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In Rwanda, agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing 25% to the country’s GDP in the first quarter of the year.

By the second quarter, the sector employed nearly 40% of the working population.

However, this promising economic impact has not been enough to attract the younger generation, especially in African countries where youth form the majority and hold the potential to boost productivity.

With more than 60% of the African population under 35, the continent’s youth represent a significant demographic force. Yet many view agriculture as an unattractive option with limited prospects for upward mobility.

According to Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) – an organization dedicated to enhancing food security, the perception that agriculture offers little room for economic advancement discourages young people from considering it as a viable career.

He points out that young Africans often see farmers enduring tough working conditions—spending long hours in the sun, earning meager profits, and leading lives of relative poverty.

This image does little to inspire the youth, many of whom seek better prospects in urban centers. The challenges and lack of substantial investment in the agricultural sector reinforce the belief that farming cannot provide a path to success.

Oluoch emphasizes that insufficient government support and the absence of technological advancement further contribute to the youth’s reluctance to engage in agriculture. Instead, many choose to migrate to cities, believing they will find better opportunities there.

The solution, according to Oluoch, lies in integrating modern innovations and youth-oriented programs into the agricultural sector. SAA has already begun implementing projects aimed at offering young people quicker financial returns through ventures such as flower and vegetable farming.

These projects are designed to appeal to youth by providing immediate profits, making agriculture more attractive as a career option.

Beyond profit-driven farming, the SAA is working to incorporate technology into agriculture. This includes equipping young people with tools that allow them to offer services to farmers, such as providing essential information, facilitating the procurement of agricultural inputs, and connecting farmers with markets.

Moreover, the SAA helps young people access machinery for agricultural tasks like shelling and milling crops, allowing them to create job opportunities within rural areas and reducing the need to migrate to cities for work.

Rwanda’s government has also recognized the importance of encouraging youth involvement in agriculture.

In 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, highlighted the aging farmer population and the need for fresh energy in the sector.

Despite efforts, the 2022 national census showed that only 14% of those engaged in agriculture were aged between 16 and 30.

However, the establishment of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) offers hope. This institution has begun producing graduates, many of whom are young, who are expected to bring new energy and skills to the agricultural sector.

On a broader scale, Dr. Oluoch also pointed to financial barriers hindering youth engagement in agriculture. He noted that African governments’ increasing reliance on domestic banks for funds, particularly through the sale of treasury bonds, limits banks’ capacity to invest in agriculture.

While such bonds are a safe and profitable investment for banks, they divert resources away from high-risk sectors like farming.

Oluoch stresses that governments must encourage commercial banks to focus on solutions that address the continent’s economic challenges, with agriculture being a top priority.

Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA).

Dr. Mel Oluoch was among the participants at the 2024 Agriculture and Food Systems (AFS) Forum held in Rwanda.

IGIHE

WIFR was founded to unite institutions that collaborate to empower women in finance through various training programs.

During a ceremony welcoming the institution into WIFR on September 24, 2024; Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels and strive for a future that benefits everyone.

“We will continue to provide equal opportunities and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender or appearance,” she stated.

Founded in 2006, Umwalimu SACCO was licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to operate as a financial institution in Rwanda on February 22, 2008. Today, it has over 120,000 members and more than 30 branches across the country.

Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that it would contribute to accelerating Rwanda’s ambition to become a financial services hub in Africa.

“We are delighted to welcome Umwalimu SACCO, which plays a crucial role in the education sector by making financial services more accessible to our teachers,” she said.

As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

These training programs align with the government’s agenda, championed by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), to position Rwanda as a leading investment hub in Africa.

One of the scholarship recipients, Clarisse Niwebasa, shared her excitement: “This scholarship is a game-changer for both my personal and professional life, and for the organization I work for. Opportunities like this must be embraced.”

Clemence Suku, from Umwalimu SACCO’s Rubavu branch, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The knowledge I am about to acquire will benefit not just me, but also the institution I work for and the country. I am proud as a woman, because, in the past, women were often left behind. Today, we are part of the progress. I won’t take this opportunity for granted.”

Another scholarship recipient, Chantal Niyibikora from the Nyamagabe branch, emphasized how this scholarship will enhance her financial expertise, improve her skills, and help her deliver better services.

WIFR was founded to address the need for women in finance to have a platform where they can collaborate, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements.

Since its inception in 2023, over 50 women from banks and microfinance institutions have been awarded scholarships to study at CISI.

One of the scholarship recipients, Niwebasa Clarisse.

Chantal Niyibikora from Nyamagabe branch emphasized how received scholarship will enhance her financial expertise.

Suku Clemance is among scholarship recipients.

Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels.

Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership.

The Savings and Credit Cooperative, Umwalimu SACCO, has officially joined Women in Finance Rwanda.

As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

IGIHE

On 25th September 2024, Mbidde Co Advocates, acting on behalf of the legislator sent a formal letter addressed to the Ambassador of Zambia explain the legal steps that may be taken if the matter is not resolved quickly.

The letter states that an individual known as “Chief Mohammad” in Zambia has been using Dr. Mbidde’s image to promote himself as a traditional healer. This unauthorized use is not only misleading but also harmful to Dr. Mbidde’s reputation as a respected lawyer and former member of Parliament representing Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly.

Dr. Mbidde is well-known for his expertise in regional integration and has built a distinguished career in law. The misuse of his likeness by “Chief Mohammad” threatens his professional integrity and public standing.

Mbidde Co Advocates claims that this situation amounts to defamation and the unauthorised appropriation of Dr. Mbidde’s likeness, which is protected under laws related to defamation and intellectual property rights.

Mbidde Co Advocates demands that the Zambian High Commission take immediate action to investigate this matter and stop the unauthorised use of Dr. Mbidde’s image. They are also seeking compensation of USD 1,000,000 for damage to Dr. Mbidde’s reputation, along with legal fees amounting to USD 10,000.

The advocates have given a deadline of 30 days for this issue to be resolved; otherwise, they will take legal action against those involved in this unauthorized exploitation.

Mbidde Co Advocates hopes that a quick resolution can be reached without needing to go to court. The firm is awaiting a prompt response from the Zambian High Commission, highlighting the urgency of addressing this serious matter effectively and swiftly.

Hon Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde is a former Member of Parliament in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)

Sam K Nkurunziza

Leveraging pilot applications of intelligent transport, China is putting autonomous driving technologies into trial use on a larger scale, focusing on typical freight transport scenarios including road freight, delivery, intra-park transport and port freight services.

Statistics indicate that as of the end of 2023, around 1,000 autonomous driving trucks had been put into operation by over 100 entities joining pilot projects for intelligent transportation applications, and autonomous driving container trucks had been employed at some 20 ports.

On a morning, a red heavy-duty truck, about 16 meters long, was running steadily on the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway. After passing a toll gate in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, the driver Sun Yefu activated an intelligent pilot mode. Henceforward, all he needed to do was to sit on the driver’s seat and watch, as the truck would automatically drive, avoid obstacles or switch lanes according to actual traffic.

“The driver’s compartment of the heavy-duty truck is equipped with multiple types of sensors, including millimeter wave radars, laser radars and high-definition cameras. They serve as the ‘eyes’ of the truck that enable it to see traffic hundreds of meters ahead,” said Cui Dixiao, chief scientist of Smartxtruck, a developer of autonomous driving solutions headquartered in Suzhou.

According to Cui, the heavy-duty truck’s multi-sensing capabilities allow it to be resilient even in heavy rain and fog. It can detect traffic congestion in advance and adjust its speed accordingly, ensuring a steady drive while saving fuel.

Last year, in collaboration with Chinese automaker JAC Group, Smartxtruck tailored an intelligent heavy-duty truck model for the courier industry. So far, the model has been employed by logistics companies in the Yangtze River delta, Pearl River delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. No accident has been reported, and the model saves as much as 10 percent of fuel.

At the Nantong port in east China’s Jiangsu province, five autonomous driving container trucks were working in an orderly manner in an enclosed operation area. They drove to a designated spot along a planned route and docked with a gantry crane. Later, the crane lifted containers and put them on the trucks’ trailers.

It is the first fleet of autonomous driving container trucks in Jiangsu province. “In the past, it took a lot of time and energy for drivers to get this job done, but now, with the intelligent trucks, the error can be controlled within five centimeters,” said Jiang Haozhou, an employee at the port.

Jiang said that with technological advancements, the emergence of truly unmanned and intelligent transport equipment has become possible. Not only are they more flexible and intelligent, but they also do not require infrastructure modifications at the docks, which makes them suitable for over 95 percent of traditional docks across China. This upgrade in freight transportation methods will elevate the industry to a new level.

On an open road in the Wuxi New District Free Trade Zone, Jiangsu province, a modified autonomous logistics vehicle was carrying 10 tons of raw materials and components, on its way from a bonded warehouse of Jiangsu JD-Link International Logistics Co., Ltd. to a warehouse of a U.S.-funded enterprise in the free trade zone.

Safety inspector Xu Hongming told People’s Daily that guided by high-definition maps and an intelligent driving system, the vehicle could automatically start, accelerate, switch lanes, and park. Since the vehicle was put into use last September, there has been no chance that Xu needs to intervene in the truck’s operation.

After the vehicle entered its destination warehouse, it parked in front of a platform 1.3 meters above the ground. A self-driving forklift directly entered the cargo tank, unloaded the cargo, and moved it onto a conveyor belt. The automated conveyor belt then sorted the cargo and placed it on a shelf.

Qian Shaohua, head of an innovation research institute of Jiangsu JD-Link International Logistics Co., Ltd., told People’s Daily that the route in this scenario is simple and fixed, making it ideal for autonomous driving.

This technology enables 24/7 real-time response for precise deliveries, facilitating seamless integration and deep collaboration between the logistics and manufacturing industries. It enables small-batch, high-frequency, and customized flexible production, which is shaping the future of manufacturing as it continues to transform and upgrade, Qian added.

Unmanned trucks transport containers in an autonomous driving pilot zone of a container terminal in Zhoushan, east China’s Zhejiang province. (Photo by Zhang Lei/People’s Daily Online)

People’s Daily

Determination

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said that “Africa is not a continent of despair. She is full of great possibilities. She is required, however, to chart a new course of development. Our young population is filled with energy, creativity and ambition … The people of Africa are not asking for handouts — they are demanding opportunities in a new global architecture so they can have access to education, healthcare and jobs, to be able to build better lives for themselves, their families and their descendants.”

“It is impossible to address the challenges of today without speaking of the contradictions that exist within this global institution,” he noted. “African nations must take ownership of their security, and the African Union needs to strengthen itself to be able to respond swiftly to threats,” the president said.

Liberian President Joseph Boakai said that innate greed, insensitivity to the poor, the international drug epidemic, money laundering, dynamics of climate change and the impact of social media “must compel us to rethink our approach to global peace and security.”

“Our vulnerabilities are evident, and we need to use our collective knowledge to find solutions that will preserve the planet for future generations,” the president said.

“The threat of conflicts to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace,” he noted, adding that the member countries must support all the UN’s efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide. “Liberia is concerned about the escalating security challenges in the West African region, including terrorism and economic and political instability.”

With the recognition and the urgency for profound global transformation as the core of the Pact for the Future which was passed on Sunday at the Summit of the Future, the world body’s member states strive to rebuild trust in multilateralism with a legitimate demand to be recognized as equal partners, said President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba. Such partners mean those who can be trusted in the fight against war, poverty, global injustice and inequality.

The theme for this General Debate — “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations” — “aligns perfectly with our shared aspirations for effective international cooperation,” he noted.

“Namibia is working to develop a sustainable energy mix to support its ambitious industrialization agenda and to contribute to the world’s efforts to combat climate change.”

Achievements

As an ocean nation heavily dependent on marine resources, Cabo Verde in the ocean decade focuses on local and global actions to promote sustainable ocean management, said José Maria Pereira Neves, president of Cabo Verde, adding that “we have been focused on the importance of sustainable ocean management, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are very vulnerable to climate change, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.”

For three consecutive years, the country has hosted international ocean conferences to foster partnerships between governments, the private sector, scientists, and civil society to advance ocean science and create innovative solutions to ocean challenges. It is important to bring together key stakeholders in order to boost collaborative solutions for the oceans, help develop research capacities to study the impact of climate change and ocean acidification, and promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer to improve ocean monitoring and observation systems, he noted.

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has made significant progress in a very difficult world environment, and endeavored to garner support to replenish the Global Fund, said Umaro Sissoco Embaló, president of Guinea-Bissau. “We worked with the private sector to promote the production of drugs and nets to combat malaria,” said Embaló, also serving as ALMA President.

“We encouraged the transfer of technologies to African companies. We launched End Malaria Councils and Funds and supported youth movements against malaria,” he said.

Despite all the progress achieved, challenges persist. “Global warming and rains associated with climate change are expanding the geographic reach of mosquitos, thus exposing more than 170 million people to the threat of malaria in the African continent,” he noted.

The international community cannot hope to advance sustainable development when some race ahead while others are left to struggle. In other words, no one should be left behind, said Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan. “Words are nothing without deeds and we have to act urgently, in unity, to make the necessary transition to a more sustainable future.”

Except for combating climate change and military expenditure rise, “it is time to move beyond discussion and implement real reforms in the international financial system to address the preclusion of some vulnerable countries, regardless of income status, from opportunities to meet development needs,” he said. “The multilateral system remains our best hope for addressing the challenges we face.”

Wish and caution

Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UNGA, told the opening of the General Debate on Tuesday that “this will be a priority for my presidency. Africa is one of the priorities of the United Nations. We must support Africa.”

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 presents a bold and transformative vision for the continent. Africa currently has the youngest population in the world. And by 2063, one in four people will be African. The generation of resources for the wellbeing of these people has been much slower than the population growth.

“We must not let Africa’s potential to go unrealized. In fact, to truly unlock Africa’s vast potential, we must actively cultivate global partnerships that align with the continent’s aspirations and drive its success. In this endeavor, I look forward to working with all Member States of the United Nations this year on keeping Africa at the heart of our agenda,” he noted.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, sensitive to the global changes, warned to the assembly that “a powder keg risks engulfing the world,” while urging country leaders, including those from Africa, to come together to find solutions.

Remarking against a cascade of crises and conflicts, he said that “our world is in a whirlwind. We are edging towards the unimaginable … We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.” He drew comparisons between the Cold War and current conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, saying that they all lacked guardrails and red lines.

Calling the current state of the world “unsustainable,” Guterres said that “we can’t go on like this,” but he also expressed hope, telling world leaders that “the challenges we face are solvable.”

The only path forward requires action, like overhauling international institutions such as the Security Council and the World Bank to better reflect the realities and needs of today’s world, and for countries to come together and cooperate around a common purpose, he said. “It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway, to choose the future we want and guide our world toward it.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at the podium and on the screens) delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Xinhua

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, participants reviewed the progress made in previous efforts to combat illegal cross-border activities and other potential security threats.

They also discussed new strategies to address the security challenges faced by border communities engaged in legal cross-border trade. The discussion further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the RDF 5 Division and TPDF 202 Brigade to ensure a safe environment for cross-border business.

Brig Gen Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the TPDF 202 Brigade, highlighted the positive outcomes of these recurring security meetings, initiated under the guidance of both heads of state.

He stressed the need for a secure and conducive environment for the citizens of both countries to conduct business freely and recommended continued joint efforts to address any emerging security issues along the border.

Col Pascal Munyankindi, Acting Commander of RDF 5 Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to both Presidents, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, as well as the two armies leadership, for fostering an environment where military leaders could meet and discuss security issues at the tactical level.

He acknowledged the progress made since the last meeting held in Rwanda in May 2024, particularly in disrupting criminal activities along the border.

The meeting also included visits to key areas along the Rwanda-Tanzania border, particularly in Kyerwa and Karagwe districts.

Local residents involved in cross-border trade praised the collaboration between the two countries’ security forces. Fokasi Tunda Marico, a resident of the Kafunjo area in Karagwe District, shared his positive experience of over 25 years in legal cross-border business.

He expressed appreciation for the security measures in place, which have greatly facilitated trade and underscored the warm welcome they receive from Rwandan soldiers at the border.

Marico also encouraged continued visits and cooperation from both Tanzanian and Rwandan forces to address any challenges that might arise in the future, ensuring the smooth continuation of cross-border activities.

The meeting also included visits to key areas along the Rwanda-Tanzania border, particularly in Kyerwa and Karagwe districts.

RDF and Tanzania People’s Defence Force also discussed new strategies to address the security challenges faced by border communities engaged in legal cross-border trade.

Representatives from both countries in a group photo.

Participants reviewed the progress made in previous efforts to combat illegal cross-border activities and other potential security threats.

IGIHE

In an exclusive interview during his recent visit to Kigali, Muhangi shared with IGIHE that his attendance and participation at Gen-Z Comedy shows in Rwanda was part of sealing a collaboration that had been in the works for some time.

'Call it a collabo, a working relationship, or just brotherhood—this is something we’ve been anticipating for a long time. These guys have a bright future in the region and potentially across the continent,' Muhangi said.

The partnership will see both comedy teams exchange talents, including comedians and musicians, to perform at their respective shows in Rwanda and Uganda. Muhangi highlighted the mutual respect and friendship between the two teams.

'Fally Merci and his Gen-Z Comedy crew are good friends of Comedy Store. We’ve started planning to bring Kigali-based comedians to perform in Uganda and vice versa, with Ugandan comedians taking the stage at Gen-Z Comedy. We came here to finalize the details and kick start this collaboration.'

Muhangi stressed that this close partnership will enable both events to grow and broaden their perspectives. He believes this exchange will help comedians from both countries to expand their horizons and build a wider audience.

'With my experience, I can sense when something has the potential to become huge in the future. The more you open your mind, the more innovative you become. That’s a key reason for this collaboration,' he explained.

Surprisingly, Muhangi revealed that when he started Comedy Store, it was in a far more difficult position than where Gen-Z Comedy stands today. He confidently tipped Gen-Z Comedy to become the best in the region, and potentially the entire continent, in the coming years.

This collaboration marks a new chapter in the East African comedy scene, promising exciting times ahead for both artists and audiences alike.

Alex Muhangi is the mastermind behind Uganda’s renowned Comedy Store Uganda

Fally Mercie and his Gen-Z Comedy has been tipped to become the best in the region and potentially the entire continent in the coming years.

Sam K Nkurunziza