Category: Uncategorized

REMA Director General Juliet Kabera disclosed this on Tuesday, June 30, while briefing the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security on disaster risk reduction strategies.

She said the introduction of drone technology will strengthen environmental monitoring and improve enforcement of regulations on waste management.

‘We are introducing new technology, and by the end of August we will have the first drones that will help us monitor those illegally burning waste. This will help us catch those who do it at night,’ she said.

Kabera noted that the technology will also be used to detect the burning of hazardous waste, including waste generated by health facilities, which is often difficult to identify through routine inspections.

‘There is also hazardous waste that people burn, such as that from health facilities. It is difficult to detect through normal inspections, but technology will help us address that,’ she said.

She further highlighted that the deployment of drones is expected to address staffing constraints within the agency’s inspection system.

According to Kabera, REMA currently has only 13 environmental inspectors, supported by a broader workforce of about 120 staff members engaged in different projects.

‘We will continue strengthening the use of technology, and working with service providers will also help us as we continue to look for sustainable solutions,’ she added.

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen air quality monitoring and improve compliance with environmental protection laws.

REMA is also working to expand its air pollution monitoring framework beyond vehicle emissions to include industries and other sources of pollution, as part of ongoing measures to reduce air contamination.

In recent years, Rwanda has increasingly adopted drone technology across multiple sectors.

Drones are currently used to monitor illegal mining activities and support the Rwanda National Police in traffic surveillance. They also play a key role in the health sector, delivering blood, medicines, and other medical supplies to health facilities, as well as in agriculture, where they support various field operations.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-to-deploy-drones-to-curb-illegal-waste-burning/

Born of a multicultural background and shaped by experiences across France, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, and Rwanda, Elodie describes herself as someone whose identity has always been deeply connected to fashion.

‘I literally used to dress myself from the age of three… I was very much of a tomboy when I was young,’ she recalls, explaining that her creative instincts started early and were influenced by a mix of cultures and personal expression.

Before Ndabaga Streetwear became an independent brand, it began as a collection under her earlier fashion label, Izubaa. It was during her design exploration in Rwanda that Elodie discovered the inspiration that would define her next chapter.

While researching Rwandan cultural narratives, she encountered the story of Ndabaga, a legendary female warrior whose courage and sacrifice deeply resonated with her.

‘It was just an animation that I found on YouTube, but I strongly connected with it, and I knew from the moment that I connected with it, I had to do something with it,’ she explains.

That emotional connection became the foundation of what is now Ndabaga Streetwear. Initially a collection, it later evolved into a standalone brand in 2025, driven by growing demand and a clear creative direction.

Why streetwear?

Elodie’s shift into streetwear was not accidental; it was informed by consumer behavior and her own design instincts.

‘When I released the collection… we realised that our best sellers were our t-shirts,’ she says, referring to early designs that resonated strongly with young audiences.

She adds that streetwear felt like the most natural evolution: ‘When I think of something that is modern, I think about streetwear… everybody wears jeans, hoodies… it’s very now, it’s just who I am.’

For Elodie, streetwear is not just fashion; it is accessibility, identity, and everyday expression.

At the core of Ndabaga Streetwear is a deeper philosophy that goes beyond garments. Elodie emphasizes that the brand is not just about clothes, but about meaning: ‘Ndabaga is more than fashion; it’s a story of resilience, it’s a story of courage and strength, and we want to inspire everybody to be their own heroes.’

This idea of personal empowerment runs through every design. The brand encourages people to see themselves as ‘their own heroes,’ regardless of their background or challenges.

A creative process rooted in storytelling

Elodie’s design process is highly narrative-driven. Each collection begins with a story before evolving into visuals and garments.

‘For me, it starts with storytelling… what am I saying through the clothing?’ she explains.

One of her most notable collections, Ndabaga: The Story, takes consumers through the life of the warrior figure through printed visuals and written elements directly on garments.

Every piece is designed and produced in Rwanda using premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality as much as storytelling.

She describes how personal history also influences her work. One of the prints, she explains, was inspired by a shirt her father used to wear in Burundi. That emotional link helped shape the visual identity of the collection, merging personal memory with cultural storytelling.

While deeply connected to Rwanda, Elodie’s ambition extends far beyond local borders. She sees Ndabaga Streetwear becoming a global African fashion brand.

Her international ambitions are already taking shape. Earlier this month, Fromenteau collaborated on the creative design of the Visit Rwanda × Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ‘Ici C’est Paris’ collection, further strengthening her growing international profile.

‘Our vision is quite simple. We want to go global… to establish Ndabaga Streetwear as one of the biggest African fashion brands globally,’ she says.

Her expansion goals include establishing stores in major fashion capitals such as New York, London, Paris, Belgium, South Africa, and Kenya. She also envisions collaborations with artists across music, sports, and creative industries.

Rwanda’s fashion industry: growing, but full of potential

Elodie is optimistic about the current state of Rwanda’s fashion ecosystem. She believes it is still in its early stages but filled with opportunity.

‘It is very exciting to be a designer in Rwanda at the moment… there’s still a lot of opportunities for new upcoming designers,’ she notes.

She also highlights the growing appreciation for locally made products, particularly among young people, saying there is a rising pride in ‘Made in Rwanda’ fashion.

Looking ahead, Elodie sees Ndabaga Streetwear contributing not only to fashion but also to broader creative and economic growth.

‘As we grow, we’re going to hire a lot more people… and collaborate with artists, connecting global creatives with local talent,’ she explains.

For her, the brand is part of a bigger ecosystem: one where storytelling, identity, and collaboration drive both cultural and economic impact.

‘Go big or go home’

Reflecting on her journey so far, Elodie expresses gratitude for the rapid growth and emotional connection people have formed with the brand.

‘We’ve received so much love… people really connect with the story,’ she says.

That emotional connection, she believes, is what has fueled the brand’s early growth. ‘People don’t just buy the clothes, they buy into the story,’ she says.

And when asked about her long-term ambition, her response is direct: ‘We want to go big. And that’s it. That’s the only way.’

From a personal inspiration discovered in cultural research to an emerging African fashion label with global ambition, Ndabaga Streetwear is positioning itself as more than a brand; it is a narrative of identity, resilience, and creative evolution led by Elodie Fromenteau.

Watch the full video below to learn more about Elodie Fromenteau’s journey building Ndabaga Streetwear.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ndabaga-streetwear-elodie-fromenteaus-journey-to-building-a-rwandan-brand-with-global-ambition/

July 1 also holds special significance for Rwanda, as it is celebrated as Independence Day. While the two countries have different histories, both have travelled remarkable paths of resilience, recovery, and development.

Over the decades, China and Rwanda have each overcome immense challenges to build and develop their nations, a shared spirit that continues to underpin the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

It is against this backdrop that Nanhu Lake takes on a deeper meaning. Widely known for its calm waters, cultural beauty, and rich heritage, the lake is also home to one of the most important sites in modern Chinese history—the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, where visitors can retrace the origins of a movement that would go on to shape the course of a nation.

The memorial hall stands as a key site for understanding the early history of the Communist Party of China, especially its founding period in 1921. It is here, beside Nanhu Lake, that history is preserved and retold in a way that connects past political ideas with present national identity. For many visitors, the site is not just a museum, but a place where the origins of CPC philosophy and political thought are remembered and reflected upon.

Nanhu Lake itself is among the most well-known lakes in eastern China. Alongside West Lake in Hangzhou and Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, it forms part of the cultural and historical landscape of the Yangtze River region. Its natural beauty, shaped over centuries, has long attracted attention, but its modern significance is closely tied to the revolutionary events that unfolded in Jiaxing more than a century ago.

The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall was established in 1959 and later expanded in 2011 to preserve and present this history in greater depth. Today, it spans more than 19,000 square meters and contains over 10,000 historical artifacts, including documents, photographs, artworks, and rare revolutionary materials connected to the early development of the CPC.

The exhibitions inside the hall trace the formation of the Communist Party of China from its early beginnings under difficult social and political conditions to its gradual development into a major political organization. The displays are arranged to guide visitors through different historical stages, combining physical relics with modern storytelling techniques such as visual projections and immersive presentations.

At the heart of the memorial’s historical narrative is the idea that Nanhu played a symbolic role in the shaping of early CPC ideology.

While the Party was officially founded during its First National Congress in 1921, Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing became the place where the meeting concluded after being relocated from Shanghai due to external disruptions. This moment is widely remembered as a defining chapter in the Party’s early history.

A short walk from the exhibition area leads to the lakeside, where the famous Red Boat is anchored near Yanyu Tower. The boat is a carefully preserved replica built in 1959, modeled after the vessel that became central to the concluding moments of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1921.

Historical accounts show that the First National Congress was initially held in Shanghai, but it was interrupted by French police during the final stages of the meeting. In response to the disruption, the meeting was relocated to Jiaxing, a move made possible through the assistance of Wang Huiwu, who helped arrange the transfer of delegates and ensured the continuation of the congress. The final discussions were completed on a boat on Nanhu Lake, an event that later became one of the most symbolic moments in CPC history.

Among the delegates involved was Dong Biwu, one of the 13 representatives who attended the founding congress. His accounts, along with historical records, helped verify and preserve the memory of how the meeting concluded on the Red Boat.

Today, the replica Red Boat is carefully maintained using traditional methods and remains one of the most visited landmarks in the memorial area, symbolizing the birthplace of the CPC’s concluding declaration.

The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall now welcomes more than one million visitors each year. During peak holidays, visitor numbers rise significantly, with families and young people forming a large share of those who come to explore the site. Many visit not only for tourism but also to understand the historical roots of the CPC and its development over time.

Curators at the memorial emphasize that the purpose of the site is educational as much as it is historical. Over the years, the museum has expanded its exhibitions and introduced modern display techniques to make history more accessible. This includes interactive visuals and structured storytelling designed to engage younger generations while preserving the authenticity of historical materials.

Beyond being a museum, Nanhu blends natural scenery with political history, reflecting both Jiaxing’s beauty and the enduring memory of the early days of the Communist Party of China.

As I leave the lakeside on this special date, China’s Party anniversary and my own country’s Independence Day, I carry with me a subtle lesson: that nations, like boats, are steered by the resolve of those who board them in times of uncertainty. And that memory, whether preserved in a museum or carried in people’s heart, is the anchor of every lasting journey.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/exploring-nanhu-lake-and-the-red-boat-experience-in-jiaxings-living-museum/

The figure, drawn from HIV serology testing of nearly 13,000 women and men, confirms a steady decline in the country’s epidemic: prevalence held at 3.0% from 2005 through 2014–15, before easing to 2.7% in the 2019–20 RDHS and now 2.2% in 2025. The report describes the drop between 2019–20 and 2025 as statistically significant.

But the national average masks wide disparities that the survey’s authors say still call for targeted intervention, by sex, by geography, and by wealth and education.

A persistent gender gap

Women continue to bear a heavier burden of HIV. The survey found prevalence among women aged 15–49 at 2.8%, nearly double the 1.5% recorded among men.

This gap persists even though women account for a slight majority of Rwanda’s population. The 2022 Rwanda Population and Housing Census recorded 13,246,394 people, comprising 6,817,067 females (51.5%) and 6,429,326 males (48.5%).

Compared with the 2019–20 survey, HIV prevalence among women declined from 3.5% to 2.8%, a statistically significant reduction, while prevalence among men decreased slightly from 1.7% to 1.5%, a change that was not statistically significant.

The gap widens further with age. Among women aged 45–49, prevalence reaches 7.8%, compared with 3.5% among men in the same age bracket, and 4.3% among men aged 50–59. Prevalence generally climbs with age for both sexes, from under 1% among teenagers to its peak in the 40s and 50s.

Marital and relationship status also shapes risk. Widowed respondents have the highest prevalence of any group at 10.9%, followed by those who are divorced or separated at 7.3%. Women in polygynous unions show notably higher prevalence (6.5%) than those in non-polygynous unions (2.3%).

Male circumcision continues to show a protective association: HIV prevalence is 1.2% among circumcised men, compared with 2.5% among men who are not circumcised or do not know their status.

Cities carry a heavier burden than the countryside

Geography remains one of the sharpest dividing lines in Rwanda’s HIV epidemic. Prevalence in urban areas stands at 3.3%, almost double the 1.7% recorded in rural areas, a pattern consistent with previous rounds of the survey and with the country’s broader urban–rural health disparities.

The provincial breakdown tells a similar story. The City of Kigali has the highest prevalence in the country at 3.7%, more than triple the 1.0% recorded in the Northern Province, which posts the lowest rate nationally. Southern Province (2.3%), Western Province (2.2%), and Eastern Province (2.0%) fall in between.

Education levels also showed clear differences in HIV prevalence. The survey found HIV prevalence was highest among people with no formal education (4.9%), followed by those with primary education (2.4%), secondary education (1.6%), and more than secondary education (0.9%). By household wealth, the poorest quintile recorded the highest prevalence (3.3%), though the pattern across the remaining wealth groups was less consistent.

Testing coverage remains high

The survey’s underlying data quality is bolstered by near-universal participation: 99% of eligible women and 97% of eligible men consented to HIV testing and provided a blood sample for the survey’s testing algorithm, carried out through Rwanda’s National Reference Laboratory. Fewer than 1% of eligible respondents refused testing outright.

Rwanda has been widely recognized as a regional leader in HIV control, having met the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets for diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression ahead of the 2025 deadline.

With prevalence now confirmed at 2.2% nationally, the survey gives policymakers a clearer map of where continued gains are still to be made, particularly among older women, urban populations, and the City of Kigali, building on a strategy that has already brought the country this far.

Meanwhile, the HIV findings sit alongside a wider set of health gains captured in the 2025 RDHS. Fertility has continued its long decline, with the total fertility rate now at 3.7 children per woman. Child survival has also improved: under-5 mortality has fallen to 36 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 45 in the previous survey, while infant and neonatal mortality have declined in tandem.

Chronic child malnutrition is down too, 27% of children under five are stunted, compared with 51% two decades ago, and contraceptive use among married women has climbed to 69%, with the government sector remaining the primary source of family planning services nationwide.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandas-hiv-prevalence-falls-to-2-2-as-survey-reveals-urban-rural-and-gender-gaps/

In a message, Xi said that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Seychelles have consistently trusted each other, and firmly supported each other regardless of changes in the international landscape, with the friendship between the two countries remaining rock solid.

Xi said he firmly believes that as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration behind the establishment of diplomatic relations and move forward side by side, the path of China-Seychelles ties will grow even broader and the prospects for bilateral cooperation become even brighter.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Seychelles relations, Xi said he is willing to work with Herminie to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship.

Xi also pledged joint efforts with Herminie to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and promote common development, so as to elevate the China-Seychelles strategic partnership to higher levels, and bring greater benefits to both peoples.

Herminie, in his message, said that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Seychelles-China relations have steadily developed on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and common development.

China has always been a valuable partner for Seychelles, providing extensive support to improve the well-being of its people and achieve the country’s national development goals, he added.

Herminie said Seychelles firmly adheres to the one-China principle and stays ready to strengthen cooperation within the frameworks of the Belt and Road cooperation and the FOCAC to continuously deepen bilateral relations. 

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/xi-seychelles-president-exchange-congratulations-on-50th-anniversary-of-ties/

The relaxed wide-leg trousers featured a fold-over waistband and adjustable drawstring, which Madonna paired with a fitted pale pink T-shirt, a red-and-white jacket, white boots, oversized sunglasses and a crossbody phone strap. The look blended comfort with sophistication, making it ideal for warm-weather dressing.

Madonna’s outfit follows a trend that has already been embraced by several other high-profile figures, including Meghan Markle, Mariska Hargitay, Laura Dern and Sharon Stone, all of whom have recently opted for lightweight white or cream-colored drawstring trousers as part of their summer wardrobes.

Fashion experts say the growing popularity of drawstring pants reflects a shift toward clothing that combines comfort with polished styling. Linen-blend fabrics and wide-leg silhouettes have become go-to choices for staying cool during hot weather while maintaining an elegant appearance.

According to People, the trend has also fueled interest in affordable alternatives, with similar linen-blend drawstring pants becoming popular among shoppers looking to recreate the celebrity-inspired look. The versatile trousers can be paired with casual T-shirts, button-down shirts or lightweight jackets, making them suitable for everything from everyday outings to summer vacations.

Madonna’s latest appearance reinforces the enduring appeal of relaxed tailoring, demonstrating that comfortable clothing can remain stylish without sacrificing sophistication. As temperatures continue to rise, breezy drawstring pants are emerging as one of the defining fashion staples of the season.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/madonna-embraces-drawstring-pants-trend-during-paris-outing/

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday hailed the 105-year history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the ‘most magnificent epic’ of the Chinese nation and urged the Party to press ahead to build China into a modern socialist country on schedule.

Addressing a gathering marking the CPC’s 105th founding anniversary, Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on Party members to remain steadfast in their convictions and work tirelessly to fulfill the Party’s missions in the new era and on the new journey.

Founded in 1921 against the backdrop of a weak China plagued by foreign humiliation and poverty, the CPC has grown from a small group of just over 50 members into the world’s largest governing party with tremendous global influence.

Xi underscored the importance of meeting the goal of fully realizing socialist modernization by the middle of the century.

‘Time stops for no one, and neither does history,’ he said.

The whole Party must adhere to its basic theory, basic line and basic policy to ‘remain undaunted by passing clouds and stay on course through wind and waves,’ Xi said.

Stressing that the Party must rely closely on the people to create new historical feats, Xi urged Party members to ‘further reinvigorate the enterprising spirit for getting things done.’

He also called on the whole Party to actively respond to risks and challenges on the path ahead.

‘China’s development is now in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and where uncertain and unpredictable factors are on the rise. We must always be prepared to withstand major tests of high winds and raging waves, and even violent storms,’ he warned.

As profound changes unseen in a century accelerate, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with humanity once again standing at a crossroads of choice, Xi said.

‘We must continuously promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,’ he said.

Xi also stressed advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance with sustained efforts to win ‘the tough, protracted and all-out battle against corruption.’

‘It is imperative that all of us in the Party never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, that we always stay modest, prudent, and hard-working, and that we have the courage and ability to carry on our fight,’ he added.

According to the latest census, the CPC now has nearly 101.29 million members and over 5.43 million primary-level Party organizations.

At the gathering, Xi conferred the July 1 Medal, the Party’s highest honor, on model CPC members.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/xi-hails-cpcs-105-year-epic-urges-building-modern-socialist-china/

The meeting took place at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe and brought together NMG owner Rostam Aziz and his son Saam Aziz, alongside Georgia Mutagaywa, the Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited, the parent organisation of NMG.

Also in attendance were veteran journalist and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leader Andrew Mwenda, as well as the Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director, Col. Chris Magezi.

The discussions follow the recent shutdown of NMG Uganda’s operations by security forces, an action ordered by Gen. Muhoozi. The closure came after allegations by the CDF that the media group had engaged in what he described as a sustained blackmail campaign against the government of Uganda and its leadership, while also promoting opposition and foreign interests.

During the meeting, both sides are said to have reviewed reporting that government officials consider biased and malicious, with the media owners expected to adopt a more patriotic, balanced, and objective approach in their reporting.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to resolve the standoff between the media group and the government following the shutdown of its outlets. A final decision on the reopening of the affected media premises is expected to follow a presidential review.

The closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and the Daily Monitor earlier this week came after security personnel carried out an overnight operation at NMG offices in Namuwongo, Kampala. The shutdown followed a series of posts by Gen. Muhoozi announcing the suspension of operations of the outlets, citing critical reporting and alleging biased coverage.

In earlier remarks shared online, Gen. Muhoozi said media reporting on Uganda would require clearance from his office and asserted that he had authority to shut down any media house in the country, claims that have drawn widespread attention.

Nation Media Group Uganda operates several outlets, including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, The EastAfrican, Dembe FM and Spark TV.

The developments echo previous tensions in 2013, when security agencies temporarily closed the Daily Monitor and affiliated stations following the publication of a controversial letter attributed to former intelligence official Gen. David Sejusa.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/gen-muhoozi-meets-nmg-leadership-over-closure-of-daily-monitor-ntv/

As every year, Rwandans living in Belgium and their friends will come together to commemorate and celebrate this historic day. The 2026 edition will feature two major highlights: a panel discussion and a cultural evening organized as part of the celebrations marking the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation.

The first part of the day will be dedicated to a panel discussion entitled: ‘Rwanda, Kwibohora32: From Liberation to Emergence, Agaciro as the Foundation of Dignity and Integrity.’

The event will bring together experts and speakers from various fields, including history, politics, economics, trade, psychology, governance, and technology. Participants will reflect on Rwanda’s journey from liberation to its current emergence while highlighting the role of Agaciro, a core value of dignity, integrity, and resilience that characterizes the Rwandan people.

The second part of the day will feature a concert organized in celebration of Kwibohora32, offering Rwandans in Belgium and their friends an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and enjoy a spirit of togetherness. The evening will also serve as a platform to promote Rwandan culture and strengthen ties within the diaspora through traditional and contemporary music.

Among the artists expected to perform are Teta Diane and Cyusa Ibrahim, two renowned figures of Rwanda’s music scene. Young people will also take center stage through performances by the Itetero cultural troupe from Brussels and the Amaliza troupe from Charleroi.

Parents will not be left out. Gathered within the cultural troupe Umurage, which means ‘Heritage,’ they will also present performances showcasing Rwandan traditions and cultural heritage.

The activities will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the panel discussion, while the concert will start at 8:00 p.m. and continue late into the evening. The entire program will take place at the Proximus Lounge, located at 51 Rue Stroobants, 1140 Brussels.

Participation is set at €35, a contribution intended to support the organization of the event.

In an interview with IGIHE, Kennedy Bizimana, one of the organizers, called on the community to attend:

‘We invite everyone to come in large numbers to discuss our history and share a moment of fraternity. This day should be celebrated so that younger generations understand its importance. It reminds us that after the tragedies Rwanda endured, Rwandans found solutions and rebuilt their country. 

‘Today’s Rwanda is a testament to the progress achieved through good governance and the vision of President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle that ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and paved the way for the country’s development.’

[email protected]

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/teta-diane-cyusa-ibrahim-to-headline-kwibohora32-celebrations-in-belgium/

The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, June 29, allowing Rwanda to independently source bulk refined petroleum products while using Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure for transportation, storage and evacuation.

The MoU was accompanied by two implementing agreements: a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) between the governments of Rwanda and Kenya and Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC), and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA) between RNEC and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

The agreements establish a structured framework for importing refined petroleum products through Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure, including the Port of Mombasa, strategic storage facilities and pipeline network.

Under the partnership, Rwanda will gain improved access to Kenya’s petroleum logistics system, enabling better import coordination, strategic storage and pipeline transportation. The arrangement is expected to enhance the efficiency, reliability and resilience of Rwanda’s petroleum supply chain.

According to the two governments, the partnership will enhance the security and continuity of petroleum supplies, reduce logistical bottlenecks, improve the predictability of fuel imports, increase operational efficiency across the supply chain and strengthen regional economic integration.

The agreement also aligns with Rwanda’s strategy of diversifying import routes, strengthening fuel security and ensuring the sustainable availability of petroleum products to support industrialisation and economic growth.

Implementation of the agreements will begin immediately through RNEC and KPC, working alongside relevant government institutions from both countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Tony Kajangwe, described the agreements as a reflection of the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening regional trade and energy security.

‘By optimizing the utilization of Kenya’s port and pipeline infrastructure, we are strengthening regional value chains, enhancing supply resilience, improving energy security, and advancing the broader objectives of regional economic integration,’ he stated.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, described the agreements as a major milestone for regional integration, saying they fully open the Northern Corridor to Rwanda for the importation of bulk refined petroleum products under government-to-government arrangements.

‘Kenya is therefore putting its pipeline, its Port of Mombasa and its people at the service of Rwanda’s energy security,’ Wandayi said.

He added that Kenya is committed to providing a reliable transit environment to guarantee the long-term security of petroleum supplies destined for Rwanda.

According to Wandayi, petroleum volumes transported to Rwanda through the Northern Corridor are expected to increase more than tenfold, from about 50,000 cubic metres annually to more than 500,000 cubic metres.

He also announced that Rwanda’s first cargo under the new framework is expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa in September 2026, marking the first major milestone in implementing the agreements.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-and-kenya-ink-new-petroleum-deal-to-boost-northern-corridor-supply/