Citizen outreach

President Paul Kagame at Kibingo ground in Ruhango, where he addressed over 50,000 residents of the Southern Province. The president last month resumed his citizen outreach programs where he interacts with citizens to listen to their issues.

Malaria: New vaccine raises protection

A booster dose of a new malaria vaccine has maintained a high level of protection against the disease, researchers said, raising hopes that the cheap vaccine could be produced on a large scale in a few years. | P.11

Memorial garden for Genocide victims

Rwanda formally inaugurated the Garden of Memory, a green space adjacent to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro district in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, in commemorating victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. | P.12

Intervention for breast cancer survivors

The survival rates of breast cancer patients globally can improve with low-cost intervention of less than $1.3, according to clinical trial studies released by India’s state-run Tata Memorial Centre. | P.19

PAGE 18

Africa aviation aims for skies Africa’s aviation stakeholders brainstorm how the industry can accelerate recovery, promote sustainability and enhance the customer experience. Stakeholders to begin making the aviation industry on the continent

PAGE 48

Nyandungu wetland restoration

The new eco-park in the capital Kigali offers important lessons to national for nature conservation in urban set ting. Conservationists say restoration of the wetland illustrates the value of restoring urban ecosystems and would serve as “a blueprint” for wet land rehabilitation in the country.

PAGE 28

Chinese medics bring relief

A team of Chinese specialized medics based at Masaka Hospital in Kigali and Kibungo referral hospital in Eastern Province joined up to provide free healthcare services to patients at Gahanga Health Center. The physicians were expected to tend to at least 300 patients by the end of

Editorial Team

Operations Manager Thomas Kamari Managing Editor Samson James Editor James Tasamba

Contributors

Joshua Musabyimana James Gashumba Joseph Musonera James Tasamba

Design & layout Jacobs O. Seaman

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President Kagame during a citizen outreach in Ruhango | VILLAGE URUGWIRO

news roundup

Rwanda scraps fees in public primary schools

The Rwandan government announced it had scrapped school fees for children in government-aided pre-primary and primary schools in the country as part of efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education.

“Effective with the 2022-23 academic year, parents will only be required to pay Rwf975 (less than a dollar) towards the school feeding program,” the Ministry of Education said on September 14.

Kagame condoles with King

Charles III

Rwanda’s GDP grows 7.55% in second quarter

Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.5% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of last year, buoyed mainly by the performance of the services sector, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) said this month.

The GDP at current market prices was estimated at Rwf3,279 billion in the second quarter of 2022, up from 2,668 billion in the second quarter of 2021, according to its quarterly report.

The sectors that supported overall growth included agriculture which grew by 2%, industry by 6%, and services by 12%. Hotels and restaurants grew by 193% buoyed by the resumption of meetings, conferences and events, Yusuf Murangwa, NSIR’s director general, said at a press brief ing in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.

In the second quarter, the services sector contributed 47% of GDP, agriculture activities contrib uted 25%, industry sector contributed 20%, and 8% was attributed to adjustment for taxes and subsidies on products, he said.

The ministry also announced harmonisation of school fees in public secondary and technical and vocational schools. Day scholars in public schools will not exceed 19,500 Rwandan francs (about $18) while those in boarding will pay fees not exceeding 85,000 Rwandan francs (about $80), the statement said.

Contributions for other school needs shall not exceed 7,000 Rwandan francs ($6) per term which can be done upon approval by parents’ general assembly, it added.

The move is aimed at ending disparities in parents’ contribution across Rwandan schools which is often an obstacle for families with limited resources, the ministry said.

The ministry also barred schools from making it mandatory for parents to buy school uniforms or other materials from schools.

President Paul Kagame announced that he had a phone conversation with Charles III, The King of the United Kingdom, and delivered to him a condolence message over the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Sep. 8, age 96.

WB warns of rising recession risk

amid simultaneous rate hikes

As central banks across the world simultaneously hike interest rates in response to inflation, the world may be edging toward a global recession in 2023, the World Bank warned on Sep.15.

Central banks around the world have been raising interest rates this year with a degree of synchronicity not seen over the past five decades - a trend that is likely to continue well into next year, the World Bank said in a new study.

Yet the currently expected trajectory of interest rate increases and other policy actions may not be sufficient to bring global inflation back down to levels seen before the pandemic, the study noted.

Investors expect central banks to raise global monetary policy rates to almost 4 percent through 2023 - an increase of more than 2 percentage points over their 2021 average, according to the study.

“If this were accompanied by financial-market stress, global GDP (gross domestic product) growth would slow to 0.5 percent

in 2023 - a 0.4 percent contraction in per-capita terms that would meet the technical definition of a global recession,” the study noted.

Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s acting vice president for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions, noted that because the rate hikes are highly synchronous across countries, they could be “mutually compounding” in tightening financial conditions and steepening the global growth slowdown.

“Policymakers in emerging market and developing economies need to stand ready to manage the potential spillovers from globally synchronous tightening of policies,” said Kose.

A string of financial crises in emerging market and developing economies that would do them lasting harm, according to the study.

IGAD launches trade policy to boost regional integration

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East Africa bloc has launched a trade policy in order to boost regional integration.

Fatuma Adan, head of Mission for Kenya at IGAD, told journalists in Nairobi on Sep.15 that the IGAD trade policy is designed to create an open and unified regional economic space that will boost intra-IGAD trade by creating the necessary environment and removing obstacles to trade for goods and services.

Adan said the IGAD trade policy will provide a mechanism for expanding intra-regional exports of both consumer goods and capital goods through the development of regional value chains.

IGAD member states include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea and South Sudan.

UN decries high child labour rates in Africa amid rising poverty

The International Labour Organization (ILO) decried the high child labor rates in Africa amid the rising poverty.

ILO Country Director for Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda Wellington Chibebe told journalists in Nairobi on Sep.15 that Africa accounts for about 92 million out of 160 million child labourers in the world.

“Africa stands out as the region with the highest prevalence and the largest number of individuals in child labour,” Chibebe said during the National Symposium on Universal Social Protection.

He observed that child labour is predominantly a rural and agricultural phenomenon while child domestic workers are more common in urban areas.

Chibebe noted that while many regions of the world had managed to tackle the issue of child laborers before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandem ic, Africa’s incidences continued to grow.

“My deep concern is that these trends will persist, with long-lasting consequences that are devastating for people in emerging market and developing economies,” said World Bank President David Malpass.

“To achieve low inflation rates, currency stability and faster growth, policymakers could shift their focus from reducing consumption to boosting production,” said Malpass.

“Policies should seek to generate additional investment and improve productivity and capital allocation, which are critical for growth and poverty reduction,” Malpass added.

Adan said that the trade policy will coordinate policies and regulatory trade framework to ensure that measures undertaken across IGAD member states are not contradictory, adding that the policy will also enhance regional integration by assisting its members in the domestication and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Adan noted that the trade policy provides a roadmap for implementing trade in a way that maximizes the benefits of liberalization for the IGAD region while limiting the consequences for government revenues that might be caused by the reduction of relatively high tariffs.

“The policy also identifies measures to strengthen both customs administration procedures and institutional capacity building for cross-border trade facilitation among the IGAD member states,” she said.

According to him, the rates for child labourers have been increasing in Africa since 2012 and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation.

The ILO official also said that universal social protection is one of the tools for preventing and ending child labor in the continent. He urged African governments to introspect upon existing programs and initiatives for addressing child labor and re-strategize to ensure effectiveness in their efforts to end child labour.

Modern

50M people worldwide in modern slavery, says new report

Fifty million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, according to the latest global estimates of modern slavery report.

Of these people, 28 million were in forced labour and 22 million were trapped in forced marriage.

Modern slavery, according to the report, is comprised of two principal components – forced labour and forced marriage.

Latest estimates show that forced labour and forced marriage have increased significantly in the last five years, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The number of people in modern slavery has risen significantly in the last five years. Ten million more people were in modern slavery in 2021 compared to 2016 global estimates. Women and children remain disproportionately vulnerable.

Modern slavery occurs in almost every country in the

Slavery

world, according to the report, and cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines.

More than half (52%) of all forced labour and a quarter of all forced marriages can be found in upper-middle income or high-income countries.

Forced labour

Most cases of forced labour (86%) are found in the private sector. Forced labour in sectors other than commercial sexual exploitation accounts for 63% of all forced labour, while forced commercial sexual exploitation represents 23% of all forced labour. Almost four out of five of those in forced commercial sexual exploitation are women or girls.

State-imposed forced labour accounts for 14% of people in forced labour.

Almost one in eight of all those in forced labour are children (3.3 million) with more than half of these in commercial sexual exploitation.

Forced marriage

The report showed that an estimated 22 million people were living in forced marriage on any given day in 2021. This represents an increase of 6.6 million since the 2016 global estimates.

The true incidence of forced marriage, particularly involving children aged 16 and younger, is likely far greater than current estimates can capture.

These, according to the report are based on a narrow definition and do not include all child marriages. Child marriages are considered to be forced because a child cannot legally give consent to marry.

Forced marriage is closely linked to long-established patriarchal attitudes

Ending modern slavery

The report proposed improving and enforcing laws and labour inspections; ending state-imposed forced labour; stronger measures to combat forced labour and trafficking in business and supply chains.

It also called for extension of social protection, and strengthening legal protections, including raising the legal age of marriage to 18 without exception, addressing the increased risk of trafficking and forced labour for migrant workers as well as promoting fair and ethical recruitment, and greater support for women, girls and vulnerable individuals.

and practices and is highly context-specific.

The overwhelming majority of forced marriages (more than 85%) was driven by family pressure.

Although two-thirds (65%) of forced marriages are found in Asia and the Pacific, when regional population size is considered, the prevalence is highest in the Arab States, with 4.8 people out of every 1,000 in the region in forced marriage.

Migrants vulnerable

The report said migrant workers are more than three times more likely to be in forced labour than non-migrant adult workers.

“It is shocking that the situation of modern slavery is not improving. Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.

“We know what needs to be done, and we know it can be done. Effective national policies and regulation are fundamental. But governments cannot do this alone. International standards provide a sound basis, and an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed. Trade unions, employers’ organizations, civil society and ordinary people all have critical roles to play.”

Antonio Vitorino, IOM director general, said the report underscored the urgency of ensuring that all migration is safe, orderly, and regular.

“Reducing the vulnerability of migrants to forced labour and trafficking in persons depends first and foremost on national policy and legal frameworks that respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants –and potential migrants – at all stages of the migration process, regardless of their migration status,” said Vitorino.

“The whole of society must work together to reverse these shocking trends, including through implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.”

Grace Forrest, founding director of Walk Free, said modern slavery is the antithesis of sustainable development.

“Yet, in 2022, it continues to underpin our global economy. It is a man-made problem, connected to both historical slavery and persisting structural inequality. In a time of compounding crises, genuine political will is the key to ending these human rights abuses.”

SINA GERARD Ese URWIBUTSO

ADDS SUGARLESS JUICE ONTO ITS PRODUCTS PORTFOLIO

MESSAGE

He asserts that with support from the government, the people around him and the media his business would grow to higher heights.

Sina Gerard Ese Urwibutso has rolled out on-demand sugarless juice. Customers can now get nutritious fermented juice processed from sugarcane and pineapple juice that are all produced without adding industrial sugar.

This is not only healthier but also saves money to the customers since they are relatively cheaper compared to juices with industrial sugar content.

“We now produce natural juice from sugarcanes in an effort to continue providing the best products that are healthier to our customers.

The human body requires natural components of food and we are

“This is because with the media, what you produce does not stop at your factory, but it is publicized beyond to required market thus improving your earnings which translates into more jobs and national development in terms of taxes,” he said.

committed to producing good and high quality products,” Sina Gerard, the business owner said.

The public branded the popular business place as Kwa Nyirangarama, where travelers can stop for refreshments.

Indeed the company has not only revolutionized the agro-processing industry but has also supported dreamers to realize their dreams by providing employment and technical skills.

Gerard Sina, Managing Director and Business Owner.

New affordable MALARIA vaccine gives protection for two years

Abooster dose of a new malaria vaccine has maintained a high level of protection against the disease, researchers said this month, raising hopes that the cheap vaccine could be produced on a large scale in a few years.

The new vaccine offers protection for two years and has been termed as a game changer in the fight against the deadly disease.

The vaccine, developed by scientists at Oxford University, could represent a turning point in the fight against the disease, an international research team said Thursday in the journal “Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, has killed 627,000 people – mostly African children – in 2020 alone.

Last year, another vaccine, produced by British pharmaceutical giant GSK, became the first malaria vaccine to be recommended for widespread use by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has since been administered to more than a million children in Africa.

But research has shown that the effectiveness of GSK’s vaccine is about 60% and declines significantly over time, even with a booster dose. Oxford’s R21/Matrix-M vaccine,

meanwhile, was 77% effective in preventing malaria. This is the first time a vaccine has exceeded the WHO target of 75% efficacy.

How it was conducted

For the study, 450 children aged five to 17 months in Burkina Fasowhere malaria accounts for about 22% of all deaths - received three doses in 2019.

They were divided into three groups: two received different doses of the Matrix-M adjuvant, a vaccine ingredient patented by Novavax and also used in the US biotech company’s Covid vaccine; the third control group received a rabies vaccine.

Before the 2020 rainy season (when malaria cases increase), 409 children returned for a booster shot.

For the group that received the highest dose of adjuvant, vaccine efficacy increased to 80%, according to results of a phase 2 trial published Thursday. For the lowest dose, efficacy was 70%.

Most importantly, one month after receiving the booster, antimalarial antibodies returned to a level similar to that seen after the first doses received a year earlier, the study found.

“It’s fantastic to see such high efficacy after a single booster dose,” said one of the authors, Halidou

Research has shown that the effectiveness of GSK’s vaccine is about 60% and declines significantly over time, even with a booster dose. Oxford’s R21/Matrix-M vaccine, meanwhile, was 77% effective in preventing malaria. This is the first time a vaccine has exceeded the WHO target of 75% efficacy.

Tinto of the Burkina Faso Health Research Institute.

60Tinto, who participated in the trial of both malaria vaccines, said GSK’s vaccine had an optimal efficacy of about 60%. “So I can confirm that R21 is much more effective,” he said.

By 2030

“We could be looking at a very substantial reduction in the burden of malaria, a reduction in deaths and disease in the coming years, certainly by 2030,” said Adrian Hill, a vaccine specialist at Oxford and co-author of the study.

A 70% reduction in malaria deaths could be achievable within that time frame, he said, in part because of the large number of vaccine doses that could be produced quickly.

Oxford has partnered with the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, the Serum Institute of India.

The institute “is willing and able to manufacture 200 million doses a year starting next year,” Hill said. The six to 10 million doses GSK can produce a year is “not enough for 40 million children who need four doses in the first year,” he said.

Results from a Phase 3 trial involving 4,800 participants in four countries are expected later this year, which could potentially lead to approval of the vaccine.

Rwanda inaugurates memorial garden for Genocide victims

Rwanda formally inaugurated the Garden of Memory, a green space adjacent to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro district in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, in commemorating victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Garden of Memory, whose construction was started in 2019, features components including a stone monument, a forest of memory, landscape terraces, a meditation corridor and a seasonal marshland.

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for genocide victims.

The Garden of Memory symbolizes life, rebirth after the genocide, and the protection offered by nature during

the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, said First Lady of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame while inaugurating the Garden of Memory recently. She commended all the people who contributed to the design and development of the Garden of Memory.

At the launch of the garden, the First Lady was joined by government officials, genocide survivors, and scholars among others.

“The inauguration of the Garden of Memory is an act of remembrance and resilience for survivors and all Rwandans. A place of meditation open to all from today,” said Jean Damascene Bizimana, Rwandan

minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, at the event.

Bizimana explained that the Garden of Memory will serve as a link between the past, present, and future.

According to him, the garden will act as a permanent place for remembering, learning, and sharing the truth and stories of survival and resilience while preserving memory and history.

More than a million Rwandans were slaughtered in 100 days of the Genocide in 1994 for being ethnic Tutsi in a country that was fatally failed by its supposed leaders.

The First Lady Jeannette Kagame officiated the inauguration of the Memorial Garden.

Jean Nepomuscene Nkurikiyinka, the Chairman Board of Directors of FERWACOTHE

FERWACOTHE

HELPING TEA FARMERS FIGHT POVERTY

MESSAGE

Nkurikiyinka appealed to those who wish to invest in tea production to join, saying the market demand is yet to be satisfied. He believes there is no other better business than tea farming, where a farmer starts to reap monthly income after only three years.

Tea is harvested after every 10 days and it can generate incomes for generations.

“The government supported us in many ways; forming cooperatives, rehabilitating factories and fixing prices,” he added

In Rwanda, tea farmers have a steady income and cannot go hungry. It is no different for Filbert Shumbusho.

The son of a tea farmer, Shumbusho learned farming from his father who has grown tea since 1962.

His 74-year old father started growing tea on only 30 acres, but he has since expanded it to over six hectares. Shumbusho, who earned his education from tea farming, works as an administrator at the Fédération Rwandaise des Coopératives des Théiculteurs (FERWACOTHE).

He has grown tea for over 18 years.

He is now also bringing up his family using income from tea.

“I completed my secondary education in 1999 yet my father had no other source of income apart from tea produce. Without tea farming, I wouldn’t have completed my education. From tea farming, a lot can be achieved. Tea is also medicine to many forms of diseases,” he told Nation News Rwanda.

His message is to encourage potential investors, families and youth to engage in tea farming.

“It is one of the surest ways to generate steady income for generations. With only five hectares of tea field, it is enough to mint millions of francs for the owner,” he said.

FERWACOTHE helping tea farmers fight poverty

FERWACOTHE emerges

FERWACOTHE was established in 2005. Since then it has engaged 21 cooperatives to grow more tea which has helped them to fight poverty in tea growing areas.

But its history dates back to 1994. Like any other sector, the tea fields had been destroyed as well as processing factories across the country.

But after the liberation of the country the new government embarked on revamping all sectors including the tea sub sector.

The government then established OCIRTHE which worked with a few available tea farmers to revive farming activities and to rehabilitate tea factories.

Emphasis was put on reviving Gisovu, Rubaya, Mulindi and Gisakura factories.

Jean Nepomuscene Nkurikiyinka, the Chairman Board of Directors of FERWACOTHE, was stationed at Gisovu factory. He then participated in the rehabilitation of the factory.

The tea fields were rehabilitated with support from the government and farmers.

The influence of tea

Tea is one of Rwanda’s major exports commodities which generated $90 million exports revenues in 20202021. Currently, there are more than 28,000 hectares planted with tea in the Northern, Western and Southern provinces on hillsides and well drained marshes at high altitude between 1,550 metres and 2,500 metres.

Tea processing was to later begin in 1995 amid low tea production and factories.

In an interview with Nation News Rwanda, Nkurikiyinka, the Chairman Board of Directors of FERWACOTHE, said with six permanent staff the federation has done its best to help the cooperatives expand their tea fields.

He recalled that the country’s liberation restored hope for many Rwandans which encouraged those who had fled to repatriate and resume their tea farming activities.

Post-Genocide challenges

In the aftermath of the Genocide, poverty was biting in many parts of the country but in those areas that grew tea, farmers began to earn income from tea farming which changed their lives, he said.

In the meantime the Ministry of Agriculture convened a meeting of tea farmers and advised them to form cooperatives.

The government facilitated the cooperatives with agronomists, stores and roads construction.

It also renovated and maintained factories of Shagasha, Kitabi and Mata that had been destroyed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

By 2006, all factories were fully functional.

Later, in 2006 the government started privatization program for all factories; but cooperatives were given shares ranging from 10-20 percent.

60

As a result, the cooperatives started to expand their tea fields which increased productivity.

The government through the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) supported farmers’ cooperatives

TURN

UNIQUENESS

FERWACOTHE‘s tea is sold in Mombasa, Kenya where it competes with brands from other east African countries.

“On the market we meet all EAC countries but our brand is of the highest quality due to soil types and quality production process. Our tea is at BP1 grade which is sold at $7,” added Nkurikiyinka.

ACHIEVEMENTS

FERWACOTHE has achieved a steady increase of about 50% of the market price. The cooperatives earn differently based on the quality of tea leaves produced.

CHALLENGE

Nkurikiyinka cited transportation of tea leaves due to bad roads and high price of fertilizers among the challenges limiting their full potential.

The government supports cooperatives acquire fertilizers with subsidies but it is still expensive, we have hopes it will be addressed after manufacturing of fertilizers begins in the country, he said.

FUTURE PLAN

FERWACOTHE plans to increase tea productivity to 12 tons per hectare and give farmers subsidized fertilizers to maintain production.

FERWACOTHE GROWS WITH TEA GROWERS

to establish nursery beds and offered technical guidance.

This also encouraged more farmers to join tea growing which has increased tea production to date.

Tea farming has changed the lives of farmers and their children are able to go to school.

This is termed as “green

Gold” by some farmers. Today, FERWACOTHE owns 150,000 hectares of tea fields in areas such as Rubaya. Tea has been identified as farmers’ main source of income. Tea farmers have also learned how to work with financial institutions.

Through Umurenge Sacco farmers are able to borrow money to expand their fields.

“FERWACOTHE aims at supporting these farmers to ensure they get the best. We also ensure they get best quality tea species which are resistant to drought and other harsh climatic conditions,” Nkurikiyinka said.

For FERWACOTHE, the relationship with tea farmers is that of growing together.

TEA SUB-SECTOR IN RWANDA

Tea is one of Rwanda’s major exports commodities which generated $90 million exports revenues in 20202021.

Tea was introduced in Rwanda in the 1950s.

Currently, there are more than 28,000 hectares planted with tea in the Northern, Western and Southern provinces on hillsides and well drained marshes at high altitude between 1,550 m and 2,500 m.

There are 18 privately owned operational tea factories, two ongoing tea

projects, more than 43,000 tea farmers organized in 21 cooperatives and two out-growers’ services companies.

1950s

TEA GROWING STARTS IN RWANDA

Production has increased steadily over the years from 5,910 tons of black tea in 1980, to 12,855 tons in 1990. In 1994, during the genocide, tea plantations and factories were abandoned and tea production decreased to 4,136 tons of

black tea.

From 1994, a lot of efforts were made to rehabilitate tea industry and tea production increased to 14,391 tons in 2000; 22,249 tons in 2010, 32,127 tons in 2019 and 34,735 tons in 2020/2021.

Black CTC tea is the predominant type of tea produced in Rwanda, but other types like Orthodox tea, Green Tea and White tea are also processed.

Rwanda’s tea production grows: NAEB

Rwanda’s tea production has been progressively growing as new investors come on board, according to information from the National Agriculture Exports Development Board (NAEB).

Tea was introduced in Rwanda in the 1950’s.

Information from NAEB indicates that the cash crop’s production has increased progressively, from 5,910 tons in 1980 to 12,855 tons in 1990, and to 36,000 tons in 2021. By June 2021, 26,309 Ha were under tea production, it said, adding that from this acreage the country earned $103 million from exported tea.

Rwanda primarily produces black tea, white tea, green tea, orthodox tea and organic tea respectively, with spicy tea produced on demand by specialized niche markets.

Gisovu, Karongi, and Rugabano are the three tea processing factories in Karongi district. They account for 10.2% of total tea production in the country.

Targeting global market demands

President Paul Kagame meanwhile urged tea growers to increase production and capitalize on the huge demand for their product on the global market.

He made the remarks while visiting Rugabano Tea Factory as part of his four-day citizen outreach tour in the Southern and Western provinces last month.

“Rwanda’s tea is superior to other teas in terms of quality. Not only in the region, but also globally, it is among the best. We should use the chance to benefit more Rwandans even better. This is an opportunity to seize, and we have everything it takes to maintain the tea’s high quality,” he said.

In his address, Rudra Chatterjee, the

chairman of Rugabano Tea Factory, stated that the company he represents has invested $12 million and has committed to investing up to $40 million.

The Rugabano Tea Factory started its operations in 2019 after signing an agreement between the Rwandan government and Luxmi Tea Company to develop tea greenfield in Karongi district, Rugabano sector.

This would be in collaboration with Rugabano Out-growers Scheme (ROS), a service provider, to expand the area under production.

ROS currently has 3,094 farmers, with 992 ha of tea estate, according to NAEB.

The government was able to fulfill its obligations of expropriation and ensuring the well-being of affected families by relocating 364 families to an Integrated Model Village.

These families were supported with cattle, piggery and poultry programs to improve their standard of living.

BREAST CANCER

Survival of breast cancer patients can improve with low-cost intervention: study

The survival rates of breast cancer patients globally can improve with low-cost intervention of less than $1.3, according to clinical trial studies released by India’s staterun Tata Memorial Centre.

An injection that has been commonly used as a local anesthesia agent, 0.5% lidocaine, all around the tumor on the operating table just prior to surgery requires no additional expertise and is inexpensive, and can result in saving up to 100,000 lives annually globally, the study said.

These findings were presented at the recent European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in Paris, along with a simultaneous press conference held in Mumbai to announce the results of the trial.

“This is the first study of its kind globally that has shown a sizable benefit by single intervention prior to surgery. For scientists, it opens the window of peri-operative intervention to modulate the environment of cancer in such a way as to prevent its deleterious reaction to the act of surgery (observation),” said a statement by Tata Memorial Centre quoting its director, Rajendra Badwe.

Perioperative care or medicine is the practice of patient-centered, multidisciplinary, and integrated medical care of patients from the moment of contemplation of surgery until full recovery.

The study was conducted by investigators at 11 cancer care centers in India involving 1,600 women with early breast cancer over an 11-year period between 2011 and 2022.

The crux

An injection that has been commonly used as a local anesthesia agent, 0.5% lidocaine, all around the tumor on the operating table just prior to surgery requires no additional expertise and is inexpensive, and can result in saving up to 100,000 lives annually globally.

Ecole Internationale de Kigali WHERE STUDENTS COMPETE AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Ecole Internationale de Kigali is playing a vital role in providing holistic education at both nursery and primary school levels, according to authorities.

The bilingual school, which opened in 1997, emphasizes teaching pupils in French at nursery and lower primary levels while English language is used for teaching in upper primary.

At the time of its finding, Rwanda had few schools that could teach in French language yet there were many Rwandan returnees who needed the best schools for their children.

“The idea of opening a school was conceived to meet the needs of parents who wanted their children to attend classes in French,” Sylvie Murekeyisoni, the legal representative of the school told Nation News Rwanda.

“Moreover, parents in Kigali do not have time to read and monitor their children’s homework due to their busy schedules. This is why some parents concerned with education came together in an association to create a school to address this urgent concern and priority is education of children,” she said.

An education cause

The school was established to respond to the parents’ needs, but with no school premises, the management requested Kacyiru [former] Commune to facilitate with a building within which classes were conducted.

It started with only 82 pupils in different classes. It then moved on to recruit competent and qualified teachers to provide quality education.

The school operated in the same building for a period of two years before the government gave it a plot of land to construct their prem-

Sylvie Murekeyisoni, school legal representative

message message

ises in 2000.

It was until 2001 that the construction was done supported by the Development Bank of Rwanda.

“We kept on expanding the premises to accommodate the growing number of students. The first graduates of our school completed in September 2001. At that time, our objective was to start with pre-nursery, nursery and then primary level,” said Murekeyisoni.

“This was because we wanted to cater for parents who had babies and they wanted a trusted school to take care of them after completing their maternity leave.”

From 2008-todate, school enrolment stands at over 1230, said Murekeyisoni, adding that their pupils perform well in the national exams every year.

To main the education standards, the school recruits graduate teachers depending on the available programs.

In nursery to primary two levels, pupils are taught in French while in mid and upper primary, they are taught in English. In addition, French is taught as a subject.

This makes Ecole Internationale de Kigali pupils unique since they become more comfortable and confident in both English and French language at the time they complete primary.

Marc Nkusi, the school’s director of studies is very proud to work with the school.

Nkusi, who has served at the school for the last 16 years, said that in 2019, one of their pupils was awarded the overall best student in the United States, a testament to quality education.

“Our pupils are enrolled to the best public secondary schools in the country, while others join the best secondary schools in Europe and United States of America and are able to make a positive impact,” he said.

“Our program covers academic, social and cultural disciplines. We teach pupils about Rwandan culture, songs, dance and civic education, thus instilling strong social and cultural norms among them.”

‘We are proud of working in Rwanda that gives the rights to education for all children, and allows business to operate with guaranteed security. We thank the government for the support it extends to those that wish to invest in education.’

Address: KG 28 Ave, Kigali

Tel: +250 788645541/ +250 788405891

Email: info@ecoleinternationale.rw Website: www.ecoleinternationale.rw

Ecole Internationale de Kigali

Message to parents

Nkusi believes their school offers the best education not only at the national but even at the international level.

We do not work to maximize profits but we maximize high quality performance of our pupils in what we call holistic education, he said.

The school aims at improving pupils’ language abilities in English and French speaking, reading, writing coupled with listening skills which makes them capable of adjusting to any academic environment at the international level.

Induction for new teachers

Before commencing their roles at the school new teacher undergo an induction course. This is done to support them in academic perspective.

During Covid-19 pandemic the school paid its staff up to four months’ full salaries.

Besides provision of health insurance, the management also encourages teachers to save through EjoHeza initiative

ACHIEVEMENTS

Over the years, the school has acquired modern equipment, including a computer laboratory and other necessary equipment such as sports materials, projectors and other assorted learning materials.

Efforts are made to build a good relationship between staff, students and parents. Our teachers and students have access to the internet based courses which makes us standout from the crowd, said Nkusi.

It also runs evening classes for some pupils in order to facilitate parents with difficulties in picking their children on time.

Pupils under the program are facilitated with evening meals from the school restaurant.

To adjust to the recent government’s salary increment, Ecole Internationale de Kigali also plans to offer motivation schemes to its staff in form of credit facilities, the authorities revealed.

All teachers have laptops which are used for research and lesson planning.

Why Ecole Internationale de Kigali is the first choice school for your child

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

The school has playgrounds such as basketball and football pitches where teachers facilitate games training.

Cultural troupe It also has a pupils’ cultural troupe in which pupils are trained about cultural dances and singing.

The school has acquired modern equipment, including a computer laboratory, projectors, sports material, etc, to ease learning

“Our students pass exams with flying colors and can use the certificate to enroll to any school across the globe that uses French by presenting a French proficiency certificate and a language requirement,” Nkusi further noted.

www.ecoleinternationale.rw

Instilling reading culture To cultivate a reading culture the school has a well-stocked library with enough books that relate to child growth and development and other disciplines.

Partners

The school’s partners include Embassy of France in Rwanda, which provide them with French language testing scheme.

Future plan

The school management is looking at launching a baby care home that provides high quality services to babies in order to help busy parents.

Breast feeding

Local initiative helps rural mothers to breastfeed

As the world marked this year’s Breastfeeding Week, Rwandan mum Delphin Ishimwe recalled the difficulty she went through breastfeeding without the right information.

The 34-year-old mother, who lives in Huye district in southern Rwanda, struggled after the birth of her first child--as she had no idea how often to breastfeed and correctly latch her baby.

“When I delivered my first born 8 years ago, I could not imagine breastfeeding would be such a challenge. I didn’t have anyone to learn from as I was living alone and just on my own without a close family nearby,” she said in an interview.

“After reaching home from a health center with my newborn, I started doubting my capacity to breastfeed – wondering wheth-

er I had enough milk supply,” she added.

The mother of three, who lives off farming, said it was overwhelming and she decided to reach out for cow’s milk in the neighborhood yet it is discourages by health professionals.

It was during her second pregnancy that she had an encounter with a lactation counselor on a visit to a health center, whose advice gave her a very different experience after the birth of her second child.

“I asked several questions about breastfeeding. The counselor encouraged me on regular and exclusive breastfeeding. The day I produced my second born I placed her on my breast and felt I had constantly enough milk supply from day one,” she said.

Ishimwe is one of the hundreds of Rwandan mums who benefitted from a home

based solution dubbed “Kundwa Kibondo” initiated by Sovu Health Center in southern Rwanda, aimed to address dietary and socio-economic factors that may influence malnutrition among rural Rwandan children at both the village and the household level.

Background

The project began in 2017, with initially, 10 mothers who were selected and sensitized on how to take care of children by providing healthier diets, proper breastfeeding habits, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six month of the baby, how often to breastfeed as well as timely treatment of child diseases.

Those trained sensitized other mothers and those expecting in homes and village meetings. The initiative has now benefited

Milk first. Huye Sector executive secretary Prosper Rwamucyo serves children with milk.

Easing breastfeeding among rural women

hundreds of mothers.

Ishimwe has been attending “Kundwa Kibondo” meetings in her area for the past four years, during which time she has breastfed two of her daughters.

She was first helped when her second born was two weeks old.

She recalled how a lactation counselor watched her feed the child, and advised her to adjust position to ensure the baby was properly latched and correctly sucking.

“We were sensitized on how to breastfeed, it is quite hard to breastfeed without any knowledge about it. As a new mother I believed I could produce enough milk for my baby but it is not automatic without regular breastfeeding,” Ishimwe said.

“I wouldn’t wish someone else to go through what I went through. With education, new mothers can learn proper breastfeeding.”

Lactation experts advise mothers to keep contact with the baby within the first hour after birth and to maintain close skin to skin contact to ensure a good milk supply.

According to Solange Uwanyirigira, the director of Sovu health center the results of their educative campaign have been amazing as a significant improvement in children’s health was marked.

The “Kundwa Kibondo” initiative was adopted after a survey showed that poor breastfeeding habits and lack of proper child care were among the major causes of malnutrition in the area.

Reaping from benefits

Research has also shown that there is a link between breastfeeding and higher intelligence levels.

Speaking to Nation News Rwanda, Nicodeme Habarurema, a nutrition monitoring and evaluation officer at the government’s Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), said some mothers fail to breastfeed due to lack of knowledge, and awareness campaigns are important.

“Breastfeeding has many benefits. The government has designed several measures to promote proper breastfeeding, maternal care and child nutrition through awareness campaigns and advocacy,” he said.

Habarurema underlined that exclusive feeding enables proper child growth because breast milk has all the required nutrients, eases digestion, prevents sickness, and fosters love between mother and child.

It also serves family planning purposes and protects mothers from some diseases such as breast cancer.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six month in Rwanda stands at 81% down from 87% previously, according to 2020 official data.

Habarurema believes the percentage drop is due to the mindset and challenges of mums working full time far from home and are unable to take their breastfeeding children with them.

A child should be breastfed at least between eight and 12 times a day for about 20 to 30 minutes during each interval, he said.

RBC advises mothers to ensure six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

But some mothers may struggle to keep up their milk supply while working while others may fail to breastfeed due to sickness or ignorance, according to Habarurema.

Rwanda marked Breastfeeding Week from Aug. 22 to 28.

To mark the week, health officials and community health counselors conducted sensitization campaigns on exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

They also conducted advocacy campaigns on the need for employers to allow mothers time to breastfeed as well as on making workplaces more breastfeeding friendly.

Nurturing. Some of the parents interact with children during the feeding program.

Express Auto Garage

Strives to provide complete healthcare solutions

The quality vehicles repairs and painting services offered at Express Auto Garage in Kigali may not be a big surprise to many. After all, the garage is run by experienced mechanics. But where did the proprietor spring from.

Innocent Kabayiza popularly known as Bebe, is the owner, a Burundian national who decided to leave his country in 1997 to come to Rwanda to start auto mechanic services.

Since then, he has perfected his work.

Express Auto Garage specializes in vehicle painting and wiring. Besides, it trains Rwandan youth in auto mechanics.

“We aim at working and delivering quicker services, this is possible because we work day and night to serve our customers in the shortest time possible,” Kabayiza told Nation News Rwanda.

The father of three is married to a Rwandan woman.

His journey to success was not an easy one, he narrates rough paths he had to take till the time he established his own garage in 2014.

“We have over 42 workers at our garage who work for a living as well as achieve their own dreams,” he said.

calls that life was so hard due to civil wars which made it hard for him to concen trate on his studies.

on the journey to Rwanda without trans port.

Kabayiza

We are proud of this country. I have already bought a plot of land and constructed my own house.

42

“I got assistance from my friends who gave me free transport from Burundi to Kigali. Upon arrival in Rwanda, I joined my uncle working Jua Kali. It was around that time that I undertook auto wiring training for two years, before returning to Burundi in 1999,” Kabayiza said.

WORKERS AT THE GARAGE

He would later return to Rwanda in 2002, where upon he worked in a ga-

rage as an intern.

While there, he distinguished himself and won trust of his bosses who appointed him to head the team of technicians at that garage.

“I worked in that position for over two years until I was relocated to another garage (ATEKARE) for about six months. But later I decided to quit and fulfil my ambition of self-employment in the same field. I was tired of working for people who never valued our contribution to their business,” he noted.

In 2014, he decided to set up own business. He registered his company in Rwanda Development Board and acquired EBM machine in order to establish a strong garage in Gikondo, a Kigali suburb.

It was in Gikondo that he began offering young people auto mechanics training.

Kabayiza believes he owes his achievements to the country’s security and visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame.

“We are proud of this country. I have already bought a plot of land and constructed my own house. As a foreigner living in Rwanda, especially from Burundi, we are grateful – there is guaranteed security.”

The year Innocent Kabayiza, aka Bebe, decided to leave his native Burundi to come to Rwanda to venture into auto mechanic services.

Express Auto Garage offers fast, quality services 24 hours

Chinese medical team’s outreach program brings relief to Rwandans

The mother of five said her untreated back problem had led to muscle pains. She said she had been treated by an on-site doctor over the years, but the prescribed drugs were not effective.

A team of Chinese specialized medics based at Masaka Hospital in the capital Kigali and Kibungo referral hospital in Eastern Province joined up to provide free health care services to patients at Gahanga Health Center.

Despite gloomy weather, patients started arriving at the health center for the Chinese medical team outreach as early as 5 a.m., local time. The physicians are expected to tend to at least 300 patients by the end of three days.

After being examined, Nyiraneza was given medicine that she hoped would heal her. She received information about free treatment from health counselors in her village.

Check up. A Chinese medic examines a woman during the outreach program. At least 100 patients were being treated in the free medical program per day.

Nancile Nyiraneza was nervous and in pain as she stood in line, with a baby strapped on her back, at Gahanga Health Center on the outskirts of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.

The 40-year-old subsistence farmer was one of the hundreds of Rwandan residents of the Kicukiro district who took advantage of a three-day free medical outreach program set up at the health center this September by the Chinese medical team to help those with inadequate access to specialized treatment.

“I have suffered from back pain for the last five years. Sometimes I treat it and there seems to be a relief,” she said. “But it keeps coming back. It affects my farming activities because with this pain I cannot bend for long, so I have come here for treatment.”

As the planting season approaches, Nyiraneza expressed anxiety about not being able to till her garden and having to spend on food.

“The sickness affects my farming activities; as we talk, the planting season is approaching but I’m afraid I will not be able to work as I should,” she said. “Even in the daily home chores which require bending, it becomes a big challenge.”

“I thank the Chinese medical team for extending free treatment to Rwandans. I thank them for thinking about us. I trust that we shall heal. There are some people with chronic diseases and this outreach program is a welcome gesture,” she said.

Theogene Ngendahayo, 48, another resident went to the medical outreach with an eye defect.

He said although he had suffered an eye defect for a long time, he had not treated it because it required specialized treatment which is costly.

“I came here after I heard it was free treatment,” said Ngendahayo. “I’m not able

Jean Marie Vianney Barinzi, the head of the health centre, said they received between 100 and 150 patients a day.

Jean

Marie Vianney Barinzi

The donation and free treatment make a big impact, especially for our patients who seek treatment without medical insurance. Such donations and free treatment contribute to the improvement of our community’s health.

to read. When I try to read even a short text my eyes turn red. We thank the Chinese medics, God bless them.”

Guo Hao, the interpreter of the 22nd China Medical Team, said 11 doctors and one nurse were involved to provide specialized services in surgery, maternity, stomatology, orthopedics, internal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

“Most patients come with chronic diseases. The patients we cannot treat from here are referred to Masaka Hospital. Cases which cannot be handled at Masaka Hospital are referred to another hospital,” he said.

Deepening Rwanda-China ties

It’s an annual outreach program.

“Patients are grateful after the treatment. The program had been halted due to COVID-19,” said Guo.

Jean Marie Vianney Barinzi, the head of the health centre, said they received between 100 and 150 patients a day.

Besides the free treatment, the Chinese medical team donated assorted essential internal medicines, including antihypertensive drugs, hypoglyce- mic drugs, and some commonly used antibiotics, as well as

anti-pandemic materials, including masks, and hand sanitizers.

“The donation and free treatment make a big impact, especially for our patients who seek treatment without medical insurance. Such donations and free treatment contribute to the improvement of our community’s health. It also helps residents save money and time,” said Barinzi.

“Free medical outreach deepens cooperation between Rwanda and China. We ask residents to take advantage of the free medical outreach to meet with specialized medics.”

Chen Zhihong, one of the Chinese medics, said because the local residents live in relatively remote areas, it is very difficult to see a doctor.

came to the health center to provide everyone

with great convenience. Some patients wait in line for many days to see a doctor, so when our Chinese doctors see these patients who have come from afar, no matter how late we work overtime, we have to help them, “ Chen said.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s medical aid to Rwanda, and foreign medical aid has been passed down from generation to generation.

Chen said there is no problem with Chinese doctors in terms of technology.

“We need to improve the training of the Rwandan language Kinyarwanda in the future. It is conducive to the communication between doctors and patients, and it is also conducive to better communication between doctors from the two countries.”

“We

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s medical aid to Rwanda, and foreign medical aid has been passed down from generation to generation.

Hotel Urumuli STILL ON TOP OF ITS GAME

A view of Urumuli Hotel. Inset is Patrick Nsekuye, Managing Director Urumuli Hotel.

Hotel Urumuli in Gicumbi district is certainly one of the longest running hotels in the country.

The hotel has earned its reputation not only from tourists and visitors from within Rwanda and beyond, with its exceptional services.

Clients include high profile individuals looking for a place to relax as well as tourists from all walks of life.

In 1995, the hotel was selected to receive and accommodate former Zaire President Mobutu Sese Seko due to its striking service and excellent customer care.

Located in Gicumbi town, the famed hotel has been drawing in clients for decades and it is still on top of its game.

It started as a guest house constructed and owned by the government in 1986 till 2006 when the government sold it out to Rwandan Jacques Nsekuye.

The new owner embarked on renovation and expansion works of the hotel

and re-launched its full operation in 2007.

Today, it is a two-star hotel with standard and modern rooms at Rwf25,000 per night to Rwf100,000 per night under VIP treatment cate gory.

In an interview with Nation News Rwanda, Nsekuye, the hotel’s Man aging Director explained they pride themselves in excellent customer care and standardized services to all hotel guests.

It has 30 guest rooms, with a VIP apartment room that has been sepa rated from the rest of the rooms.

The hotel has a specious and beau tiful garden, three conference rooms, an in house restaurant and bar, where customers can buy their favorite drinks and enjoy their best dishes.

It hosts organizations and individuals with important meetings and training workshops at affordable prices.

In addition, Hotel

Urumuri facilitates families to organize and arrange wedding meetings and functions with capacity to accommodate at least 3000 people.

The hotel has spacious halls in which people can conduct their special functions and weddings.

For those planning their honey moons, look nowhere other than Hotel Urumuri, where newly marrieds are assured of best services.

Each accommodation

at the hotel has garden views and free WiFi. At the hotel every unit comes with a terrace. Featuring a private bathroom, some rooms at Urumuli Hotel also have a balcony. All rooms provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is served each morning at the property. The property provides a 24-hour front desk.

employees and customers, which can host over 100 vehicles at the same time.

The hotel ensures that tourists and walk in customers have a 360-degree security for their lives, property including luggage and vehicles that are watched 24/7.

The security is also assured by the government of Rwanda since all Rwandans and the country at large has total security, thanks to the good leadership.

In terms of restaurant and food preparation, the hotel has highly qualified chefs who use both blended and modern food preparation techniques depicting both Rwandan traditional and modern dishes that are not only delicious to customers but give a sense of respect to the way the meals are presented while serving.

Parking and security The hotel has a large parking space for its

HOTEL URUMULI OFFERS AFFORDABLE, CONVENIENT

Hotel Urumuli

Started as a guest house constructed and owned by the government in 1986.In 2006, the government sold it out to Jacques Nsekuye, who refurbished and expanded it and re-launched its full operation in 2007. Today, it is a two-star hotel with standard and modern rooms at Rwf25,000 per night to Rwf100,000 per night under VIP treatment.

Africa’s aviation stakeholders seek ways for industry recovery

The Aviation Africa summit and Exhibition 2022 was held in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali with participants discussing how the industry can accelerate recovery, promote sustainability and enhance the customer experience.

The summit is an opportunity to begin the work of making the aviation industry on the continent more sustainable and resilient against future shocks, Ernest Nsabimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure said at the opening on Sep.12.

Akbar Al Bakar, the Group chief executive of Qatar Airways decried the unprecedented disruption of the aviation industry by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the aviation industry worldwide and Africa was no exception, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

It is clear strong collaboration of all stakeholders has enabled the industry to collectively rebound but increasing Africa’s connectivity is important to unlock travel and economic benefits within

President Kagame

To accelerate the growth of our aviation industry we must also address the shortage of skills across the aviation value chain. After all, aviation is a hugely attractive career for young people in Africa.

the continent, said Al Bakar.

He urged the continent’s leadership to make available enough infrastructures to cope with travel demand which he said is expected to soon equal and then surpass pre-COVID levels.

“This requires revisiting Africa’s infrastructure expansion plan. Make available enough manpower, build Africa’s human resource capacity and continue investing in the aviation workforce,” he added.

The event drew government officials, aviation leaders, regulators, policy makers, manufacturers and exhibitors from across the world.

Participants will share their experiences and lessons from the past, discuss how the industry can accelerate recovery and promote sustainability.

“To accelerate the growth of our

aviation industry we must also address the shortage of skills across the aviation value chain. After all, aviation is a hugely attractive career for young people in Africa,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said while opening the summit.

Kagame noted the further liberalization of air transport in Africa can act as a catalyst to speed up the industry’s recovery by increasing connectivity, stimulating demand and creating jobs.

In the wider context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, open skies help to link our businesses to regional and global supply chains, boosting trade and investment, he added.

African airlines are estimated to have lost at least 8.6 billion U.S. dollars in revenues in 2021 amid stringent COVID-19 restriction, the African Airlines Association said in a report in February this year.

The loss was estimated to be about half the revenues the airlines generated in 2019.

But according to IATA, resumption of global air travel is expected to be firm with passenger numbers predicted to surpass the 2019 peak in 2024, owing to the easing of travel restrictions in key markets amid receding infection rates.

Nyandungu Great Lakes School Complex completes renovations, installs facilities

Nyandungu Great Lakes School Complex has made significant improvements to infrastructure, education facilities and resources as part of efforts to offer a good learning environment.

Nyandungu Great Lakes School Complex was established by ASSOCIATION ISLAMIC POUR LA PROMOSION DE L’Education de Rwanda –AIPER in 1997 to respond to education needs of the country.

It was until 1999 when the school opened its doors for Ordinary Level with only 60 students.

Saidi Rwagasana

We envisage a brighter future, as a private school we decided to invest in school premises, we also intend to reinstitute our secondary school and eventually open up a university to provide relevant and customized education programs that respond to employment needs.

Later in 2001, it started a primary school. Saidi Rwagasana, the school’s representative said they have installed a computer lab, language aids and visuals, sports facilities for pupils and ensured a clean environment to enable learning.

“What I can tell everyone is that we love what we do and it is our passion,” he told Nation News Rwanda.

Achievements

According to Rwagasana, there has been a tremendous improvement in terms of school enrolment—from 60 students at the beginning to 960 students now.

School Representative. Saidi Rwagasana.

School Director. Moise Bahufite .

Director of Studies. Sophonie Rugeruza.

After its establishment, the school acquired a bank loan to expand premises.

This was used to construct more school structures in order to accommodate the growing number of students.

Swimming upstream amid challenges

Rwagasana said that the biggest challenges the school faced like any other private school was the government launch of nine years’ basic education’ (9YBE) and 12 Years Basic Education which meant that

those students in poor families could now go back to school and study free of charge.

This did not only benefit poor families but also those parents who wanted to benefit from the development by taking their schools to cheaper government schools.

“Despite being a good initiative for many, it at the same time presented a challenge for private schools like ours since student enrollment decreased as parents withdrew their children to take them to public schools,” he said.

“However, this did not stop us from working with a limited number of students.”

In addition, Rwagasana said schools shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions caused a lot of hardships since the school could not raise enough money to pay the outstanding bank loan of about Rwf43 million acquired to finance their expansion.

After reopening, the student numbers had dropped and parents had no money to pay fees on time to enable the school

Nyandungu Great Lakes School Complex is ready

embark on loan reimbursement as it had been before the pandemic.

As a result, he said the school found itself in a “precarious financial position,” which compelled the management to sell off secondary school premises.

Rwagasana said opening a university is part of their future strategy due to the current technological advancement that has transformed the way people attend school and the demand for higher education.

“We envisage a brighter future, as a pri-

vate school we decided to invest in school premises, we also intend to reinstitute our secondary school and eventually open up a university to provide relevant and customized education programs that respond to employment needs,” he assured.

Message

Rwagasana advises parents to take their children to the best schools with high level academic standards near their locality.

He also encourages parents to support schools to improve their academic stan-

dards, saying it is important for parents, teachers and school administration to jointly work towards child education.

“The current trend of development in Rwanda has been possible due to a strong foundation put in place by President Paul Kagame, we need to support him to continue leading the country to greater heights,” he said.

“We have good leadership that caters for all citizens without discrimination while ensuring security, good governance and the rule of law.”

WHAT WENT AROUND CAME AROUND... IN

Government officials and baby gorilla namers during the Kwita Izina ceremony in Musanze District on September 2, 2022

RDF Intelligence chief Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi visited Rwandan peacekeepers serving under UN Mission in South Sudan at Durupi base camp on September 14.

President Kagame plants Rwandan beans on a world map to launch the bean challenge during AGRF summit. It challenges ALL globally, to eat beans. | VILLAGE URUGWIRO

President Kagame at the Aviation Africa Summit.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame joins AGRF forum 2022 | COURTESY

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette

IN PICTURES

Jeannette attend the Kwita Izina Gala Night.

The 11th group of more than 100 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya arrive at Kigali International Airport on August 31

William Samoei Ruto takes oath of office in Nairobi on September 13, 2022

IAKIB Cooperative Improving livelihoods of dairy farmers in Gicumbi

At a complex in Gicumbi district, in northern Rwanda, several people are lifting gallons of milk and pouring in big containers.

The premise is owned by IAKIB, a dairy cooperative, which collects 38,000 liters of milk per day.

It sells part of the milk (5,000 liters) to a private dairy company named “Blessed Dairies Ltd’’ while the rest is sold to Inyange Industries, the leading processor in Rwan da.

Located in, Kageyo sector in Gihembe cell, the cooperative was officially registered in 2011, but started informally as an association of dairy farmers on October 23, 2003.

IAKIB (Impuzamashyirahamwe y’Aborozi ba Kijyambere ba Byumba) aims to increase the production of high quality milk, improve breeds of dairy cattle, provide outstanding services to members and reduce poverty by improving the livelihoods dairy farmers, Agnes Mukangiruwonsanga, IAKIB cooperative’s president, the cooperative’s president told Nation News Rwanda.

She explained that instead of selling all its milk, the members established a small

Agnes Mukangiruwonsanga, IAKIB cooperative’s president.

processing plant which processes yoghurt and other milk products which are sold to farmers and other area residents.

“We started as dairy farming groups that were governed by committees from which we formed association and transformed into a cooperative after the government encouraged their formation. I was one of the founding members of this cooperative,” she said.

At the beginning, the cooperative’s milk produce was little and this necessitated only one person from the cooperative to take it to the market.

But currently it has built a distribution system comprising of four vehicles that transport milk to Inyange Industries and two that are used to collect milk from various locations to collection centers.

“We are legally allowed to operate in all parts of the country as long as our mem-

bers can be able to produce and provide us with milk,” Mukangiruwonsanga said.

Diversification

Besides milk, the cooperative established a maize processing factory that produces eight tons of maize flour per day.

The cooperative’s main competitive advantage lies in their ability to produce own animal feeds of between 4-5 tons per day from fac tory wastes which helps to ensure consistent milk production.

The cooperative’s maize flour is also sold to members and other customers.

It particularly played a key role in responding to food needs of mem bers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cooperative’s target is to expand the factory capacity to produce up to 60 tons of maize flour per day and at least 20 tons of animal feeds per day, according to Mukangiruwonsanga.

The cooperative has been able to establish a

Valens Ahishakiye, manager IAKIB, says the cooperative has helped ease collection of surplus milk from farmers.

laboratory to facilitate farmers with animal disease diagnosis. It also advises farmers about appropriate and best farming methods as well as the right drugs for treatment of their animals. It helps farmers get veterinary drugs easily from its drug shop.

To help farmers cope with financial needs, IAKIB has extends loans to its members.

Membership

The cooperative has 4,004 members of which 2,462 are men, 1,542 are women,

42 youth.

The maximum number of shares per member equals to one with main shareholders 704 in line with the law governing Rwanda cooperative Agency.

All IAKIB members have fully paid their shares.

The membership was only Rwf50,00 and the number grew from 300, with no office initially then. It now has 10 milk collection centers of which three were constructed by the cooperative, Valens Ahishakiye, the cooperative’ manager, said.

The cooperative also opened up a “milk bar” in which members and other customers sit to drink milk.

The cooperative has 4,004 members of which 2,462 are men, 1,542 are women, 42 youth.

With increased milk production, it was not possible to consume all the produce in our families, so we decided to form an association that was in charge of collecting the surplus milk from 250 liters at the beginning to 38,000 liters now, said Ahishakiye.

4,004

IAKIB brings smiles to dairy farmers in Gicumbi

ACHIEVEMENTS

With increased income the cooperative was able to expand their grazing land.

The lucrative nature of the business compelled some members to resign from their regular jobs to concentrate on dairy farming, according to Ahishakiye.

The cooperative has helped members to realize their dreams which improved their social and economic welfare, he said.

The government’s cattle stocking program of “Girinka” one cow per family program became the foundation on which the cooperative’s success was built.

“We are among a few cooperatives contributing to peoples’ income generation on a monthly basis whereby we pay to the tune of Rwf240-260m to our members per month. This money is used by farmers to either expand their farming business, construct better housing and more grazing land. Our members have health insurance (mutuelle de santé) and have savings in EJOHEZA saving scheme,” added Ahishakiye.

LOOKING AHEAD

According to Ahishakiye, their goal is to become a model cooperative not only in Rwanda but in the Great Lakes region. We also wish to establish a milk processing industry that would produce processed milk, he said. He advised members to increase their production through proper farming methods, noting that they should work with a vision and clear targets. “Dairy cows require to be well fed with nutritious feeds.”

NYURWA COFFEE COMPANY EQUIPS GIRLS WITH COFFEE MAKING SKILLS

Nyurwa Coffee Company, an Au thorized Specialized trainer aims to reach out to young girls especially school drop-outs with specialty training in coffee roasting, bar rister and other coffee making related skills.

Speaking to Nation News Rwanda, Beatrice Musaniwabo, the company’s Managing Director said this would address unem ployment among young girls and empower women.

“Since our establishment, I have trained six students who are now em ployed in Qatar and within the country,” she said.

Musaniwabo became a

ing nearly two years barrister training by the American based Specialty coffee company.

Born in Uganda in a family of 13 chil-

dren Musaniwabo said given her background, getting her qualification was beyond her imagination.

None of her siblings attained university education. For her, she never went beyond primary seven. The hustle for her became evident at a teenage age of 15 when her father sent her abroad to look for money to support their family.

When the family returned to Rwanda, Musaniwabo got married but later lost her husband.

She had lost hope, until she got an opportunity to join the barrister training.

It was after school and years of practicing that she was able to start her own

Managing director. Betty Musaniwabo

I started this company after observing how young women survive in this country, looking for employment after school is not an easy task. But being a barrister is the best option. My plan was to help those with no education background. Since our establishment, I have trained six students who are now employed in Qatar and within the country.

company under the brand name “Nyurwa Coffee Company” in May 2022.

She has committed to providing excellent service in the coffee making business, having acquired technical and professional skills in roasting, cupping and barrister.

She has previously been awarded as the best Rwandan Barrister.

“I started this company after observing how young women survive in this country, looking for employment after school is not an easy task. But being a barrister is the best option. My plan was to help those with no education background,” she said.

Musaniwabo is an expert in coffee roasting which she sells to hotels and restaurants. In so doing, she as well offers skills training on how the barristers should prepare coffee for clients.

With humble background Musaniwabo recalls that joining the coffee industry came as a surprise. “I started as a junior, senior to a professional barrister level,” she said.

Future

Nyurwa Coffee Company’s growth strategy includes maintaining quality coffee for clients.

“We intend to keep consistence to the coffee cups and my message to Rwandans is to love our coffee. Rwandans especially young people should drink more coffee to support farmers. Coffee is not for the rich as many people think.”

Beatrice Musaniwabo

It was a cloudy morning, and the neighborhood and roads surrounding Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park in Rwanda’s capital

Kigali were quiet.

Inside, however, it was quite a different story. There it was breakfast time, as birds went about finding food in their own natural ways.

At one end, some birds plunged their necks into the pond water, reemerging within seconds after filling their beaks.

Others stood still at the water’s edge, probably waiting for their turn. But other birds looked less excited, standing leisurely on the pond’s boundaries with their necks

bent.

Six years ago, this was a degraded wetland. But it is now reborn as a world-class nature reserve.

The new designation is the culmination of years of an effort initiated by the Rwandan government.

Green initiatives

In an interview, Elias Bizuru, a researcher at the University of Rwanda, said the wetland had been completely degrad-

ed, reduced to grazing land whose restoration is very significant and offers important lessons for nature conservation in an urban setting.

“It is an amazing project ecologically speaking,” he said, referring to the restoration work.

“The wetland has an extremely rich ecosystem with different animal, bird, and plant species. There are reptiles, snakes, dragonflies, amphibians...I’m happy to have it as an eco-park in the city.”

The ecotourism park, measuring 121.7

Restoration offers important lessons to national for nature conservation in urban setting

hectares (300.7 acres), including 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest, is home to more than 62 local plant species and over 100 bird species.

Some green initiatives in the restoration process involved the planting of 17,000

Preventing floods

Kabera underlined that besides being home to unique biodiversity, urban wetlands play a vital role in preventing floods and addressing pollution.

“As we face the impacts of climate change, wetlands will be a key ally to protect lives and livelihoods. We look forward to working with our partners to replicate the success of restoring Nyandungu in other urban wetlands in Kigali and across the country,” she said.

Besides restoring the wetland ecosystem and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources, the initiative has also created approximately 4,000 green jobs, according to the government.

The restoration, REMA said, is partly in response to significant pressure on the wetlands presented by the rapid growth of Kigali and the associated human activities which led to their degradation and biodiversity loss. Encroachment has also resulted in downstream flooding as well as increased pollution due to sewage outflows.

Kabera believes the restoration of the Nyandungu wetland would reduce the risk of flooding and pollution in urban areas.

Nyandungu Eco-Park is the first public recreational and touristic facility of its kind in Kigali.

Kyle Schofield, managing director of QA Venue Solutions, said preserving the space will allow the community to benefit from it through educational and recreational activities.

trees made up of 55 indigenous species, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

Bizuru underlined that the eco-park provides the potential for the introduction of more species of animals, insects, fish, and amphibians for conservation purposes and tourism.

He, however, cautioned against introducing harmful aquatic species.

Blueprint

Juliet Kabera, the director-general of REMA, said the new eco-park illustrates the value of restoring urban ecosystems and would serve as “a blueprint” for wetland rehabilitation across the country.

“We will rehabilitate additional wetlands in Kigali, and work is already underway. In doing so, wetlands in the city can fulfill their proper function and benefit both our environment and people,” she said.

The creation of Nyandungu Eco-Park represents the single largest addition to public green space in Kigali city’s history.

The park provides a space for residents and visitors to the city to explore and learn from nature and is part of Rwanda’s efforts to harness ecotourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland ecosystems, according to officials.

Those years of restoration offer some important lessons on managing the environment.

It highlighted the management techniques and green technologies that can be used in Rwanda’s secondary cities, thereby demonstrating its scalability as a model for other wetlands and increasing its potential legacy, according to REMA.

From a degraded wetland, Nyandungu Eco-Park now acts as an educational and recreational eco-park in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city.

The park features a medicinal garden, what is called a Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreation ponds, an information center, and an eatery as well as 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) of walkways and bike lanes.

The Rwandan government has signed a deal with a private contractor, QA Venue Solutions, to manage the eco-park.

At Ingufu Gin it’s about quality

Ingufu Gin Ltd, a local alcohol distilling company has earned its reputation in quality production of gin, liquor and whisky drinks that addressed the issue of illegal importation of substandard products to Rwanda from neighboring countries.

Ingufu Gin Ltd, owned by Rwandan businessman Samuel Ntihanabayo, is one of those companies that aim to do good while making profits.

It opened its doors in 2016 with three brands size 205 ml.

Since then, it has increased to 10 brands in varying volumes; 200 ml, 205ml and 250Ml.

“All our products; Whiskey, Vodka, RUM

VISION

To be the leading producer and supplier of Healthy Drinks in the Great Lakes region and to be respected and acknowledged as the best liquors distilling and delivering company

and Gin are of the highest quality unlike any other in Rwanda. We have acquired standard mark (SM) from Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RFDA). The uniqueness of our products is in its flavor and alcohol content,” Pierre Clever Niyigaba, the company’s Finance and Administration Manager told Nation News Rwanda.

From 16 permanent staff then. The factory has contributed to employment creation, now employing 168 permanent staff and between 40-60 casual laborers.

“Ntihanabayo, the proprietor saw the need to bring about a revolution in quality and taste, by providing the best alternative for the drink which was largely being smuggled into Rwanda from our neighboring

Vision. Samuel Ntihanabayo, proprietor Ingufu Gin Ltd.

MESSAGE

Niyigaba is grateful to the government especially local government leaders, Rwanda Revenue Authority, district authorities, RFDA and other partners who have continued to help the company enhance its performance.

“We also thank the government for its leadership that enables businesses to flourish through a number of support services.”

countries,” said Niyigaba.

“Most of the times, the drinks smuggled to Rwanda were not of high quality and the government was always hunting down the smugglers,” he said.

The company fulfills its tax obligation and its employees save with EJOHEZA saving scheme.

Besides, in its social corporate social responsibility the company pays health insurance for vulnerable residents.

Future plans

The company’s plan is to open branches in other East African Community countries by 2023 and begin to make own packaging materials.

Niyigaba says the demand for their liquor drives their expansion plans.

The uniqueness of our beverages is embedded in our vision and mission, he said.

MISSION

l To provide high quality products and provide premium qualities for Liquors, Rum, Brandy Gin and Wiskey all at reasonable and affordable prices.

l Ingufu Gin Ltd is specializing in distilling, Fermenting and Delivering the best drinks in Rwanda and Easter Africa.

l The production process involves distilling a fermented mix of grains, fruit or vegetables.

l Liquor encompasses a variety

of styles, so there's something for everybody, he said.

l Generally, their liquor falls into five broad categories, including Brandy, Gin, Whiskey, Vodka and Rum. Depending on the type, alcohol by volume (ABV) ranges from at least 40% all the way up to 42%.

l All of the very best drinks, ciders and liquors of Ingufu Gin Ltd are available from one convenient supermarket near you.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

I was totally impressed from the first time. I love your product its healthy and tasty, thank you.

You do five-star work, you’re ultra-responsive, and you make things easy for us. That is invaluable.

Jonathan Itangishaka, in Kigali

Smith Rubangura, in Muhanga

China, Rwanda extend medical cooperation deal for another 5 years

Growing together. Health minister Daniel Ngamije (right) and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun Sign a memorandum of understanding in Kigali on September 7.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health and the Chinese Embassy in Kigali signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the dispatching of Chinese medical personnel to Rwanda.

“We are expecting doctors from some fields where we have some gaps in terms of specialists. We appreciate this partnership. After 40 years of medical cooperation between the Rwandan government and China, today we are expanding this agreement for another five years because we appreciate the services of those doctors so far in the country,” Daniel Ngamije, Rwandan health minister, said at the recent signing ceremony.

The doctors will be working in Ma-

saka Hospital in Kigali and Kibungo Hospital in eastern Rwanda.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said China and Rwanda enjoy a long-lasting friendship, and cooperation in the fields of medical and health care demonstrates the two countries’ deep traditional friendship of sharing weal and woe, through thick and thin.

“The Chinese

government sent the first Chinese medical team to Rwanda in 1982.

Over the last 40 years, 22 medical teams and more than 270 Chinese doctors received up to hundreds of thousands of patients and performed more than 10,000 surgical operations in Rwanda,” Wang said.

He added China is willing to join hands and work together with Rwanda, to further deepen cooperation on medical and healthcare matters and lift their ties to a new height in the post-pandemic era.

EAC 5th Arts and CulturalFestivalendsonahigh

C&V SMART CAR WASH

OFFERING MORE THAN WASHING SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS

Everyone wants to move in a clean car. Whether it is a Suv, Land Cruiser, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz or a simple Starlet people are keen on keeping their cars clean.

It is against that background that Claudine Dushimimana and her spouse set up C & V Car Wash Ltd a motor vehicle car and maintenance company located in Kimironko, a Kigali city suburb on the back of rising number of people buying cars.

C&V Car wash brand name is derived from the names of its proprieties.

Beyond car washing the facility also offers

simple maintenance works for the customers’ vehicles such as engine cleaning, wheel alignment, washing window glasses, lamps and provision of other simple maintenance tips which give the company competitive advantage, Dushimimana told Nation News Rwanda.

At C&V Car wash we believe in offering excellent service, she said.

The mother of six said the business idea was born out of need for diversification of their income sources but also maintain cleanliness and hygiene since it is the source of health.

Employment is not about office jobs alone, but any other activity that helps you to earn an

Claudine Dushimimana, managing director, C&V Smart Car Wash

income must be respected and done to the best of ones’ knowledge, she said.

At the same time establishing a car wash that would provide professional cleaning services achieves the couple’s love for vehicles.

“We observed some challenges in existing car wash facilities, for example people sometimes lose their property at the car wash facilities while others may get their cars damaged. We sought to address such challenges through offering of professional services,” Dushimimana added.

The beginning was not easy, even when the idea was conceived seven years ago, it was not implemented until July, 2022.

In addition, the couple was motivated by the fact that as the country develops more people are increasingly buying cars which need more washers.

They thus decided to venture into the

business that would promote motor vehicle maintenance and cleanliness, provide jobs and promote national development.

“As a woman, I do auto mobile servicing from the engine, to all other parts. We offer jobs to the youth and other individuals who are willing to learn while doing washing job which makes me proud of helping others to earn a living,” Dushimimana said.

Entrepreneurial spirit

Dushimimana overcame the stereotype that car washing job was for men.

“I love what I do, any job that has potential to provide an income, it is better to do it than despise it and starve. My customers are always happy with my services,” she said.

As a family business it employs one of their children.

Believing strongly in the business model, Dushimimana said their plan is to expand their services, and bring on board more

Claudine Dushimimana

I love what I do, any job that has potential to provide an income, it is better to do it than despise it and starve. My customers are always happy with my services.

C&V OFFER YOU MORE THAN WASHING SERVICES

women to not only do washing jobs but also occupy administrative positions.

We are aiming at promoting the Rwandan women through our car wash services, we want to ensure that people get the best from our car wash services, she said.

Acquiring more knowledge

Using internet services, the couple took it upon themselves to acquire more skills on vehicle maintenance and cleaning.

They then decided to buy some products such as shampoo, Sonax and other product, and high tech machines and other products that are used to clean the engine.

They also have high quality products meant to apply on head lamps, glasses and wheel rims.

Besides, the business sells motor engine oils imported from Canada.

Future plans

According to Dushimimana, the company’s belief is in quality service other than maximizing profits.

Our goal is to train more youth in the services that we offer as we advance towards retirement, these young people can continue from where we stopped, she said.

Message

Her message to customers is that C&V Car Wash relies on unique approach in providing car wash and maintenance services.

“We assure customers of security of their vehicles. Our facility is installed with security cameras and we employ guards from Eagle Security Company,” she said.

The company has also opened a bar and coffee shop with a 24/7 internet services, where customers can sit while waiting for their vehicles.

With internet services, clients who may wish to perform certain tasks while their vehicles are being maintained are catered for.

Noting that the company has partnered with some Europeans to provide the services, Dushimimana appealed to customers for their cooperation.

Conservation.

Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba was among the top figures who named baby gorillas at the Kwita Izina ceremony.

KWITA IZINA

Rwanda names 20 mountain baby gorillas as in-person ceremony returns

Rwanda’s traditional baby gorilla naming ceremony locally called Kwita Izina returned with a physical ceremony September with the government committing to expand gorilla habitat.

The ceremony at the foothills of the Volcano National Park in Musanze district, in northern Rwanda witnessed the naming of 20 baby mountain gorillas born in the park over the last 12 months.

Personalities to name the gorillas during this year’s 18th edition of the ceremony included notable partners, conservation-

ists, international celebrities, dignitaries and friends of Rwanda.

Prince Charles of Wales, who has since become King Charles III after succeeding Queen Elizabeth II who died earlier this month, named a baby gorilla Ubwuzuzanye, which means harmony.

“The restoration of harmony between nature, people and planet is the most critical issue facing humanity,” Prince Charles said in a video message.

He commended Rwanda’s ambitious

project to expand Africa’s oldest national park, the Volcano National Park by roughly 23%, saying “the once in a generation initiative will help ensure a bright future for the mountain gorillas.”

Diversity in name choices

American award winning actor Uzo Aduba named a baby gorilla Imararungu, meaning Cheerful while Gilberto Silva, Arsenal Football Club legend chose the name Impanda, which means Trumpet.

This name was chosen to serve as a call to action for us all to play our part in protecting and restoring biodiversity, said Silva.

Aduba said the name Imararungu was chosen to represent the joyful and entertaining nature of gorillas.

Stewart Maginnis, the deputy director general of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, said his choice of the name Nyirindekwe, which means Protector, was to “celebrate the protective nature of the mountain gorillas, and their role as guardians of their forest habitat.”

At least 354 baby gorillas have been named since the start of the naming ceremony in 2005.

The flagship annual ceremony was held virtually over the last two years due Covid pandemic.

Clare Akamanzi,

The namers

King Charles III British king

Dr Cindy D. Pereira Entreprenuer

Uzo Aduba Actor

Dr Evan Antin Vet, Presenter Neri Bukspan Banker

Didier Drogba Chelsea legend

Itzhak Fisher RDB chair

Laurene P. Jobs E. Collective

Dr Frank I. Luntz Luntz Global Stewart Maginnis IUCN

Thomas Milz Vet, Presenter Salima Mukansanga Referee

Louise Mushikiwabo Francophonie Youssou N’Dour Musician

Naomi Schiff Racing Driver

Kaddu Sebunya Africa Wildlife Gilberto Silva Arsenal legend

Sauti Sol Musical Band

Juan Pablo Sorin PSG legend

Moses Turahirwa Moshions

Sir Ian Clark Wood Wood Found’n

the chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board said initiatives such as the gorilla naming ceremony play a major role in conserving gorillas.

Conservation efforts

In the 2010 census, there were 480 mountain gorillas which have increased to 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif, according to the 2016 census report.

The naming ceremony is part of conservation efforts which have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide to 1,063 and are categorized as no longer critically endangered.

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente said the naming event demonstrates the east African country’s commitment to conservation and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding the habitat of the mountain gorillas.

Ngirente also said the government of Rwanda remains committed to improving the livelihoods of park communities while enabling wildlife conservation through the Tourism Revenue Share Program.

Initiated in 2005, the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program aims to guide investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that 10% of all park revenues is given back to the communities.

After being battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, inbound tourism to Rwanda has been showing a promising return to normalcy in recent months. Revenues increased by 25% from $ 131 million in 2020 to $ 164 million in 2021, according to official data.

KOGIAGI COOPERATIVE KEEN TO

Members of Kogiagi Cooperative in Gicumbi district have revealed plans to establish a milk processing plant that would enhance milk production in the area.

This would help increase earnings for the members from the current Rwf300 to about Rwf800 per liter.

Farmers would also benefit by earning more from their produce where atleast Rwf500 per liter would be paid by the cooperative, according to the cooperative’s president Jean Baptiste Mugisha.

The cooperative which started in 2010 as an association under a brand name popularly known as Giramata, with only 120 members, has since expanded to 351 active members.

“The cooperative had plans to establish a factory to add value to our milk produce,

MESSAGE

Consolatrice Uwizeyimana appealed to the government to help the cooperative members get quality dairy breeds as well as reliable veterinary services. She also expressed appreciation to the government and President Paul Kagame in particular for the good and exemplary leadership that ensure peace, security and good governance that facilitated them to acquire improved dairy breeds. “We encourage Rwandans to conduct study visits to learn more about our business,” she said.

we had a partner from the United States who had started the construction of the factory but he left before it was completed,” Mugisha told Nation News Rwanda.

Facilitating transportation

He explained that the cooperative has opened up another collection centre in Kaniga Zone in Cyumba Sector to facilitate quicker transportation of milk from members.

“This was because previously, it was difficult to transport milk from the sector, it used to take longer and this led to unimaginable loss of milk before we could receive it at our collection point. Our members are happy to benefit from the newly established collection point since it reduced the problem of spoiled milk,” he said.

The distribution of improved breeds of dairy cows by the government played a significant role in propelling the cooperative to its current level.

According to Mugisha, the donated cows produced much milk than families could consume.

Jean Baptiste Mugisha, Kogiagi cooperative’s president

SET UP MILK PROCESSING PLANT

“With this amount of money, farmers are able to cater for their needs, pay school fees for their children and look after their families. This has improved the standards of living for our members,” Mugisha said.

Before Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the cooperative had planned to ensure that each of their members owned at least two dairy cows which would increase one’s earnings to Rwf180,000 per month.

While this is yet to be achieved the cooperative remains committed to achieving the target, according to Mugisha.

Besides livestock farming, the members are also engaged in crop farming and other businesses to supplement their incomes.

Consolatrice Uwizeyimana, the cooperative’s accountant, said that members attest to benefits from the cooperative.

“Families get money to cater for their daily needs such as feeding, and paying school fees for their children. But what is more important is that the cooperative has ensured proper feeding in families which has reduced cases of malnutrition and stunting among children under the age of 5,” she said.

“The cooperative has played a great role in poverty reduction and improvement of people’s livelihoods. Members have money to save and pay for health insurance.

We employ six permanent staff without considering our members who sell their produce to us,” she added.

The cooperative plans to pay mutuelle de santé for its members. It now pays mutuelle de santé for members in form of basic health loans which it reimburses after milk sales at zero interest rate.

“I can recall around 300 liters were produced per day. During that time, we decided to form an association that was legally registered to operate in Rwanda,” he said.

In addition, the government gave the cooperative dairy machines where it collected milk from farmers and then sold it to private companies in Kigali. The cooperative pays farmers every after 15 days, meaning members are paid twice a month.

Today, the cooperative collects between 2000-2500 litres of milk per day from dairy farmers. Recently, the government increased the price of milk from Rwf228 per liter to 300 per liter.

This was a big win to the cooperatives members. For example a farmer with only one dairy cow, can sell about 10 litres of milk per day earning Rwf3000 per day and Rwf90,000 per month.

Rwanda makes strides in plastic ban

imperishable, (from which) we produce building materials. So for us, waste is another way to do business and make money,” Emmanuel Mutabazi, COPED production manager, told Xinhua.

“We use plastic porridge instead of sand, and glass bottle powder instead of cement,” he said, adding that their business is contributing to environmental protection because the extraction of sand, the production of cement, as well as plastic waste, damage the environment.

Youth associations in collaboration with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) are also organizing community mobilization activities to combat plastic waste.

The Rwanda Scouts Association, for instance, has a project called “Tide Turner Plastic Challenge” to initiate the scouts and the communities to fight against plastic pollution.

Virgile Uzabumugabo, national coordinator of the Rwanda Scouts Association, said the association started its activities after the call of the government to fight against plastic waste and think about profiting from it.

“We started the project with sponsorship from the United Nations Environment Program, UNEP. We intend to strengthen our collaboration with REMA, and fellow youth associations until we create our own factory that transforms plastic waste into other objects,” said Uzabumugabo.

Uzabumugabo said that at the moment, their work is limited to raising awareness and collecting waste which they sell to companies that transform it into other environmentally friendly and useful products.

Jeannette Mugwaneza, REMA’s project manager, said REMA promotes production of other materials from plastic waste and sensitizes the public about the dangers of plastics and the benefits of recycling.

For visitors who arrive in Rwanda for the first time by air, their first impression about this small central African country is most likely to be its great efforts in plastic control.

At Kigali International Airport, visitors are asked to refrain from bringing plastic bags into the country, as any plastic bags will be confiscated at the airport or other points of entry.

On the outskirts of the capital Kigali, different machines at the site of waste collection company COPED can be seen busy running, making piercing noises as they grind waste. Rwanda’s efforts to be plastic-free are expressed through relevant laws that were introduced as early as 2008.

In that year, the country passed its first law banning the manufacture, import, use, and sale of polyethylene bags. Four years later, as part of supporting the law, Rwanda created the Environment and Climate Change Fund as a cross-sector financing mechanism to achieve the development goals of environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and green economic growth.

In 2019, Rwanda passed a transformative law that began phasing out all single-use plastics. The law aims to control the growing habit of unnecessary consumption and disposal of single-use plastic items that became a burden on the environment.

The law also imposes stiff fines against use of single-use plastics. In recent years, the country has taken a step further to make plastic waste an investment opportunity.

COPED is one of the most known waste collection companies in Kigali. The company recycles certain non-perishable waste, including single-use plastic materials, and plastic and glass bottles, into building materials, such as cobblestones and building blocks.

“We filter the perishable waste from the non-perishable ones, then from the perishable waste we produce manure and we grind the

EAC, DR Congo sign agreement for deployment of a joint force

The East African Community (EAC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement for the deployment of an EAC joint regional force to fight negative forces in the bloc’s new member.

A recent statement issued by the EAC headquarters in Tanzania’s northern city of Arusha said the agreement was signed by the EAC secretary general, Peter Mathuki, and DRC’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala, and witnessed by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in DRC’s capital Kinshasa.

Mathuki said the agreement is in support of the implementation of the decision of the 22nd summit of the EAC heads of state to deploy a joint regional force to fight the negative forces in the DRC.

“The agreement envisages an initial deployment of the EAC joint regional force for a period of six months after which the de-

ployment will be evaluated,” said Mathuki. President Tshisekedi thanked the EAC for the deployment of the joint regional force, saying that instability in his country has been ongoing for over two decades.

“My highest wish is for the regional force to be successful and allow the country to turn over and focus on the economic and social growth of the country that will see it transform and shine in front of the world,” said Tshisekedi.

‘Significant risk’

Armed interventions in the region do not have a strong record of enduring success, and enlisting countries with strategic and economic interests in the region could escalate an already dangerous situation.

Several of the DR Congo’s neighbours have repeatedly and deliberately undermined stability in its east by bolstering proxy fighters and tapping its huge natural resources. Some like Burundi and Uganda may well continue to push their own agen-

das, even when under joint force command. Analysts worry that the Kenyan force commander in Goma headquarters will have limited oversight of contingents stationed in remote areas in the east.

For instance, the Burundian contingent that entered the DRC on August 15 has been placed under Congolese rather than Kenyan command and seems to mostly pursue Burundian interests in South Kivu.

Civilians could once again bear the brunt of the armed violence. Armed groups in the DRC have often become more brutal toward villagers when facing military pressure. For instance, the Congolese offensive against the ADF in North Kivu led to a surge in abuses of civilians in early 2020.

The EAC has never before deployed a peacekeeping or enforcement operation, much less sought to put in place safeguards for the protection of the civilian population. This raises considerable concerns about potential human rights violations by the troops themselves.

The case for caution. East African leaders have agreed to assemble troops to combat armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese authorities have announced the first troop deployment, but obstacles remain. Crisis Group expert Nelleke van de Walle explains the plan and its risks.

AT KIGALI BEARINGS IMPORT,

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

QUALITY COMES FIRST

country’s development.

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.

Kigali Bearings Import

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; his leadership has seen the country develop at a high speed. We therefore need to support this good leadership, and teach our children patriotism,” he said.

He appealed to Rwanda Revenue Authority to devise mechanisms of treating business based on their respective roles and contribution to the Rwandan community in terms of taxation.

To me, there should be a specialized service within customs department in a number of goods and products imported into the country in order to tax these goods based on expertise understanding such as engineers for all imported machines, food scientists for those related to food items and so on, he said.

Customers

GARAGE JOC

Empowering vulnerable youth with auto mechanics skills

Gains

Vulnerable Rwandan youth have received auto mechanics skills courtesy of Garage Joc. Established in 1994 after the Genocide against the Tutsi, Garage Joc initiated a technical training program in which it offers short courses in auto mechanics to youth most of them; former street children.

“The garage was established at a time the country had come out of a difficult period. Then, life was just returning to normal and every subsector was being rebuilt, people were looking for new jobs and opportunities that would earn them a living and restore hope,” Jean Crisostome Ufiteyezu, the managing director of Garage Joc, said.

Today, decades later, the garage still receives a few youths who never got the opportunity to study to higher levels.

Our aim is to continue helping those that are in need, Ufiteyezu said.

Garage services

In addition to offering automobile mechanics training, the garage also provides specialized maintenance services to its customers ranging from dent repair and painting, frame straightening, polishing of vehicles, car inspection services, among others.

The garage has 12 permanent employees and several casual laborers picked from its trainees. Ufiteyezu noted that the

Jean C. Ufiteyezu

I had many friends who had wanted me to go to DR Congo to open a garage there but I chose to work in Rwanda because of security guarantees. I did not wish to do business in a country that has no guarantee for peace and security.I advise Rwandans to explore the opportunities in their own country before thinking of other parts of the world because there are plenty of business opportunities.

number of employees was reduced due to Covid-19 pandemic which affected the normal operations of the garage.

Early days of Garage Joc

Located at Sainte Famille in the capital Kigali, Garage Joc started as a technical and vocational school. But its owner and employees were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was after

the genocide that the widow sought to revamp the business.

She tapped on Ufiteyezu due to his experience and the garage started training youth in auto mechanics.

Message to clients

Ufiteyezu said the garage remains committed to providing outstanding auto mechanics services to their customers.

“I had many friends who had wanted me to go to DR Congo to open a garage there but I chose to work in Rwanda because of security guarantees. I did not wish to do business in a country that has no guarantee for peace and security,” he said.

“I advise Rwandans to explore the opportunities in their own country before thinking of other parts of the world because there are plenty of business opportunities.”

Their customers include institutions both private and public as well as individuals seeking professional services.

The garage has empowered Rwandan youth who he said is proud of. The garage’s plan is to launch other projects that would generate additional income for the business.

HOW TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION

Lack of innovation, climate change effects, poor implementation of existing innovations and global shocks such as COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine are among the reasons responsible for the current food insecurity on the continent, according to experts.

Speaking to Nation News Rwanda, Egide Karuranga, Rwanda based economist said African countries including Rwanda can address food insecurity through strategic partnerships with countries such as Brazil and China to draw from their experiences and ways of using agricultural technology innovations.

“Africa can learn from these countries to address hung because they have already

succeeded in fighting malnutrition and food shortages, they should be the best partners,” he said on the sidelines of the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) summit which concluded in Kigali this September.

He highlighted water and irrigation for targeted governments’ investment as areas at the “bottom of the pyramid which need more attention than anything else in the economy.”

“For example, Africa is struggling with irrigation and output, yet countries like China have developed high expertise in these.

There are a couple of agricultural technology innovations which have been tested, implemented and succeeded in those countries which can be transferred and adapt to Africa context,” he said.

Farmers can be equipped with the skills required for water and crop management and mitigating climate shocks, including

HOW TO BOOST Food production

Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), a farmer-centered, African-led, and partnerships-driven institution unveiled a new five-year strategy that sets a new way of practicing agriculture on the continent and would support governments to create an enabling environment for private sector involvement in agricultural transformation.

The strategy whose implementation will cost 550 million US Dollars was unveiled Thursday by AGRA board chair, Hailemariam Desalegn.

The strategy to run starting in 2023 concentrates on key areas of work including seed system development, government engagement, sustainable farming, as well as markets and trade.

Gerardine Mukeshimana, Agriculture minister

land and soil degradation, according to the expert.

At the conclusion of the conclusion of the five-day AGRF summit policy makers and stakeholders in Africa’s agriculture sector resolved to act decisively and swiftly to implement practical actions to boost food production on the continent, according to the resolutions announced at the closure of the summit.

“Current and former Heads of State and Government declared their commitment to supporting and driving efforts to build food security and transform food systems, and build a sustainable, profitable, and productive agricultural ecosystem in Africa,” a communiqué said.

Boosting agriculture

The leaders voiced their determination to direct more resources to agriculture and committed to building stronger partnerships within and outside Africa, including with the Commonwealth member states, it said.

While closing the summit, Gerardine Mukeshimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture said that throughout the meeting it had been emphasized that “we cannot just continue talking and not implementing.”

“From here, we should have fewer words and more action. It is now time for Africa to find solutions for its problems and we must take matters into our own hands to develop resilient food systems that can withstand external shocks,” she said.

The event, one of the biggest forums for African agriculture, drew over 2,400

delegates in Kigali and over 4,000 more virtually.

It highlighted the importance of collaboration in fast-tracking progress and cooperation and capacity building as a response to the various shocks currently affecting the continent’s food systems.

“The summit has emphasized the role our partners play in this transformation journey. We must walk the talk together,” Hailemariam Desalegn, former Ethiopian Prime Minister and Chair of AGRF Partners Group said in his closing remarks.

The summit also stressed the need to boost Africa’s food production, reduce the overreliance on imports, and lessen public expenditure. It also emphasized the indispensable role of the private sector, noting that innovation in finance must be led and supported by governments and driven by entrepreneurs.

Participants noted that Africa’s agriculture sector has numerous opportunities, citing the need for immediate action and coordinated efforts as key in enabling the continent to produce enough to nourish its population and economies.

The AGRF summit is an annual gathering that brings together heads of state and government, agriculture ministers, members of the civil society, private sector leaders, scientists, and farmers in discussions that define the future of Africa’s food systems.

The summit was held under the theme: “Grow, Nourish, Reward - Bold Actions for Resilient Food Systems.”

During the meeting, the Alliance for a

We cannot just continue talking and not implementing. From here, we should have fewer words and more action. It is now time for Africa to find solutions for its problems and we must take matters into our own hands to develop resilient food systems.

Under the new strategy, AGRA committed to working with smallholder farmers with the target of reaching 28 million farmers in 15 countries to enable their full participation in sustainably growing Africa’s food systems.

It also hopes to strengthen seed systems to ensure farmers gain access to affordable, productive, climate/pest-resistant seeds.

The new strategy will see a 25% increase in funding for women-led SMEs, which will create new opportunities for women and youth to thrive in farming.

Agnes Kalibata, president of AGRA said the strategy was designed in a way that reflected everyone’s daily life.

“When I went to university, I got exposed to improved seeds and realized that the same area (where) we were growing and getting half a ton of katumani maize variety, can actually give you five metric tons with different varieties. This is what we are going with in the new strategy,” said Kalibata.

Innocent Kiba, Burkina Faso’s minister of agriculture, called for more attention to areas such as poultry farming in the new strategy.

Mutoka factory

FLEXIBLE PRICES FOR DURABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

In the construction sector, durable, affordable and easily accessible construction materials are a must, with every real estate developer looking for unique and strong materials to use without breaking the bank.

There is a sigh of relief after the establishment of Mutoka Co Ltd, a concrete and construction material factory located in Gahanga in Kicukiro district.

The factory produces construction materials from concrete, fine sand and bricks in large quantities and at affordable flexible rates.

“Our factory currently owns a concrete making machine where we have about three products sizes that is to say; 16x25, 8x16 and 0-8 which is considered as much as sand,” Jacques Mutokambali, the factory’s Managing Director, told Nation News Rwanda.

construction materials.

From bricks then, it now added on concretes, with the zeal to provide customers with reliable materials.

“Our products are more affordable than from other producers. Besides, we are flexible in our prices and we are closer to many construction sites in Gahanga and the rest of Kigali,” Mutokambali said.

“In addition, we also make durable bricks in usual sizes and those that have big sizes (Grand format) which are used in a place of four small bricks in building construction.”

The idea to establish the factory was conceived in 2008, as a means of creating employment for the owner and many other Rwandans.

It started with making bricks. It allocated to its current location in 2010.

Since its establishment, the factory has achieved a lot in terms of supplying real estate companies with strong and reliable

PARTNERS

The factory’s partners are a diverse category of clients who support its work through buying products.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership of this country for the good governance, and for maintaining security without which nothing can be achieved.”

Mutokambali, Managing Director

Our factory currently owns a concrete making machine where we have about three products sizes that is to say; 16x25, 8x16 and 0-8 which is considered as much as sand.

Jacques

FUTURE PLANS

“Our future is brighter, people are constructing more houses than ever, we plan to increase our production capacity,” he noted.

He advised construction companies to use their products, saying they are more durable and strong enough to resist humidity and any harsh climatic conditions that are experienced in Rwanda.

CLIMATE

World heading ‘in wrong direction’ on climate emergency, says United Nations

Antonio Guterres, UN Sec. General

Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms and wildfires are going from bad to worse, breaking records with alarming frequency... There is nothing natural about the new scale of these disasters.

They are the price of humanity’s fossil fuel addiction.

Climate science has shown clearly that the world is going “in the wrong direction” in fighting climate change, and that without much more ambitious action, the physical and socioeconomic impacts will be increasingly devastating, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned in a report published this month.

According to “United in Science,” a multi-agency report coordinated by the WMO, urgent action is needed to mitigate emissions and adapt to the changing climate, because countries collectively are falling short of meeting their new or updated pledges with current policies.

The report assesses the most recent scientific findings related to climate change, its impacts and responses. It shows that greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise to record highs, as fossil fuel emission rates are now above pre-COVID levels after a temporary drop due to lockdowns.

The ambition of emissions reduction

pledges for 2030 needs to be seven times higher to be in line with the 1.5 degrees Celsius reduction goal of the Paris Agreement.

As the past seven years were the warmest on record and global warming increases, “tipping points” in the climate system cannot be ruled out, the report warns.

Socio-economic impact

That would cause increasing socio-economic impacts to cities, which are home to billions of people and are responsible for up to 70 percent of human-caused emissions.

“Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms and wildfires are going from bad to worse, breaking records with alarming frequency ... There is nothing natural about the new scale of these disasters. They are the price of humanity’s fossil fuel addiction,” United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a video message attached to the report.

“This year’s ‘United in Science’ report shows climate impacts heading into the uncharted territory of destruction. Yet each year we double down on this fossil

fuel addiction, even as the symptoms get rapidly worse,” he said.

According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP), one of the contributors to the report, new national mitigation pledges for 2030 show some progress toward lowering greenhouse gas emissions but are insufficient.

The ambition of these new pledges would need to be four times higher to get on track to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius and seven times higher to get on track to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as has been stipulated in the Paris Agreement.

“Climate science is increasingly able to show that many of the extreme weather events that we are experiencing have become more likely and more intense due to human-induced climate change. We have seen this repeatedly this year, with tragic effect,” WMO Secretary General Petteri Taalas said.

“It is more important than ever that we scale up action on early warning systems to build resilience to current and future climate risks in vulnerable communities,” he said.

UN congress to support victims of of terrorism

The first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism concluded September at the UN headquarters in New York with a commitment to strengthen support for terrorism victims.

Themed “Advancing the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism,” the congress aims to adopt a victim-centric approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, said a press release of its organizer, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

The congress concluded with the presentation of the chair’s summary by Vladimir Voronkov, under-secretary-general for counter-terrorism. In his remarks, Voronkov reiterated a three-pronged approach to promote the rights of victims of terrorism and better support their financial, legal, medical, and psychosocial needs. The chair’s summary also foresees the launch of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Victims of Terrorism Association Network in 2023, which would bring together victims, victims associations and civil society organizations to further the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism.

The Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism is a critical first milestone towards strengthened global solidarity in highlighting the support to victims of terrorism.

More than 600 participants, including close to 100 victims of terrorism from 25 countries, attended the congress.

Diane Niyigena steps up with NATURAL ANTI-AGING beauty solutions

Started as an online solution to skin-related problems in 2017, Age Fighting Beauty Cosmetics is up in the game by helping Rwandans with natural anti-aging natural cosmetics that revitalize the skin naturally to make users look younger than their actual age.

Diane Niyigena, the Chief Executive Officer, a Rwandan living in Belgium, came up with the business idea after studying various courses related to cosmetics formulas and application as well as human skin variations.

This has earned her international reputation in advising customers on what type of cosmetics are suitable for their respective skins.

Like any other Rwandan Diaspora, Niyigena narrates that she lives between Belgium and Rwanda. She spends much of her time working in her business empire established in both countries.

Back in Rwanda, Niyigena had stud ied business accounting at a secondary level, and then left for Belgium, where she assumed responsibilities beyond her age.

She started taking care of her surviving parent and this could not allow her to pursue university studies. However, being in Belgium helped her a lot as she took advantage of shorter technical training programs offered at that time in which she had to choose a six months’ course in cosmetics.

“With this knowledge, I was sure that my dreams would be achieved since I wanted to open a cosmetics business. I learned that the cosmetics for day time are not suitable at night, the human skin does require different types of cosmetics depending on where you will apply them,” she told Nation News Rwanda.

Hatching business idea

The idea of starting a beauty business was born out of her passion to create employment for girls.

In addition, she wanted to invest back in her home country like any other patriotic Rwandan.

“As a specialist in the cosmetics and beauty business, I wanted to put to work all my expertise acquired from Belgium. The training took me about six months,” she recalled.

Niyigena noted that the cosmetics industry is more dynamic like IT related business.

Her business is based on natural products than those that are chemically mixed.

“Our unique approach is that we sensitize our customers about the right cosmetics to use before selling to them. This is be-

Our unique approach

is that we sensitize our customers about the right cosmetics to use before selling to them. This is because the human skin is diverse from forehead to the toes and this is also based on the age of the customers. We have the uniqueness of explaining to customers based on their skin and with this specialty our customers are more satisfied.

Diane Niyigena

cause the human skin is diverse from forehead to the toes and this is also based on the age of the customers,” she explained.

“We have the uniqueness of explaining to customers based on their skin and with this specialty our customers are more satisfied.”

They administer and sell anti-aging cosmetics from the age of 25 and above.

The cosmetics given to a 25-year-old is different from that given to 45-year-olds.

Branches

The business has branches in Belgium, Rwanda in CHIC Building, DR Congo, Canada, Australia, Kenya and USA. It also operates via online using website, and social media networks, including facebook and Instagram.

Message to women

Niyigena advises women to be open and start their own businesses despite the size of their working capital.

“I am ready to teach those that are ready about cosmetics application so that they can earn a living,” she said, adding they should start their own business instead of waiting for someone else to give them money, they should start with what they have however small it may look.”

She also urged women to develop a savings culture from the little they earn, noting that saving can be made with as little money as one may have.

Without saving, you are going nowhere, she warned.

Future plan

Establishing a cosmetics factory is at the heart of Niyigena’s plans for the future; following trials in Belgium.

This would help her achieve her goal of creating employment for young women and girls.

“So far my new brand is more liked and cherished by those who have used it, especially my clients in DR Congo. The challenges still are the availability of raw materials that are only obtained in Belgium,” she said.

She maintained that she is ready to help those who want to study or start their own business.

I am ready to help them with preliminary trainings and private coaching until they catch up with the market, she said.

She expressed her appreciation to customers, saying their testimony is encouraging despite the hurdles one may face.

Grateful

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to President Kagame for giving women the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Women are now participating in all sectors of the economy like their male counterparts, including heading big corporates which is a positive change that every woman of character should enjoy.”

Rwanda’s agricultural exports revenues surge 45% EXPORTS

Rwanda recorded a 45% increase in revenues from agricultural exports in the fiscal year 20212022 compared to the previous fiscal year owing to economic recovery measures, said the government agency in charge of export promotion this month.

The East African country registered $640.9 million in the fiscal year 2021-2022, up from $444.8 million in the previous year, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) said.

“Export revenues from traditional exports including coffee, tea and pyrethrum increased by 18% to $185.4 million in the fiscal year 2021-2022 while non-traditional export commodities increased by 58% to $455.5 million in the fiscal year 2021-2022,” it said.

Export revenues from traditional exports including coffee, tea and pyrethrum increased by 18% to $185.4m in the fiscal year 2021-2022 while non-traditional export commodities increased by 58% to $455.5m in the fiscal year 2021-2022

Coffee export revenues increased by 23%, tea increased by 15% and pyrethrum increased by 12%, according to NAEB.

It, however, said flower export quantities and revenues have decreased 5% and 13%, respectively, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both of which are major importers of flowers.

“We are pleased that in addition to other opportunities the agro-export sector contributes significantly to job retention and creation. We will build on this year’s strong performance by looking for new and innovative ways to keep Rwanda’s agro-business environment adaptable and competitive while drawing in the interest of the international market,” said Claude Bizimana, chief executive of the NAEB, in the statement.

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