President Kagame..

President Kagame and Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali in October. Kagame said young people should be treated as equal partners in countries’ development agenda. Photo Village Urugwiro via Nation News Rwanda.

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Int’l tourism recovers, but nowhere near pre-pandemic levels:UN agency

International tourism has continued to show signs of recovery, but is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer published recently by the Madrid-based agency, an estimated 474 million tourists traveled internationally in

the first seven months of this year, equivalent to 57% of the number of international tourist arrivals in the same period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strongest recovery was reported in Europe and the Middle East, with arrivals at 74% and 76% of 2019 levels respectively.

Though “cautiously optimistic” for the remainder of 2022, the UN

agency believes the “uncertain economic environment” has “reversed prospects for a return to pre-pandemic levels in the near term.”

This is mainly due to rising inflation and the spike in oil prices, which have caused higher transport and accommodation costs and put consumer purchasing power and savings under pressure, said the UN agency.

Officials at the launch of the Tourism Week in Kigali, October

Meetings prop up Rwanda’s tourism

Rwanda has been on track for a tourism boom following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions as more than 80% of businesses in the tourism sector have recovered, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and sector players.

Ariella Kageruka, the head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, said Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events dubbed the MICE sector has been driving the country’s tourism recovery process.

“People in the sector have returned to their jobs, more careers have been created and the number is higher than it was

in 2019,” she said recently, adding that entrepreneurs and partners are enabling the recovery process.

Rwanda hosted several conferences and sports events when COVID-19 cases subsided, such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in May this year.

Andrew Gatera, the owner of the G-Step Tour Company, said the past three months have been the best for tourism. “The tourist numbers have been recovering after opening up -- to almost the levels before the pandemic. We witnessed a peak in the last three months, though it is going down again, it might stabilize later,” Gatera said in an interview with Nation News Rwanda.

Gatera, whose customers were

previously mainly foreign tourists, also said that promoting domestic tourism should be key. He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises were badly hit by the pandemic but they were bringing some traffic to the sector and they would need some push in terms of incentives.

After registering its first coronavirus case in March 2020, Rwanda like other countries swiftly banned tourism and hospitality activities. The East African country lost $10 million, or 10% of estimated revenues in 2020, after about 20 conferences scheduled between March and April that year were canceled due to COVID restrictions.

The country generated $498 million in tourism revenues in 2019, employing about 165,000 people before the coronavirus lockdown grounded activities. Meanwhile, about 18,000 jobs were adversely impacted

Delegates in a group photo at the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali, October 2022

during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to official data.

Despite the signs of recovery, Carmen Nibigira, a Kigali-based tourism analyst, warned that while COVID restrictions have eased, tourism may not return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon due to the source market going through other shocks, citing recession and high inflation.

“The recovery from a two-year stop in the business sense of activity for tourism is very complex to understand due to other shocks. We thought COVID was overcome but we entered the source market going through recession, high inflation and the world economy not doing well,” Nibigira told Nation News Rwanda.

She urged the country to continue to support the private sector and incentivize small and medium size enterprises in the tourism sector so that businesses don’t collapse.

Nibigira said policymakers should see how tourism is integrated into the country’s business strategy since tourism is dependent on other sectors. Tourism depends on agriculture, transportation, fuel costs, therefore as policymakers do some adjustments in the economy, they should factor in the fact that the tourism sector could be affected again, she said.

While it is a delicate balance to finance and tourism ministries to recover the sector, the monetary and fiscal policymakers have to bear in mind that this sector employs many people, mainly women and youth, according to Nibigira.

World Tourism Day this year was marked under the theme “Rethink Tourism.” A recent report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization showed that an estimated 474 million tourists traveled internationally in the first seven months of this year, equivalent to 57% of the number of international tourist arrivals in the same period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also said the “uncertain economic environment” has reversed prospects for a return to prepandemic levels in the near term.

HOW ECOLE LES POUSSINS EVOLVED TO LEADING LEARNING CENTER IN RWANDA

Setting a footprint in the education sector of Rwanda in February 2006 in the capital city Kigali, Ecole les Poussins has evolved as one of the leading schools in the country.

Diane Bunzigiye, the Director and founder of Ecole les Poussins says she was driven by her passion for children in a country which had been ravaged by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.

Currently, Ecole Les Poussins operates across the country with pre-schools and nursery in Kigali (Kiyovu and Kimironko branches).

In addition to this, it works from pre-school, nursery, and primary levels for both National and International programs in Muhanga located in the Southern Province.

As far as Gikondo and Rubavu campuses are concerned Ecole les Poussins runs from pre-schools to Lycee in International Program,

and up to Grade 6 in National Program.

In an interview with Nation News Rwanda , Bunzigiye noted that Ecole Les Poussins uses the French-based education system with English and

Ecole les Poussins’ pre-school program begins from 1-3 years, nursery from 3-5 years where after children join primary school.

Kinyarwanda taught as subjects.

“Our students are fluent in French, English and Kinyarwanda. We put Kinyarwanda at the core of our culture,” she noted.

At Ecole les Poussins, Wednesday afternoon is observed as a cultural day featuring speeches, dance and drama with Rwandan cultural norms.

THE PASSION

Bunzigiye’s inspiration to set up a school for children followed her return to Rwanda in 1994.

As a secondary school student, she witnessed the suffering of orphaned children which influenced her career choice in such a way that even after school she worked at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)-an American Non-governmental organization working with several children programs.

She worked there until 2001 when they introduced a domestic violence program.

“This was the first NGO to put

the fight against domestic violence at the center of their Rwandan programs, and I was transferred to that section,” she added.

Bunzigiye recalled that in 2004, President Kagame inspired her to start planning for self-employment when in one of his speeches he emphasized the need for women empowerment.

With the help of the internet, she learnt how to start and manage prenursery school for young children

from 3 months.

Determined, she later sold off her only car to raise capital to implement her idea.

She began by buying equipment from Belgium after failing to secure a loan from banks.

She started with her three sons and her sister’s child—meaning the school opened with one child who was paying Frw40,000 per month.

“There were schools around which sent children home at

midday which was a challenge to working parents. This presented an opportunity for me as many parents transferred their children to my school,” she said.

PROVIDING MULTI-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Over the years, the school’s student population has grown tremendously, where in Kigali alone there are 1100 students while Rubavu branch has 450.

Ecole les Poussins is at the forefront of providing childcentred learning in a multicultural environment that enables students to be more exposed to different cultural settings.

The school has students from various countries in Europe, China, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Rwanda and DRC.

Most students from DRC study at the Rubavu branch.

Besides students, the school employs teachers with different cultural backgrounds, making

it one of the leading international schools in the country.

The school adopted two curricula; the national curriculum and the French education system, where students are taught in French and allowed to sit for French-based international examinations at the end of the program.

In the primary National curriculum, pupils have so far sat twice for national exams and have all passed 100% in the first grade while O-Level

students under the French education system have sat once and passed with 100% grades.

At Ecole les Poussins, international program is managed by Rwandan education experts in the courses provided. The French embassy supervises and monitors the French program, clearly a unique approach compared to other international schools.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Currently, the school has

embarked on an ambitious expansion program, to cater for primary and secondary students.

It is building more classrooms facilitated by parents.

But during Covid-19, some parents went down financially after their businesses collapsed, which affected the school fees collection.

“Covid-19 affected the school in terms of finance but with government’s support we were able to secure Rwf79 million from Bank of Kigali which I used to construct more classrooms,”

Bunzigiye said.

“I take this opportunity to thank the management of Bank of Kigali for helping the school recover from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.”

All this, she says, is a result of good leadership of the unity government.

“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership of this country. First of all, when I wanted to buy a plot for the school, the ministry advised me to look for a big space to start this school,” Bunzigiye said.

She noted that at one point banks were willing to extend loans to the school but requested for school land titles which was an obstacle, but fortunately it was resolved.

After getting accreditation from the Ministry of Education it eased the process of acquiring a bank loan which the school used to buy premises.

The school offers bursaries first

Every person is happy with the leadership, the young and the old. Our role, therefore, is to support Rwanda and the leadership to achieve our development goals”

to all its employees, former street children that are brought by local leaders and children from vulnerable families.

Her message is that women need to take the first step and the government will help them along the way. Women need to feel empowered and start businesses like their men counterparts, she said.

THE GREAT SPONSORS OF THE SCHOOL

Bunzigiye believes God and President Kagame are the school’s indirect sponsors.

She said President Kagame has been her role model since she opened the school, learning from the way he delivers on his promises with passion and the love for Rwandans.

“President Kagame laid the foundation of my development and the success I am proud of today. All is attributable to him. I emulate his good leadership skills to effectively run Ecole les Poussins.  I opened the school in his neighborhood but no one has ever come to sabotage my work,” Bunzigiye said. She hailed the President for supporting children’s education. This became apparent to Rwandans when the President empowered schools by constructing more classrooms in all public schools across the country, increasing teachers’ salary and paying them on time, she added.

She underlined that foreigners visiting Rwanda have to see and appreciate Rwanda’s development.

She also appealed to Rwandan youths especially those in the diaspora to counteract negative propaganda against the country

and attest to the current development achieved due to the prevailing security situation.

Bunzigiye asserted that developed countries reached their development levels due to good leadership; which she said puts Rwanda on course to attain its goals owing to the good leadership of President Kagame.

“Every person is happy with the leadership, the young and the old. Our role, therefore, is to support Rwanda and the leadership to achieve our development goals,” she said.

CHALLENGES

The challenge, she says, is that the school is still unable to admit all prospective students due to insufficient classrooms.

“We send back over 100 students every term because of limited space. Classrooms are never enough,” she said.

“We are constructing more classrooms and we hope to continue admissions depending on the classroom capacities. This is because we do not want to offer poor services.”

To parents who have not cleared their children’s school fees, Bunzigiye appealed to them to be more supportive by clearing their dues to enable the school smoothly run its academic programs.

Without parents, Ecole les Poussins ceases to exist she said.

FUTURE PLAN

The school has plans to open branches in DR Congo’s, Goma town and the capital Kinshasa, though the focus for now is to satisfy Rwanda.

The first sponsors are parents who jointly help in promoting the school, and financial

institutions. But the doors are open for potential sponsors who would want to partner with the school to promote education in Rwanda.

African countries delay cross-border trading of securities to December

African countries have delayed the crossborder trading in listed securities from October to December, Geoffrey Odundo, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), said.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) will provide support to link ten African stock exchanges through a digital platform, he said.

“The digital platform will enable investors to place orders seamlessly

with their local stockbrokers for listed equities and debt instruments in other African countries,” Odundo said.

Speaking in Nairobi recently, Odundo said that Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Botswana, Kenya and Nigeria are some of the countries participating in the pilot cross-border trading plan which will be rolled out to the rest of the continent.

He revealed that one of the aims of promoting cross-border trading is to improve the liquidity of Africa’s

capital markets by enhancing their exposure to other investors in the continent.

Odundo noted that currently, it is expensive for African investors to purchase shares, bonds and derivatives in the rest of the continent because they need to pass through numerous financial intermediaries.

“We are working on a fee structure that will provide incentives for African investors to participate in capital markets in the continent,” Odundo said.

WORLD FEMALE PARLIAMENTARIANS VOW TO EMPOWER GIRLS

Female Members of Parliament under the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) vowed to prioritize the empowerment of girls in societies.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that the empowerment of girls is a top priority and that their basic rights are protected and fulfilled to ensure the gender-equal future of our societies,” said Esperance Nyirasafari, president of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians.

As female leaders we must lead by example and act as an inspiration for women and girls across the world, Nyirasafari, who also serves as the vice president of the Rwandan Senate, said, during the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, a sideline event of the InterParliamentary Union (IPU) assembly which concluded in Rwanda’s capital Kigali October.

Addressing the forum, Duarte Pacheco, the IPU president said that now more than ever there is a need to use parliament’s leadership to take impactful action to fulfill the rights of women and girls.

“There are 600 million adolescent girls who face unique challenges and they deserve diverse voices and ears. We must make our institutions meaningful and safe for women

Esperance Nyirasafari, Vice-President of Rwandan Senate speaks at the Inter-Parliamentary Union forum as the Union’s president,Duarte Pacheco looks on in Kigali.

today so that future generations of girls have access to political participation,” he said.

“We need to make a difference as Members of Parliament, we have power in our hands. Let us move political commitments to the next level by prioritizing gender equality in our work by setting 50-50 as the target of equal participation in our parliaments, and ensuring zero tolerance to violence against women,” he added.

The forum discussed sexism, discrimination against women, harassment, and violence against women in parliament as well as ending human trafficking and human rights violations.

The IPU’s 145th assembly ran until Oct. 15 under the theme “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.”

RUMBUKA SEEDS COMPANY EXPANDS QUALITY SEEDS DISTRIBUTION

Fraterine, Managing Director

Aseed multiplication company, Rumbuka Seeds Ltd has increased its reach in distribution of hybrid maize seeds to farmers across the country.

Working with cooperatives and individual farmers the company has disbursed over Rwf3.5 billion towards seed multiplication.

It involves 12 cooperatives in Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza and Gisagara districts since 2018.

“Working with these cooperatives has enabled us to serve 5,039 farmers. In all those years, we have so far paid them to the tune of Rwf3.5 billion. In Kamonyi district alone we have disbursed

a total of Rwf2billion,” Fraterine Kamali, the company’s Managing Director told Nation News Rwanda.

The money was paid directly to farmers engaged in seeds multiplication.

It helps farmers to cater for their family needs in addition to the knowledge and skills a farmer acquires by working with the company.

“We are proud of the development,” Kamali said.

Rumbuka Seeds Ltd is engaged in the multiplication of maize varieties produced by Rwanda Agricultural Board, including RHMH1611, RHMH1601, RHMH 1520, RHM1407, RHM1409 and RHMH1402.

Since its launch in 2015, the company expanded multiplication of maize, beans and soya bean seeds.

By 2021, the company had

Kamali

Dr. Paul Coleman, Chairman Rumbuka Seeds Ltd

capacity to distribute seeds in 29 out of 30 districts countrywide.

The only district yet to be reached is Nyagatare but we have plans to include it on the list, said Kamali. He said the company’s role is in line with the government’s goal to ensure self-reliance and joint

Rwanda previously spent Rwf6 billion on improved seeds importation, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rwanda Agricultural Board.

But the government’s research found that Rwanda can produce these seeds locally like Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia and in the process save a lot of money.

As a result in 2018, the National Dialogue emphasized the need to produce improved seeds locally.

This would not only enable the country to stop the importation of seeds, but also act as a platform for capacity building of Rwandans in the sub sector.

It was around that time that step to venture into the new initiative.

By then there was a partnership agreement with Western Seeds company to import their products.

Achievements

In 2018, the company embarked on a national project to produce seeds locally, working with the government to acquire technical skills.

The company is now at a level of exporting improved seeds to other countries in the region.

“We can multiply 1800 tons out of 3000 tons required in season A, making 65% contribution to the total

market that is why the company has started producing more for export,” said Kamali.

The company has addressed the are drought resistant. The seeds are properly prepared and checked for any possible pests and defects. Farmers have useful contacts and can easily reach out to the company for necessary inquiries.

Employees

The company employs 91 employees in different departments including 40 women, which is above the 30% constitutional requirement for gender equality.

“Many of our employees are youths. We offer them training in the same technology,” Kamali, a father of three said.

Kamali studied agriculture at the University of Rwanda, Busogo College of Agriculture, Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine.

He worked for Caritas Rwanda, and served as sector agronomist in Huye district.

He has also served in the Ministry of Agriculture’s irrigation and terraces task force, worked for AEE Rwanda in building capacity for the vulnerable groups in crop production.

“It was in December 2015 that I joined Rumbuka Seeds till today. I am happy with the progress of the company and its contribution to national development,” he said.

Future

Amid the prevailing security situation in the country and unity of Rwandans, Kamali says their plan is to expand their services.

“We plan to increase our production from 1750 metric tons to 2000-2500 metric tons to ensure exports,” he added

Message

Agriculture contributes above 35% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), farmers therefore need to put more emphasis on more production.

The government subsidizes fertilizers through Nkunganire where instead of paying Frw2,281 per kg, a farmer pays 453 which is only 20% of the total price.

Kamali appealed to farmers to embrace locally made seeds to increase their production. “Once farmers harvest crops, they can use the husks as animal feeds and fertilizers. I also encourage investors to come and venture into seed multiplication.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month projected the global economy to grow by 3.2% this year and 2.7% in 2023, with a downward 0.2-percentage-point revision for 2023 from the July forecast, according to the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report.

The global economy is experiencing “a number of turbulent challenges,” as inflation higher than seen in several decades, tightening financial conditions in most regions, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic all weigh heavily on the outlook, the report said.

“This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects significant slowdowns for the largest economies,” the report noted.

A contraction in real gross domestic product (GDP) lasting for at least two consecutive quarters (which some economists refer to as a “technical recession”) is seen at some point during 20222023 in about 43% of economies, amounting to more than one-third of world GDP, according to the report.

Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7% in 2021 to 8.8% in 2022 but to decline to 6.5% in 2023 and to 4.1% by 2024, the report showed.

Noting that risks to the outlook remain unusually large and to the downside, the latest WEO report said that monetary policy could miscalculate the right

IMF downgrades 2023 global growth forecast to 2.7%

stance to reduce inflation, more energy and food price shocks might cause inflation to persist for longer, and global tightening in financing conditions could trigger widespread emerging market debt distress.

The IMF warned that geopolitical fragmentation could impede trade and capital flows, further hindering climate policy cooperation.

“The balance of risks is tilted firmly to the downside, with about a 25% chance of one-year-ahead global growth falling below 2.0 percent -- in the 10th percentile of global growth outturns since 1970,” the report noted.

The IMF argued that front-loaded and aggressive monetary tightening

is “critical” to avoid inflation deanchoring.

“Misjudging yet again the stubborn persistence of inflation could prove much more detrimental to future macroeconomic stability by gravely undermining the hard-won credibility of central banks,” said IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas.

Noting that fiscal policy’s priority is the protection of vulnerable groups through targeted near-term support to alleviate the burden of the cost- of-living crisis felt across the globe, the IMF said the overall stance of fiscal policy should remain “sufficiently tight” to keep monetary policy on target.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva

RWANDA REPORTS INCREASE IN MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Cases of mental health disorders have increased in Rwanda since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Health said.

At least 7,817 patients consulted for depression at Ndera NeuroPsychiatric Teaching Hospital from January to August, higher than 1,743 that were recorded last year, the ministry said in recent latest report.

The majority of the new cases were middle-aged people. The data showed that 54% of registered patients were male, 46% female while children below 19 years of age accounted for 20% of the total number of patients.

“The Ministry of Health is committed to implementing all relevant interventions to reduce incidence of all mental health disorders, including depression,” the ministry said, as World Mental Health Day was observed.

Rubavu district residents march to raise awareness about mental health in October 2022.

Other top mental illnesses registered in Rwanda included schizophrenia with 35,581 cases so far reported this year, epilepsy with 13,337 cases and those reporting acute and transient psychotic disorders totaling 10,977.

According to health officials, schizophrenia makes one interpret reality abnormally while acute and transient psychotic disorders are triggered by psychological stress.

Overall, 96,357 patients with mental disorders were recorded in the first eight months of this year, representing a 29.6% increase compared to last year.

This year’s global theme for World Mental Health Day was “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”

The World Health Organization

(WHO) representative in Rwanda Brian Chirombo said in a message that the global health agency is supporting the Rwandan government in collaboration with other partners, to update the mental health strategic plan that sets new targets for expanding mental health care services to be achieved by 2024.

“The strategy will seek to increase access to quality mental health services by decentralizing and integrating it into primary health care, ensuring services are appropriately budgeted and resourced across sectors,” he said.

In October, the WHO said more than 116 million people, mainly adolescents, are living with mental health illnesses in Africa, attributable to socioeconomic pressure among other strains.

EMVTC REMERA STUDENTS CAN COMPETE WITH ANYONE

As Rwanda makes efforts to increase the number of students in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), as one of the drivers of the country’s economic transformation, one private college in the capital, Kigali is well placed to play a pivotal role.

Located in Remera, in Gasabo District, Expert Motor Vocational Training College (EMVTC TVET Remera) puts hand-on training at the center of motor vehicles mechanics course.

For Jacques Nshimiye, the college’s founder and Managing Director, this is the perfect way to produce high quality graduates capable of competing internationally.

TVET has emerged as one of the most effective human resource development strategies that Rwanda has embraced in order to train and modernize the technical workforce for national development.

“I took an initiative to support the government by establishing a technical school, where the youth can acquire relevant technical training to help them create own jobs,” Nshimiye told Nation News Rwanda.

With over 22 years of experience in motor vehicle mechanics, Nshimiye opened the college in 2013 after spotting a skills gap.

The idea came from his garage where he used to receive students from different schools who sought internships.

He realized that most of the students seeking internship exposed weakness both theoretically and practically mainly due to lack of enough training equipment at their respective schools.

“When I saw the need, I volunteered to help these students by explaining in detail what they had not grasped at school,” he said.

The school offers short courses in Motor Vehicles Mechanics but also admits students who qualify with A2 certificate in motor vehicle mechanics.

Jacques Nshimiye, the Managing Director of Expert Motor Vocational Training College Remera

The college was accredited by the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and licensed in 2017, when it started admitting students.

“We have so far trained 1,600 students since our establishment of whom over 1,400 completed while others are still pursuing their studies. In our recent Tracer Survey, we found that 80% of our graduates were fully employed, a great achievement,” Nshimiye said.

The high number of graduates who acquire jobs upon graduation is a motivating factor for the college to pursue its goals.

Nshimiye’s plan is to maintain excellence in their training and increase their enrolment.

Nshimiye contends that countries that promote technical education are able to accelerate their socialeconomic development.

He cited South Korea, Singapore, and China among the countries he said were able to develop as a result of technical training.

Growth

From 70 students at the beginning, EMVTC TVET Remera’s student population has over the years climbed due to the popularity of its unique delivery of courses in motor vehicle mechanics.

Over 1400 students churned out are creating impact in society.

There are currently 200 students undergoing training facilitated by 10 well qualified teachers.

In terms of capacity, with its current infrastructure, the school can accommodate about 1000 students.

It, however, accommodates 200 students due to limited means of parents.

“Our school is well equipped with teaching materials that suit our current training curriculum which helps students to get the best hands on skills,” Nshimiye asserts.

“The impact is remarkable; our graduates are working in various garages around the country. The school has expanded since its establishment with enough space for classrooms,” he added.

Employment placement

Most institutions visit the school for recruitment due to the confidence they have in their graduates.

According to Nshimiye, most of their graduates are working in Kigali Special Economic Zone as well as other garages across the country.

“I recommend many of our graduates to employers. Some of them have secured jobs abroad in countries such as Dubai, United States of America, Kenya, and in other parts of the world, which is a positive,” he said.

“We are here to provide quality education, we assure parents to send their children and visit us regularly for the continuous assessment of performance,” he noted.

Future plans

The school administrators are planning to construct their own home to operate from.

“Our uniqueness is embedded in teaching materials that are designed to help students acquire the best out of our school,” Nshimiye said.

The school equips students with driving skills before the end of their course to enable them acquire driving permits.

The students graduate with motor

vehicle certificate when they are ready to take up jobs either as drivers or mechanics.

“Before graduation, our students are sent to garages where they work with experienced mechanics in order to help them to acquire practical knowledge and skills required on the job market. By the time they graduate, we are confident that they can deliver quality work,” Nshimiye said, stressing that 70% of the training is dedicated to practical with 30% theory.

The students are also much engaged in research and have worked on prototype cars.

“Our students will continue to further their research by applying

acquired knowledge into daily life,” he said.

Partners

Nshimiye says that the school has partners other than parents who help to finance its academic programs.

The school also works with financial institutions such as Bank of Kigali and Umwalimu Sacco in terms of financing.

Umwalimu Sacco supported teachers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Our message

Nshimiye commended the government for the support extended to the private sector which has enabled the school to prosper.

“We would like to let parents know that we have capacity to admit more students in our school,” he assured. “I urge parents to bring their children to join our technical school.”

World must triple investment in renewable energy: UN report

Global investments in renewable energy should be tripled by 2050, in order to put the world on the trajectory towards net zero emissions, according to the latest report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The supply of electricity from clean energy sources must be doubled within the next eight years, or global energy security could be undermined, the report said.

According to the WMO’s 2022 State of Climate Services report, climate change is putting global energy security at risk. The effects of climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme weather, are directly affecting fuel supply, energy production, and energy infrastructure.

Although water resources are scarce on a global scale, 87% of global electricity generated from thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric systems in 2020 directly depended on the availability of water. Some

33% of the thermal power plants that rely on freshwater for cooling are in high water stress areas, as are 15% of existing nuclear power plants -- a figure that could rise to 25% in the next 20 years.

“Net zero by 2050 is the aim. But we will only get there if we double the supply of low-emissions electricity within the next eight years,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

“The energy sector is the source of around three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to clean forms of energy generation, such as solar, wind and hydropower -- and improving energy efficiency -- is vital if we are to thrive in the twenty-first century,” he added.

“Time is not on our side, and our climate is changing before our eyes. We need a complete transformation of the global energy system,” the WMO chief warned.

Africa could be a major renewables player in the future, the report says. Africa is already facing severe effects from climate change, including massive droughts. The declining cost of clean technology holds new promise for Africa’s future, and there is a huge opportunity for Africa to help close the gap in the need for renewable energy.

By 2050, global electricity needs will mainly be met with renewable energies, with solar power set to be the single largest source. However, although Africa is home to 60% of the best solar resources globally, it only has one percent of installed photovoltaic capacity.

In order to provide access to modern energy for all Africans, an investment of $25 billion annually is required, the report says. This represents around one percent of current global energy investment.

WWF calls for robust measures to reverse habitat loss in Africa

The alarming loss of species in Africa, fueled by climate change, unplanned development and pollution, requires bold policy and legislative measures to reverse, senior World Wildlife Fund (WWF) officials said.

Speaking during the virtual launch of WWF’s flagship Living Planet Report 2022 in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital this month, Alice Ruhweza, Africa Regional Director, WWF-International said that African countries required greater financing and policy shift to hasten nature-positive growth.

Ruhweza said that mining activities, poaching, industrial farming and urbanization had worsened loss of Africa’s flagship species, to the detriment of green growth, denoting that enhanced conservation of biodiversity

hotspots will boost the continent’s fight against poverty, hunger and climate-induced water stress.

She called upon African governments to lobby for adoption of a more inclusive and ambitious framework to protect planetary resources during the global biodiversity summit slated for Montreal, Canada, from Dec. 7 to 19.

Published biannually by the WWF and the Zoological Society of London, the Living Planet Report aims to shed light on status of vital ecosystems, their contribution to human welfare and emerging threats.

The 2022 edition of Living Planet Report revealed that Africa’s wildlife population fell by 66 percent between 1970 and 2018, thanks to poaching, climatic shocks and

degradation of their natural habitats.

However, the report pointed to positive trends in central Africa where the population of mountain gorillas increased from 408 in 2010 to 604 in 2015 thanks to enhanced conservation measures.

Jackson Kiplagat, the head of Conservation Programs at WWFKenya said that reversing habitat loss in Africa was possible subject to innovative financing towards conservation, law enforcement and greater community engagement.

Kiplagat added that African governments should implement ambitious blueprints to boost conservation of species, secure a green and resilient future for local communities.

AT KIGALI BEARINGS IMPORT COMPANY QUALITY COMES FIRST

More than a decade

ago, Ildephonse Rwayitare couldn’t help but notice the lack of standard factory accessories on the local market.

At the time, Rwayitare who worked at Compulek, an IT based company in Kigali started exploring solutions.

What started as an observation about the lack of quality products grew into an idea, Kigali Bearings Import Ltd, a company that deals in factory accessories such as spare parts, power transmission and factory automation items.

Rwayitare, the Managing Director of Kigali Bearings Import Ltd (KBI) said the idea was in response to President Paul Kagame’s call for information and technology investments in the country which has yielded automated public services.

He prides himself with diverse experience in the industry having set up the company 12 years ago.

He argues that using poor quality accessories in factories is more costly and affects the company’s growth and brand visibility.

With eight employees, the company’s mission is to provide

high quality power transmission and automation system for Rwandan industries.

The resident of Kicukiro district pursued his University education in Belgium, before returning home to contribute to the country’s development.

Ildephonse Rwayitare, the Managing Director of Kigali Bearings Import Ltd

He noted that using non-durable accessories has caused many companies to incur loses, adding that Kigali Bearings Import Ltd remains committed to provision of trusted and durable spare parts and maintenance factory accessories.

Achievements

“Today, Rwandans know the value of quality products which was not the case in the past. If businesses want to invest in production, they look for quality products. This is a great achievement that answers our unique selling proposition of selling and providing high quality services,” Rwayitare said.

Every year the company trains its clients about various topics based on available engineering equipment.

The company’s plan is to start producing made in Rwanda factory equipment.

Other branches and partners

The company has partners in Europe and opened up a branch in Goma town and Kinshasa the capital of DR Congo, with hopes of opening up branches in other countries.

Message

He appealed to professionals in the country to provide excellent services in whatever sector they operate in, work with determination and commitment to better improve their services.

“President Kagame is a God-given gift to Rwanda; under his leadership  the country has developed at a fast rate. We therefore need to support good governance and teach our children patriotism,” he said.

RWANDAN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION

to take prevention seriously. Awareness campaigns on breast cancer are running throughout October in Rwanda, featuring awareness walks and screening women and girls for breast cancer using breast clinical examination.

As the world marked this year’s breast cancer awareness month, 47-year-old Rwandan mother Francine Uwumukiza recalls the nightmares she went through when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Despite regular exercises and eating a balanced diet and green vegetables, the mother of three

never thought it could happen to her.

“It was not something I imagined, not even in my dreams that I could be a victim,” said the resident in Nyarugenge district, on the outskirts of Rwanda’s capital Kigali.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, but luckily, she has recovered and encourages women

In 2020, at least 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 died from the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Four women are diagnosed with breast cancer every minute, and it is projected that the number of breast cancer cases will double over the next 20 years in less developed countries, the WHO says.

In Rwanda, at least 650 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, the majority of whom succumbed to the disease due to late diagnosis, according to the Ministry of Health.

Breast cancer remains the most common among cases recorded in the east African country, followed by cervical, prostate, stomach and liver cancers.

Talking about her experience, Uwumukiza recalled that it was during a self-check routine when she felt a lump. She underwent a breast clinical examination which confirmed it was cancer.

“I couldn’t believe, and wondered why it had happened to me,” she said.

Uwumukiza started her chemotherapy at a hospital in neighboring Kenya’s capital Nairobi as her family had the financial means. The therapy succeeded and she had surgery to remove the area where the lump was found. She later underwent

radiotherapy.

“I think this was one of the most difficult moments in my life because of the excruciating pain,” she said. “As a survivor, I feel proud because I had a second chance to be still alive today.”

Early detection through periodic breast self-examination gives patients the best chance of survival, Daniel Ngamije, Rwanda’s Health Minister said during a recent awareness campaign in Kigali.

“Common symptoms can easily be detected such as a lump in the breast or armpit, swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, pulling in of the nipple,” he said.

Other symptoms include nipple discharge, including blood, pain in the breast, or redness around the nipple.

Now Uwumukiza’s goal is to spread awareness among young women in Rwanda, in particular about the importance of check-ups.

She said other than targeting older women for awareness most times, young women need awareness too. “We need to teach younger women how to care about their bodies and open up to their parents or doctor when they feel anything strange,” she said.

Uwumukiza believes while high cost and lack of developed treatment infrastructure in developing countries is a challenge, ignorance and lack of awareness are the real killers of people. Delays in screening, diagnosis, and treatment due to a lack of awareness are a challenge, she said.

Health officials say 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous but there is still a 20% chance. Women are encouraged to have mammograms before the age of 40.

Other Rwandan breast cancer survivors Jackline Musoni and Charlotte Uwimana said the earlier one finds out, the higher the chances of getting cured. “Not checking and ignoring symptoms is deadly.”

“With early detection breast cancer heals with strict adherence to health advice,” said Musoni.

Noting that men can also suffer from breast cancer, Minister Ngamije said Rwanda now has full capacity of treating breast cancer patients once detected early.

BE SMART RWANDA

offers 30%

Be Smart Rwanda, a local men’s fashion dealer in Kigali city has announced an exciting discount of 30% for its customers buying men’s fashion designs this upcoming festive season.

The fashion design shop offers men’s fashion outfits including suits, shirts, trousers, shoes and many other fashions that are cleverly designed to meet the needs of men in all categories.

“We extend sincere appreciation to all our clients and we are offering a 30% discount to all our clients,” Dieudonné Gacuti, the company’s Managing Director said in a recent interview with the Nation News Rwanda.

She also announced free delivery for those ordering online. Gacuti, says the shop opened after   analyzing Rwandan’s “smartness” in all that it does and thought of naming his fashion company Be Smart Rwanda to depict the smartness of the country and its people.

“I looked at the smartness of the country. I decided to come [from Burundi] and open a shop in Rwanda because of its good governance. I admire the selfreliance spirit the President keeps telling Rwandans. In addition, Rwanda has guaranteed security

which people need to work and thrive,” he said.

Future Plans

As Rwanda’s fashion industry grows at a fast pace with more fashion demands, Gacuti says Be Smart Rwanda is also well positioned to move along in terms of creativity.

“The company plans to expand outside Kigali as well as in the region to meet the growing demand and we are ready for that,” says Gacuti.

With experience in textile business back in Burundi, Gacuti says the sector needs more creativity and innovation.

Dieudonné Gacuti, Managing Director Be Smart Rwanda

To respond to that need, the businessman plans to set up a fashion library. ecious fhionrvices

Be Smart Rwanda has various fashion packages for customers that include; consumes, shirts, coats, shoes for retail and wholesale.

for customers with weddings, functions, and other corporate activities. Our current fashions are

to introduce women’s fashions and make our business a one stop center,” he said.

The company has managed to bring in the best styles from fashion houses across the world.

Be Smart Rwanda plans to expand its business outside Kigali to cater for customers outside the city.

have a dream as an individual and the country.  “When we arrived here Rwanda had set out to achieve Vision 2020 development goals, as of now eyes are set on Vision 2050.

This helped me to think through my dreams in line with the national dream,” he says.

Gacuti advises more investors to invest in Rwanda.  “I have spent six years working in Rwanda due to a friendly business environment regardless of ones’ nationality,” he said.

Contacts

Gacuti business

is located in the city center near Centenary House, behind Makuza Peace Plaza.

Young people in Africa have been challenged to take up leadership positions and actively play their role in the continent’s development agenda.

The remarks were made by various speakers at the opening of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit which concluded this month in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali. The two-day annual youth summit that connects youth from across the continent and beyond is being held under the theme “Accelerating Investments in Youth: Resilient Youth, Resilient Africa.”

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said young people are at the frontline of socioeconomic challenges facing nations such as unemployment, access to capital, and climate change, encouraging

AFRICAN YOUTH URGED TO PLAY LEADERSHIP ROLES IN CONTINENT’S DEVELOPMENT

Young Africans are the hope and future of our great continent. Your countries and governments are relying on your individual and collective contributions in order to realize the vision of a prosperous and peaceful Africa,” said Namibia’s President Hage Geingob when addressing the summit via video.

the youth not to sit as bystanders but look for opportunities where to offer leadership.

“Outside of young people, Africa is not going to discover any new significant forces or resources for

transformative growth in the face of challenges such as climate change. Prosperity demands accelerating investment in young people because the youth are the majority in Africa,” he said.

He challenged the youth to have the responsibility, push for youth representation and be mentors of youth innovation and insisted that investing in the youth begins with placing the youth agenda in the national development agenda.

Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is also the chairperson of the African Union for the year 2022, told the summit via video that caring for the continent’s youth is the best investment to make for the present and the future, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame said young people should be treated as equal partners in countries’ development agenda.

According to Maxwell Gomera, UNDP Representative in Rwanda, Africa’s progress and sustainability need “supercharging” with the youth as an engine for growth and productivity. “Young people don’t have access to the funding needed to run their business. Up to 42 percent of young people fail to get that funding. Sometimes their dreams remain a hobby and are unable to take their dream to the market and reach their customers,” he said.

Key issues to be discussed at the summit include the contribution of youth toward climate action, sustainable peace and security, cultural creative industry, sports, the economy, as well as skilling for the digital economy. There are more than 226 million people aged from 15 to 24 on the continent, according to the UN.

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaks during the opening of YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, October.

President Kagame addresses YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, October.

President Kagame and Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali October 2022

Rwanda Private Sector Federation in October signed an agreement for trade and investment cooperation with the UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

EU Ambassador to Rwanda Belen Calvo Uyarra and Environment Minister Jeanne D’arc Mujawamariya plant a tree at Kigali Special Economic Zone to launch the 47th national tree and forest planting season in October.

First Lady, Jeannette Kagame addresses the YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2022 at the Intare Arena in October.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame and other distinguished delegates during YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2022 in Kigali.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame and other distinguished guests during the Africa Gender Fund launch in Kigali in October.

Rwandan exporters participate in Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh in October

Bank of Kigali chief executive Diane Karusisi, Wang Jiaxin, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda and Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board toast to the occasion to launch the Rwanda to China instant remittance in October.

D.I. GROW SEED LTD

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

gardens.

Given the land shortages, Uwimbabazi said, they realized there was an urgent need to maximize crop production using reliable and efficient fertilizers.

This new fertilizer application technology that has been introduced in Rwanda is more effective. It is applied through spraying thereby passing through leaf stomata until it goes down to the entire plant, thus giving rapid positive change.

The country has prioritized both production and raising awareness to popularize the new product.

Rwandan farmers who applied D.I Grow Organic fertilizers have increased their crop yields tremendously.

The fertilizers are produced by D.I Grow Seed Ltd, a company committed to boost agricultural production in the country.

From acidic soils to over usage of land the country’s agricultural sector is facing a challenge of low productivity.

It thus requires more inputs such as fertilizers to increase production.

To address the issue of low productivity, D.I. Grow seed Ltd

introduced a new highly effective organic fertilizer dubbed D.I. Grow, a foliar fertilizer used on all types of crops through stomata by spraying method.

Anita Uwimbabazi, a shareholder and Marketing Manager for D.I. Grow Seed Ltd, explained that the fertilizers were introduced after identifying a big gap that existed among farmers.

Despite much efforts and application of other fertilizers, Uwimbabazi says farmers’ harvests were poor.

However, when farmers started applying I.D Grow fertilizers, yields significantly increased on small

“Rwandan farmers were used to other types of fertilizers and not familiar with foliar application. That is why it took us a lot of time to ensure that all farmers got the best benefits over other fertilizers,” says Uwimbabazi.

Fertilizer composition

D.I Grow Organic fertilizer is a liquid organic foliar fertilizer from the Acadian seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum).

Acadian seaweed has many nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, and Micronutrients such as Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum, and Humic Acid which all help in growth stimulation that

improves vegetative growth, stimulates blooming and fruiting.

The nutrients also act as soil modification conditioners that gradually correct the soil’s physical properties.

According to experts, D.I Grow organic fertilizer is safe and effective because it is mainly organic and non-toxic. It contains micro-nutrients and bio-stimulants, to help reduce or remove minor deficiencies in the plant.

In addition, the fertilizer has a positive effect on germination, root development, and all-round growth.

“It tremendously increases cell division and longevity, producing greener, fresher plants that translate into higher yields during fruiting and flower production,” Uwimbabazi noted.

“It increases the rate of photosynthesis in leaves and stimulates nutrient absorption by plant roots.”

Other product features are that DI Grow is in green and red types. They are credited to increase the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves, stimulate nutrient absorption by plant roots and are very compatible with the application of pesticides and fungicides.

It is also environmentally friendly, safe and packaged in 1 litre bottles.

D.I. Grow Seed launch

The company started with only three people but they have since increased to seven after expansion.

The expansion saw addition of four more expert agronomists to help in scaling up services for local farmers while considering technical agricultural requirements for proper fertilizer use.

“The noble idea was initiated after watching more information about agriculture on televisions in other countries such as Israel. The country uses drones to apply the same fertilizers to crops since they practice intensive farming, growing various types of crops,” Uwimbabazi said.

The team also carried out a study tour in Malaysia, to learn how famers apply the D.I Grow fertilizer.  The company currently imports the type of fertilizer from Malaysia.

“I started this business because of my farming passion. I was trained about the use of these fertilizers and practically used it in my garden. D.I. Grow is a good fertilizer that has more nutrients that benefit crops,” she said.

Achievements

Uwimbabazi noted that D.I Grow has helped farmers to increase their production, leading to improved

livelihoods due to increase in their income.

“This is attributed to positive testimonies from farmers about the use of our fertilizers,” she said.

Accordingly, she said that with the use of D.I the harvest per acre increased to 2.5 tons from 1 ton.

“Most farmers could not believe they could spray fertilizers,” she noted.

Besides, D.I. Grow has no side effect on crops and on soil as it is an organic fertilizer. Partners The company has got to work with many farmers’ cooperatives such as rice, maize and prisons as well as individual farmers.

Future plans

D.I. Grow seed company Ltd is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of fertilizers in order to reach many farmers across the country.

“We want to partner with the government in intensive agricultural investment by using big irrigation machines,” she says.

For farmers who have not used D.I. Grow fertilizer, we wish to encourage them to do so if they want to increase their production and quality of products. These fertilizers help crops at the initial stages up to the time it is ready for harvesting,” she said.

Message to farmers

Uwimbabazi, explains that

Rwanda is leapfrogging to a knowledge-based economy with technology at the forefront across sectors, including agriculture.

She is grateful to the country’s leadership for empowering Rwandans, especially women.

“I appreciate the great leadership of this country and President Paul Kagame in particular, for empowering women in different aspects including business,” she said.

“Every woman has to tap into this God-given chance to show their potential, what a man can do, a woman can also do, we have the same abilities to perform similar tasks,” she added.

She recalled that at one point,

she was scared to venture into business but with determination she succeeded.

“Women can do all kinds of jobs including farming but it requires determination and courage.

This would enable them to earn a living and improve their social and economic welfare,” she said.

CONTACT ADDRESS:

Old Gakinjiro Road, Junction House P.O.Box 4241 Kigali, Tel: +250 280 322 209, Email: digrowrwanda@yahoo.com, Website: www.dynapharmafrica.net

3 SCIENTISTS SHARE 2022 NOBEL CHEMISTRY PRIZE

Carolyn R. Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless from the United States and Morten Meldal from Denmark shared the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced this month.

Sharpless and Meldal have laid the foundation for a functional form of chemistry, click chemistry, in which molecular building blocks snap together quickly and efficiently.

Bertozzi has taken click chemistry to a new dimension and started utilizing it in living organisms, the academy said in a statement.

“This year’s Prize in Chemistry deals with not overcomplicating matters, instead working with what is easy and simple. Functional molecules can be built even by taking a straightforward route,” said Johan Aqvist, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

“I can hardly breathe!” Bertozzi said in the onsite telephone interview of her reactions. Of hearing the news in the middle of the night, she said, “a shock is an understatement!”

Around the year 2000, Sharpless created the concept of click chemistry, which is a form of simple and reliable chemistry, where reactions occur quickly and unwanted by-products are avoided.

Shortly afterwards, Meldal and Sharpless -- independently of each other -- presented what is now the

crown jewel of click chemistry: the copper catalysed azidealkyne cycloaddition, an elegant and efficient chemical reaction that is now in widespread use, such as in the development of pharmaceuticals, for mapping DNA and creating materials that are more fit for purpose, the statement said.

Bertozzi took click chemistry to a new level, said the statement. To map important but elusive biomolecules on the surface of cells, glycans, she developed click reactions that work inside living organisms. Her bioorthogonal reactions take place without disrupting the normal chemistry of the cell, it added.

According to the statement, these reactions are now used globally to explore cells and track biological processes. Using bioorthogonal reactions, researchers have improved the targeting of cancer pharmaceuticals, which are now being tested in clinical trials. Click chemistry and bioorthogonal reactions have taken chemistry into the era of functionalism, bringing the greatest benefit to humankind, it noted.

Bertozzi, born in 1966 in the United States, is a professor at Stanford University in the United States. Meldal, born in 1954 in Denmark, is a professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Sharpless, born in 1941 in the United States, is a professor at Scripps Research in the United States.

This year’s prize amount is 10 million Swedish kronor (about $ 920,000), to be shared equally between the three laureates.

Padua Paul: The brain behind Prime Auto Care Garage

Padua Paul is the Managing Director of Prime Auto Care Garage located in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

A professional motor vehicle mechanic, Paul was inspired by his father to learn technical education.

Paul advises young people who wish to change their lives to learn technical skills to enable them to create their own jobs.

He helped open up the Prime Auto Care Garage in 1996 in the center of town-- after returning to the country from Kenya.

Initially, he was employed there as a technical manager.

Fast forward, he bought the garage from the original owners.

He then named it Prime Auto Care Garage in 2000-2001.

During that time, the garage was training young people in motor vehicle mechanics.

He went for a study tour in Singapore, where he got a donation of $400,000 worth of garage equipment, which he handed over to IPRC Kicukiro.

This was an opportunity for him to revive his dream of starting a technical school.

“Technical education is more valuable. I have acquired a lot to talk about from this job. But the key to success in it is honesty and being accountable in all that we do as mechanics,” Paul said.

Impact created

Paul has trained many technical students in both theory and practice.

Many of his trainees have started their own garages with a steady income.

He attributes his progress to prevailing security in the country.

“The money that we pay in taxes is used responsibly for the benefit of the general public,” he said.

During the dark days, Paul and his parents fled the country while he was in primary three to the Democratic Republic of Congo, before crossing over to Uganda.

While in Uganda, Paul stayed with his mother while his father went to look for jobs. Life was hard, but like other refugees they endured and his dream never withered.

As a refugee, he dropped out of school for years due to several challenges.

He would later go back to school at the age of 15.

Given the long time he had spent out of school, when he joined Masindi Port Parents Primary School things were hard.

He was taken back in primary four,

where he started to pick up and later excel.

At some point, Paul was separated from his parents after they were transferred from a refugee camp in Bunyoro to another refugee camp called Kyangwari.

He stayed with his uncle until he completed Primary Leaving Examinations.

He would later join Kisubi Technical School, where he studied motor vehicle mechanics.

When he completed, he undertook internship at a workshop in Uganda’s capital Kampala in 1974 and eventually got employed there for a short stint.

He joined the Uganda Transport Company (UTC) with the help of a gatekeeper. But he later left Uganda to Kenya, where he worked in a government transport company.

His skills became apparent to the new managers when he worked on a difficult engine that had failed many mechanics.

He was then transferred to Mombasa from Nairobi.

Promotion at work

Luck was also on Paul’s side as he was selected to represent the company during exhibitions and was that year promoted to a foreman.

The promotion came with a salary

increase from Ksh125 to Kshs4850 in 1979.

In 1982, he got married while in Mombasa and God blessed them with five children.

Message

Paul believes that technical education is a talent but it can be learned by anyone who has the passion.

He advises parents to embrace and encourage their children both boys and girls, to pursue technical education since it has high job

prospects.

“Motor vehicle mechanics requires honesty about what you repaired. This would not only build your reputation but also increase customer loyalty to your business,” he said.

ADDRESS

Physical address: B.P1850 KIGALI RWANDA

TELEPHONE: 0788305686

KK 8 AV 40

Gorillas in Congo under shadow of war

Endangered mountain gorillas continue to be threatened by poaching, deforestation, and even war in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where these primates reign in the dense forests on the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.

The resumption of fighting

between the rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Congolese army in late March made park rangers’ access to the Mount Mikeno, which lies at the heart of the mountain gorilla’s habitat, almost impossible. As a result, the park rangers have lost track of the mountain gorillas for six months. “The resurgence of the M23 is very negatively affecting the monitoring of gorillas in Virunga National Park. Currently, the rebels are occupying the gorilla sector (...) We no longer know how these gorillas are fed, and how they are treated in the event of disease, we also don’t know how many births or deaths there are. In August, we lost a silverback gorilla,” said Didi Mwanaki, a park ranger at the Virunga National Park.

The park, Africa’s most biodiverse protected area, is at the heart of the region affected by the recent M23 rebellion. Its mountain gorilla sector, in the south of the park straddles the border between Rwanda and the DRC and has been the object of intense fighting since October 2021.

In November 2021, a park ranger, Etienne Kanyaruchinya, was killed during a violent attack on a patrol post in Bukima, highlighting a marked uptick in violence against the park staff. A third of the world’s mountain gorillas live under Mount Mikeno in the Virunga National Park. In 2021, the gorilla population is estimated at 330 at the park. On the sidelines of World Gorilla Day celebrated on Sept. 24, Gorilla ambassadors, a program created in the province of North Kivu in 2019, targeted young schoolchildren from Kibumba elementary school and local traders to tell them the importance of preserving nature, especially the gorillas. “It’s the future of a whole generation. Imagine if all the gorillas disappeared, the next generation would not have the opportunity to see these animals,” Alain Mukiranya, director of Gorilla Ambassadors, told Xinhua.

According to him, his program has already reached 2,000 young people, the residents near the Virunga National Park, since its creation. “In addition, each young person who participated in this program planted a tree, with the aim of building the gorillas’ houses,” he said. Jeannette Bweza, a resident near the park, said she got used to watching gorillas. She has become accustomed to protecting ecosystems and especially the mountain gorillas. “I don’t eat gorillas, because I was made aware not to do so (...) We also protect the environment by making the maintenance of the park, by removing plastic bags, and by denouncing people who go to the park with the aim of harming,” she said.

Photo taken on Aug. 27, 2022 shows gorillas at the Virunga National Park in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

CONTRACEPTIVES FOR TEENS SPARK DEBATE IN RWANDA

As a mother who got pregnant at 16, a Rwandan teen identified only as Yvonne to conceal her identity, was eager that her peers can easily access contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Yvonne learned she was pregnant, more than one month after she missed her periods during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and schools shutdown in 2020.

On learning she was pregnant, her stepmother expelled her from home, saying she was spoiled and

could spoil her children.

With her predicament, Yvonne ran away with the help of her boyfriend who later denied the pregnancy and abandoned her. Like hundreds of thousands of young girls nationwide, Yvonne was not able to complete her secondary education.

While her story is shared by many and draws ire among activists, the solution to addressing teenage pregnancies in Rwanda seems to be complex.

The majority of Rwandan legislators

during a plenary session this week voted against a private members’ bill that sought to amend the 2016 law on human reproductive health, which would have given girls aged 15 and above the green light to access contraceptives.

The rejection of the bill has become a talking point because of the growing problem of teenage pregnancy in the East African country.

Some legislators cited cultural considerations and faith while others said contraceptives would

corrupt the moral values of young girls.

Such claims, however, only served to further muddy the waters around the controversial bill.

“Allowing access to contraceptives as the first-line choice for young girls wishing to engage in sexual activities would seem prudent,” Yvonne said in an interview with Nation News Rwanda, asking “so what solutions are the MPs providing?”

“I’m troubled about this.”

Reports indicate that teens as young as 14 years of age are sexually active, hence the need to equip them with knowledge about contraception in case they choose to engage in sexual activities.

Rwandan gender activist Donatha Gihana, however, said that even if the bill had been passed it would not address the problem of teenage pregnancy. “But before we rush into girls’ access to contraceptives, where are the men who impregnate these girls,” she asked.

Gihana has come across cases, where teenage girls after producing do not disclose the fathers of their babies, which she described as

strange. “I don’t think access to contraceptives can alone address the problem of teenage pregnancy. I think it’s important to look at a comprehensive approach rather than narrowing down the solution to one.”

“Access to contraceptives to me is not the problem. We need to address the issue of teenage pregnancy in a more comprehensive way. To me, with or without contraceptives the problem of teenage pregnancy will continue unless the root causes are addressed,” Gihana told Nation News Rwanda.

Gihana believes there is even a lack of awareness around contraceptives, whereby in villages many girls are not aware of the different birth control methods.

“Access to contraceptives would perhaps provide a solution to only a small percentage of girls in Kigali who have the means to buy, yet rural girls bear the big problem of teenage pregnancy. We are talking about the majority of girls in rural areas who don’t even have easy access to pharmacies. We need a national approach that speaks to all teenagers,” she added.

Child pregnancies in Rwanda are linked partly to growing gaps in parent-child communication, limited access to sexual reproductive health information, and poverty.

At least 23,544 children were born to teen mothers in 2019, according to official statistics.

On average 20,000 teens are impregnated annually, with 23,000 having been impregnated last year.

Other Rwandans, though, praised parliament for rejecting the bill,

arguing that contraceptives are not suitable for teens.

Among those is Sheila Mugisha, a nurse and mother of two teenage girls, who said it would be wrong to give teenagers contraceptives. “It would be worrying for a 15-year-old to think of which kind of contraception is best for them since there are many different contraceptive methods on the market,” she said.

In Rwanda, the consent age is 18, but the legal age for marriage is 21.

The bill had been tabled before the Chamber of Deputies by a group of five legislators.

Gamariel Mbonimana, one of the lawmakers, said they drafted the bill thinking it would address the challenge of the high number of teenage pregnancies in the country and their research found out that in some countries children as old as 13 years or 12 years of age have access to contraceptives.

While underlining that addressing the problem of teenage pregnancies requires the role of fathers, mothers, guardians, and the community, Gihana believes that citing culture and faith to deny girls access to contraceptives is a lame excuse because “some aspects of culture have been overridden by modernity or technology.”

“Even with amazing policies and programs the household and family, where girls live, need to have discussions on sexual reproductive health. We cannot stop teenage pregnancy without the roles of the families and community.”

Belasi Saloon School empowering youth to create jobs

When she lived in Belgium, Epiphanie Mukayiranga’s dream was to return to Rwanda to do something that could impact the vulnerable youth, especially young girls.

Her vision was to empower young people especially girls, who did not get a chance to further their education.

Mukayiranga, the proprietor says she started with a small saloon but with a big dream of establishing a beauty school.

The school has capacity to train 80 trainees in a single intake.

Epiphanie Mukayiranga Managing Director of Belasi Saloon School

Her dream came true when she set up Belasi Saloon, a beauty school providing short courses to enable young girls to get jobs in Remera, CHIC building in Kigali and Nyamata in Bugesera district.

The school offers hands on skills to youth and unemployed women in different trades such as manicure, hair dressing, pedicure and other related services.

“I opened this Saloon in 2008 as a small beauty Saloon after returning to Rwanda from Belgium. My goal was to impact

the community more importantly girls and women who did not have a chance to complete their studies and had little hope of getting a job,” she explained.

She started with a saloon and made sure there were trainers of hair dressing.

Mukayiranga noted that her business has created over 33 jobs for Rwandans while it trains a total of 80 students per a single intake.

In addition, the business has expanded to more areas around the country with branches in CHIC building, Remera and in Nyamata town, Bugesera district.

“I am proud of my students; the women and girls who trained from our school have started their own businesses as well while others have secured jobs. I have expanded my business from just a small saloon to three branches” she said.

Beauty short courses

The school trains students in hair

cutting and dressing styles, face & body waxing, manicure/pedicure, professional facial techniques, artificial nail technology, lash & brow tinting and lash perming, relaxation massage as well as tattooing.

Besides training sessions, Mukayiranga says the Saloon replicates the same services

for walk in customers both women and men at all the three branches.

It also sells beauty lotions. For men, the saloon provides specialized services like pedicure and manicure, massage which are customized according to the client’s needs.

Message to the Rwandan community

Mukayiranga advises fellow women who are yet to decide on which business to venture into or those limited with the working capital to stand firm and look for ways to exploit opportunities at their disposal.

Such opportunities, she says include access to finance and forums in which they will share their business proposals and get funded.

She added that there were many banks that extend loans to women and the doors are open to all.

Future plans

Mukayiranga’s ambition is to construct her own premises that would house the school and to introduce specialized saloon courses which take up to three years.

She hopes that once trainees complete this course, they would be able to secure jobs in hospitals patients.

Mukayiranga notes that she has no business partners, but doors are open to those sharing her business goals and objectives.

She explained that she could not have achieved her goals without good governance and country’s security.

“Many women have been positively impacted including me thanks to the support we got from the government,” she says.

Address and contacts: Belasi Saloon school is situated in Remera, CHIC and Nyamata in Bugesera district.

Telephone: 0783647747

Over 150M children in Africa gripped by poverty, climate disaster: Report

More than 150 million children across East and Southern Africa are gripped by grinding poverty and climate disaster, an international charity report said.

The charity, Save the Children, said in a report released in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi recently that 16.31 million children across Kenya, or 67% of the country’s children, are living with the dual impacts of poverty and the climate emergency.

Save the Children Kenya and Madagascar Country Director Yvonne Arunga said the climate emergency and issues of inequality are deeply connected, and cannot be dealt with in isolation from each other.

Arunga said crises like these push people even deeper into grinding poverty and leave millions of people even more vulnerable to the next flood or drought.

“In Kenya, this connection could not be any more obvious. The devastating drought we have seen in Kenya and the larger Horn of Africa is the worst in 40 years and has hit the poorest parts of the country hardest, leaving millions of people hungry and many displaced,” she added.

South Sudan topped the list of countries in East and Southern Africa most likely to face this “double threat”, with 87% of children in the country affected, followed by Mozambique (80%) and Madagascar (73%), according to the report titled -Generation Hope: 2.4 billion

reasons to end the global climate and inequality crisis.

Kenya ranks the 10th highest (67%) globally and third in the region in terms of the overall number of children facing this double threat, said the report.

The report found that while 21.24 million children in Kenya are estimated to be affected by at least one extreme climate event a year, some of them are at particular risk because they are living in poverty and so have fewer resources to protect themselves and recover.

Save the Children warned that if the climate and inequality crisis is not addressed with urgency, the frequency and severity of humanitarian and cost of living crises are set to soar.

TRI-SEEDS DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY, LOW-COST SEEDS

In 2013, the production of fertilizers was transferred to private business dealers who were responsible for importing and selling them to farmers.

Two years later in 2015, the government added importation of improved Seeds.

Trusted Improved Company (Tri-Seeds Company Ltd), a private Seeds production company is on a mission to increase agri-business production in the country by supplying high quality and affordable Seeds to famers.

The company started in 2019 dealing in agricultural business support services such as improving Seeds and fertilizers.

About three years later, the company has been able to address the problem of shortage and cut importation of improved Seeds in the country, which normally pushed up prices.

The company works as an implementing partner of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).

Under Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the government hopes to ensure modernized agriculture driven by the private sector.

TRI-Seeds is committed to improving Seeds and manufacturing of fertilizers to ensure increased production.

“Before opening of Tri-Seeds company all the Seeds and fertilizers were imported. It made them expensive and unaffordable despite the government’s efforts to sensitize and mobilize farmers to apply fertilizers, and grow improved Seeds to increase productivity,” J.Bosco Safari, Tri-Seeds Managing Director told Nation News Rwanda.

“At that time Rwanda was importing close to 3000 metric tons of maize Seeds, 800 metric tons of wheat, 600 metric tons of soya beans which was also expensive to Rwandans,” says Safari.

“But when we engaged the Private Sector Federation, we saw the need to address the problem since we had all it takes to start producing these improved Seeds in Rwanda. But even then, those who were into this business were doing it on a small-scale basis,” Safari said.

The company was formed after individuals within the agriculture sector support activities joined hands for collective investment.

Their goal is to increase production of improved low-cost Seeds which should be distributed to farmers on time.

The company launched its operations with 20 members. In 2021, it acquired a government factory that improves Seeds quality in Kigali Free Economic Zone.

More achievements

Safari explained that TRI-Seeds Company is now able to produce 2,500 metric tons of improved Seeds, selling over 1,500 metric tons to farmers.

“We are now in intensive research into Seeds breeding, where we shall produce high yielding improved Seeds which can produce from 8 metric tons to about 12-20 metric tons as this would enable farmers to harvest more from the small, cultivated land,” he remarked.

The company also plans to export surplus improved Seeds to other countries to generate more revenues.

So far, TRI-Seeds Company operates in all 30 districts of the country. Seeds multiplication and improvement is done in different parts of the country, but all Seeds are transported to a Seeds processing plant in Kigali, Masoro, for further improvement, certification, and packaging before they are distributed to farmers across the country.

“At the moment, farmers get these Seeds through Nkunganire subsidy framework but what we want is to

change the mindset of farmers by selling cheaper Seeds since what is more important is the value of the Seeds and not the cost,” he said..

“Where one kilogram of our improved Seeds can yield between 300-600 kilograms, farmers are very happy with the harvests and cannot be easily deceived or dissuaded from buying these improved Seeds,” he explained.

The company is proud of what has been achieved so far.

Farmers are advised to apply fertilizers and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming by adopting modern farming methods.

This way farmers can grow crops thought-out the year.

The company currently produces improved maize, beans, and soya beans Seeds.

But plans are underway to introduce improved Irish potatoes, cassava, and bananas as well as other crops that could help improve food production.

“For example, farmers who previously harvested 15 tons of Irish potatoes per hectare can now get about 40 tons while those harvesting eight tons of maize per hectare can at least get up to 50 tons,” Safari said.

He added that a lot needs to be done despite the gains registered as some countries harvest up to 100 tons of Irish potatoes and 80 tons of cassava per hectare.

“This is our target as a company because it would not only provide a long-lasting solution to the country but also to the farmers who need to harvest much more despite the size of their cultivated land,” he explained.

“We seek to transform agriculture into a profession like any other by emphasizing more production to increase farmers’ income,” he added.

Uniqueness

Seeds from TRI-Seeds CO are made considering various soil type and climate change effects in Rwanda. The country is made of micro-

ecological zones that form climate divergences across regions.

“Our Seeds can be planted in low hills, medium range and those that can be grown on high

altitudes,” Safari said, adding that their work is guided by applied research.

Message

The company has come up with made in Rwanda hybrid Seeds that are certified after being tested to increase productivity.

“Our goal is to compete on international market by bringing more improved Seeds that offer a solution to farmers,” Safari said.

Growing crops all year around Safari believes abundant water sources in the country can help farmers grow crops all year round if the necessary infrastructure is provided.

“The government has already invested some money in irrigation projects, but we also encourage individual farmers to take a step as this would facilitate crop growing irrespective of seasons,” he said, giving example of  Nasho

and Kagitumba irrigation schemes in Kirehe and Gatsibo districts respectively.

He appealed to investors to invest their money in agriculture in order to reap the benefits in the sector.

We are into Public Private partnerships (PPP) to ensure that we jointly promote agriculture sector while generating some income, said Safari.

He encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices to get the best out of their smaller gardens but cautioned them against mixed cropping.

Future plans

Safari says that now that all is in place where the factory is set up and farmers onboard, what remains is to work on research to improve Seeds that are far better than the current ones.

Partners

When it comes to partners, TRI-Seeds doesn’t segregate, all partners are free to join and work with the company.

“We welcome all partners such as banks, NGOs, and other companies, everyone is free to come and work with us. We are ready to show them where we are heading, and their contribution is vital,” he said.

Message

Safari says that Tri-Seeds Company implements government policy in agriculture sector and is ready to do all it requires to make the country food secure.

“We want to ensure that the country becomes selfreliant with enough food for all Rwandans instead of requesting for food relief from World Food Program (WFP),” he said.

Rich Chinese culture wows culture lovers in Rwanda

Acrowd made up mainly of young people braved the scorching sun in the Rwandan capital of Kigali visiting Chinese cultural exhibitions at the University of Rwanda, featuring shows ranging from Chinese literature, calligraphy, dance music,

traditional costume, cuisine to Chinese Kung Fu.

The afternoon began with a rousing display of Kungu Fu or martial arts, which rapidly became a crowd pleaser at the cultural exhibitions. The participants, both boys and girls, amazed the crowd with energetic and tactical maneuvers.

Some visitors stood while others sat on the lawn, waving and applauding the participants in the show organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, Remera campus.

A few meters away, a crowd gathered at the Chinese traditional costumes on display, which have also been one of the most popular activities at the exhibitions.

Visitors included university

Secondary school students taste Chinese tea while visiting Chinese cultural exhibitions organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, Remera campus, in Kigali, Rwanda, Sept. 23, 2022.

students, people from the community as well as secondary students from selected schools around the city.

Didacienne Mugwaneza, a thirdyear food science and technology student at the University of Rwanda’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, said Chinese costume is “particularly beautiful” while Marie Reine Nyinawabera, a crop science student, said she was impressed by martial art.

As visitors walked from one booth to another, they could ask booth managers questions about the Chinese cultural representation or try their own hands at the activities.

During the recent event, the Institute invited selected students taking Chinese language lessons to join them in explaining to visitors the Chinese culture. At one of the booths, Chinese drawing using paper was hotly contested.

As an added bonus, visitors were also able to leave with gifts after participating in different challenges set at the exhibition.

Several challenge items for

participants were set up, including speaking a blessing, singing a Chinese song, writing calligraphy, playing a set of boxing, making paper cutting, making a Chinese handicraft, and making a pot of tea.

“I’m honored to tell fellow students and the community about Chinese culture,” Desire Rukundo Gakuru, one of the participating students, said. “We are very happy and excited when many people come to get to know Chinese culture.”

Gakuru, 26, participated in teaching people how to draw using paper.

It was his first time attending the exhibition but he enjoyed it. The public health student started taking Chinese language lessons in 2018 but it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gakuru particularly likes Chinese tea and art. He hopes he will be able to take on translation jobs once he learns Chinese but also it could give him an edge when seeking an education scholarship to China.

Ketia Muhizi, a female Grade 7 pupil from Green Hills Academy, admitted that at first, she didn’t know much about Chinese culture. “The exhibition was insightful as

we learned much about Chinese culture, it is amazing! You can appreciate its influence around the world,” she said.

“Chinese culture is a treasure trove that is very worth exploring and today’s event is a good chance for us all,” said the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun at the occasion. “As long as two peoples enjoy affinity, the future China-Rwanda relations are sure to develop,” he said.

Wang hailed Rwanda as an open and dynamic society ready to explore a foreign culture.

Citing patriotism and unity in diversity, the ambassador noted that Chinese and Rwandan cultures are close to each other.

“Patriotism is an important feature of Chinese culture. Chinese people love their country and are proud of their culture. Building a strong nation, achieving prosperity and making people live a better life has always been the top consensus among Chinese people. On this level, we are the same and we understand you,” he said, adding that each Rwandan he knows also has a deep passion for their country and its culture.

Zeng Guangyu, the director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, said language and culture sometimes move together.

“We invited the community around to participate so that they can see and touch and feel the experiences. Secondary school students for example taking Chinese language lessons learn it from textbooks but the exhibition gives them the opportunity to see the culture,” he said.

SOFA LIGHT BUSINESS INTRODUCES UNIQUE, HIGH QUALITY FURNITURE

The furniture industry is expanding at a fast pace in Rwanda, but getting comfortable furniture is another thing.

But at Sofa Light business Ltd which launched in August 2017 in Gasabo district in Kigali, (Gakinjiro- Gisozi) you can get masterpieces with clear designs.

Sofa responds to all your furniture needs: kitchen furniture, doors, dining tables, beds, MDF, coffee tables, TV stands and other related products in different designs.

The company makes samples for its furniture based on the agreed design.

Once the customer’s customized design is accepted it is then worked on.

The company is flexible to change based on the customer’s needs.

Uniqueness

The company provides a unique sought-after collection of products that customers need and love.

“Our uniqueness in business is our openness in dealing with customers. We show the customer all available products and designs, indicating the durability and the beauty attached to each design,” Fred Songa, the company’s youthful Managing Director told Nation News Rwanda in an interview.

Fred Songa, the Managing Director Sofa Light Business Ltd

Songa explained that the business emphasizes the relevance of effective client communication, advising clients on the best quality of furniture one can buy.

Beginning

The business started dealing in hardware and some carpentry products including paint, wood glue and other materials used by carpenters.

Bent on creating his own job, Songa saw an opportunity to start his own carpentry workshop since he had almost every item needed to start the business.

In the due course, Songa conceived the idea of promoting made in Rwanda products using available wood products to make high quality furniture.

He had observed that the quality of many products on the market then was still low and hoped to improve.

“My carpentry business is now stable, we work professionally to deliver quality products to the expectations of our customers,” said Songa.

He is looking at developing the business production capacity to satisfy the Rwandan market.

This will involve procuring high quality machines and employing technicians so that I can deliver clients’ orders on time, he added.

In the meantime, Songa decided the business should not be about furniture alone; but also high quality mattresses.

The company is now an official dealer of Rwanda Form and Dodoma mattresses.

We guide you through which quality and size you want to purchase, said Songa.

Message

Songa commended the country’s security which he said is the foundation of national development.

“Our business has reached where we are, due to current security. We appreciate the good leadership of the country for

enabling the youth to explore their potential,” he said.

Challenges

Despite the successes, Songa said made in Rwanda furniture production is a bit challenging. He thus suggested subsidizing carpentry equipment and tools in order to promote production.

The business has benefited many people including employees, carpenters, engineers and drivers who earn a living from it.

Contact Address

+250 788 689 926

Business location: Gisozi/Gakinjiro

Rwanda’s Lilian Uwintwali aspiring to digitalize Africa’s agriculture

Rwanda’s Lilian Uwintwali, the brain behind Mahwi Tech, an Agritech firm, is aspiring to digitize agriculture in Africa.

Through a platform dubbed MLIMA digital marketplace, the firm has helped address demand and supply chain gaps of agriculture commodities in Rwanda using digital technologies to contribute to food systems security.

“The firm currently serves 20,000 small holder farmers, providing access to high end markets and financing via MLIMA digital marketplace and the plan is to expand to other countries on the continent,” Uwintwali, the chief executive of Mahwi Tech firm, said in a recent interview.

More than 60 farmers’ cooperatives work with the MLIMA cooperative management system to digitize their operations and keep digital records of their finances, production, sales, stock and a database of all their member profiles and farm records.

“When farmers have access to market information, they are able to access high end markets where they are not taken advantage of by middlemen who give them low prices for their products. So, they get big buyers who offer good prices,” Uwintwali said. “Consequently, farmers’ lives improve in terms of income generation, they are able to pay school fees for their children and enjoy improved welfare.”

The technology rolled out in 2013, according to Uwintwali, has undergone upgrades over the years.

It was developed after conducting research on cooperatives in about 15 districts of the country on the kind of problems farmers faced and what the role of technology would play in addressing the issue.

The research revealed that farmers were selling their produce to middlemen who were cheating them in the process.

“So, in essence the cooperatives were not getting value from their production, but they could persist despite working in losses just for the sake of survival. At the moment things are improving, when you talk to famers you can notice the difference after farmers’ incomes and sales increased,” she said, adding that the technology they built

was informed by research.

The work model involved working hand in hand with farmers so that they provide input onto the features that were upgraded in the system. The developers also ensured it is really technology that is friendly to farmers.

Uwintwali was among the four African women agripreneurs who emerged as the winners of 85,000 U.S. dollars grant during the Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards 2022 in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda in September.

The annual grants from Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) recognize women

agripreneurs from across the continent who have excelled in different segments of the agricultural value chain and shown remarkable innovation in their businesses.

Responding to the question about her motivation, Uwintwali said she always had a passion to develop the rural community as the heart of the country’s development.

“I have always been passionate about development, especially of the rural community. As a young child growing up, I always thought that Africa deserves better, Africa can feed itself but you always find that to date we are dependent on the western world, yet they have limited resources compared to Africa,” she said.

“If the rural community is empowered, and you build their capacity and develop them, these are the people who can do wonders. I have always aspired to do something not only different but something big to change the community, especially the rural

community.”

The Agritech firm has a team of 10 employees five of whom are permanent staff. It aims to expand across the continent, especially in countries which have shown interest.

“In terms of market we are planning to expand to other countries after seeing the success of the technology in Rwanda. I felt very excited about the award, and I hope it will open our doors to expand easily to other markets with the partnership we

“When farmers have access to market information, they are able to access high end markets where they are not taken advantage of by middlemen who give them low prices for their products. So, they get big buyers who offer good prices,” Uwintwali said. “Consequently, farmers’ lives improve in terms of income generation, they are able to pay school fees for their children and enjoy improved welfare.”

have,” said Uwintwali.

The platform currently focuses on maize and beans, but the plan is to expand to vegetables. In terms of products rather than just providing market information, the company wants farmers to be able to trade and receive money at the convenience of their mobile phones through mobile payment. The uniqueness of the technology is that it is customized for small holder farmers unlike any other marketplace, taking into consideration the needs of the farmers and with simple technology to understand.

Uwintwali noted that youth engagement in agriculture is a challenge, but the company is working with other partners to address the issue.

Noting that the agriculture sector has a lot of opportunities, she thinks that in order to advance agriculture in a digital way there is a need to engage young people who are tech savvy, that have the skills to use the technology.

Educating older farmers from scratch, to make them understand is quite a challenge because of their age and their interest level, she said.

Uwintwali stressed that there is a lot one can do in agriculture such as branding, production, value addition, processing, logistics or technology. “It is amazing. Getting involved in agriculture does not mean going to the farm,” she said.

She advised young women to dare taking up tech courses and other careers which have always been dominated by men. “The future belongs to those who are tech savvy,” she said.

Lilian Uwintwali,  of Mahwi Tech displays a check received during the Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards 2022 in Kigali

Martin Chungong, the Secretary General of IPU

Inter-Parliamentary Union lawmakers commit to overcoming gender inequality

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) affirmed working in partnership with national parliaments to push forward gender equality and responsive legislation.

At the conclusion of its 145th assembly in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this month, the lawmakers adopted the Kigali Declaration, highlighting actions to be undertaken to achieve gender equality including enacting gender-responsive laws and ensuring parity in political

decision-making.

Esperance Nyirasafari, vicepresident of Rwanda’s Senate, and Ivan Flores, member of Parliament from Chile, said the Kigali Declaration was arrived at after a “rich, insightful and inspiring general debate of this 145th IPU Assembly.”

The lawmakers said gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments are drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.

According to the IPU, gendersensitive parliaments are founded

on the principle of gender equality, with women and men having equal rights to participate without discrimination or recrimination. Such parliaments respond to the needs and interests of both men and women in their structures, operations, methods and work.

“We must reach parity in political decision-making by all means, including 50:50 quotas,” Nyirasafari said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic had revealed that crises are never gender neutral, but exacerbate genderbased inequality, hold back society and challenge resilience. “We affirm that gender equality is key in confronting pandemics, conflicts, economic recessions and climate change,” she said.

IPU President Duarte Pacheco said gender-equal parliaments have the power to influence decisions that can prevent wars.

“Gender-sensitive parliaments can help bring more global security. This is because there’s no mother that feels well when she sees their children going to war. And that just shows the difference,” said Pacheco. “I believe that with gender-sensitive parliaments we will be more open, and try to understand the positions of the others and to open to dialogue and avoid so many conflicts.”

The week-long assembly convened more than 1,000 delegates, including MPs and Speakers from 120 parliaments. The assembly was held under the theme “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.”

The lawmakers called for a new generation of more diverse parliamentarians to advance gender equality and inclusivity. They also committed to placing vulnerable populations at the center, end to gender-based discrimination and ensuring equal sharing of care responsibility.

“We must share the care responsibility equally among men and women. Let’s act as examples in our societies by undertaking 50 percent of the daily care work for our families, regardless of whether we are male or female MPs,” Nyirasafari said.

MP Ivan Flores stressed the need to end gender-based discrimination and violence, and other harmful practices while ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health, rights and

justice for all women and girls.

Martin Chungong, the secretary general of IPU, said peace negotiations involving women tend to be sustainable. “That is why we say that it is important for women to be at the table when peace processes are initiated,” he said.

Meanwhile, a survey presented at the IPU assembly indicated that women lawmakers across the world have been targets of violence, sexism and sexual harassment perpetuated by their male colleagues.

“Sometimes, we don’t believe it but discrimination also happens inside our own parliaments,” Pacheco told the assembly.

Female lawmakers make up 26% of parliaments globally.

Over 85% of female MPs in Europe face psychological violence while in Africa 40 percent of surveyed female MPs were sexually harassed, the survey showed.

Globally, 25% of female MPs faced physical violence.

Speaker of Rwanda’s Parliament Donatille Mukabalisa said the assembly held robust deliberations having heard 150 interventions from close to 120 national parliaments and partner organizations.

Other topics discussed by the assembly included environmental degradation and its effects on the proliferation of terrorism, the impact of war and atrocity on the civilian population, and war and climate change as triggers of global food insecurity.

Speaker of Rwanda’s Parliament Donatille Mukabalisa addresses the forum.

World trade growth to slow sharply in 2023: WTO

economies for various reasons.

High energy prices stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict will squeeze household spending and raise manufacturing costs in Europe; the tightening of monetary policy will hit interestsensitive spending in areas such as housing, motor vehicles and fixed investment in the United States.

Growing import bills for fuels, food and fertilizers could lead to food insecurity and debt distress in developing countries.

World trade is expected to lose momentum in the second half of 2022 and remain subdued in 2023, as multiple shocks weigh on the global economy, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said.

WTO economists said in a recent statement that global merchandise trade volumes will grow by 3.5% in 2022 -- slightly better than the 3.0 percent forecast in April. However, for 2023 they foresee a 1.0% increase, down sharply from the previous estimate of 3.4%.

The new WTO forecast estimates world gross domestic product (GDP) at market exchange rates will grow by 2.8% in 2022 and

2.3% in 2023 - the latter is 1.0 percentage points lower than previous projections.

In their April forecast, WTO economists had to rely on simulations to generate reasonable growth assumptions, since at the Ukraine conflict had only just begun and its impact remained unknown.

However, WTO economists said in October that the April estimates for 2023 now appear overly optimistic. Since then, energy prices have skyrocketed, inflation has become more broad-based, and the conflict is still showing no sign of letting up.

The economists explained that import demand is expected to soften, as growth slows in major

“Policymakers are confronted with unenviable choices as they try to find an optimal balance among tackling inflation, maintaining full employment, and advancing important policy goals such as transitioning to clean energy,” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.

“Trade is a vital tool for enhancing the global supply of goods and services, as well as for lowering the cost of getting to net-zero carbon emissions,” she said.

“While trade restrictions may be a tempting response to the supply vulnerabilities that have been exposed by the shocks of the past two years, a retrenchment of global supply chains would only deepen inflationary pressures, leading to slower economic growth and reduced living standards over time,” she noted.