Category: Uncategorized

Speaking to IGIHE, Cédric Tuyisenge, Acting Head of Tourism Marketing at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said the country's participation in the annual tourism fair aims to strengthen its presence in global markets and generate business opportunities.

'Over the past few years, Rwanda has attended WTM London with the aim of strengthening its presence in the global tourism market and turning international interest into business opportunities,' he said.

He said Rwanda was showcasing its diverse tourism offering, from mountain gorilla experiences and wildlife safaris to cultural attractions and hospitality.

'Our message at WTM London was simple: Rwanda offers much more than a visit; it offers a memorable experience,' Tuyisenge said.

He added that the country was prioritising connections with international travel buyers, strengthening existing relationships and developing partnerships with tour operators.

Beyond raising visibility, RDB wants the engagement to encourage travellers to explore more of Rwanda and extend their stays.

'We expect this engagement to translate into more bookings, stronger market access and increased tourism revenue,' he said.

Tuyisenge said the broader objective was to ensure tourism growth benefits local businesses, creates jobs and contributes to conservation.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-seeks-to-turn-tourism-interest-into-business-opportunities-at-wtm-london/

The issue was central to a conference held at the Press Club Brussels Europe on October 30, ahead of the Collective's annual general assembly in Brussels from October 31 to November 1, 2026.

Survivors, descendants, historians and lawyers discussed the transmission of the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the role of justice in confronting denial and minimisation.

Passing on memory without passing on trauma

One of the central questions was how families and communities can ensure that the history of the genocide is not forgotten while taking account of the psychological effects that the experiences of survivors may have on their children and grandchildren.

Discussions considered how descendants understand the history they inherit, its impact on their mental health and their responsibility to pass it on.

A discussion brought together Esther Mujawayo, a genocide survivor, therapist and co-founder of the Association of Widows of the Genocide against the Tutsi (AVEGA), and two young descendants of survivors, Impundu and Igihozo.

Drawing on her experiences as a survivor, a widow and a mother, Mujawayo said transmitting memory should not mean recounting only the horrors of the genocide. She emphasised the importance of also remembering the people who were killed through the lives they lived, including their happy memories, moments of joy and experiences shared with their families.

Remembering those who were killed, she said, should go beyond defining them by the circumstances of their deaths.

Mujawayo also drew attention to the ways memory is passed on without necessarily being discussed openly. Silence, non-verbal expressions and forms of communication rooted in Rwandan culture can also shape what children learn about their family histories, even when parents find it difficult to put painful experiences into words.

The experiences of the younger generation

Impundu and Igihozo, who were born after the genocide, spoke about growing up with its legacy through the experiences of their parents, who survived the atrocities.

Although the history was present in their family lives, they said their parents often found it difficult to speak about the past, possibly because they wanted to protect their children from the pain associated with what they had experienced.

The two women therefore began seeking information beyond their immediate families. They turned to commemorations, books about the genocide and conversations with their peers to develop a fuller understanding of what had happened and how it had affected their families.

Both have also used artistic expression as a way of engaging with their history and making sense of the legacy they inherited.

Their accounts highlighted cultural and family barriers that can complicate these conversations, including reserve, reluctance to discuss personal experiences and respect for elders. While these values are deeply rooted in Rwandan culture, they said, they can sometimes make it difficult for younger people to ask questions and learn details about their families' past.

Through their search for understanding, the two women said they had become better prepared to take part in preserving the memory of the genocide. They also expressed concern about the continued presence of genocidal ideology among some young people in the African diaspora in Europe, particularly on social media.

For them, transmitting memory is therefore not only a family responsibility but also a civic commitment that contributes to confronting genocide denial and preventing the spread of such ideologies.

They also spoke about the effect of learning more about their family histories on their mental health. Both said they had sought therapeutic support, which helped them understand their experiences and develop greater compassion for their parents and the difficulty of communicating events that are often hard to describe.

Their testimonies underlined the need for approaches to intergenerational memory that recognise survivors' suffering while also considering the needs of their descendants.

Justice as a response to genocide denial

The second part of the conference examined how trials of genocide perpetrators held in Europe have contributed to combating denial and minimisation.

The discussion featured historian Marcel Kabanda, President of Ibuka France, and lawyers Éric Gillet and Michèle Hirsch. They reflected on the testimonies gathered during the trials, the work of different parties involved and the legal instruments used in prosecuting genocide suspects.

The speakers said the trials had produced important records for historical knowledge, professional training and the development of legal precedent. They stressed the importance of preserving these achievements and ensuring that future generations of legal professionals learn from the experience gained through the cases.

Gillet cautioned that genocide denial does not always take the form of openly rejecting established historical facts. It can also emerge through indirect or subtle statements which, if left unchallenged, may normalise hatred and violent rhetoric and create conditions for further violence.

He also referred to denialist statements made during some trials by lawyers representing people accused of genocide and by certain witnesses.

He noted, however, that such statements had not affected court decisions or verdicts. Instead, they had allowed lawyers representing victims and prosecutors to expose the strategies used by genocide perpetrators to deny or distort the truth.

Hirsch raised concern about the presence of genocide denial and genocidal rhetoric in the Great Lakes region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as within the diaspora.

She called for organisations such as Ibuka and others committed to justice and human values to strengthen efforts to challenge these ideologies.

Ibuka Europe renews its leadership

Alongside the conference, the Collective held its annual general assembly, attended by the President of Ibuka Rwanda, Dr. Philibert Gakwenzire.

The meeting welcomed Ibuka Luxembourg, established on March 11, 2026, and represented at the assembly by its president, Didace Kalisa. Its admission brings the number of member associations in the Collective to 10: Ibuka Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg.

Representatives shared experiences, good practices and challenges from their respective countries. They also discussed the organisation and functioning of the Collective in a changing European environment. A working group was established to identify areas for improvement and propose changes to strengthen its effectiveness and cohesion.

The assembly also marked a change in leadership. After three years under the presidency of Ibuka Italy, represented by Dr. Honorine Mujyambere, the role was handed over to Ibuka Germany.

Philbert Gakuba, President of Ibuka Germany, will lead the Collective for the next two years. He will be supported by Mutabazi Eugène, President of Ibuka Belgium, as administrator; Albert Mukwiye of Ibuka Switzerland as secretary; and Christian Ngarambe of Ibuka Germany as treasurer.

The conference and assembly reaffirmed the Collective's commitment to preserving the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting the transmission of history across generations and confronting denial through justice and public engagement.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of recognising the different experiences of survivors and their descendants, while ensuring that the duty to remember remains connected to historical truth, accountability and the prevention of future atrocities.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/memory-intergenerational-transmission-and-justice-take-centre-stage-at-ibuka-europe-conference/

She made the remarks in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), following the City of Kigali's announcement that the buildings would be temporarily closed over non-compliance with fire prevention regulations.

In a statement issued on November 4, 2026, the City of Kigali said the buildings would be closed from 7 p.m. on Friday, November 6, to allow their owners and occupants to implement the required fire prevention measures.

The decision followed inspections conducted to assess compliance with fire safety regulations in various commercial buildings.

Ntirenganya said the inspections identified several shortcomings, including outdated fire extinguishers, missing firefighting equipment and a lack of regular checks to ensure that fire safety systems were functioning properly.

'In some places, fire extinguishers were found to be old and had not been replaced. In other cases, essential fire prevention materials, such as sand that should be available in parking areas, were missing,' she said.

She added that some buildings also had problems with firefighting equipment, including water hoses designed to provide water in the event of a fire.

She warned that the absence of such equipment or failure to maintain it could allow fires to spread quickly, destroy property and put people's lives at risk.

Another issue identified during the inspections was the practice of traders placing goods in corridors and other passageways intended for pedestrians, which is prohibited.

Ntirenganya explained that these passages must remain clear to allow people to evacuate buildings quickly in the event of a fire or another emergency.

Using corridors to display or store merchandise can block escape routes, increasing the risk of injuries and fatalities when people try to leave a building during an emergency.

She emphasised that the closures were not intended to disrupt businesses but to protect the lives of people working in and visiting the buildings, as well as prevent losses that could result from fires.

'These measures are essentially intended to protect people's lives because when a fire breaks out, someone can die while trying to put it out, or they may find themselves trapped inside a building without being able to get out,' she said.

Ntirenganya urged traders and owners of commercial buildings to strengthen compliance with fire safety regulations to protect people and their property.

She also encouraged them to insure their property, saying insurance could help reduce financial losses resulting from fire incidents.

The 10 buildings scheduled for temporary closure include Catchup Building in Gisementi, Gatenga and Gahanga SME Centres, Rwanda Foam Showroom in Gikondo, KAL Plaza in Gikondo and N&B Plaza in Kigarama.

The others are Eden Tower, Matheus House, Ntaganzwa House and Ndaru Arcade, all located in Nyarugenge District.

The City of Kigali said the buildings must first implement the required fire prevention measures before they can resume operations, in the interest of protecting the lives of occupants and visitors.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/city-of-kigali-details-fire-safety-violations-behind-closure-of-10-buildings/

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, announced the plans on October 27, 2026, while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies to respond to issues raised during parliamentary field visits to assess agricultural production initiatives across the country.

Dr. Ndabamenye said feasibility studies are underway for land to be covered under the Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation (CDAT) project, with the area expected to expand in the coming years.

'The CDAT project currently has 10,000 hectares undergoing feasibility studies, and this is expected to increase to 14,000 hectares by 2029. We also have other projects supported by friendly countries,' he said.

Other planned irrigation projects will cover 6,800 hectares in Kayonza District and 2,600 hectares in Gisagara District.

'One project will provide irrigation to approximately 6,800 hectares in Kayonza, an area that frequently experiences low rainfall. We recently launched another project that will support irrigation across approximately 2,600 hectares in Gisagara District,' he said.

In Gatsibo District, another project is expected to provide irrigation to about 800 hectares, including hillside farmland.

Dr. Ndabamenye said expanding irrigated land also requires resources to develop wetlands and prepare feasibility studies to accelerate project implementation.

'There are many examples of projects aimed at expanding irrigated areas. However, we also need to continue mobilising resources for sustainable wetland development and preparing wetland feasibility studies to speed up implementation,' he said.

The Minister also revealed that efforts were underway to secure funding for irrigation in the Muvumba scheme, where approximately 10,000 hectares are planned for irrigation. The initial phase will cover 3,000 hectares.

Other projects include Nyabarongo II, which involves several sectors, including water supply and electricity generation. Its first phase is expected to support irrigation across 6,500 hectares.

'The Muvumba scheme is also being considered for funding, with plans to irrigate approximately 10,000 hectares, starting with 3,000 hectares in partnership with institutions such as the African Development Bank.

'There is also the Nyabarongo II project, which will cover 6,500 hectares in its first phase, in collaboration with the World Bank. The Mugesera project is also seeking funding, while Gabiro II will be implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank to expand irrigated land,' Dr. Ndabamenye said.

He said the projects collectively have the potential to bring more than 50,000 hectares under irrigation, contributing to the country's national target.

'When you consider all these projects, they could potentially cover more than 50,000 hectares, helping us achieve the target we have set,' he said.

Rwanda plans to increase its irrigated land to 132,000 hectares by 2029, from 71,000 hectares in 2024.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/major-irrigation-projects-set-to-expand-rwandas-irrigated-land-by-50000-hectares/

Trump made the admission after Vice-President JD Vance attributed the party's defeat to the conflict, which has become a major source of political frustration among voters.

Asked about Vance's assessment, Trump said it was 'largely true', although he maintained that the military campaign was justified to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He described the decision as 'worth it', signalling that despite the electoral consequences, he had no regrets about the war.

The Democratic victory gives the party control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, setting the stage for a more difficult political environment for Trump during the remainder of his presidency.

Democrats secured at least seven Senate seats previously held by Republicans, making gains in traditionally Republican strongholds including Kansas and Texas. They also flipped more than two dozen House districts, including constituencies that had strongly backed Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The results have prompted criticism within Republican ranks, with some party members blaming Trump's policies and political priorities for the scale of the defeat.

Republican operatives and campaign officials cited the Iran war, rising gasoline prices, tariffs and the administration's immigration crackdown as factors that weakened the party's appeal among voters. Trump had repeatedly downplayed concerns over fuel costs and dismissed affordability concerns as a Democratic hoax, a position that further fuelled frustration among voters.

A White House ally described the combination of these issues as a 'perfect storm' that contributed to the November defeat, adding that frustration within the party was increasingly directed at Trump.

In Texas, Republican lobbyist Bill Miller described the outcome as a major rejection of the president.

'It's on him. It's not on anybody else. It's a total, complete rejection of President Trump,' Miller told the BBC.

Other Republicans argued that the party had fielded weak candidates in competitive states, while Trump's involvement in some races had complicated their campaigns.

In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Trump endorsed for the Senate race, lost to Democrat James Talarico. Some Republican operatives criticised Paxton's campaign, arguing that it failed to mobilise enough voters.

Trump, however, rejected the suggestion that the results represented a personal setback, shifting much of the responsibility to Republican candidates.

'I don't view it as a hit on me,' he told Fox News, insisting that his administration had delivered strong economic results and achievements.

He also argued that some candidates had failed to inspire voters and pointed to the historical tendency for the president's party to lose seats during midterm elections.

Trump had repeatedly urged supporters to vote as though he were personally on the ballot, making dozens of campaign appearances alongside Vice-President Vance in the run-up to the elections.

However, his efforts failed to prevent Democrats from making substantial gains, including in states where they had struggled to win statewide contests for decades.

Before the election, Democrats had not won a Senate seat in Kansas since 1932, while their victories in Texas and South Carolina further demonstrated the extent of Republican losses.

The outcome is expected to complicate Trump's legislative agenda, with Democrats preparing to use their newly acquired congressional majorities to scrutinise his administration and challenge its policies.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the party would use Congress's spending powers to pressure the administration over the war in Iran.

Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also identified affordability as a priority, seeking to address concerns over the rising cost of living that featured prominently during the campaigns.

Trump, meanwhile, has signalled willingness to work with Democrats, saying he would accept the election results and explore areas of cooperation with political opponents.

He told Fox News that he had already spoken with some Democrats, although he did not identify them.

The election has also revived questions about the Republican Party's direction ahead of the 2028 presidential race, with some party members suggesting the defeat should prompt a reassessment of its political strategy.

Republican officials have already begun discussing possible successors to Trump, with Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz among the names mentioned as potential contenders.

For now, the Democratic takeover of Congress leaves Trump facing a more assertive opposition, with the Iran war emerging as one of the central issues shaping the political consequences of his second term.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/trump-concedes-iran-war-cost-republicans-in-midterm-elections/

A province's story can be read in what it makes, what it grows and what it has to repair. In Hunan, high-grade steel for motors and transformers is made alongside machines for rice farming. Former mining land is being restored, while ancient terraces still rely on gravity-fed irrigation.

These industries reach far beyond China. In 2025, Hunan exported goods worth 27.1 billion yuan (about Rwf 6.00 trillion) to Africa and imported 30.9 billion yuan (about Rwf 6.84 trillion) from the continent.

The two-way total was 58 billion yuan (about Rwf 12.84 trillion). Across 2023, 2024 and 2025, Hunan's trade with Africa amounted to 168.52 billion yuan (about Rwf 37.30 trillion).

A central province with national weight

Hunan lies in south-central China, south of Dongting Lake and in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Covering 211,800 square kilometres, it accounts for 2.2% of China's territory.

Its capital, Changsha, is about 1,300 kilometres from Beijing by rail, with high-speed journeys taking roughly five to seven hours.

At the end of 2025, Hunan had 64.92 million residents, about 4.6% of mainland China's population.

It is also home to 55 ethnic groups. The 2020 census recorded 6.69 million people from ethnic groups other than Han, including Tujia, Miao, Dong and Yao communities.

Their presence is part of the province's distinctive cultural landscape, particularly in its western and southern areas. Hunan's economy reached 5.53 trillion yuan (about Rwf 1,223.86 trillion) in 2025, placing it among China's ten largest provincial economies.

That was about 3.9% of China's 140.19 trillion yuan (about Rwf 31,025.92 trillion) GDP. Dividing Hunan's GDP by its year-end population puts output per resident at roughly 85,000 yuan (about Rwf 18.81 million). The province's economy grew by 4.8% during the year.

Manufacturing is a major driver. It contributed 26.4% of Hunan's GDP in 2025. Agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries grew by 4.4%, while grain production reached 31.05 million tonnes. Mining, transport, retail, technology and tourism add to the province's economic base.

Trade with Africa moves both ways

Hunan's trade with Africa reached a record 58 billion yuan (about Rwf 12.84 trillion) in 2025. The province said it had led China's central and western regions in trade with African countries for seven consecutive years, with annual trade above 50 billion yuan (about Rwf 11.07 trillion) for four years in a row.

The totals were 55.67 billion yuan (about Rwf 12.32 trillion) in 2023, 54.85 billion yuan (about Rwf 12.14 trillion) in 2024 and 58 billion yuan (about Rwf 12.84 trillion) in 2025.

The latest figure was not only a new high; it also showed a two-way exchange. Hunan's imports from Africa exceeded its exports there by 3.8 billion yuan (about Rwf 841 billion) in 2025.

The province sells machinery, electrical products and other manufactured goods, while African agricultural products and minerals enter Chinese markets and supply chains.

President Xi Jinping has said China will 'help turn China's big market into Africa's big opportunity.' At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit, he called for closer cooperation in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment.

Steel for motors, transformers and new energy

In Loudi, Hunan Hongwang New Materials Technology produces high-grade electrical steel, also known as silicon steel.

The material is used in motors and power transformers. The company says it also has applications in new-energy vehicles, drones, aerospace and marine equipment.

The distinction between the material and the finished product is important: Hongwang makes an industrial input used by other manufacturers.

As lecturer Zou Xianlin explained, 'If we improve the grade of grain-oriented silicon steel by one level, we could save electricity equivalent to the Three Gorges Dam's annual generation.'

Hongwang's Loudi project was established in September 2021. Construction began in February 2022, and the first phase entered operation in March 2023.

Deputy General Manager Deng Weiquan said the company's annual sales were about 3.5 billion yuan (about Rwf 774.60 billion) and its workforce numbered around 850.

Deng described the material's reach in everyday terms: 'All our mobile phones, power tools and cars cannot do without this silicon steel.'

Company presentations describe a campus of more than 110,000 square metres, with first-phase investment exceeding 2 billion yuan (about Rwf 442.63 billion). The completed campus could produce 660,000 tonnes a year.

Farm machinery made closer to African customers

Shuangfeng County, in Loudi, has 85 agricultural machinery manufacturers and component suppliers, including 63 above designated size. The sector employs more than 30,000 people and produces rice mills, grain dryers, harvesters and tractors designed for hilly farmland.

Exports to Africa rose from 15 million yuan (about Rwf 3.32 billion) in 2024 to more than 40 million yuan (about Rwf 8.85 billion) in 2025.

Officials projected exports of 60 million to 80 million yuan (about Rwf 13.28–17.71 billion) in 2026.

Shuangfeng machinery is sold in more than ten African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Nongyou Machinery, founded in Shuangfeng in 1995, has built an assembly plant in Nigeria and sends technicians to train local after-sales workers. It is also working with other manufacturers on a proposed joint venture and a production, sales and service centre in Tanzania.

Nongyou reports that automation upgrades in its own factories raised production capacity by 270%, cut production cycles by 60% and lifted its product acceptance rate from 70% to 99%.

Its 5H series grain dryers have been named a National Manufacturing Single Champion Product.

Hengyang Ruida Power Supply offers another example of exports paired with technical services. The company says its batteries have reached more than 30 African countries and its annual output value is 1.55 billion yuan (about Rwf 343.04 billion).

Repairing the environmental cost of mining

Hunan's industrial story also includes the environmental cost of production. Antimony mining began at Xikuangshan in 1897.

The site briefing says the area accounted for roughly one-third of China's antimony output and one-quarter of global production over its mining history.

Mining damaged farmland, polluted water and left waste residues. Restoration work included six targeted campaigns, a facility designed to treat 20,000 tonnes of arsenic-alkali residue a year, rehabilitation of more than 6,000 mu of polluted land and reclamation of 1,478,800 square metres.

'We ensure that the mine can continue to produce while also making the environment beautiful,' said Zeng Guoliang of the Xikuangshan Red Army Long March Memorial Hall.

The restored area now includes ecological spaces, industrial tourism and educational activities.

Across China, authorities reported 24,000 ecological and environmental treatment projects during 2021–2025. In 2025, central investment of 29.2 billion yuan (about Rwf 6.46 trillion) was allocated to support 337 key land-greening projects.

Ancient farming knowledge beside modern industry

In Xinhua County, Ziquejie's terraced fields cover more than 80,000 mu. Their gravity-fed irrigation system works without mountain reservoirs.

The terraces, whose history stretches back more than 2,000 years, are recognised as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System and a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.

Hunan's cultural attractions also contribute to the provincial economy. Nanyueli Temple Fair Cultural and Food Block, at the foot of Hengshan Mountain, opened in September 2024 and has received more than 10 million visitors.

More than 75% of visitor traffic occurs at night, and its single-day peak has exceeded 70,000 people.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/how-chinas-hunan-province-is-building-manufacturing-ties-with-africa/

Abibata Shanni Mahama, Senior Advisor for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development in the Office of the AfCFTA Secretary General, said African countries should use the changing trade environment to expand intra-African commerce rather than depend heavily on external markets.

Her remarks come after the United States announced plans to terminate Rwanda and South Africa's eligibility for preferential access to its market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), effective January 1, 2027.

AGOA, introduced in 2000, allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export more than 1,800 products to the US without paying import duties.

The Trump administration said its decision followed concerns that the two countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with the programme's eligibility requirements, including barriers to American trade and investment and issues relating to US national security and foreign policy interests.

Rwanda had previously faced US trade restrictions under AGOA in 2018 after raising tariffs on imported second-hand clothes and shoes to protect its domestic textile and garment industry. Washington suspended duty-free access for Rwandan apparel exports, although the country retained AGOA benefits for other products.

President Paul Kagame defended the decision, arguing that Rwanda needed to build its own manufacturing capacity rather than continue relying on imported used clothing. He maintained that the country was prepared to face the consequences, saying the priority was to grow and establish local industries.

Speaking to IGIHE in Kigali on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during the AfCFTA SME Booster Programme's East African regional cohort, Mahama argued that the developments should encourage African countries to make better use of opportunities within their own markets.

'With AGOA and other initiatives that were cancelled by the current administration of America, it is the more reason why we are encouraging ourselves to trade within,' she said.

Mahama argued that African countries already have significant demand for products traded with markets outside the continent, creating opportunities for businesses to supply one another.

'Whatever we are sending to America and Europe, there are things that amongst us we also need. Demand is high for those things,' Mahama added.

She also highlighted that stronger intra-African trade could reduce the exposure of businesses to changing trade policies in external markets while creating opportunities for producers to expand their customer base.

Nomalanga Gule, Regional Trade Advisor for Southern and East Africa, said the changing international trade environment should encourage African businesses to reconsider their reliance on markets outside the continent.

She argued that Africa has sufficient resources and market potential to support stronger commercial relationships among its countries, including through processing raw materials and developing products for regional consumers.

'We have got enough in Africa that can be traded in Africa and not needing support or trade, opening of trade markets from other parts of the world,' Gule said.

She cited examples of existing trade relationships, including Ugandan milk exports to North Africa and Kenyan businesses establishing commercial connections with West African markets.

According to Gule, more than 60% of businesses using the AfCFTA framework are small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting the importance of helping smaller businesses access the continental market.

However, she acknowledged that awareness of the agreement has not yet translated into an equivalent level of business participation, noting that companies are still learning how to use its provisions.

John Bosco Rukundo, an Economic Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said the AfCFTA's ambition of creating a single African market would not be realised through trade agreements alone. Businesses must also have the capacity to compete, meet market requirements and navigate trade procedures.

He identified limited access to finance, technology, market intelligence, productive capacity, standards, certification and logistics among the barriers preventing small businesses from expanding into regional markets. He added that business support organisations should go beyond providing information to helping enterprises prepare for exports, identify market opportunities and connect with potential buyers.

The AfCFTA Secretariat is seeking to address some of these challenges through its SME Booster Programme, which brings together enterprises and business support organisations to strengthen export readiness and facilitate access to buyers, financiers and distributors.

The East African regional cohort being held on the sidelines of the 26th East African Community MSME Trade Fair, focuses on areas including product standards, certification, packaging, trade documentation, market intelligence and access to finance.

The Kigali meeting builds on lessons from four previous cohorts held in West Africa, Southern Africa, Central Africa and North Africa, making it the fifth and final regional activation of the AfCFTA SME Booster Programme.

The initiative focuses on helping small businesses in priority value chains, including coffee, tea, horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, dairy, leather, textiles and apparel, oil seeds, natural cosmetics and spices, to improve their export readiness and access markets across the continent.

The initiative also seeks to connect participating businesses to the AfCFTA Deal Room, a platform designed to facilitate buyer matchmaking, supplier onboarding and commercial partnerships.

Mahama said the programme was intended to move beyond training and help businesses convert opportunities into actual transactions.

During Biashara Afrika 2026, the Deal Room identified 38 business opportunities valued at an estimated $2.77 million across eight countries and six sectors. Sixteen meetings were scheduled, while transactions worth $500,000 were concluded during the event.

For Rwanda, the push to expand intra-African trade presents an opportunity to reach markets beyond its relatively small domestic economy.

Nathan Gashayija, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Small and Medium Enterprises of Rwanda, said some local businesses were already exporting coffee and other products to Ghana, while others were registering under the AfCFTA trading framework.

However, he noted that limited business capacity, inadequate knowledge of trade requirements and skills gaps were preventing more companies from taking advantage of the expanded market.

He said improving businesses' understanding of rules of origin, certificates of origin, tariffs and digital trade tools would be essential to increasing Rwanda's participation.

Diane Bampire, a representative of Kigali-based OME Group Ltd, which produces mushroom cookies, porridge and spices, said she hoped the forum would help her find business partners and distributors in other African markets. The company has participated in exhibitions in Kenya, Uganda, Togo and Nigeria as it seeks to expand beyond Rwanda.

'I'm eager to see if I can get partners,' she stated, explaining that working with distributors in other countries would allow the company to reach new markets without having to transport products there itself.

The AfCFTA brings together a market of more than 1.4 billion people, with a combined gross domestic product exceeding $3.4 trillion. As of September 2026, 50 countries had ratified the agreement, creating a framework for African businesses to expand beyond their national markets and access opportunities across the continent.

For the Secretariat, the challenge now is to ensure that the continental trade framework translates into greater commercial participation, stronger regional value chains and increased trade among African countries.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/afcfta-calls-on-african-businesses-to-look-inward-amid-agoa-restrictions/

He was responding to a statement by the embassy on X in which it said the administration of US President Donald Trump was deeply concerned about barriers to trade and investment in Rwanda, issues relating to the rule of law, political pluralism, internationally recognised workers' rights and human rights.

In response, Nduhungirehe questioned the embassy's mandate to comment on Rwanda, saying: 'If I am not mistaken, the US Embassy in Kinshasa has no jurisdiction over Rwanda.'

Meanwhile, the latest Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS), released by the Rwanda Governance Board on October 22, 2026, shows that the security category scored 90.15%, while service delivery scored 68.48%.

Citizen participation in governance and inclusiveness ranked fourth, scoring 84.72%, down from 86.31%.

Political rights and civil liberties ranked fifth, with 81.56%, compared to 82.71% previously.

Under this category, democratic rights and freedoms scored 85.01%, political party performance 73.50%, access to information of public interest 81.67%, and compliance with human rights and core international conventions 86.06%.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/nduhungirehe-tells-us-embassy-in-kinshasa-it-has-no-jurisdiction-over-rwanda/

The Rwanda Climate and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment 2025, published by the Ministry of Health on October 23, 2026, maps areas where climate hazards could intensify existing health challenges and examines how prepared the country's health system is to respond.

The assessment identifies significant differences in climate-health risks across Rwanda's districts. In the western highlands, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rubavu and Ngororero emerge as high-risk hotspots, with Ngororero recording the highest overall risk in the country. Gakenke is also identified among the high-risk districts. By contrast, Kicukiro, in Kigali City, and Rwamagana, in the Eastern Province, record the lowest overall climate-health risk.

The assessment identifies a medium-risk belt across parts of the north, including Musanze and Burera, while risk is generally lower across much of the east and Kigali. It also identifies a low-impact corridor across the south and southeast, including Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye and Gisagara, with smaller low-impact pockets in Kicukiro, Rwamagana and Nyabihu.

In Kigali, urban areas such as Gasabo are also identified as vulnerable to heat and flooding, highlighting the growing importance of climate-resilient urban health planning.

The report warns that these hazards are not only environmental concerns. They can disrupt access to healthcare, damage health infrastructure, affect water and sanitation services and increase the burden of diseases that are sensitive to climate conditions.

Climate risks and disease burden

The assessment examines 17 climate-sensitive diseases using district-level monthly health data covering January 2019 to December 2024.

Among the health concerns highlighted are malaria, schistosomiasis, diarrhoeal diseases, intestinal parasites, respiratory illnesses, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular conditions and malnutrition.

The report identifies seasonal patterns in several of these diseases, with some increases coinciding with rainy periods and changing climate conditions.

Transmission of waterborne diseases is closely linked to rainfall and environmental conditions. Notably, the report reveals that schistosomiasis is sharply concentrated along the western lakeshore, with Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Rusizi forming an intense regional cluster around the Lake Kivu basin where water-contact sites and snail habitats drive local transmission.

Malaria remains a particular concern in areas where environmental conditions can support mosquito breeding. Flooding and changes in rainfall can also affect water quality and sanitation, increasing the risk of diarrhoeal diseases and other water-related infections.

The assessment cautions that observed relationships between climate conditions and disease patterns should not automatically be interpreted as proof of direct causation. Other factors, including access to healthcare, population movement, sanitation and disease-control interventions, also influence health outcomes.

Vulnerable communities face greater exposure

The effects of climate change are not expected to be evenly distributed across the population.

The assessment identifies pregnant and postpartum women, children under five, adolescents, older people, persons with disabilities, displaced populations and low-income communities as groups that may face greater risks.

Disruption to healthcare services during extreme weather events can make it harder for pregnant women to access antenatal care, skilled delivery services and emergency obstetric care. Children are also vulnerable to the effects of unsafe water, poor sanitation, malnutrition and climate-sensitive infections.

The report records a decline in Rwanda's maternal mortality ratio from 197 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 145 in 2024. However, it also identifies seasonal variation, with a reported peak of 213 in February.

It further notes that deliveries among girls under 20 increased from 5.7 per cent in 2021 to 6.6 per cent in 2024, with higher proportions recorded in some eastern districts.

Gender-based violence also features in the assessment. Reported cases show seasonal increases between August and October, although the report cautions that changes in reporting and access to services may influence the figures.

The assessment estimates that approximately 137,000 forcibly displaced people are among the populations whose vulnerability and access to essential services require consideration in climate adaptation planning.

Poverty is another underlying factor. The report cites approximately 3.6 million people, or 27.4 per cent of the population, living in poverty in 2024, potentially limiting their ability to prepare for and recover from climate-related shocks.

Health facilities face preparedness gaps

Beyond the risks facing communities, the assessment raises concerns about the ability of health facilities to withstand and respond to climate-related emergencies.

An assessment of 10 district hospitals across Rwanda's five provinces examined infrastructure, water, sanitation, energy and workforce preparedness. The study also drew on qualitative input from 170 health-sector stakeholders.

The findings point to uneven readiness across key areas. Workforce readiness was assessed at 42 per cent, compared with 69 per cent for water, sanitation and hygiene, and 64 per cent for energy.

The report identifies important gaps in human-resource planning. Only 20 per cent of assessed facilities had contingency plans for mobilising staff, while 30 per cent had shift-relay systems. Just 10 per cent reported post-event recovery support for staff, and the same proportion involved health workers in climate adaptation planning.

Water and sanitation systems also require greater attention. Only 30 per cent of facilities had updated risk assessments for sanitation infrastructure, while monitoring of stormwater and sewer overflows remained limited.

Although all assessed facilities had emergency backup generators and maintenance arrangements, only 10 per cent assessed whether their renewable energy capacity was sufficient.

The report also finds that facilities are generally better prepared for floods and storms than for drought and extreme heat. It highlights the absence of facility-level climate-health early-warning systems as another important weakness.

In a separate survey of 93 respondents, heavy rainfall was the most frequently reported hazard affecting facilities, cited by 73 per cent. Flooding followed at 64 per cent, while strong winds and storms were reported by 36 per cent, lightning by 33 per cent and landslides by 30 per cent.

Drought and extreme heat were also reported, at 24 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

Respondents associated these hazards with health problems including malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoea and cholera, and malnutrition.

Rising temperatures expected

The assessment's climate projections indicate that Rwanda will continue to experience rising temperatures over the coming decades, although the scale of warming will depend on future global emissions.

Compared with the 1985–2014 baseline, projected increases in mean annual temperature under the lower-emissions SSP1-2.6 scenario are approximately 0.93°C by 2030, 1.38°C by 2055 and 1.43°C by 2080.

Under the higher-emissions SSP5-8.5 scenario, the projected increase reaches approximately 1.01°C by 2030, 2.36°C by 2055 and 4.08°C by 2080.

The report notes greater uncertainty around future rainfall projections, making rainfall variability and the frequency of heavy precipitation important considerations for planning.

Rising temperatures could increase heat-related health risks, while changes in rainfall patterns may affect the distribution of disease vectors, water availability and the frequency of flooding.

Call for stronger climate-health planning

The assessment calls for climate considerations to be integrated more systematically into Rwanda's health planning, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness.

Among its recommendations is the development of climate-health early-warning systems that connect meteorological information with health surveillance data. Such systems could help authorities anticipate periods of increased disease risk and prepare health services before emergencies occur.

The report also recommends strengthening preparedness for seasonal increases in malaria, schistosomiasis, diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory illnesses, alongside improving the capacity of health facilities to maintain essential services during extreme weather events.

It calls for climate-resilient infrastructure, improved water and sanitation systems, reliable energy supplies, better workforce planning and training for health professionals.

Integrating climate-related information into the Health Management Information System would also help authorities monitor emerging patterns and support evidence-based decisions.

The assessment further recommends targeted adaptation measures across five geographical zones, recognising that districts face different combinations of climate hazards and health vulnerabilities.

The assessment was led by the Ministry of Health with primary support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), UNICEF, and UNFPA.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-maps-climate-health-hotspots-as-extreme-weather-threatens-public-health/

The event, organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC (IBG CBC), will bring together diplomatic missions, international communities, local businesses, artists and members of the public at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (Camp Kigali).

Organisers expect more than 5,000 visitors, up from over 1,000 who attended the inaugural edition in November 2025.

The bazaar aims to use cultural exchange to create business and networking opportunities for Rwandan artisans, particularly by connecting them with international buyers and potential partners.

Edison Niyontegereje, Founder and CEO of IBG CBC and President and Chief Organiser of the bazaar, said the initiative was conceived to strengthen interaction between Rwanda's growing international community and local residents.

'We have given a platform for diplomatic missions to come and showcase their cultures,' he said during a press conference on Monday, adding that the event also provides an opportunity to promote Rwandan artists, artisans and creative businesses to international audiences.

Through its partnership with Agaseke Center, a City of Kigali-supported initiative, the organisation is seeking to expand market opportunities for local creatives.

Musemakweri Fred Junior, who represented Kigali Cultural Village (Agaseke Center), said the centre, established in 2007, initially focused on empowering women but has since expanded to include young people. It works with more than 50 cooperatives involved in weaving, tailoring and other art-related activities, while providing space for artists and artisans to develop and showcase their work.

Niyontegereje said the bazaar would also support artisans beyond the event through initiatives such as developing an e-commerce platform where they can display and sell their work.

Proceeds from the initiative are also intended to support market access, capacity building and education-related needs among families working with the organisation.

The second edition will feature more than 11 diplomatic missions that had confirmed participation at the time of the press conference, with additional missions expected to join.

Visitors will be able to explore cultural exhibitions, food, fashion, crafts, performances and other products representing different countries.

A new feature this year is a cultural art auction, which will allow artists to present original works for potential buyers both at the venue and through an online bidding platform.

The organisers are also planning live painting sessions involving approximately four to five artists from different cultural backgrounds.

Building connections beyond the event

Beyond the bazaar, IBG CBC plans to introduce programmes focused on cultural orientation, international exchange, intercultural dialogue, research and language learning.

One of the proposed initiatives is a cultural orientation programme intended to help international students, professionals and businesspeople understand Rwandan cultural norms and adapt to life in the country.

Niyontegereje said the organisation was working with universities, including Kepler and Carnegie Mellon University Africa, as well as other institutions, to develop programmes that encourage interaction between international and Rwandan communities.

The organisation is also planning regular intercultural dialogues where students from different backgrounds can share experiences and learn about one another's societies.

Joe Francis, IBG CBC's Director of Education and Culture, said the programmes would also help Rwandan artists and entrepreneurs improve their ability to reach international markets.

'We want to give local artisans and creative entrepreneurs greater international exposure,' he said.

Francis said plans include training in marketing, product presentation and engagement with potential buyers, while creating opportunities for local creatives to connect with artists and cultural institutions in other African countries.

The organisation hopes such exchanges will expose Rwandan creatives to different approaches to product development, marketing and business management.

Kuzo Marie, who represents the community engagement component of the initiative, said the bazaar also offers young people opportunities to build networks and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds.

'It's really important as a youth to be in spaces that challenge you, that show you how creative you can be, that connect you with different people,' she said.

She recalled that friendships formed during the inaugural edition had continued beyond the event, with one international student later seeking her assistance in communicating with a local resident because he could not speak Kinyarwanda.

For the organisers, this kind of interaction is part of the broader objective of making cultural exchange a continuous process rather than a one-day activity.

The second edition will be held under the theme 'Promoting Cultural Diplomacy and Community Empowerment.' The first edition took place at Green Hills Academy in November last year.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-artisans-to-showcase-cultural-creations-as-diplomatic-bazaar-returns-for-2nd-edition/