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The celebration took place in Kigali on the evening of October 25, 2025, bringing together the company’s management, staff, and clients to mark two decades of progress achieved through LOLC Unguka Finance’s growth and commitment to financial inclusion.

Théoneste Mutsindashyaka, a cassava and grain flour trader based in Kigali, was among clients who attended the event and credited LOLC Unguka Finance for his business success.

He began working with the institution in 2005, when he could only access a loan of Frw 350,000, but has since grown to qualify for loans exceeding Frw 50 million.

'I am a successful businessman today, thanks to LOLC Unguka Finance,' he said. 'I started my business in 2000, but it was still small when I joined Unguka in 2005. My first loan was Frw 350,000, which I used to buy a milling machine. I have worked with Unguka ever since, and over the past 20 years, my business has grown tremendously. I thank God and Unguka for supporting me. Today, I qualify for over Frw 50 million loan.'

Angélique Beza, who runs a veterinary and agricultural supply shop in Nyabugogo, also shared her success story. She started working with LOLC Unguka Finance in 2005 and has remained a loyal client ever since.

'I was among the first clients to join LOLC Unguka Finance,' she said. 'I left other banks because Unguka treated us with care and dedication. They welcomed us warmly, opened accounts for us easily, and offered great service. That’s why I have stayed all these years and I plan to keep working with them in the future.'

The Chairperson of the Board of LOLC Unguka Finance, Yves Sangano, reminded guests that the company was founded with the goal of becoming one of Rwanda’s leading providers of financial services, noting significant progress in ensuring high-quality customer service.

'We have played a significant role in Rwanda’s economy,' he said. 'We’ve adapted to changes in financial sector regulations while continuing to innovate and ensure that our clients receive the best possible service.'

The Chief Executive Officer, Justin Kagishiro, thanked clients and partners, acknowledging that their trust and cooperation have been key to LOLC Unguka Finance’s success over the past 20 years. He promised more innovations in the years ahead, including new digital services aimed at improving customer experience.

During the event, the institution with more than 200 employees, recognized and rewarded outstanding employees for their exceptional performance in 2024.

LOLC Unguka Finance has celebrated 20 years of service in Rwanda.

LOLC Unguka Finance has been in operations for 20 years.

The management promised more innovations in the years ahead, including new digital services aimed at improving customer experience.

The celebration took place in Kigali on the evening of October 25, 2025.

The event brought together the company’s management, staff, and clients to mark two decades of progress.

The African Mirror dance crew entertained participants of the event.

During the event, the institution rewarded outstanding employees for their exceptional performance in 2024.

It was glamor as LOLC Unguka Finance celebrated 20 years of service inn Rwanda.

The Chief Executive Officer, Justin Kagishiro, thanked clients and partners, acknowledging that their trust and cooperation have been key to LOLC Unguka Finance’s success over the past 20 years.

IGIHE

The report was officially launched on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kigali Serena Hotel, in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, and the media.

The Rwanda Governance Scorecard, produced annually by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), remains the nation’s flagship tool for measuring progress in governance, accountability, and service delivery.

Strong performance in safety, inclusion, and rule of law

The Safety and Security pillar remains Rwanda’s highest-performing area with a score of 90.02%, reaffirming the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest nations. The report attributes this to consistently high citizen confidence in the Rwanda Defence Force, National Police, and local security structures.

Participation and Inclusiveness ranked second with 86.31%, reflecting broad citizen involvement in public affairs, effective decentralisation, and gender-balanced leadership. The report notes that power sharing and inclusiveness scored a full 100%, while gender equality in leadership reached 82.42%.

Political Rights and Civil Liberties followed with 82.71%, supported by strong results in democratic rights and freedoms (86.36%), respect for human rights (84.11%), and access to public information (81.77%).

The Rule of Law pillar achieved 81.63%, indicating continued public trust in justice institutions. The report highlights high scores in performance of the legislature (90.44%), though it identifies challenges such as case backlogs (50.85%) and limited digitalisation, with only 11% of government services fully automated.

Governance integrity and accountability

Under the Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Accountability pillar, Rwanda scored 79.25%, driven by transparency (92.35%) and accountability (80.39%). The report acknowledges sustained institutional integrity but notes that anti-corruption mechanisms (67.9%) and training of committees in public and private institutions remain areas for improvement.

The Economic and Corporate Governance pillar scored 74.84%, showing sound macroeconomic management (72.75%) and steady progress in corporate governance (77.67%). However, the report points to weaker results in exports of goods and services (47.95%), credit to the private sector (57.75%), and savings rate (60.23%).

The Quality of Service Delivery pillar registered 71.73%, showing advances in ICT-enabled services (66.9%) but emphasising the need to accelerate full digitalisation, with only a small fraction of services end-to-end automated.

The lowest-performing pillar, Investing in Human and Social Development, stood at 64.69%. The report notes continuing progress in health (74.14%) and education (65.65%), but identifies gaps in nutrition, social protection, and climate resilience, highlighting these as priority areas under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

A renewal of Rwanda’s commitment to good governance

Opening the event, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board, described the Scorecard as more than an annual report, 'a renewal of Rwanda’s commitment to good governance.'

'Each edition of the Scorecard is a covenant with our collective pledge to measure ourselves transparently, correct course where needed, and continuously strive for excellence in public service,' Dr. Uwicyeza said.

She noted that the 12th edition reaffirms Rwanda’s strong foundation built on trust in institutions, security, and citizen participation, while also highlighting the need to strengthen decentralised service delivery and human development outcomes.

'Our challenge now is to translate governance strength into tangible results felt in citizens’ daily lives,' she added. 'The Government of Rwanda has always chosen self-accountability as a pillar of leadership; this Scorecard embodies that principle.'

Dr. Uwicyeza paid tribute to President Paul Kagame, emphasising his leadership vision rooted in unity, ambition, and accountability.

'When President Kagame was asked about Rwanda’s secret, he said it lies in three choices: we chose to stay together, to think big, and to be accountable. The Rwanda Governance Scorecard is the embodiment of that accountability.'

Data is the lifeline of governance

Ms. Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, commended the Government and RGB for maintaining 15 years of consistent commitment to data-driven governance.

'Governance data is more than numbers; it is the lifeline of informed decision-making, policy dialogue, and accountability,' she said. 'The Rwanda Governance Scorecard is not just a national tool; it is a global model for how governance data can be systematically collected, analysed, and used to drive transformation.'

She applauded Rwanda’s focus on evidence-based policy and citizen-centred governance, emphasising the Scorecard’s value as a practical instrument for reform.

'Let us not keep this document until next year’s launch,' she urged. 'Let it inform our programs, shape our policies, and strengthen accountability. Governance is not abstract—it’s about how services are delivered and how every Rwandan participates in shaping the future.'

Sesay also highlighted the growing role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in public data systems, calling for innovation to enhance citizen feedback mechanisms and real-time data analysis.

Turning insight into action

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, described the RGS as 'a remarkable homegrown innovation that embodies Rwanda’s deep commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.'

'This Scorecard confirms that Rwanda continues to perform strongly in most governance areas, with five out of eight pillars scoring above 80 percent,' Prof. Ojielo said.

He observed that while Rwanda’s governance remains robust, modest declines in human and social development, education quality, and economic competitiveness underscore the need for renewed focus under NST2.

The key goals of NST2 include achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of 9.3 percent, creating 1.25 million decent jobs, doubling private investment to USD 4.6 billion, doubling export revenues to USD 7.3 billion, and reducing child stunting from 33 percent to 15 percent by 2029.

'Governance is about values, how a society chooses to hold itself accountable. What we see in Rwanda is not just a technical exercise but a foundational process of reimagining the socio-economic fabric of society,' he remarked.

Prof. Ojielo emphasised that measuring performance drives progress.

'What gets measured gets managed, and what gets measured gets done. Measurement is not just observation; it is a catalyst for transformation.'

He called for stronger investments in digital public services, education, export readiness, and citizen engagement, reinforcing that 'the Scorecard is not just about data, it is about direction.'

A tool for continuous renewal

Now in its 12th edition since its inception in 2010, the Rwanda Governance Scorecard continues to serve as both a mirror and a compass, reflecting the country’s governance achievements while guiding future reforms. It benchmarks Rwanda’s progress against global indices such as the Mo Ibrahim Index, the Chandler Good Government Index, and the World Justice Project, while remaining firmly grounded in homegrown accountability principles.

Opening the event, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board, described the Scorecard as more than an annual report, 'a renewal of Rwanda’s commitment to good governance.'

The report was officially launched on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kigali Serena Hotel, in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, and the media.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a communiqué adopted during its 1308th emergency meeting on 28 October 2025, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) PSC expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in El Fasher, following atrocities committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Scores of people have been killed in attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their recent capture of the city of el-Fasher in Sudan’s western Darfur region, according to a medical group and researchers.

On Wednesday, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that the RSF, which has been fighting Sudan’s military for control of the country, had killed at least 1,500 people over the past three days as civilians tried to flee the besieged city. The group, which tracks the country’s civil war, described the situation as 'a true genocide'.

The Council strongly condemned the RSF’s takeover of the city, which has left civilians trapped without access to food and essential services since May 2024.

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the council directed the Chairperson of the Commission to work closely with the PSC Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, under Museveni’s leadership, to facilitate negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.

The directive also includes plans for holding an AU Special Summit on Sudan aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire and political settlement.

The Council reiterated that there is no military solution to the Sudanese crisis and called for a genuine, inclusive political dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders.

It also warned against any external interference that fuels the conflict and urged regional and international coordination between the AU, the United Nations (UN), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other partners.

The AU also requested a fact-finding mission by the Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities to report within three weeks, alongside measures to identify and sanction external actors supporting the conflict.

The African Union (AU) has appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to spearhead mediation efforts between Sudan’s warring factions, as part of renewed continental efforts to end the devastating conflict in the country.

IGIHE

The impressive results were driven by diversified revenue streams, strong subsidiary performance, and continued recovery in the Kenyan banking business. The Group recorded a Return on Average Equity (RoAE) of 26.4% and a Return on Average Assets (RoAA) of 4.1%, underscoring robust profitability across markets.

'The execution of the strategic business plan has started to reflect on the balance sheet and performance of the Group in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade and investment, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that populate the eco-systems of the formal sector,' said Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO. 'This is likely to significantly and increasingly transform the structure and performance of the Group.'

Strong regional growth across markets

Equity’s regional subsidiaries continued to strengthen their contribution, accounting for 50% of deposits, 53% of the loan book, 50% of total banking assets, and 49% of Group banking revenue. Collectively, these subsidiaries contributed 45% of Profit Before Tax and 42% of Profit After Tax for the banking business.

In Kenya, Equity Bank reported a 51% rise in Profit After Tax to Kshs 31.1 billion, up from Kshs 20.6 billion. Net interest income grew by 27% to Kshs 53.6 billion, supported by a 34% decline in interest expenses. Total equity rose by 36% to Kshs 171.4 billion, while the bank maintained leadership in MSME lending, disbursing 45% of Kenya’s Kshs 201 billion MSME loans between January and July 2025.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Profit After Tax rose 21% to Kshs 13.8 billion, with loans and advances up 19% to Kshs 302.7 billion. In Uganda, Profit After Tax increased 61% to Kshs 2.9 billion, while Rwanda recorded 34% loan growth and an 18% rise in total equity to Kshs 19.6 billion. Tanzania posted the highest growth rate, with Profit After Tax jumping 88% to Kshs 1.5 billion and shareholders’ funds rising 83% to Kshs 12.1 billion.

Dr. Mwangi praised the regional performance, noting, 'We are particularly proud of our regional subsidiaries, which have demonstrated resilience and contributed significantly to our overall performance.'

Efficiency and digital transformation

The Group’s operational efficiency improved markedly, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 50.6% from 55.1% last year. Asset quality remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio at 71.4% and the cost of risk contained at 1.9%.

'Technology remains central to the Group’s strong operational performance and strategic resilience,' Dr. Mwangi said. 'During the quarter, we further improved system reliability, launched key digital integrations across markets, strengthened fraud controls, and advanced our AI and data governance frameworks.'

Over 98% of transactions now occur outside branches, with 87.4% executed through digital channels. The Group invested heavily in scalable, next-generation technologies powered by machine learning and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), aligned with international standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS for cybersecurity and compliance.

'These investments assure data protection and safeguard our digital ecosystem as transaction volumes and API integrations scale,' added Dr. Mwangi.

From Left to Right: Equity Group Non-Executive Chairman, Prof. Isaac Macharia, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, and Equity Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Isabela Maganga, during the Q3 2025 Investor Briefing event.

Strategic transformation and ARRP vision

Equity Group’s Q3 2025 results come amid implementation of its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) and 2030 Strategic Plan, which target presence in 15 countries and service to 100 million customers by 2030.

The Group’s evolution is anchored in its Tri-Engine Business Model, comprising banking, insurance, and technology, to position itself as a 'Transformation Finance Institution,' bridging commercial capital with development finance and philanthropy.

'The ARRP is demonstrating how financial institutions can catalyze inclusive and sustainable growth by aligning private capital with national and regional development priorities,' the Group noted.

Growth in insurance and non-banking ventures

Equity Group’s foray into insurance continued to deliver strong results. With three licenses for life, general, and health insurance, the Group reported a 36% growth in profit before tax to Kshs 1.46 billion, supported by a 71% rise in gross written premiums to Kshs 6.55 billion.

Equity Life Assurance grew its gross written premiums by 28% to Kshs 4.9 billion, serving 6.8 million unique customers with 17.8 million policies issued to date. It achieved a Return on Average Equity of 37.7% and Return on Assets of 4.5%.

General Insurance, in its first year, posted Kshs 1.67 billion in gross written premiums and Kshs 140 million in profit before tax, while Equity Health Insurance, licensed in July, recorded Kshs 23 million profit before tax in its debut quarter.

These subsidiaries are 'poised to contribute towards increased profitability and return on equity to the overall Group performance,' according to the Group’s statement.

From Left to Right: Equity Group Non-Executive Chairman, Prof. Isaac Macharia, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, and EquityBCDC Non-Executive Chairman, Meti Mabanza, during the Q3 2025 Investor Briefing event.

Commitment to SMEs

Throughout its digital and structural transformation, Equity Group reaffirmed its focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

'This transformation marks our evolution into a one-stop financial services provider, offering borrowing, investing, insurance, payments, and savings solutions seamlessly, 24 hours a day,' said Dr. Mwangi.

He emphasized that despite the transformation, Equity remains 'unwaveringly committed to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises,' highlighting that 45% of all SME loans disbursed in Kenya between January and July 2025 originated from Equity.

Dr. Mwangi added, 'Our focus has shifted to product innovation, with our product houses actively rolling out new offerings to empower our customers and unlock greater opportunities for wealth creation.'

Social impact and inclusion

The Equity Group Foundation (EGF) continued to advance its mission of transforming lives through social impact investments across education, enterprise, health, and climate resilience. In Q3 2025, 145 Equity Leaders Program scholars secured fully funded global university scholarships worth Kshs 3.8 billion (USD 29.47 million), including 16 placements to Ivy League universities.

Through its Enterprise Development and Financial Inclusion pillar, 30,000 entrepreneurs were trained, while 91,000 MSMEs accessed Kshs 38 billion in credit. The Foundation also facilitated loans worth Kshs 78 billion to MSMEs under the Young Africa Works program in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The Foundation’s Food and Agriculture and Energy, Environment, and Climate Change pillars trained 80,000 farmers in climate-smart agriculture and distributed over 535,000 clean-energy solutions, impacting 2.1 million people and planting 39.6 million trees. Its health arm, Equity Afya, expanded to 147 medical centers in Kenya and the DRC, serving over 4.3 million patients.

Equity Group’s continued innovation and resilience earned it the African Banker Award 2025 for 'Best Regional Bank in East Africa' and recognition as Kenya’s Most Valuable Brand for the second consecutive year.

From Left to Right: Equity Bank South Sudan Ag. Managing Director, James Kiarie, Equity Bank Rwanda Managing Director, Hannington Namara, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, EquityBCDC Managing Director, Willy Mulamba, Equity Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Isabela Maganga, and Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director, Gift Shoko, during the Q3 2025 Investor Briefing event on Thursday.

IGIHE

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by the atrocity reports in the capital of North Darfur state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city over the weekend.

“Local sources report widespread killings, abductions, maiming and sexual violence, alongside the detention and killing of aid workers,” OCHA said. “Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside El Fasher, while many others are stranded at Garni, about 20 kilometers away, unable to flee due to insecurity and lack of transport.”

The office said those still inside the city face life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care. Aid workers are blocked from entering the city.

The UN Security Council on Thursday voiced grave concern over escalating violence in and around El Fasher and condemned the assault by the RSF on El Fasher and its devastating impact on the civilian population.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the council that the situation in El Fasher has descended into “an even darker hell,” with credible reports of widespread executions after RSF fighters entered the city.

OCHA said that civilians who managed to escape El Fasher are sheltering in the open in the localities of Kebkabiya, Melit and Tawila, where families lack necessities.

“Conditions in Tawila are particularly dire,” the office said. “Safe water meets less than half of daily needs, markets have collapsed, and supplies of food, fuel and medicines are nearly exhausted. Diseases are spreading.”

A UN-led assessment screened 715 displaced children and found nearly 60 percent of them to be acutely malnourished.

OCHA said the world body and its partners are scaling up response efforts despite enormous security and access challenges.

In Tawila, mobile health clinics are providing urgent medical and nutrition services for the newly arrived. Humanitarian partners have established health and nutrition sites, distributed reproductive health and cholera kits, and pre-positioned more than 8,000 cartons of therapeutic food, with another 6,000 cartons en route.

OCHA said that more than 30 nutrition sites remain operational, while community kitchens, cash distributions and temporary shelters continue to support newly displaced families. Psychosocial activities for children affected by trauma are to begin this week.

“The United Nations and partners are also sustaining water, sanitation and hygiene operations across Tawila, Melit and surrounding areas, trucking safe water, installing latrines, distributing hygiene kits, and conducting cholera prevention campaigns,” the office said.

OCHA warned that explosive ordnance contamination continues to endanger civilians and humanitarian workers in and around El Fasher, limiting safe movement and delaying assistance. Sustained access for mine action teams and equipment is urgently needed to survey and clear hazardous areas.

The office reiterated its call for all parties to immediately halt hostilities, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained, unhindered humanitarian access.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by the atrocity reports in the capital of North Darfur state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city over the weekend.

Xinhua

At a news conference, Governor Kathy Hochul announced 65 million U.S. dollars in new state funds for emergency food assistance and promised to provide 40 million meals to New Yorkers.

The prolonged U.S. federal government shutdown is putting millions of people at risk of missing their food stamp benefits, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital lifeline for low-income households.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told state agencies to hold off distributing November benefits “until further notice” because of insufficient funds.

“As the GOP federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation,” Hochul said.

In recent days, several states have stepped up efforts to ensure SNAP recipients can afford food in November.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency declaration last week to fund SNAP benefits for recipients who rely on the program, while Vermont lawmakers on Wednesday approved a plan to fund food stamp benefits for state residents through Nov. 15.

In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that her state will provide 30 million dollars in emergency food assistance to residents through EBT cards, backfilling SNAP benefits temporarily.

Democratic governors and attorneys general from 25 U.S. states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, challenging its conclusion that it lacks the authority to use emergency funds to maintain food assistance for millions of Americans next month.

They called on the court to compel the USDA to use contingency funds appropriated by Congress to keep the program running.

SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program serving approximately 42 million people. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.

Xinhua

They were received by the RSF Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, Major General V. Gatama, and other RSF commanders, who briefed them on the current security situation within the RSF Area of Responsibility.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the purpose of the visit was to welcome the newly deployed Rwandan Security Forces under the command of Major General V. Gatama, who currently relieved their colleagues in Cabo Delgado.

The visit also aimed to strengthen the longstanding friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two forces.

During the visit, the CGS announced that the Joint Command and Coordination Centre will be relocated from Pemba to Mocímboa da Praia City to enhance coordination of future operations.

He encouraged both the Rwandan and Mozambican Forces to continue working together to achieve their operational objectives.

General Jane reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Joint Forces in successfully accomplishing their mission.

He commended the outstanding efforts of both the RSF and Mozambican Forces in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado and praised the RSF for its significant contribution to restoring peace and security in the province.

IGIHE

The disclosure was made on October 30, 2025, as BRD officials appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment.

Through the carbon market, developing countries which contribute the least to global carbon emissions enter into agreements with wealthier nations. The latter cover the cost of initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, allowing them to offset part of their own emissions.

This includes projects such as tree planting, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection that absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. It also covers initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and other environmentally friendly practices.

In the carbon market, buyers voluntarily purchase carbon credits. One carbon credit (equivalent to one ton of CO₂) is priced between $40 and $80, although prices can vary depending on the type of project and agreements between countries.

The carbon market is one of the financial solutions supporting environmental sustainability, helping Rwanda reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.

According to Innocent Gatete, head of strategic projects and implementation at BRD, the bank has already registered on the carbon market and is among the first Rwandan institutions benefiting from it.

He explained that the approved carbon credits were based on BRD’s projects implemented between 2020 and 2025.

Gatete revealed that BRD has already received an initial payment of $214,000 (about Frw 310 million) and expects to receive over $2 million by December 2025, followed by $16 million in 2026.

'These funds help us expand our projects and improve where we previously faced challenges. They also help address the issue of cooking energy, as we plan to offer subsidies from these funds,' Gatete said.

He added that Rwanda sold its carbon credits at $15 per ton but expects to negotiate higher prices in the future.

Among the BRD projects that generated carbon credits is 'Cana Uhendukiwe', which provided solar energy solutions to 510,847 households and attracted $48.94 million in investment.

Another project, EAQIP 3B (Tekera Aheza), is set to conclude in 2026, with 73% of its budget already utilized. The project distributes improved cookstoves to households, helping reduce carbon emissions.

EAQIP is expected to cut over 600,000 tons of greenhouse gases and generate more than $10 million, which will be reinvested in renewable energy programs, improved cooking technologies, and the production of clean fuels.

BRD continues to encourage the private sector to seek loans from the bank for similar green initiatives. For example, it financed a government project to construct 17,000 cubic meters of biogas storage facilities used for cooking.

Apart from BRD, other institutions may also benefit from the carbon market once their projects are approved.

Representatives from BRD, Innocent Gatete and Philbert Dusenge, revealed that BRD has begun to benefit from funds generated through the carbon market.

Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment following presentations on Thursday.

Teddy Mugabo, the CEO of Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) stated that Rwanda continues to look forward to the carbon market.

IGIHE

Her journey from the streets of Europe to the heart of Rwanda’s cultural stage is a story of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of dance.

Hilde was born in New York but grew up in Belgium, where she moved frequently with her family due to her parents’ work. Early exposure to different environments shaped her adaptability and curiosity about cultures beyond her own.

From a young age, she found herself drawn to cultural dances rather than classical Western forms like ballet or jazz. Hip-hop, flamenco, and Egyptian dance were her first loves, each reflecting a unique cultural rhythm that fascinated her.

In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Hilde revealed that after earning a degree in mathematics and physics, she briefly taught at a school in Belgium. However, the classroom could not contain her creative spirit.

In 2004, she moved to England to pursue dance and visual arts at the University of Brighton. Her formal dance journey had begun, but it was not until her first visit to Rwanda in 2006, when she came for a friend’s wedding, that she discovered her true calling.

'I had never been to sub-Saharan Africa, so for me it was mind-blowing,' Hilde recalls. 'Everything felt different. Seeing women walking with baskets on their heads was so inspiring. The beauty, the colours, the culture, it all captivated me.'

At the Ubumuntu Festival, she watched Inganzo Ngari, a troupe formed in 2006 to promote Rwandan dance, music, and culture, perform for the opening night. The female dancers in their flowing umushanana left her breathless.

'They were flowing like water, and I felt goosebumps all over,' she says. 'I thought, this is magical. I want to learn this dance.'

Hilde returned to Europe, hoping to find a teacher who could guide her in Rwandan dance, whether in England or elsewhere in Europe. She soon realised that there was no substitute for learning the art in its homeland.

Over several years, she made repeated trips to Rwanda, studying intensively for short periods. After a few visits, she decided that the only way to truly master the dance was to move to Rwanda. In 2018, she took the life-changing step of relocating to study traditional Rwandan dance full-time.

The journey was not without challenges. 'Some styles, like Ikinimba, are like fire,' Hilde explains. 'My essence is flowing like water, so these dances demand a different kind of energy. But that’s the joy, you are always learning.'

Beyond the physical demands, cultural adjustments tested her patience. Homesickness and unfamiliar customs initially made her question her path. Yet, over seven years, Hilde found a rhythm not just in dance, but in life in Rwanda.

Her dedication extends beyond personal mastery. Hilde’s seven-year-old son shares her passion for traditional dance, already beginning lessons with aspirations of performing alongside his mother.

'It would be my dream to share the stage with him,' she says. Hilde also hopes to inspire other foreigners to experience Rwandan culture, whether through intensive workshops, retreats, or collaborative performances with local artists.

Today, Hilde Cannoodt is more than a Westerner dancing with Inganzo Ngari. She has become a bridge between cultures, a living testament to the idea that art can transcend borders. Through her dedication, she shows that when passion meets culture, it can flow as effortlessly as water, resilient, adaptable, and profoundly moving.

Curious to see her in action? Watch the full interview and experience Hilde Cannoodt’s mesmerising Rwandan dance moves below.

Hilde admits that some dances have been challenging for her, but she remains determined and continues to master them.

From the very first day she arrived in Rwanda in 2006 to attend a friend’s wedding, Hilde Cannoodt felt an immediate fascination with Rwandan traditional dance.

Hilde Cannoodt is one of the few foreigners who have truly dedicated themselves to Rwandan traditional dance.

Hilde Cannoodt has started teaching her seven-year-old son the art of Rwandan traditional dance.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

RDRC Chairperson Valerie Nyirahabineza shared these details on October 30, 2025, during a ceremony marking the discharge of the 75th cohort, which included 143 individuals from armed groups.

'I am pleased to inform you that, since 2001, 12,602 former combatants have been reintegrated. This program has provided thousands of former fighters and their families with tangible assistance, including civic education, vocational training, and support to enhance livelihoods and economic opportunities,' she stated.

Nyirahabineza called on Rwandans still in the forests of the DRC to lay down their arms, emphasizing that being used as foreign mercenaries to destabilize their own country would lead to nothing positive.

'We urge all Rwandans involved in the FDLR and its affiliated groups to lay down their arms and return home. As the RDRC, we are ready to welcome them and assist in their reintegration into society,' she stated.

A peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June 2025 calls for the elimination of the FDLR, with its combatants to be repatriated and reintegrated into society.

In line with these agreements, on October 10, the DRC military urged FDLR combatants to surrender their weapons to either the DRC authorities or United Nations peacekeepers, warning that those who resist will face military action.

Nyirahabineza emphasized that Rwanda is prepared to receive any FDLR combatants wishing to return, offering them the same support provided to those who have come before them.

“Rwanda is ready to welcome new combatants who are being repatriated from the DRC, including those from FDLR, as called for in the latest statement from the DRC government,' she said.

Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, urged Rwandans to refrain from engaging in actions that could destabilize their motherland and commended those who had chosen to lay down their arms.

'We ask that you demonstrate how the training you received here has transformed your mindset and behavior. Always focus on safeguarding our country’s security, and collaborate with fellow Rwandans to prevent any threats to that security,' he emphasized.

Minister Habimana also encouraged these individuals to leave behind the time spent in the forests of the DRC and embark on a new journey of self-improvement. He reminded them that unity and solidarity among Rwandans are the foundations of all that has been achieved.

He urged them to steer clear of actions that could lead them back to the negative paths they once followed.

'Let us remember that unity and solidarity as Rwandans are the pillars of all our gains. Betraying that unity is forbidden. Therefore, I ask you to avoid anything that could lead you back to the evils of the past and instead join other Rwandans in fighting against genocide ideology and contributing to building our national unity,' he said.

Among the reintegrated former combatants, some have returned with their families. The training program lasted between three to six months.

The new cohort of discharged ex-combatants comprises 143 individuals from armed groups.

Nyirahabineza called on Rwandans still in the forests of the DRC to lay down their arms, emphasizing that being used as foreign mercenaries to destabilize their own country would lead to nothing positive.

Various officials witnessed the ceremony to discharge over 140 former combatants.

Minister Habimana also encouraged these individuals to leave behind the time spent in the forests of the DRC and embark on a new journey of self-improvement.

IGIHE