This week in Rwanda
Rwanda actively pursued international engagement and economic development this week, submitting its candidacy to lead the ITU Council, hosting the Africa Forward Summit with France, and strengthening trade ties with Botswana and Tanzania. Domestically, the government launched initiatives to create 500,000 youth jobs and support women-led businesses, while also addressing compensation for the Muvumba water project. Regional news highlighted efforts to ban hate speech in North Kivu and concerns over rising genocide ideology in the DR Congo.
About Rwanda
Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" for its stunning topography, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in development and conservation, particularly with its endangered mountain gorillas. Despite its natural beauty and growing tourism, the country operates under an authoritarian government that maintains tight control over information, significantly shaping its news coverage and limiting independent press. Its recent history, marked by the 1994 genocide, continues to influence its societal and political landscape.
Visiting Rwanda
Media landscape
The media environment in Rwanda is heavily controlled by the government, with little to no significant independent press. News outlets largely reflect official messaging, limiting diverse perspectives and critical reporting.
When consuming news from Rwanda, be aware that coverage often aligns with government narratives; seek out international sources for broader perspectives.
Sources we track 1
Rwanda Enhances Tax Oversight with New Transfer Pricing Rules
- Rwanda is strengthening its tax oversight through new transfer pricing rules. - Transfer pricing involves setting prices for goods, services, or assets exchanged between related entities. - The new …
I&M Bank Rwanda, Simba Supermarket Celebrate Mother’s Day with Special Gift Bundles
- I&M Bank Rwanda and Simba Supermarket have partnered to offer special gift bundles for Mother's Day. - The bundles are curated to include wellness, relaxation, self-care, and everyday enjoyment prod…
DR Congo: Nangaa condemns Kinshasa as Mushaki drone attack toll reaches 30
- Corneille Nangaa, political leader of the AFC/M23 movement, condemned Kinshasa over a deadly drone strike. - The attack occurred on Friday, May 8, in Mushaki, eastern DR Congo. - Reports indicate th…
Schools Urged to Lead in Teaching Genocide History
- Schools are being urged to take a leading role in educating students about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. - This call comes during the 32nd commemoration of the event. - The remarks …
Karongi: Ibuka reports 3,000 Genocide suspects still at large
- Ibuka, an organization for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, reports that approximately 3,000 Genocide suspects remain at large in Karongi District. - The organization is urging for thes…
Rwanda Explores Health Partnership with Leading US Clinic
- Rwanda's Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, met with a delegation from the Cleveland Clinic in Kigali. - The meeting, also attended by representatives from the U.S. Embassy, explored potentia…
Women own 55% of Rwanda’s individual businesses - report
- Women own 55% of individual businesses in Rwanda, according to the Rwanda Development Board's 2025 Annual Report. - This translates to 58,042 businesses owned by women out of all sole proprietorship…
What does Rwanda-Botswana visa-free travel mean?
- Rwanda and Botswana signed six bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation. - The agreements cover key sectors including taxation, aviation, and health. - Presidents Paul Kagame and Duma Boko witnes…
Rwanda, Botswana Sign Six Cooperation Deals
- Rwanda and Botswana have signed six cooperation agreements to strengthen bilateral ties. - The agreements cover various sectors aimed at fostering collaboration and mutual benefit between the two Af…
Economic Shocks Could Push 20 Million Africans Into Hunger, IMF Warns
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that economic shocks could lead to widespread hunger across Africa. - An estimated 20 million Africans may face food insecurity due to these economic disr…
Auditor General’s report: Over 97% of public entities get clean audits
- A report by the Auditor General indicates that over 97% of public entities in Rwanda received clean audits. - Auditor General Alexis Kamuhire presented the annual report to a joint session of Parlia…
Innovation drives surge in intellectual property filings
- Rwanda's Ambassador to Austria, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, represents the nation at the UN Office in Geneva. - The article highlights Rwanda's engagement in international forums and diplomatic activities.…
Rwanda Targets October to Clear Muvumba Project Compensation Backlog
- The Rwandan government aims to resolve a backlog of 4 billion Rwandan francs in compensation payments for the Muvumba multipurpose water resources development project by October. - Construction acti…
North Kivu Governor Bans Tribalism, Hate Speech
- The Governor of North Kivu has banned divisionism and hate speech within areas controlled by the AFC/M23 movement. - This measure aims to foster unity and prevent further conflict in the region. - T…
Rwanda-Botswana business forum discusses trade, investment
- A business forum between Rwanda and Botswana was held to discuss trade and investment opportunities. - The forum aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two African nations. - Key officials fr…
Rwanda submits candidacy to head ITU Council
- Rwanda has submitted its candidacy to lead the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. - Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Rwanda's ambassador to Switzerland, presented the country's bid to delegate…
Low Insurance Penetration Leaves Millions of Africans Exposed to Climate Shocks and Economic Losses
- African policymakers are concerned about persistently low insurance penetration across the continent. - They warn that this lack of coverage leaves millions vulnerable to climate shocks, disasters, …
Italy to Participate in Africa CEO Forum 2026, Boosting Economic Ties
- Italy will participate in the Africa CEO Forum in 2026, signaling a commitment to enhancing economic ties with the continent. - The participation aims to support African economic development and fos…
Truckers Optimistic as Rwanda, Tanzania Pledge to Ease Trade Hurdles at Rusumo Border
- Truckers express optimism as Rwanda and Tanzania commit to reducing trade barriers at the Rusumo One Stop Border Post. - The agreement aims to streamline cross-border trade and improve efficiency fo…
Rwanda's Midwifery Workforce Surpasses 2,400 Amid Ambitious Healthcare Targets
- Rwanda's midwifery profession has grown significantly since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. - The country now boasts over 2,400 midwives. - This expansion is part of Rwanda's high targets for h…
Africa Forward Summit Signals New Era of Africa-France Partnership
- The Africa Forward Summit in Kigali signals a new era of partnership between Africa and France. - The summit follows French President Emmanuel Macron's 2016 Ouagadougou speech, which aimed to reshap…
National Exams Timetable Released for July 2026
- National examinations in Rwanda are scheduled to take place in July 2026. - Primary Leaving National Examinations will be held from July 7-9. - Ordinary Level national exams are set to commence on J…
Letshego Rwanda to be Acquired by Dubai-Based Firm
- Letshego Rwanda Plc, a microfinance bank operating in Rwanda, is slated for acquisition. - The acquiring entity is Dubai-based Axian Digital Venture Holdings and Management Limited. - The article pr…
University of Kigali Drives Global Climate Education Through EU-Funded Initiative
- The University of Kigali is leading a global climate education initiative funded by the European Union. - The initiative, part of the Teach4Sustainability consortium, involves partner institutions f…
Rwanda Mining Board Urges Safety Measures Amid Heavy Rains
- Rwanda's mining sector is urged to enhance safety measures due to forecasts of continued heavy rains through May. - The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) issued the call to all mining oper…
RDB Building Temporarily Closed for Renovations Near Parliament
- The RDB building in Gishushu, Rwanda, has been temporarily closed. - The closure is to allow for planned renovation and upgrade works. - The building is located near the Parliament.
Govt launches centre to boost financing for women-led MSMEs
- The Rwandan government has launched a national center to support women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs). - This initiative aims to enhance financial advisory services and improve ac…
Ntarindwa shares emotional weight of portraying Hate Radio
- Rwandan actor and comedian Diogène Ntarindwa embodies the challenging role of giving voice to genocide propaganda in "Hate Radio." - Ntarindwa has performed this demanding role for over a decade, ex…
More Rwandans diagnosed with diabetes as care expands
- Rwanda is experiencing an increase in diabetes diagnoses as healthcare services expand. - Mass screening exercises, like those during Kigali Car Free Day, are contributing to early detection. - The …
Basketball brings healing to genocide survivors
- Basketball is providing a therapeutic outlet for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. - The sport helps survivors reconnect with others and process their trauma. - It offers a…
Researcher warns genocide ideology in DR Congo 'at its peak'
- A Congolese researcher warns that the ideology of genocide is currently at its peak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. - The researcher spoke during the inaugural episode of 'The Context,' a progr…
Kagame Meets with Tanzania’s Suluhu
- Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 3. - The leaders interacted during their meeting in Tanzania's largest city. - Photos f…
China's Zero-Tariff Policy to Boost African Export Confidence, Global Trade Stability
- China's implementation of a zero-tariff policy for goods from 53 African nations is set to boost African economies and global trade stability. - Industry leaders believe this policy will enhance Afr…
Zero-tariff policy boosts China-Africa modernization drive
- Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station in Nairobi is bustling with activity, as seen in a photo from April 15, 2026. - Containers are being managed at the Nairobi station, indi…
Rwanda Targets 500,000 Jobs for Unemployed Youth
- The government has launched a new initiative targeting the creation of 500,000 jobs for unemployed and out-of-school youth. - A key objective of this program is to enhance the employability of Techn…
'This Country's Life Is in Your Hands,' Gen Ibingira Tells Youth
- Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira urged Rwandan youth to take responsibility for the country's future. - He spoke at a commemoration event held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. - The event took place on Thurs…
Rwanda's Trade Deficit Narrows by 14.5% in March
- Rwanda's trade deficit in goods narrowed by 14.5% in March. - This improvement was accompanied by a 1.72% month-on-month decline in trade compared to February 2026.
Governance reforms key to unlocking Africa’s energy independence
- Africa possesses vast energy potential crucial for navigating global energy uncertainties. - Experts emphasize that weak governance and policies hinder Africa's ability to achieve energy independenc…
74 Officers Graduate from RDF Junior Command, Staff Course
- 74 officers from the Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National Police, and Rwanda Correctional Service graduated from the RDF Junior Command, Staff Course. - The course aimed to enhance the command and …
Real Estate, Mining Surge in 2025 Investment Mix Shifts
- Rwanda registered $2.62 billion in investment commitments in 2025, with real estate attracting the largest share. - The Rwanda Development Board reported these figures, indicating significant invest…
Unpaid Care Burden Continues to Limit Women's Opportunities in Rwanda
- Women in Rwanda spend significantly more time on unpaid care and household work than men. - This disparity limits women's opportunities for paid employment, education, and career advancement. - The …
Sustainable Growers Honors Genocide Victims, Reaffirms 'Never Again' Pledge
- Sustainable Growers honored the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi by laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. - The company reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of "Never Again.…
“What did you do to stop being Tutsi?” A survivor writes back
- Apollinarie Munyaneza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, is the author of the book 'Rugeshi Hill Where Humanity Was Buried.' - The book recounts the horrors of the genocide from a survivor's persp…
RSSB Launches $100 Million Fund to Spur SME Growth
- Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) has launched a $100 million SME fund to stimulate business growth. - The fund aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering economic development. …
RwandAir and partners honor aviation personnel lost in Genocide, reaffirming national unity
- RwandAir and its partners held a ceremony to honor aviation personnel killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. - The event included a moment of silence and a visit to the Kamonyi Genocide Memor…
Ruhango: 35 Genocide Victims Given Decent Burial During 32nd Commemoration
- Residents and officials in Ruhango District, Rwanda, gathered to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. - The event focused on giving a decent burial to 35 victims …
Efforts Underway to Address Critical Shortage of Surgical Care in Rwanda
- Rwanda faces a critical shortage of surgeons, with approximately 180 surgeons serving a population of over 14 million. - Efforts are underway to address the gap in surgical care, though specific det…
PHOTOS: Nigerians in Rwanda honour Genocide victims, reflect on lessons of unity
- The Nigerian community in Rwanda gathered at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to commemorate the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. - The event, held on Saturday, April 25, served as a moment fo…
