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This collaboration with Mastercard will empower Airtel’s 150 million mobile phone users in 14 African countries with access to Mastercard’s global merchant network, enabling safer and more secure international transactions.

The Airtel Money GlobalPay Card is a virtual (non-plastic) payment solution that links directly to Airtel Money wallets. This card can be used for a wide range of payments across global online merchants, including major platforms such as Facebook, Netflix, Uber, Amazon, Google, AliExpress, and Alibaba.

Users will also have the ability to make payments for travel bookings, utilities, subscriptions, and purchase goods from international suppliers—all from the convenience of their mobile phones.

For Airtel Money customers, activating the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card is simple.

Customers simply need opt-in for the card, load it from Airtel Money wallet, and start shopping. No additional documentation, registration, or installations are required.

With this payment solution, Airtel and Mastercard aim to meet the growing demand for digital payments in Africa and support small businesses in cross-border trade.

The partnership aligns with Airtel Africa’s goal of enhancing financial inclusion by providing efficient and seamless payment solutions to mobile money users across the continent.

Commenting on the development, CEO of Airtel Money, Ian Ferrao, said: 'At Airtel, we are continuously innovating to enhance the customer experience. By adding Mastercard’s secure virtual payment solution to Airtel Money, we are making International payments simpler and more accessible for our customers. This collaboration allows us to offer a global e-commerce experience.'

Mastercard’s global network and expertise in payment solutions will play a critical role in supporting financial inclusion efforts in Africa. The initiative aligns with Mastercard’s commitment to bring one billion people, 50 million small businesses, and 25 million women entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025.

Senior Vice President for Digital Partnerships at Mastercard Middle East and Africa, Muhammad Nana, stated: 'Our digital partnerships strategy focuses on enabling the digital transformation of our partners, helping them provide their customers with access to a seamless global payment ecosystem. With over 150 million Airtel Africa consumers now connected to the global digital economy, we are helping more consumers access the benefits of e-commerce.'

With increasing mobile internet access and the growth of affordable smartphones, African consumers are poised to take full advantage of this new solution. The Airtel Money GlobalPay Card empowers users—both banked and unbanked—to shop globally, connecting them to digital products and services right from their mobile phones.

About Airtel Africa

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Airtel Africa’s integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to over 156 million customers.

The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with our corporate purpose.

About Mastercard

Mastercard is a global payments technology company committed to delivering innovation and driving financial inclusion around the world. Mastercard is helping connect people to the digital economy with secure, fast, and easy payment solutions.

Airtel Africa and Mastercard have launched a new digital payment solution for Airtel Money customers.

IGIHE

Ethel succeeds Etienne Saada, who has led the company with distinction over the past three years.

Ethel Emma-Uche joins BRALIRWA from IBECOR SA/NV in Belgium where she has been the Managing Director since 2022.

During her leadership, Ethel enhanced the organization and processes towards greater customer focus, supporting the company to excel in their market while ensuring good governance and shaping the future through business expansion, people development, and further digitization.

Prior to joining IBECOR, Ethel served as the Supply Chain Director at BRALIMA in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where she played a pivotal role in the turnaround of the business, spearheaded the comprehensive transformation of BRALIMA’s supply chain, revamped the supply chain training school, localized key positions, increased the presence of women in the supply chain and achieved notable results in talent development, safety culture and compliance.

Ethel previously worked at Nigerian Breweries Plc for over twelve years where she held several positions in supply chain and became a trailblazer for the HEINEKEN Africa Region.

Commenting on her new role, Ethel said: “I am thrilled to join Bralirwa and build on the strong foundation established by Etienne Saada. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to continue our journey of innovation and excellence, and to contribute to the company’s ongoing success.”

Her predecessor, Etienne Saada has been the Managing Director of Bralirwa Plc since 2022.

During his 3-year tenure, he led the company to achieve sustained performance and several milestones in business growth and expansion which enhanced market dominance with strong brands, transformational leadership, process digitization and operational excellence including silver certification of the Kigali Soft Drinks plant as well as the Africa safety award from The Coca-Cola Company.

His career with the HEINEKEN Group, spans over 30 years where he continues to take on notable roles in HEINEKEN’s various operating companies.

Ethel Emma-Uche has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Bralirwa Plc.

IGIHE

This international cycling race, in its 17th edition since becoming a global event, was officially launched by President Paul Kagame alongside David Lappartient, the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), on February 23, 2025.

This year’s edition held special significance as it took place just months before Rwanda hosts the World Cycling Championship slated for September.

Organizers aligned some stages with the championship routes, including the first-day prologue and the seventh stage. UCI’s chief commissioner was also present during the race’s closing stages.

Before the race began, concerns were raised about security due to the conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, which borders Rwanda’s Rubavu district. Despite these concerns, 14 teams, including Belgium’s Lotto-Dstny Devo Team, participated, and the event proceeded smoothly.

Freddy Kamuzinzi, the Director of Tour du Rwanda, reassured the public that the country’s security was not compromised. “Security was never an issue, especially in Rubavu, despite initial concerns raised by international media and some teams. Our country has shown that everything is under control,” he said.

Rwandan cyclists displayed impressive resilience throughout the competition. Vainqueur Masengesho finished seventh overall, the best finish by a Rwandan since 2022.

Nsengiyumva Shemu won the King of the Mountains classification, while Didier Munyaneza excelled in intermediate sprints. Rwandans also led for the longest stretches in six out of the seven stages.

Fabien Doubey and Henok Mulubrhan, who were leading the general classification, spoke with the UCI commissioner who attended the conclusion of the 2025 Tour du Rwanda.

The most controversial moment came on the final day. Heavy rain caused the road near Mont-Kigali, known as “Norvège,” to become too dangerous. During the shortened loop around Kigali Convention Centre, several riders, including Amanuel Gidey and Duarte Marivoet, suffered crashes.

With one lap remaining, race leader Fabien Doubey requested the race’s suspension, citing unsafe conditions. After discussions with UCI officials, the stage was canceled, and Doubey was declared the winner based on his previous lead.

Fabien Doubey became the first Frenchman to win Tour du Rwanda. However, his actions led to a fine of 200 Swiss Francs (approximately 315,000 Rwandan Francs) for violating UCI sportsmanship rules, and he may face further disciplinary measures.

Kamuzinzi defended the decision to cancel the stage, attributing it solely to the weather. “It was not our intention to stop the competition. We wanted to see the best rider win, but safety came first,” he explained.

Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire emphasized that the incident provided valuable lessons for the upcoming World Championship. “UCI officials were impressed with our preparations, but today’s weather-related issues highlight areas for further improvement,” she said.

She also stressed Rwanda’s commitment to not only hosting world-class events but also strengthening the skills of local cyclists.

Tour du Rwanda 2025 featured 69 riders from 20 countries, including 16 Rwandans. The competition showcased Rwanda’s organizational capabilities and provided insights to refine preparations for Africa’s first-ever World Cycling Championship later this year.

Head of Tour du Rwanda competition, Kamuzinzi Freddy (center), said that what happened on the final day was caused by the rain, which led the riders to request not to continue racing.

Tour du Rwanda was flagged off by President Paul Kagame and UCI President, David Lappartient.

One of the routes that will be used to host the World Cycling Championship slated for September.

IGIHE

Ngororano has over 20 years of experience in sustainable development in leadership roles across the UN system and prior to this in the private sector.

Most recently, he served as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Kenya. Prior to that, he served as UNDP Resident Representative to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Before his role in Mauritania, Ngororano served as Chief of the Executive Board Branch in the Office of the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in New York and he held several posts in UN Women including Country Representative in Haiti and Chief of the Africa Section in New York.

He served as the Senior Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Rwanda with the rank of Permanent Secretary and prior to that he held diverse positions with UNDP including Country Adviser in the Regional Bureau for Africa in New York, and in a range of policy, planning and programme roles in Nigeria, Zambia, and Rwanda.

Ngororano also worked as an investment banker with Citigroup N.A in Kenya and Tanzania after starting his career as an economist in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Uganda.

He holds Master’s degrees in Development Economics and International Relations from the University of East Anglia and the University of Sussex respectively.

Ngororano also holds an MA (Honours) degree in Economics from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Rwandan Anthony Ngororano has been appointed as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Madagascar.

IGIHE

The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) are struggling to contain the advance of the M23 rebels, pointing out the significant issues within the army, including corruption, poor pay, and a lack of equipment. These factors have led to desertions and crimes against civilians.

The rebel’s advanced weaponry captured from the government forces have created a severe imbalance on the battlefield, leaving Congolese soldiers under equipped, demoralized and prompting trials from the military courts of their own government.

Previous trials in Musienene and Bukavu have brought attention to the dysfunction within the army. Over 300 soldiers faced charges for crimes such as theft, rape, and murder, allegedly committed as they fled from the rebels.

Many soldiers denied the charges, stating they were separated from their units during fighting. The trials resulted in severe penalties, including death sentences for over 260 soldiers.

The M23 rebels, have made substantial gains since late December, escalating the conflict to its highest level in over a decade.

Critics argue that Tshisekedi’s reliance on regional forces and mercenaries has made matters worse. Despite increasing military spending, soldiers are still underpaid and under equipped, contributing to low morale.

As the conflict continues, the indiscipline within the army fuels clashes, particularly in cities like Uvira near the Burundian border. These clashes have led to many casualties, leaving residents anxious.

The government has announced operations to track down soldiers accused of committing atrocities, but the root problems remains unresolved. The future of the FARDC and the region’s stability depend on addressing these deep issues to restore peace and order in the DRC.

The DRC military leaders have been blamed for the army’s poor performance, suggesting the army had been 'betrayed from within.'

IGIHE

The competition promotes education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by encouraging participants to use robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve global challenges.

The Rwandan team will compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), the most advanced category that involves designing and building large, industrial-style robots. These students earned their spot after excelling in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competitions held in Rwanda.

Following their victory, they joined forces and applied to compete in the more challenging FRC category. Their request was approved, allowing them to become the first African team to participate at this advanced level.

Their team, known as Ladybug FRC 9647, will make history as no other African country has competed in the FRC category. This level requires advanced technical skills and significant resources, making it difficult for most African countries to participate beyond the FLL level, which involves simpler robots.

The team is receiving vital support from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, ICT Chamber, and FabLab Rwanda. These institutions are providing equipment, training, and financial support. Every weekend, the students gather at FabLab in Kigali to work on their robot and prepare for the competition.

The competition will take place in two phases. The first phase will be held on April 2, 2025, in Florida, where the team will face 47 other teams from around the world. If they succeed, they will advance to the final phase in Texas on April 19, 2025.

Beni Bonheur Karangwa Muhoza a sixth-year student at Collège du Christ-Roi in Nyanza, described the competition as a life-changing opportunity. “Working on this project every week teaches us a lot. Being one of the 30 students representing Africa is a huge honor,” he said.

Liza Ndabikunze Ineza, a fifth-year student at Collège Saint André in Nyamirambo, is excited to improve her technical skills. She hopes the competition will help her build robots that solve real-world problems beyond industrial use.

Pacifique Rubagumya, a student at Kagarama Secondary School in Kicukiro, is passionate about robotics and believes the competition is a chance to showcase Rwanda’s potential. “Youth are the driving force of our country. We want to lead in technology and accelerate national development,” he said.

Philemon Manzi Mucyo, a research specialist at FabLab, expressed pride in supporting the team. He said FabLab is committed to providing the tools and resources needed to help the students succeed.

Ladybug FRC 9647’s participation marks a historic moment for Rwanda and Africa. Their journey demonstrates the potential of African youth to lead in global technological innovation and paves the way for future generations.

Thirty Rwandan secondary school students, aged between 16 and 20, will represent Africa at the international robotics competition.

IGIHE

The demand comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over British sanctions against Rwanda due to allegations of involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict.

The Rwandan government has issued an invoice to the UK, stating its legal right to the payment after Britain failed to formally terminate the agreement that would have allowed the UK to send illegal migrants arriving on small boats across the English Channel to Rwanda for processing.

Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the funds were initially expected to be waived in good faith after the deal was cancelled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July. However, she described the recent measures, including the suspension of direct bilateral aid to Rwanda, as a 'breach of trust.'

'The UK had asked Rwanda to quietly forgo the payment based on the trust and good faith existing between our two nations. However, the UK has breached this trust through unjustified punitive measures.'

According to Makolo, the UK government’s recent actions against Rwanda are unjustified and are intended to 'coerce Rwanda into compromising our national security.'

She also criticised recent comments by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, which linked Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan terrorist group operating in the DRC, calling them 'inflammatory and irresponsible.'

'For these reasons, we are following up on these funds, to which the UK is legally bound,' she added.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied claims of backing M23 rebels operating in eastern DRC, insisting that the fighters are Congolese citizens fighting against decades of persecution and marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities. Rwanda has also accused the international community of ignoring the root causes of the conflict, thereby hampering efforts to fully resolve it.

Under the original Migration and Economic Development Partnership, the UK had already transferred £220 million to Rwanda by February 2024, with three additional payments of £50 million scheduled for April 2024, 2025, and 2026. It is believed the £50 million now requested relates to the April 2025 payment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially ended the scheme in July 2024, arguing that it would not effectively deter illegal migration.

Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the funds were initially expected to be waived in good faith after the deal was cancelled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July. However, she described the recent measures, including the suspension of direct bilateral aid to Rwanda, as a 'breach of trust.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The response came through a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Internal Cooperation following Canada’s decision to impose restrictions on Rwanda over its alleged role in the ongoing crisis.

'Rwanda takes note of the statement by Global Affairs Canada on the situation in eastern DRC and finds the defamatory attribution to Rwanda of alleged atrocities unacceptable. We will be seeking clarification on this from the Canadian government,' the ministry stated.

The Canadian government had in a statement on Monday, March 3, accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group operating in the eastern DRC and violating the territorial integrity of the DRC.

In response, Rwanda criticised Canada for what it described as a biased approach that emboldens Kinshasa while disregarding atrocities committed by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies.

'Canada cannot claim to welcome the efforts of regional actors in the peace process when it places the blame for all kinds of violations on Rwanda and fails to hold the DRC Government accountable. This emboldens it to escalate attacks against its own civilians, including the ongoing daily bombing and attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu by FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo. Canada’s silence on these grave human rights violations is wrong and shameful,' the statement continued.

Rwanda maintained that measures Canada took, including review of existing engagements, would not contribute to resolving the conflict.

'The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process while we safeguard our national security,' the ministry emphasised.

The diplomatic spat adds to the growing tensions over the prolonged instability in eastern DRC, with regional and international actors divided over the root causes and solutions to the crisis.

Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting M23 and insists that any lasting solution must address, among others, the presence of armed groups in the region, including the FDLR, which it considers a security threat.

The response came through a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Internal Cooperation, led by Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, following Canada’s decision to impose restrictions on Rwanda over its alleged role in the ongoing crisis.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

'Our troops have entered Mahagi town, and we are in control,' Defense and Military Affairs spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told AFP Sunday.

The deployment was requested by the Congolese army following alleged massacres of civilians carried out by a militia known as the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), he said, without providing further details.

Mahagi is in Ituri province, which borders Uganda, where at least 51 people were killed on February 10, 2025 by armed men affiliated with CODECO, according to humanitarian and local sources.

CODECO claims it defends the interests of the Lendu community, mainly composed of farmers, against the Hema community, who are mainly herders.

Uganda already has thousands of troops in other parts of Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government. Last month, Uganda announced its troops had 'taken control' of the provincial capital, Bunia.

Ituri is just north of the provinces of North and South Kivu, which at the end of January fell under the control of the anti-government M23 armed group.

The UPDF confirmed Sunday it has sent troops to Mahagi town in the northeastern DRC.

IGIHE

McCarthy, 47, replaces Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving in an interim capacity following the resignation of Turkish coach Firat Engin last year.

During his unveiling on Monday, McCarthy expressed his excitement about taking charge of the national team, emphasizing his ambition to restore Kenya’s place among Africa’s top footballing nations.

'It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be here in Kenya. I am delighted, and I can’t really wait to start our new journey… making Kenya again one of the powerhouses in Africa,' McCarthy said.

The former Manchester United forwards coach will be supported by an experienced technical team, including Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. The entire coaching staff has signed two-year contracts.

'Together with my coaching team, including Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad. Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success,' McCarthy added.

'I’m looking forward to putting my experience into practice and bringing success to Kenyan football. With the right mentality, we can achieve our targets and make it to the World Cup. We want to win every point available to us. It will not say it is easy but it is also not impossible. We need to start to be positive and players see the coaches are winners and want to win so that they too can push,' McCarthy said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in McCarthy and his coaching staff, stating that their experience and leadership would help elevate Kenyan football.

'After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions,' Hussein said.

He also welcomed the rest of the technical team, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the squad’s future.

'This team brings a wealth of expertise, and we believe they will instill tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality as we prepare for upcoming competitions,' he added.

McCarthy will make his coaching debut for the Harambee Stars later this month in a crucial away match against The Gambia, followed by a home clash with Gabon.

Kenya currently sits fourth in World Cup qualifying Group F, trailing group leaders Ivory Coast by five points. However, with six matches remaining, the team still has an opportunity to climb the standings.

In the qualification format, only the group winners secure an automatic World Cup spot. The four best runners-up from all groups will have another chance to qualify through a playoff round.

Harambee Stars, currently ranked 108th in the FIFA world rankings, are just four points behind second-placed Gabon, keeping their hopes alive for a potential qualification breakthrough.

South African football legend Benni McCarthy has been officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Kenya national football team.

South African Legend Benni McCarthy eager to revive Harambee stars.

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