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According to a statement released by RURA, the pilot will be conducted on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Kabuga routes.

'Under this new system, commuters will pay based on the distance travelled rather than a flat fare for the entire route. The approach is designed to promote equity and fairness in public transport fare systems,' the statement reads.

RURA further clarified that passengers will be required to tap in when boarding the buses and tap out at the end of their trip to avoid being charged for the entire route.

The statement also outlined the fare structure, with passengers paying Frw182 for the first two kilometers, Frw205 for three kilometers, Frw219 for four kilometers, Frw251 for the fifth, and so on until the 25th kilometer, where the fare will be Frw855.

RURA also provided examples of how fares will change on various common routes in Kigali. For example, the fare from Downtown to Remera (10 km) will be Frw388 from Frw307. The fare from Downtown to Rwandex (6 km) will cost Frw274, reduced from Frw307, among other adjustments.

Earlier this year, in February, Minister Dr. Gasore explained that a fare-based system would be particularly beneficial to passengers, especially after the removal of subsidies.

He emphasized that while the new system might result in higher fares for long-distance travelers, short-distance fares could decrease.

The pilot will be conducted on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Kabuga routes.

IGIHE

Weapons in the latest package include air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons, among others, according to a press release from the Department of Defense.

The provision followed President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sept. 26 that his administration would provide another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The weapons will be provided under previously exercised Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, the Department of State said in its version of the announcement.

The assistance has been reported by news outlets based on anonymous sources prior to Monday’s formal announcements from the defense and state departments. It coincided with the Biden administration’s reported request for Ukraine that it lower the recruitment age from 25 to 18 to make up for the loss of manpower on the battleground.

Weapons in the latest package include air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons, among others.

Xinhua

The changes were announced on Monday, December 2, 2024, by the Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) and aim to enhance flight safety.

In addition to the safety measures, the new landing procedures offer passengers a rare opportunity to enjoy scenic aerial views of Rwanda’s capital, including picturesque views of Kigali’s skyline and iconic landmarks from above.

“We hope you’ll enjoy the view!” Rwanda Airports said in a post on X.

Kigali International Airport, the home base for RwandaAir, is located in Kanombe, a suburb of the Rwandan capital.

Situated about 10 kilometers east of the city centre, the airport serves as the primary hub for Rwanda’s national carrier, facilitating both domestic and international flights.

As the central point for RwandaAir’s operations, it plays a key role in connecting the country to the rest of the world.

The new landing procedures offer passengers a rare opportunity to enjoy scenic aerial views of Rwanda’s capital, including picturesque views of Kigali’s skyline and iconic landmarks from above.

Kigali International Airport, the home base for RwandaAir, is located in Kanombe.

The skyline of Kigali city at night.

Kigali International Airport.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The council, launched during the 2024 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., will focus on providing actionable, scalable policy recommendations to address the global jobs challenge.

This initiative is part of the World Bank’s broader strategy to combat poverty and foster prosperity by prioritizing job creation, particularly for youth and women in emerging and developing economies. The council’s members, a diverse group of global leaders, will offer insights on how to turn the challenge of job creation into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and social stability.

As the world faces an unprecedented demographic shift, with over 1.2 billion people in the Global South expected to reach working age in the next decade, the need for job creation is urgent. It’s estimated that only 420 million jobs will be available for this young workforce, leaving a significant gap that the council aims to address.

The council will meet bi-monthly for up to two years, directly interacting with senior management at the World Bank Group to ensure that its ideas are implemented.

Dr. Mwangi’s appointment highlights his long-standing commitment to socio-economic development, not only in the financial sector but across broader societal initiatives.

He joins the World Bank’s advisory council alongside a distinguished group of global leaders, including Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore, and Michelle Bachelet, Former President of Chile.

The council, co-chaired by these two influential figures, brings together 14 eminent individuals from diverse sectors such as policymaking, business, academia, and civil society, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional expertise in job creation and development.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Mwangi expressed his honor and commitment to advancing job creation in Africa. He noted, 'Over the next decade, the world is expected to experience significant demographic shifts, with one in four people on the planet being African, and more than a third of the world’s young people residing in Africa.'

Dr. Mwangi emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s growing youth population to drive economic growth. He highlighted that these demographic changes, driven by progress in health, education, and nutrition across the continent, could lead to a remarkable opportunity for Africa to contribute to global prosperity.

The World Bank’s High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs will meet every two months over an initial period of two years, engaging directly with the World Bank Group’s senior management. The council’s findings and recommendations will inform the Bank’s strategies to support job creation and economic development, particularly in regions that face high unemployment rates and economic inequality.

As part of his commitment to supporting Africa’s development, Dr. Mwangi also shared his intentions to apply the insights gained from the advisory council to further Equity’s own Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. The plan, which aims to create 50 million jobs across the African continent by 2030, reflects Dr. Mwangi’s dedication to ensuring that Africa’s burgeoning youth population has access to meaningful employment opportunities.

In addition to Dr. Mwangi, the advisory council includes other distinguished members, such as Guy Ryder, Under Secretary General for Policy at the United Nations; Patrick Achi, Former Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire; and Sebastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor Group.

These leaders, alongside Dr. Mwangi, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the council, ensuring that the solutions developed will be grounded in both global best practices and local realities.

Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, has been appointed to the World Bank Group’s newly established High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs.

IGIHE

The two suspects were arraigned at the General Court Martial in Makindye, where they face four charges related to engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of two pistols.

The court’s decision followed a request by Besigye’s lawyers for an adjournment to allow time to process a temporary practising certificate for Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua from the Uganda Law Council.

Court Martial Chairperson Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe declined to adjourn the matter to the following day, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, citing a clash with other scheduled cases. He instead proposed December 10 as the next court date.

Earlier, the Uganda Law Council indicated that a decision on Karua’s urgent application for a practising license is expected tomorrow.

If approved, Karua will lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for Besigye and Lutale, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while on a visit to attend the launch of the former Justice Minister’s book.

Karua is expected to formally take over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, heading a defense team that includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

Karua, alongside several rights groups in Uganda and Kenya, has been at the forefront of condemning the charges, which they argue are politically motivated.

Key questions arising from the controversial arrest include a debate over the jurisdiction of the military court in trying civilians.

Karua’s involvement has heightened the stakes, with her legal expertise seen as a crucial addition to the defence.

Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, has been arrested numerous times for leading anti-government protests in Uganda and charged with inciting violence.

Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua has applied to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his ally Obeid Lutale, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi on November 16, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In November 2024, the government opted to halt the entry of new petrol-powered motorcycles into Kigali’s market.

Dr. Gasore, speaking to RBA over the weekend, clarified that this policy specifically targets new entrants into the motorcycle taxi business, with enforcement set to begin on January 1, 2025.

'Anyone entering the motorcycle taxi business will be required to register with RURA and use an electric motorcycle,' he stated.

The initial focus is on motorcycles, with plans to include buses in the near future.

'We are focusing on vehicles operating in specific areas first. While we are evaluating the availability of electric vehicles in these categories, we plan to extend this policy to buses soon,' Dr. Gasore explained.

He further noted, 'This is a gradual process that will begin with sectors where the policy will have no disruption to Rwandans’ lives or the economy.'

Dr. Gasore emphasized that the policy will not completely phase out petrol-powered motorcycles in the country. Additionally, motorcycles operating in rural areas will not be affected by this new policy.

'Motorcycles have become a significant part of the transport market, and their adoption has been faster compared to other vehicles. The electric motorcycle market has grown steadily, and we believe it is now capable of supporting itself,' he said.

The Minister also highlighted Rwanda’s expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, including battery swapping stations across Kigali, which will support the new policy.

“This decision is part of a broader effort to address the national issue of air pollution,” Dr. Gasore noted. 'It builds on previous initiatives, such as removing taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles.'

As of 2024, over 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles were on Rwanda’s roads. Dr. Gasore pointed out that while the country is making significant strides, the transition to electric vehicles is a gradual process.

'We can’t achieve this overnight. There are still infrastructure challenges, especially with battery charging capacity. Today, it’s motorcycles; tomorrow, it could be buses. We’re focusing on buses as another possible option because they operate on fixed routes,' he remarked.

Rwanda currently has 24 electric vehicle charging stations, with four dedicated to electric motorcycles. Additionally, 49 locations provide battery swapping services for electric motorcycles.

A preliminary analysis shows that at least 226 charging stations will be needed nationwide to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Halting registration of petrol-powered motorbikes is epected to extend to public buses in Kigali as part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to address environmental challenges.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Gasore emphasized that motorcycles operating in rural areas will not be affected by this new policy.

IGIHE

As the AfDB celebrates its 60th anniversary in Rwanda, its partnership with the Government of Rwanda has significantly advanced access to clean water (82 percent of the country’s population), through the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), while also fostering broader socio-economic improvements across communities.

For over eight years, AfDB has led the way in supporting Rwanda’s water supply and sanitation projects, financing initiatives that have benefited millions.

A major milestone in this partnership was the approval of the Rwanda Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program in November 2017. The program focused on the City of Kigali and several satellite cities, including Rubavu, Rusizi, Nyagatare, and Muhanga.

To date, approximately 1.1 million people have gained access to improved water services, with another 475,000 people expected to benefit from enhanced sanitation infrastructure by 2026.

Building on this success, AfDB expanded its support in 2018, providing additional financing to extend the program to districts such as Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Ruhango.

In schools, the availability of reliable water has had a direct impact on both the quality of education and the sustainability of school feeding programs.

In December 2023, AfDB approved a new phase of the partnership, the Rwanda Transformative and Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program. This initiative aims to reach approximately 2.33 million people by 2029, with a particular focus on improving water supply and sanitation in Kigali and several other districts, including Gicumbi, Huye, and Nyaruguru. Women will make up 50% of the beneficiaries.

The financing for these projects includes an initial loan of $282,318,000, an additional loan of EUR 135,717,000, and support for the Rwanda Transformative and Sustainable Water and Sanitation Program through a loan of JPY 39,732,944,830.

Reflecting on these efforts, Dr. Omar Munyaneza, CEO of WASAC, highlighted the far-reaching benefits of these projects.

'The projects funded by the African Development Bank have not only provided access to clean water to the served community, but they have also impacted the socio-economic aspects of the project’s beneficiaries.

This was achieved through employment, reduction of waterborne diseases, water access to schools, which directly impacts the quality of education and sustainability of school feeding programs, and many more,' he said.

Dr. Omar Munyaneza, CEO of WASAC, highlighted the far-reaching benefits of these projects.

Some of the most significant AfDB-funded projects include the construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of water supply networks in Kigali and its peri-urban areas.

Other key initiatives include the Mwoya water treatment plant, which serves Rusizi District, and the new Gihira plant in Rubavu, both of which are essential for meeting the water needs of these rapidly growing communities.

The Kivu and Muhazi water supply projects, which aim to provide reliable water access to Karongi and Gatsibo Districts, respectively, and the Volcano Belt project, which will upgrade the Mutobo treatment plant to 48,000 cubic meters per day, benefiting residents of Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu, are also notable.

AfDB’s role has extended beyond financial support to include addressing Rwanda’s water access challenges, particularly in rural areas. The long-term impacts of these projects are already visible. In addition to providing clean water, AfDB-funded initiatives have spurred economic growth by creating jobs and reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases.

The projects funded by the African Development Bank have not only provided access to clean water to the served community, but they have also impacted the socio-economic aspects of the project’s beneficiaries.

In schools, the availability of reliable water has had a direct impact on both the quality of education and the sustainability of school feeding programs. With water easily accessible, students no longer spend hours fetching water, allowing them to focus on their studies and enhancing overall learning outcomes.

Looking ahead, both WASAC and AfDB are committed to ensuring the sustainability of these achievements. Munyaneza stressed that the key to long-term success lies in building capacity and maintaining infrastructure.

'As we are envisaging 100% water access across the country, the current common goal is to sustain the infrastructure through continuous capacity building for service providers on proper operation and maintenance. We are also working on introducing innovative technology to reduce non-revenue water, and focusing on institutional development in areas like sanitation and water resources management,' he said.

As Rwanda moves closer to achieving universal water access, AfDB’s continued support will be crucial. With the bank’s financing, Rwanda is on track to meet its goal of providing every citizen with access to clean water by 2024, as set out in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Munyaneza expressed gratitude for the collaboration with AfDB and optimism about the country meeting its water distribution targets. 'AfDB has been a very key partner, and through its continued support and collaboration in financing water and sanitation projects, we are confident we will achieve the government target of water access for all Rwandans by 2029, as outlined in the NST2,' he said.

With a strong commitment to building on these successes, the future looks bright for Rwanda as it continues to make clean water and sanitation a reality for all its citizens.

Water is a critical area of focus for Rwanda’s development.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has played a central role in addressing issues concerning water and sanitation.

Both WASAC and AfDB are committed to ensuring the sustainability of these achievements.

IGIHE

The organization’s insights were shared during the State of the Map Rwanda 2024 Conference, held on November 29, 2024, under the theme 'Empowering Rwanda’s Future: Innovations for a Resilient and Sustainable Tomorrow.'

The conference brought together various stakeholders, including university professors, students, and Eco-Mappers’ partners, to explore the potential of GIS in driving sustainable development and resilience in Rwanda.

Jeanette Rebecca Nyinawumuntu, CEO of Eco-Mappers Rwanda, underscored the organization’s commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation. She explained that one of their key initiatives is training young people in GIS technology, enabling them to use platforms like OpenStreet Tools to collect and report critical data from their communities.

'Our goal is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to capture and present valuable information about their local environments using technology,' Nyinawumuntu said.

In the Nyabihu District, specifically in the Shyira Sector, youth are already actively using GIS tools to collect and share data about their communities, helping to highlight local challenges such as health concerns, landslide risks, and environmental issues.

Erias Nyandwi, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and head of the GIS research department, emphasized the importance of effective mapping systems in addressing climate change-related disasters. He explained how GIS helps monitor real-time events such as heavy rainfall, which could signal potential landslides or floods.

'When residents observe heavy rainfall, they can send the data via their phones to a GIS system, which analyzes it and provides immediate insights. If there’s a risk of a landslide, we can offer timely assistance,' Nyandwi said.

The integration of GIS into health monitoring was also highlighted during the conference. Nyandwi noted that community health workers, stationed in villages across Rwanda, send daily updates about health conditions via text messages.

When this information is processed through GIS systems, it provides valuable insights that can guide public health responses.

Jeanette Rebecca Nyinawumuntu, CEO of Eco-Mappers Rwanda, underscored the organization’s commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.

Erias Nyandwi, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and head of the GIS research department, emphasized the importance of effective mapping systems in addressing climate change-related disasters.

The conference featured discussions on diverse topics.

Jeanette Rebecca Nyinawumuntu, CEO of Eco-Mappers Rwanda was recognized for effective leadership.

Erias Nyandwi, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and head of the GIS research department was also recognized.

Some of Eco-Mappers staff members in a group photo.

Students also attended the conference.

IGIHE

The training focused on using technology to monitor and improve the coffee value chain through a system called the Digital Farm Extension Monitoring System (DFEMS).

TechnoServe, a long-time partner in Rwanda’s coffee sector for over 15 years, developed the technology in collaboration with BK TechHouse, which implemented the project aimed at enhancing coffee farming by collecting, storing, and quickly disseminating data to the relevant stakeholders.

Sildio Mbonyumuhire, TechnoServe’s Global Technology Lead, explained that the technology helps farmers track their farming activities and apply what they’ve learned about improving coffee quality.

He said, “In the 50 coffee washing stations we tested with, we saw positive results. The agronomist at the station uses the technology to track farmers in the zone they work in, learn where their farms are, and understand how they are implementing the advice they’ve received.”

Mbonyumuhire said that that this technology helps uplift farmers with weaker performance, leading to increased productivity in both quantity and quality.

Sildio Mbonyumuhire, TechnoServe’s Global Technology Lead, explained that the technology helps farmers track their farming activities and apply what they’ve learned about improving coffee quality.

The system requires tools such as tablets, computers, and low-cost mobile phones using the USSD technology, easy to use for many farmers who are not familiar with advanced tech.

“For low-income farmers, using a basic mobile phone, they can perform simple tasks like confirming receipt of fertilizers or seeds,” he added.

Marcel Abimana, the district officer from Gatsibo, where coffee is grown on 5.2 hectares, producing 12.5 tons per hectare, noted that this technology eases their work. It helps them connect farmers’ information to their yield securely.

He said, 'In the past, when someone visited a farmer and wrote information down, it could get lost or damaged. Now, all the data shared during farmer discussions will instantly reach the intended recipients.'
Abimana believes that this initiative will improve coffee quality and boost productivity, making the entire coffee value chain more efficient starting with the farmer.

Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), who concluded the training, emphasized that Rwanda’s coffee has become a symbol of national pride.

Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), said that Rwanda’s coffee has become a symbol of national pride.

He urged all those involved in coffee farming to keep improving its quality, noting that the government continues to support this effort.

He praised TechnoServe’s contributions to Rwanda’s development, especially in coffee farming from planting to market preparation.

'TechnoServe started by helping us build coffee farmer cooperatives, and now they’ve introduced technology that helps us reach farmers more effectively, eliminating the strain on agronomists. It also helps secure all the data, including what an agronomist would normally discuss with a farmer, reducing the chance of forgetting crucial information. More so, national data base will be promptly updated,' he said.

One of the successes in Rwanda’s coffee farming is that at least 82% of Rwandan coffee reaches the market well-processed, adding value on international markets. This has been achieved through close partnership between TechnoServe and NAEB.

Rwandan coffee is a source of national pride.

Rwanda’s coffee sector generated $112 million in revenue in 2022, benefiting over 400,000 households across the country.

The DFEMS technology was implemented as part of the 'Rwanda Ikawa Nziza Project’ that started in January 2021 and will end in January 2025.

TechnoServe has also integrated the DFEMS system into the government’s existing Smart Kungahara System (SKS) to ensure the technology reaches all districts in Rwanda even after the project ends, while continuing to expand and improve.

In addition to the technology, the project has been instrumental in distributing high-quality coffee seeds, with at least two million seeds provided in six districts; Gisagara, Huye, Nyamagabe, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and Karongi.

Hakizimana Protais, a NAEB employee responsible for the coffee value chain, said that they expect this technology to bring significant positive changes.

Experts agree that the Digital Farm Extension Monitoring System (DFEMS) will have a positive impact on improving both the quality and quantity of coffee production.

Olive Nzayisenga, the head of 'Rwanda Ikawa Nziza Project’ that started in January 2021 and will end in January 2025.

Officials from Technoserve pause for a group photo.

Those who attended the workshop did some practical training on the DFEMS technology.

IGIHE