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During a televised address from State House in Nairobi on Friday, July 5, 2024, President Ruto directed the Attorney General to draft a law to effect the ban on the fundraising tradition which is believed to have metamorphosed into a forum for the raw display of ill-gotten wealth.

“No state official or public servant shall participate in public contributions or Harambees going forward,” Ruto said.

“The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. This measure will be followed by changes in government that I will be announcing shortly,” he added.

The Head of State also announced Ksh177 billion budget cuts to seal the budget hole left after the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

The Finance Bill 2024 sought to raise Ksh 346 billion in additional taxes for the government. However, the proposed law sparked protests from members of the public, particularly young Kenyans under the pseudonym “Gen Z”, who took to the streets to demand the rejection of what they termed as “punitive taxes”.

Ruto said the Ksh169 billion budget deficit would be raised through additional borrowing.
In the wake of the new economic realities and the need to cut government expenditure, President Ruto announced that 47 state corporations would be dissolved and merged with parent ministries.

He also announced that the number of executive advisors would be slashed by 50% and that funding would be cut for the operations of the Office of the First Lady, the Spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Similarly, President Ruto halted the purchase of new government motor vehicles for 12 months, providing an exception only to security agencies.

He also announced that all public servants who have reached the retirement age of 60 must proceed to retirement immediately and emphasized the suspension of all non-essential travel by state and public officers.

President Ruto has directed the Attorney General to draft a law to effect the ban on the fundraising tradition which is believed to have metamorphosed into a forum for the raw display of ill-gotten wealth.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The funding framework was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Jeong Woo Ji.

The Finance Ministry has disclosed that the concessional loan will be channelled through the Economic Cooperation Development Fund (ECDF).

The new framework arrangement replaces the previous one signed in 2022, which allocated $500 million for the four-year period from 2022 to 2026.

The agreement, which also spans four years from 2024 to 2028, will be aligned with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Minister Murangwa termed the new partnership a significant milestone in the cooperation between Rwanda and South Korea.

“Rwanda-Korea current bilateral cooperation is aligned to our National Strategy for Transformation and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Rwanda’s human capital for the 21st century, transforming our agricultural sector, establishing a foundation for ICT-led governance, and nurturing a thriving business environment. The framework signed is a significant milestone in our bilateral cooperation and provides assurances to achieve even more results in areas of our engagement,” Murangwa stated.

Ambassador Woo Jin, on his part, said the framework inked on Friday will elevate the relations between the two countries to a “new level”, especially coming a month after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit, which President Paul Kagame attended.

'I trust that the EDCF Framework Arrangement signed today will serve as a robust foundation to elevate the relations between our two countries to the next level after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit where H.E. President Kagame attended. I believe there is more room to cooperate in bilateral relations, especially based on the continuous cooperation in Agriculture, ICT, Education, Health and Infrastructure'.

Rwanda and South Korea enjoy a longstanding history of warm bilateral and multilateral development cooperation dating back to 1963.

Key areas of collaboration between the two nations include education and capacity building, rural development, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and information and communications technology.

During President Kagame’s visit to South Korea last month, the Rwandan Head of State lauded the Asian country as a strategic partner for Africa.

President Paul Kagame called for more partnerships between Africa and South Korea, emphasizing that the two regions stand to benefit from each other’s immense resources and potential.

'Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,' President Kagame said in his address.

During the summit attended by 48 African leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology.

Yoon said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around $10 billion by 2030 and separately provide $14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.

The funding framework was signed between Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Jeong Woo Ji and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Labour Party was on course to secure a landslide general election win on Thursday 4th July 2024, dethroning the Conservative Party after 14 years in power.

Keir Starmer is expected to be formerly appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.

“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.

This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leaderships of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.

Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.

Labour Party Leader and incoming UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.

As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.

Brexit, inflation & Covid-19

Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.

Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.

Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.

Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.

Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.

Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth'.

The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.

Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.

Mismanagement of public services

The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.

Rise of Reform UK

The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.

Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
Labour’s Renewed Appeal

Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana.

In their small-group talks, he noted that last year Tokayev and him met twice in Xi’an and Beijing respectively, and made new arrangements and plans for the development of China-Kazakhstan relations, leading the “golden 30 years” of rapid development of China-Kazakhstan relations.

The Chinese side has always viewed its relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Kazakhstan as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner for cooperation in Central Asia.

Xi said China’s will and determination to maintain and grow bilateral relations stand firm, and will not be changed due to any single incident or transformations in the international situation.

China will always be a good neighbor and partner Kazakhstan can rely on and trust, he added.

The Chinese side, Xi also said, will continue to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in traditional energy such as natural gas, expand new energy cooperation including photovoltaic and wind power, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, and help Kazakhstan convert its resource advantages into development capabilities to achieve green, low-carbon and sustainable development.

Tokayev said Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance to the development of Kazakhstan-China relations, hailing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend and important strategic partner of his country.

Based on solid good-neighborly friendship and firm mutual support, Kazakhstan-China relations have shown an unprecedented sound momentum of development, he said, noting that major achievements have been made in cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, minerals and other fields, which have benefited the two peoples and set a good example for state-to-state relations.

Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, new energy and connectivity and push bilateral relations to a new height, he said.

The Kazakh side appreciates China’s firm support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will firmly abide by the one-China principle, resolutely fight against the “three forces” and safeguard the common security of the two countries, Tokayev added.

In their big-group talks, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Kazakhstan are rooted in the millennia-old ancient Silk Road, reinforced by 32 years of cooperation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, and have reached the high level of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to the China-Kazakhstan friendship, in its resolve to advance cooperation across the board, in its determination to continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and in its confidence in both countries realizing their development goals.

China and Kazakhstan are both at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Xi said, calling on the two sides to enhance the alignment of their development strategies and exchanges of governance experience, and implement more mutually beneficial cooperation projects to boost the development of their respective countries.

The Chinese side is ready to work with Kazakhstan on boosting economic and trade cooperation, and set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, he said.

He pledged that China will further expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods and create new growth drivers for cooperation in e-commerce and digital economy, calling on the two sides to increase the scale of cooperation in production capacity investment, tap the potential of cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, and expand cooperation in electric vehicles, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and satellite communications.

China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to actively promote the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, Xi said.

He also said that China supports the holding of China tourism year in Kazakhstan in 2025, and has decided to open a second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country.

Noting that at the airport after arrival, he was moved to hear a group of Kazakh teenagers sing “Ode to the Motherland” in standard and fluent Chinese, Xi said young people are the inheritors of China-Kazakhstan friendship from generation to generation.

He urged the two countries to give full play to the role of the culture centers and the Kazakhstan Branch of Beijing Language and Culture University to strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation, and strengthen public support for all-round cooperation between the two countries.

China, Xi noted, will assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) following Kazakhstan, saying that the Chinese side stands ready to jointly build an even closer SCO community with a shared future with the SCO member states including Kazakhstan.

Xi noted that China supports Kazakhstan in hosting the second China-Central Asia Summit next year and is ready to work with relevant parties including Kazakhstan to make the China-Central Asia mechanism better and stronger, and to promote the China-Central Asia cooperation to achieve more new results.

China is willing to work closely with Kazakhstan within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, Xi added.

For Tokayev, he said Xi’s visit to Kazakhstan once again proves that both sides attach great importance to and strongly hope for further enhancement of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Kazakhstan and China, he said, enjoy a solid friendship spanning thousands of years and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that in recent years in particular, bilateral ties have entered a new “golden era,” with smooth progress in major cooperation projects and positive results in agriculture, green energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, contributing to the well-being of the two peoples.

Tokayev said his country is a reliable friend and partner of China, adding that it is an unswerving strategic priority for Kazakhstan to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China.

Speaking highly of China’s diplomatic concept of peace, a series of global initiatives put forward by Xi and China’s important contribution to promoting world peace and development, Tokayev said the Kazakh side is willing to work with China to promote the building of a Kazakhstan-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.

Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to earnestly implement the important outcomes of Xi’s visit, continuing to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, making every effort to achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and electric vehicles, and advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Kazakhstan welcomes the establishment of culture centers in their respective country and Luban Workshop, said Tokayev said. He called for ensuring the China tourism year in 2025 a success, so as to keep closer bilateral sub-national cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges in education, culture and other fields.

Kazakhstan will continue to actively participate in building the China-Central Asia mechanism, and closely coordinate with China within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the United Nations, Tokayev added.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and witnessed the exchange of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, connectivity, aviation and aerospace, education and media.

Prior to their meeting, Kazakh fighter jets painted the sky with colored smoke trails to welcome the Chinese president. A group of six jets, while flying over the presidential palace, left behind them colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag.

In this combo photo, six Kazakh fighter jets paint the sky with colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag, while flying over the Kazakh presidential palace to welcome visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. Xi held talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua, Yin Bogu)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev inspect the guard of honor in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. Xi held talks with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday. Tokayev hosted a ceremony to welcome the Chinese president. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony hosted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. Xi held talks with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hold small-group talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. Xi held talks with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hold big-group talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. Xi held talks with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Source: Xinhua

Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.

China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.

The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.

The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.

China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.

China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.

For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.

The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.

The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.

Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.

Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.

The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.

Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and onnectivity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

This prestigious recognition highlights the quality, dedication, and innovation that characterize Silverback Tea, making it a standout in the global tea market.

Gisovu Tea Estate.

Tea has been a significant part of Rwanda’s economy since its introduction in the 1950s. The country’s ideal climate, fertile volcanic soil, and high altitude create perfect conditions for cultivating premium tea. Over the decades, Rwandan tea has gained international acclaim for its unique flavour profiles, vibrant colour, and health benefits.

Named after the majestic mountain gorillas that inhabit Rwanda’s volcanic ranges, Silverback Tea embodies strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of Rwanda. Established to produce high-quality tea that honours its origins, Silverback Tea’s, mission is to share the joy of the finest from Rwanda with the world.

Silverback Tea Company estates comprise some of the top Rwandan tea gardens namely Rugabano Tea Company Pvt Ltd, Gisovu Tea Company, and Pfunda Tea Company. Each of these companies has a unique attribute suited for the production of high-quality tea that is rich, flavorful, complex, and full of character.

Gisovu Tea Factory awarded the 1st Factory of the Year 2024 trophy.

Awards and Recognition

Some of the notable awards and recognition that Silverback Tea company has received include:

1. Rugabano Tea Company PvT Ltd: Currently holds the highest average made tea selling price in Rwanda as of April 2024, at 4.09 USD per Kg, according to NAEB’s data.

2. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Awarded the 1st Factory of the Year 2024 trophy during the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.

3. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd. D1: Recognized as the Best D1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy.

4. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd. PF1: Recognized as the Best PF1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy

5. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Honored to host the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.

6. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) as the top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023, according to the EATTA annual report.

7. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Ranked 8th top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023 by EATTA.

8. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by EATTA for having the highest-priced tea in 2023, at 6.84 USD per Kg, an achievement shared with another top Rwandan garden.

9. All Silverback Tea Gardens: Recognized by the Gender Monitoring Office of the Republic of Rwanda, the Private Sector Federation, UNDP, and UN Women for promoting gender accountability through the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme.

Quality and Sustainability

Silverback Tea’s commitment to quality begins at the very source—the tea gardens. The company employs sustainable farming practices to ensure that the tea is not only of superior quality but also environmentally friendly. The handpicked leaves are processed using traditional methods combined with modern technology, preserving the rich flavours and aromas that distinguish Silverback Tea.

One of the key reasons Silverback Tea has garnered such high praise is its distinctive flavour profile. The tea is known for its bright, brisk character with a harmonious balance of sweetness and astringency. The high-altitude growing conditions impart unique notes of floral and citrus, making each sip a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed as a morning energizer or a calming evening brew, Silverback Tea which is rich in theanine offers a versatile and exquisite taste.

Tea farmers from Gisovu during the International Tea Day event.

Recognition by NAEB

The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) plays a crucial role in promoting Rwanda’s agricultural products on the global stage. Each year, the NAEB evaluates the country’s agricultural exports, recognizing the finest products that meet stringent quality and sustainability standards.

Impact on the Local Community

The company’s success translates into economic benefits for the farmers, providing better livelihoods and supporting community development projects. Silverback Tea invests in local education through ECDs and infrastructure, tea tasting events which are open tea enthusiasts fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for its workers and their families.

Delegates taste Silverback Tea during the International Tea Day 2024.

Availability in Local Markets

Silverback Tea has expanded its availability in local markets. Tea enthusiasts can now purchase Silverback Tea at several prominent retail locations, including Simba Supermarket, Tuma250, The Hut Supermarket, Silverback Kigali office and other supermarkets across Rwanda. This increased accessibility allows more people to enjoy the unique flavors and superior quality of Silverback Tea.

For those seeking a tea that is not only delightful in taste but also rooted in a story of dedication and excellence, Silverback Tea stands as the finest choice.

'Silverback tea greatly appreciates the business friendly climate of Rwanda which allows us to thrive and focus on delivering the highest quality tea,' stated Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, the Chairman of Silverback Tea Company Ltd.

IGIHE

'By nature, Rwanda’s security posture has always been defensive, not offensive. We prioritize cooperation and working together and we only act when trouble is brought on us,' he said.

The Head of State was speaking before thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at the newly renovated 45,000 seater Amahoro stadium to mark 30 years of Liberation.

The national celebrations were marked with a military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police, cultural dance by the national cultural troupe Urukurereza, and performances by different artistes.

It is this army that first encountered most Rwandans after the Genocide when the situation in the country was still extremely tense and dangerous. Yet, the forces did everything in their power to treat all Rwandans with professionalism and humanity, setting the tone of everything that followed.

Even today, they remain close to the community, and invest in projects that matter to the country’s development, such as infrastructure and medical services.

Subsequently, Rwandans have attained values and courage, an endpoint of the liberation struggle that has put citizens at the center of government action.

In that spirit, President Kagame expressed gratitude to those who liberated the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives in the process.

'On July the 4th, we express our thanks to those who liberated Rwanda, and remember those who gave their lives. Our army and security forces are a powerful symbol of unity and safety,' he said.

Three decades ago, the venue for these celebrations was the site of refuge and rescue. From the surrounding neighborhoods, Rwandans flowed to Amahoro stadium for safety.

Today, strides have been made, offering the freedom and the opportunity for Rwandans to live the lives they want. It is therefore not surprising that wherever life takes them; they will never forget their duty to uphold the good politics that have been built.

In his address, Kagame emphasized that Rwandans today are better and stronger than ever before, a reason to keep marching forward to continue growing Rwanda’s uniqueness.

'Even though Rwandans have made huge strides towards this mindset, we must remain vigilant. I am addressing this message in particular to Rwanda’s young people, especially those born over the last thirty years,' he said.

'This country is yours to protect, defend, and make prosperous. It is worth repeating that real liberation only begins when the guns fall silent. We began that stage thirty years ago, and we are counting on you, the liberation generation, to take us further,' he called out to the youths.

The President reminded the world that where there is a need for humanitarian action, Rwanda will not be absent emphasizing that the only real answer to any humanitarian crisis is to fix the root cause of the political problem.

He lashed out at critics who even try to spoil what has been established saying that those negative efforts produce no results.

According to him, the solid foundation upon which Rwanda was rebuilt is the driving force to remain principled and consistent, a product of hard work and civic values that will define the next generation of Rwandans.

President Paul Kagame addressing the gathering at Amahoro Stadium during Liberation Day celebrations on 4th July 2024

The crowd stood up in honour as the the National Anthem was sang at the national Liberation Day celebrations

The Army band positioned in a 30-format potrait signifying the 30 years since Rwanda’s Liberation

A team of RDF officers arrives at Amahoro stadium with national instruments including the national flag

Sam K Nkurunziza

Travel is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economic growth and employment, with the sector contributing a record $620 million in revenue to GDP in 2023, a substantial 36% increase from 2022 according to the Rwandan Development Board. Travel and tourism remain the largest source of foreign exchange earnings, and according to a forecast by World Travel and Tourism Council, will contribute 10% to Rwanda’s GDP by 2033, creating over 200,000 new jobs.

Capuano applauded Rwanda’s rapid progress and President Kagame’s leadership in supporting the travel sector. “Rwanda is undergoing an economic transformation, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Capuano. “We are dedicated to positioning Rwanda as a premier global travel destination and will continue to showcase the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, national parks, and dynamic cultural attributes to attract visitors. Additionally, we are committed to delivering career opportunities locally and supporting sustainable development.'

Marriott’s presence in Rwanda dates to 2016, when it opened the Kigali Marriott Hotel – one of the country’s largest properties — further enhancing Kigali’s reputation as a hub for conferences and conventions. The company’s second property, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, has also played a pivotal role in fueling economic growth, supporting local employment, and attracting tourists to the region.

Underscoring Rwanda’s goal of bolstering its core industries, including travel and agriculture, both Marriott properties have worked with community-based organizations to provide career opportunities and source from locally produced goods. These properties have also forged strong collaborations with local schools, non-profit organizations, and universities, equipping youth with hospitality skills in areas like catering and engineering. Since 2019, these initiatives have benefited more than 530 Rwandans, enabling them to participate as professionals in tourism and associated sectors.

Capuano’s visit also included a tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis. In support of Rwanda’s ongoing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts, Marriott International has committed funding to The Aegis Trust, an organization that works to prevent genocide and support recovery efforts in affected communities.

President Kagame met with Anthony Capuano, Marriott International President and CEO, for discussions on further growing Rwanda’s travel and hospitality sector

IGIHE

As the first public listed company in Rwanda since 2011, shareholders were delighted to participate in a physical meeting to discuss the company’s 2023 business performance and future strategic plans.

Below are the event’s pictorial highlights.

Shareholders registering upon arrival.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hubert Eze, delivering the opening remarks.

The published 2023 Annual Report.

Mr. Etienne Saada, Managing Director, presenting the 2023 company performance.

Mrs. Rosette Mutoni, Head of Communication and Corporate Affairs, moderating the AGM.

Mr. David Karuhanga, the Company Secretary, presiding over the proceedings.

Shareholders engaging in a Q&A session.

Shareholders and guests enjoyed light moments at the AGM.

Group photo of the Board of Directors and the Bralirwa Management Team.

IGIHE

This initiative was introduced in February encouraging clients to request for EBM receipts every time they purchase things from local enterprises thereby attaining eligibility to receive a reward equal to 10% of the VAT paid on each EBM receipt.

Speaking during the release of the Financial Year 2023/2024 performance results, Batamuliza Hajara, the Commissioner, Domestic Taxes Department, said a total of RWF 16 billion was registered in sales during the period under review, with the government collecting RWF 2.4 billion in VAT.

Hajara confirmed that 10% of the VAT collected will soon be distributed to 23,675 beneficiaries who have registered their claims with RRA.

During the financial year which ended on June 30, RRA collected RWF 2.62 trillion in revenue from taxes, falling short of its target by RWF 17.8 billion (0.7%). However, the revenue netted represents a growth of 12.3% compared to 2022/23.

Additionally, during the financial year 2023-2024, RRA financed 51.2% of the national budget, up from 48.9% the previous year, 2022-2023.

RRA Commissioner General Niwenshuti Ronald attributed the RRA’s performance to several factors, including the increased use of the EBM system by businesses. The number of taxpayers registered on EBM increased from 84,448 in fiscal year 2022/23 to 117,631 in 2023/4.

RRA also credited the VAT reward program and Voluntary Disclosure Incentives for the positive performance. 1,783 taxpayers participated in the disclosure program, revealing a total of RWF 14.3 billion in previously undisclosed income. So far, RWF 6.6 billion of this amount has been collected.

Niwenshuti also attributed the 12% growth in national revenue to the strong economic growth of 9.1% recorded between July 2023 and March 2024 and the automation of key services which simplified communication and service delivery. This year’s economic growth is projected to be 7.4%.

The Commissioner General also expressed his optimism that RRA will achieve its revenue target of 3 trillion in the current financial year.

'This year, our revenue target is set at an ambitious sum of RWF 3,061.2 billion which is 54% of the national budget of slightly over RWF 5,5 billion and we are very optimistic that we shall achieve it,' Niwenshuti remarked.

Currently, Rwanda’s tax revenue stands at 15% of its total GDP of RWF 16.355 trillion.

The initiative was introduced in February encouraging clients to request for EBM receipts every time they purchase things from local enterprises thereby attaining eligibility to receive a reward equal to 10% of the VAT paid on each EBM receipt.

Wycliffe Nyamasege