THREE African conservationists who are driving meaningful change that benefits both wildlife and people on the continent have been honoured at the 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards in London. These ‘unsung conservation leaders’ are said by the Tusk Trust to be involved in ‘progressive conservation projects’. The three are Nomba Ganamé from the Mali Elephant Project … Read more
RWANDA is taking bold steps to elevate its global profile by exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a move that underscores President Paul Kagame’s ambitions to transform the small, landlocked nation into a global sporting powerhouse. Once synonymous with the devastating genocide of 1994, Rwanda has since rebranded itself as a … Read more
THE World Bank has launched its new Business Ready 2024 (B-READY) report, evaluating the business and investment environments across 50 global economies. The report, a successor to the Doing Business initiative, is the first of three volumes to be released between 2024 and 2026. The aim of B-READY is to enhance private investment, boost employment, and increase productivity … Read more
THE European Union has pledged €44 million to support the local manufacturing of pharmaceutical and biotech products in Rwanda, aiming to improve equitable access to essential healthcare. Announced during the East Africa Pharma and Biotech conference in Kigali, the funding will focus on pharmaceutical research, skills development, and strengthening supply chains. Belen Calvo Uyarra, … Read more
FORMER UK Prime Minister Sir John Major has strongly criticised the government’s now-scrapped Rwanda asylum plan, labelling it ‘un-Conservative’ and ‘un-British.’ The scheme, aimed at deporting illegal migrants to Rwanda, was halted due to legal challenges and subsequently abandoned by the new Labour government. In a BBC interview, Major expressed his disapproval, calling the proposal ‘odious’ and arguing … Read more
OVER the past 17 years, Rwanda has cleared informal settlements to make way for modern urban construction. Kigali’s ambitious city master plan is expected to be fully realised by 2050. But what about the people who are pushed out in the process, and their memories? Shakirah E. Hudani presents some of their stories in her new book Master … Read more
RWANDA’S Cabinet has approved the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), a comprehensive five-year plan designed to accelerate the country’s socio-economic progress from 2024 to 2029. The strategy, announced on Friday by the Office of the Prime Minister, aims to tackle key areas critical to Rwanda’s future growth. The NST2 focuses on five main priorities: … Read more
RWANDAN authorities have announced the suspension of activities for 43 faith-based organisations across the country, effective August 28, following an extensive crackdown on non-compliant religious institutions. The decision comes just weeks after the closure of over 5,000 illegal churches. A letter from the Ministry of Local Government directed district leaders to enforce the ban, stating that … Read more
THE Rwanda Atomic Energy Board has entered into a strategic partnership with the US-based company Nano Energy to develop a nuclear energy programme, with plans to introduce small modular and micro reactors in the country. This agreement, signed on Wednesday, marks a significant step towards addressing Rwanda’s energy needs sustainably and safely. According to a … Read more
RWANDA’S President Paul Kagame was sworn in on Sunday for his fourth term, following a resounding victory in last month’s election where he secured more than 99 percent of the vote. The inauguration took place at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, with several dozen African heads of state and dignitaries in attendance. Crowds began … Read more