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According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.

HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

'When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.

Regarding children aged 0 to 14 with HIV, 80% are receiving treatment.

RBC highlights that sex workers and men who have sex with men remain among the most vulnerable groups. The organization is increasing efforts to provide targeted interventions for these populations.

According to Dr. Ikuzo, 35% of sex workers in Rwanda are living with HIV, while 5.8% of MSM are infected. Only 43% of MSM know their HIV status.

'When you compare these figures to the general population, they remain alarmingly high, which is why we prioritize these groups in our prevention efforts,' he said.

On a positive note, 99% of HIV-positive mothers in Rwanda can now give birth without transmitting the virus to their children, thanks to effective medical interventions.

Youth face rising HIV infections

Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that youth remain particularly vulnerable, especially in Kigali City and the Eastern Province, which consistently report the highest rates of new infections.

'Young people aged 15 to 29 account for most new infections, with young women being the most affected,' he said. 'Among older adults, men are more likely to be HIV-positive than women, indicating that men are transmitting the virus to younger women.'

In Eastern Province, 1.7% of young people aged 10 to 24 tested positive for HIV, and 27% of those tested also had sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Dr. Ikuzo stressed the importance of condom use not only to prevent HIV but also to protect against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Testing and treatment gaps among youth

Despite awareness efforts, youth remain less likely to get tested. For instance, in the Northern Province, only 30% of young people know their HIV status.

HIV transmission methods have changed over time. Cases from blood transfusions or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding have significantly declined due to improved health interventions. Today, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the leading cause of HIV infection.

Dr. Ikuzo highlighted that people who inject drugs are also at risk of contracting HIV through shared needles.

Access to medication

Among the 230,000 people living with HIV in Rwanda, 97% are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a major achievement exceeding the government’s initial goal of 95% coverage.

There are 600 health centers across Rwanda offering free HIV treatment, including public hospitals and select private clinics.

Male circumcision and HIV prevention

A recent study by the Ministry of Health found that 56% of men aged 15 to 64 in Rwanda are circumcised, with the highest rates reported in Kigali City.

Dr. Ikuzo urged uncircumcised men to undergo voluntary medical male circumcision, as it reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60%.

In 2019, 87% of people diagnosed with HIV were receiving treatment. This figure has now increased to 97%, reflecting significant progress in controlling the epidemic.

However, young people still face challenges in adhering to treatment. Data show that 63% of HIV patients on medication are women, while 37% are men.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

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The report was presented during the 57th session of the Economic Commission for Africa: Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Zuzana Schwidrowski, UNECA’s director of macroeconomics, finance, and governance, highlighted that while African economies are resilient, growth rates are still insufficient to significantly drive social development across the continent.

She also pointed out ongoing risks such as global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and reduced aid, which could hinder growth.

Although intra-African trade is diversifying and becoming more vibrant in certain regions, overall trade’s contribution to growth has declined compared to past levels.

The report also revealed that, despite a decline in extreme poverty across the continent, it remains persistently high in most regions, with North Africa as the only exception.

Climate change poses an additional challenge, with rising temperatures expected to lower agricultural yields, exacerbating food insecurity in some regions.

Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 3.8 percent in 2025 and 4.1 percent in 2026.

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The RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.

The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including a 3-year-old girl, and reported that some of the 23 injured were critically wounded and had to be transferred to medical facilities.

The RSF also launched drone strikes on key locations in El Fasher, but the SAF successfully intercepted the drones with air defense systems. The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.

El Fasher has been a hotspot of intense fighting between the SAF and the RSF since May 2023.

Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing conflict since April 2023, resulting in over 29,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 15 million people, according to UN and migration agency reports.

The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed that the RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.

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The index slightly rose to 102.8 in January 2025 from 102.7 in December 2024, indicating trade volumes remain above trend. A barometer reading above 100 suggests higher-than-trend trade activity, while readings below 100 indicate potential decline.

While the WTO noted accelerating merchandise trade growth, it also warned of risks from rising trade policy uncertainty and potential new tariffs that could impact trade in the medium term. A slowdown in demand is expected later this year.

The barometer’s components showed consistent trends in export orders, electronic components, and raw materials. Meanwhile, automotive products, container shipping, and air freight all performed better than expected.

WTO’s projections for 2024 and 2025 trade volume growth, released in October 2024, were largely in line with the developments observed in the first three quarters of 2024, with anticipated growth rates of 2.7 percent for 2024 and 3 percent for 2025.

The World Trade Organization (WTO), on Wednesday, March 12, reported steady growth in global goods trade at the start of 2025.

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He made the disclosure during a media briefing on Tuesday, Muswere noting that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has set up 214 surveillance traps to combat armyworms, which have been ravaging many parts of the southern African country.

All districts now have chemicals on standby to respond to the pest. Sixty trucks, one for each district, have been purchased to ensure a timely response and better preparedness, he said.

Muswere added that 639,809 knapsack sprayers have also been distributed to some beneficiaries of the Presidential Agricultural Input Support Scheme, under which farmers in rural areas are assisted to engage in climate-proof agriculture.

Farmers, who are expecting good harvests following favorable rains during the current agriculture season, have expressed concern that they may lose out to armyworms, which primarily feed on leaves and may also attack maize stalks.

Muswere assured farmers that Zimbabwe’s Grain Marketing Board, the country’s leading grain trading and marketing entity, currently has sufficient grain to meet the needs of rural communities until the next harvest.

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In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Tesi Rusagara, the Minister of State for Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, outlined Rwanda’s strategic plan.

Among the key targets are doubling exports to $7.3 billion and increasing private investments to 21.5 per cent of GDP. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Rwanda into a lower-middle-income country by 2035 and an upper-middle-income country by 2050.

“Taxation plays a crucial role in financing investments and attracting private sector participation,” Minister Rusagara stated. Thus, the government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14 per cent to 18 per cent over the next five years through comprehensive tax reforms.

These reforms are designed to widen the tax base and increase domestic resource mobilization. For example, previously exempt sectors, such as financial services and ICT, are now included in the tax framework to align with Rwanda’s growing economy.

The government is also mindful of the potential impact on consumers and businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to inflation like fuel and food. Special measures are being implemented to monitor and mitigate these effects.

The tax reforms also aim to encourage positive behavior. For instance, the government is offering tax waivers on electric vehicles to promote the adoption of green mobility. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth while addressing environmental concerns.

Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda. Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.

This reflects strong investor confidence in the country’s manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT sectors. “PPPs are essential in leveraging capital, expertise, and innovation to drive infrastructure development,” Rusagara said.

Investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, ICT, and hospitality, are central to the government’s vision. These projects not only improve connectivity but also stimulate job creation and ancillary industries.

Looking ahead, Rwanda remains focused on enhancing its international financial sector to attract investors and solidify its position as a stable and lucrative market in Africa. The government is optimistic that its strategic initiatives will drive long-term economic prosperity.

With a clear roadmap and a commitment to sustainable growth, Rwanda is poised to achieve its ambitious development goals and emerge as a leading economy in the region.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda.

Rwanda is charting an ambitious path to accelerate its economic growth, aiming to double exports.

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He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare. The session was centered on issues highlighted in the 2023-2024 report by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

Responding to a question from MP Germaine Mukabalisa about efforts to improve journalists’ welfare, Mugenzi clarified that journalists are primarily overseen by RGB.

“RGB does not report to MINALOC, meaning I cannot directly request their report, but we work together. However, this collaboration must be handled carefully to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if I were to speak on RGB’s operations, people might question why I do not do the same for LODA, which is under my direct responsibility,” he explained.

Although RGB does not report directly to MINALOC, Mugenzi assured that collaboration with different government bodies could help resolve these issues.

'The media agenda and journalists’ welfare are matters we will continue to work on together because they fall under our mandate. Although their report is handled elsewhere, I can always engage with the Minister in charge to find a way forward,” he said

“I assure you that this is not an unsolvable issue. What is important is to establish platforms for dialogue and consultation to address these challenges. Both RGB and MINALOC will work together to provide solutions to the concerns raised,” Mugenzi emphasized.

The report by RGB revealed that 44.5% of journalists earn less than Rwf 200,000 per month, an amount deemed insufficient for journalists to perform their duties effectively.

The team from MINALOC appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare.

It also indicated that only 42.9% of media outlets provide formal employment contracts to their employees, while only 28.6% offer social security benefits.

The report further highlighted the low representation of women in the media sector. Mugenzi acknowledged this concern but stressed that no one is excluded from the profession.

“Women should continue to increase their participation in the media industry, moving from the current 35% recorded in 2023 to 50% or even beyond,” he stated.

The government, through collaborative efforts with RGB and other stakeholders, aims to address these challenges and create a conducive working environment for all media practitioners in the country.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, Gender Equality, and Social Welfare, Nabahire Anastase (right), and his Deputy, De Bonheur Jeanne D’Arc.

Local Government Minister, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi has pledged more collaboration to address challenges faced by the media sector.

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This announcement follows a brief visit by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.

Angola, which has been acting as the official mediator in the conflict, confirmed that it will first hold preliminary consultations with M23 representatives to organize a delegation for the talks with the Kinshasa government.

The upcoming discussions mark the first formal dialogue between the two sides after months of escalating violence in eastern Congo.

The conflict intensified in late January when the rebels advanced and seized control of the strategic city of Goma. Last month, they also captured Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city.

Despite the rebel group’s territorial gains, the DRC government had previously refused to engage with M23, maintaining a hardline stance against direct negotiations.

President Tshisekedi has consistently rejected direct engagement with M23. He notably skipped the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, where regional leaders urged the DRC to open talks with the rebels.

The pressure on Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations increased during the African Union (AU) summit on February 15, which he also missed to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany.

The AU summit endorsed earlier resolutions from EAC and SADC, reinforcing calls for direct dialogue with M23 to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While M23 welcomed the proposal, Kinshasa remained opposed until now.

Angola’s mediation efforts aim to bridge the gap between the two sides and create a pathway to lasting peace in the conflict-torn eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

For its part, M23 has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that decisions were made without their involvement.

The upcoming talks represent a critical opportunity to directly address their grievances and seek a negotiated resolution.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi made a brief visit to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.

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The event, held in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, was organized by Shooting Touch, an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts in partnership with the district leadership.

It highlighted the intersection of gender equity and public health. Through basketball competitions and open discussions, community leaders emphasized the need to challenge traditional gender norms and improve health awareness.

Notably, the event provided free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV, allowing more than 157 community members to access vital health information and medical support.

Local officials underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive development. Appolinarie Bamurange, the Gender Monitoring Officer, stressed that achieving gender equality requires collective action and systemic change.

'Everyone’s rights matter and must be fully respected. Our country’s vision is shared and equal welfare, security, and protection of every citizen, with no gender-based discrimination,' she said.

'We must put all our efforts together and find solutions to the challenges we encounter. This will lead us to common and shared development, where no one is left behind because of being male or female,' she added.

The basketball competitions played a central role in showcasing the capabilities of women and youth. Four competitive matches featured women’s teams, U13 youth teams, and U18 girls’ and boys’ teams from Rilima and Mayange Sectors.

These games not only provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills but also challenged the societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.

There is a societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.

Ephraim Sebarundi, the Executive Secretary of Rilima Sector, highlighted the value of integrating gender equality principles through sports.

'The Mayange and Rilima women’s teams have shown us outstanding basketball matches. I am sure they could even win against the men! Together, let’s appreciate this gender equality in sports and integrate gender equality principles into the lives of young boys and men,' he said.

Beyond the court, the event advanced community health efforts. Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80, increasing access to early detection and medical advice.

Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.

According to Benjamin Tuyishimire, the Health Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the goal was to empower individuals to take control of their health.

'It’s important for individuals to know their health status and to encourage them to visit health facilities and take initiative in improving their well-being,' he explained.

The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.

By combining athletic engagement with public health outreach and gender advocacy, the community is fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender or social status.

Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.

These games provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills.

Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80.

Sports has emerged as a powerful tool to promote gender equality.

The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.

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Sixteen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members died in the cross-fire in January, the biggest contingent since the battle of Bangui in 2013.

Answering questions about the situation in the National Assembly on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Ramaphosa said he’s hopeful a negotiated settlement brokered by African leaders can be reached.

Ramaphosa says with the temporary cessation of hostilities in the eastern DRC, SANDF soldiers in Goma are not in any direct danger.

'They are in quite a precarious situation right now. But as it is, the peace is holding, the troops much as they are just located at the airport, they are not being fired on.'

On a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh as to when South African troops can be withdrawn, Ramaphosa said this was dependent on the guns being silenced.

'We want a negotiated settlement, and that in itself, will be a precursor to ensuring that we have a cessation of hostilities and in the end our troops do come back home.'

Ramaphosa said the movement of food supplies, water and electricity is, however, currently still subject to consultations with other armies and the M23.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the situation for South African soldiers stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains precarious.

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