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Pharco Pharmaceuticals, founded in 1983 by Dr. Hassan Abbas Helmy, is one of Egypt’s major pharmaceutical firms. It produces a wide range of medications under the Pharco brand and distributes them in over 50 countries.

In 2019 alone, the company sold 750 million medicine packages globally. Some of its key products include Acne Zinc for skin treatment, Alambuphine for fever relief, and Alfatral, used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

On Thursday, President Paul Kagame met with a delegation from Pharco Pharmaceuticals, led by its CEO, Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy. The discussions were also attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.

According to Village Urugwiro, the meeting focused on identifying areas of collaboration between Rwanda and the pharmaceutical firm, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Before meeting President Kagame, Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy and his delegation also held discussions with Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Following the meeting, RDB stated, 'The discussions explored opportunities to expand access to essential medicines, conduct clinical trials, and establish local pharmaceutical manufacturing.'

Rwanda has been making significant investments in its healthcare sector, aiming to improve medical services and modernize healthcare infrastructure. These efforts seek to reduce the number of Rwandans seeking medical treatment abroad while attracting international patients to the country’s healthcare facilities.

If the pharmaceutical factory project is launched, it will complement Rwanda’s ongoing initiative to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant in partnership with Germany’s BioNTech.

Additionally, in November, RDB signed an agreement with Bio Usawa Inc. to build a pharmaceutical plant specializing in the production of treatments for severe eye diseases, including those affecting diabetic patients.

On Thursday, President Paul Kagame met with a delegation from Pharco Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy also held discussions with Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

IGIHE

The embassy stated that his narratives align with hate speech and ongoing acts of violence targeting Banyamulenge and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly those of Tutsi descent.

On February 6, 2025, the embassy expressed its concerns via X in response to South African news outlet Newzroom Afrika, which had recently given Kayumba a platform to share what it called his “truth” about the security crisis in eastern DRC.

This controversy stems from growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, following remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who labeled the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as “rebels” and denied key aspects of his discussions with President Kagame regarding the war in eastern DRC.

South African troops are deployed in DRC under the regional military coalition fighting M23 rebels, and some of them were recently killed in clashes.

After interviewing Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, Newzroom Afrika deleted the discussion and instead aired an interview with Kayumba Nyamwasa, where he made inflammatory remarks about Rwanda’s leadership.

In a 33-minute and 30-second interview, Kayumba made several accusations against the Rwandan government, even going as far as legitimizing the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while discrediting M23, which has been fighting for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

The Rwandan Embassy in South Africa reminded the public that Kayumba, despite his attempts to portray himself as innocent, has been actively involved in destabilizing Rwanda through the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its armed wing, P5.

“Since 2012, Kayumba’s RNC and its P5 coalition have recruited and trained rebels in eastern DRC with the intent of toppling Rwanda’s leadership. Though Kayumba and his associates have failed in their objectives, these rebel groups have contributed to terrorism and targeted attacks against Tutsi Congolese, with support from the Kinshasa government,” reads the statement.

The embassy further pointed out that Kayumba’s collaboration with genocidal FDLR forces has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing many civilians into exile across the region.

“Rwanda urges the media to exercise caution and avoid giving a platform to armed groups that threaten peace and security in our region,” the embassy added.

On February 2, 2025, Yolande Makolo also took to X to expose Kayumba’s deceptive tactics. She noted that Newzroom Afrika’s decision to delete the interview about South African troops and instead air an interview with a fugitive convicted in absentia of a 24-year prison sentence by a Rwandan military court confirmed South Africa’s ulterior motives.

Kayumba Nyamwasa was convicted on January 14, 2011, on charges including forming a terrorist group, attempting to destabilize the country, and violating national laws. His crimes date back to 2010, when grenade attacks in Kigali killed multiple civilians.

Over the years, various reports have linked Kayumba to efforts in eastern DRC to recruit fighters for a planned attack on Rwanda.

Nyamwasa has been actively involved in destabilizing Rwanda through the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its armed wing, P5.

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The agreement was signed at the conclusion of a visit by a delegation from Namibia’s Correctional Service, which was in Rwanda from February 4 to 6, 2025.

The ceremony took place on February 6, 2025, with Rwanda represented by the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Murenzi Evariste, and Namibia represented by the Commissioner General of its Correctional Service, Raphael T. Hamunyela.

The pact aims to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, best practices in prisoner management, staff training, and the sharing of information related to correctional services. It also includes provisions for study visits between the two countries, joint research and assessments, as well as cultural and sports exchanges.

During the visit, Hamunyela and his delegation commended Rwanda’s approach to environmental conservation in correctional facilities and the emphasis on protecting inmates’ rights. They also praised the training programs provided to correctional officers in Rwanda, which help enhance their skills.

Similarly, RCS expressed appreciation for Namibia’s vocational training programs within its correctional facilities, which equip inmates with industrial skills, increasing their chances of securing employment or starting their own businesses after reintegration.

Rwanda and Namibia have an existing history of cooperation in various sectors. Since 2015, the police forces of both nations have maintained a partnership, particularly in training programs. By 2022, at least 15 senior Namibian police officers had completed advanced training at Rwanda’s National Police College.

Beyond security cooperation, the two countries have also signed agreements on airspace sharing to enhance trade, tourism, and the movement of people between Rwanda and Namibia.

RCS and NCS have signed a five-year partnership agreement.

Hamunyela and his visiting delegation commended Rwanda’s approach to environmental conservation in correctional facilities.

Commissioner General Murenzi Evariste signed the pact on behalf of RCS.

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The virtual event brought together key industry leaders to educate the public on the advantages, risks, and accessibility of CIS.

CIS are investment funds that gather money from multiple investors and allocate it into a diversified portfolio of assets. These schemes offer several benefits, including professional fund management, lower investment risk through diversification, and access to investment opportunities that may be difficult for individual investors to reach.

In Rwanda, two CIS are currently licensed: the RNIT Iterambere Fund and the BKC Aguka Fund. By the end of December 2024, their total assets under management (AUM) had grown to RWF 67.49 billion, with 34,465 unit holders, up from RWF 64 billion and 28,895 unit holders in June 2024.

This growth reflects increasing investor confidence and participation in Rwanda’s capital markets.
Agnes Nyirankeza, CEO of BCP Investment Managers noted that “The CIS industry can help create quality jobs in Rwanda by employing financial analysts and portfolio managers. It is a crucial part of our economy, offering diverse investment opportunities with professional management.”

Siongo Kisoso, Managing Director of BK Capital stressed that “The future of CIS in Rwanda is bright. As the market develops, we expect greater innovation, increased investor participation, and a wider range of investment options. CIS provide a balanced approach, combining professional management with accessibility and risk diversification.”

Jonathan Gatera, CEO of RNIT Iterambere Fund said that since launching in 2016 as Rwanda’s first CIS, the RNIT Iterambere Fund has grown its assets from RWF 3 billion to over RWF 45 billion.

'Investors can start with as little as RWF 2,000 and only need an ID card. The Net Asset Value per unit has increased from RWF 1,000 to RWF 1,238, reflecting an annual net return of about 11.78%. We plan to introduce more schemes to enable broader participation,' he said.

Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) expressed commitment to educating the public on CIS, as they provide the easiest access to the market.

'I encourage BK Capital to consider listing on the RSE for visibility, and I urge all stakeholders to introduce more CIS and investment products to expand opportunities for everyone,” he advised.

Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) explained that CIS offer the simplest entry point for market investment.

'To enhance productivity, we must create more schemes, develop new investment products, and invest in technology. By working together, we can broaden the scope of CIS in Rwanda,” he said.

As Rwanda’s capital markets continue to expand, the rise of CIS will play a key role in driving financial inclusion and economic development, providing investors with accessible and secure long-term investment opportunities.

Rwanda’s financial sector is expanding, creating more opportunities for investors to grow their wealth including Collective Investment Schemes (CIS).

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The rewards are based on invoices requested during the months of October, November, and December 2024.

A Ministerial Order gazetted in March 2024, stipulates that a final consumer, who purchase an item not intended for business, is entitled to a reward of 10% of the VAT amount indicated on the invoice.

To receive the reward, one must be registered under this program by dialing *800# and choosing EBM services or using MyRRA. After registration, the consumer is required to always remind the seller to include their phone number on the invoice issued.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, emphasized that this reward is not a short-term promotion and encouraged everyone to participate, contributing to national development while also benefiting personally.

Since April 2024, about 58,000 people have registered for VAT rewards. Among them, 18,215, who made invoiced purchases in the last third quarter, started receiving their rewards amounting to Frw184.4 billion, since Wednesday.

'Of those registered, more than 43,000 have already requested invoices since this program started in April last year. The total value of invoices requested so far is a substantial Frw97.3 billion, with VAT amounting to nearly Frw15 billion,” Uwitonze stated.

Given that the reward is 10% of the VAT paid on these invoices, final consumers have collectively accumulated Frw1.48 billion in rewards.

Uwitonze urged all buyers to consistently request EBM invoices and reminded business owners of their obligation to issue them, warning of penalties for non-compliance.

A consumer, who is denied an invoice for the goods purchased, is urged to report it to the tax administration. In doing so, the affected final consumer receives an additional reward equal to 50% of the penalty imposed on the seller.

To report the trader, who refuses to issue an EBM invoice or provides incorrect one, consumers can send a message to the RRA WhatsApp number 0739008010.

'Infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and security; all these need resources. Everyone should contribute to national development, knowing that sustainable progress comes from our collective efforts towards tax compliance,' Uwitonze added.

Why the received reward might be lower than expected

While consumers continue to receive their rewards, some have noticed that the amount received is lower than the amount displayed in the system, either via *800# or MyRRA.

This may be due to various factors, including the invoices belonging to the ongoing fourth quarter. The reward amount is deposited quarterly to the mobile money or bank account designated by the final consumer after the declaration of VAT.

'Sometimes, a consumer requests an EBM invoice, but the seller does not declare it or pay the corresponding VAT. In such cases, the unpaid VAT is deducted from the reward amount pending further follow up with the taxpayer in question, leading to differences between the expected and received rewards,' Uwitonze explained.

'There could also be ongoing verification before granting the reward on certain invoices, or a seller might have failed to declare some information. This means that the expected reward cannot be disbursed immediately. However, once the taxes are recovered, they are added to the pool of pending rewards and paid out accordingly.'

Some cases have also been reported where rewards were sent but did not reach recipients due to technical issues, requiring reprocessing, he said. In issuing EBM invoices, some sellers also generate invoices and later cancel them falsely claiming they were issued by mistake.

Uwitonze assured that such fraudulent practices would not succeed, as the system tracks all seller activities, including invoice issuance, refunds, and inventory adjustments.

He warned that tax audits could be conducted at any time, and those found engaging in such malpractices would have to correct them and face heavy penalties as provided by the law.

Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has disbursed Frw184.4 million to consumers registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) Reward program, who exercised their right and duty to request EBM invoices during purchasing.

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Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.

“Despite being a landlocked country, Rwanda continues to leverage its strength and expertise to access global markets like ‘Fruit Logistica’ in Berlin,” he said.

Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager also highlighted the significance of the event: “We are excited to participate once again in this trade fair, as it is one of the largest platforms where we secure market opportunities, engage with buyers, and exchange knowledge.”

This year’s edition features 91 participating countries, with over 115,000 exhibitors and visitors, including farmers and buyers from around the world.

“It is also a valuable learning experience, allowing us to understand best practices in handling and transporting fresh produce,” she added.

Basiima also emphasized RwandAir’s critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of Rwanda’s fresh produce to global markets. “Fruits and vegetables require specialized transport as they are highly perishable. RwandAir helps us ensure efficient deliveries,” she noted.

“For destinations beyond RwandAir’s coverage, we rely on KLM and Ethiopian Airlines. Recently, we conducted trial shipments for avocado exports to Dubai, and if successful, we may expand it.”

Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR), underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.

“We engage with international partners to expand our markets. Being here also allows us to assess our progress and set future goals for increasing export volumes. I appreciate the government’s support in securing opportunities like these for us.”

Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at ‘Fruit Logistica,’ shared her experience: “Every year, we gain new insights, whether in marketing technologies, climate change adaptation, or advanced farming techniques.”

Rwanda exports fruits and vegetables to countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, Rwandan exhibitors showcased avocados, chili, French beans, and passion fruit.

In 2024, Rwanda exported 97,165 tons of fruits and vegetables, generating $75.1 million (over RWF 104.5 billion), accounting for 8.95% of the country’s total agricultural exports.

The country’s agricultural exports continue to grow, with revenues surpassing $839.2 million (over RWF 1.162 trillion) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Key export products include coffee, which generated $78.71 million, and tea, which brought in over $114.88 million in 2023/2024.

In addition to the rising fresh produce sector, which contributed over $75.12 million, Rwanda earned $562.43 million from value-added agricultural products and livestock exports, while pyrethrum exports generated $8 million.

According to NAEB, between 2020 and 2024, Rwanda exported 261.6 million kilograms of horticultural products, including 170.8 million kilograms of vegetables, 86.4 million kilograms of fruits, and 4.3 million kilograms of flowers.

These exports earned Rwanda $233.6 million (over RWF 317 billion), with vegetables contributing $128.5 million, fruits $79.5 million, and flowers over $25.4 million.

During an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.

Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at ‘Fruit Logistica,’ shared her experience.

Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager during an interview with IGIHE.

Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR),underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.

Photos showing other countries’ exhibitions

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Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

These lawmakers have called for the withdrawal of South African troops and the repatriation of the fallen soldiers, though challenges persist as some troops are reportedly surrounded by M23 fighters.

As he declared national mourning in the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 6, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa read the names of the fallen soldiers, who held various ranks, including Corporals, Staff Sergeants, Riflemen, and Privates.

“I have directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honor of these fallen heroes for a week, starting tomorrow morning,” he said.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed soldiers to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2023. The mandate was extended for another year in November 2024.

The initial deployment consisted of 5,000 soldiers, including 2,900 from South Africa, which leads the mission, alongside 2,100 from Tanzania and Malawi.

On June 26, 2024, it was announced that SADC had reinforced its presence in Goma, increasing troop numbers from the initial 5,000 in North Kivu to over 9,000.

Reports indicate that South Africa contributed an additional 2,600 troops, while Tanzania and Malawi reinforced their contingents with 750 and 1,000 soldiers, respectively.

Despite this buildup, the forces have not met the DRC government’s expectations, as they have failed to push M23 out of the areas under its control. Instead, the rebel group has continued to expand its territory.

Ramaphosa’s recent statement has sparked mixed reactions. Critics have questioned the characterization of South African soldiers in the DRC as peacekeepers, noting that they were directly involved in combat with M23.

Some have even suggested that the soldiers were sent to the conflict zone as part of the president’s mining interests, with claims that they were sent to die in the process.

The bodies of South African soldiers who died in clashes with the M23 rebel group continue to decompose in Goma, with reports indicating that some remain scattered in different locations and have not been placed in hospital mortuaries.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the national mourning in the State of the Nation Address.

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Kenyatta, the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process, emphasized that both initiatives play complementary roles in addressing the multi-layered crisis.

“The two processes of Luanda and Nairobi hold the greatest promise for a resolution and termination of the crisis in the eastern DRC. The two processes are complementary and interdependent,” Kenyatta stated in a briefing submitted to the EAC, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Distinct yet complementary approaches

The Nairobi Process, spearheaded by the EAC, aims to mediate a resolution between the Government of the DRC and various armed groups active in the eastern regions of the country. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has hosted multiple rounds of peace talks in Nairobi, aiming to facilitate the disarmament and reintegration of armed factions.

“The political aspect [of the Nairobi Process] focused on engaging all stakeholders including armed groups, political factions, civil society, and regional partners in an inclusive conversation aimed at resolving the conflict and fostering long-term peace,” Kenyatta explained.

This initiative also led to the deployment of the EAC Regional Force (EACRF) to maintain security in volatile areas. However, recent political shifts in the DRC, coupled with renewed violence in North and South Kivu, have significantly undermined its progress.

The Luanda Peace Process, on the other hand, is mediated by Angola under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the African Union (AU). It primarily seeks to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the M23 rebel group—claims that President Paul Kagame has repeatedly dismissed.

In November 2022, the process facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the DRC government and M23 rebels, but its implementation has been inconsistent.

Kenyatta’s report highlights setbacks faced by the Nairobi Peace Process, particularly the disruption caused by the December 2023 DRC elections and the subsequent formation of a new government. These political shifts slowed down peace negotiations, exacerbating security instability in the region.

“Following the December 2023 elections in the DRC, the formation of a new government delayed the resumption of the Nairobi Process. While engagements with key stakeholders continued, the lack of political momentum, coupled with renewed hostilities in North Kivu and South Kivu, has significantly undermined the progress made in 2022-2023,” he stated.

The M23 rebels last month regained control of key towns, including Goma, leading to renewed conflict in the eastern DRC.

Despite these challenges, Kenyatta remains hopeful that a concerted effort involving both peace processes can lead to lasting peace.

“There is an African solution to this African problem, and it is predicated on bringing both DRC and Rwanda back to the negotiation table while at the same time ensuring that the internal dynamics of people and politics in the eastern DRC are managed and directed to a path of peace and reconciliation through the Intra-Congolese Dialogue process,” he asserted.

The upcoming joint Summit of SADC and EAC, scheduled for February 7-8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as well as the African Union’s 37th Ordinary Session, will be crucial in determining the next steps for the peace efforts.

Kenyatta’s report urges renewed political will, regional coordination, and sustained international support to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has reaffirmed the importance of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes in resolving the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the need for renewed political will and regional cooperation.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a statement on X, Bisimwa accused the Kinshasa regime of engaging in a shameful controversy over the matter. He insisted that the fallen soldiers, comprising FARDC troops and allied groups, including Wazalendo, FDLR, FDNB, and mercenaries were killed in battle after rejecting a chance to surrender.

“It is well known and widely acknowledged, through videos that circulated around the world, that the defeated FARDC and their allies refused to comply with the order from our forces to surrender their weapons to MONUSCO and be confined at the Stade de l’Unité,” Bisimwa stated.

According to the M23 leader, the Congolese forces instead chose to fight in the city center, where they were ultimately neutralized. He revealed that their bodies were collected by health authorities, stored at Goma Hospital’s morgue, and later buried.

Bisimwa further claimed that no family in Goma is mourning these deaths, implying that the casualties were exclusively government troops and their foreign allies, rather than civilians.

The Congolese government has not responded directly to Bisimwa’s statement, but officials in Kinshasa have previously accused M23 of committing atrocities in Goma.

Currently, the bustling capital of North Kivu Province, is experiencing an unusual calm after days of intense fighting as the M23 rebel group has solidified its control.

However, the city remains a focal point in the ongoing conflict between the rebels and government forces as international observers continue to monitor the situation amid concerns over the humanitarian impact of the fighting.

Bertrand Bisimwa says that the Congolese forces chose to fight in the city center where they were ultimately neutralized.

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