For Ethiopians, coffee is far more than a drink. It is a way more integrated to a day to day life involving conversations, peace-makings, counseling sessions, and often the heartbeat of community life. While much of the world begins its day with a hurried cup of coffee on the go, Ethiopians have long embraced a different philosophy: coffee is not something to be rushed. It is a quality time to be shared.
KIGALI, Rwanda: As the world recently marked World Environment Day, Rwanda stood out as a testament to what focused environmental policies and strong national commitment can achieve. With a proactive stance against plastic pollution and a growing focus on sustainable development, the East African nation offers valuable lessons for the continent and beyond.
During recent World Environment Day celebrations, Rwanda’s leaders shared their amazing journey. Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), explained how serious plastic pollution is. “Plastic pollution threatens our ecosystems, our health, our climate and so much more across the world, Without action, studies have projected and show that plastic pollution will triple by the year 2040, but Rwanda chose a different path early, early enough, and with determination.” she said.
Djibouti City, Djibouti - in the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones in Djibouti on April 22, 2025, focused on the development of infrastructure and trade corridors across Africa, recognizing their vital role in enhancing connectivity and integration.
Discussions centered on initiatives like the Trans-Africa Land Bridge and the challenges and opportunities in developing the continent’s infrastructure.
Mr. Denis Muganga, Director of Private Sector Investment at the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), highlighted the ambitious Trans-Africa Highway project, spanning 18 to 30 countries with a planned 60,000-kilometer network. “I’m sure most of us have heard about this project, considered as one of the major projects of the century,” Muganga stated. However, he also pointed out the slow progress and challenges hindering infrastructure development in Africa.
Day 1 of the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones in Djibouti highlighted the critical role of the AfCFTA in driving African trade and economic integration. Discussions emphasized the importance of innovation, technology, and skills development for the success of SEZs, with a key panel session focusing on these drivers of growth.
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Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA[/caption]
An innovative solution is being rolled out in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park where AI would be used to conserve mountain gorillas and at the same time empower communities around the park.
Dubbed “interspecies money,” the system allows mountain gorillas in the park to raise money for their conservation through digital wallets powered by AI-facial recognition. Last week, the initiative was named among the top ten implausible-sounding scenarios for 2025 by The Economist.
Rwanda has emerged as one of the leading destinations for private investment in Africa, securing a prominent position in the latest Stears Private Capital in Africa Report for the third quarter of 2024.
The report, which analyzes private market transactions across the continent, highlights the continued vibrancy of Africa’s private capital landscape.
In Q3 2024, a total of 73 private market deals were recorded, with 39 of them disclosing a combined value of $2.27 billion.
laver Ntoyinkima, a Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park, has been awarded the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.
The 51-year-old was one of three top African conservationists honoured by Prince William at the Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony held at The Savoy Hotel in London, the United Kingdom (UK), on the night of Wednesday, November 27, 2024.