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The IOC confirmed South Africa's participation in the process, alongside Hungary, India, Qatar and Türkiye, which have never hosted the Summer Olympics, as well as Germany and South Korea, which have hosted the Games before.

If successful, South Africa would become the first African country to host the Summer Olympics.

The seven countries are in an 'ongoing dialogue' with the IOC and have until October 31 to formally confirm their interest and submit the required documents.

They are expected to present their proposals virtually to the IOC's Future Host Commission for the Olympic Games in November.

The IOC will assess the bids through March 2027 before the National Olympic Committees involved enter a more detailed dialogue with the organisation.

South Africa proposes three-city Games

South Africa's proposal is centred on three major cities: Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

The bid will draw on the country's existing sports infrastructure and experience hosting major international events.

Durban was selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games but withdrew in 2017.

South Africa also hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the tournament to be held in Africa.

The country is expected to use that experience to demonstrate its capacity to accommodate the thousands of athletes, fans, journalists and officials who would attend the Olympics.

India and Qatar seek first Olympics

India's bid is being led by Ahmedabad, which is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has also expressed interest in hosting the 2038 Asian Games.

Ahmedabad has hosted four of the last five Indian Premier League cricket finals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a capacity of about 132,000 spectators.

Budapest and Doha are the leading cities in the bids from Hungary and Qatar respectively.

Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Doha serving as the main hub for the tournament. Budapest hosted the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Türkiye's bid is centred on Istanbul, which previously sought to host the 2000, 2008 and 2020 Olympics but was unsuccessful.

Istanbul is also due to host the 2027 European Games.

Germany and South Korea have Olympic experience

Germany has hosted the Olympics twice, in Berlin in 1936 and Munich in 1972.

Munich is seeking to host the Games again in 2036, 64 years after it last staged the Olympics.

South Korea is also seeking a return to the Olympic calendar. Seoul, which hosted the 1988 Olympics, is part of a joint bid with North Jeolla Province.

The IOC said other National Olympic Committees are also in discussions about hosting Olympic Games after 2036, although such discussions do not automatically lead to a formal bid.

In May, the British government said it was in discussions on how it could support potential bids to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s.

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics, followed by Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/south-africa-seeks-to-bring-the-first-olympics-to-africa/

In Kigali, the options go far beyond the usual landmarks. A good day out can take you from the buzz of a local market to the quiet of a nature reserve, from an afternoon of adventure to a walk through a restored wetland, and finally to a table filled with food.

If you want your visiting friend to experience different sides of Kigali, not just see it, these five stops make a good place to begin.

Kimironko Market

Start with Kimironko Market, where Kigali's everyday rhythm is on full display. The market is filled with fabrics, clothing, fresh produce and other local products, but its real appeal is the experience of moving through a busy space where traders and shoppers interact throughout the day. It is Kigali at its most ordinary, and that is exactly what a visitor needs to see and experience the authentic Rwandan culture.

Umusambi Village

Then swap the bustle for birdsong at Umusambi Village, near Kabuga on the eastern outskirts of Kigali. The nature reserve offers a quieter experience, with walking trails, birdlife and a focus on conservation.

It is a chance to step away from the city's urban side and spend time surrounded by nature without leaving Kigali. It's a place where peace and quietness find each other. This is where you relax after having a long day or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Fazenda Sengha

For a friend who wants more than sightseeing, Fazenda Sengha brings adventure into the Kigali itinerary. Set on Mount Kigali, it offers outdoor activities such as horse riding, giving visitors a chance to get active while enjoying the open air and surrounding scenery.

The relaxed setting makes it a good spot to spend an afternoon away from the city's busy streets. Whether your friend is trying horse riding for the first time or simply looking for something different to do, Fazenda Sengha offers an experience that combines fun, adventure and time outdoors.

Rather than simply taking photos and moving on, it gives friends something to experience together and perhaps a new memory to take home.

Nyandungu Eco-Park

When it is time to slow down again, Nyandungu Eco-Park offers a chance to slow down. The restored wetland is a peaceful green space where visitors can walk, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings without having to leave Kigali.

With its walking paths, greenery and open spaces, it is a good place for a relaxed afternoon with a friend, whether you want to take a stroll, have a conversation or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the city's busy pace.

For a visitor, Nyandungu also offers a glimpse of Kigali's commitment to preserving nature while creating spaces where people can enjoy the outdoors.

Biryogo

And, naturally, no day of showing someone around Kigali should end without food. Biryogo in Nyamirambo brings the social side of the city into focus, giving you somewhere to eat, talk and unwind after a day of exploring.

Some of the popular delicacies at this food joint include brochettes (perfectly grilled skewered goat or beef), pilau served with tender meats, and the neighborhood's famous 'special tea'—a comforting, heavily spiced ginger brew served in large teapots.

Visitors can also feast on huge, shared platters of grilled tilapia, soft layers of chapati, and even Middle Eastern street food like savoury shawarma, all while soaking in the high-energy, community atmosphere of Nyamirambo.

Sometimes, the meal you share at the end of the day becomes the part your friend remembers most.

That is the beauty of experiencing Kigali this way; each stop tells a different story. One puts you in the middle of everyday life, another brings you closer to nature, one gets your adrenaline going, another gives you room to slow down, and the last lets you experience the city through food. You don't have to show your friend all of Kigali. Just show them five sides of it.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/5-ways-to-experience-kigali-beyond-sightseeing/

The approach could one day lead to treatments that target harmful bacteria while preserving the beneficial microorganisms that are important for maintaining a healthy mouth, according to research highlighted by ScienceDaily.

The human mouth contains roughly 700 species of bacteria. Although some are associated with disease, many others are part of a healthy oral microbiome.

Researchers say that eliminating bacteria indiscriminately can therefore have unwanted effects.

Instead, the scientists investigated whether changing the way bacteria communicate could influence which microorganisms become dominant in dental plaque.

Bacteria can communicate through a process known as quorum sensing, in which they release chemical signals that help them detect nearby bacteria and coordinate their behaviour.

Some bacteria in the mouth use molecules called N-acyl homoserine lactones, or AHLs, for this communication.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota examined how these signals influence the development of dental plaque and whether disrupting them could shift the bacterial community toward one associated with better oral health.

They found that AHL signals produced by bacteria in oxygen-rich areas above the gumline could also affect bacteria living in oxygen-poor environments below the gumline.

The team then used enzymes called lactonases to break down the AHL signals and interfere with bacterial communication.

When the researchers blocked the signals under certain oxygen-rich conditions, the microbial community shifted toward bacteria associated with better oral health.

In contrast, adding AHL signals under oxygen-poor conditions encouraged the growth of later-colonizing bacteria linked to periodontal disease.

Mikael Elias, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota and senior author of the research, compared the development of dental plaque to the growth of a forest ecosystem.

Early bacterial communities include species such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces, which are generally associated with good oral health.

As the plaque community becomes more complex, it can include bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is strongly associated with periodontal disease.

The researchers say the findings suggest that bacterial communication could potentially be manipulated to keep dental plaque in a healthier state instead of attempting to eliminate the entire microbial community.

However, the approach is still at the research stage. Scientists say more work is needed to understand how these communication systems vary throughout the mouth and among people with different stages of periodontal disease.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and was published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/scientists-find-a-new-way-to-fight-gum-disease-without-killing-good-bacteria/

Murangwa made the remarks on Tuesday, October 6, during a briefing with journalists following Rwanda's agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the first review of its Extended Credit Facility programme.

'The project is on track,' Murangwa said, adding that the IMF team had visited the airport site during its recent mission.

Construction is expected to accelerate significantly over the 2026/27 financial year. According to performance targets set by the Ministry of Infrastructure, works were at 14.48% completion at the beginning of the financial year, with the target rising to 75.4% by June 2027.

Authorities had earlier announced plans to increase the pace of construction by introducing two daily shifts and extending works into the night to meet the target.

The company is also preparing for the airport's eventual operations, including building the capacity of personnel who will work at the facility and coordinating institutions that will be involved in its operations.

The airport is being developed with a 4,200-metre runway and, in its first phase, is designed to handle up to seven million passengers a year and 150,000 tonnes of cargo.

A second phase planned for completion in 2032 would increase annual passenger-handling capacity to 14 million.

The airport is being developed as a major expansion of Rwanda's aviation infrastructure and is expected to increase the country's capacity to handle passenger and cargo traffic as the government seeks to strengthen its position as a regional transport and business hub.

The project is estimated to cost around $2 billion, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake in the airport project.

Construction of the airport is also being accompanied by work on the road connecting the facility to the wider road network. The access road is expected to reach 50% completion during the 2026/27 financial year, with more than Rwf3.26 billion allocated for the year.

The funding will support activities including compensation payments, construction works and studies for a proposed toll collection system.

Murangwa said the airport would be among the investments expected to generate economic returns that can help Rwanda service the borrowing used to finance development.

He said Rwanda's approach to borrowing is based on investing in projects and sectors that can make the economy more productive and generate sufficient resources to meet future debt obligations.

'For semi-concessional borrowing, we build the facility, it becomes productive, and the revenues generated exceed the cost of servicing the loan,' Murangwa said.

He added that the government would not rely primarily on higher taxes to repay its loans, but on a more productive economy capable of generating the resources required when repayment begins.

The IMF has recommended stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and more careful prioritisation of foreign-financed capital expenditure as part of efforts to preserve Rwanda's fiscal sustainability. It also called for continued fiscal consolidation while protecting social and other priority spending.

Murangwa stressed that fiscal consolidation would not mean halting major development projects, but rather calibrating the pace of investment according to available resources and expected returns.

'It is a matter of calibration, not a stop,' he said when asked whether Rwanda could slow down projects because of tighter external financing.

Rwanda and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on the first review of the country's Extended Credit Facility programme after the government met all measurable programme targets for the end of June 2026.

Following approval by the IMF Executive Board, expected in December, Rwanda will have access to about $35.7 million under the programme.

Rwanda's economy grew by 9.7% in the first half of 2026, while inflation remained elevated at 15.7% in August.

The IMF projects Rwanda's economy to grow by 7.8% in 2026 and 7.2% in 2027 in real terms.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandas-new-airport-on-track-for-2027-28-completion-finance-minister-says/

On the first day of the trade fair running through October 6 to 8, the women held meetings with prospective buyers while also reconnecting with existing business partners from Europe and other markets.

At the RwandaFresh stand, the delegation showcased their products and used the platform to establish new commercial connections and explore opportunities to expand their exports.

The delegation also received Christine Nkulikiyinka, Ambassador of Rwanda to Spain, who met with the women representing Rwanda and held discussions with representatives of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the SheTrades Rwanda Hub, hosted by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) – Specialized Cluster.

The participation of the Rwandan women is part of the Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment (VIBE) Programme, co-implemented by ITC and TradeMark Africa in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

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Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandan-women-explore-new-business-opportunities-at-fruit-attraction-in-madrid/

Chanté, 38, announced on October 6 that she is expecting her first child.

The Canadian singer and former 106 & Park host shared black-and-white photos showing her baby bump and said she was grateful and excited to become a mother.

She revealed that she is seven months pregnant with a baby boy but did not publicly identify the child's father.

In an interview with Hello! Canada, Chanté described the father of her baby as 'brilliant and super creative,' adding that she hopes their son will inherit his personality and style.

She also revealed that becoming parents was initially her partner's idea.

'He said he was ready,' she said, explaining that he took the initiative in starting their journey toward parenthood.

Chanté also joked about her unborn son's future in music in her pregnancy announcement, saying that his father already had a studio prepared for him and joking that his album could arrive in summer 2027.

The comments, combined with Chanté's decision not to reveal the father's identity, quickly fueled speculation online that Drake could be the father.

The speculation was also linked to the pair's history. Drake and Chanté dated when they were younger and have remained connected over the years.

In 2022, Drake publicly referred to Chanté as his 'first girlfriend' while introducing her during an OVO-related performance.

He also described her as a 'real legend' and someone he loves deeply.

However, Drake's representative has now firmly rejected the claims.

'It's false,' the spokesperson told PEOPLE, putting an end to speculation that the rapper is expecting a second child with Chanté.

Drake, 39, is already a father to one child, eight-year-old Adonis Graham, whom he shares with French artist Sophie Brussaux.

The rapper publicly acknowledged his son in his 2018 song 'March 14,' following earlier speculation about his paternity.

For now, Chanté has kept the identity of her baby's father private while preparing to welcome her first child.

Her pregnancy announcement has received congratulatory messages from friends and fellow entertainers, including former 106 & Park colleague Rocsi Diaz.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/drake-pushes-back-against-rumors-he-fathered-keshia-chantes-baby/

A team led by researchers at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, together with scientists from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and several universities, has captured key stages of a reaction known as proton-coupled electron transfer, or PCET.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, provide a more detailed picture of how electrons and protons move during chemical reactions and how the surrounding water molecules respond at the same time.

PCET is important in several natural processes. Plants rely on related reactions during photosynthesis to capture energy from sunlight and convert it into stored chemical energy.

Similar processes also contribute to biological energy conversion and chemical catalysis.

The researchers found that changes within a molecule's electronic structure occur alongside changes in the surrounding water environment as the molecule gains a proton.

Observing these events has been difficult because electrons and protons move extremely quickly, while nearby water molecules are constantly shifting.

Previous experiments could examine individual parts of the process, but scientists had not been able to obtain such a detailed combined view of the molecular and surrounding structural changes.

To investigate the reaction, the researchers used a well-studied ruthenium-based molecule that absorbs light and, under acidic conditions, captures a proton from its surroundings.

They then combined ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy with time-resolved X-ray scattering.

The techniques allowed them to examine changes in the molecule and the rearrangement of atoms in the surrounding solvent. Advanced computer simulations were also used to interpret the complex measurements.

The experiment did not directly detect the proton itself. Instead, researchers observed changes in the molecule's electronic structure and the surrounding water network and used theoretical calculations to understand how those changes were connected.

Elisa Biasin, an experimental chemical physicist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, said the work provides a new way to understand how molecules and their surrounding environments change together during chemical reactions.

The researchers believe the technique could eventually help scientists better understand and control chemical processes involved in energy conversion.

A clearer understanding of these reactions could contribute to the development of more efficient catalysts, fuel cells and flow batteries, as well as other technologies designed to convert or store energy.

The researchers describe the work as an important step toward studying more complicated proton-coupled electron transfer reactions and understanding how electrons, protons and their environments interact on extremely short timescales.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/scientists-capture-how-nature-transfers-energy-so-efficiently/

FRVB President Raphaël Ngarambe attended the CAVB Ordinary Congress held in Sal, Cabo Verde, on October 4, 2026, where the federation received the award.

Rwanda was commended for successfully hosting the CAVB Africa Men's Club Championship, which brought together some of the continent's top men's volleyball clubs from April 20 to May 3, 2026.

CAVB also highlighted the contribution of President Paul Kagame, who supported the tournament and attended matches held at BK Arena and Petit Stade in Kigali.

Rwanda, a CAVB partner, was further recognised for facilitating visa access for African players and officials attending international competitions hosted in the country.

Egypt's Al Ahly SC won the African Men's Club Championship after defeating Rwanda's Police VC 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22) in the final.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-receives-award-for-outstanding-contribution-to-volleyball-development/

The office began operations on October 1, 2026, as part of the company's efforts to expand its operations in Africa, with a particular focus on landlocked countries.

Jesper Kanstrup, Hapag-Lloyd's Managing Director Sub-Region Africa, said strengthening the company's presence in Rwanda and Burundi was an important step in its expansion across the continent.

'Africa is a highly diverse continent, and serving our customers successfully requires a strong understanding of the individual markets in which they operate. By strengthening our presence, we combine local industry knowledge and customer proximity with the reach of Hapag-Lloyd's global network,' he said.

Hapag-Lloyd is a global container shipping company operating in 140 countries.

Importers in Rwanda and Burundi primarily use the Port of Dar es Salaam, from where goods are transported to the two countries. Previously, customers requiring Hapag-Lloyd's services in Rwanda had to rely on the company's offices in neighbouring countries such as Kenya or Uganda.

The company said the new Kigali office is expected to improve customer support, facilitate trade and speed up services related to the import and export of goods.

Hapag-Lloyd operates a fleet of around 300 modern container ships and has approximately 15,200 employees in its liner shipping business. It also has about 400 offices across 140 countries.

The company offers 129 liner shipping services connecting around 600 ports across all continents.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/german-shipping-company-hapag-lloyd-opens-office-in-rwanda/

The agreements were inked during the 10th Session of the Kenya–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), held in Nairobi from October 5 to 6, 2026.

According to the joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the agreements are intended to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries and provide a framework for increased cooperation across several sectors.

The newly signed instruments include an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and an Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations.

The two countries also signed MoUs covering immigration matters, housing and urban development, diaspora management, water resources management and irrigation, and local governance.

Other agreements provide for cooperation between the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Kenya National Police Service, as well as collaboration in culture and heritage and conservation.

The development comes as Kenya and Rwanda seek to translate their political relations into stronger practical cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and regional integration.

The communiqué also noted that the two countries discussed ways to address barriers to trade, facilitate the movement of goods and services and strengthen business-to-business links where the Northern Corridor and the Port of Mombasa remain central to the economic relationship, with Rwanda continuing to use the port for its imports.

The two sides also highlighted initiatives including the Kenya Ports Authority Liaison Office in Kigali, land allocated to Rwanda at Miritini and Naivasha, and direct RwandAir flights between Kigali and Mombasa.

These discussions formed part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation beyond trade and infrastructure, with Kenya and Rwanda also reaffirming their commitment to working together on peace and security, particularly in the Great Lakes Region.

The two countries also pledged to strengthen coordination through regional and continental bodies, including the East African Community (EAC), African Union (AU), COMESA and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

At the conclusion of the session, Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, commended the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the JPCC.

Rwanda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Kenya for the warm reception and hospitality extended to her delegation during their stay.

The 10th JPCC follows the previous session held in Kigali in 2023, which resulted in the signing of 10 memoranda of understanding in various areas of cooperation.

The two countries agreed that the 11th Session of the Kenya–Rwanda JPCC will be held in Rwanda in 2028, with the exact dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/kenya-rwanda-deepen-cooperation-with-11-new-agreements/