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The report released on August 31, 2024, shows that the decline was primarily driven by a 6.9% decrease in manufacturing activity prices, which contributed to the overall reduction.

The PPI is a crucial economic indicator that tracks the average change in prices received by domestic producers for their goods and services. Unlike consumer price indices, the PPI reflects price movements from the seller’s perspective, providing early insights into inflationary trends before they reach consumers.

Despite the downturn in manufacturing, the report highlighted contrasting trends in other sectors. The mining sector saw a 1.5% increase in prices.

Generally, this means that businesses in Rwanda paid less for goods and services used in their production processes.

On a monthly basis, the general PPI increased by 0.8% from June to July 2024, mainly due to a 1% rise in manufacturing activity prices.

Further analysis revealed that the local PPI, which measures prices for goods produced and sold within Rwanda, fell by 7.1% year-on-year in July 2024. This was largely due to a 9.1% drop in manufacturing prices. However, on a monthly basis, the local PPI saw a 0.9% increase, driven by a 1.2% rise in manufacturing prices.

The export PPI, which tracks prices for goods produced in Rwanda and sold abroad, decreased by 1.3% year-on-year in July 2024. This decline was mainly due to a 5.2% drop in coffee product prices, despite a 4.1% increase in tea prices and a 1.5% rise in mining prices.

On a month-to-month basis, the export PPI rose by 0.5%, with tea prices up by 1% and coffee prices up by 0.5%.

President Kagame outlines how Africa, Asia can foster strategic collaboration The reduction in the Producer Price Index (PPI) means that businesses in Rwanda paid less for goods and services used in their production processes.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

I’ve always believed that the heart of creativity lies in how deeply we care about our work and how badly we want it to meet those standards we set for ourselves. But let’s be honest, when you’re chasing perfection, your inner critic tends to get loud. Really loud.

And that’s where I’ve learned a little secret: the key to staying inspired and productive is giving more power to the part of you that believes in your work, no matter what.

Just like you, I did a lot of ‘soul searching’ at a young age. I liked to create and I wanted to figure out my creative identity. I began writing simply for the joy of creating something when I was ten. By the time I was twelve, I was crafting fiction.

My characters, though they were simple and lacked depth, were adored by my classmates. They devoured the stories I wrote, perhaps because they resonated with them on the same level of brain development we shared at that age. I was doing it because it was fun, because I had a lot of stories to tell, and writing was the best way I knew how to share them.

My father, who has always been my biggest fan wanted to read my stories and perhaps even have them published. That’s when the insecurities started to take root.

No artist wants to talk about the sales part when it comes to creating something. Having them published meant having someone review them, which meant someone editing my work. But most importantly, it meant some stranger would be judging my work against their own standards. The thought made me cringe.

I couldn’t bear the idea of someone older reading my work, especially when they measured it against the works of my favourite authors. I knew my work wasn’t up to those standards. That’s when having a book on a shelf became my biggest dream—the highest of honours, something I felt I didn’t deserve yet.

As Steven Pressfield writes in The War of Art, “The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.”

Fear is part of the journey, and for me, it was fear of not measuring up. I felt that my storytelling fell short of honoring the craft, especially when I compared it to the perfection I saw in the works of bestselling authors.

Writing in English, which isn’t my first language, often felt like an insurmountable challenge. And as much as I wanted to write in my native tongue, I struggled to get a grasp on that as well. So, I began to label writing as just a hobby, something I did occasionally—anything to soften the blow of not meeting my own expectations.

But over time, I realized that if I don’t believe I’m a good writer now, I probably never will. Believing in your ability to do something is the first and most crucial step to actually doing it.

For those who like a step-by-step process, here’s how I do it, and how you can start:
Recognize Your Inner Critic: Start by noticing when your inner critic shows up. For example, when you’re about to present your latest design, and a voice in your head starts doubting whether it’s good enough—that’s your inner critic. Just being aware of this voice is a big step toward managing it. Remember, it often wants to protect you from failure by discouraging you from taking risks, but in doing so, it can also hold you back from truly expressing your creativity.

Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself like you treat your bestfriend. Tell yourself, 'You’ve got this,' or 'This is just a rough draft; the magic happens in the process.' Vocalizing these affirmations can shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-belief.

Celebrate small wins: Make it a habit to celebrate even the tiniest achievements in your creative journey. If you’ve sketched a rough idea for a new project or written the first paragraph of a story, take a moment to acknowledge that progress. These small celebrations reinforce your inner fan and build confidence, making it easier to quiet the critic when it tries to undermine your efforts.

Set boundaries for criticism: Create specific times for critical review, keeping the creation process separate from the critique process. Let your inner fan dominate while you’re creating, and let your critic have its say only when you’re editing.

Surround yourself with positivity: Fill your life with people, environments, and content that inspire you. The more positivity you bring into your world, the stronger your inner fan will become.

What keeps me going is the dream of that ten-year-old girl who just wanted to tell the stories in her head as beautifully as her favourite writers did. The truth is, everything gets better with practice, as long as you don’t give up. And, as long as your inner fan shines brighter than your inner critic, quitting will never be an option.

The writer is a Digital Strategist, Creative Entrepreneur and Passionate Mental Health Advocate

Laurie Ihirwe Sheja

But Africans turned out and observed elections. We had the African Union observers; we had COMESA the EAC observers etc. PERFECT! African elections observed by African institutions. in less than two months today, the world superpower – the USA, will be having presidential elections. No external monitors or observers, despite the allegations of one the presidential candidates claiming that the last elections were stolen. Why don’t we have observers in the USA, despite these allegations? Show me any outside observer on planet earth.

As already indicated, in the case of Rwanda; it was the Africans themselves who observed their electoral processes. All of them passed a positive verdict. Years back, African leaders came up with what was called' Africa peer review mechanism' we don’t need the endorsement of the West for our decision to be legitimate. The loosing political party and the independent candidate all accepted the results and even turned up for the swearing in of our newly elected president. The west and their neo colonial agents were gnashing their teeth. 'how can Africans do something like this without our support'?

A number of African countries often claim that they cannot hold elections because the logistics involved need so much budget beyond what their countries can afford! And Europe and North America are very willing to provide such support…….. guess what?. And as the saying goes 'he who pays the piper plays the tune'.

On the contrary, the 2024 Rwandan elections were purely financed by Rwandans, beside party members contributing for their respective parties; political parties and independent candidates were allocated a budget from taxpayers’ pockets to run their campaign. A new down!.

President Paul Kagame was inaugurated on August 11, 2024.

As Rwandans say, 'Ak’imuhana kaza imvura ihise'—if you rely on an outsider, you should know that no one will be rained on to bring you support; they will always wait for the rain to stop. By the way, Kinyarwanda is so rich in parables and riddles that it is very difficult to translate it into Western languages. I had to use 18 English words to translate a 4-word Kinyarwanda proverb! Impressive ceremony and Africans turn up at Kagame’s inauguration not just for partying.

A Burundian human rights activist based in Nairobi, a former employee of the COMESA court of justice Chris Harahagazwe whose relationship between me and him are like the one between the kids cartoon 'Tom and Jerry'( apology to Chris he didn’t give me a go ahead to go public about our private conversation, but I also don’t want anyone claiming I invented the massage) and I quote verbatim: 'Congratulations for the amazing inaugural ceremony. Few would believe such a mastery show of precision and beauty can be staged in Africa. Let alone the impressive prestige of 22 heads of state and government attending from West Africa, to Eastern Africa, Southern and Central, even Seychelles for God’s sake! I am not sure the AU summits can gather as many.'

Thank you Chris. Of course Chris looked at heads of states and governments, several other African countries sent other heads of delegations, foreign affairs ministers and other ministers to attend the inauguration. Besides Uganda’s sending the vice president, they also sent the Army chief of General staff. All in all at least 30 African countries were represented. If my math serves me right, that would be about 56% of African countries represented, not to mention their continental and regional representatives like the African Union, COMESA , EAC etc.

Few would believe such a mastery show of precision and beauty can be staged in Africa
Coming back to Mr Karahagazwe’s description of the event as 'Few would believe such a mastery show of precision and beauty can be staged in Africa'; watching it brought in me pride, but also scaring memories.

When I watched our young men and women in uniform marching elegantly, when I looked at helicopter gunships flying on top I couldn’t help thinking how far we have come. I could remember the year 1991, in Gahinga volcanic mountains, when the then Major Paul Kagame had just reassembled and was trying to rebuild the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).

How poorly equipped and ill armed the RPA soldiers were! I couldn’t help but remember how many soldiers suffered frostbite because they had no shoes, and how many of our colleagues suffered from pneumonia. I could remember the most scary moments, when there were attacks and several combatants had no rifle, commanders were ordering withdrawal, and several soldiers, myself included, had no guns! And that was not the worst; those who had come before us in October 1990, had suffered a worse scary situation.

Yet this rag tag determined men and women and by the way boys and girls had survived to win the war against génocidaires supported by powerful African and western allies. I looked at the show and felt confidence that my children and grandchildren were safe in the new Rwanda. It was not just a show. It was an assurance to all of us!

Presence, absence, realistic interpretations and far fetched wishful thinking
During the 2024 presidential campaign, a young peasant mother, Beatha Musengamana, in her early 20s, composed a song that came to be popularly known as 'Byari Byabananiye' ('They had failed to achieve it'). 'Byari Byabananiye' was the chorus of the song. Her song became a hit and the most popular song of the season.

I have seen white women who live in Rwanda trying to sing it on YouTube and TikTok. Some even came to think it was Rwanda’s national anthem. The peasant mother was every night on YouTube and TikTok shows; name it. She was not the one posting the song, it was Rwandan admirers! even the army band included it on the swearing national parade!

The song is available to whoever would like to access it on the platforms mentioned above, however I would like to single out a major message of the song ' Azabatsinda Kagame yarukuye kumuheto naho ababunza amagambo byaribyabananiye' ( Kagame will come out victorious over all of you, for he removed Rwanda from the bows of death as for those who peddling empty words ; they had all failed yo achieve it'. Again a thousand apologies! English, as rich a language as it may be, cannot fully translate Kinyarwanda.

But as indicated early two very important messages stand out. Where President Kagame has led Rwanda from, and those 'who go peddling empty words when they had failed to produce any results'.

Those who wanted to demean or portrait the entire Rwandan victory celebration as a failed event; were quick to point out the absence of two neighbours, the southern neighbour president of Burundi, NEVA as he is called and the western neighbour, DRC president Tshisekedi, leaders of the two poorest countries in the world according to the world poverty index 2023!

The failure of the above two leaders to turn up, albeit noted by some peddlers of 'amagambo,' as Beata would put it, was not significant to me. Indeed, their presence would not only have shocked me but also disappointed me! Rwandans have a saying: 'Umuntu aguhisha ko akwanga, ukamuhisha ko ubizi.' Let me struggle with the translation: 'If someone hates you but hides the hatred from you, you also hide from them that you know it.' (Here we go again—a seven-word proverb, translated into 19 words!) What, then, would be the reaction if someone hates you and tells you openly?

Do you have anything to hide? Indeed, to me, the presence of Burundi or the DRC would have made a mockery of the values of Rwanda’s real friends who came to attend. After all, as my daughter pointed out while I was trying to analyze the absence of Burundi and the DRC, 'How do you know they were invited in the first place?'

The same prophets of doom were quick to point out that the west did not send ' high calibres' representations. Let me ask a rhetorical question. If humans were like currencies, insults aside ' how many African presidents , vice presidents; prime ministers are worth Anton Bliken? Or is Ursula von der Leyen more important than the presence of Moussa Faki Mahamat ?’

More than 20 heads of state attended President Kagame’s inauguration.

Come on, get out of your mental slavery. Do we have to have a white former colonial master or neo colonialist to legitimize our leaders? Why did so many African leaders turn up? Each head of state and government who came to Rwanda, made their own judgment. I would be elevating myself too high to understand their wisdom. But this is my understanding. President Kagame as a products of years of struggle, abandonment of the so called international community, The RPF that he leads is a strong believer on the Rwandan proverb quoted above ' Ak’imuhana kaza imvura ihise'

As a result, because of his and Rwandans and by extension Africans, Kagame does not hesitate to put it bluntly as is to the paternalistic west. And here I quote from his inauguration speech: 'There is no longer room for the powerful to impose their vision about how others ought to live, or to create narratives that falsify the truth. This must always be resisted, even when under pressure.

'But there is also no possible excuse for injustice, wherever it occurs, whether committed against us as Africans, or inflicted by ourselves. Indeed, we Africans are people who have consistently fought injustice. We don’t need any lessons about how best to do so. And we must all humbly acknowledge the necessity to adapt our political and governance systems to our specific conditions, and the expectations of our citizens'.

I honestly believe that these thoughts that Paul Kagame dares express are indeed the thoughts of the many African leaders and that is why they came to Kigali in large numbers.

Africa that believes we are tired of empty lectures that we must have our vision not visions imposed upon us. Thank God Kagame is not a 1960 president for he would have been assassinated by the CIA just like Nkrumah , Lumumba, Nasser etc. Indeed there is a new dawn that has come to Africa. A new dawn of Africans are for Africans and where we can have of dream, vision and carry it out no matter what the global north thinks or does

The writer, Mweusi Karake is a seasoned socio-political commentator based in Kigali. Previously, he served as the first president of Rwanda Association of Journalists (ARJ).

Mweusi Karake

The report, released on Friday by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), said there was “fog and deteriorating weather” near Mzuzu Airport, where the plane was destined to land.

The German investigators managed to retrieve GPS data tracing the aircraft’s flight on the material day from take-off at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, to the crash site in Chikangawa Forest near Mzuzu.

The crash site of the plane that killed former Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.

However, according to the report, some data regarding the communications between the crew and navigation services were not recorded as the military aircraft, Dornier 228-202(K), Malawi Air Force, had no Cockpit Voice Recorder or Flight Data Recorder.

“The radio communications between the flight crew and the air navigation service units at Lilongwe, and radio communications between the flight crew and the Flight Information Service were not recorded,” said the interim report, signed by Jens Friedemann, investigator in charge at the BFU.

The German investigators said in the report that they are compiling the final report on the accident and that it is expected to be released by the summer of 2025.

A portrait of the late Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima is displayed during his funeral in Lilongwe, Malawi, June 16, 2024.

The BFU has since made safety recommendations for the concerned Malawian authorities.

“The minister of defense of the Republic of Malawi should ensure that aircraft of the Malawi Air Force transporting persons are equipped with a functional Emergency Locator Transmitter,” said the report. “The minister of transport and public works of the Republic of Malawi should ensure that up-to-date information concerning radio navigation aids in Malawi is available to aircraft crews at all times.”

The military plane crashed mid-flight during a domestic trip from Lilongwe to Mzuzu with Chilima, former First Lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, and seven others on board.

The former vice president and his team were scheduled to proceed by land from Mzuzu Airport to the lakeshore district of Nkhata Bay to attend the funeral of Ralph Kasambara, the country’s former attorney general and justice minister.

Marginal weather conditions with poor visibility are a possible cause of the plane crash that killed former Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, according to an interim report on the accident.

Xinhua

Aloys Manzi, who spent many years in the United Kingdom, recognized this issue and launched a project aimed at providing different types of homes tailored to clients’ preferences. This initiative allows members of the diaspora to own homes in Rwanda without the usual difficulties.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Manzi and Ignatius Mugabo explained that anyone wishing to build a home in Rwanda needs to pay 20% of the construction cost upfront. If they lack the full amount, the remaining balance can be financed by a bank, which they will repay gradually.

They confirmed that those interested in building a home do not need to oversee the construction process themselves, as Blackrock handles everything, including finding tenants if the owner is not yet ready to live in the house.

Excerpts:

IGIHE: Could you please describe the ‘Blackrock’ project?

Mugabo: The ‘Blackrock’ project is a reliable and well-structured initiative designed with the diaspora in mind. Many members of the diaspora don’t have the time to manage a construction project.

They often visit Rwanda for a few weeks and leave without completing what they started due to time constraints. Our project simplifies this process by taking care of everything for them. From purchasing land to building the house, we handle it all.

The process is even more accessible, as clients can begin with a 20% upfront payment, and a major Rwandan bank supporting this project will finance the rest. This ensures that their investment is protected, as the bank oversees the progress of the construction.

IGIHE: What sets these homes apart from others?

Manzi: Our homes stand out because we focus on building high-quality houses customized to the client’s specifications. Clients can request specific modifications, and once the construction is complete, we even assist in finding tenants if they are not ready to move in.

While similar services may exist, they are not as widely available, especially for the diaspora. We understand their unique challenges and are here to help them navigate the process easily.

IGIHE: How do you assist those who may not have enough money?

Manzi: We collaborate with a leading bank in Rwanda that is keen to support the diaspora. If a client has 20% of the required funds, the bank will provide an 80% loan to cover the remaining costs. The bank’s involvement means they will monitor the project’s progress, ensuring everything goes according to plan. This approach differs from simply handing over money to a relative, where there’s a risk of being shown photos of someone else’s house.

That’s why Blackrock is here, and we have other plans for the future, including helping someone with land by building houses on it and assisting them to run other income generating ventures.

IGIHE: Is it possible for someone to request a custom-built home?

Manzi: Absolutely. For example, one of our clients from the United States wanted to use only part of his house and rent out the rest.

He requested that the first and second floors be designed as rental units while he lived on the top floor.

We cater to such needs, whether a client wants to live in the entire house, rent out parts of it, or customize the space for other purposes. Each room is self-contained, making it easy to adapt to different needs. Our dedicated team is always available to assist with customization, ensuring that each home meets the client’s desires.

Manzi Aloys (right) and Mugabo Ignatius have shared an insight into ‘Blackrock’ project.

Manzi and Mugabo during an interview with a journalist.

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

While confirming the accident, police in Uganda said the crash, involving a Jaguar Bus Company vehicle, registration number UBP 964T, occurred at 2 a.m. near Kabale-Bugonzi, close to Peak Eclat Primary School.

The bus was travelling from Kampala to Kigali, Rwanda, when it veered out of its lane and collided head-on with a Fuso truck, registration number UAV 988N.

Police said all the deceased were passengers on the bus. The victims have been identified as Moses Awinyi, Musa Munyanda, Steven Kayinamura, Edwin Tushabomwe, Liz Akaliza, Teopista Amalia, Evelyn Natukunda, and Acham.

An eyewitness told Uganda’s Daily Monitor that the driver of the bus lost control, causing it to collide with the truck travelling from Masaka to Kampala.

“The bus overturned several times before swerving off the road and falling into a valley,” the witness, identified as Sam Musoke, revealed.

According to the eyewitness, at least 40 injured persons were rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for treatment by locals and a response team from the Uganda Red Cross Society and police.

Southern Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye attributed the accident to speeding and warned motorists against the dangerous act.

“We continue to warn motorists against speeding. The accident occurred in the dark, and it is possible the bus driver had poor visibility, which impaired his decision-making and endangered the lives of those onboard,” Kasirye stated.

The accident occurred at 2 a.m. near Kabale-Bugonzi, close to Peak Eclat Primary School.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

A statement released by the RDF on Sunday, September 1, 2024, indicated that President Kagame had promoted 654 officers to higher ranks within the army. Among those promoted are two Colonels who have been elevated to the rank of Brigadier General: Col Justus Majyambere and Col Louis Kanobayire.

Additionally, fourteen senior military officers holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel have been promoted to Colonel. These officers are Lt Col Francis Nyagatare, Lt Col Jessica Mukamurenzi, Lt Col Mulinzi Mucyo, Lt Col Alexis Kayisire, Lt Col Emmanuel Rutebuka, Lt Col Jacques Nzitonda, Lt Col Ephraim Ngoga, Lt Col Emmanuel Rukundo, Lt Col Silver Munyaneza Akarimugicu, Lt Col Tanzi Mutabaruka, Lt Col Prosper Rutabayiru, Lt Col Hubert Nyakana, Lt Col Joseph Kabanda, and Lt Col Danny Gatsinzi.

Thirty officers have been promoted from the rank of Major Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel, while 280 officers have been elevated from Captain Major to Major.

President Kagame has also promoted 40 officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain, and 270 Second Lieutenants to the rank of Lieutenant.

Furthermore, nine medical officers in the non-commissioned officer category have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and nine other medical professionals have been elevated to the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda has promoted 4,059 non-commissioned officers to various ranks within the RDF.

In the latest round of promotions, one officer has been ascended from Warrant Officer II to Warrant Officer I, while five others have moved from Sergeant Major to Warrant Officer II. Additionally, 75 officers have been promoted from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant Major, 139 from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, 119 from Corporal to Sergeant, and a substantial 4,059 from Private to Corporal.

These promotions follow a recent meeting on August 29, 2024, where President Kagame discussed the country’s peace and security priorities with senior army officers.

The meeting also resulted in the dismissal of Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Col Dr. Etienne Uwimana, and 19 other senior and junior officers. The contracts of 195 other military personnel of various ranks were also terminated.

RDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga stated that Major General Nzaramba was dismissed for corruption and the misappropriation of funds designated for soldiers’ welfare during his tenure as Commandant of the Basic Military Training Centre in Nasho. Similarly, Colonel Dr. Etienne Uwimana was removed for gross misconduct and violations of the RDF’s core ethics and values.

President Paul Kagame has elevated 654 officers to higher ranks within the Rwandan Defence Forces, recognizing their dedication and commitment to national service.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This new factory is perceived as a crucial step in the country’s ongoing efforts to industrialize the economy and diversify its manufacturing capabilities thereby positioning herself as a regional hub in the textile and garment sector.

AC Better Limited, a company comprised of Rwandan and Chinese business owners with deep roots in China’s robust textile industry and strong ties to Rwanda, is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation.
Edward Yin, the company CEO and key figure in the Kigali operations regards the establishment of the factory as a strategic move that aligns with both Rwanda’s national goals and the broader economic vision for the region.

Apart from supplying products, AC Better provides spare parts and repair services to clients from tailoring companies to retailers. ensuring comprehensive support and high-quality products.

“Rwanda is emerging as a central hub for the modern clothing industry in East Africa,” Yin explains. “Establishing this factory is not just about producing textiles; it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports local businesses, fosters innovation, and connects Rwanda to global markets.”

The company already operates a successful warehouse and supply chain business, providing local consumers with a wide range of textile fabrics, sewing machines, and essential accessories such as buttons and zippers.
They go beyond merely supplying products, providing spare parts and repair services to ensure that clients, from tailoring companies to retailers, receive comprehensive support and high-quality products.

Edward Yin is a key figure in regards to preparations of establishment of a textile and garment factory

This will serve as a major supply center for textiles in Rwanda, significantly enhancing the availability of high-quality fabrics and related products. This will be particularly beneficial for local designers, tailors, and fashion entrepreneurs who often face challenges in sourcing materials and accessing modern equipment.

The decision to establish the factory comes at a time when Rwanda is experiencing rapid growth in its industrial landscape. With a strong emphasis on promoting local manufacturing, the government has been actively encouraging investments in sectors that have the potential to create jobs, reduce dependency on imports, and boost exports. The textile industry, identified as one of the key areas for development, is now set to receive a major boost with this new venture.

The factory is expected to not only meet local demand but also cater for the broader East African market, thereby positioning Rwanda as a key player in the regional textile industry. Shyaka Gakuba, a Rwandan shareholder in AC Better Limited has been instrumental in conceptualizing the project.

Reflecting on the journey that led to this point, Gakuba said, “The idea to establish a modern textile factory in Rwanda was conceptualized when a ban against importation of second hand clothes was adopted. We looked at this as a way of creating a more self-reliant environment in clothing production.'
He is optimistic that this will enable a thriving, competitive industry that could provide jobs, support local businesses, and reduce reliance on imported textiles.

Local consumers are provided with a wide range of textile fabrics, sewing machines, and essential accessories such as buttons and zippers.

This development has since garnered significant interest from various stakeholders in Rwanda’s textile sector such as Maximilien Kolbe Uwayo Hategekimana, co-CEO of Kuza Africa Ltd, a hub dedicated to advancing the textile and garment industry in Rwanda.

He believes that this will positively contribute to transforming Rwanda’s fashion and textile sector. “Sourcing supplies and machines can be incredibly costly particularly for designers and small businesses from low-income economies,” he notes.

“By clustering designers into one entity, we can achieve economies of scale that reduce costs and streamline the production process. Our collaboration with AC Better Limited will ensure that our members have access to the materials and equipment they need at competitive prices,” he affirms.

Members and stakeholders in a partnership between Rwandan and Chinese business entrepreneurs have resolved to establish a state-of-the-art textile factory in Kigali by the end of next year.

Hategekimana, who connects tailors, fashion designers, and other value chain stakeholders by offering education, business development services, and access to world-class equipment, believes this is a positive step in the right direction.

In reducing Rwanda’s reliance on imported textiles, the idea of any contribution towards improving the country’s trade balance, industrial landscape and economic resilience is palpable.

Sourcing supplies and machines can be incredibly costly particularly for designers and small businesses from low-income economies

Sam K Nkurunziza

The Rwandan Head of State arrived in Bali on Sunday morning to a warm reception, which included a ceremonial guard of honour.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Bali, Indonesia on Sunday morning.

Kagame is among at least six Heads of State and dozens of government officials scheduled to attend the three-day summit, which kicks off in Bali today, September 1, 2024.

The forum, organized by the Indonesian government, aims to foster cooperation and partnerships between African states and Indonesia.

Themed 'Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063,' the forum will focus on issues related to energy, health, food resilience, and mining.

Rwanda is keen to sign several new agreements with Indonesia on the sidelines of the summit, Rwandan Ambassador to Indonesia Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana said last week.

“We expect, on the sidelines of the IAF, that some other MOUs will be signed, especially between the Private Sector Federation and Kadin (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry),” Harelimana told local media.

In addition, Rwanda is seeking to sign a memorandum of understanding in the security sector.

“There were discussions about security—specifically between the Indonesia National Police and the Rwanda National Police. There is a draft MoU about collaboration and cooperation between both countries,” the ambassador revealed.

Other African leaders expected at the high-level summit include Presidents Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council.

Prime Ministers Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini and Xanana Gusmão of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, along with representatives from Uganda, DRC, Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Sudan, Angola, and Namibia, among others, are expected to attend.

The Rwandan Head of State arrived in Bali on Sunday morning to a warm reception, which included a ceremonial guard of honour.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In partnering with WIFR, institutional members like Mayfair Insurance demonstrate the importance they place on accelerating progress for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The insurer formalized its membership during an official Gender Charter signing ceremony held on Thursday, August 30, 2024, at its offices in Kimihurura. The event was graced by Mayfair Rwanda Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma, Zep-Re MD for Rwanda & Burundi Ms. Alice Uwase, and the WIFR founding chair Ms. Lina Higiro and Mayfair Management.

From left: Zep-Re MD for Rwanda and Burundi, Ms. Alice Uwase; Mayfair Rwanda Managing Director, Ms. Jessica Igoma; and WIFR founding chair, Ms. Lina Higiro, during the event.

Speaking at the event, Igoma emphasized that joining the foundation reaffirms Mayfair’s commitment to making equality a strategic objective, just like any other business goal.

A study from McKinsey & Company, which analyzed more than 1,000 companies worldwide, proved that organizations with greater diversity among their executive teams tend to have higher profits and longer-term value as well.

'We are committed to being part of this journey to elevate women and to walk alongside Women in Finance Rwanda every step of the way,' Igoma noted.

The event was graced by Mayfair Rwanda Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma, Zep-Re MD for Rwanda & Burundi Ms. Alice Uwase, and the WIFR founding chair Ms. Lina Higiro and Mayfair Management.

Higiro lauded Mayfair for its decision to join the foundation, highlighting that it adds to the growing list of insurance companies committed to advancing the equality agenda in the sector. Other members include Sanlam and Zep-Re.

'Now we have a strong team to advocate and drive change for a more profitable and sustainable insurance sector,' Higiro stated.

The former CEO of NCBA Bank Rwanda was recently appointed Director of Regional Business at NCBA Group. She emphasized that Gender parity can have a large impact on whether an economy or society will thrive as such it is a critical lens for doing business. She also stressed the importance of nurturing an inclusive culture to sustain these efforts.

Mayfair Insurance formalized its membership during an official Gender Charter signing ceremony held on Thursday, August 30, 2024, at its offices in Kimihurura.

Companies joining WIFR commit to various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the financial sector. These commitments include supporting the progression of women to senior roles by setting internal gender balance objectives that focus on reducing imbalances, particularly at the executive level and within the middle management pipeline.

To ensure transparency and accountability, members commit to creating and sharing a clear diversity policy with specific targets set for all organizational levels. These targets should be made public, and progress towards them reported annually. Companies are also encouraged to develop tools to track and report on female representation, promotions, and any challenges in achieving gender equality.

Additionally, members commit to identifying and sharing obstacles and best practices in the industry to support the advancement of women and increase their presence in senior roles. Companies are also encouraged to establish a Gender Committee, if one does not already exist, to bolster these efforts. The aim is to create a more inclusive and balanced financial sector in Rwanda.

Empowerment Initiatives

Launched in 2023, WIFR has partnered with various institutions to help its members succeed in their careers and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the finance industry.

Higiro noted that, for instance, in the commercial banking sector, the foundation has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments to offer scholarships and special discounts for all staff both men and women.

'We also have a partnership with the Uganda Financial Institute for Training Home – UIBFS, which offers diplomas in credit analysis, a postgraduate diploma in agricultural value chain credit analysis, and microfinance banking. Members (All staff) receive special discounts on these courses,' Higiro revealed.

Additionally, the foundation provides capacity-building sessions designed to enhance skills and foster professional growth, where members have the opportunity to network with industry experts and gain valuable insights. It is also going to launch a mentorship program that connects members with industry and subject-matter experts to build meaningful relationships and support their professional goals.

Other financial institutions that have recently partnered with WIFR include Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, EcoBank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Coopedu and several others.

Ms. Lina Higiro, founding chair of WIFR, presents the membership trophy to Ms. Jessica Igoma (center), Managing Director of Mayfair Rwanda, with Ms. Alice Uwase, Zep-Re MD for Rwanda & Burundi, also in the frame.

Mayfair Insurance staff, led by Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma, pose for a group photo with WIFR founding chair Ms. Lina Higiro and Zep-Re MD for Rwanda and Burundi, Ms. Alice Uwase.

Wycliffe Nyamasege