Category: Uncategorized

In a statement issued Tuesday, Youssouf said the appointment “will contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to restore constitutional order and democratic governance in Sudan.”

The move follows a constitutional decree issued Monday by Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, officially naming Idris to the post.

Reiterating the AU’s readiness to support Sudan’s political transition, Youssouf called on all Sudanese stakeholders to redouble their efforts toward a peaceful, civilian-led, and inclusive process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organization also underscored the AU’s “firm commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Sudan and to the pursuit of a durable political solution that secures peace, development, and democratic governance for all Sudanese.”

Idris’s appointment comes nearly three weeks after al-Burhan named Dafallah al-Haj Ali as acting prime minister and cabinet affairs minister. The position has been vacant since civilian leader Abdalla Hamdok resigned in January 2022 following a military coup led by Al-Burhan in October 2021.

Idris, a legal expert, previously served as director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization and secretary-general of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Tuesday welcomed the appointment of Kamil Idris as Sudan’s new prime minister, describing it as a step toward inclusive governance in the conflict-ridden country.

Xinhua

Held under the theme “Taking Ownership: Rethinking Sustainable Financing for Africa’s Food Systems,” the Financing Agri-food Systems Sustainably Summit 2025 brought together policymakers and sector stakeholders to explore financing solutions for transforming food systems across the continent.

At the three-day forum, delegates said that although agriculture employs over 60 percent of the continent’s population, it continues to receive disproportionately low investment.

Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said the sector receives just three percent of the national budget despite contributing 22.5 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.

“By raising the budgetary allocation to 10 percent, we shall not only be adequately investing in the sector, but also meeting the requirements of the 2014 Malabo Declaration on the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration of January 2025,” Kagwe said.

Such a move could increase productivity by 45 percent, eliminate post-harvest losses, and triple intra-African agri-trade by 2035, Kagwe added.

Veronica Nduva, secretary general of the East African Community, said the region is working to modernize agriculture into climate-resilient, value-driven systems. She stressed the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, research, and inclusive financial access, especially for smallholder farmers.

Moses Vilakati, commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment at the African Union, said via video link that the continent has committed to mobilize 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2035 for food system transformation.

He urged the adoption of innovative financing tools that de-risk agri-investments and empower smallholders, especially women and youth, who form the backbone of food systems.

Xinhua

KIFA’s true significance lies not just in its size but in the rapid, precise, and transparent digital auction system that offers a compelling blueprint for the technological transformation of traditional marketplaces.

In contrast to traditional flower auctions, often characterised by manual bidding, slower transactions, limited access for remote buyers, and a lack of pricing transparency, KIFA’s approach is fast, virtual, and fully synchronised.

Every four seconds, a transaction is completed in a high-tech, 900-seat auction hall. Buyers, whether in the room or hundreds of kilometres away in Beijing or Guangzhou, participate in real time through digital platforms.

Think of it as a stock market for flowers; bidders monitor large screens flashing stem quantities, quality grades, and reserve prices, and then place their bids at lightning speed. The system is designed to be efficient, equitable, and scalable. All flowers go through a standardised grading process before entering the auction, eliminating guesswork and disputes about quality.

This auction model is powered by a robust IT infrastructure that connects growers, traders, and buyers across China and beyond. As a result, flowers sold at KIFA reach over 50 countries, including Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Australia, not just swiftly but also with pricing that reflects transparent supply-and-demand dynamics.

KIFA’s integration of remote access platforms is particularly transformative. Through partnerships with centres like the Beijing Flower Trading Centre, off-site participants bid in real time, expanding the auction’s reach beyond physical boundaries. This has opened up opportunities for small and medium-sized traders across China to compete with large-scale wholesalers on a level playing field.

Moreover, payment is as seamless as bidding. Using the Huashangbao app, traders can finalise transactions instantly, with funds transferred and sales tracked electronically. The auction centre boasts an impressive 94% daily turnover rate, with an average stem price of 2.4 yuan.

In peak periods like the 2024 Spring Festival, KIFA processed 11.6 million stems in a single day, generating 100 million yuan in sales, all tracked and settled digitally.

But what good is a fast auction if the flowers wilt before reaching the buyer? KIFA’s logistics network, enhanced by big data and AI, ensures that doesn’t happen. Companies use predictive analytics to forecast regional demand, automate packaging, and optimise delivery routes. Many deliveries are now completed via air freight and high-speed rail, supported by cold chain technology.

This means roses auctioned in the morning can arrive fresh in cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, or Sydney the next day, still dewy with morning moisture.

The tech transformation doesn’t stop at the auction floor. Many of KIFA’s partner farms employ Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and digital twin systems to monitor soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and fertiliser levels in real time.

Data is uploaded to cloud systems, allowing growers to fine-tune every aspect of cultivation. This ensures consistent flower quality, which feeds directly into the standardised grading at auction, creating a virtuous cycle of precision and profit.

KIFA’s model could well be a glimpse into the future of other agricultural commodity markets, particularly in the Global South. By combining digital platforms, logistics intelligence, and real-time financial tools, it overcomes the classic limitations of traditional markets.

According to KIFA data, over 80% of Yunnan’s flowers pass through the auction centre, and 70% of all fresh-cut flowers in China originate from Dou’nan, making KIFA’s impact national in scope.

With 800 to 1,000 tons of flowers shipped daily and hundreds of thousands of people employed directly and indirectly in the sector, technology is not only modernising trade but also sustaining livelihoods.

Inside Asia’s largest flower auction house, KIFA in Kunming, China, where flowers move as fast as stock trades.

Buyers in Beijing or Guangzhou place real time bids via screens at KIFA. There’s no need to be in the room to win.

At KIFA, a flower is auctioned every four seconds using a digital bidding system.

With 800—1,000 tons of flowers shipped daily, KIFA powers the global flower trade from the ground up.

A 900-seat auction hall, real-time bidding screens, and remote access.

Small traders across China can now compete with wholesalers through remote bidding access.

KIFA exports flowers to over 50 countries, including Japan, Russia, and Australia.

Christian Mugisha

The disruption, confirmed by internet watchdog NetBlocks, began on Tuesday evening and affected all major internet service providers in the country, including Airtel, Vodacom, Liquid Telecom, and Habari Node.

'Live metrics show X has become unreachable on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as a compromised police account posts claims the president has died, angering the country’s leadership,' NetBlocks said in a statement on Mastodon shortly after 9 p.m. EAT.

The clampdown came hours after hackers gained control of the Police Force’s verified X account (@tanpol), which has over 470,000 followers. The hackers used the platform to falsely announce the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and even held a live broadcast.

Authorities have since regained control of the account and launched an investigation.

'This circulating information is entirely false,' said the Police Force in a statement. 'The Police Force does not, and would never, publish such content through its official platforms.'

The Force vowed to identify and prosecute those behind the cyberattack.

'Legal action will be taken against any individual found to be involved in creating, disseminating, or amplifying such misleading content,' the statement warned.

The attack was not isolated to the police account. Other verified Tanzanian X accounts were also hacked, including Airtel Tanzania, football club Simba SC and media personality Odemba.

The YouTube channel of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), was also compromised, with the same false message regarding President Suluhu’s death appearing across these hacked profiles and triggering widespread panic before official clarifications were issued.

The cyberattack follows a tense political climate in Tanzania, with President Suluhu under fire, particularly from Kenyans on X over a recent crackdown on regional activists. The chaos unfolded amid the ongoing trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, which saw several prominent East African figures deported or arrested upon arrival in Dar es Salaam.

Those affected include Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire and a delegation of legal and civil society figures from Kenya.

Former Justice Minister Martha Karua, ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, LSK Council member Gloria Kimani, and activists Lynn Ngugi, Hanifa Adan, and Hussein Khalid were all detained and deported earlier this week, shortly after arriving in Tanzania to attend a court session related to Lissu’s ongoing treason case.

President Suluhu defended the government’s actions during a televised address on Monday, warning against what she described as 'interference' by foreign actors.

'We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,' she said, calling on security agencies to guard against external influence.

The clampdown came hours after hackers gained control of the Police Force’s verified X account (@tanpol), which has over 470,000 followers. The hackers used the platform to falsely announce the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and even held a live broadcast.

The disruption, confirmed by internet watchdog NetBlocks, began on Tuesday evening and affected all major internet service providers in the country, including Airtel, Vodacom, Liquid Telecom, and Habari Node.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

These initiatives, valued at over $193 million, are designed to address climate change, conserve biodiversity, and improve the quality of life for communities most affected by environmental degradation.

Over the years, the country has steadily increased its commitment to the environment, as reflected in the growing budget allocations to the Ministry of Environment.

The ministry’s budget rose from Frw 14.8 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year to Frw 24.3 billion in 2024/2025, with projections reaching Frw 41 billion by 2027/2028.

Likewise, the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) and affiliated institutions are expected to spend over Frw 122.6 billion in the next three years alone.

Among the key projects is the Green Gicumbi Project, which began in 2019 and aims to help communities in the Northern Province adapt to climate change. With completion expected in December 2025, this project will cost more than Frw 46.6 billion.

It has already achieved impressive results, including constructing terraces on 1,450 hectares of land, creating over 38,000 jobs, replanting 7,400 hectares with agroforestry trees, and restoring 1,240 hectares of degraded forests.

In addition, the project reduced over 108,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and distributed over 28,000 improved cookstoves.

Another major initiative is a project focused on communities living near Volcanoes National Park, which seeks to reduce human-wildlife conflict and mitigate flood risks.

With a total budget of more than Frw 89.4 billion, the project is set to run until December 2028.

In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the project was allocated a budget of Frw1,623,007,953.

Over 1.4 million people from more than 223,000 households across districts like Ngororero, Nyabihu, Muhanga, Musanze, and Gakenke are expected to benefit from this project which began in October 2021.

Efforts are also being made to protect biodiversity in the Congo-Nile watershed. A project covering ten districts, including Musanze, Rubavu, and Rusizi, will conserve natural ecosystems in the Albertine Rift region.

This $39 million (over Frw 55.9 billion) initiative to run until December 2029, will restore forests, establish terraces, and deliver clean energy solutions to 8,500 households.

The project was allocated Frw10.7 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Meanwhile, the Green City Kigali Project is set to be one of Rwanda’s most forward-looking urban housing projects.

In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the project was allocated a budget of Frw 7,054,896,647.
Located in Kinyinya, Gasabo District, it will provide affordable, eco-friendly housing for more than 200,000 residents.

The project also includes schools, roads, and essential infrastructure, all designed with sustainability in mind. With a total government contribution of over Frw 40 billion, the project is expected to be completed by December 2029.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Rwanda is also investing in strengthening the capacity of government institutions to address climate-related challenges.

One such project, led by FONERWA and funded by the Adaptation Fund, began in July 2023 and is set to conclude in December 2027.

Valued at over Frw7.2 billion, it aims to equip government bodies with tools and strategies to manage disasters and climate variability.

In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it was allocated a budget of over Frw1.6 billion. Rwanda is also monitoring the environmental impact of methane gas emissions in Lake Kivu through the Lake Kivu Monitoring Project (LKMP).

The project is valued at over Frw 12.7 billion, began in December 2024, and is expected to be completed by June 2026. In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it has been allocated more than Frw 1.2 billion.

Lastly, the country is finalizing the Second Rwanda Urban Development Project, aimed at promoting modern, sustainable urban living across multiple districts.

Valued at over Frw 23.9 billion, the project is scheduled for completion by December 2025. For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it has been allocated Frw 13.6 billion.

Altogether, these projects reflect Rwanda’s strong commitment to building a climate-resilient future—one that balances development with environmental protection while improving the lives of its citizens.

Efforts are also being made to protect biodiversity in the Congo-Nile watershed.

The project focused on communities living near Volcanoes National Park, seeks to reduce human-wildlife conflict and mitigate flood risks.

The Green Gicumbi Project, which began in 2019 and aims to help communities in the Northern Province adapt to climate change.

The Green City Kigali Project is set to be one of Rwanda’s most forward-looking urban housing projects.

IGIHE

China will further enhance the convenience of inbound tourism in terms of visas, payments, transportation and accommodation, Shi Zeyi, an official at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

It will also focus on “precise demand orientation, diversified business formats, and international-standard services” to improve inbound tourism services, Shi added. For example, China will introduce new products and business models to cater to the diverse needs of travelers from different countries, Shi said.

It will also encourage inbound consumption by increasing the number of duty-free shops and expanding the range of goods eligible for “instant tax refunds,” which allows foreign visitors to instantly claim value-added tax rebates at tax-free stores across the country, Shi added.

The country will continue to improve its institutional mechanisms for high-standard opening-up, ensuring greater openness, more robust open development and security to facilitate personnel exchanges and cultural interactions, said Liu Jia, an official from the National Immigration Administration.

Xinhua

Speaking on the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration, highlighted that the updated visa-free policies have waived procedures and reduced time and financial burdens for foreign travelers, making it easier to visit China.

China has introduced a slew of policies to facilitate inbound travel since 2023. Major steps taken included expanding mutual visa exemptions and unilateral visa-free access, and extending visa-free entry stay for international visitors.

As of now, China has established comprehensive mutual visa exemptions with 29 countries, implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies for 54 countries including Britain, the United States and Canada.

Tax refund schemes for international travelers have been optimized as well. While allowing foreign shoppers to instantly claim tax rebates at tax-free stores, China has also lowered the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raised the cash refund ceiling and widened the range of products available.

Speaking on the roundtable, Shi Zeyi, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said that with continuous improvements in visa, payment and tax policies, “China Travel” has demonstrated robust recovery momentum and broad growth prospects.

Last year, China recorded 132 million inbound trips, with total tourism spending reaching 94.2 billion U.S. dollars, recovering to 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent of 2019 levels, respectively, according to Shi.

Liu noted that the influx of foreign visitors has spurred consumption across sectors such as hospitality, retail and cultural services, contributing to the growth of the service trade and attracting foreign investment.

These updated policies are evidence of China’s commitment to opening up, Liu said, adding that they could help foster deeper cultural understanding between China and the international community, breaking stereotypes held by some countries.

“First-hand experience can help dispel misunderstandings and biases, enabling the world to see, feel and recognize an open, inclusive, prosperous, stable and safe China,” Liu said.

Xinhua

About 132 million inbound tourists visited China in 2024, with total spending reaching 94.2 billion U.S. dollars, recovering to 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent of the 2019 levels, respectively, Shi Zeyi, an official in charge of international exchanges and cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said during a recent episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 35.02 million inbound tourist visits, a 19.6 percent increase compared to the same period of last year, Shi added.

Officials and industry insiders at the roundtable also highlighted the marked increase in inbound travel spending. Mobile payment giant Alipay reported a 180 percent surge in inbound tourist spending between May 1 and 3 this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

The surge has been fueled in large by China’s expanded visa-exemption program and a slew of measures aimed at making travel more convenient, including enhanced transportation access, simplified payment systems, and instant tax refunds for departing visitors, according to Shi.

China now grants unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. About 380,000 foreigners entered China under these arrangements during the May Day holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent.

As more foreign travelers visit China and have positive experiences, the potential of the country’s inbound consumption market will continue to grow, said Liu Jia, an official from the National Immigration Administration.

Each year, the Great Wall of China attracts millions of visitors from across the globe. Originating in the 7th century B.C., the Great Wall was primarily a defense mechanism against invasions. Over centuries, it was expanded and fortified by various dynasties, making it one of the most extensive construction projects ever undertaken. Photo by Théophile Niyitegeka

Xinhua

The delegation, led by Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, met with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza on Monday. The group expressed interest in the pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, real estate, and agriculture sectors.

The delegation also met separately with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr Yvan Butera, in a discussion focused on investment opportunities in Rwanda’s pharmaceutical production, local manufacturing, and regional health security.

Also in attendance were Waseem Hamad, CEO of Philex Pharmaceuticals, and Lee Farrelly, General Manager of Manal Food Factory.

AQI was established in 2002 and operates across a wide range of industries, including construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and medical services. The company is known for providing strategic and operational solutions across its portfolio, and has a growing interest in expanding into new markets.

The visit by AQI and its partners marks a continued strengthening of economic ties between Rwanda and Qatar, with both governments actively facilitating cross-border investments to drive innovation, create jobs, and boost sustainable development.

The visit also reflects Rwanda’s growing appeal to international investors, driven by its strong global rankings in business climate.

According to the World Bank’s 2024 Business Ready (B-READY) report, Rwanda is among the top-performing countries in terms of ease of doing business.

The country ranked 3rd globally for Operational Efficiency, scoring 81.31%, and 8th in Public Services with a score of 67.37%. It also placed 17th worldwide in Regulatory Framework, earning a score of 70.35%.

A high-level delegation from Qatari conglomerate Abela Qatar International (AQI) is exploring investment opportunities in Rwanda, amid growing interest from multinationals in the country’s expanding market.

The delegation, led by Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, met with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza on Monday.

Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, during the meeting with RDB Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza on Monday, May 19, 2025.

RDB Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza during the meeting with Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, on Monday, May 19, 2025.

The delegation also met separately with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr Yvan Butera.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The deal, announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, will see Paradigm Tower Ventures acquire 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited, which operates approximately 1,465 tower sites across the country.

The transaction remains subject to government and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

The transaction reflects an enterprise value of $274.5 million, representing a multiple of 8.3 times IHS Rwanda’s adjusted EBITDA after leases. The valuation is considered a significant premium compared to the broader IHS Towers group’s current market multiple.

'The agreement to sell our Rwanda operations to Paradigm Tower Ventures was carefully
considered as part of our strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value creation options and highlights the value of our Rwanda operations within our wider portfolio,” said IHS Towers Chairman and CEO Sam Darwish.

In a statement reflecting on the company’s successful journey in Rwanda, the IHS boss expressed appreciation for the partnerships and conducive environment that have supported the firm’s growth over the years.

“We have enjoyed more than 10 years of commercial success in Rwanda. We are deeply appreciative to our colleagues and customers, in addition to the Government of Rwanda for its exemplary and investor-supportive framework, who have all helped make IHS Rwanda the success it is today,” he added.

Paradigm Tower Ventures, which is making its first investment under a new platform dedicated to wireless infrastructure growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, hailed Rwanda as a promising market.

'Rwanda represents an exciting market with high demand for shared wireless infrastructure,' said Stephen Harris, Co-founder of Paradigm Tower Ventures.

“The Paradigm team is very much looking forward to building a strong customer-focused business providing high-quality and secure infrastructure to mobile network operators.'

Founded in 2019 by seasoned industry executives Stephen Harris, Hal Hess, and Steven Marshall, Paradigm Infrastructure has been involved in various tower acquisitions and operations across Africa.

IHS Towers, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, operates more than 39,000 towers across eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia.

The deal, announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, will see Paradigm Tower Ventures acquire 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited, which operates approximately 1,465 tower sites across the country.

Wycliffe Nyamasege