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The allegations, attributed to a Reuters report, claimed that nearly 20 officers had submitted letters of resignation over the past two months.

In a statement released by MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, the mission refuted the claims, terming them as “inaccurate and malicious.”

Otunge stated that all MSS personnel have received their salaries and allowances, adding that no officer has resigned or submitted resignation letters.

'Reuters News did not reach out to the MSS for clarification, and the information being disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious. All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,' the statement read.

The MSS reiterated that its officers remain motivated and dedicated to their mission of supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in combating gang violence and restoring stability to the nation.

Reuters had reported that three anonymous Kenyan officers claimed they had not been paid since September and had submitted resignation letters without receiving a response.

Kenyan National Police Chief Douglas Kanja had earlier addressed the issue during a news conference, stating that officers had been paid up to the end of October.

Kenya deployed 400 police officers to Haiti in June as part of a United Nations-backed initiative to stabilize the Caribbean nation, which has been plagued by gang violence. The MSS, expected to comprise 2,500 personnel from about 10 countries, has faced some challenges, including funding and staffing shortfalls.

Despite these hurdles, the MSS reaffirmed its commitment to helping Haiti restore peace and security.

'The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people,' Otunge said.

Kenya deployed 400 police officers to Haiti in June as part of a United Nations-backed initiative to stabilize the Caribbean nation, which has been plagued by gang violence.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

After taking over, opposition fighters appeared on state television channels to announce what they described as the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

A man in military fatigues, flanked by armed fighters, read a statement on air, calling it “Statement No. 1.” He claimed that rebel units had captured Damascus.

An opposition fighter holds a rocket launcher in front of a provincial government office with a bullet-riddled image of President Bashar Assad in Hama, Syria.

Opposition activists said the rebel fighters entered the Syrian capital at dawn Sunday, according to the Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The monitor said hundreds of government soldiers were ordered to withdraw from Damascus International Airport and were seen removing their military uniforms and donning civilian clothing.

Multiple media outlets have reported that al-Assad has left the country, citing rebel forces.

Reporters in Damascus witnessed intense gunshots reverberating through the streets with heavy traffic caused by cars departing the capital.

Civilians took to the streets, waving the “revolution flag,” an older flag used in Syria before the rule of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali announced his readiness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.

Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, declared Al-Jallali would oversee public institutions until an official transfer of authority is completed.

“We extend our hands to every Syrian citizen committed to safeguarding the country’s resources,” Al-Jallali said in a televised address. “Syria belongs to all Syrians, and I urge everyone to think rationally about the nation’s best interests.”

Al-Julani instructed opposition forces in Damascus to refrain from approaching public institutions and banned celebratory gunfire. “These facilities will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are handed over formally,” he said in a statement.

Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, declared Al-Jallali would oversee public institutions until an official transfer of authority is completed.

The opposition celebrated the release of prisoners from Sednaya Prison near Damascus. The prison was emptied as security forces withdrew.

Flight data from the tracking platform FlightRadar24 showed a Syrian Air jet departing Damascus amid reports of opposition control of the capital. Initially heading toward the Alawite-dominated coastal region, the aircraft abruptly changed course before disappearing from radar, raising speculation about a possible evacuation of senior government figures.

Earlier Sunday, opposition fighters secured full control of Homs, a pivotal city and strategic crossroads, after a brief but intense battle. The victory severed connections between Damascus and the coastal strongholds of al-Assad’s Alawite community.

“The fall of Homs marks a historic moment,” Al-Julani said, urging his fighters to show restraint toward those who surrender. Thousands of prisoners in the city were freed as security forces fled, reportedly setting fire to government documents before departing.

Opposition forces in Syria on Sunday seized control of the capital, Damascus, following a rapid offensive that saw major Syrian cities falling like dominos within days.

Xinhua

Speaking at the opening of the East Africa Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa on Saturday, December 7, 2024, President Ruto highlighted the significant impact this expansion would have on the movement of goods and people within East Africa.

“We have now agreed with Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC that the Standard Gauge Railway will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC so that we both can use the SGR whenever we are going to these places,” he said.

The SGR extension is expected to strengthen the transportation network within the East African Community (EAC), a move that will greatly boost intra-regional trade, which currently stands at 28%.

Furthermore, the expansion is seen as a stepping stone toward greater continental integration, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Work has already begun on the SGR project in Uganda, with the first phase covering a 272 km stretch from Malaba to Kampala. This phase is slated for completion in four years. In Kenya, plans to develop the Naivasha to Kisumu line are in top gear.

The SGR extension is poised to revolutionize sectors such as agriculture, trade, tourism, and transport in the regions it serves.

“This project will not only benefit the countries directly involved but will also enhance economic cooperation throughout East Africa,” said Kenya’s Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar.

The development is part of a broader initiative under the East African Railway Master Plan, which aims to replace the region’s aging meter-gauge railways. The plan includes integrating the rail systems of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with further links planned to Rwanda and the DRC.

Ruto’s remarks come months after officials from the neighbouring countries signed a new agreement to expedite the SGR extension to Rwanda.

The agreement, reached during a meeting in Mombasa in May 2024, aims to overcome funding challenges that had previously delayed the project. The meeting included representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, attended the meeting.

Then Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who has since been transferred to the Ministry of Sports, expressed confidence in the project’s success.

“This historic agreement will facilitate joint resource mobilization and fast-track the completion of the SGR sections from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC,” he stated.

“It’s a crucial step toward creating economic hubs along the corridor, transforming regions with stop stations into centers of commerce.”

The construction of Kenya’s SGR cost $3.6 billion, financed by a loan from China’s Exim Bank. The SGR has significantly reduced the cost of transporting cargo from the Port of Mombasa to the hinterlands.

The construction of Kenya’s SGR cost $3.6 billion, financed by a loan from China’s Exim Bank.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Head of State was speaking on a panel co-hosted by the Doha Forum and the Center for China and Globalization, on 'China’s Role in a Rising Global South: Redefining the Future World Order', discussing the impact of deepening ties between the global south and China.

Kagame highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between China and Africa, noting that it predates the independence of many African nations.

He emphasized that China’s involvement in Africa has evolved, particularly in terms of trade and investment, which now hold significant value with tangible benefits for countries like Rwanda.

Rwanda’s exports to China grew from $39 million in 2018 to $131.2 million in 2023. Over the past five years, China has been Rwanda’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), further strengthening bilateral trade relations.

The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.

China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.

Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) and construction of Nyabarongo hydropower plant are among infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions.

While many critics, particularly from Western countries, have raised concerns about Africa falling into a “debt trap” due to Chinese loans, Kagame was firm in defending China’s approach.

He attributed the risks associated with debt to governance and management, rather than the nature of the loans themselves.

The President pointed out that African countries must be more diligent in engaging with their partners to ensure that loans are deployed effectively in projects that deliver mutual benefits.

The debt trap narrative, largely pushed by Western critics, often casts China’s loans to African nations in a negative light, suggesting that Beijing is deliberately setting up countries for failure.

However, many African leaders argue that the West’s history of imposing harsh conditions on aid and trade has left many African countries seeking more reliable and flexible partners.

China’s non-interference policy and willingness to engage without imposing restrictive terms has become an attractive alternative for many nations.

According to the China-Africa Research Initiative, as of 2023, African countries owe approximately $160 billion in debt to China, a significant portion of their external debt.

However, these loans are generally linked to infrastructure projects, such as roads, hospitals, and power plants, that have the potential to drive economic growth and improve living standards across the continent.

Kagame also addressed the broader global context in which China’s role in Africa is situated.

He spoke of the need for a new, more stable global order that includes the voices and interests of the Global South.

“The purpose of a global order is to have global stability, which we do not have,” he stated, emphasizing that true global stability can only be achieved when countries from the Global South work together.

“We need to realize that there is a lot we can do that benefits us in the Global South, but we need to come together.”

He noted that cooperation between the Global South and Global North could also be beneficial, but the Global North has often been unwilling to foster such collaboration in a way that feels equitable for all parties.

Kagame acknowledged that global geopolitical competition, in which China plays a significant role, is inevitable.

However, he argued that China’s approach to international competition has been more balanced and fair than that of the Global North.

'We don’t see anything in history that suggests that China has misused its strength. Rather, we have been benefitting from the cooperation and the attitude of bringing everybody to the table where everyone feels they are winning in the process,” he said.

Kagame also stressed the importance of the Global South working together to contribute to global stability.

“We just need to work together and make sure that we are contributing our fair share to this global stability that the world wants,” he said.

President Kagame participated in the panel discussion along with other panelists including Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Dr. Eduardo Enrique Garcia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras, and Dr. Henry Wang, President of the Center for China and Globalization.

Under the banner 'Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity', Doha Forum promotes the interchange of ideas and discourse towards policymaking and action-oriented recommendations.

President Kagame speaking on a panel co-hosted by the Doha Forum and the Center for China and Globalization.

President Kagame has highlighted China’s impact on Africa’s economic growth and challenged the debt trap narrative.

President Kagame is among dignitaries that attended the opening ceremony of Doha Forum.

Doha Forum promotes the interchange of ideas and discourse towards policymaking and action-oriented recommendations.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The latest formal external trade in goods report revealed a 15.7% decrease in the value of Rwanda’s domestic exports in October 2024 compared to September 2024. However, exports grew by 61.8% compared to October 2023.

By October 2024, the trade deficit stood at $363 million, driven by a 23.9% increase in the value of imports compared to October 2023.

Key imports included machinery and transport equipment worth over $103 million and manufactured goods valued at $100 million.

Overall, imports rose from $507.9 million in October 2023 to $629.7 million in October 2024, marking a 23.9% increase.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda recently told the Parliament that the growing import bill is worsening the trade deficit due to declining prices for Rwanda’s key exports.

'Our main exports—minerals, coffee, and tea—have experienced price drops, reducing foreign earnings. This has widened the trade deficit, affecting the foreign exchange market,' he said.

Governor Rwangombwa explained that the demand for foreign currency needed for imports has increased, while export earnings have declined.

He noted that reducing the trade deficit would require favorable conditions, such as discovering high-value minerals, but emphasized that addressing the trade imbalance would take time due to the changing dynamics of the global economy.

The Government’s development plan targets a 13% annual growth in exports and aims to boost private sector investment from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029.

The latest formal external trade in goods report revealed a 15.7% decrease in the value of Rwanda’s domestic exports in October 2024 compared to September 2024.

IGIHE

This milestone places Rwanda among 18 top regulatory authorities globally and one of the first eight in Africa to reach this level, underscoring its commitment to ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality medical products for its population.

This designation follows formal benchmarking by WHO, marking significant progress toward strengthening regulatory systems across the continent. The WHO benchmark, conducted with its Global Benchmarking Tool, evaluates regulatory systems against more than 250 indicators.

Maturity Level 4, the highest level, signifies an advanced regulatory system committed to ongoing improvement, while Maturity Level 3 indicates a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system.

The WHO global benchmarking process is part of WHO’s program to strengthen regulatory systems, evaluating core functions such as product authorization, market surveillance, and adverse event detection.

Regulatory authorities that reach ML3 and ML4 may qualify as WHO-listed Authorities after additional performance assessments.

Rwanda has attained ML3 level alongside Senegal, joining other African nations including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

According to WHO, both Rwanda and Senegal achieved ML3 through an assessment finalized in October 2024, in close collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and the WHO country offices in Rwanda and Senegal.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said: “Achieving Maturity Level 3 is a remarkable achievement for both Senegal and Rwanda, underscoring their commitment to improving public health and regulatory excellence.”

“This milestone marks a step forward in Africa’s journey toward stronger, more resilient health systems that prioritize the safety and efficacy of medical products. Both countries serve as models for the continent and contribute to the collective vision of a healthier Africa,” she added.

Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said that this achievement for Senegal and Rwanda reflects the strong commitment of both countries to regulatory excellence.

'Senegal’s achievement also marks a first for a francophone country in Africa to reach ML3, underscoring the momentum toward the future operationalization of the African Medicines Agency. Rwanda’s achievement represents another milestone for the East African Region, being the second country after Tanzania, which became ML3 in 2018,' she noted.

Rwanda’s recognition followed a detailed evaluation conducted by WHO between December 2022 and October 2024. The assessment reviewed Rwanda FDA’s regulatory processes, systems, and compliance with international standards.

Achieving ML3 often takes more than five years, but Rwanda accomplished it in just two, reflecting its strong health sector reforms.

This certification allows Rwanda FDA to oversee the quality of locally manufactured vaccines, enabling them to be exported and recognized internationally. In contrast, medicines produced in countries without ML3 status are restricted from international marketing.

Prof. Emile Bienvenu, Director General of Rwanda FDA, expressed pride in the accomplishment, saying it reinforces Rwanda’s dedication to fostering sustainable investment and development in the health sector.

He also emphasized that while celebrating this milestone, Rwanda FDA will continue striving to maintain high-quality standards in medicines and vaccine regulation to safeguard public health.

Rwanda’s recognition followed a detailed evaluation conducted by WHO between December 2022 and October 2024.

Théophile Niyitegeka

He is expected to attened the meeting along with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço in an effort to address regional security challenges.

This confirmation was announced by President Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, on December 6, 2024, according to Radio France Internationale (RFI).

The talks follow a November 25, 2024, ministerial agreement outlining steps to dismantle the FDLR terror group and ease security measures imposed by Rwanda along its border.

The December 15 discussions are expected to focus on finding a lasting solution to the M23 rebel group crisis, which was not addressed during the earlier meeting.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently stressed that resolving the root causes behind M23’s armed rebellion requires direct talks between the DRC government and the group.

In an interview with Top Congo FM on December 6, 2024, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, dismissed the possibility of such negotiations.

President Felix Tshisekedi with Angolan counterpart João Lourenço

IGIHE

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the closure is meant to ensure the integrity of the polls.

“The Ministry of the Interior has ordered the temporary closure of all land borders as part of measures to ensure the integrity of the Dec. 7 general elections,” said the statement.

The statement said the temporary closure is effective immediately and will end at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.

The ministry urged all citizens and travelers to and from Ghana to cooperate with the security agencies in the course of enforcing the directive.

Ghana shares borders with Togo in the east, Cote d’Ivoire in the west, and Burkina Faso in the north.

Ghanaian voters will cast their ballots on Saturday to elect a new president and 276 parliamentarians.

Xinhua

Dr. Ngirente addressed the issue on December 6, 2024, during a press briefing on the country’s current state of affairs.

Recently, the government announced a decision to raise pension contributions.

Starting January 2025, pension contributions will rise to 12%, with employees and employers each contributing 6%. This marks an increase from the current combined rate of 6%, where both parties contribute 3%. By 2027, contributions will incrementally reach 20%, achieved through annual 2% increases until 2030.

The Prime Minister attributed the reform to Rwanda’s increasing life expectancy, now averaging 69 years and steadily rising. He noted that this progress means retirees could live as many years in retirement as they spent working, necessitating financial preparedness.

'It is commendable that Rwandans are living longer. However, we must ensure they do not live their later years in hardship,' Dr. Ngirente remarked. 'A Rwandan deserves to live a long life and live it well.'

He stressed that the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) manages pension funds to secure citizens’ futures, describing contributions as essential savings.

'When people face challenging times, we return their savings,' Dr. Ngirente explained adding that this reform ensures that retirees can maintain a standard of living similar to when they were employed.

The Prime Minister emphasized that these changes are intended to benefit Rwandans by ensuring that retirees can afford essential needs such as housing and education for their children.

Addressing concerns from those who feel the adjustments may be abrupt or challenging for some employers to implement immediately, Dr. Ngirente assured that the government would support them in the transition.

'For companies that can implement the changes starting January, they should proceed. For those facing difficulties, we will require them to declare their situation transparently. Based on their requests, we will provide guidance and support,' he said.

'We are a government that accompanies its citizens. We will not abandon institutions that may struggle to meet the new requirements in January. There will be no crises. We have also engaged employers, and no employer wants to see an employee who worked for 20 or 30 years unable to afford basic needs like soap,' he added.

The Prime Minister urged all Rwandans to support the decision, emphasizing that it was made with their future well-being in mind.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente explained the reasons behind the recent increase in pension contributions at a press conference held on Thursday.

IGIHE

As we approach the close of 2024, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable strides made in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

In this article, we revisit the key moments and significant achievements that have shaped the agricultural landscape of Rwanda throughout 2024, marking it as a transformative year for the sector.

17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show

One of the key highlights of Rwanda’s agricultural calendar was the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show, which took place from July 31 to August 9, 2024, at the Mulindi showground in Gasabo District, Kigali.

This year’s event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) under the theme 'Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems.'

The show attracted over 470 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations and developments in the agricultural sector.

The exhibition was a vibrant display of cutting-edge technologies aimed at bolstering Rwanda’s food systems, with a focus on climate resilience and sustainability.

Among the notable exhibits were solar-powered irrigation systems, hydroponics, modern livestock management, mechanization technologies, and the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in farming.

The Rwanda National Agriculture Show serves as a critical platform for stakeholders within the agriculture sector, including individual farmers, farmer organizations, financial service providers, and international entities supporting the industry.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, discover new products and services, and foster partnerships that will contribute to the creation of sustainable agricultural systems in Rwanda and the wider region.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, underscored the importance of collaboration within the agricultural sector to achieve food security.

He called on stakeholders to identify scalable solutions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued investment in agriculture.

The show attracted over 470 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations and developments in the agricultural sector.

High quality maize and bean seeds were showcased at the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show.

Tractors on display at the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show

Rwanda and Guinea sign MoU in agriculture

On June 3, 2024, Rwanda and Guinea-Conakry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in agriculture and animal resources.

The agreement, signed by Rwanda’s then Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, and his Guinean counterpart, Felix Lamah, outlines areas of collaboration in crop and animal production, pest and disease control, and agricultural research.

The MoU encompasses a variety of initiatives, such as sharing knowledge and expertise in plant production, promoting value addition, and expanding market access for agricultural products.

Additionally, it includes the digitalization of agro-input distribution and agricultural insurance, as well as the fostering of innovation and technology transfer.

This partnership not only aims to improve agricultural productivity in both countries but also strengthens ties between Rwanda and Guinea in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.

The agreement was signed between Rwanda’s then Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, and his Guinean counterpart, Felix Lamah.

Rwanda presents key investment opportunities in agriculture

On October 15, 2024, Rwanda showcased its agricultural investment opportunities at the Hand in Hand Investment Forum in Rome, Italy.

The forum, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the country’s ambition to transform its agricultural sector through substantial investments.

Rwanda presented five key investment opportunities totalling $785 million, focusing on areas with significant growth potential.

These include investments in tea, livestock, potatoes, horticulture, and beef production.

The tea sector alone saw a $289 million investment aimed at expanding cultivation and establishing a new factory in Nyamagabe, while $169.8 million was earmarked for enhancing poultry and pig production.

Additionally, investments of $63.8 million and $222.3 million will support potato production and the expansion of horticulture, respectively, focusing on high-value crops like avocado and chilli peppers.

These investments are aligned with Rwanda’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 5) for 2024-2029, which aims to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

The then Minister of Agriculture, Ildephonse Musafiri, emphasized that these investment opportunities not only promise business growth but also contribute to job creation, especially for women and youth, and to the overall development of the agricultural sector.

Rwanda was represented at the Hand in Hand Investment Forum in Rome, Italy.

Rwanda’s agricultural exports reach $3.2 billion over five years

Rwanda’s agricultural sector has made significant strides in terms of exports, with revenue from agricultural exports reaching $3.2 billion (over 4.3 trillion Rwandan Francs) between 2020 and 2024. This marked a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural export growth.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, agricultural exports generated $839.2 million (around Frw1.1 trillion), representing a slight decrease from the previous year.

Despite this, Rwanda continues to see strong export volumes, including 261.6 million kilograms of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, which contributed significantly to the nation’s economy.

Advancements in air transport, particularly through RwandAir, have played a crucial role in expanding Rwanda’s export capacity.

In 2023, RwandAir cargo flights transported 4,595 tons of goods to major international markets, including Dubai, the UK, and Belgium.

Rwanda’s government has set an ambitious goal to double its exports to $7.3 billion over the next five years, with agricultural exports expected to grow significantly as part of this vision.

Avocadoes are among Rwanda’s agricultural exports.

Rwanda hosts Africa Food Systems Forum 2024

From September 2-6, 2024, Rwanda hosted the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) in Kigali. The forum brought together over 4,900 participants from across the globe to engage in discussions aimed at transforming Africa’s food systems.

The theme for this year’s forum was 'Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era.'

The forum addressed critical issues such as climate resilience, digital technologies, and the need for inclusive food systems across the African continent.

Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, called for governments to utilize digital technologies and implement climate-resilient practices to ensure food security for all Africans.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to drive the transformation of agriculture and secure sustainable food systems.

The AFS Forum provided a platform for sharing innovative policies, business models, and technologies that will help move Africa’s food systems forward.

Rwanda’s commitment to embracing innovation and evidence-based policymaking in its agricultural sector was highlighted as a key driver of the country’s ongoing transformation.

The Africa Food Systems Forum in 2024 addressed critical issues such as climate resilience, digital technologies, and the need for inclusive food systems across the African continent.

Rwanda hosts the 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition

In October 2024, Rwanda also had the honour of hosting the 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali.

The event, held from October 9-11 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and tea enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the future of tea in Africa.

The convention, under the theme “Harmony in the Cup: Promoting Tea for People and the Planet,” attracted 476 delegates, including 108 international participants.

The exhibition showcased a wide array of tea-related products, advanced technologies, and sustainability practices in the tea industry.

The event underscored the importance of promoting environmentally-friendly practices and innovations within the tea sector.

Rwanda, known for its high-quality tea production, was able to demonstrate its leadership in the industry while fostering global collaborations.

The exhibition showcased a wide array of tea-related products, advanced technologies, and sustainability practices in the tea industry.

Rwanda showcases its floriculture at IFTF 2024 in the Netherlands

Rwanda’s floriculture sector also took centre stage on the global stage in early November 2024 at the 14th edition of the International Flower Trade Fair (IFTF) in the Netherlands.

As one of the world’s largest flower trade events, IFTF 2024 attracted a record number of exhibitors, including Rwanda’s delegation, which showcased premium flowers under the Rwanda Fresh brand.

The event provided a platform for Rwanda to engage with international buyers, strengthen its position in the global flower market, and showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable floriculture practices.

Rwanda’s participation at IFTF 2024 was a strategic move to elevate its floriculture industry, with experts like Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), highlighting the opportunity to elevate Rwanda’s flowers on a global scale.

Rwanda’s delegation howcased premium flowers under the Rwanda Fresh brand.

Théophile Niyitegeka