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This two-day event, organized by the Elsa Miller Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Child Development Agency, and Imbuto Foundation, will gather international experts, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss critical measures to combat stunting in Rwanda.

Despite Rwanda’s impressive strides in child survival, poverty reduction, and agricultural development, stunting remains a persistent challenge. The country’s stunting rate decreased from 48% in 2000 to 33% in 2020, yet disparities remain, particularly in rural areas.

Districts in the Western and Northern provinces still report stunting rates above 40%, signaling an urgent need for targeted interventions.

Antenatal and early childhood health programs that focus on providing adequate nutrition, micronutrients, and sanitation have been proven to reduce the incidence of low birth weight, as well as stunting by the age of two.

The meeting aims to examine the current state of stunting in Rwanda, evaluate ongoing efforts, and identify gaps in policy and practice.

The event will be structured around different main objectives which include assessment of the current stunting situation in Rwanda, including the challenges and successes.

The other objective is to learn from global experts about proven interventions and strategies that could be adapted to Rwanda’s context and mobilize resources and partnerships for a comprehensive stunting prevention trial set to begin in 2025.

Key stakeholders from the Rwandan government, non-governmental organizations, academia, and international experts will participate in discussions. The meeting will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge on effective maternal and child health interventions, particularly those that target high-risk populations.

Rwanda’s stunting prevention trial, which will commence in 2025, aims to test innovative approaches to combat stunting through improved maternal care, early childhood development, and access to essential health services. The trial is expected to benefit thousands of children and mothers across the country.

With the support of the Elsa Miller Foundation, the meeting highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in tackling stunting. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event seeks to ensure that children across Rwanda have the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential.

The anticipated outcome of the meeting is a stronger, more coordinated response to child stunting and a renewed commitment to addressing maternal and newborn health challenges, which remain critical to Rwanda’s future.

Early childhood health programs that focus on providing adequate nutrition, micronutrients, and sanitation have been proven to reduce the incidence of stunting in Rwanda.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In her first substantive remarks on recent events that have cast a shadow over the upcoming civic poll, the president said statements of condemnation issued by several Western diplomatic missions stationed in Tanzania were not welcome and were in violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

She stressed that Tanzania would not take instructions from any country on how to go about investigating the politically-linked violence that reached a new zenith on September 6 with the brazen abduction and subsequent death in Dar es Salaam of a senior official of the opposition party Chadema.

Chadema secretariat member Ali Mohamed Kibao was snatched by supposedly plain-clothed security operatives off an upcountry-bound bus in full public view on the outskirts of the city. His lifeless body was found in a nearby bush hours later with his face partly disfigured by what is believed to be acid.

The incident came on the back of a growing number of disappearances, detentions and beatings involving political and human rights activists in what the United States in Dar es Salaam described in a September 9 statement as “efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of (the) elections.”

The European Union, British and Canadian High Commissions, and Norway and Switzerland embassies also issued a joint statement on September 10 condemning the incidents.

While the US embassy in Dar called for an “independent, transparent, and prompt investigation” into the incident, the other five missions called for a “thorough inquiry.”

In a televised speech at an event in Moshi on Tuesday this week marking the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania Police Force’s formation, President Samia said no “outsiders” could claim to be more pained by the sequence of events than Tanzanians themselves.

“It is our own responsibility to find out why they are happening at this moment in time. We know what we need to do as a sovereign nation and do not appreciate other countries telling us to do one, two, three,” she stressed.

“I believe these statements were not sanctioned by the heads of state of those countries, but I have my own ways of checking with my fellow presidents and once I confirm that they were I will lodge formal complaints with them,” she added.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned against meddling into her country’s issues

Before the diplomatic corps intervened, the president had already ordered that Kibao’s death be investigated as quickly as possible and the final report to be made public.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Monday said that although it was “easy to point fingers at the police” other disruptive elements working covertly could be responsible for “such incidents that tend to crop up during periods of elections.”

Meanwhile, Chadema party leader Freeman Mbowe has called for Britain’s Scotland Yard investigative unit to be incorporated into the probe on Kibao’s death, stating that the party did not trust Tanzanian law enforcement to conduct a “proper and transparent” inquiry.

The party has also threatened to lead nationwide protests from next week if there is no tangible progress in the Kibao investigation by then.

Kibao’s death along with other incidents have sparked public outrage and heightened safety concerns in relation to the nationwide municipal poll scheduled for November 28, which is expected to form the template for next year’s general election.

Next year, President Samia will be vying for another term as well as for the ruling CCM party to maintain its majority legislative control until 2030.

Chadema secretariat member Ali Mohamed Kibao was snatched by supposedly plain-clothed security operatives and his body was found in a nearby bush hours later

IGIHE

This association brings together insurance professionals in the region to assess challenges in the insurance sector, explore solutions, identify opportunities, and discuss how to contribute to the industry’s growth in various ways.

Mhiribidi said, “We also discussed artificial intelligence (AI), considering how we can collaborate with tech-savvy youth to create advanced solutions that will improve service delivery.”

“We urged companies to invest in technology, better understand their customers, and enhance their services to meet clients’ needs,” she added.

The CEO of Rwanda Insurance Brokers Association (RIBA) is Mendies Mhiribidi

The Director of Policy and Legal Affairs in the Financial Sector Department at the National Bank of Rwanda, Bernard Nsengiyumva, pointed out the need for technology that connects insurance brokers, insurance companies, and service users to improve the efficiency of the sector and expand its reach.

He also noted that for the insurance sector to grow, efforts must be made to raise public awareness about the benefits of insurance, as many people are still hesitant to adopt it.

'How can today’s technological tools like phones help us? What is needed is for insurance brokers and companies to partner with young tech experts to develop technology tailored to their operations. We haven’t yet seen a strong connection between the tech industry and the insurance sector,' said Nsengiyumva

He urged insurance brokers to play a significant role in educating the public on the importance of insurance to ensure the sector continues to grow.

Data from the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) shows that the percentage of the population in Rwanda with insurance cover is 1.6%. Across Africa, less than 1% of people have various types of insurance.

During the assembly, it was also discussed that for the insurance sector to grow, companies offering these services must adapt their operations to current trends, especially in a world facing climate change challenges and sectors such as agriculture, which is vital to Africa’s economy.

The 3rd ANNUAL RIBA CONFERENCE was held from September 11 to 14, 2024 in Musanze district

Ngoga Alain, Head of Sales at SanlamAllianz General Insurance, highlighted that insurance brokers are essential as they help extend services and impact company profits.

'The key is to strengthen technology because most operations are now done through it. We are planning to boost efforts to enhance more positive results,' he said.

Currently, SanlamAllianz General Insurance works with over 14 brokers and more than 345 agents in their market, contributing to 60% of the company’s revenue.

One of the initiatives encouraged by the National Bank of Rwanda for the insurance sector is innovating with technology (insurtech).

This requires using technology and innovations to drive the growth of the insurance sector and keep pace with current times, including modernizing different insurance practices such as selling insurance, resolving insurance-related issues, managing insurance companies, delivering quality customer service, and assessing potential risks.

They are also encouraged to establish programs that support the national fintech policy and foster collaboration between public and private sectors.

MUA Insurance Rwanda sponsored the closing ceremony

The Director of Policy and Legal Affairs in the Financial Sector Department at the National Bank of Rwanda, Bernard Nsengiyumva speaking at the function

IGIHE

This message was highlighted during the celebration of World First Aid Day on September 14, 2024, under the theme “First Aid and Sports.”

Emmanuel Mazimpaka, Director of Communication, Fundraising, and Humanitarian Diplomacy at Rwanda Red Cross, stressed the need for first aid preparedness, especially in sports.

“There are sports activities that proceed without adequate first aid measures in place. Yet, injuries can occur, and without immediate intervention, they may worsen,” Mazimpaka explained.

He pointed out that many severe cases could have been avoided if someone trained in first aid had intervened quickly.

'In sports, an individual may start out perfectly healthy, but a sudden injury or emergency can occur. Having basic first aid skills can make a significant difference.'

Beyond sports, Mazimpaka emphasized the necessity of first aid knowledge in everyday life.

“In homes and communities, people often face accidents like burns or injuries. Knowing first aid allows individuals to help themselves or others before professional medical assistance arrives,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of first aid in emergency situations such as fire outbreaks or natural disasters like floods.

“Accidents like cuts, bleeding, or fractures are common in households, and first aid knowledge can be a lifesaver.”

Mazimpaka also urged employers in high-risk sectors, such as industries, mining, and construction, to ensure their employees receive first aid training.

He encouraged professions that frequently encounter accidents, including motorcyclists and drivers, to carry basic first aid kits and be prepared for emergencies.

The Rwanda Red Cross reported that over the past few years, they have trained 20 volunteers in every sector across Rwanda, and over 68,000 individuals have gained first aid skills nationwide.

Mazimpaka concluded by urging everyone to take first aid training seriously.

“Knowing how to help in an emergency ensures that assistance is provided correctly, preventing further harm.”

This nationwide push for first aid training aims to equip Rwandans with the skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies, both in sports and daily life.

An ambulance carrying injured individual after receiving first aid.

Knowing first aid allows individuals to help themselves or others before professional medical assistance arrives.

The general public is urged to own first aid kit for immediate asisstance.

A football match between volunteers was a key part of the celebration.

A walk preceded the football match

Théophile Niyitegeka

Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the spokesperson for the traffic department, said that the practice is common in taxi-moto operators transporting students, and foodstuff in markets.

At least 24 motorcycles were impounded on Monday after they were found transporting up to four people, each. The majority passengers were students.

Between July and August, 49 motorcycles were impounded for dangerous loading, 64 riders had no driver’s license, and 57 motorcycles had concealed or altered plate numbers.

“These are serious road traffic violations committed intentionally and putting lives of people in danger. Imagine a motorcycle transporting four children, rushing to school in those pick hours! Risks are high and the motorcycle has insurance for the rider and one passenger only,” SP Kayigi observed.

He added: “Some motorcycles transport large sacks of goods and in some cases they conceal number plates so as to avoid being detected and penalized.

“We have impounded 194 motorcycles since July 25, for overloading luggage and passengers, riding without a driver’s license and those with altered or concealed plate numbers. These operations are continuous.”

A motorcycle is licensed to carry only one passenger with both the rider and passenger wearing a helmet.

Article 31 of Law n° 042/2023 of 02/08/2023 governing land and waterways transport, provides that the operator of transport of people or goods on public road, uses a vehicle covered by insurance and complies with the terms and conditions stated in such insurance.

SP Kayigi reminded motorcyclists, who alter or conceal number plates that it is a crime punishable by law.

Under article 276 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, any person, who, with fraudulent intention, produces a false written document, causes to write false statements, or produces a conflicting declaration, is considered to have committed the offence of forgery.

Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years but not more than seven years and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million, or one of these penalties.

The Traffic and Road Safety Department of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) has intensified operations against high-risk violations as part of the ongoing Gerayo Amahoro campaign.

Intensified operations followed observations that taxi-moto operators are transporting more than one passenger and carrying oversized luggage, which obstructs traffic flow and puts people’s lives at risk.

IGIHE

This remarkable growth reflects Rwanda’s position as one of Africa’s top countries for ease of doing business, where new businesses can be registered in just one day.

According to the NISR’s 2023 Establishment Census, the number of businesses in Rwanda almost doubled from 154,236 in 2014 to 269,326 by 2023.

Of these, the vast majority (95.9%) are privately owned while 92.0% are owned by individuals. Additionally, 2,017 businesses were founded by local NGOs, 656 by international NGOs, 2,496 by cooperatives, and 2,047 through public-private partnerships.

During the same period, 3,830 state-owned enterprises involved in commercial activities were also registered.

The report confirms that all listed businesses are currently active and tax-compliant as of the data collection period. Since 2020, the number of businesses has grown by 15%, with the total increasing from 226,359 to 261,549 by 2023.

A significant number of businesses (92.2%) are classified as micro-enterprises, employing less than four workers.

Small enterprises, which employ between four and 30 people, make up 6.4% (16,730 businesses), while medium-sized enterprises employing 31 to 100 people total 3,103 (1.2%). Large businesses, with more than 100 employees, account for just 0.2% (537 businesses).

In terms of ownership, 93.7% of businesses are fully owned by Rwandans, while 1% are joint ventures between Rwandans and foreigners. The ownership of the remaining 5.2% is unidentified.

NISR’s analysis shows that businesses have continued to flourish, with 145,402 establishments founded between 2021 and 2023 still in operation. The business sector has been a key driver of employment, creating approximately 927,739 jobs, with women representing 43.6% of the workforce.

Four main economic activities account for 66.3% of total employment: wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (26.2%), education (17.4%), accommodation and food services (12.9%), and manufacturing (9.8%).

Industries such as mining and quarrying (75.3% male workforce) and construction (85.6% male workforce) remain male-dominated sectors.

In 2023 alone, over $2.4 billion was invested in businesses, with most of the investments coming from Rwandan nationals, although there has been increasing interest from foreign investors.

Almost all establishments (95.9 percent) are private and 92.0 percent are owned by one person.

A large number of businesses are classified as micro-enterprises, employing less than four workers.

Bird’s eye view of Kigali Special Economic Zone.

Théophile Niyitegeka

'President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame will make a Working Visit to Singapore from 18 to 23 September 2024. As fellow members of the Forum of Small States (FOSS), Singapore and Rwanda work closely together to advance the interests of small nations and strengthen the multilateral system,' the statement reads.

This will be President Kagame’s fourth visit to Singapore, following his last visit in September 2022.

During the trip, President Kagame is scheduled to meet with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Minister for Finance. He will be hosted to a meal by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Rwanda and Singapore enjoy strong bilateral ties, collaborating in areas such as investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology, and air transport services.

Both nations are members of FOSS, an organization established in 1992 by Singapore, which comprises small nations working together to address global challenges and promote development.

The relationship between Rwanda and Singapore has been bolstered by frequent high-level visits. In 2022, Singapore’s then Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, visited Rwanda, marking his first trip to both Rwanda and Africa.

The Senior Minister, who will host President Kagame, is the son of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, renowned for leading the country’s transformation from a part of Malaysia to an independent, prosperous nation.

Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries globally. In 2023, its gross domestic product (GDP) reached $501 billion, a significant increase from just $0.70 billion in 1960. Its per capita GDP in 2023 stood at $84,600.

President Kagame is expected to visit Singapore where he will meet dignitaries including former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

Théophile Niyitegeka