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  • ASEA 2025: Adapting to global shifts by democratizing Africa’s capital markets #rwanda #RwOT

    Today, Africa’s capital markets remain relatively underdeveloped compared to their global peers. South Africa’s market capitalisation is above 246.3% of GDP, but Nigeria sits near 29%, Kenya at 12%, and Rwanda at 31%. This shows that on the supply side, our businesses are not using the capital market to fund their operations; they either use the traditional banking systems or other means.

    On the demand side, the savings story has its own toll. Africa averages only 15—17%, meaning we are under-mobilising our own capital due to several factors, including widespread poverty and low incomes, in other instances, lack of access to formal banking services caused by high costs or distance, but more so limited financial literacy, which mostly exacerbates the lack or limit saving opportunities.

    In comparison, Asia’s high-growth economies reached savings rates of 30—40% of GDP during their transformation. These gaps for African countries show both the progress in some and the untapped potential of most African markets.

    One way of improving the condition is indeed to devise measures that could improve the savings levels at least in the higher 20 percentile, like our Asian brothers and sisters did to achieve their miracle growth rates. However, in the meantime, we could already use even the means we have today because, as we already stand, the challenge is not necessarily lack of resources in aggregate—it is limited access.

    Asset ownership remains concentrated among a small African elite or foreigners. Yet, Africa’s economy is powered by at least 80% of SMEs in most cases, employing most of the workforce. The real opportunity lies in connecting this entrepreneurial backbone to domestic savings and investments.

    A useful illustration comes from Rwanda, where the capital market Investment Clinic is playing a pivotal role in helping local corporates and SMEs raise capital through the stock market in the past few years. Since its inception, the Clinic has supported dozens of companies in preparing for investment readiness which has sparked some excitement on listings, bond issuances, and other market instruments.

    This has already translated into hundreds of millions of Rwandan francs mobilised, with firms gaining not only access to capital but also improved governance and visibility. By demystifying the listing process, providing technical guidance, and mobilising investors, the Clinic has shown that even smaller firms can successfully tap into public markets. This model—where companies are coached into capital markets—could be replicated across the continent, giving thousands of African businesses a pathway to growth financed by domestic savings.

    Another needle we can move is leveraging technology. Technology offers a breakthrough. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 1.1 billion registered mobile money accounts, with more than 500 million active users for example, could be put to good use. Platforms like MoMo pay, M-Pesa, and the like across the continent prove that everyday citizens can be brought into the financial system on a large scale. Imagine the same inclusiveness applied to government bonds, equities, and collective investment schemes and linked to the African Diaspora? That is the democratization Africa needs.

    There are a few other pointers that could drive the growth and deepen the capital markets to make them more inclusive on the continent. Privatisation of public assets by reserving a stake for the public. The push for privatisation of government assets as a key growth strategy could play a catalytic role for IPO pipelines across the markets, as it would pave the way for other private issuers and family-owned businesses to also join as they tend to benchmark with governments.

    This would only require a minimum of 1 or 2 privatisation IPOs per year or more, depending on the country at hand, and if done well the reinvigorate domestic stock exchanges and make it easier for them to mobilise other private issuers on their own, but hand in hand, it would make our markets achieve the main objective to mirror the underlying economies.

    The next one, but equally important, could be that countries have an intentional policy put in place to compel public utility companies (Telcos, Banks, Insurance, Cement, Breweries, Transport, Mining, eligible schools, universities, and hospitals, Power generating and other public utilities) to give a certain percentage of their shareholding to the public through listings.

    In addition, there should also be a policy to compel a certain size of businesses or a certain number of shareholders, especially those companies doing exports and earn hard currency. Such a policy would not only increase domestic savings levels but would also promote local ownership of the local economy and thus reduce not only dependency on foreign ownership but, most importantly, it would reduce capital flight due to reduced dividend payouts that get repatriated to foreign shareholders, which puts pressure on the local currencies.

    Finally, all regulators should adopt a more developmental approach than policing the markets to make sure we are as a continent more enabling and easing doing business for all players (issuers, market intermediaries, and investors) to allow more players and deepening of the markets before we start over-regulating. Overregulating small and fragmented markets can only stifle instead of developing them.

    While I am reflecting on all the above, sustainability must also be at the centre. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks are no longer optional—they are critical for attracting long-term capital. Global investors are increasingly channelling funds into markets that prioritise transparency, accountability, and environmental resilience. If African markets embed ESG into their structures, they can compete globally while ensuring growth benefits local communities.

    As we look ahead, the upcoming African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Kigali from 26th to 28th November 2025, will arrive at a pivotal moment. It will not just be another gathering of financial leaders—it should serve as a collective call to action. The conversations there must move beyond reflection to commitment.

    Leaders, policymakers, and investors must work together to democratize public assets so that every citizen can own a stake in their nation’s economy. Savings channels must be broadened to raise Africa’s savings rate closer to the 30 percent threshold that history shows is necessary for structural transformation. Capital markets should be strengthened to serve as the first line of resilience against global shocks, rather than the last to recover from them.

    Equally, the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles must become central to how African markets operate, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and equitable. Models such as Rwanda’s Investment Clinic and Ibuka initiative demonstrate what is possible when inclusion and innovation meet; scaling similar approaches across the continent could open the doors of capital markets to thousands of SMEs and corporates.

    Africa’s future depends on a shared vision—one grounded in inclusion, fairness, and participation. A continent of 1.4 billion people cannot afford markets where only a small fraction takes part. By democratizing capital, mobilizing domestic resources, and embedding sustainability at the core of development, Africa can chart a path where prosperity and resilience are not privileges for a few but a shared reality for all.

    The author is the President of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) and Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).

    Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/asea-2025-adapting-to-global-shifts-by-democratizing-africa-s-capital-markets

  • DR Congo gov’t and AFC/M23 sign ceasefire monitoring mechanism in Doha #rwanda #RwOT

    Facilitated by the State of Qatar, the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025, and outlines a structured process for monitoring compliance with the permanent ceasefire. The mechanism will be responsible for investigating and verifying alleged violations and engaging relevant actors to prevent renewed hostilities.

    According to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States, the African Union, and Qatar itself will take part in the mechanism as observers, ensuring transparency and reinforcing international and regional support for the peace process in the Great Lakes region.

    The ministry described the accord as a 'pivotal step' toward confidence-building and advancing the journey toward a comprehensive peace settlement between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 movement. It also expressed Qatar’s appreciation to the African Union, the United States, and the Togolese Republic for their 'constructive contributions' to supporting the initiative.

    The signing comes after months of counter-accusations of ceasefire violations between Congolese government forces and the rebel group, which took control of large territories in eastern DRC early this year.

    Reacting to the latest development, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos commended both parties for their commitment to dialogue and restraint.

    In a statement posted on X, Boulos said the agreement 'brings the DRC and AFC/M23 closer to a comprehensive peace accord while advancing the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement.'

    'This critical step will ensure compliance through investigation and verification of any alleged violations, strengthen trust between parties, and reduce tensions on the ground,' he added, thanking Qatar for its leadership in facilitating the process.

    The Doha mechanism is expected to provide a framework for sustained monitoring and accountability, a move diplomats hope will lay the groundwork for a durable peace and stability in eastern DRC after years of conflict.

    The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance signed an agreement in Doha on Tuesday establishing a joint ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism aimed at consolidating peace efforts in the country’s volatile east.

    Facilitated by the State of Qatar, the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025, and outlines a structured process for monitoring compliance with the permanent ceasefire.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/dr-congo-gov-t-and-afc-m23-sign-ceasefire-monitoring-mechanism-in-doha

  • BK Insurance introduces ‘Ni Ako Kanya’ to streamline services using technology #rwanda #RwOT

    According to the company’s Managing Director, Alex Bahizi, this initiative unveiled on October 8, 2025, seeks to make insurance services more accessible and efficient.

    “The main goal is to leverage technology to reach a larger number of customers, while also ensuring that existing clients can easily access services quickly,” he explained.

    ‘Ni Ako Kanya’ was considered after realizing that customers were spending a lot of time traveling to physical branches to access services.

    “We realized that the insurance services provided were largely still manual, requiring people to visit branches, call, or wait in line for a long time to receive services. That’s when we decided to introduce a tech-based solution to address these issues,” Bahizi said.

    'Ni Ako Kanya’ allows customers to access insurance services via the internet.

    By visiting BK Insurance’s website, they can request various services such as renewing insurance, purchasing insurance, making payments, obtaining insurance certificates, and more — all from the comfort of their location.

    These services are also available by dialing 7754# and following the instructions provided.

    Bahizi emphasized that technology like this enables 'increased access to our services, faster service delivery, and greater awareness of insurance, contributing to a rise in the overall number of insured individuals in the country.'

    Alice Rwagasana, the Chief Commercial Officer at BK Insurance, shared that the introduction of this technology coincided with International Customer Week, aiming to enhance service delivery for their clients.

    “We introduced this platform because our goal is to provide insurance services to our customers in a way that is easy, fast, and accessible to everyone. This initiative is designed to make it easier for both current and potential customers to reach out to us,” she said.

    BK Insurance’s management also assured that all customer data will be securely stored, just as it is at the company’s physical branches.

    BK Insurance has introduced ‘Ni Ako Kanya’ campaign aimed at leveraging technology to ease customers’ access to services.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/bk-insurance-introduces-ni-ako-kanya-to-streamline-services-using-technology

  • Madagascar military unit ousts President Rajoelina after weeks of unrest #rwanda #RwOT

    Colonel Michael Randrianirina, flanked by senior officers, addressed the nation from outside the ceremonial presidential palace in Antananarivo, announcing that the military had 'taken power' and dissolved most state institutions. 'We have taken the power,' he said, pledging the formation of a transitional council composed of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police.

    Randrianirina said a prime minister would soon be appointed to establish a civilian-led government and that a referendum would be held within two years to determine Madagascar’s future political direction. The colonel also announced the suspension of the constitution, the High Constitutional Court, the Senate, and the National Independent Electoral Commission, leaving only the lower house of parliament intact.

    The dramatic turn followed a day of extraordinary political upheaval. Earlier Tuesday, the National Assembly voted 130 to 1 to impeach President Rajoelina during a special session, rejecting his attempt to dissolve the chamber just hours before. The assembly’s vice president, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, called the president’s dissolution decree 'devoid of legal validity.'

    Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup before being elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, fled the country over the weekend after soldiers joined the youth-led anti-government protests that have gripped the Indian Ocean island for weeks.

    Reports indicate that Rajoelina departed Madagascar aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday, though French President Emmanuel Macron declined to confirm his government’s involvement.

    The latest turmoil was triggered by street demonstrations that began on September 25 over crippling power cuts and water shortages but quickly evolved into a broader movement denouncing corruption, poverty, and the soaring cost of living.

    Led by Gen Z activists, the protests drew tens of thousands to the streets, gaining momentum after the army’s elite CAPSAT unit — the same force that propelled Rajoelina to power in 2009 — declared it would 'refuse orders to shoot' demonstrators.

    According to United Nations figures, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the unrest began, though government officials have disputed the toll.

    By Tuesday evening, Madagascar’s police had also joined the military and gendarmerie in supporting the protesters, effectively ending Rajoelina’s grip on power.

    Randrianirina said the military council would act 'to meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people' and restore stability, but offered few details about the transition ahead in a nation once again thrust into uncertainty.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/madagascar-military-unit-ousts-president-rajoelina-after-weeks-of-unrest

  • Madagascar’s Presidency dissolves National Assembly #rwanda #RwOT

    “The National Assembly is dissolved, in accordance with the provisions of Article 60 of the Constitution,” the decree said.

    The dissolution announcement came when the National Assembly was “in the process of collecting signatures to convene an extraordinary session aimed at impeaching the head of state,” according to local media.

    Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled to France following intense protests, which were joined by the military. Before leaving on Sunday, he had warned of an “attempt to seize power illegally” after soldiers participated in anti-government protests in the capital, Antananarivo, marking the most significant challenge to his rule since his re-election.

    In a statement, Rajoelina condemned the actions as unconstitutional and undemocratic. The warning came after dramatic scenes on Saturday when soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a key role in the 2009 uprising that brought Rajoelina to power, joined protesters at the Place du 13 Mai.

    The troops, welcomed by cheering crowds, urged security forces to “refuse orders to shoot” and condemned police violence against demonstrators.

    The protests, initially sparked by power outages and water shortages, have expanded into a broader call for political reform, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for police violence, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.

    The President of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina reportedly fled to France as the military joined protestors in the capital, Antananarivo.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/madagascar-s-presidency-dissolves-national-assembly

  • U.S. gov’t shutdown enters third week as Treasury warns of economic toll #rwanda #RwOT

    “This is getting serious. It’s starting to affect the real economy,” he told Fox Business on Monday, without providing further details.

    Bessent added that the government has been forced to “shuffle things around” in order to ensure military pay, leading to delays or suspensions of payments to other federal employees and services, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. He also confirmed that workers are being furloughed nationwide.

    On Oct. 1, the first day of the shutdown, consultancy EY-Parthenon estimated that each week of closure would trim about 0.1 percentage point from quarterly U.S. GDP, equivalent to roughly 7 billion U.S. dollars in losses, while Politico, citing a White House memo, reported that the weekly economic hit could reach 15 billion dollars, potentially resulting in 43,000 additional job losses if the shutdown persists.

    The Senate is due to reconvene on Tuesday and vote again on a House-passed funding measure. But it has already fallen short of the 60-vote threshold seven times. Senate Republicans have tried to win Democratic support, yet largely failed.

    The political stalemate centers on disputes over health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act — Democrats insist they must be preserved, while Republicans demand the government be reopened first.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Monday that he would not negotiate with Democratic lawmakers until they dropped policy demands on healthcare.

    Accusing Democrats of “hostage-taking” with their posture in the government shutdown, Vice President JD Vance on Sunday said, “We don’t negotiate with a person who has taken the entire federal government hostage over a health care policy dispute.”

    Public sentiment is fracturing on the deadlock. A poll led by Reuters and Ipsos last week showed that 67 percent of Americans place significant blame on Republicans, compared with 63 percent on Democrats.

    As the impasse between the Democrats and Republicans drags on with no end in sight, the Trump administration has activated large-scale layoffs across federal agencies, including Commerce, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services and Treasury.

    According to USA Today, nearly 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed and ordered not to report to work. Others, including military personnel and air traffic controllers, are required to continue working without pay until a budget deal is reached.

    The U.S. government has experienced 15 shutdowns since 1980. Triggered by Democrats’ opposition to Trump’s proposed funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, the previous 35-day shutdown from 2018 to 2019, the longest in U.S. history, forced some 800,000 federal employees to work without pay or take unpaid leave.

    “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” warned Johnson, who leads Republican lawmakers, as the current standoff shows little sign of resolution.

    As the U.S. federal government shutdown stretches into its third week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the closure is already beginning to weigh on the real economy.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/u-s-gov-t-shutdown-enters-third-week-as-treasury-warns-of-economic-toll

  • Rwanda launches AI-powered apps to boost healthcare access #rwanda #RwOT

    The apps were unveiled on October 13 during the Africa HealthTech Summit at Kigali Convention Centre.

    e-Buzima is a digital health platform designed to digitise medical records and synchronise patient information across all public health facilities. The system allows doctors and patients to access medical records in real time, reducing waiting times and improving treatment accuracy. It also eliminates the need for patients to repeat their medical histories when referred from one facility to another.

    e-Banguka, on the other hand, focuses on emergency medical response, enabling real-time ambulance tracking and identifying the nearest available ambulance to a patient. Together, the two apps create a connected network linking community health workers, health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, and patients, streamlining information flow and care coordination.

    'These applications will help citizens access health services more quickly while ensuring seamless information sharing,' said Dr. Yvan Butera, Minister of State for Health.

    He added that the platforms also allow patients to consult doctors remotely, providing professional guidance over the phone.

    The digital systems are expected to reduce patient costs by eliminating repetitive paperwork and supporting evidence-based planning at the Ministry of Health.

    According to the ministry, the apps are locally developed and comply with national data protection and cybersecurity regulations, ensuring that all patient information is stored and managed securely within Rwanda.

    Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, praised the initiative as a model of partnership-driven innovation, highlighting collaboration between government, UN agencies, private sector actors, and local tech developers. The platforms are interoperable, cost-effective, and tailored to Rwanda’s context while adhering to ethical standards in handling patient data.

    By leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools, Rwanda is taking significant steps toward modernising its healthcare system, improving service delivery, and expanding access to quality care for all citizens.

    e-Buzima is a digital health platform designed to digitise medical records and synchronise patient information across all public health facilities.

    The apps were unveiled on October 13 during the Africa HealthTech Summit at Kigali Convention Centre.

    Dr. Yvan Butera, Minister of State for Health, explained that the applications will help citizens access health services more quickly while ensuring seamless information sharing.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-launches-ai-powered-apps-to-boost-healthcare-access

  • After two years of war, is peace in Gaza finally here? Israel’s ambassador to Rwanda speaks out (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

    Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But as headlines proclaim 'the war is over,' questions linger about its durability.

    The violence has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian and 2,000 Israeli lives, reduced cities to rubble.

    In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Israel’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, offered a candid perspective on the ceasefire, Israel’s stance on accountability, the emotional toll of the conflict, and the fragile hope for peace.

    Speaking from Kigali, where she began her diplomatic mission just 50 days before the war erupted, Weiss reflected on the human and strategic dimensions of a conflict that has reshaped Israel and its global relationships.

    A personal and national trauma

    The war’s onset was deeply personal for Weiss. 'When October 7 happened, it was deeply traumatic,' she said, recalling the chaos as 1,500 Israelis were killed, hostages were taken, and missiles rained across the country. Her husband, Aviad, driven by what she describes as Israel’s 'deep patriotism,' volunteered as a reservist, serving multiple tours in the Southern Command until recently.

    'My parents and family were in shelters,' Weiss added. 'As a human being, it was challenging to start a new diplomatic mission amidst such uncertainty.'

    She highlighted the resilience shown by many Israelis, noting that around 500,000 people, over 5% of the population, gathered in Hostages Square to mark the recent peace agreement.

    'If terror is abandoned and its sponsors held accountable, a positive future is possible,' she said.

    A historic ceasefire

    The Trump-brokered deal, finalised in October 2025, marks a turning point. Weiss described Monday, October 13, 2025, the day the hostages were released, as 'the most optimistic day we’ve experienced in the last two years,' with all 20 known hostages released from Gaza, either after crossing the border or while in Red Cross custody.

    'They are on their way back to their families,' she said, though their physical and emotional conditions remain unclear.

    Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

    Unlike previous ceasefires, which failed to hold, Weiss said the latest agreement is bolstered by its concise 20-point framework and 'strong American safeguards.'

    She credits the timing with Hamas “weakened” after two years of Israeli operations targeting its leadership, and President Trump’s personal pressure on all parties. The plan aims to demilitarize Hamas, dismantle its 600 kilometers of tunnels, and create a safe zone for Israel’s security.

    'This is the first time Hamas agreed to these terms,' Weiss noted.

    Accountability in the wake of heightened criticism

    The war’s toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children, according to human rights organisations, has fueled accusations of genocide and the use of disproportionate force by Israel.

    The war’s toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children.

    Weiss denied accusations of genocide and excessive force as 'false,' framing the conflict as an 'asymmetric war' against a terror organization. She accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, operating from hospitals and homes, and blocking evacuations to provoke global condemnation.

    'Israel has done more than most armies to minimize harm,' she stated, pointing to warnings via pamphlets and instances where soldiers’ lives were risked to avoid civilian casualties.

    However, critics argue that Israel’s extensive airstrikes and ground operations in densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 reported deaths, raise serious questions about proportionality and the effectiveness of these measures, especially given Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities.

    Weiss dismissed calls for independent investigations into Israel’s actions, arguing that equating a state with a terror group like Hamas, which she says 'openly disregards international law,' is misguided. She defended Israel’s judicial system as 'robust' and capable of meeting international standards for self-investigation.

    'We investigate thoroughly, even during the war,' she said, acknowledging mistakes but stressing efforts to learn from them.

    However, critics contend that Israel’s internal probes may lack impartiality, given the scale of destruction in Gaza and allegations of war crimes, raising doubts about whether self-investigation can adequately address international concerns over accountability.

    Rebuilding Gaza and Israel’s role

    The peace plan prioritizes Gaza’s reconstruction, redirecting funds to health, infrastructure, and economic growth. Weiss notes Israel provided aid throughout the war, though much was looted by Hamas. The agreement aims to ensure aid reaches civilians.

    Before October 7, 2023, Gaza saw economic growth through Israeli work permits, she says, yet critics argue Israel’s blockade and restrictions stifled Gaza’s potential long before the war.

    The plan’s transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas’ rule. An International Stability Force will work with the IDF to ensure demilitarization, but Weiss emphasizes Hamas must cease as a terror entity.

    The plan’s transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas’ rule.

    Palestinian statehood and global perceptions

    On the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood, Weiss reiterated Israel’s conditions: the Palestinian Authority must stop encouraging terrorism, including compensating families of attackers and promoting anti-Israel material in schools. Only then, she said, can a U.S.-led dialogue proceed, as outlined in the agreement’s final points. Critics argue that Israel’s conditions delay negotiations, maintaining the status quo.

    Global opinion, especially among African youth, remains polarised, with many viewing Israel’s actions in Gaza as disproportionate due to the high civilian toll and widespread destruction. Ambassador Weiss attributed these perceptions to misinformation on social media, often driven by anti-Israel agendas. She urged audiences to look beyond the conflict, emphasising that Israel offers significant contributions in areas like agriculture and technology.

    While some African nations criticised Israel, she added, others strengthened their support, visiting Israel and its border areas.

    'Criticism often reflects specific agendas,' Weiss said, 'but Africa remains a key friend. Israel has increased its focus on Africa, with frequent high-level visits reflecting mutual interests and support, including at the UN.'

    The ambassador also dismissed concerns that the conflict could escalate to involve Hezbollah or Iran, pointing instead to a de-escalating trend and urging critics to focus on Iran’s role in militarizing the region.

    'The situation is de-escalating, not escalating. Hezbollah is weakened, and Iran’s influence is being countered. The focus now is on stabilization and rebuilding,' she said.

    Even as Trump declared the war over on Monday, Weiss struck a cautious tone. 'The war is officially over, with Israel withdrawing as agreed,' she noted, 'but Hamas must fulfill its obligations, including surrendering weapons and addressing the tunnels.'

    Watch the full interview below:

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/after-two-years-of-war-is-peace-in-gaza-finally-here-israel-s-ambassador-to

  • Customer Service Week: COPEDU Plc reaffirms commitment to excellence #rwanda #RwOT

    This commitment was reiterated on October 10, 2025, when management visited clients at various COPEDU Plc branches, including the Remera branch, which was acknowledged for its exceptional service delivery.

    Customers shared their satisfaction with the event and appreciated the company’s thoughtful gesture.

    COPEDU Plc’s CEO, Raïssa Muyango, emphasized that providing excellent service is the responsibility of every employee. Muyango particularly thanked the clients who engage with the institution daily.

    'I want to reaffirm that providing top-notch service is our duty as COPEDU Plc employees, and we thank you for daily cooperation because no financial institution can exist or function without clients,' she said.

    She went on to highlight some of COPEDU Plc’s services, including 'E-kash,' which enables clients to send and receive money across different banks, and the 'Umurabyo uratinda' loan, which allows customers to receive their requested loans within three days.

    One of the standout customers at the Remera branch, Yvonne Murebwayire, shared with IGIHE that the ten years she has spent working with COPEDU Plc has significantly contributed to her sustainable development.

    'I thank COPEDU Plc because over the past ten years, they have helped me grow through loans, making repayment easier and allowing my business to thrive,' she said.

    Devota Umuhoza Nyiraruhango, who has also been with the bank for ten years, explained that after her husband passed away, COPEDU Plc helped her resolve financial challenges.

    'I had taken a loan elsewhere with my husband, but after his death, repaying it became impossible. COPEDU Plc stepped in and gave me a loan, enabling me to settle the debt,' she said.

    The Manager of the Remera Branch, Théodette Uwineza, expressed her gratitude for the award the branch received for providing exceptional service.

    'We are thrilled that the management recognized and motivated us to continue performing well,' she said.

    Additionally, the company has introduced a new offering in collaboration with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), where clients earning at least Frw 1,200,000 per month can access a housing loan of up to Frw 40 million with an interest rate of just 11%.

    Those earning Frw 1,500,000 monthly can access loans of up to 60 million RWF, with a 15% interest rate.

    For the past 28 years, COPEDU Plc has focused on empowering women, offering various programs to help them take on entrepreneurial ventures that generate profit.

    The Remera branch of COPEDU Plc received recognition for its outstanding service during Customer Service Week.

    CEO Raïssa Muyango highlights the importance of providing top-notch service, emphasizing that it is the duty of every COPEDU Plc employee.

    COPEDU Plc’s CEO, Raïssa Muyango, thanked clients for their daily cooperation and trust in the institution.

    Clients expressed their satisfaction with COPEDU Plc’s exceptional customer service during the week-long celebration.

    COPEDU Plc’s management visited clients during Customer Service Week and reaffirmed their commitment to excellence in service delivery.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/customer-service-week-copedu-plc-reaffirms-commitment-to-excellence

  • Dr. Habineza and Nkubana elected senators #rwanda #RwOT

    Once confirmed by the Supreme Court, Dr. Habineza and Nkubana will replace Senator Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, whose terms will end on October 22, 2025.

    Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda. In August 2009, he officially entered politics by founding the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (GDPR), a party focused on democracy and environmental protection.

    In 2017, Dr. Habineza ran for president, but was unsuccessful. The following year, he started serving a single term as a member of parliament, which ended in 2024.

    In the same year, he once again ran for president but did not win. Since last year, he has dedicated more attention to the activities of the GDPR, where he serves as the party president.

    Meanwhile, Nkubana is the president of the Social Democratic Party (PSP) and has also served as the spokesperson for the Forum during a six-month mandate from September 2024 to March 2025.

    PSP is a party focused on solidarity and development, promoting policies based on social unity, justice, and sustainable development for building an inclusive country.

    In both 2017 and 2024, PSP allied with other parties to support Paul Kagame of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) in his presidential campaign.

    Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda.

    Nkubana is the president of the Social Democratic Party.

    The two individuals, Dr. Habineza and Nkubana are expected to replace Senator Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, whose terms will end on October 22, 2025.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/dr-habineza-and-nkubana-elected-senators