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The prophecy originates from a mysterious text called 'The Prophecy of the Popes,’ attributed to St. Malachy, an Irish archbishop who claimed to have received a vision during a visit to Rome in 1139.

This vision allegedly revealed the names and characteristics of 109 future popes, ending with a chilling prediction about the final pontiff.

Of the last pope, the prophecy states: 'In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.'

Pope Francis, as the 109th pope since St. Malachy’s prophecy was written, fits this description, raising anxiety that his death could fulfill the prophecy.

While many scholars question the authenticity of The Prophecy of the Popes, some aspects of St. Malachy’s predictions have been remarkably accurate.

Author Robert Howells, who has extensively researched the Catholic Church’s secrets, delves into these prophecies in his book The Last Pope. According to Howells, the accuracy of some descriptions cannot be easily dismissed.

'Malachy wrote the prophecies in the 12th century and gave them to Pope Innocent II in 1139. He listed 109 remaining popes, ending with the last one, Peter the Roman. It’s the only description in the prophecy with more than a few words,' Howells explains. '

Skeptics argue that the prophecy remained hidden in the Vatican archives until its publication in 1559, leaving room for potential embellishments. However, Howells points to examples that align with historical events.

Pope Francis is the 109th pope since St. Malachy’s prophecy was written.

For instance, Pope Benedict XV, who reigned from 1914 to 1922, was described by Malachy as “religion depopulated.” During his papacy, World War I claimed 20 million lives, the 1918 Spanish flu devastated Europe, and the Bolshevik Revolution spread atheism across Russia, an apt reflection of the phrase.

Similarly, Pope John Paul II, who served from 1978 to 2005, was called a 'shining star.' His papal coat of arms prominently featured a shining star, lending further credence to the prophecy’s eerie accuracy.

According to Howells, such specific details are difficult to attribute to coincidence, particularly in cases where historical events align perfectly with Malachy’s brief descriptions.

Some Popes have even tried to fit themselves into the prophecy. In 1958, Cardinal Spellman sailed a boat filled with sheep down the Tiber River to match the prophecy’s reference to a “shepherd and mariner.”

Yet, as Howells emphasizes, the prophecy’s true power lies in instances where historical circumstances unfolded independently of Vatican influence.

Despite the intrigue surrounding St. Malachy’s visions, the Vatican maintains a strict policy of neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of prophecies. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Pope Francis is the 109th pontiff since the prophecy’s creation, leading many to wonder if his death could mark the beginning of the end.

Howells remains open-minded about how the prophecy could manifest. He suggests that the destruction of Rome may not necessarily involve a cataclysmic event. Instead, it could symbolize the weakening of the Catholic Church’s influence, driven by declining faith worldwide and a dwindling number of new priests.

A Marble statue of Saint Malachy.

'It says, 'In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed,’' Howells notes.

'That suggests that Rome itself could be affected by war, an earthquake, or even a comet, which was a common concern when the prophecy was written.' While the prophecy’s wording hints at apocalyptic scenarios, Howells cautions against interpreting it too literally.

'The destruction could be a thousand years away. It may simply mean that Pope Francis is the last pope on Malachy’s list, not necessarily that his death will trigger the end of the world.' he says.

Whether one views The Prophecy of the Popes as divine foresight or medieval forgery, the ongoing health crisis of Pope Francis adds an unsettling layer to the ancient text.

With history providing examples that seemingly align with Malachy’s descriptions, the question remains: Could the death of Pope Francis fulfill a prophecy nearly 900 years in the making?

Pope Francis is said to be in ‘critical but stable condition.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Hakuziyaremye had served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank since 2021. Her predecessor, John Rwangombwa, completed two six-year terms, having held the position since 2013.

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Hakuziyaremye acknowledged the trust President Kagame continues to place in her.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, she shared her reaction to the new role, her priorities, and how the National Bank of Rwanda plans to address potential economic challenges.

QN: How did you receive the news of your appointment as the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda?

ANS: It’s not something you expect because the President of the Republic holds the authority to appoint the leadership of the National Bank. I received the news with joy and gratitude for the continued trust that the President has confined in me across different roles in serving Rwanda.

I have been the Deputy Governor for four years, so I am familiar with the institution. This new role is a continuation of our work, and I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to fulfill our responsibilities.

QN: What does it mean to you to be the first woman to lead the National Bank of Rwanda?

ANS: This milestone is not about me; it reflects the country’s commitment to gender equality. Our leadership has ensured that both men and women are given equal opportunities to contribute to national development.

Although I am the first woman to hold this position, two other women have previously served as Deputy Governors. Their contributions helped pave the way and demonstrated that women are capable of excelling in these roles.

QN: How are you preparing to take on this new responsibility?

ANS: These are significant responsibilities that no one can handle alone. Fortunately, I work alongside a capable leadership team and dedicated staff at BNR. Together, we will continue to deliver on our mandate.

Our work involves collaborating with other institutions to maintain economic stability. This is not new to us; we will continue to build on the solid foundation already in place.

The government’s NST2 program urges us to accelerate economic development. We also have Vision 2050, which sets the ambition for Rwanda to become an upper-middle-income country. These goals guide our work, and we are determined to achieve them.

QN: What will be your main focus moving forward?

ANS: Our primary focus is maintaining financial stability and ensuring that market prices remain under control. Additionally, we aim to protect consumers of financial services and promote financial sector development.

With the rapid growth of digital financial services in Rwanda, we want to ensure these services remain accessible and affordable for everyone.

We also plan to advance the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) initiative. Working with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, we will continue attracting investors to strengthen Rwanda’s financial sector.

Another priority is expanding the capital market. As the national bank, we facilitate the issuance of government bonds, and we want to encourage more public participation while ensuring the market provides the necessary financing for the country’s development.

QN: How will you ensure Rwanda builds a resilient economy?

ANS: Rwanda’s economy remains strong. Although inflation reached 14% in 2023, it has since dropped to an average of 4.7%.

The financial sector is stable and continues to grow, whether in banking, insurance, or microfinance. Capital adequacy and profitability remain solid indicators of a healthy financial system.

QN: Are there concerns that market prices will continue to rise?

ANS: No, the rate of price increases has significantly slowed and remains within the 5% target range. This level supports economic growth without major disruptions.

QN: What measures are in place to promote digital financial services?

ANS: We recently hosted the Inclusive Fintech Forum to explore ways to advance digital financial services. The government has adopted a new Fintech policy to strengthen the sector.

Our main goal is to enhance technological literacy in financial services, particularly in payments, banking, and insurance. We are also working on regulations to safeguard the financial system from risks such as cybercrime.

We want to empower Rwandan Fintech startups, particularly young innovators, by connecting them with major financial institutions. This will help them grow and achieve the global standards we aim for.

QN: What can be improved to promote money transfers?

ANS: We should take pride in the progress Rwanda has made, especially when considering the volume of money transferred through digital platforms like Mobile Money, banks, and microfinance institutions.

These transactions now account for 300% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Fifteen years ago, this figure stood at just 0.3%, but it has increased significantly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people turned to digital services.

This marked a turning point for the adoption of cashless payments, and we aim to ensure that those who have not yet adopted these methods are included.

Additionally, there is an ongoing e-cash project aimed at integrating banks and mobile money services. For example, a user with an MTN SIM card can now send money to an Airtel user without issues, and it is also possible to transfer money from a bank account to a mobile money wallet.

Our goal is to connect all these institutions, which will facilitate faster transactions and, we hope, reduce the costs associated with money transfers.

QN: How far along is the digital currency initiative?

ANS: It is a long-term initiative that we are approaching with caution. If and when digital currency is officially introduced, it must be a secure and beneficial tool for Rwandans.

The first phase of research has been completed, and we have engaged with various stakeholders and collected public feedback on the findings. This will inform a small-scale pilot test of the digital currency, which is our current focus.

We anticipate that in five or six months, we will present the results of this pilot. If the test confirms the potential we foresee, we will initiate a broader pilot involving a select group of Rwandan citizens.

The outcomes of this extended pilot will determine whether Rwanda fully adopts a digital currency. Research suggests that one of the most immediate benefits would be lower transaction costs for both domestic and international transfers.

Other countries that have introduced digital currencies have reported easier and more affordable cross-border trade. Additionally, digital currency could increase competition among payment service providers, driving innovation and better services.

QN: Why are there still significant concerns about digital currency?

ANS: The primary concern is that digital currency is a new concept. While research reports provide valuable insights, only through real-world trials we can identify and address potential risks.

This is why we are proceeding cautiously. Currently, 86 countries are conducting experiments and research on digital currency, and we continue to share knowledge and experiences with them.

For Rwanda, participating in this global effort is exciting but requires careful consideration. We want to avoid any unintended consequences that could arise from adopting digital currency.

QN: How is the BNR responding to global economic uncertainties?

ANS: Global changes are not new and will continue to occur. As the national bank, our approach is to employ highly skilled economists capable of conducting advanced financial analysis.

For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged five years ago, no one had anticipated it. However, Rwanda successfully navigated the economic challenges and emerged stronger.

Similarly, we have adapted to the extreme price fluctuations caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and climate change, which continue to affect global markets. We understand that climate change, in particular, poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector, which in turn influences market prices.

Our ability to analyze economic data allows us to predict potential impacts of natural disasters and other shocks.

We collaborate with other institutions to mitigate risks early. Our current financial indicators suggest that we are maintaining economic stability. In the first three quarters of 2024, Rwanda’s economy grew by 9%, placing us among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally.

This growth gives us confidence that we can weather future changes. While we cannot predict everything, we have strategies in place to ensure the continued stability of our economy.

We remain optimistic that our economy will continue to grow steadily. Our projections indicate that inflation will be 6.5% this year and 4.2% next year, reinforcing our position of economic strength and stability.

Soraya Hakuziyaremye is the first female Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).

IGIHE

Charles Ouma, Uganda’s deputy solicitor general, and Mark Mulwabo from Tanzania’s Office of the solicitor general argued before a panel of five EACJ judges in Kigali, Rwanda, early this week that the appeal should be dismissed. They described it as a waste of national resources and a potential precedent for similar lawsuits.

The appeal was filed in December 2024 by the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), Natural Justice, and the Centre for Strategic Litigation from Kenya and Tanzania. This marks their second attempt to block the multi-billion-dollar project.

In November 2023, the EACJ’s First Instance Court dismissed a similar case filed by the CSOs in 2020, ruling that it was time-barred. The court maintained that the CSOs should have filed their case in 2017, when the two governments signed the Host Government Agreements, rather than in 2020.

In the appeal, the five judges of the Appellate Division of the EACJ, who heard the case on February 24, contended that the lower court had unfairly focused on the timeline, overlooking critical issues, including the risks to ecosystems.

They also argued that dismissing the case with costs was unjust, as it had been filed in the public interest by non-profit organizations for the benefit of all East African Community (EAC) member states. The appellants requested that the judgment be reversed.

The panel, led by Justice Nestor Kayobera, listened to arguments from both the appellants’ and respondents’ lawyers as part of determining whether the case merits further consideration or should remain dismissed, as the lower court ruled.

Justin Ssemuyaba, representing the appellants, informed the court that the claim that the suit was time-barred was invalid. He explained that the inter-governmental and host Ggvernment agreements related to EACOP were signed confidentially, preventing the CSOs from knowing about the agreements and challenging them in time.

Ouma, on behalf of Uganda’s government, stated that the case should be dismissed to avoid wasting national resources and to prevent setting a precedent for similar suits. He added that the appellants had known about the key agreements and should have refrained from filing the case.

Mulwabo, of Tanzania argued that the appellants could have challenged the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports, which the two governments had already committed to, rather than contesting agreements that were already in place.

The EACOP project

The EACOP project, described by the governments as unstoppable, is a 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline running from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania. It will transport Uganda’s crude oil, which is expected to be extracted starting in 2027.

The project is being developed by four partners: Total Energies (62% stake), China National Oil Company (CNOOC) (8%), Uganda National Oil Company, and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15% each).

Judges preside over the 3rd rotational session in Kigali, hearing the appeal in the EACOP dispute filed against Uganda and Tanzania.

IGIHE

The meeting turned chaotic when Zelenskyy argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. This statement came after Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance insisted Ukraine needed to compromise to achieve peace.

Trump, visibly angered, lashed out at Zelenskyy, accusing him of jeopardizing global stability. “You’re gambling with World War Three,” Trump repeatedly told Zelenskyy. “With us, you have the cards. Without us, you don’t have the cards.”

Vice President Vance also joined in, demanding gratitude from the Ukrainian leader. “Have you said thank you, once, in this entire meeting?” he asked, referencing US support for Ukraine.

He further criticized Zelenskyy for campaigning against Trump’s party in Pennsylvania, adding, “Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the US appeared visibly distressed, burying her face in her hands during the exchange.

The shouting match, which erupted about 40 minutes into the meeting, nearly derailed the ongoing ceasefire discussions. However, the leaders later held private talks and returned for a calmer press conference.

The tension escalated further when Trump implied that future US support for Ukraine hinged on signing a minerals deal.

Zelenskyy had been scheduled to finalize the agreement and share lunch with Trump. Instead, his armored SUV pulled up to the West Wing shortly after Trump posted on social media, indicating that he had cut off discussions.

The Oval Office has never seen a public fracas of such magnitude.

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote.

Following the abrupt end to his US visit, Zelenskyy posted a message on X expressing gratitude. “Thank you, America,” he wrote, while emphasizing Ukraine’s need for lasting peace.

Despite the contentious meeting and the failed minerals agreement, Zelenskyy found strong support back home. Ukrainian leaders praised his steadfastness. “Unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s interests and devotion to his country. This is what we saw today in the United States,” Vice Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba posted on Telegram.

Serhii Lysak, head of Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, echoed this sentiment. “In the fight for the fate of the country, fundamentally unshakable. Unquestioning support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Endurance to our leader. We believe in the President. We believe in Ukraine.”

Despite Trump’s harsh words, he left the door open for future negotiations. “He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump said after the meeting.

The failed discussions mark a significant setback for US-Ukraine relations, leaving uncertainty over future support and diplomatic ties as the war with Russia rages on.

The shouting match resulted in the press conference being cancelled.

Trump took offence at Zelenskyy’s ‘attitude.

The meeting was far from diplomatic.

IGIHE

The decision was reached at a high-level regional meeting held early this week in Juba, South Sudan, on where Permanent, Principal, and Undersecretaries responsible for ICT infrastructure convened to review the progress of the ambitious satellite project.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, and attended by representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda.

The initiative, first directed by Heads of State at the 14th NCIP Summit, is seen as a cost-effective solution to address challenges in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) access, rural broadband connectivity, and regional broadcasting services.

With Africa’s rapid digital transformation, the satellite will serve as a cornerstone for connectivity, e-governance, and digital services, reducing reliance on expensive foreign satellite services.

Dr. Zawedde reaffirmed the region’s commitment to regional digital transformation, aligning the satellite project with Uganda’s National Development Plan priorities, known as ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science & Technology plus ICT).

'We are fully committed to coordinating and monitoring the progress of this strategic initiative, ensuring that the Heads of State directives on ICT integration within NCIPs are effectively implemented,' she stated.

Feasibility study

The meeting endorsed the satellite project and tasked technical teams with finalizing the roadmap and mobilization of funding for a feasibility study. Member states noted that existing regulatory frameworks are favorable for satellite establishment, with flexibility for future amendments if necessary.

The satellite is expected to provide affordable, high-quality broadband internet for schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, and rural communities, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and regional stability.

The Northern Corridor, linking Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC to Kenya’s Port of Mombasa, serves a growing population of over 120 million people.

The satellite project, introduced as a directive at the 3rd NCIP Summit, aligns with broader regional ICT infrastructure goals, ensuring East Africa remains at the forefront of technological advancements and economic integration.

East African nations have taken steps toward launching a jointly owned and operated communication and broadcasting satellite.

IGIHE

'Given the ongoing media attacks against Rwanda, should we, as Rwandans, be posting on social media to respond to these accusations?' asked one of the friends who preferred anonymity. It was a valid question, one that carried significant weight, given the context of the media narrative surrounding the DRC conflict.

The attack on Rwanda’s image is not a simple misunderstanding but a large and well oorchestrated misinformation campaign being spread across social media and various media outlets.

Rwanda has been falsely accused of involvement in the conflict in the DRC, with allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group. However, those of us who are familiar with the situation know the truth.

The M23, the group often blamed for the conflict, is fighting for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese people, who have been oppressed and marginalized for decades.

Yet, despite this knowledge, some Rwandans find themselves caught up at cross roads when it comes to responding. As the conversation continued my other friend responded quickly. 'I don’t post because of where I work,' she said.

With awe written all over my face, I wondered what she meant by 'where I work’ and quickly deep within imagined that as a public servant, she was actually in a good position to post in response. I thought she should set an example for fellow Rwandans, especially young people, who look up to her.

'I follow what people are saying, those who are attacking us and those who are defending us. I also feel like responding, but I am afraid,' another friend said.

Still, I was surprised and kept wondering why someone would be afraid or scared to defend their country. Isn’t it the right thing to do? Especially in this case where we all know the truth and the root cause of the problem?'

'I wish I had your experience and knowledge. If I did, I’d be responding like Tom Ndahiro or Minister Nduhungirehe!' I said, throwing everyone into prolonged laughter.

After recollecting ourselves, we unanimously agreed that it’s important to respond to the media lies, we understand the need to do this and appreciate those who are doing it, but there is need to be careful.

One of the friends who does cross-border business, reasoned that responding to these people would affect friendships and businesses. There are friends, clients, or business partners who either intentionally or ignorantly support the other side, and confronting these people would negatively affect our businesses.

'More so, I’m also not comfortable with writing something and leaving it online because one day, those very people, institutions, organizations, and countries we are responding to may be people we need services from. They could bring up what we said about them,' she said.

I nodded in agreement but couldn’t comprehend and insisted on the importance of defending our country. 'Ma’am, I get you, but I think we should be ready to do anything for our country in any way, especially in cases like this one where Rwanda is being wrongly accused of participating in the DRC conflict,' I argued.

I feel that nothing can stop me from doing this, not even my employer if they obliged me to keep silent. Rather, I would trade my job to protect my country. I have a firm conviction that such lies about my country should not go unchallenged.

In this case of the DRC conflict, the truth is clear. The M23 group is fighting for the rights of the Kinyarwanda-speaking people who have been oppressed for generations. These people are not foreigners; they are victims of a government that has failed to protect their rights.

Yet, the international community has sided with the Congolese government rather than advocating for the rights of these innocent citizens, protecting them, and addressing the root causes of this problem, which has persisted for decades. This is not just a moral failure; it is a betrayal of the very ideals these organizations claim to uphold.

It is for these reasons that I believe every Rwandan should take action. Whether it’s through social media, conversations with friends and family, or any other platform, we must speak out against the lies being spread about our country.

We must counter the narratives being pushed by the media with facts and insights about the situation in the DRC. Let us speak from the heart and stand firm in our belief that the truth must prevail. Our collective voices can help set the record straight, not only for Rwanda but for the entire African continent.

Now, more than ever, we need to stand together as Africans. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced by the powerful forces that seek to maintain control over our resources and our destiny.

Let us defend our leaders, our people, and our nations from those who would exploit us for their own gain. The so-called international community has long shown that it does not care about the well-being of Africans.

It prioritizes its own interests, taking our resources while offering us loans and aid that keep us in a perpetual state of dependency.

The time has come for us Africans to stand up for ourselves. Let us speak out, educate ourselves, and inspire others to do the same. We must reclaim our narrative and defend our continent from those who seek to dominate and exploit it.

Together, we can create a future where Africa is free to tell its own story and to stand proudly at the global stage.

Bertin Ganza

[email protected]
The author is a concerned citizen

Bertin Ganza

“To prevent war between our two countries, we are committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means. This is what we have been doing since 2020 when Burundi initiated dialogue with Rwanda. To this day, Burundi remains open to discussions with Rwanda to settle the issues between us,” Ndayishimiye told diplomats in Burundi.

From threats to talks

Since late January 2025, Ndayishimiye had repeatedly declared his readiness to go to war with Rwanda. His fiery statements raised tensions in the already volatile Great Lakes region.

On January 31, he claimed Rwanda was planning to attack Burundi. While addressing diplomats, he said, “I am telling you, if things continue this way, war will spread across the region because the people will not allow this to happen. If Rwanda continues… the day they come to Burundi, we will not accept it.”

The tensions further grew on February 11, when Ndayishimiye, speaking to residents of Bugabira Commune in Kirundo Province, again gave a stun warning to Rwanda.

“Be prepared, do not be afraid, we know them well. Since the monarchy, they have never defeated us. Do you think they can defeat us now? Remind them, ‘Do you know where Kirundo stands? he questioned.

His remarks came amid fierce clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the M23 armed group was advancing against forces that included Burundian troops.

A shift in tone

The turning point came during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa on February 15 2025. Reports suggest Ndayishimiye faced pressure from other African leaders who warned him about the serious consequences of his inflammatory statements.

By the next day, he had softened his stance. In a post on X, he revealed that discussions with Rwanda’s allies had given him assurances that Burundi would not be attacked.

“After discussions with Rwanda’s allies, those hoping to benefit from a Rwandan attack on Burundi should abandon their plans. But to my fellow Burundians, stay alert and vigilant,” he wrote.

Roots of the conflict

Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi flared in late 2023 when the RED Tabara armed group launched an attack in Gatumba Zone. This led Burundi to close its borders with Rwanda in January 2024.

Despite the rising hostility, Rwanda has consistently signaled openness to dialogue. In September 2024, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to engage in talks with Burundi.

“Rwandans and Burundians are brothers and sisters who should live together peacefully,” he said.
Ndayishimiye’s latest statements suggest a step back from the brink. His willingness to return to the negotiating table marks a significant shift from his earlier threats of war.

Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye has made a U-turn on his war threats against Rwanda.

IGIHE

Pittman, a seasoned investor with extensive experience in development, particularly in Africa is also a co-founder of Kupanda Capital and Oath Africa, two firms focused on fostering business growth across the continent.

President Kagame received Bobby Pittman, Oath Africa Founding Partner and Kupanda Capital Co-Founder who also serves as Chairman of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) for a discussion on investment opportunities available in the country,' a statement, from the Office of the President said on February 28, 2025.

Rwanda is known for offering attractive investment opportunities due to its rapidly growing economy, stable security environment, and low levels of corruption.

Kupanda Capital is an independent investment and advisory firm specializing in building and expanding businesses across Africa. The company provides strategic guidance to businesses, helping them access new markets across the continent.

Kupanda Capital also supports the creation of new businesses, with a focus on innovation-driven and high-growth sectors. For established companies, the firm assists in expanding their operations across Africa.

The firm invests in businesses with strong growth potential and a positive impact on African communities. Its investment focus includes technology, agriculture, and financial services.

Through Kupanda Holdings, a joint venture with Universal Music Group (UMG), the company established Mdundo, a platform promoting African music globally.

President Kagame’s meeting with Pittman underscores Rwanda’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth and innovation.

President Kagame received Bobby Pittman, Oath Africa Founding Partner and Kupanda Capital Co-Founder with his delegation

IGIHE

Following their capture of key territories in South Kivu on February 28, 2025, the AFC/M23 coalition announced a new administrative structure for the province.

Emmanuel Birato Rwihimba was appointed as the Governor, while Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge will serve as the Deputy Governor in charge of politics, administration, and legal affairs, and Juvénal Bushinge Gasinzira was named Deputy Governor in charge of economy, finance, and development.

M23 forces continue to clash with the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied groups, including the FDLR, Burundian troops, and local militias like Wazalendo.

The group has expanded its control across parts of South Kivu, including Bukavu City, and previously seized key areas in North Kivu, where it also established its own administration.

AFC/M23 leadership has repeatedly stated that they will continue their offensive until they reach Kinshasa and overthrow President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of discriminating against certain Congolese communities.

Corneille Nanga is the head of the AFC/M23 coalition.

IGIHE