Blog

Kenyan drivers Jasmeet Chana and Ravi Chana are no strangers to Rwanda, having competed multiple times on the country's demanding rally stages in the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, a round of the African Rally Championship (ARC).

The experienced duo returns this year with a wealth of expertise, a strong desire to win, and a close connection with Rwanda's rally fans.

Their long-standing partnership and consistent performances have earned them recognition as one of the region's most respected rally crews.

Their latest campaign is supported through a joint sponsorship by RUBiS Energy Rwanda and Castrol, providing the team with the resources and technical support needed to compete at the highest level.

While RUBiS fuels the team's journey, Castrol's advanced engine lubricant technology is designed to protect the vehicle under the extreme demands of rally competition, from high-speed sections and tight corners to the toughest stages, helping maintain peak engine performance throughout the event.

Fans meet the Chana brothers

To celebrate the partnership and engage with motorsport enthusiasts, RUBiS Energy Rwanda organized a public meet-and-greet at the RUBiS Remera 3 service station.

The event gave fans an opportunity to meet the Chana brothers, view their rally car up close, and take souvenir photographs with the drivers.

Motorcyclists who attended also received Castrol products and other RUBiS promotional items, reflecting the companies' commitment to supporting every journey—from everyday travel to success in top-level motorsport.

The celebrations continued with a special 'Breakfast with the Drivers' event, bringing together RUBiS sponsors, business partners, invited guests, media representatives, and key stakeholders in the motorsport community.

The gathering served as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between RUBiS Energy Rwanda, Castrol, and the Chana brothers while highlighting the shared values that drive their collaboration, including performance, innovation, teamwork, and excellence.

Guests also had the chance to interact personally with the drivers, hear about their rally careers, and gain insights into how they prepare to compete at the highest level of African rallying.

Supporting the future of African motorsport

According to the organizers, the partnership represents more than a sponsorship agreement. It reflects a shared vision of nurturing sporting talent, building lasting relationships with customers and partners, and contributing to the continued growth of motorsport in Rwanda and across the region.

As the Chana brothers prepare to tackle the challenging stages of this year's rally, they do so backed by the trusted energy of RUBiS and the advanced engine protection offered by Castrol.

Together, the two brands say they are not only supporting competitors chasing victory but also helping shape the future of African motorsport, one stage at a time.

The 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rubis-energy-rwanda-and-castrol-welcome-chana-brothers-ahead-of-rwanda-mountain-gorilla-rally-2026/

The Prime Minister made the disclosure on June 9, 2026, while presenting to both chambers of Parliament an overview of government efforts aimed at strengthening the country's economic resilience and improving citizens' welfare.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said Rwanda's economy has continued to demonstrate strong performance despite various internal and external challenges.

He noted that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to the creation of more than 240,000 jobs since the first quarter of 2025.

According to the Prime Minister, the country's economic growth has been supported by increasing private sector investment.

'From 2024 until June this year, private sector investment projects worth nearly $8 billion were registered. These investments are expected to create approximately 118,000 jobs,' Dr. Nsengiyumva said.

Rwanda has set a target of creating 250,000 jobs every year by 2029 as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities and support economic development.

The country's GDP reached Frw 6.346 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, compared to Frw 5.276 trillion recorded during the same period in 2025, representing a 10% increase.

The services sector remained the largest contributor to economic output, accounting for 52% of GDP, followed by industry at 24%, agriculture at 19%, and other sectors contributing the remaining 5%.

Agricultural production increased by 8%, while industrial output grew by 13%. The services sector also recorded a 7% rise during the period under review.

Other sectors also registered growth, with wholesale and retail trade increasing by 11%. Transport services grew by 11%, driven by a 10% rise in land transport activities, while air transport recorded a 7% increase.

The latest figures highlight Rwanda's continued efforts to attract investment, expand economic activity, and create more employment opportunities as the country works toward its long-term development goals.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-records-8-billion-in-private-investment-projects-since-2024/

Upon arrial, they were welcomed by a large crowd of journalists and supporters at Kigali International Airport.

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Ashton Hall expressed his excitement about visiting Rwanda, the home country of his friend Ashton Small, better known as Kagarara.

Asked whether he knew anything about Rwanda before meeting Kagarara, Hall replied, 'To be honest, I didn't know Rwanda before. It was Ashton Small who introduced me to it.'

Hall also encouraged Rwandans to continue believing in their dreams and never lose hope, even when others dismiss their ambitions.

'Keep dreaming big and never give up. Don't listen to people who discourage you or call you crazy because of the goals you want to achieve,' he said.

He also praised Ashton Small for his rapidly growing social media presence, especially on Instagram, and urged Rwandans to follow him so that his work can reach an even wider audience.

On June 16, 2026, Ashton Small shared a video inviting Ashton Hall to visit Rwanda and witness the extraordinary talents of Rwandans living with disabilities.

Since then, Ashton Small's popularity has surged on social media. He now ranks among the Rwandans with the largest Instagram followings, having surpassed 300,000 followers.

His rapid rise has been driven largely by his ongoing tour with Ashton Hall, the American social media personality widely known for his fitness content, particularly videos showcasing his intense running workouts.

Hall recently announced his commitment to helping Ashton Small reach at least one million Instagram followers while also supporting him in various initiatives.

Rwanda is the latest stop on their African tour, following visits to Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin.

In the coming days, Ashton Hall and his team are expected to visit several locations across Kigali, tour Kagarara's family home, and take part in a range of activities planned during their stay in Rwanda.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ashton-hall-welcomed-in-kigali-as-he-begins-rwanda-visit-with-ashton-small/

The affordable housing project, located in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali, is being developed by RSSB and comprises 548 housing units designed for different categories of buyers, including workers, families, Rwandans living abroad and others seeking to own homes.

The development features both apartments and townhouses. The apartment blocks include two- and three-bedroom units, each with two bathrooms, while the townhouses are available in two categories, offering two- and three-bedroom options across two- and three-storey designs.

The estate is also planned to include commercial spaces, a nursery school, sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts, as well as landscaped gardens and recreational areas for residents.

The project has, however, faced significant delays since its launch in 2014. A report by the Office of the Auditor General for the financial year ending June 2025 highlighted a 10-year delay in its implementation.

Appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to concerns raised in the report, Rugemanshuro said several challenges affected progress, forcing RSSB to take on responsibilities beyond its initial mandate.

He cited land compensation as one of the issues that delayed the project, explaining that although such payments were not originally part of RSSB's responsibilities, the institution eventually intervened to ensure the project moved forward.

'Sometimes we had to work with other government institutions responsible for specific areas to make sure the project was completed,' Rugemanshuro said.

He told lawmakers that construction of the housing units is now 97 percent complete, while infrastructure works stand at 70 percent completion.

'The project is expected to be completed in December 2026. The houses are already at 97 percent completion, while infrastructure has reached 70 percent,' he said.

Infrastructure works include roads, water supply systems, wastewater treatment facilities and street lighting.

So far, 70 percent of the houses have already been sold, with the remaining 30 percent still available on the market.

PAC Chairperson Muhakwa Valens sought clarification on whether the reported 70 percent infrastructure completion covered all key facilities required for residents to occupy the estate, including roads, drainage systems, water facilities and lighting.

'We want to have a complete picture of this project so that we can conclude that the Batsinda issue has been resolved,' Muhakwa said.

Responding to the concerns, Rugemanshuro assured the committee that buyers would be able to move into their homes by January 2027.

'By January 2027, those who have paid for their houses should be living in them. The roads, water reservoirs, street lighting and other facilities should also be completed by then, unless an unforeseen challenge beyond our control occurs,' he said.

The homes are priced from Rwf80 million for a two-bedroom townhouse to Rwf117 million for a three-bedroom townhouse. Apartment units range from Rwf101 million to Rwf111 million.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/heza-estate-in-batsinda-set-to-welcome-homeowners-by-january-2027/

 

Authorities in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have issued clarifications regarding reports alleging that French military personnel are supporting the M23 armed group amid ongoing fighting in eastern Congo.

The claims, which circulated widely on social media and in political discussions, suggested that France could be involved in backing M23 operations as the group continues expanding its influence in parts of South Kivu.

However, South Kivu authorities stated that there is no concrete evidence confirming the presence of French troops alongside M23 forces or any direct military cooperation between them.

Officials called on the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could increase tensions in an already fragile security environment.

The alleged involvement of foreign actors in the conflict in eastern DRC has remained a highly debated issue. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that Kigali has denied, arguing that the conflict is linked to broader regional security concerns and the presence of armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

Meanwhile, regional and international actors have continued to call for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to address the long-running crisis.

South Kivu authorities emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing, warning that misinformation could worsen fear and instability among communities affected by the conflict.

Kagame delivered the remarks at the summit in Geneva, Switzerland, which also marked the official launch and inaugural meeting of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new global initiative he co-chairs that seeks to advance inclusive and responsible AI development.

The AI for Good Global Summit 2026 is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital technologies.

Addressing heads of state, technology leaders, investors and development partners, Kagame said AI has the potential to transform lives and strengthen economies, but stressed that deliberate action is needed to ensure its benefits are shared equitably.

‘We must be intentional about designing, funding, and governing AI so that it can reach its full potential,’ he said.

The Head of State highlighted three areas that should be prioritised to unlock AI’s potential.

The first, he said, is infrastructure, noting that computational power, connectivity and reliable energy must become more accessible through stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Secondly, President Kagame underscored the importance of skills development, saying talent exists everywhere but opportunities do not. He urged educational institutions to continually adapt their curricula to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy.

His third priority was accountability, calling for AI governance frameworks that promote trust and transparency rather than creating new divisions.

Kagame said Rwanda is already demonstrating the practical use of AI through its Health Intelligence Center, which uses real-time health data and artificial intelligence to help predict disease outbreaks and support better policy decisions.

In June 2026, the Cabinet, chaired by President Kagame, approved the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Agency, which will drive AI development, innovation, adoption, investment and governance in support of Rwanda’s digital transformation and economic growth.

The agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating Rwanda’s AI agenda as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub.

In his speech on Wednesday, President Kagame also highlighted continental efforts through Smart Africa, noting that the alliance established the Africa AI Council last year to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping the future of AI.

While acknowledging growing geopolitical competition over technology and persistent uncertainty surrounding AI, President Kagame noted that Africa is well positioned to contribute to the global digital economy, pointing to the continent’s rapidly growing and youthful workforce.

‘In Africa, we are no longer satisfied to be passive consumers of technology. We want to build and deploy that technology at scale as well,’ he said.

President Kagame is serving as co-chair of the newly launched AI for Good Global Commission alongside Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff. The commission builds on the legacy of the Broadband Commission and brings together governments, business leaders, international organisations, investors and civil society to help ensure AI advances opportunity and development worldwide.

During the commission’s inaugural fireside discussion hosted by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Benioff described AI as a technology unlike any before it and said its impact would depend on how humanity chooses to develop and govern it.

‘This is not a regulatory body, this is not a rule-making body, this is a conversation,’ Benioff said. ‘Technology is never good or bad. It’s what we do with the technology that matters.’

He stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, saying governments, industry and civil society must work together to guide AI’s development in a way that benefits people around the world.

Kagame echoed that view, saying the commission would build on lessons learned from the Broadband Commission over the past 15 years, where public-private cooperation helped expand digital connectivity across continents, including Africa.

‘The main task is to deliver,’ Kagame affirmed. ‘We want to harness the good of AI.’

The AI for Good Global Commission aims to foster international collaboration on AI policy, investment and innovation, ensuring the technology is developed responsibly and its benefits are shared more broadly across countries and communities.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/kagame-outlines-three-priorities-for-inclusive-ai-future/

The reigning champions looked destined for a shock exit after falling 2-0 behind before scoring three goals in the final 13 minutes to book a quarterfinal meeting with either Colombia or Switzerland.

Egypt stunned the holders after 15 minutes when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home Marwan Attia’s inviting cross and silence the crowd at Atlanta Stadium.

Argentina had an immediate opportunity to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled inside the penalty area, but Lionel Messi’s tame spot-kick was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. The save marked Messi’s second penalty miss of the tournament, making him the first player to fail from the spot twice at a single World Cup after also missing against Austria in the group stage.

Shobeir continued his inspired display by producing a string of outstanding saves, denying Alexis Mac Allister from point-blank range, stretching to keep out Julian Alvarez’s effort and watching Messi strike a free-kick against the post.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when Mostafa Ziko finished off a sweeping move after being set up by Mohamed Salah. The forward celebrated wildly, even taking off his shirt, only for VAR to intervene and rule out the goal after determining Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martinez in the build-up.

The decision immediately sparked debate, with television commentators questioning whether the incident fell within VAR’s remit. However, under the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Laws of the Game, VAR is permitted to review attacking offences, including fouls, handballs and offsides, in the build-up to a goal.

Ziko was not to be denied for long. Five minutes later, he capped another flowing Egyptian counterattack after Salah released Haissem Hassan down the flank before the winger squared the ball for the forward to make it 2-0.

With less than a third of the match remaining, Egypt appeared on course for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Instead, Argentina mounted a remarkable revival.

Cristian Romero headed home Messi’s cross in the 79th minute to halve the deficit before the captain redeemed his earlier penalty miss four minutes later, smashing home the equaliser after Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel kept the attack alive.

Enzo Fernandez then completed the turnaround in the third minute of stoppage time, cushioning a back-post header into the bottom corner from Lautaro Martinez’s cross to seal a dramatic victory for the South Americans.

The closing moments were engulfed in further controversy.

Egypt believed they should have been awarded a penalty moments before Argentina launched the counterattack that led to Fernandez’s winner after Julian Alvarez appeared to catch Mohamed Salah inside the box before winning the ball. The Egyptians also felt Alexis Mac Allister had pulled Hamdi Fathy’s shirt in the same passage of play, but neither incident resulted in a VAR review.

As tempers flared, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, Hamdi Fathy and Marwan Attia were all shown yellow cards, while Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was also booked for protesting the referee’s decisions as Salah tried to calm the heated exchanges.

Following the match, Hassan launched a scathing attack on the officiating, insisting his side had been denied a fair chance to progress.

‘Life is unfair. The world is unfair. Okay, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports? I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match,’ Hassan said.

‘The referee is unfair. He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina.’

The Egypt coach also questioned why his team’s penalty appeals were not reviewed.

‘A penalty for us was ruled out, it was not even checked by the VAR and our second goal was, for whatever reason, disallowed,’ he said.

‘We have all seen the shirt pulled back and not even a VAR check. There seems to have been pressure on the Argentine side on the referee that has brought about this outcome.’

The final whistle brought contrasting emotions for the two captains.

Messi, who had endured one of the most difficult matches of his tournament before inspiring Argentina’s comeback, was reduced to tears after helping keep his country’s title defence alive.

At the other end, Salah and his teammates were left devastated after seeing a famous victory slip away. Egypt exited the tournament with widespread admiration for pushing the defending champions to the brink, but also with a lingering sense of injustice over the officiating that overshadowed an unforgettable contest.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/var-controversy-overshadows-argentinas-dramatic-comeback-win-over-egypt/

Held in New Delhi on Monday, July 6, the event brought together nearly 1,000 guests, including Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, scholars, media professionals, civil society representatives, friends of Rwanda and members of the Rwandan community in India.

The celebration highlighted Rwanda’s progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, showcasing the country’s achievements in peacebuilding, national reconciliation, economic growth, good governance and sustainable development.

Kwibohora, celebrated every year on July 4, commemorates Rwanda’s liberation and marks the day the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), led by President Paul Kagame, stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It reflects Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding through unity, resilience and a shared vision for development.

Addressing guests, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Amb. Jacqueline Mukangira, paid tribute to the men and women of the former RPA whose sacrifices restored peace, unity and national dignity.

She said the liberation victory marked a defining moment in restoring Rwanda’s sovereignty and laying the foundation for national reconstruction.

Mukangira reflected on Rwanda’s transformation from a country devastated by genocide to one recognised for stability, economic progress and effective governance.

She attributed the country’s achievements to the values of unity, resilience, inclusion, innovation and accountable leadership, saying three decades of peace, stability and good governance have created a predictable and investor-friendly environment.

The High Commissioner called on Indian investors to explore opportunities created by Rwanda’s transformation, highlighting potential areas of cooperation including trade, investment, technology, education, healthcare and capacity building.

She also expressed appreciation for India’s continued partnership with Rwanda, noting that bilateral relations have expanded in areas such as ICT, trade, investment, education and defence.

‘Rwanda remains committed to strengthening partnerships anchored in peace, justice and shared prosperity,’ she said.

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, attended the event as the chief guest and congratulated Rwanda on the Liberation Day anniversary.

He commended Rwanda’s reconciliation efforts following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and praised the growing partnership between the two countries.

Also attending the celebration was a delegation from Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, which was in New Delhi for the second Rwanda-India Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting.

The event also featured remarks from Indian investors and friends of Rwanda, including Dr Saurabh Singhal, Head of the Rwanda Chapter of The Diplomatic Club, who highlighted Rwanda’s growing appeal as an investment and innovation hub.

Singhal shared his experience of witnessing Rwanda’s transformation since his first visit in 2005 and praised the country’s safety, governance, digital systems and investor-friendly environment.

He described Rwanda as ‘not only the Land of a Thousand Hills but also the Land of a Thousand Opportunities,’ encouraging businesses to explore opportunities in the country.

The evening concluded with cultural performances celebrating Rwanda’s heritage and reaffirming the friendship between Rwanda and India as both countries continue to strengthen cooperation for shared development and prosperity.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandas-32-year-transformation-celebrated-at-liberation-day-reception-in-india/

Kajangwe said the agreements will strengthen Rwanda’s access to petroleum infrastructure while creating opportunities for the country to trade fuel products with neighbouring markets.

Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), the minister highlighted the importance of the agreements signed with companies in Kenya and Tanzania, which allow Rwanda to import petroleum products from international markets through the ports of Mombasa and Tanga.

On June 29, 2026, Rwanda signed a cooperation agreement with Kenya to facilitate the importation of petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa. The deal provides Rwanda with access to storage facilities, transportation services and petroleum distribution infrastructure in Kenya.

The agreement establishes a government-to-government framework for fuel imports, a move expected to improve supply security, reduce logistical barriers and make fuel procurement more predictable.

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, according to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi.

Rwanda later signed a similar agreement with Tanzania on July 3 to import petrol and diesel through the Port of Tanga. The agreement was signed between Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC) and Gulf Bulk Petroleum Tanzania Limited (GBP).

The agreements come amid continued volatility in global fuel prices, which has affected markets in Rwanda and other parts of the world.

Kajangwe said the arrangements could allow Rwanda to leverage its strategic location to serve as a fuel distribution hub for the region.

‘We believe this can strengthen regional trade, allowing Rwanda, given its geographical position, to supply petroleum products to neighbouring countries. Our goal is to have sufficient petroleum products that can meet demand in Rwanda and also serve markets in the region,’ he said.

Rwanda, a landlocked country, imports all its petroleum products through neighbouring countries, mainly using the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and the Port of Mombasa in Kenya.

The government has in recent years pursued measures to strengthen fuel security by diversifying import routes and improving access to storage and transport infrastructure.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandas-fuel-agreements-with-kenya-tanzania-open-door-to-regional-petroleum-trade-minister-kajangwe/