrate his message, he cited a Rwandan proverb: 'Akanyoni katagurutse ntikamenya iyo bweze', which translates as: 'A bird that does not travel does not know where the harvest is plentiful.'
He explained that the proverb highlights how stepping beyond familiar surroundings opens doors to new opportunities, broadens perspectives and encourages people to discover new possibilities. These values, he noted, are closely linked to tourism, which is built around travel, discovery and curiosity.
Addressing members of the Rwandan delegation, he expressed hope that they would return home with new business contacts and opportunities for further collaboration. He also encouraged international partners to take the next step by visiting Rwanda and experiencing its attractions firsthand.
'Our delegation came here to tell you about Rwanda. We warmly invite you to visit our country and discover it for yourselves,' he said.
He further highlighted Rwanda's hospitality as a reflection of the friendship and warmth extended to visitors, noting that although the reception was held in London, it also offered an opportunity to share a taste of that welcoming culture.
Reflecting on the past 30 years, Mugabutsinze spoke about the significant transformation Rwanda has undergone, attributing it to long-term vision, national unity and a commitment to sustainable development.
He noted that, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has prioritised peace, resilience, forward-looking development and international engagement.
This vision, he explained, is also reflected in the country's approach to tourism development, which contributes to economic transformation, community development and stronger international cooperation.
The diplomat also commended the role of tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and other industry professionals in connecting Rwanda with visitors from across the world.
'Through your experience, the advice you provide and the relationships you build with travellers, you help introduce Rwanda to new audiences and inspire them to discover our country,' he said.
He concluded by emphasising that the purpose of the reception went beyond showcasing Rwanda's tourism attractions. It was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange knowledge and explore new business partnerships that would benefit all parties.
The gathering brought together participants from various sectors.The Second Counsellor at the High Commission of Rwanda in the United Kingdom, Issa Mugabutsinze said the country has stepped up efforts to develop its tourism sector. Tourism professionals were invited to visit Rwanda and experience its diverse tourist attractions.
'If both are successful, it will mark the first time that all parts of an orbital rocket return to Earth intact,' Musk wrote on X.
'This is the critical breakthrough needed to make life multiplanetary,' he added.
Vice President of Launch at SpaceX Kiko Dontchev said Thursday that the company is targeting Nov. 13 for Starship's 15th flight test.
Starship completed its 14th flight test on Sept. 28, reaching orbit for the first time and deploying 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. The mission was cut short after one of the spacecraft's Raptor engines shut down prematurely during ascent.
The SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy v3 Booster lift off on its 13th test flight from the SpaceX launch complex in Starbase, Texas, U.S., July 24, 2026. REUTERS/Steve Nesius/File Photo
