Category: Uncategorized

This update was provided on November 8, 2024, in a weekly report covering the status of the Marburg virus from November 1 to November 8, 2024. The Ministry of Health reported that out of 1,390 tests conducted, no new cases were detected. However, it affirmed that efforts to prevent and combat the virus continue.

In a recent media briefing, the ministry stated that it is focusing on monitoring individuals who have been in contact with infected patients and providing treatment to ensure the virus does not result in further fatalities. This approach has raised optimism about potentially eradicating the virus in Rwanda.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted that efforts include tracking down everyone who had contact with the first confirmed patient, providing swift treatment, and administering vaccines. Rigorous screening protocols are in place at borders, Kigali International Airport, and other checkpoints to prevent the virus’s spread beyond initially affected areas.

“We have vaccinated individuals who had close contact with infected persons to break the chain of transmission. Protecting healthcare workers, especially those treating patients, is critical,” said Dr. Nsanzimana. “We’re ensuring that healthcare providers are well-protected, and vaccination remains the best method to safeguard them and allow them to work without anxiety.”

Dr. Nsanzimana reiterated the goal to prevent any new infections. Nevertheless, the ministry has advised recovered patients to exercise caution and avoid unprotected sexual activity and breastfeeding, as the virus can remain in certain body parts for more than a year, potentially leading to transmission.

On November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids. “Recovery means there’s no virus left in their blood, confirmed by two tests taken 72 hours apart. We advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sexual activity until final tests show the virus is entirely cleared.”

“We’re closely monitoring recovered patients to prevent any resurgence, while taking care to avoid stigma. It’s essential not to shun recovered individuals out of fear they might still be contagious,” he added. Those under monitoring may be followed for up to three months, with some cases lasting up to a year, depending on individual medical factors.

“The virus can linger longer in some areas, especially in semen, but tends to disappear more quickly in saliva, urine, and breast milk. We’re conducting regular tests on recovered patients to ensure the virus is fully cleared from these fluids,” he explained.

The monitoring will continue until each individual receives final tests confirming the absence of the virus.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.

As of November 4, 66 people had been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.

Marburg symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact health authorities for prompt assistance.

Dr. Nsanzimana recently explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project was held on November 7, 2024.

The integrated steel plant, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons, is projected to create 1,000 direct jobs and support Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2) by bolstering the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, specifically in the Kimonyi sector.

The plant will source raw materials from local mining sites in Burera and Ngororero districts, capitalizing on Rwanda’s iron ore reserves to drive production.

Output from the plant will include rebar and other essential construction materials.

Additionally, it will process locally mined iron ore, helping reduce the country’s reliance on imports while targeting an export value of approximately $50 million.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports and strengthening Rwanda’s position as a key player in the region’s steel industry.

Tiwari expressed a commitment to creating local economic opportunities, emphasizing collaboration with the Rwandan government, partners, and community members to make Rwanda a leader in steel processing.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, remarked that large-scale industrial projects like this align with Rwanda’s five-year plan, which targets a 10% annual growth in industrial output.

“This project underscores our commitment to leveraging local resources, reducing imports, and creating decent jobs for Rwandans,' he said.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, emphasized that Rwanda’s supportive investment climate, skilled workforce, and stable governance under President Paul Kagame make the country a prime location for international investment.

Das expressed optimism about the opportunities that such favorable conditions present to investors.

In recent years, Rwanda has imported substantial amounts of steel, with 184,000 tons in 2022, 195,000 tons in 2023, and 146,000 tons in the first eight months of 2024.

The new plant is expected to address this demand gap. The Rwandan government remains committed to supporting investors through policies, infrastructure, and security to promote sustainable economic growth.

The groundbreaking cermeony tok place on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry speaking at the event.

Himanshu Tiwari, Managing Director of A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic role in reducing steel imports.

This plant owned by Indian investors, is being constructed in the Musanze industrial zone, in Kimonyi sector.

The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, commened Rwanda’s supportive investment climate.

IGIHE

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Kigali on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Rwandan Head of State emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes actionable change, urging leaders to align their words with practical, impactful solutions.

'We should get tired of saying the right things for so long. We want to see the right things happen,' President Kagame stated during a panel discussion at the Kigali Convention Center.

'At a personal level, I have been on this stage saying many things, even repeating myself, and then I see my brothers and sisters, my colleagues, saying the same things over and over. But we need to ask ourselves, even before anyone else asks us, what is there to show for what we have been saying? We really need to get tired of this,' he emphasized.

President Kagame acknowledged that Africa holds incredible potential with its young workforce. He noted that for Africa to position itself as a leading source of global talent, priority should be on improving quality and creating an enabling political environment for young people to thrive.

'Sometimes we forget that beyond providing education and healthcare, and encouraging their participation in their own growth and that of their country, there has to be an environment that allows everything to happen—a political framework that ensures stability, enabling all the actions we talk about,' President Kagame explained.

He added, 'We must build infrastructure that serves young people, and from there, they will excel in entrepreneurship, innovation, or whatever careers can earn them a good living, which everyone aspires to. Africa has everything to be where we want to be. If we fail, we can only blame ourselves.'

Under President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has been at the forefront of youth-driven innovation, setting an example with its commitment to fostering youth development through various initiatives like YouthConnekt.

Launched in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the YouthConnekt program aims to empower young people by connecting them with resources, skills, role models, and peers to help them achieve socio-economic success.

The seventh edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, held under the theme 'Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skilling', has brought together more than 3,000 youths from across Africa.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Prime Minister Matekane urged young people to harness digital solutions available to them today to realize their dreams, including access to credit facilities.

Reflecting on challenges faced by African youth in a rapidly changing world, Mumbi encouraged young people to leverage access to information to drive change within their communities and elevate themselves.

'We have quite an advantage because we have been brought up in a generation where we have access to information. If we look at what we can do with that information, how we can empower ourselves to create change, I think it would take us to the next level where we can rely heavily on ourselves,' she said.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth. She warned that without equipping young Africans, the continent risks losing its values and resources to others.

'Africans, young women and men, have what it takes to conduct their own affairs and lead their own destiny, so never again should you walk out of any room doubting your own ability,” Eziakonwa stated.

During the panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue, focused on advancing Africa’s future, President Kagame was joined by Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Mumbi Ndung’u, the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Power Learn.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of PSF Rwanda, and Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, represented their respective organizations at the signing ceremony.

Under the MoU, LCCI and PSF Rwanda will collaborate in several areas, including facilitating trade by streamlining procedures, reducing barriers, and promoting the exchange of goods and services between Nigeria and Rwanda; and promoting investment by identifying opportunities in both countries, organizing trade missions, and fostering business partnerships.

Other priority areas include sharing information by exchanging data on market trends, trade regulations, and investment incentives to aid business decision-making; building capacity through joint workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance business competitiveness in both countries; and hosting events to organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums for networking and partnership-building.

The MoU identifies specific sectors for collaboration, such as agriculture (with a focus on Rwandan coffee and tea production), energy, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, praised the agreement as a testament to the two countries’ shared vision of prosperity.

'This MoU is a testament to our shared vision—a vision of a vibrant and interconnected African business landscape where Rwanda and Nigeria stand as beacons of economic collaboration and mutual growth,' he said.

'The Rwandan government is fully committed to supporting this endeavour. We have implemented policies to streamline business procedures, enhance infrastructure, and promote a conducive investment climate.'

The Lagos International Trade Fair, which kicked off on November 1, 2024, is the largest international exhibition in West Africa. During the 10-day event, participants have a chance to network with potential buyers and create business partnerships.

The agreement, formalized at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, was signed between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) on the sidelines of the ongoing trade event in Lagos.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Local media reports indicate that Engonga was dismissed for 'irregularities' and 'inappropriate conduct' under a decree issued by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Engonga has been trending on social media for most of the week after a recent investigation uncovered more than 400 explicit videos featuring him with multiple women, including relatives and wives of high-ranking officials, even the President’s sister.

The videos, filmed in offices, hotels, and restrooms, were leaked online after Engonga was arrested on unrelated corruption charges. Local media reported that the footage was discovered in his personal office and appeared to have been recorded with the consent of the women involved.

The videos have caused an uproar on social media, with Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Mangue, vowing to take “severe measures” against officials involved in sexual activities in their offices.

“We will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials engaging in sexual relations in the country’s ministries,” the Vice President stated on his X page on Monday, adding that the acts constitute violations of the code of conduct and public ethics laws.

The country’s Attorney General also weighed in on the matter, stating that while the recordings appeared consensual, Engonga could face charges for “public health crimes” if he has a sexually transmitted infection.

Equatorial Guinea’s First Lady condemned the acts as well, saying they were 'distorting the image and reputation of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman.'

Engonga is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, president of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The 54-year-old is married and has six children.

Local media reports indicate that Baltasar Engonga was dismissed for 'irregularities' and 'inappropriate conduct' under a decree issued by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Thursday, November 8, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

He shared these insights during a panel discussion at the Singapore FinTech Festival on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

The panel discussion, themed “Financial Network in the Fastest Growing Continent,” focused on Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure transformation, a key driver of the continent’s economic and societal growth.

'Rwanda views digital transformation as a cornerstone of its socio-economic development strategy, recognizing digital infrastructure and innovation as critical enablers of sustainable growth,' Rwangombwa said.

He added, 'Through a robust, multi-sectoral approach, Rwanda is setting a foundation for a dynamic digital economy that directly supports financial inclusion, data-driven policymaking, and enhanced service delivery across the country.'

The session concluded by recognizing the transformative potential of digital financial services while stressing the importance of overcoming connectivity, digital literacy and security challenges for sustainable growth.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Rwangombwa chaired a roundtable session titled 'Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Balancing Innovation and Compliance for Digital Banks' at the Insights Forum in Singapore.

This discussion addressed the complex regulatory challenges digital banks face as they innovate and expand.

Governor Rwangombwa highlighted the dual mandate of the National Bank of Rwanda: promoting financial innovation while ensuring stability.

'As digital banking grows, we remain committed to fostering innovation that is both inclusive and secure,' he said.

Digital services have become central to Rwanda’s economy, with 73% of Rwandans (5.9 million people) using some form of electronic financial service by 2024—a significant rise from 30% (2.1 million) in 2020, according to a recent report by Access to Finance Rwanda.

The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), launched in 2016, has grown into a global gathering for policymakers, regulators, central bankers, FinTech innovators, technologists, investors, and financial industry leaders.

This year’s event running through November 6-8, encourages impactful connections and collaborations, facilitating discussions on innovative financial solutions, evolving regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.

SFF also advocates for sustainable practices, underscoring the importance of responsibility in all facets of the festival.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), John Rwangombwa has emphasized the critical role of digital transformation in Rwanda’s development.

The panel discussion, themed “Financial Network in the Fastest Growing Continent,” focused on Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure transformation.

IGIHE

Following a heated confrontation on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Akol stunned the public and his colleagues with inflammatory statements in the media, not only expressing no remorse but further escalating the situation by threatening Zaake’s life.

'I don’t regret what I did to Zaake. I could even kill him if I had a chance,' Akol said and He went on to imply that Zaake might be suffering from mental health issues, suggesting he should be admitted to Butabika Hospital, Uganda’s national mental health facility.

Akol declared he was “well trained” and capable of taking on all members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) at once, singling out Francis Zaake as a specific target.

“I can even beat up all NUP MPs if they can all come at once. I have no problem with killing, so Zaake should be careful with me,” Akol boasted.

MP Anthony Akol has said that he would kill his colleague Zaake if he got an opportunity.

The confrontation between Akol and Zaake began during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, when Zaake raised concerns about a potential firearm in the chamber, fearing for the safety of lawmakers.

He approached Speaker Anita Among to voice his suspicions, suggesting that someone might have brought a weapon into the session, which was about to debate the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Speaker Among called a brief recess to conduct a security check, which yielded no firearm. However, when Zaake returned to his seat, he found it occupied by Akol, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly spiraled into a physical altercation.

Zaake was later rushed to St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, where he is currently receiving medical treatment, and has since announced plans to pursue legal action against Akol.

MP Francis Zaake is currently receiving medical treatment St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.

These shocking remarks have ignited widespread condemnation, particularly as Akol drew on his past as a former child soldier in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group infamous for its brutal violence and forced abductions under warlord Joseph Kony in Northern Uganda.

The National Unity Platform and human rights advocates have swiftly condemned the statements, warning that such rhetoric reflects a dangerous normalization of violence in Uganda’s political arena and taps into deeply painful memories of the LRA’s atrocities.

As of now, there have been no official statements from Ugandan political parties, human rights organizations, or government officials condemning MP Anthony Akol’s recent threats against MP Francis Zaake. The incident has sparked public concern, but formal responses from key stakeholders are yet to be issued.

This is not the first time Zaake has faced violence in Uganda’s parliament. Known for his outspoken stance on human rights and criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, Zaake has been a frequent target of both verbal and physical attacks.

Hon Francis Zaake.

In 2017, he was part of a chaotic session over a proposed amendment to remove the presidential age limit, sustaining injuries while security forces attempted to remove him.

In 2019, he was hospitalized after a physical altercation within parliament, and in 2020, he was injured again by security forces who reportedly attempted to remove him from his home during COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Uganda’s Parliament is no stranger to controversies. In 2017, a chaotic session where MPs hurled chairs and punches at each other ensured over a proposed amendment to remove the presidential age limit.

Sam K Nkurunziza

According to an announcement by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, published in the Official Gazette on November 7, individuals from various countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, Eritrea, Namibia, Madagascar, and Rwanda (for those whose parents are not originally Rwandan), were granted Rwandan nationality.

The list also includes individuals from the UK, France, the United States, India, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Russia, Poland, Pakistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Italy, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Iraq.

The Organic Law N° 002/2021.OL of 16/07/2021 governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.

Rwandan nationality by origin is granted to individuals born to at least one Rwandan parent with ancestral nationality, meaning the parent is a Rwandan by origin and not by acquisition.

To apply for nationality by origin, applicants are required to present one of the following documents; testimony by the applicant or by at least one person and corroborated by evidence, a relative who has Rwandan nationality by origin, or any other proof demonstrating his or her Rwandan origin.

Nationality by acquisition, on the other hand, includes several pathways: birth on Rwandan territory, marriage to a Rwandan national, substantial and sustainable investments, special skills, and statelessness.

For instance, those born on Rwandan soil or married to a Rwandan citizen for at least five years are eligible to apply.

Individuals who contribute significant investments, possess unique skills needed by Rwanda, or are stateless may also qualify, provided they demonstrate good conduct and do not pose security risks​.

Kenyan journalist Eugene Kenneth Anangwe (left) is among individuals granted Rwnadan nationality.

The Organic Law governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.

Rwanda has granted nationality to 296 people from different countries.

IGIHE

They shared their views at the U.S.-China Agricultural Trade Cooperation Forum, held as part of the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which runs from Nov. 5 to 10.

LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP

For Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the international marketing arm of U.S. Soy, China is a key trading partner and the relationship with China is “critically important.”

“U.S. Soy and many other commodity groups here have long-term collaboration relationships with China,” Sutter said, noting that in the case of U.S. Soy, China has been a partner for 42 years.

“We appreciate China’s leadership in opening up and promoting trade,” he said. “Trade is critically important for all of our agricultural commodities. And we’re happy to have a country like China, recognizing that and talking about the importance of it at a forum like the CIIE which is all about trade.”

The world’s first national-level expo focused on imports, the CIIE has featured a section dedicated to U.S. food and agriculture companies since last year, aiming to help them explore the Chinese market.

This year, the section attracted 14 participants. Impressively, within just the first hour of its operation, the total turnover hit 600 million U.S. dollars, according to data from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai).

“China is our largest and most important market,” said Allisa Lau, China Director of Cotton Council International, a non-profit trade association that promotes U.S. cotton fiber and products, while speaking of the long-standing China-U.S. ties in the cotton industry.

The Chinese and American cotton industries have maintained very close cooperation over the years, and this is not only because of their interdependence but also their mutually beneficial and supportive relationship, Lau said.

TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

At the forum, many speakers shared similar views that despite the changing global landscape, China-U.S. agricultural cooperation remains beneficial for both countries to shift toward a more sustainable development path.

Janna Fritz, Vice-Chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, described the strong China-U.S. relationship in the soybean industry as a “beacon of hope and strength” for global agriculture. The mutually beneficial ties have influenced agricultural practices and lifestyles in both countries, she said.

China’s growing demand for sustainable, high-quality crops has set a high standard for soy purchases in terms of both quality and sustainability, Fritz said. She added that U.S. soy farmers “understand that mission” and will continue to help China meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

Also eyeing the huge cooperation potential, Steve Reinhard, Chair of the United Soybean Board, said that China has entered a stage of high-quality development as it strives to meet the people’s increasing need for high-standard products.

“Our commitment to sustainability could serve as a new productive force for Chinese partners to help with China’s high-quality development,” Reinhard said.

To facilitate this growing partnership, the CIIE has set an example for connecting U.S. agriculture firms with long-term Chinese partners. According to AmCham Shanghai, U.S. companies continued to land orders even after their participation in the expo last year, and the cumulative turnover from these orders has now reached 3 billion dollars.

At the opening ceremony of this year’s expo, Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed the country’s commitment to “turning its enormous market into global opportunities.” He said in the keynote speech that the country has fully implemented all the opening-up measures announced at the previous six CIIEs, and will continue to expand market access to more sectors.

Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO for the U.S. Grains Council, said that trade in agriculture is a “bright spot” in a complicated relationship between the U.S. and China.

“I think it’s entirely possible that our ideological differences may set a ceiling in our relations, the trade sets a floor in our relations,” LeGrand said, noting that agricultural trade, in particular, helps “set that floor and maintain that foundation.”

“When trade works, the world wins. And I think that certainly applies in the U.S.-China relationship,” he said.

Xinhua