Category: Uncategorized

Speaking to reporters during the visit, Trump expressed serious concern about the growing economic engagement between London and Beijing but did not provide detailed specifics on potential consequences for the U.K.

'Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,' Trump said when asked about the United Kingdom deepening ties with China. His remarks reflected Washington’s broader scepticism toward closer Western commercial and strategic engagement with Beijing, even as Starmer was in China pursuing expanded cooperation.

Starmer, the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, had been working to reset relations with President Xi Jinping. The leaders announced several landmark agreements, including 30‑day visa‑free travel for British citizens in China and reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky, moves designed to boost trade and mutual investment.

Starmer described the tone of his talks with Xi as 'very warm and constructive' and stressed that the United Kingdom had 'a huge amount to offer' China in terms of business opportunities.

Despite Starmer’s efforts to balance economic goals with concerns about human rights and security, Trump’s comments underscored ongoing tensions between the United States and its allies over China’s role in global supply chains and economic systems.

U.S. officials have long cautioned that deepening commercial ties with Beijing could expose Western economies to undue influence and create strategic vulnerabilities, a view Trump reiterated with his warning.

Analysts say Trump’s remarks reflect a broader trend in Washington to view China not only as a competitor but as a geopolitical rival whose growing influence could challenge U.S. leadership and that of its traditional allies. The warning to the U.K. was echoed in Trump’s criticism of Canada for similarly expanding economic engagement with China.

British officials, for their part, emphasized that the agreements reached with China are not part of a formal free‑trade pact but are intended to expand practical cooperation while safeguarding national interests.

Starmer has sought to reassure both domestic critics and international partners that the U.K. is capable of fostering a 'sophisticated' relationship with China that includes frank discussions on security issues such as espionage and human rights, including concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that it is 'very dangerous' for the United Kingdom to enter into business with China, comments that come as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wraps up a high‑profile visit to Beijing aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.

Rania Umutoni

In a press release issued on the same day, the Council of the EU said that it decided to impose restrictive measures on 15 Iranian officials and six entities.

With the latest decision, the EU’s restrictive measures now apply to 247 individuals and 50 entities, the Council said.

The measures include asset freezes, travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to those listed.

Recently, the EU has further stepped up pressure on Iran, aligning with the United States.

Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) have taken the “decisive step” of designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation

Xinhua

These accomplishments were spotlighted during a formal handover ceremony on January 28, 2026, as the outgoing board transitioned responsibilities to the newly appointed members.

Goshen Finance PLC’s Board consists of nine directors, each serving a three-year term that can be renewed up to twice.

Five new members were elected late last year to replace those whose terms had concluded, while the remaining four carried over and will continue until their individual terms expire. These continuing directors will also guide and mentor the newcomers during the transition.

Among the departing members were several who had served the full nine years since joining in 2016, including former Board Chairperson Peter Nkubara. In his remarks, Nkubara highlighted key milestones from their tenure.

He noted that client numbers had surged from 27,270 in 2016 to 73,072 today. Over the same timeframe, total assets grew from Rwf 5.5 billion to more than Rwf 25 billion.

The loan portfolio also saw substantial expansion, rising from Rwf 2.7 billion in 2016 to Rwf 19 billion by the close of 2025, while serving nearly 6,000 individual clients.

Nkubara emphasized the institution’s strong asset quality, with a non-performing loan ratio of only 0.9%, well under the 5% threshold mandated by the National Bank of Rwanda.

Gross profit has shown consistent improvement since 2017, climbing from Rwf 82 million to over Rwf 900 million.

He pointed to other notable advances, such as the introduction of profit-sharing with shareholders beginning in 2023. Nkubara encouraged the incoming board to capitalize on this foundation by forging new partnerships and maintaining the company’s upward trajectory.

'Achieving these results required close collaboration with many partners and stakeholders,' Nkubara remarked. Key allies include the Development Bank of Rwanda, which extended a Rwf 2 billion loan specifically to support farmers, and the U.S.-based nonprofit EDIFY.

Through that partnership, Goshen now manages over Rwf 1.5 billion in low-interest loans for educational institutions, primarily primary and nursery schools.

He urged the new leadership to preserve and build on the trust established, deepen existing collaborations, and further refine loan management across various segments.

Incoming Board Chairperson Jonathan Gatera commended Goshen Finance PLC for remaining true to its Christian values while delivering services and achieving sustained progress since its founding.

Gatera affirmed that he and the new board are dedicated to elevating the institution further, with an ambitious vision of eventually transforming it into a full commercial bank.

'If we set our minds to it, we could make that transition within the next three years,' he said. 'We have everything it takes, nothing others possess that we lack, and we also have faith in God’s guidance. Looking at our strengths across operations, I am convinced we can reach this goal by working together and seeking divine direction.'

He added that the board will prioritize extending credit to previously underserved sectors and activities.

Goshen Finance PLC is a microfinance institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Established in 2005, it now operates nine branches throughout Kigali and various provinces across Rwanda.

Peter Nkubara (right) hands over leadership to Gatera Jonathan, his successor as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Goshen Finance PLC.

Incoming Board Chairperson Jonathan Gatera commended Goshen Finance PLC for remaining true to its Christian values while delivering services and achieving sustained progress since its founding.

The new board pledged to elevate the institution further, with an ambitious vision of eventually transforming it into a full commercial bank.

Among the departing members were several who had served the full nine years since joining in 2016.

Nkubara encouraged the incoming board to capitalize on laid foundation by forging new partnerships and maintaining the company’s upward trajectory.

IGIHE

With equity, governance, and real-world impact guiding its approach, Rwanda is moving beyond the adoption of AI in healthcare to actively define a global benchmark for its responsible use.

From a country once focused on rebuilding basic infrastructure, Rwanda has emerged as a leader in health-tech innovation, deliberately integrating advanced digital tools into its national health system.

Today, Rwanda is among the first nations to systematically integrate AI into its healthcare system, with a significant pilot initiative aimed at enhancing access, safety, and public value. This initiative, starting with primary healthcare clinics, represents an important step towards leveraging AI for better healthcare outcomes in Africa.

Equity-first model for AI deployment

What sets Rwanda apart is where it chooses to deploy AI. While many high-income countries apply AI to optimise specialist workflows or hospital revenue cycles, Rwanda has deliberately focused on the base of the healthcare pyramid.

The Horizon 1000 Initiative, unveiled on January 20, 2026, brings together Rwanda, the Gates Foundation, and OpenAI in a $50 million effort to scale AI tools across 1,000 primary healthcare clinics in Africa by 2028, with Rwanda serving as the initial implementation partner shaping how these tools are embedded in everyday primary care.

(L—R) A moderator leads a panel discussion with Bill Gates, the American philanthropist and co-chair of the Gates Foundation, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, and Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Wednesday, January 21. Gates announced the $50 million initiative, dubbed Horizon 1000, aimed at deploying AI tools in the health sector in partnership with African governments and health leaders.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the empowerment of Rwanda’s more than 58,000 community health workers (CHWs). The workers handle the majority of primary care cases nationwide. AI-enabled decision-support tools, ranging from diagnostic assistance to predictive risk alerts, are reducing guesswork and improving outcomes.

In rural districts like Nyagatare, AI-powered portable ultrasound devices now allow nurses to detect pregnancy complications that previously required long, costly referrals to urban hospitals. The technology does not replace clinicians; it amplifies their reach.

This approach reframes AI not as a luxury for advanced hospitals, but as essential infrastructure for universal health coverage.

Governance before scale

Rwanda’s leadership is equally evident in how it governs AI. As the first country to pilot the World Economic Forum’s Chatbots RESET framework in 2021, Rwanda has helped establish global norms for AI triage and diagnostic systems.

Central to this is the requirement that developers submit Clinical Safety Cases, shifting the burden of proof onto technology providers. AI tools must demonstrate that they are safe and effective within Rwanda’s specific epidemiological context, whether diagnosing malaria, tuberculosis, or maternal health risks. This is a sharp departure from 'deploy first, fix later' approaches seen elsewhere.

Data sovereignty is another pillar. Under Rwanda’s National AI Policy (2023) and the 2025 AI Scaling Hub, health data remains locally governed. Environmental data, GPS mappings, and biological information are classified as strategic national assets. This protects Rwanda from digital colonialism, where foreign entities extract value from local data without accountability or long-term benefit.

In doing so, Rwanda is offering the world a replicable blueprint: innovation does not have to come at the expense of national autonomy or patient trust.

Real-time health intelligence as a national infrastructure

In April 2025, Rwanda launched the Health Intelligence Center (HIC), a six-layer digital architecture that many wealthier nations still aspire to build. The HIC aggregates real-time data from village-level CHWs, pharmacies, laboratories, and referral hospitals into a unified 'data lakehouse.'

Rwanda’s launch of the National Health Intelligence Centre (NHIC) AI Lab in April, 2025, marked a bold step toward transforming healthcare delivery through data-driven decision-making.

The implications are profound. AI models running on this infrastructure can predict medicine and vaccine stock-outs before they occur, enabling proactive redistribution of supplies. Blood products and vaccines, often delivered by Zipline drones, arrive where they are needed, when they are needed. The system transforms healthcare logistics from reactive to predictive, saving lives while reducing waste.

This is AI not as an abstract tool, but as a backbone of public service delivery.

AI that speaks the people’s language

Another important dimension of Rwanda’s leadership is linguistic and cultural adaptation. Through initiatives like Digital Umuganda, Rwanda has invested in Kinyarwanda-centric large language models (LLMs) and voice-based AI systems.

The impact is measurable. Farmers in remote provinces can interact with AI triage systems or health education bots in their native language, dramatically improving comprehension and diagnostic accuracy. In some use cases, accuracy for common conditions has risen from single digits to over 70 percent simply because people can describe symptoms in their own words.

This emphasis on language and context challenges the assumption that English-first or globally trained models are 'good enough' for healthcare delivery.

Fighting malaria before the bite

Rwanda’s most striking demonstration of AI’s potential lies in malaria prevention. Moving beyond bed nets and reactive treatment, the country has embraced AI-driven larval mapping.

In partnership with companies such as Charis UAS and SORA Technology, AI-powered drones equipped with multispectral sensors scan rice paddies and wetlands, identifying water bodies with high mosquito larvae density. The system generates precise heat maps, allowing drones to apply biological larvicides only where needed.

The system generates precise heat maps, allowing drones to apply biological larvicides only where needed.

The results are extraordinary. In pilot areas like Gasabo District, this precision approach contributed to a 90.6 percent reduction in malaria cases in under a year. Environmental safeguards are built into the system: AI models are audited to avoid harming non-target species, and all ecological data remains under national control.

At the same time, AI tools are placed directly in the hands of CHWs. Mobile apps now assist with reading rapid diagnostic tests, detecting faint positive lines that the human eye might miss. Each test result is geolocated and fed into the HIC, enabling real-time outbreak surveillance and rapid response within 24 hours.

A beacon for the world

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, Rwanda’s approach drew global attention. ICT Minister Paula Ingabire emphasised that technology is central to Rwanda’s development strategy, not for its own sake, but as a solution to clearly defined policy problems.

Bill Gates echoed this sentiment, noting that AI could make healthcare delivery in Rwanda 'twice as efficient,' while Peter Sands of the Global Fund described the country as a beacon for what is possible, highlighting its 97 percent national connectivity.

The lesson is clear. Low- and middle-income countries are not lagging behind in AI adoption; in many cases, they are leapfrogging ahead because the need is urgent and the focus is practical.

Rwanda’s success challenges a persistent myth: that global standards in AI must be set by the richest countries. By prioritising equity, embedding strong governance, investing in national data infrastructure, and grounding innovation in local language and context, Rwanda has shown that the future of AI in health can be inclusive, ethical, and effective.

The rest of the world would do well not just to admire Rwanda’s progress, but to learn from it.

With equity, governance, and real-world impact guiding its approach, Rwanda is moving beyond the adoption of AI in healthcare to actively define a global benchmark for its responsible use.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Judging by the coverage, the event was solemn and mournful in tone, in keeping with the gravity of the occasion. Speakers rightly stressed the imperative of preventing the recurrence of mass murder of people targeted for persecution on any grounds whatsoever, anywhere in the world. A well-founded parallel was drawn with another of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century: the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, in memory of which the memorial in the capital district of Gisozi was built.

The international community and all people of good will were urged to confront, consistently and uncompromisingly, the dehumanising ideology of racial, religious, or political-ideological intolerance — an ideology that carries within it the threat of new genocides.

And yet, not a single word was said about one circumstance that is fundamental for understanding the context of this commemoration — and, indeed, the Holocaust as a whole. Namely: who, precisely, liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau 81 years ago, bringing the extermination of its prisoners to an end?

Who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Hitler’s Germany, thereby stopping the monstrous crimes committed for years (from 1933 to 1945) not only against the Jews, whom the Nazis set out to exterminate entirely, but also against many other peoples who became victims of the Third Reich’s aggression?

No mention was made of the Soviet Union — of which modern Russia is the legal and historical successor. Notably, no Russian representative was invited by the organisers to honour the memory of the Holocaust’s victims and to recall the role of their liberators.

It is painful to realise that this 'forgetfulness' was hardly accidental. More likely, it reflects a trend of recent years: a 'war on historical memory' being waged against our country — one that seeks to silence its real role in the greatest conflict in human history (it is the Second World War, not the First, that rightly deserves to be called 'great') and its contribution to the victory over absolute evil embodied in the inhuman ideology and brutal deeds of Nazism.

Ask an average citizen of any Western country today, and, I fear, of most states of the 'Global South' as well, who won that war, and the answer will most probably be: of course, the United States.

The more historically literate may add: in alliance with the United Kingdom and with the support of other members of the anti-Hitler coalition. Only a handful will name the Soviet Union, as they will China (except the Chinese themselves). India will be remembered chiefly by Indians. And how many people on the continent know that many Africans fought in the ranks of the anti-Hitler coalition?

Why is this so? Because that very propaganda, whose existence my American and European colleagues may deny, nevertheless worked diligently to imprint such a picture on the minds of ordinary people around the world. It was continuously broadcast in the global media space in the post-war decades.

And in recent years, this narrative has been voiced with increasing frequency by political leaders themselves: some of whom, like President Trump, may do so out of genuine misunderstanding rooted in limited historical knowledge, while others advance it deliberately, in pursuit of narrowly defined political interests and with varying degrees of cynicism.

This narrative also has a reverse side. Russia (and before it, the Soviet Union) has long been portrayed by its adversaries as the embodiment of dark forces threatening civilisation: a source of destructive ideas and inhuman practices, manifested in alleged external aggression and the suppression of freedom and dissent at home. It is no coincidence that the term 'orcs' has gained currency.

Drawn from Tolkien’s mythology to depict beings portrayed as simultaneously submissive and inherently violent. Yet this is nothing other than dehumanization, something Rwandans know all too well, having witnessed how it paved the way for genocide here. Such language, however, makes it easier to deny Russians the right to security, and to deny those who maintain a Russian cultural identity, now living across recently redrawn borders, the right to use their native language and observe their traditional faith.

I have no desire to pit Russia against the West, still less to portray those shaped by Western narratives, as the personifications, respectively, of good and evil. Reality is always more complex and does not fit into a black-and-white dichotomy, whether we speak of the past or the present. The purpose of this admittedly emotional appeal is to uphold the truth on a matter vital to national identity — one that speaks to our past, shapes our present, and will define our future.

It is also meant to reaffirm solidarity with the people of Rwanda, who rightly recognise the link between the Holocaust of the mid-twentieth century and the genocide at its end — a link consistently underscored by Russian officials, at commemorative events held annually in Moscow on 7 April.

This article was written by the Ambassador of Russia to Rwanda, Alexander Polyakov.

Alexander Polyakov

The Bank Group’s contribution includes $24.64 million from the African Development Fund, its concessional lending arm, and an additional $5.21 million from the AfDB. The remaining funds will come from the Government of Rwanda.

The project will expand and upgrade the Centre of Excellence, located in Kigali Innovation City, a growing tech hub in the Rwandan capital. Plans include enhanced academic programs and student training, new laboratories and facilities, advanced equipment procurement, and stronger linkages with the private sector.

Phase II will train 470 students in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation and mobility sciences, and digital health at bachelor’s and master’s levels, with most beneficiaries coming from Rwanda and other East African Community countries. The project will also provide PhD and post-doctoral training for University of Rwanda staff to ensure high-quality teaching and research.

In addition, the project will support curriculum reform, accreditation, and collaborative research with leading international institutions. Regional integration will be promoted through student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing events, and entrepreneurship support programs.

A notable innovation under Phase II is the establishment of a Biomedical Innovation Park, which will allow students, researchers, and private companies to design, test, and produce health technologies tailored to local and regional needs.

The project is expected to benefit the wider community by providing hospitals and clinics with locally trained specialists capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing medical equipment. Expanded access to digital health tools and telemedicine will also make healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural areas.

During its construction phase, the project will create hundreds of temporary jobs, mainly for young people. In the long term, it is expected to stimulate the development of health technology businesses, attract research funding, and create skilled employment opportunities.

'This project will equip our young people with world-class skills while bringing better health services closer to families. It is an investment in talent, innovation, and the wellbeing of our communities,' said Hendrina Doroba, AfDB Manager for Education and Skills Development.

Following approval on January 9, the project will be implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the University of Rwanda and is scheduled to run through 2030. It supports Rwanda’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-driven economy and a resilient, inclusive health system.

The project will expand and upgrade the Centre of Excellence, located in Kigali Innovation City, a growing tech hub in the Rwandan capital. Plans include enhanced academic programs and student training, new laboratories and facilities, advanced equipment procurement, and stronger linkages with the private sector.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Inyambo cows are renowned for their striking features, most notably their long, elegant, upward-curving horns, which make them stand out in any crowd. But beyond their beauty lies a deep historical and cultural connection that ties them directly to Rwanda’s monarchy and the traditions of the people. These cows are not simply bred for milk or meat like ordinary cattle; they have a much more profound role in Rwandan society.

The roots of the Inyambo breed trace back to the 12th century, and their association with the Nyiginya monarchy has shaped their role in Rwandan culture. Unlike other cattle, Inyambo were not just a part of the royal family’s possessions; they were essential for royal ceremonies and played a central role in the celebration of power and prestige. Kings and chiefs would keep these cows as symbols of their status, and during important events, the
Inyambo were adorned with beads, bells, and jewellery.

Inyambo’s elegant horns and proud stature tell a story of royalty, tradition, and national pride.

Trained from a young age, these cows were made to parade gracefully and were even taught to follow traditional songs, creating a spectacle that showcased Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions.

The Inyambo were not mere personal property of the kings; they belonged to the kingdom itself. These cows were seen as public treasures, embodying the unity of the Rwandan people and symbolizing the identity of the nation.

Historical records suggest that Rwandan kings were often reminded by their advisors that the Inyambo cows were part of the nation’s heritage, not just private possessions. This connection to the people and the kingdom made the Inyambo far more than just cattle; they were living representations of Rwanda’s culture, strength, and unity.

The roots of the Inyambo breed trace back to the 12th century, and their association with the Nyiginya monarchy has shaped their role in Rwandan culture.

Beyond their royal associations, Inyambo cows have a deep cultural significance. They symbolise gratitude, blessings, and the close relationship between the people and their land. As symbols of prosperity and goodwill, the Inyambo were often used as gifts and diplomatic tokens, further cementing their role as icons of Rwandan culture.

However, the journey of the Inyambo breed has not been without its challenges. Over time, diseases, wars, and crossbreeding with other cattle breeds led to a significant decline in their population. The once-prevalent Inyambo cows found themselves on the brink of endangerment.

Recognising the importance of preserving this iconic breed, the government of Rwanda has taken active steps to protect and revive the Inyambo population, ensuring that this piece of living heritage does not fade into history.

Trained from a young age, these cows were made to parade gracefully and were even taught to follow traditional songs, creating a spectacle that showcased Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions.

Today, the Inyambo are carefully preserved and maintained at institutions like the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where herders continue the ancient traditions of grooming, handling, and parading the cows.

These cows are not only a cultural attraction for visitors but also a source of national pride. Visitors to Rwanda can marvel at the sight of the Inyambo cows, and many are drawn to the sight of the cows’ ceremonial parades, where the elegance and grandeur of these animals are on full display.

To further protect and preserve the breed, modern breeding programs have been introduced by the Rwanda Agriculture Board. These programs combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge techniques, including in vitro fertilisation and cryopreservation, to maintain the breed’s unique genetic traits. Such scientific efforts ensure that the Inyambo cows continue to thrive in a changing world, securing their place in both Rwanda’s past and its future.

Historical records suggest that Rwandan kings were often reminded by their advisors that the Inyambo cows were part of the nation’s heritage, not just private possessions.

The Inyambo also continue to play a vital role in Rwandan cultural celebrations. During national events and festivals like Umuganura, where the country celebrates its harvest and unity, the Inyambo cows are paraded as symbols of elegance and cultural pride. Their presence at these celebrations is a reminder of the nation’s rich royal history and its commitment to preserving its traditions.

In essence, the Inyambo cows are not just cattle; they are a living bridge between Rwanda’s past and present. These majestic animals are a direct link to the royal courts of the past, and they continue to serve as symbols of Rwanda’s cultural pride, history, and unity. They represent the strength of the Rwandan people and their resilience in preserving their heritage.

So, the next time you see the majestic horns of an Inyambo cow, take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, and tradition that these animals carry with them. They are not just a reminder of Rwanda’s royal past but also a symbol of a proud and thriving nation that has maintained its cultural roots while looking toward the future.

Rania Umutoni

The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between the Ministry of Education and MTN Rwanda to identify areas of collaboration to improve digital access across the education sector.

Under the partnership MINEDUC and MTN will align on various interventions and initiatives such as zero-rating of selected education platforms, customized bundles for teachers, and affordable connectivity solutions for education institutions and learning-related activities.

These interventions are designed to strengthen teaching, learning, and access to digital resources nationwide.

The Digital Skills and Digital Jobs initiative specifically, is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen youth employability, digital entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.

Delivered through the MTN Skills Academy, the DSDJ platform provides free, on-demand training in digital literacy, digital marketing, data analytics, coding, financial literacy, and work readiness, alongside career guidance and access to more than 500 online courses to support young people’s transition from learning to earning.

Importantly, the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative will be integrated into the Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) Programme, enabling out-of-school youth who are often excluded from formal learning pathways to access practical digital skills and participate in Rwanda’s digital transformation.

Through RISE and beyond, the platform will support job readiness, digital entrepreneurship, and the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The initiative directly contributes to national priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, particularly in the areas of job creation, digital inclusion, and human capital development.

It complements existing education, TVET, and workforce-development frameworks by addressing persistent digital skills gaps while ensuring alignment with national standards and policy direction.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education emphasized the importance of strategic public—private partnerships in accelerating national priorities and expanding opportunities for young people across Rwanda.

'Developing relevant digital skills is essential to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. Through policy-aligned partnerships such as this, we are expanding access to future-ready competencies while ensuring inclusion, quality, and coherence with our national education and skills frameworks.'

'This partnership with the Ministry of Education is about ensuring that technology truly supports learning for both students and educators. By expanding access to connectivity, supporting customized data and devices plans, and strengthening digital skills, we are working together to make digital education more inclusive and practical.

'We believe that when learners and educators are empowered with the right tools, they are better prepared for the future of work and Rwanda’s digital growth,' states Monzer Ali Chief Executive Officer MTN Rwandacell Plc.

The Ministry of Education will provide policy guidance, alignment with national standards, and oversight, while MTN Rwanda contributes digital infrastructure and delivery expertise, ensuring the initiative strengthens and complements existing public programmes.

MTN Rwandacell Plc is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers, with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.

Under the partnership MINEDUC and MTN will align on various interventions and initiatives.

Both parties signed the partnership agreement on Thursday.

Stakeholders in the programme attended the agreement signing ceremony.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education emphasized the importance of strategic public—private partnerships in accelerating national priorities and expanding opportunities for young people across Rwanda.

The Digital Skills and Digital Jobs initiative specifically, is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen youth employability, digital entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.

IGIHE

DIRCO said the decision follows “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice” by Seidman, which it described as posing “a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.”

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” the department said.

DIRCO said Seidman’s actions were “a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention,” adding that they have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.

It urged the Israeli government to ensure that its future diplomatic conduct respects South Africa and established principles of international engagement.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Friday declared Israeli Charge d’Affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.

Xinhua

Launched as part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) in 2017, when only 27% of district residents had electricity access, the initiative has made steady progress with coverage reaching 60.6% by 2024.

In an interview with IGIHE, Jean Claude Habanabakize, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, highlighted the district’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access.

“Our goal under the upcoming 2025—2029 development plan is 100% household coverage,” he stated. The EPC Nyabihu Project, implemented by the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), draws funding from multiple sources.

It includes 14.7 million USD (approximately Rwf 21.46 billion) from one budget line, supplemented by over Rwf 5 billion specifically for connecting the 21,000 households.

“This combined investment will raise electricity coverage to 82.9% in the near term,” Habanabakize explained. “Already, 17,209 households are connected via the main power line. Upon full completion, we anticipate reaching 92% coverage.”

He noted that sectors where electricity has been extended are experiencing rapid socio-economic growth, with businesses thriving and development accelerating.

Habanabakize also urged residents to adhere to land use plans and relocate to designated village settlements, where infrastructure rollout, including electricity, is more efficient and cost-effective.

The Nyabihu District administration has announced that 21,000 households are set to be connected to the national electricity grid under the EPC Nyabihu Project, valued at over 26 billion Rwandan Francs.

IGIHE