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Scheduled from November 12 to 14, 2024, the assembly will be held under the theme 'Enhancing Sustainable Public Procurement for Africa’s Economic Resilience and is set to define procurement reform as a cornerstone of economic resilience.

It brings together experts, policymakers, and practitioners committed to fostering a new era in Africa’s public procurement.

The APPN, established in 2018, has emerged as a platform for advancing procurement practices that are both sustainable and transparent. Public procurement accounts for nearly 17% of Africa’s GDP, making efficient and ethical procurement essential to sustainable development.

Joyeuse Uwingeneye, Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA), explained Rwanda’s achievements ahead of the event, underscoring the country’s commitment to high standards in procurement.

'The Rwanda Public Procurement Authority was created to separate regulatory oversight from the awarding of tenders, empowering institutions to manage their procurement processes while RPPA focuses on compliance and capacity-building,' she said.

This distinction is crucial, she noted, for fostering transparency and accountability in public procurement, positioning Rwanda as a benchmark for best practices in the region.

Joyeuse Uwingeneye, Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA) says that Rwanda has achieved a lot in the professionalizing the procurement sector.

Rwanda’s journey in procurement reform includes the successful launch of the Umucyo e-procurement system in 2016, a digital platform that has redefined efficiency and compliance in government procurement.

'Our digital infrastructure has allowed us to revise and strengthen our legal frameworks continuously. With the recent rollout of a new procurement policy in 2024 and the upcoming implementation of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS), we will allow public access to data on awarded tenders, financial allocations, and execution timelines, giving citizens direct insight into how funds are allocated and spent,' Uwingeneye said.

The adoption of OCDS, a major highlight of the assembly, demonstrates Rwanda’s leadership in procurement transparency, marking an unprecedented step toward public accountability.

The assembly will also celebrate the launch of Rwanda’s Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Policy Framework, developed with support from APPN. This framework integrates one of Africa’s first Open Contracting Data Standards for e-Government procurement, positioning Rwanda as a leader in procurement modernization.

On his part, Alassane BA, The Vice Chairperson of the APPN explained that adopting practices that promote transparency, efficiency, and reduced reliance on imports, African nations can drive self-sufficiency and bolster local economies.

He said that Rwanda, as host, stands out as a model of procurement reform and digital innovation, showcasing a blueprint for countries seeking to enhance governance through sustainable procurement.

'Transparency on this scale is rare and challenging to achieve, but it’s essential to building trust and accountability. The public can now view government spending details and question how these procurements benefit society. This open data approach will set a new standard for procurement accountability across the continent,' he said.

Alassane BA, The Vice Chairperson of the APPN says that adopting practices that promote transparency is a good practice

APPN’s Technical Secretary, Aftar Toure Morou, emphasized the assembly’s importance, framing it as 'not merely an event, but a call to action.' He praised Rwanda’s achievements in advancing professional standards and transparency, highlighting that the assembly encourages African leaders to rethink procurement policies that align with sustainable growth, resilience, and economic inclusivity.

'This assembly urges leaders across Africa to reshape procurement policies that support our continent’s shared goals of economic stability, environmental sustainability, and inclusive prosperity,' he stated.
Throughout the assembly, participants will engage in collaborative sessions exploring topics such as eco-friendly procurement, ethical sourcing, digital innovations for transparency, and building resilient local supply chains.

These discussions will directly inform APPN’s 2025 agenda, creating a roadmap for advancing procurement practices across Africa.

APPN’s Technical Secretary, Aftar Toure Morou, emphasized the assembly’s importance, framing it as 'not merely an event, but a call to action.'

By addressing core issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and digital frameworks, attendees will explore how sustainable procurement can support climate action, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.

Global support for the assembly highlights its significance on the international stage, with sponsorship from institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and Agence Française de Développe ment.

As Rwanda hosts this prestigious gathering, the nation’s accomplishments in procurement reform take center stage, inspiring other African countries to pursue transparent, sustainable, and efficient public procurement.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In a statement, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), a governmental body that manages humanitarian work, said the accusations made by U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello were part of an organized campaign targeting the commission’s efforts.

“It would have been more realistic and courageous of him (Perriello) to direct his criticism toward the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has been looting, detaining, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, besieging those in need, and denying them access to food and medicine,” the Sudanese government said in the statement dated Saturday, November 9, 2024.

The statement indicated that between January 1 and November 6, the HAC had granted 12,170 movement permits to organizations and agencies, allowed 1,073 trucks to enter through the Adre and Tina crossings, and approved 2,985 entry visas for foreign humanitarian workers.

The statement added that the total funds provided by the government in the form of customs and tax exemptions, transportation of aid, and purchase of supplies exceeded 600 million U.S. dollars.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Perriello said that the HAC prevented 520 of the 550 humanitarian relief trucks from leaving Port Sudan to deliver life-saving supplies to states across the country.

Sudan has been gripped by conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023. According to a report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project on October 14, the ongoing conflict has claimed more than 24,850 lives. The International Organization for Migration estimates that over 14 million people have been displaced within or outside Sudan as of October 29.

The Sudanese government has denied U.S. accusations of blocking humanitarian aid delivery to those affected by the country’s armed conflict.

Xinhua

This price surpassed the bids of more than a dozen other tea producers from across the region at the 44th East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) auction, marking a significant milestone for Rwandan tea on the international market.

Mombasa, Kenya, is home to the world’s second-largest black tea auction center after Colombo, Sri Lanka. The achievement at this auction emphasizes Rwanda’s growing reputation as a producer of high-quality tea and signals increasing demand for its products.

Rwanda Mountain Tea, known for its commitment to excellence, once again demonstrated the strength of its offerings in this fiercely competitive environment. Kitabi Tea Factory, which operates in the Nyamagabe District in Rwanda’s Southern Province, is a standout within the group.

Rwanda Mountain Tea was recognized at the recent 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali

The factory oversees a vast tea plantation spanning over 1,600 hectares, ensuring high-quality output year after year.

During this auction, Rwanda’s premium BP1 grade was not only the highest bid for its category but was also the top bid across all participating producers for the second consecutive auction.

Additionally, Kitabi Tea Factory secured other top grades: Pekoe Fanning One (PF1) at USD 4.23, Pekoe Dust (PDUST) at USD 4.79, while Mata Tea Factory earned USD 3.41 for the DUST1 grade. This exceptional performance in multiple categories underscores the quality and dedication to standards that Rwanda Mountain Tea maintains across its products.

“Rwandan tea’s success at the most recent auction reinforces the global reputation of our product. Our commitment to producing premium-quality tea is unwavering, and we are proud to see this reflected in the high demand and top prices our products achieved ” said Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea Group.

He highlighted that despite a challenging growing season due to prolonged dry conditions, Rwandan tea retained its top position, with its factories achieving leading prices on all four tea grades at the auction.

This success comes at a time when the East African tea market is facing a supply reduction. This year’s Mombasa auction reported a decrease of over 2.4 million packages, with 6.25 million sold in 2024 compared to 8.67 million in 2023.

In terms of regional competition, Kenya, the largest tea producer in East Africa, sold 5.27 million kilograms, Rwanda sold 191,235 kilograms while Uganda sold with 733,846kgs with other countries also making significant contributions. Rwanda’s unmatched premium prices place it as a leader in quality within the auction.

The Tea Market Report for 2023-2024 further highlighted Rwanda’s success in securing an annual average price of USD 3.55 per kilogram, an increase from USD 3.22 the previous year. This average was the highest among East African producers, with Kenya following at USD 2.28.

Rwandan tea is known for its rich flavor and high quality.

The outstanding achievements of Rwanda Mountain Tea were further recognized at the recent 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali, where the company won several awards, securing top honors across the main tea grades.

In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, Rwanda exported 39,000 tonnes of processed tea, generating over USD 107.7 million, which contributed to 12% of the country’s agricultural export revenue.

Key markets for Rwandan tea include the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Ireland, and Russia. With rising global demand and consistent quality, Rwanda is well-positioned to continue expanding its tea exports, strengthening its reputation in the global tea market and providing substantial support to the national economy.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Slated for December this year, the science and engineering fair will enable students to showcase their STEM innovations and compete with peers in robotics, ICT, 3D printing, game development, coding, electronics, entrepreneurship, and bio-chemistry.

In line with this upcoming competition, a three-day training of trainers (ToT) event was held this week at K-Lab, Kacyiru, and was attended by 21 trainers.

According to STEMpower Rwanda Country Director Espoir Serukiza, the ToT will equip the trainers with the necessary skills they need to effectively train students across the country.

'We want to work with our different STEM centers across the country to drive innovation and harness hands-on experience. The purpose of the ToT is to make sure these trainers go back to the STEM centers with the right tools and information they will share with students, and eventually use the skills to solve problems in their respective communities,' he explained.

The science and engineering fair will enable students to showcase their STEM innovations and compete with peers in robotics, ICT, 3D printing, game development, coding, electronics, entrepreneurship, and bio-chemistry.

The significance of the ToT was also highlighted by one of the trainers who said it will improve her training skills.

'The ToT will help me and my fellow trainers to efficiently train students in different STEM fields, as we prepare them for the national science and engineering fair,' said Florence Umutoniwase.

After the ToT, the trainers will go ahead to train hundreds of high school students at Ines Ruhengeri, Kibogora Polytechnic, and Gitwe Adventist College STEM centers, three of the nine STEM Centers established by STEMpower in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, speaking on the upcoming science and engineering fair, Karlene Noel Jennings, Regional Public Engagement Specialist for Central Africa at the US Embassy, commended the partnership with STEMpower, noting that the program will positively impact many students.

'This partnership is truly a wonderful opportunity to look at reaching new audiences, especially young women and girls, and encourage their interest in science,' she said.

She added: 'I have true appreciation for the work of encouraging the next generation to collaborate and look at problems creatively, as we try and solve them for the betterment of world.'

It is expected that at least 70% of students who will participate in the program will be young women, in a bid to encourage them to pursue STEM education and careers.

Besides Rwanda, there are other science fairs planned in other countries where the organization has presence. A case in point is the 9th annual Ethiopian National Science Fair slated for next week, two weeks after the end of the second science fair in South Sudan.

These competitions provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative ideas.

So far, STEMpower has established 125 STEM centres in different countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, which are among other things helping bridge the digital divide.

STEMpower, a non-profit organisation promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Sub-Saharan Africa, has partnered with the US Embassy in Rwanda to initiate an annual National Science and Engineering Fair.

IGIHE

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recovery of all cases marks the beginning of a mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the country Marburg-free.

'The outbreak can only be declared over if no new infections arise 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative,' WHO said in a statement on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Rwanda has reported no new confirmed cases since October 30, 2024, but Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that contacts of the last patient, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be monitored until the end of their 21-day observation period.

During this period, the ministry is also expected to leverage the country’s extensive network of nearly 60,000 community health workers to conduct active case finding and test any suspected cases, ensuring that no transmission chain is missed.

WHO Representative in Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, commended the Rwandan government’s efforts in fighting the outbreak and assured continued collaboration until it is conclusively declared over in the country.

'Thanks to the concerted efforts of all involved, Rwanda is successfully emerging from a highly challenging outbreak, effectively mitigating its potentially devastating impacts. I commend the Government of Rwanda for the significant progress achieved. WHO remains committed to supporting these ongoing collaborative efforts until the outbreak is officially declared over,' Dr. Chirombo stated.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Since then, a total of 66 cases and 15 deaths have been recorded.

The cases were reported in two hospitals in Kigali and among the family of one of the first cases. WHO and Rwandan authorities attribute the rapid and robust response to zero community transmission.

Recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the outbreak originated from a mining cave inhabited by fruit bats. Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities were ongoing.

'We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,' Dr. Nsanzimana stated.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press briefing in Kigali on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Media reports indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is grappling with significant financial challenges after ending its campaign with a debt of about $20 million despite raising over $1 billion.

In a post on X sent out on Sunday morning, Trump appeared to mock his rivals, saying, “I am very surprised that the Democrats, who fought a hard and valiant fight in the 2020 Presidential Election, raising a record amount of money, didn’t have lots of $’s left over.”

Touting the Democrats’ financial struggles, Trump highlighted his campaign’s triumphs through low-cost “earned media,” suggesting that Republicans might want to step in and cover the Democrats’ mounting debts.

“Now they are being squeezed by vendors and others. Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we, as a Party and for the sake of desperately needed UNITY, do. We have a lot of money left over in that our biggest asset in the campaign was ‘Earned Media,’ and that doesn’t cost very much. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.

Trump’s comments come amid reports that staff and vendors who worked with Harris fear they won’t be paid.

At the centre of the debt claims are allegations that lavish concerts, which featured Jon Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, cost a significant amount, pushing the Democrats’ campaign into its current financial constraints.

Harris’ campaign also spent a substantial six-figure sum to build a set for her appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Additionally, there are reports that her campaign allocated $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s production company, Harpo Productions.

Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States, pulled off a comeback to the White House after winning 312 electoral college votes against Harris’ 226 in the elections held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

United States President-elect Donald Trump is calling on the Republican Party and its supporters, albeit in a sarcastic tone, to donate funds to their Democratic rivals amid reports of a financial crisis.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The appointment followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Saturday, November 10, 2024.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also made six other appointments to the RBA Board, including the appointment of Viviane Mukakizima as Vice Chairperson. Mukakizima, an experienced civil servant with a strong background in media, has previously worked with various media outlets, including Reuters. She has been working in communications in the Office of the President since 2012.

Others appointed to the Board include Solange Ayanone, Michael Butera Mgasa, Kivu Ruhorahoza, David Toovey, and Anitha D. Umuhire.

In his new role as chair of the Board of RBA, Bimpe will be responsible for guiding RBA’s strategic direction and governance. His appointment coincides with significant changes across various departments within the national broadcaster.

Bimpe has served as CEO of Irembo, a Rwandan software company that develops digital platforms for governments and businesses, since 2022.

Before joining Irembo, Bimpe was the Director of Africa Go-To-Market at Zipline, where he led the company’s expansion across the continent. He also held various leadership roles at Zipline, including in partnerships, operations, and national implementations.

During the Saturday Cabinet meeting, several key figures were also appointed to various positions across key institutions, including the President’s Office, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum.

Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, former Prime Minister, was appointed to the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum as a council member. He was appointed alongside Ambassador Dieudonné Sebashongore, who had served as Rwanda’s envoy to Belgium since 2020, and Ambassador Zaina Nyiramatama, the former Rwandan ambassador to Morocco.

Other appointments included Claudine Uwera, named Senior Strategic Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. Uwera had previously served as Minister of State for Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Maëva Seka Haguma was appointed Deputy Principal Private Secretary in the President’s Office, and Michelle Umurungi was named Chief Investment Officer at RDB, following her tenure as Deputy Managing Director at Norrsken.

Israel Bimpe’s appointment to the Board of RBA coincides with significant changes across various departments within the national broadcaster.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at a press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she concluded a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes. These gatherings brought together policy experts, academics, civil society, and activists from around the world.

The events, held from November 4-9, aimed to strengthen global efforts to prevent genocide and related crimes, covering critical topics essential to prevention. They included a workshop for women community leaders, an expert consultation on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention.

Commenting on those who portray Rwanda negatively and distort the events following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Nderitu referred to this as 'the power of genocide' and expressed admiration for Rwanda’s extraordinary resilience.

'You know, you are absolutely right when you say that Rwanda was clinically dead after the genocide because nothing was functioning. And I think it’s really one of the wonders of this century, that when you talk about Rwanda in this continent, we are talking about a first among equals, a very strong country that has developed very strong leadership,' she said.

In 1994, Rwanda had basically ceased to exist as a nation. A million people lay dead, out of a population of around seven million, because of a perverted genocidal ideology. Millions more were refugees. Every public institution had been destroyed, and the national treasury was looted.

From wounds of Genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a united nation promoting unity and reconciliation. It has become a role model across Africa and globally for good governance, technology, peacekeeping, and women’s empowerment.

Nderitu noted the international recognition of Rwandans, who now hold significant positions worldwide, and celebrated Rwanda’s resilience as worthy of praise.

'When I hear some of the things that are said, to downplay, for example, the country of Rwanda, I think to myself, this is the power of genocide. That it has such intergenerational power,' she noted.

Nderitu emphasized that genocide execution and denial involves mass mobilization, warning that denial and misinformation are often perpetuated by genocide deniers.

'So we cannot stop the naysayers, but it’s important to understand the reality of where all these naysayers come from because some of them are actually informed by genocide deniers. […] If we fail in prevention, then what happens is that we have to rely on accountability,' noted Nderitu.

Nderitu also expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.

'I’ve issued a number of statements calling them out. […] You shouldn’t be protecting them. You should find a way to either try them or bring them home,' she said.

'We want the world to know that whoever is in your country and is a genocidaire or is being indicted for this crime, you need to hold them accountable,' added Nderitu.

Reflecting on criticisms against Rwanda, she noted that 'doomsayers' exist when success is evident.

'So it’s important that I do not think that the kind of things that are said about the country will stop. You know in Kiswahili we say that if you see young children throwing stones at a tree, then you should know that that tree has fruits. There is something good about that particular place,' said Nderitu.

'And there are always all these naysayers. So if you imagine how many people are convicted for this crime, how many people are genuinely remorseful, and how many people out there are tarnishing Rwanda’s name, and so many of them being genocide deniers. And we know that because they even hold conferences, they write papers, they peer review each other. We know that. So consistently trying to bring down what Rwanda is doing. But we are there to provide another voice. I can speak with an unbiased voice and say this is what we are seeing from out there,' added Nderitu.

She commended Rwanda for not only surviving the genocide but also for its willingness to share its experience of resilience and recovery.

Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.

'I praise this country. You in Rwanda are an example to the whole world. Rwanda, like Germany, has actually faced its past and is now a leader in this whole effort to overcome ethnicity, to overcome nationality, to reaffirm that for all of us, we are part of the same human race,' he noted.

Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions in Rwanda provides the world an invaluable opportunity to learn and deeply understand the severity of the genocide against the Tutsi.

The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.

L-R: Professor Gregory Stanton, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu and Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial at the press conference.

Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions offers an opportunity for the world to understand the severity of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial marked the end of a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes.

Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.

The press conference took place at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The deal was signed in Sochi by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.

Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, just over a year after Rwanda gained independence.

The partnership between Rwanda and Russia is rooted in cooperation in political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.

Russia offers scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and provides training for some officers in the Rwanda National Police.

Over the past 50 years, more than 100 Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities in fields such as technology, law, international affairs, medicine, and political science.

The visa waiver was signed on November 9, 2024.

Both countries foreign ministers after signing the agreement.

Delegates from both countries also held bilateral talks.

IGIHE