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The summit, themed “Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, and Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods,” coincides with the EAC’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Upon arrival at the airport, President Kagame was welcomed by Shariff Ali Shariff, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Work, Economy, and Investment of Zanzibar.

Along with President Kagame, other EAC Heads of State who have already arrived in Arusha include William Ruto of Kenya, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also serves as the current EAC Chairperson, is expected to arrive later, while Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye is represented by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza.

It remains uncertain whether Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo will attend, as he did not participate in the extraordinary summit held in June 2024, in protest of President Ruto’s comments regarding the M23 armed group not being Rwandan.

Over the past 25 years, the EAC has significantly expanded, growing from three founding members in July 1999 to eight current member states. While the community strives for political integration, this goal is often hindered by ongoing conflicts among its member states.

Upon arrival at the airport, President Kagame was welcomed by Shariff Ali Shariff, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Work, Economy, and Investment of Zanzibar.

President Kagame has joined EAC Heads of State for 24th Ordinary Summit.

President Kagame is among EAC heads of state attending the 24th Ordinary Summit which coincides with Silver Jubilee celebration.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The boxes, including banned skin bleaching lotions, had been covered with charcoal bags in an attempt evade taxes.

It was stopped shortly after take-off from the border after information emerged that it had other goods covered under charcoal bags.

The trailer was enroute from Tanzania, and the driver had declared to customs that he was carrying only charcoal bags.

Two people, including the driver and the alleged owner of the smuggled goods, have since been arrested.

Further investigations later recovered other big quantities of vehicle spare parts at the suspect’s home in Kigali.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services and Communications Division at RRA, while addressing the media on Friday, November 29, in Kigali, said that the importer had evaded taxes amounting to Frw77 million.

He added that these are results of close collaboration with law enforcement agencies against smuggling and fraud, including over 2 tonnes of smuggled second-hand clothes, which were auctioned recently.

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that one of the responsibilities of the force is to detect, prevent and fight anything that is against the law, affects the national economy and the wellbeing of Rwandans, including smuggling, a reason why the Revenue Protection Unit was created.

“We all thrive on the economy of the country, which can be affected by such fraudulent businesses. These operations are meant to protect legal businesses, protect Rwandans from substandard and harmful products, which can be brought into the country through such unlawful means,” ACP Rutikanga said.

He added that individuals engaged in smuggling and fraud are the same people, who sometimes attempt to de-campaign the national policy on the use of EBM.

“There are some people, who want to thrive on such fraudulent businesses and when they are identified, they try to use the media; they will not succeed. We also urge the media to background checks not to be used by such people,” he added.

He cautioned that attempts to use such shortcuts to get rich can lead to business downfall.

Dr. Thierry Murangira, the spokesperson for Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) said that the dossier for the two suspects has been transferred to prosecution.

“Smuggling and fraud carry severe penalties, including a prison sentence of five years and a fine of 50 percent of the total value of the smuggled goods, or one of these penalties,” Dr. Murangira said.

The vehicle spare parts are among smuggled goods at the RRA stores in Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, Gasabo District, seized over the past few months, mainly wines and spirits, and second-hand clothes.

Meanwhile, Uwitonze said that RRA conducts stock analysis in businesses.

“It is through stock analysis that we discover smuggled liquors, forged tax stamps, and tax seals traders taken from cheaper liquors to expensive ones so as to evade taxes,” Uwitonze said.

The trailer was stopped shortly after take-off from the border after information emerged that it had other goods covered under charcoal bags.

IGIHE

Speaking to the national broadcaster regarding the ongoing peace process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nduhungirehe expressed pessimism if DRC does not change its approach.

'Yes, we signed the concept of operations that would guide the peace process moving forward. But despite these agreements, when we look at what is happening on the ground, we see that DRC has continued to support and arm groups that pose a direct threat to Rwanda’s security,' he said

His remarks followed a ministerial meeting held on November 25, 2024, in Luanda, Angola, where key issues of regional security, including the dismantling of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the easing of security measures along the Rwanda-DRC border.

The meeting, which brought together ministers from Rwanda, DRC, and Angola, was intended to fast track the process however, Nduhungirehe expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress despite the agreements reached in Luanda.

The minister pointed to the actions of armed groups close to Rwanda’s border, particularly the M23 and other rebel factions, which continue to carry out attacks against each other despite the agreed-upon ceasefire.
Nduhungirehe described these actions as a clear violation of the commitments made during the Luanda discussions.

During the meeting, Ministers from Rwanda and DRC met their Angolan counterpart.

'After the fifth round of talks, despite the commitments made, we observed over 20 attacks by rebel groups against M23 teritories. This ensured the continuation of retaliatory fighting, which is exactly the opposite of what was agreed upon,' he said.

'This is why I raised the issue in the meeting. when we agree to commitments, they need to be implemented on the ground,' Nduhungirehe revealed.

He also commented on recent inflammatory rhetoric from DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, which has further complicated the peace process. On November 17, 2024, President Tshisekedi delivered a speech in the Okatanga region, where he openly stated that if given the chance to amend the constitution, he would seek to overthrow the government of Rwanda.

'This public call for regime change is particularly concerning as it contradicts the diplomatic efforts underway to ease tensions between the two countries. We are deeply concerned about these statements. Such words are reckless and dangerous, undermining the ongoing peace efforts' Nduhungirehe noted.

The minister also criticized the DRC’s Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, who in a video published on social media, is seen addressing detainees in the overcrowded Munzenze Prison, in Goma, warning inmates against collaborating with 'the enemy’ Rwanda and President Paul Kagame, at the same time mobilizing those willing to fight against Rwandans to reclaim their land.

'Such statements are not only provocative, but they are a direct challenge to the peace process. These words fuel hate and mistrust, and they make it difficult for us to lower our defense mechanisms,' Nduhungirehe explained.

DRC Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, addresses inmates in Munzenze prison recently where he warned inmates against collaborating with 'the enemy’ Rwanda and President Paul Kagame.

Despite these setbacks, Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to peace, but made it clear that Rwanda will not remove its defense measures until it sees a genuine commitment to peace from the DRC.

'We want peace, but we are not seeing the will from the DRC. Until there are concrete actions on the ground, we cannot lower our guard,' he warned.

He called for the DRC government to engage directly with the M23 group to find a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. He emphasized that such dialogue could help bring stability to the region and ultimately lead to peace.

'We believe the solution lies in dialogue, including with the M23 group. It’s time for the DRC government to take this bold step and engage in meaningful discussions that can lead to lasting peace in the region,' Nduhungirehe advised.

Rwanda has also called for greater international support to ensure that the peace agreements are properly implemented and that DRC is held accountable for its actions. 'We are committed to working for peace, but we need to see real actions from DRC. We will continue to safeguard our sovereignty and the safety of our citizens,' he emphasized.

The situation remains tense, and while both countries have publicly expressed a desire for peace, the path forward will require true commitment to make difficult decisions and fulfill each other’s commitments in order to avoid further escalation.

Minister Nduhungirehe has cast a shadow of doubt at the fruits of the ongoing peace process between Rwanda and the DRC if nothing changes.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The launch of this initiative took place during a key workshop held in Addis Ababa from November 27 to 29, 2024.

The strategy focuses on strengthening integrated health systems, with a special emphasis on the prevention and control of major health threats like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

In his opening speech, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “It is indeed an honour to address you today and to participate in this important workshop with the expectation that we come out of it stronger with strategies and renewed commitments for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Hepatitis and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the continent.”

Delegates from all 55 African Union Member States gathered at the workshop, where they reviewed and endorsed the Africa CDC’s blueprint for 2024—2027.

This plan is not only a reflection of the continent’s commitment to addressing urgent health concerns but also aims to integrate prevention and control strategies into the national health systems of all African countries.

The challenges in Africa are severe, with infectious diseases continuing to have a disproportionate impact. The continent accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths.

Moreover, it carries 40% of the world’s burden of NTDs, with every African country facing at least one endemic NTD. Despite this, the region faces significant barriers to progress, including underfunding, weak health systems, limited research, and poor access to treatment.

Dr. Kaseya, addressing these challenges, called for a unified effort to change the current health narrative in Africa. “We need to brace up to change this narrative by intensifying our efforts to find lasting solutions for the control and eventual elimination of these diseases,” he said, reinforcing the need for urgency and commitment in the battle against these widespread health threats.

The workshop focused on several key objectives, including validating strategic priorities for disease prevention and control across HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, hepatitis, and NTDs. It also aimed to engage stakeholders to strengthen multisectoral collaboration and finalize a detailed implementation plan, complete with clear monitoring and evaluation indicators.

Another crucial element discussed was the establishment of sustainable partnerships to support long-term health system strengthening across the continent.

This initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa CDC’s “New Public Health Order,” which emphasizes boosting Africa’s self-reliance in health security.

Political leadership will play a critical role in driving these efforts forward, and several African leaders have taken on specific health-related initiatives.

Among them are Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who will serve as the Champion for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, Champion for Health Workforce and Community Development; Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Champion for Cholera Elimination; and William Ruto of Kenya, Champion for Local Manufacturing.

As the workshop came to a close, delegates produced a validated strategic priorities document and a costed implementation plan, which will serve as a roadmap for improving health responses across Africa.

Dr. Kaseya remarked on the transformative role of Member States in this endeavor, stating, “The involvement of Member States is transformative. Together, we will create a more resilient, integrated, and inclusive health future for Africa.”

This strategic blueprint represents a critical step toward tackling the health challenges that have long plagued the continent, with the Africa CDC leading the charge for a healthier and more resilient Africa.

Delegates from all 55 African Union Member States gathered at the workshop, where they reviewed and endorsed the Africa CDC’s blueprint for 2024—2027.

Théophile Niyitegeka

Rwanda is among the beneficiaries of the regional financial institution’s initiatives, including financing infrastructure projects and supporting private sector development.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974. As of November 2024, the institution had supported 46 projects to aid the Rwandan government’s efforts to enhance food security. Three projects are currently active, supported by $16.77 million in funding.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB) and the Inland Lakes Integrated Development and Management Support Project (PAIGELAC), the Bank has not only revolutionized farming and fisheries but also fostered resilience, uplifted livelihoods, and strengthened food security.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature. The arrival of PADAB, however, turned this challenge into an opportunity.

An investment of $14.8 million between 2006 and 2013 introduced modern irrigation systems covering over 700 hectares in Bugesera. This has enabled farmers to grow crops year-round, significantly increasing yields of maize, beans, and vegetables.

Beyond irrigation, the rehabilitation of 260 kilometers of feeder roads has been a game-changer. Farmers can now transport produce to markets more quickly and at lower costs, reducing losses and increasing profits.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB), AfDB has transformed people’s livelihoods.

Additionally, training sessions on high-yield seeds and sustainable practices have made smallholder farmers more productive and resilient.

Anne, a farmer in Bugesera, is one of many beneficiaries. Once dependent on unpredictable rains, she now harvests surplus vegetables to sell at the market. 'I can now afford school fees for my children and invest in better farming tools,' she says.

PADAB has helped Anne and many others shift from subsistence farming to sustainable livelihoods.
On the other hand, Rwanda’s lakes have long been a lifeline for fishing communities, but overfishing and environmental degradation posed a serious threat to this vital sector.

PAIGELAC stepped in to revive inland fisheries, combining infrastructure upgrades, environmental conservation, and community training to ensure long-term benefits.

The construction of modern landing sites, cold storage facilities, and ice plants has drastically reduced spoilage, enabling fishers to supply high-quality products. Environmental restoration efforts, including watershed protection and reforestation, have safeguarded ecosystems, ensuring that fish stocks remain plentiful.

Nadine, a fish processor and entrepreneur, epitomizes this empowerment. After joining a PAIGELAC-supported training program, she expanded her business and now exports smoked fish to neighboring countries.
'This project changed my life,' she shares.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature but now things have changed.

With her earnings, Nadine has built a home and educated her children, inspiring others in her community to follow her lead. Dnd just like her, thousands of women have also received training, loans, and tools, enabling them to lead agribusinesses and improve their families’ quality of life.

For François, a fisherman on Lake Muhazi, the results have been life-changing. 'With training and access to better facilities, my income has increased. I can now support my family and save for the future,' he says.

Since PAIGELAC’s inception, Rwanda’s fish production has grown to 17,000 tonnes annually, lifting thousands out of poverty.

As the regional multilateral financial institution celebrates 60 years, it has, through its initiatives, touched the lives of more than 700,000 Rwandans, supported 696 agribusinesses, and made significant strides in improving food security.

The Bank’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity ensures that its projects not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. This is a pivotal role in supporting Rwanda’s vision to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974

IGIHE

Senegal and Chad End Military Cooperation with France

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for the removal of French troops from the West African nation, citing national sovereignty.

In an interview with international media ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre—when hundreds of African riflemen were killed by French forces on December 1, 1944, for demanding their pay—Faye emphasized the incompatibility of military bases with Senegal’s independence.

'Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,' Faye asserted.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April.

Faye also revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the Thiaroye incident as a massacre in an official letter.

“It is not enough to recognize it as a massacre; this acknowledgement must pave the way for full collaboration to uncover the complete truth about Thiaroye’s tragic events,” he stated.

Faye’s remarks coincided with Chad’s announcement on Thursday that it would terminate its security and defence cooperation agreement with France. This move aligns with a regional shift, as nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently expelled French forces to redefine their security partnerships.

Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

Australia has enacted one of the world’s strictest regulations targeting Big Tech by banning social media access for children under 16.

Passed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the law requires platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

A trial phase for enforcing the law begins in January 2025, with the full ban taking effect in a year.

Passed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the law requires platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

Unlike similar legislation in France or U.S. states, which allow parental consent for access, Australia’s law is absolute. The move is aimed at addressing social media’s mental health impact on young people and could set a precedent for other governments globally.

Kenyan Deputy President’s Motorcade Attacked During Burial Ceremony

Recently impeached Kenya Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Thursday forced to scamper for safety after goons invaded a burial ceremony he was attending in Limuru within Kiambu County.

The attackers indiscriminately assaulted mourners, and Gachagua’s motorcade sustained damage.

A collage of images showing a vehicle belonging to Rigathi Gachagua, damaged during the ugly incident.

In a statement shared on X, the former Deputy president condemned the attack, claiming that the State had intentionally withdrawn his security detail to facilitate such an attack.

“Earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security that was in place after the impeachment process we are contesting. We did not raise issue with this decision although expectations were that any Kenyan who has served at the level of government that I was privileged to serve at, would be secured by government even after leaving office,” he alleged.

Gachagua, impeached in October for allegedly undermining President William Ruto and other officials, has contested his removal in court.

President Kagame Discusses DRC Security Crisis with Angola’s Lourenço

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, held a phone discussion on Thursday about the security situation in eastern DRC.

Eastern DRC remains plagued by conflict between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which controls much of North Kivu Province.

The talks came after a November 27 discussion between Lourenço and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and a roadmap agreement between Rwanda, DRC, and Angola to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group in the region.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

Photos from the call showed Lourenço accompanied by his foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently participated in Rwanda-DRC talks in Luanda.

Rwanda Unveils National FinTech Strategy to Spur Financial Growth

Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT launched a five-year FinTech Strategy (2024—2029) on Thursday, aiming to foster a robust FinTech ecosystem and position the country as a regional financial hub.

The strategy prioritizes improving financial literacy, expanding access to investment, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and developing digital infrastructure.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey as we launch our national fintech strategy. This strategy represents not just a policy document but our country’s commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading fintech hub in Africa,” Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said during the launch in Kigali.

Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire speaks during the launch of the National Fintech Strategy in Kigali on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Rwanda aims to attract 300 FinTech players, generate 7,500 jobs, and raise $200 million in investments by 2029.

IGIHE

Many I spoke to call it luck, surviving by the skin of their teeth; others see their survival as an opportunity to be beacons of hope, voices for the voiceless. Their persistence proves that people can endure unspeakable adversity.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a striking memorial to the Genocide mass murders. In addition to being a center for repugnant history, it also functions as a learning center and a space for introspection.

Its role is also international in scope, advocating reconciliation, healing, and peacemaking via education across borders. In fact, for me visiting this memorial wasn’t just a journey to the past but a reflection of those lessons which Africa should urgently internalize in securing her future.

The Frailty of Peace

Growing up in my rural Kenyan neighborhood, I learned about the genocide in school, but the extent of its barbarity felt alien, and somewhat elusive—perhaps because I was only about one month old when it occurred and about twelve when I first learned it in school.

Walking through the Kigali Genocide Memorial, however, the reality became unequivocally stark: peace is easily disrupted. Rwanda’s story is a grim reminder that polarization, hate speech, and rampant bias can escalate into a crippling massacre.

Standing before walls inscribed with names, staring into photos of innocent victims, sent a sobering message about vigilance. Roots of animosity are often planted through careless remarks, policies of exclusion, or orchestrated propaganda campaigns. When cultivated by indifference or culpability, they morph into horrors.

The Power of Unity

Remarkably, Rwanda has demonstrated a power of unity and active resolution. This memorial keeps the remembrance of the victims alive as well as enlightens its visitors on the road to restoration for Rwanda.

With programs in place that facilitate dialogue, rebuilding communities, and holding people accountable as a nation, it is an example to show that even amidst a deeply divided population, reconciliation can be realized.

This is a lesson most needed on the African continent, which often finds itself torn apart by ethnic, political and tribal dispute. If Rwanda was able to rise from the ashes of genocide, why can’t other nations turn their conflicts into avenues for healing and advancement?

It takes strong leadership, for sure, but it also requires a united effort to highlight the mutual humanity that binds us together.

The Role of Education

The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as an important educational hub, particularly for young people. By confronting difficult truths, the memorial helps ensure that history is remembered and not repeated.

Education that promotes empathy, inclusivity and critical thinking must be given top priority for us Africans. To help them strive for a more cohesive future, it is our duty to teach our kids about our shared past, including its triumphs and sorrows.

My Experience: A Personal Call to Action

The experience of touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial was both life-changing and profound. In addition to serving as a devastating reminder of the depths of human evil, it also showed how remarkably resilient and forgiving we are when faced with such terrible grief.

I thought about how I could contribute to “Never Again” for it to become more than just a cliche and a reality that we all live by. I believe the answer lies in fostering dialogue, creating a path to harmony through education and immense support from allies.

For Africa, this means drawing lessons from Rwanda’s scars and successes to forge sustainable peace. With that said, I deeply appreciate the fact that the Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a memorial and a call to action for a continent that needs to heal.

Before it’s too late, let’s take note of these teachings. When we come together, Africa will continue to rise but when remain divided along the lines of ethnicity and hate, the continent will certainly come down crumbling.

The Author is a Digital Marketing and Communications Consultant based in Nairobi. She is a published author and a thought leader in the intersection of digital media, communications, and consumer behavior.

Ivy Wangui Mutahi

Over 36,000 refugees resettled from Rwanda to third countries in the last 18 years

The largest camp, Mahama, houses 68,115 refugees,

The announcement came during a discussion between the Ministry and the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on November 27, 2024.

Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, explained that many refugees in Rwanda’s camps seek resettlement in countries like the USA, Canada, and others. “This year alone, 5,000 refugees have been resettled, bringing the total to 36,000 since 2006,” he stated.

The recent influx of refugees includes around 15,000 Congolese fleeing the ongoing M23 conflict, bringing the total number of refugees currently residing in Rwanda to approximately 16,000.

Rwanda continues to support its refugee population through employment programs and the provision of documentation that enables them to compete for jobs across various sectors of the economy.

Senator Evode Uwizeyimana raised concerns about some refugees who fabricate family connections to be resettled in specific countries, pointing out that those selected for resettlement may struggle to adapt or thrive in their new environments.

“Some refugees lie about family relationships with those who have already been resettled abroad. These individuals often feel disconnected, with no strong ties to either the host country or their country of origin,” Uwizeyimana said.

Minister Murasira acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that individuals preparing for resettlement receive counseling from mental health professionals to ensure a smooth transition despite the difficulties.

He also noted that Rwanda hosts refugees from diverse regions, which contributes to the large refugee population in the country. However, he encouraged refugees to embrace both their host country and their home country.

Resettlement to third countries remains a key solution for refugees who are unable to integrate into their host country or return to their countries of origin.

As of the latest statistics, Rwanda is home to over 135,000 refugees. Mahama camp, houses 68,115 refugees, while other camps such as Kiziba, Kigeme, Mugombwa, Nyabiheke, and Nkamira shelter a combined total of over 67,000 refugees.

Mahama camp, houses 68,115 refugees.

IGIHE

The Rwandan government understands this too well, and its partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) over the past six decades have continued to transform the country’s energy sector, putting Rwanda on the world map as one of the fastest-growing economies.

Since the inception of the regional multilateral development finance institution in 1964, Rwanda’s energy sector has benefited from AfDB financing for 16 energy projects. AfDB’s current project portfolio in Rwanda includes six projects, accounting for a $521.82 million investment in the country.

With such partnerships from AfDB and other development partners, Rwanda is well on its way to achieving universal electricity access by 2024, with over 74% of households connected as of 2023 up from 16.8% in 2012.

AfDB’s strategic investments have helped power the remotest villages, ensuring that homes, schools, and health centers benefit from reliable energy. The projects have also led to job creation, both during construction and in industries powered by the new energy infrastructure.

The energy sector is the driving force behind any nation’s growth and development.

Scaling Up Electricity Access Program (SEAP)

The SEAP has been a cornerstone of Rwanda’s journey toward universal electricity access. Over 8,112 kilometers of distribution lines have been established, connecting homes, schools, and businesses to the national grid.

The program has also provided over 193,000 new on-grid connections, including 2,112 productive use connections for small businesses. The rural electrification rate has surged, lighting up homes and powering economic activities across the country.

For Jacqueline, a shop owner in Nyamasheke, electricity has changed her life. Before SEAP, her shop closed at sundown due to the lack of power. Today, she runs a freezer to sell cold drinks, generating enough income to send her children to school.

'Electricity has changed everything,' Jacqueline says, reflecting the life-changing impact of the AfDB’s investments.

The KivuWatt project has unlocked the vast methane gas reserves of Lake Kivu to generate electricity.

KivuWatt: Harnessing Methane for Clean Energy

AfDB’s support for the KivuWatt project has unlocked the vast methane gas reserves of Lake Kivu to generate electricity. With an initial output of 26 MW and plans to expand to 100 MW, KivuWatt provides reliable, climate-friendly power, reducing reliance on wood and diesel.

This energy has spurred business growth in western Rwanda, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

Renewable Energy Investments

AfDB has been instrumental in driving Rwanda’s push for clean energy. Solar projects have brought light to remote communities, benefitting over 20% of households outside the grid.

Additionally, small hydropower plants have provided affordable, sustainable energy to thousands, contributing to a renewable energy mix that now accounts for 50% of Rwanda’s energy supply. These investments not only reduce environmental impact but also lower energy costs for businesses and households.

Emmanuel, a farmer in Bugesera, now irrigates his crops using solar-powered pumps. 'I no longer rely on the rains, and my harvests have tripled,' he shares.

As the African Development Bank celebrates six decades of partnership with Rwanda, its contributions to the energy sector have proven essential in powering the nation’s growth. AfDB’s investments ensure that energy is not just a service, but a lifeline for development.

With energy at the core of Rwanda’s Vision 2050, AfDB remains a trusted partner, empowering the nation to build a sustainable, inclusive future.

The rural electrification rate has surged, lighting up homes and powering economic activities across the country.

IGIHE