News

The International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD 2025) has commenced in Kigali, marking a significant step towards positioning universities as pivotal drivers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference, hosted by the University of Kigali (UoK) in partnership with North-West University and the University of Fort Hare, has drawn together leading academics, policymakers, industry experts, and advocates to address critical environmental challenges and explore sustainable solutions.

Ngororero, Rwanda: The vibrant hills of Ngororero district in Rwanda’s Western Province, Hindiro sector, served as the backdrop for a powerful celebration of International Women’s Day. This year, marking the 50th commemoration of the event in Rwanda.

The day was a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality. Hon. Kazarwa Gertrude, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Rwanda, said; “Men, our brothers, support your wives, Build strong families together. Women and men, we thank you for your collective contributions to our nation. Continue working hand-in-hand across all sectors; economic, governance, and social.”

On Thursday, a renewed cluster of Ebola cases has been detected in Uganda, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to call for intensified monitoring and contact-tracing efforts. This development follows Uganda’s declaration of an Ebola outbreak in January, centered in the capital, Kampala, after the death of a male nurse at the national referral hospital. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a second fatality, a four-year-old child, further heightening concerns. According to Africa CDC officials, a new cluster comprising three confirmed and two probable cases has emerged since the last briefing. Notably, two new districts have reported Ebola cases, expanding the outbreak’s reach beyond the initially affected three districts.  

Political tensions have surged across East Africa, with incidents in both Sudan and South Sudan threatening regional stability. In Nairobi, Sudanese opposition figure Yasir Arman, chairman of the SPLM-DRC, was briefly detained under an Interpol Red Notice issued by Sudan’s military government, highlighting the ongoing political strife within the nation.

Arman, who arrived for a meeting, protested his innocence, claiming the notice was politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition to the Sudanese junta.

Bishop Darlington Wolah journey began in the challenging environment of a Liberian slum, where he witnessed firsthand the struggles women faced with menstrual hygiene. These experiences, coupled with a poignant memory of a young girl publicly humiliated during an unexpected period, ignited a passion within him. Now, based in Rwanda, Bishop Wolah is the driving force behind MySafepad, a sexual reproductive health and rights organization dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls across Africa. MySafepad goes beyond simply providing menstrual products. It’s a holistic approach that encompasses education, access, and sustainable solutions. The organization focuses on menstrual hygiene management, antimicrobial resistance awareness, and supplying healthcare facilities with safe, antimicrobial materials. Recognizing the prevalence of unhygienic practices, especially in rural areas, MySafepad also collaborates with weavers to produce antimicrobial fabrics, ensuring that even everyday materials contribute to better health.

Kigali buzzed with global expertise this Monday, February 24th, as the Inclusive Fintech Forum convened to discuss the transformative power of inclusive technology. A central focus of the day was the panel session, “AfCFTA VISION FOR DIGITAL TRADE,” where leaders from across the continent and beyond shared insights on the future of digital commerce in Africa.

Dr. Talkmore Chidede, Senior Digital Trade Expert at the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasized the commitment of African leaders to facilitate seamless digital trade transactions. “We are ensuring digital trade happens, continent-wide,” he declared. “This demonstrates a powerful political will.” He outlined key elements of the AfCFTA’s digital trade protocol, including rules of origin, digital identities for border crossing, cross-border digital payments, and online safety and security. “This protocol gives you a license to operate in all African markets. That’s the essence of this digital market,” Dr. Chidede explained. “But we need to do more. The next step is to ensure these commitments benefit everyone.”

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, secured a significant victory on Saturday, being elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw Youssouf garner the necessary two-thirds majority support from African leaders, solidifying his position as the head of the pan-African bloc representing over 1.5 billion people.

Youssouf’s election marks a significant achievement for the small East African nation of Djibouti. Despite facing stiff competition from seasoned Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, Youssouf’s steady and diplomatic approach resonated with regional leaders. His low-key campaign, coupled with his extensive experience as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, ultimately swayed the vote in his favor.

The brokerage sector in Rwanda is growing quickly, offering great opportunities for people with the right skills. But even with this growth, there are still challenges, especially when it comes to professionalism and ethics. Kigali Institute of Professional Brokers (KIPB) is leading the way in fixing these issues. They are dedicated to teaching future brokers the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards needed to succeed in Rwanda’s financial markets.

KIPB is committed to offering a range of programs designed to provide aspiring brokers with a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of financial markets. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience in the field, KIPB offers tailored programs to meet the needs of all learners.

On a mission to promote peace and unity across Africa, the Africa Peace Run initiative has gained significant momentum under the leadership of the Global Election Observation Mission (GEOM). This initiative seeks to bridge divides and address the underlying issues of violence and political unrest by engaging the continent’s most valuable resource, its youth.

The idea behind the Africa Peace Run was born from the understanding of Africa’s history and the challenges it continues to face. Kaikare Ronald, the Head of Programs at GEOM and Director of Africa Peace Run, shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so crucial for the continent.

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Kigali, Rwanda, became the epicenter of East Africa’s law enforcement efforts as the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) has began. The event will gather police officers and leaders from across the region to discuss critical issues surrounding cross-border security and cooperation. The theme for this year’s meeting, “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation,” reflects the growing need for collaboration in combating emerging criminal threats.