A PUBLICATION OF THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY : ISSUE 10
Affairs
Standard Gauge Railway to Reduce Mombasa-Kigali Transport Costs
Grow Beyond Rwanda’s Borders . East Africa Integration
Kimihurura,MINAFFET Building 4th Floor. P.O Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda. Tel: +250-252-599-120. Email: mineac@mineac.gov.rw. Website: www.mineac.gov.rw. @MINEACRwanda.
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REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY (MINEAC)
Mission Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC integration process in order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region.
Vision A prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united East Africa. CONTACT US:
MINAFFET Building 4 th Floor P.O. Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda @MINEACRwanda The Ministry of East African Community Email: mineac@mineac.gov.rw Website: www.mineac.gov.rw
Contents
3 Table of Contents 4 EAC Anthem
5 Minister’s Foreword 6 Facts and figures 7 Briefs 8 Quotes
National News
12 Interview with Minister, MINEAC 14 Rwanda Hailed on EAC Integration
9 Cover story SGR To Reduce Transport Costs
15 Rwanda taps into EA Power sources 17 Use of ID Cards to travel 19 Rwanda reaps from EAC Integration
Q&A
22 Harmornisation of Tuition fees 23 Traders relieved 24 Regional Firms invest USD100m in Rwanda 25 EU Market Access More Predictable
38 Interview with Hon. Harelimana
26 Pictorial
40 Focus on Common Market
Regional News
Culture
44 Swahili Teaching in Rwanda 45 Umuganura: Preserving Rwanda’s cultural heritage 47 Music and EAC Integration
Sport 28 Presidents push for free movement of people 30 Toyota picked for Oil pipeline Consultancy 32 Nemba Border Commended 33 Regional Curriculum to boost Education sector 34 Airspace Liberalization
Opinions
48 Rwanda to host CECAFA & CHAN 49 Rwanda Makes History in Cycling
35 Food Security in EAC 37 Youth and EAC
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July-Dec 2014
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EAC Anthem GUIDELINES ON EAC ANTHEM USE Who shall sing or play the Anthem 1. East Africans citizens shall sing or play the Anthem on occasions of regional significance.
East African Anthem 1. Ee Mungu twaomba ulinde Jumuiya Afrika Mashariki Tuwezeshe kuishi kwa amani Tutimize na malengo yetu.
2. The instrumental version of the Anthem may be played or the Vocal version may be sung. 3. Every person playing or singing the Anthem shall ensure that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity. 4. Decorum shall be observed whenever the Anthem is played or sung and every person present at the occasion shall stand up as a sign of respect. Occasions when the Anthem should be played and sung
Chorus Jumuiya Yetu sote tuilinde Tuwajibike tuimarike Umoja wetu ni nguzo yetu Idumu Jumuiya yetu. 2. Uzalendo pia mshikamano Viwe msingi wa Umoja wetu Natulinde Uhuru na Amani Mila zetu na desturi zetu. 3. Viwandani na hata mashambani Tufanye kazi sote kwa makini Tujitoe kwa hali na mali Tuijenge Jumuiya bora.
• The Anthem shall be played and sung on the following occasions: •
All EAC Summit meetings;
• All EAC Council meetings • Commemoration of EAC days • When a Head of State addresses EALA • Opening of EALA sessions • Opening of EACJ Law Year • All Regional Events such as conferences, Sports and Cultural Events and Exhibitions. • All national occasions in Partner States and each Partner State may determine Application of the Anthem 1. At all EAC Summit meetings and EAC Commemoration days, the 3 stanzas of the Anthem shall be played or sung; 2. At any occasion of the Community where a Head of State is present 2 stanzas of the Anthem shall be played or sung; 3. At any other occasion 1 stanza of the Anthem shall be played or sung.
Get your hands on regional opportunities. www.mineac.gov.rw 4
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July-Dec 2014
Minister’s Foreword
Dear Readers, It is my distinct delight to present to you the 10th Edition of the Ministry’s bi-annual magazine the “Integration Affairs”. In this issue, we update you on different key EAC events that took place in the last six months such as the 5th EAC week activities, operationalization of Cyanika One Stop Border Post, training of local journalists on EAC integration, Hosting of East African Astronomy workshop, EAC Single airspace to stimulate economic growth, Facts and figures on Rwanda’s integration journey and many others as presented in the magazine. The year 2014 was also a special year when East Africans enjoyed the reality of the East African Community integration through the introduction of the use of IDs/voter’s cards as travel documents across Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, and Single Tourist Visa for tourists at 100$ to move and enjoy the numerous attractions offered among three countries. The establishment
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and implementation of this visa scheme achieves the aspiration of EAC as a single tourist destination. Progressively, the East African Community is becoming a reality for the common man and we hope with the use of IDs as travel document will not only boost free movement of persons and services, but also upsurge cross-border trade and investment among small traders particularly the cross border communities. This issue also highlights progress made in the last seven years since Rwanda’s accession to East African Community. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud stakeholders for their continued efforts towards making the EAC regional integration agenda a reality, which has tremendously impacted and continues to yield positive results for Rwandans and entire region. However, a lot more must be done. Our Government, working closely with our sister countries of the Northern Corridor of EAC (Uganda
and Kenya)- is leading efforts to accelerate the implementation of EAC projects, which have already started to make an impact on the cost of doing business and increase business opportunities. The most notable progress to date is the recent launch of the Standard Gauge Railway project that intends to reduce transport costs on imports and exports from Mombasa port in Kenya through Nairobi to Kampala, Kigali and Juba in South Sudan. The reduction in transportation costs will boost private sector productivity and profitability as well as benefit consumers in terms of reduced prices on imported goods, thereby increasing government revenues through increased trade volumes. We remain hopeful that through teamwork and partnerships with our stakeholders, we shall continuously contribute to the realization of growth and sustainable economic and social development. At the same time, we shall increase sensitization and awareness programs to ensure that the business community, ordinary Rwandans and civil society understand the opportunities and benefits of EAC Integration. We would also like to share with you key facts and figures on East African Community integration in this issue. I know there still exist some bottlenecks especially on the free movement of goods and services in form of non-tariff barriers, but I would like to assure you that, as a coordinating Ministry, we commit to continue working together with all stakeholders for the complete elimination of the remaining NTBs to smoothen the movements of goods and services. Enjoy reading the magazine! We greatly welcome and value your contribution on how we can better serve you and increase awareness on EAC integration for the betterment of our country and the region.
Hon. Valentine RUGWABIZA. Minister of EAC. July-Dec 2014 5
Facts and Figures
Facts on East African Community
Partner States
Surface Area: 1.82 million sq. Km
Rwanda
Tanzania
Population: 150 million
Burundi
Uganda
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): US$110.3 billion
Kenya
GDP Per capita: US$$769
Source: EAC Facts and Figures Report 2014
Facts and Figures on Rwanda’s Integration journey. USD139.7 million
40 %
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30
US$5,200
Amount of Money East African companies have invested in Rwanda since 2011.
The reduction in the amount of time it takes to clear goods at the customs as a result of Electronic Single Window
The number of East African companies that registered business in Rwanda since 2010.
Megawatts: Amount of Electricity Rwanda will import from Kenya
401
2500 The Number of Jobs created by
Single Customs Territory
124
The number of days it takes to transport goods from the port of Mombasa in Kenya to Kigali after the implementation of the Single Customs Territory.
East African companies that registered in Rwanda since 2010. The number of economic undertakings of Rwandans established in other Partner States from 2010 –2014. Source: RDB& EAC Secretariat
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The number of days it used to take to transport good from the Port of Mombasa in Kenya to Kigali before the Single Customs Territory.
The cost of transporting a cargo container from the port of Mombasa in Kenya to Kigali before the Single Customs Territory in 2010
US$4,200 The cost of transporting a cargo container from the port of Mombasa in Kenya to Kigali after the implementation of the Single Customs Territory in 2014.
Source: MINICOM
Use of Identity card as a travel document
1,176,787
The Number of Rwandans who have used ID/Student cards to travel to Uganda and Kenya from January to December 2014.
Single Tourist Visa
1,923
The Number of East African Tourist Visas issued by Rwanda from January to December 2014.
Work Permit
11,799
The number of work permits Rwanda issued to East Africans from January 2009 to December 2014.
Source: Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
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July-Dec 2014
Briefs EAC week focuses integration awareness
on Cyanika One Stop Border Post Rubavu-Goma to have One Stop Border Posts In the offing
The Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC) from 17 to 21 November 2014 conducted the fifth EAC week aimed at creating awareness and sensitization among Rwandans and other stakeholders.
Plans are underway to construct One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Cyanika border in northern Rwanda to facilitate rapid movement of persons and goods using the border.
The EAC week was conducted under the theme “EAC Regional integration: Benefits and Opportunities.” During the week, different activities were conducted, including meeting the press and the breakfast meeting with the Rwandan business community.
The Minister for East African Community Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza in December 2014 visited the border to assess the implementation of some of the regional projects like the use of IDs as a travel document and she was impressed.
Travelers from Rubavu, western Rwanda to the Congolese town of Goma will now find it easier to cross from one side to another after construction of One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Rubavu-Goma border was launched mid December 2014.
Funded by the Howard G. Buffet Foundation to the tune of Rwf6 billion, the modern border facilities which will be shared by Rwanda and Congolese immigration and customs officers are expected to ease movements of persons and cargo thus facilitating commerce between Since Rwanda joined the EAC in “Most of the initiatives like the use the two neighboring countries. 2007, she has immensely benefited of national identity cards to travel, from the regional bloc. single tourist visa are working here Howard Buffet, an American entrepreneur mogul and a philanthropist and we are impressed,” she said. laid a foundation stone at La CorMINEAC trains journalists on EAC integration niche border also known as Grande Rwandan journalists believe journalists because when we are Barrière in Rubavu to mark the bethat they have a responsibility to knowledgeable we pass correct ginning of construction works of the ensure that Rwandans understand information to the society. border buildings. the significance of East African I can now be able to report Community (EAC) integration. comprehensively on regional issues,” Murenzi Geofrey, a Though most of the local freelance journalist based in Kigali journalists have not yet prioritized said during the workshop. EALA gets new Speaker reporting on EAC integration, they are ready to embark on analytical reporting looking at the University of Rwanda impact of the regional integration The East African Legislative Assemhosts on Rwandans and the economy. bly (EALA) on 19 December 2014 East African elected Rt Hon Dan Fred Kidega as The Ministry of East African the new Speaker. Hon Kidega beastronomy workshop Community (MINEAC), the came the fourth Speaker of EALA, coordinating institution of replacing Rt. Hon Margaret NanThe fourth East African AstronRwanda’s integration into the East tongo Zziwa who was removed from omy workshop, sponsored by the African Community, recently Office. Hon Kidega was elected unIAU Office of Astronomy for Deorganized a training workshop for the Rwandan journalists to velopment, was hosted by the Uni- opposed after his main contender, equip them with the knowledge to versity of Rwanda in Kigali City Hon Chris Opoka- Okumu stepped report on the EAC but also share between June 30th and July 4th down. information on the achievements 2014. The two were the only ones valof the integration process since idly nominated. In his acceptance The workshop concerned with the Rwanda joined the EAC in 2007. status and the development of as- speech, the new Speaker pledged to uphold the dignity of the House Over 70 members from the media tronomy research in East Africa. at all times and to apply the Rules fraternity undertook the intensive without fear or favor. The workshop aimed at strengthtraining delivered by MINEAC’s ening the capacity in astronomy in communications specialists and other experts from the same the region; to train upcoming sci- “You will note that as a House, we entists and to provide a platform have a big and challenging task ministry. for the exchange of ideas and shar- ahead of us to legislate and represent a Community whose activities and “I hadn’t given much attention ing of resources in East Africa. Membership is expanding fast,”Hon to integration matters before. Kidega said. It’s a good initiative to train www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 7
Quotes “Working together, being able to identify what we can do to support each other is what can benefit Africa as a whole. The more we bring resources together, the more we work together, the more each Partner States benefits. We want every citizen to benefit and make sure that whatever they do earns them enough to change their lives.” East African President Paul Kagame
Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, on 16 October 2014.
“The weigh-bridges were reduced to one in each country; Kenya at Mariakani, Uganda, at Malaba/Busia and Rwanda at Katuna. Multiple bonds have been reduced to one. Payment of a single bond has made a saving for Uganda and Rwanda of US$ 45 million per year.” President Yoweri Kaguta
3rd meeting of the 3rd Session of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) held on 21 January 2014.
“Let us be frank with each other; we have not been able to move fast
President Uhuru Kenyatta
because of national fears, a sense of insecurity that if one opens up their people will be denied jobs and other opportunities. We must deal with these fears. We need to start talking about our people being the East African people. Kenya and Rwanda have made progress on this. We have been clear on opening up our labor market to take full advantage of the labor that is available in the east African region”. East African
Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda on 16 October 2014.
“I have no doubt we shall deliver. I will pick up from where my
EALA Speaker Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega
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predecessors left and continue to promote the good ideals of our mandate of widening and deepening the integration process. In doing so, I will give the majority their way but respect and protect the rights of the minorities at all times.” Swearing in ceremony as EALA Speaker on 19 December 2014.
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July-Dec 2014
Cover Story SGR to reduce Kigali-Mombasa transport costs
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wandan importers and exporters may pay less on transportation of goods between Kigali and Mombasa in Kenya once the planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking the two destinations is complete in March 2018. With reduced cost of transport between Mombasa and Kigali, Rwanda will benefit from increased exports through the northern corridor and this will improve the country’s competitiveness in international trade. The reduction in transport costs will further enhance private sector productivity and profitability and L-R: Presidents Salva Kiir, Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni Lauching benefit consumers in terms of the Ugandan section of the standard gauge railway in August 2014 reduced prices on imported goods and increase government revenues multi-donor funded organisation This will be a huge improvement through increased trade volumes. that supports the East African since it currently takes an average The SGR project launched on Community (EAC) integration of two weeks to have goods leaving August 8, 2014 in Kampala by says that the railway project has the port of Mombasa to reach Presidents Yoweri Museveni of huge benefits to the region. Kigali. Eng. Jules Ndenga, the Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda “Statistically, when goods are in-charge of the railway project and Salva Kiir of South Sudan will moved by rail, they are cheaper in the Ministry of Infrastructure stretch from Mombasa in Kenya than using the road network. So it (MININFRA) says that the train through Nairobi to Kampala, is a very good initiative [Standard on the SGR will move at a speed of Kigali and Juba, the capital city of Gauge Railway likely to cut down 80 kilometres per hour. Using the South Sudan, the world’s youngest the transport costs by 50 percent,” train, traders will no longer have country. Experts are convinced says Kalisa. to battle numerous road blocks, that the new mega infrastructure weigh bridges and other non-tariff project will lower the cost of Currently, traders not only barriers (NTBs) that have become transportation of goods from the incur high transport charges but the usual hindrances to movement Kenyan port of Mombasa to Kigali their goods also delay in transit of goods within the region. by at least half of the current cost between Mombasa and Kigali thus estimated at USD4,200 per each contributing to high cost of doing The train, according to Kalisa, will also be built with modern tracking 40ft container. business in the region. systems which will enable traders John Bosco Kalisa, Programs With the railway, it is also hoped to monitor the progress of their Manager at the Rwanda Country that goods will leave Mombasa and cargo on the train and predict when Office of TradeMark EastAfrica, a reach Kigali almost in two days. it is likely to arrive at the intended www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 9
Cover Story destination.
security problems but also normal congestion that happens due to Experts say that this will be some workload and availability of vessels sort of permanent solution to the at the port, plus the increase of cargo theft which has in the recent volumes handled by the port when past targeted Rwandan minerals berthing capacity is limited. transiting through the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Minerals Supply Africa (MSA), a Kigali based minerals exporter is one of the victims of mineral theft at the Statistically when goods are port of Dar es Salaam.
“
The East African Newspaper reported that the company had minerals worth Rwf542million stolen at the Tanzanian port. The alleged thieves offloaded the minerals and loaded the container with cement.
moved by the rail, they are cheaper than using the road network. So it is a very good initiative [Standard Gauge Railway] likely to cut down the transport costs by 50percent.
”
The Newspaper also reported that Rwandan mineral companies had previously lost about Rwf11billion worth of minerals at the port of Dar In turn, the company is affected es Salaam. as these shortcomings “lead to Deputy Chief Executive Officer serious cash flow problems which at MSA, Fabrice Kayihura says highly jeopardise the running of that the company as well as other the company.” mineral exporting companies in “The cost of transport has Kigali face two challenges at the significantly increased because port of Dar es Salaam, including; of the transporters reinforced security problems, especially for security measures and unnecessary high-value cargo such as minerals; delays occur as a result,” Kayihura and long transit time for the cargo noted in emailed answers to the including transport up to the port questions raised by Integration and the delays faced while waiting Affairs Magazine. to be loaded on the vessel. MSA hopes that the railway line He confirms that the company’s linking Kigali with the port of mineral exports have once Mombasa in Kenya will be a been stolen in transit and no solution to the security and mineral responsibility could be established theft problem. This means that once either by the security services or by the railway line is fully functional, the Dar es Salaam Port Authorities it could be an alternative option for to point out the real origin of the MSA and other Rwandan mineral theft. He says that the long transit exporters, thus leaving the less time has partly been caused by the
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secure Dar port. “The railway line will probably reduce the transport cost but will be of real benefit for the users in general and the minerals exporters particularly only if the transport/transit delay of the goods is brought to a minimum, reliable security measures put in place all along the railway line to the port, and a tracking system for the cargo is available during the transit time. The cargo needs to be fully under control till intended destination,” Kayihura wrote in the emailed statement. Mixed cargo, passenger train in the offing Eng. Jules Ndenga says that the train will have both cargo and passenger wagons which will make it a mixed use train. “The objective is to make it a mixture of cargo and passenger. This is the advantage with trains; you can carry anything,” Eng. Ndenga said during an interview at the Ministry.
”
He said the number of passengers or cargo weight that the train can carry does not matter a lot but what matters is the number of wagons that the train has for each type of traffic. Be it for cargo or passengers. Eng. Ndenga said that demand also plays a big role since the aim is to ease transport by reducing the cost and transit time from Kigali to Kampala and then Mombasa in Kenya. Wagons, he said, can be added or removed depending on the available demand. On the issue of demand, Kalisa said that there is huge demand and this is demonstrated by the growth of intra-EAC trade, which means July-Dec 2014
Cover Story
that the five partner states of EACRwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda-are trading amongst themselves. For instance, Kalisa said that intra-EAC trade has doubled from USD2.1billion when the partner states committed to a customs union to around USD5.3 billion. Kalisa also says that the volume of goods passing via the port of Mombasa is currently more than what the port can handle, which is another indication that the railway line will have demand once it starts operating. “I have no doubt about the traffic,” Kalisa said, referring to the traffic between Mombasa, Kampala and Kigali. “I’m seeing a lot of potential within the region. I’m very positive and optimistic in terms of how the region is growing in terms of trade and investment. Whoever invests in the rail project should be assured of a positive return on investment,” Mr Kalisa further noted. Progress made on the railway project The SGR project has been divided into six sections. The first and second sections are on the Kenyan soil. They include MombasaNairobi and Nairobi-Malaba. The third, fourth and fifth sections are on the Ugandan soil and they include Malaba-Kampala, Kampala-Kasese and BihangaMirama Hill section. The rail link to Kigali will start from Mirama Hill. The Kenyan government commissioned the Mombasa-Nairobi rail section www.mineac.gov.rw
Mombasa-Kigali Transport costs are set to ease on arrival of SGR. in 2013 while Uganda also commissioned part of its section on August 8, 2014.
the rail section emerging from Mirama Hill in Uganda to Kigali which is 200km is estimated to cost USD1.3billion while Rwanda’s estimated contribution to the project will be USD1.5billion.
At the same time, on June 23, 2014, Uganda and Rwanda hired consultants to conduct preliminary design studies of their shared Eng. Ndenga says that the rail link section. to Rwanda will enter via Kagitumba in the Eastern Province. The The consultants, a consortium of unconfirmed routes so far, he said, German engineering firm, Gauf include some parts from Bihanga Engineure and IRS from Australia, which is between Mbarara and were expected to provide their Kampala and Kasese and Mbarara report in December 2014. This all in Uganda. report will further be used by the governments of Uganda and “There are sections where we are Rwanda to source for financing not yet clear whether the railway for the project and then hire a will pass through them,” Eng. construction firm to build the Ndenga said, adding that the railway. Rwanda-Uganda section will have a width of 30 meters because of Basing on the cost of building the limited land while Kenya has made railway link between Mombasa the railway corridor 60 meters and Nairobi for 500km which is because of availability of land. estimated at USD 2.6 billion, it is estimated that the entire project- There are plans to fence the railway - - Mo m b a s a - K a mp a l a - K i g a l i corridor so as to keep the rail secure railway will cost USD13.5 billion to from vandalism. complete all the 2,005km. However, July-Dec 2014 11
Integration News
Rwanda’s Commitment to Regional Integration is Not New-Amb. Rugwabiza Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza was appointed Minister for East African Community (EAC) on July 24, 2014. She spoke with Integration Affairs Magazine’s Eric Kabeera on Rwanda’s commitment to the East African Community under her leadership. Read the excerpts below: As new minister, what are your areas of focus? What do you want to achieve? I may be new as a minister but Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration is not new and I’m guided here by Rwanda’s priorities in the EAC integration process. We are not starting from scratch. A number of things have been achieved. We are looking at what the maximum returns for Rwandan citizens, maximum return for businesses and for professional bodies and associations are. The Customs Union that started being implemented brought a number of benefits especially at the beginning of this year on the Northern Corridor and now on the Central Corridor. The trucks turnover is increasing and it has doubled. This is one of the areas we need to consolidate our efforts to ensure that we benefit more. The Central Corridor is still in pilot phase and we are implementing the Single Customs Territory on products like fuel products, grains, and motorcycles. We are planning for a full rollout and thereafter, we will be able to assess the impact.
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How has single customs territory to focus on that. benefited Rwanda? Is full implementation of the Common Market Protocol The Northern Corridor started possible? being implemented in January 2014 and we have seen the cost of a It’s not easy but what shows that container of goods from Mombasa it is feasible are the ingredients to Kigali reduced by US$1000. required to make it happen. It is This is not little money. In terms the political will and it is there in of time, we have seen a dramatic all the five states. It’s absolutely a drop in the time it used to take necessary condition but it’s not and it moved from 21 days to 5 sufficient to make that happen. days to transport a container from We now have to look at what Mombasa to Kigali. We are going is in place. There are a number to conduct the same assessment of legislations that need to be on the Central Corridor because it harmonised. We need to look at is now being implemented. what is required for an engineer from Rwanda to be able to operate How far have EAC Partner States in Kenya. So we need to go for all reached with the implementatrion these requirements. of the Common Market Protocol? We need to establish the mutual The Common Market Protocol recognition of qualifications. We will bring huge benefits once we also need to go for the checklist achieve free movement of workers, of all the policies in the respective services, free movement of capital, countries that are discriminative and the right of establishment in of other EAC countries and amend any of the EAC countries. Once them. It involves a lot but once the implemented, Rwandans and their political will is there and there companies will be able to establish is involvement of all partners, in any of the EAC countries and especially the professional bodies be treated as nationals. That comes themselves, then it gives us the with huge gains in terms of growth steam we need. in their businesses but also huge gains in terms of employment. We What is the progress made are still at the very early stages of with the removal of Non-Tariff implementation but we are going Barriers (NTBs)? July-Dec 2014
Integration News
Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza , Minister of East African Community. This is where we have the most visible progress and achievements. Here we speak louder to the business community. More than 13 NTBs have been removed and we do have more or less 20 that are still in place and less than 10 that are new on both corridors. East African Community’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union are over. When should the signing of the agreement be expected? I don’t think it is a good idea to start disclosing the intricacies of the EPAs negotiations. What is important is where we are in terms of negotiations. We are at a very www.mineac.gov.rw
advanced level. The remaining differences are marginal and are all solvable. Definitely we are closer to a deal but if you ask me whether it will happen in a week or a month, am not able to answer. But once the deal is signed, the EU has the possibilities of saying that duties that applied can still be reimbursed retroactively.
of competitiveness. Another component is the cost; how much will it cost to produce in the community or to assemble from the community, to add value in the community. And that’s where integration comes into play. If we have a large market, clearly with the economies of scale, we can become much more competitive. But it also calls for a look at the impediments to the productivity at national What should be expected level. So there are a number of immediately after the signing ? components to competiveness. That is why I don’t think people People should not be mistaken should be mistaken that once the that once the agreement is signed, EPAs are signed, overnight it will it will dramatically change the change the structure of the trade structure of our trade with the with EU. That will be disregarding European Union. Market access is other components. one condition and a component July-Dec 2014 13
Integration News
Rwanda hailed on EAC integration
Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza, Minister of EAC meeting with EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera
T
he Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Dr Amb. Richard Sezibera urges other Partner States of the EAC to emulate Rwanda on implementing decisions taken at the regional level for the benefit of East African people. Dr. Sezibera said this while paying a courtesy call on Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza, the Minister for East African Community in the Republic of Rwanda. “Rwanda is leading other partner states when it comes to the implementation of decisions on [EAC] integration agenda and it’s a clear attestation that Rwanda is committed to the integration process,” Dr. Sezibera said. During their discussions, Minister Rugwabiza and Dr. Sezibera also talked about a wide range of issues all related to regional integration. Rwanda was the first EAC partner state to align her national laws with the laws of the community and the same exercise continues.
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Dr. Sezibera assured Minister Rugwabiza of his full support in her new assignment to accelerate and deepen EAC integration for increased benefit of the people of Rwanda and the entire regional community.
EAC integration agenda with the main focus on policy and strategic matters. Their discussions further emphasized the need to facilitate implementation of the video conferencing project to reduce the number of meetings especially at expert level in order to save time During the visit, it was noted that and resources. Rwanda was also spearheading the removal of the barriers with The officials also discussed the a number of roadblocks removed recently concluded Economic thus accelerating the rapid Partnership Agreements (EPAs) movement of goods and persons to with the EU and the ongoing EAC and from the region and beyond. trade arrangement negotiations such as Trade and Investment The officials also discussed the Framework Agreement (TIFA) EAC Institutional Review exercise with the U.S., and the Tripartite and emphasized the need to Free Trade Area (FTA) with expedite it to ensure the smooth COMESA and SADC. implementation of EAC Customs Union, Common Market and If these trade arrangements are Monetary Union as the current implemented, they are expected institutional framework was to provide enough market for established in 2006 for the Rwandan products as well as those implementation of the Customs from other EAC partner states. Union. During his working visit in Minister Rugwabiza and Dr. Rwanda, the EAC Secretary Sezibera also underscored General also met Rwanda’s Prime the cardinal role of Ministers Minister, Right Hon. Anastase responsible for EAC affairs in Murekezi. the partner states in driving the July-Dec 2014
Integration News
Rwanda To Tap Into EA Power Sources
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wanda’s disturbing power shortages may soon begin to dwindle when it begins receiving high voltage electricity from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, something that is expected to spur rapid private sector output.
Plans to import power from the three East African countries are ripe with initial agreements already in place to allow Rwandawhose power shortage has been blamed as one of the thorny challenges to the growth of the private sector- meet its energy needs. With an ambitious target to connect 70 percent of the Rwandan households to the national electricity grid by end 2017 from the current 22%-which requires increasing installed capacity from the current 119 Megawatts (MW) to 563MW over the next three years-Rwanda is currently exploring all possible sources of electricity, ranging from locally available sources such as hydro, Geothermal, Methane gas, Solar and Peat energy to the importation of electricity from the region. The Ministry of Infrastructure (Mininfra) which is propelling the energy development agenda for the country has been working tirelessly to make sure that not only are local power generation projects implemented, but also the planned power importations are realised without failure. To ensure smooth running and follow-up of the planned www.mineac.gov.rw
Rwanda to benifit from Regional power projects regional power flow to Rwanda, framework which Rwanda signed the Ministry has a focal point in with her counterparts Kenya and charge of coordinating Regional Uganda. Energy Projects. “A tripartite MOU [Memorandum Eng. Tom Rwahama is the of Understanding] between the Regional Energy Projects Governments of Rwanda, Uganda Coordinator at the Ministry of and Kenya was signed in October 2013,” he wrote in an email to Infrastructure. Integration Affairs Magazine. With past experience in renewable energy, Eng. Rwahama is a “Also, the Government of brilliant young Rwandan whose Rwanda and the Government of passion to developing workable the Federal Democratic Republic solutions to addressing Rwanda’s of Ethiopia signed an MOU of up to 400MW power trading in energy challenges is spot on. the near future,” Eng. Rwahama He says that Rwanda is targeting further noted. regional power exchanges through the Northern Corridor He further revealed that currently, Infrastructure Projects the Government of Rwanda is July-Dec 2014
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Integration News
finalising a 30MW power deal with the Government of Kenya with commercial operations expected to commence by the last quarter of 2015.
The Power Purchase Agreement between Nairobi and Kigali was signed in December 2014 in Nairobi, paving way for Kenya’s power distributor to export 30 MW of electricity to Rwanda. Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda through their Joint Steering Committee (JSC) have manifested high-level political commitment to support the sharing of energy resources, with Rwanda being the highly placed beneficiary. The three governments invited consultants to submit expressions of interest in October 2014 to carry out a feasibility study in each of the three countries for the proposed harmonization of 400kV (kiloVolt) power transmission lines in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) followed the agreement to implement 400kV transmission lines between Olkaria in Kenya and Birembo in Rwanda through Uganda to facilitate the regional power trade. Once implemented, the project, one of the most important under the northern tripartite arrangement, shall result into completion of the 400kV power grid backbone in the three partner states of the East African Community (EAC).
“The 400kV lines will interconnect Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda to allow power transmission capacity of over 500MW, improve reliability
“ With an ambitious target to connect 70 percent of the Rwandan households to the national electricity grid by end 2017 from the current 22 percent, which requires increasing installed capacity from the current 119 Megawatts (MW) to 563MW over the next three years, Rwanda is currently exploring all possible sources of electricity, ranging from locally available sources such as hydro, Geothermal, Methane gas, Solar and Peat energy to the importation of electricity from the region.
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and security of supply in the region, and improve operational and technical performance of the interconnected grid and hence promote regional cooperation through sharing of resources,” the REOI reads in part. The REOI further says that the successful consultant shall make an assessment of energy needs of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda and import or export potential within the region with a focus on the market situation up to year 2035.
According to the REOI seen by Integration Affairs Magazine, this The consultant’s report shall power interconnection project aims include potential import or export to accelerate regional development scenarios within the East African through power exchange.
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Power Pool (EAPP) region. Eng. Rwahama says that the existing power transmission infrastructure in the regional countries is mainly made up of 220kV lines but some sections of 132kV transmission lines in Uganda are being upgraded to 220kV. In Rwanda, he said, the 220kV transmission lines are currently under construction and expected to be completed by October 2015. Rwanda and Kenya are also negotiating the 30MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and negotiations should have beeen finalised by December 2014. He said 30MW as an initial power trade plan should be due by the last quarter of 2015, and more than 30MW by December 2016 when some of the bottlenecks such as upgrading the transmission lines, have been removed. Upgrading of the system corridor to 400kV should be completed by 2017, he said. “In the near future, the bigger plan is to upgrade the entire system corridor/Interconnector to 400kV which will allow power exchanges of more than 300MW in the region,” he said. He further revealed that the 220kV power transmission lines from Kenya through Uganda to Rwanda will pass through Kagitumba in Nyagatare District, Ngarama Sector in Gatsibo District, and Rutare Sector in Gicumbi District, all in the Eastern Province respectively, and all the way to Shango in Gasabo District in the City of Kigali. July-Dec 2014
Integration News
Use of National ID Card to travel takes shape
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residents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya launched the use of National Identity card as a travel document recognized by the three countries in January 2014.
by EAC leaders in recent years.
Although the use of ID cards came to complement the commonly known use of passport, it is rapidly gaining fame amongst the citizens of the three countries. At the moment, it is only Rwandan and Kenyan citizens that use IDs while During the launch, Presidents Ugandans use voter’s card as they Kagame and Kenyatta traveled to wait for issuance of their longKampala using their national ID awaited national ID cards. cards, an act that was seen as a The use of ID cards has facilitated catalyst to support the project. people, mostly those involved The use of national ID cards is in cross border trade and others one of the mega projects under with other travel reasons such the auspices of the Northern as visiting friends and family or Corridor Integration Initiative attending conferences, workshops which the three countries agreed and meetings to carry on with to fast-track with the aim to attain their travels. greater benefits of the corridor’s integration process. Observers say Today, a traveler requires just a that the use of ID cards and other national ID card especially for projects in the Northern Corridor Rwandans and Kenyans, voting Initiative framework, which has cards for Ugandans and student since seen the entry of South cards to move. It applies to all Sudan, is one of the most exciting Kenyan, Rwandan and Ugandan and dynamic ventures undertaken borders including airports.The use
of IDs has saved time and money to travelers, according to some Rwandan nationals who spoke to Integration Affairs Magazine. At Gatuna border, the busiest border post linking Rwanda to Uganda and then Kenya, most travelers especially those from Rwanda use their ID cards for clearance at the immigration offices. The Communications Officer at Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, Ange Sebutege says that the number of travelers using ID cards has recently increased with people now embarking on using IDs instead of passports. Since January up to December 2014, 1,176, 787 Rwandans have crossed borders using their Identification cards. As it is done with passports, travelers present their ID cards and immigration officers check whether they are valid. However, whereas the passports have space where immigration officers stamp, the ID cards don’t have that space.
A Rwandese National uses National ID Card as a travel document at Gatuna Border post www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014
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Integration News The traveler is instead given a coupon stamped by immigration officers and this is used to enter into another country. This coupon bears dates of entry. At Gatuna border the process of clearing at the Rwandan and Ugandan sides takes almost a halfa-minute to clear the traveler. But sometimes the process takes much longer because of the number of persons waiting to be cleared. Sande Lawrence is one of the beneficiaries of the ID card project. As a regular traveler between Kigali and Kampala, Mr. Sande, a Rwandan national, says that the adoption of the ID card as a travel document has eased his travels. “I no longer have to line up for a new passport. When I’m traveling to Uganda I just come and present my ID and pass,” he said. The use of ID and student cards has also eased the burden on Rwandans to buy new passports. This is however for the frequent travelers between Kampala, Nairobi and Kigali.
NURC Chairman Bishop John Rucyahana.
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ago. The use of IDs facilitates the free movement of people.
This is a real integration that people were waiting for. In fact we would have implemented this even fifty years ago.
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“People used to spend money and time on getting new passports but with the use of ID cards, that cost is not necessary. People are now Chairman of Rwanda’s National and Reconciliation benefiting from the integration Unity Commission (NURC) was also at process. Gatuna border traveling to Uganda This is what we wanted earlier and at the time Integration Affairs the government of Rwanda deserves magazine visited the border. appreciation for this initiative,” Mr. He commended the use of ID Sande said. and student cards, saying that Bishop John Rucyahana, the it was long overdue.“This is the real integration that people were waiting for. In fact we would have implemented this even fifty years www.mineac.gov.rw 18
If we had implemented it early we would be developed economically, politically and socially,” Bishop Rucyahana said. The Bishop further observed that the implementation of the project justifies the togetherness among East African citizens, adding that there is no need for people to be treated differently yet they belong to the same region and continent. “We are Africans, we should define our own destiny; we need to work together, share our experiences and resources. East African Community is the right platform to achieve and bring us together,” he added.
July-Dec 2014
Integration News
EAC integration permeates into people’s businesses and cultural bonding
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he labouring engine of the heavy commercial truck slows down as it nears the borderline of Gatuna, Rwanda’s border post with Uganda, but continues to exude a dull explosive sound. It joins other trucks in the queue. It is joined by others. The pungent smoke they all produce twirls indolently into and consumed in the verdant wooden hills and the tea growing valleys that surround Gatuna border post.
other people living and working in Rwanda have to say about the integration process.
People from different EAC countries, professions and occupations have come to embrace and even advocate for deeper integration after experiencing the different benefits and spotting opportunities in the EAC-traders, transporters, professionals, investors and a plethora of other categories; albeit at different levels. The activities As the trucks’ chugging continues, during the week involved parked, their drivers go to interaction with the media and the Immigration and Rwanda the public, breakfast meeting with Revenue Authority offices to have the business community, public some of their papers processed lecture at Universities, field visits and stamped; in about 45 minutes to assess implementation of EAC they will continue with their projects and programmes. journey. This Gatuna Border Post now operates 24/7; Rusumo We do experience the changes for 16 hours; and Nemba, 18 Yusuf Oadara, a Ugandan truck hours. The reduction of red-tape driver plying the Mombasaand the harrowing paperwork Malaba-Gatuna-Kigali route, says at border posts are some of the their occupation has been made many benefits that have come to a lot easier with the removal of symbolize and be embraced as a certain requirements. “First of all, result of Rwanda joining the East unlike before, the Gatuna border African Community (EAC) seven post is open 24 hours. The cargoyears ago. dwelling time at the border has drastically reduced as long as one Marking the EAC Week has the necessary documents. My Therefore, as Rwanda marked client employs clearing agents the 5th EAC Week, 17th-21st who process the transaction November, under the theme; “EAC documents long before the truck Regional Integration: Benefits & leaves the country where goods Opportunities,” it is important to have been obtained. At the border, reflect on whether the principles the only requirements are the of EAC of promoting a people- documents of origin which eases centered and market-driven work. I used to transport goods cooperation are translating into outside the East African region, reality and what Rwandans and but when I got to learn of the
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changes, I started doing most of my work within the EAC territory,” enthuses Oadara before he adds; “Integration has been lifted from politicians’ boardrooms and media platforms and lowered into our businesses and interactions.” Such changes have permeated through to other border posts in almost equal measure but in more ways as Ezekiel Runne Mbafu, a cargo transporter for twenty years testifies. “I use the Rusumo border post more frequently. Eight years ago, the goods would be offloaded on either side of the border for verification. Our clients had to incur costs of loading and offloading, and then hustle with clearance from one border point and shudder in anticipation of doing the same on crossing to the other side of the border. Sometimes it could take a week to be cleared from all the border points,” recalls Ezekiel before he fast forwards into the present. “Today I spend less than an hour at Rusumo border post. Gone are the days where trucks would queue for several days awaiting clearance.” Mbafu says the establishment of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) has partly provided this seamless flow of goods from one country to another. “When a truck is leaving Rwanda, it is cleared on the Uganda side of the border at the OSBP, just as the trucks entering Rwanda are cleared on the OSBP of Rwanda. There is no duplication July-Dec 2014
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Integration News
of time and resources, small scale traders are encouraged, smuggling is curtailed, and tax payment is made even easier.” Construction works of OSBPs at Kagitumba and Rusumo are on-going and will ease movement of goods and persons once completed.
“Branches and ATMs in all the 5 countries are linked on a real time basis, our versatile mobile payment and internet banking infrastructure also operates not just regionally but globally. The Bank’s shares, while primarily listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange are also listed on all the EAC Stock Exchanges thus The establishment of the single affording all East Africans a chance customs territory has also come to own a piece of the bank by with its benefits. Shinu K.S, trading in the Stock Exchange that Business Development Executive is nearest to them. at Computer Point attests. “From a business standpoint, we “The Cost Insurance and Freight are anchored on the key sectors of (CIF) value is now computed at the the economy in East Africa which East African first port of entry such are predominantly agriculture, as Mombasa and Dar-es-salaam, building and construction, but previously, it was paid at hospitality, manufacturing, Rwandan borders such as Gatuna. trade and finance, transport and Besides, all goods originating communication, mining and from the EAC member states are quarrying,” explains Toroitich. exempted from some customs duties. “We are seeing more cross border transfers and cross border We can now access a larger market interactions which facilitates from any country within the business operators to work region. As dealers in computers anywhere within the East African and accessories, we have clients region. from Burundi and elsewhere who understand that they can access or Since we operate a regional service, apply for our services through our if you have properties in any of the country offices. EA countries, we can use those properties to offer you a loan Faster more efficient services within any East African country,” says the KCB Managing Director Other than the refined movement adding that even obtaining work of goods, the associatated financial permits is getting better. transactions across the region have also been made easier. “I believe people should Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), understand that it is the only way to for example, according to the scrutinize ill-intentioned entrants,” Managing Director, Maurice says Toroitich. “KCB group has Toroitich, has opened shop in all made direct lending to projects in the five EAC partner states. Traders Rwanda to the tune of over $200m with accounts in KCB do not using resources mobilized from have to move with huge sums of outside Rwanda.” money to purchase goods and pay for services from any of the EAC Exploring regional markets countries. www.mineac.gov.rw 20
Goods manufactured in Rwanda can also easily be exported within the region with no hurdles. Hajela Atul, the General Manager of Viva Products, Matelas Dodoma, originally from Tanzania, located in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, says they transport their merchandise without inconveniences. “When we were coming to invest in Rwanda, the process of registration, buying land, construction and employing was very smooth. We acquired the investment certificate with ease. Because of unrestricted movement of goods, we are exploring and expanding our market in the EAC region. We enjoy equal security and access to other services like any other person living in Rwanda.” Improved intra-EAC trade Investments from within the EAC region have also substantially increased and improved. As of September 8, 2014, according to RDB records, more than 408 companies from other EAC Partner States had been domestically registered in Rwanda. The increased and improved intraEAC trade has seen Rwanda’s exports to the region increase to $225.3 million in the first half of 2014, up from $218.4 million in the same period in 2013, representing a 3.1 % per cent increase, reports indicate. Imports from EAC region increased to USD 231.9 million (21.8%) in the first half of 2014 from USD 190.4 million of the first-half of 2013. In the same spirit, July-Dec 2014
Integration News
students pursuing education across Student cards to travel to Uganda the border. “All that is required is borders have too reaped benefits of and Kenya between January and a piece of paper where my Visa EAC integration. is placed. With the ID, I am not disturbed at the border even when Easy visa acquisition, border it’s late in the night.” crossing Wakibi Geoffrey, a freelance Humphery Mutegi, a Kenyan journalist with The New Times and Assistant Associate Dean of says the reduction by telecom Students, Mount Kenya University, companies of regional tariffs says cross border schooling is and scrapping roaming fees, will now very apparent as a result encourage the use by travelers of of the integration. “There are a their own home mobile phone number of students from Uganda, numbers when they travel Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania at across the region and will spare the university and of course the individuals from having to buy Rwandese. Getting a student and Sim cards for the sake of getting work visa are some of the easiest access to cheaper tariffs. services to access. ” Runne Ezekiel Mbafu Much of this integration would still make little sense to the ordinary East African who rarely trades across borders or makes big September 2014. Another frequent traveler, Faith Namugenyi, a transactions. Ugandan Business woman says There are a number of residents she uses her Identity Card to cross that have got relatives across borders, and therefore the launch of the passport-free movement of persons across border in the northern corridor has added to the seepage of the benefits.
It is however important that Rwanda seizes and puts to employ all the opportunities that present themselves with the integration. Mutoni Anitha, a Mount Kenya University student advises;
“I have relatives in Uganda; my mother lives in Nansana,Wakiso District, so whenever I feel like visiting her, I do not find any problem traveling. I just use the National Identity Card for crossing the border.
The transition from French to English has affected the authority with which lectures are delivered. If need be, let us massively recruit lecturers from the EAC into our universities so they can intensively train the next breed of workers in different fields.
I only use the passport when traveling outside the East African Community,” says Sandra Mutoni, a student of Business Administration, Mount Kenya University. Statistics available indicate that 831,236 Rwandans used ID/ www.mineac.gov.rw
“Our education system should be harmonized with the bigger East African Community; universities should aptly adapt the English system.
“This may be a good stop-gap measure as our lecturers get more eloquent in the delivery of knowledge in the English language”, she advises. Yusuf Oadara Transporter
July-Dec 2014
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Integration News
Rwanda leads EAC in harmonization of tuition fees
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wanda leads other partner states of the East African Community (EAC) in harmonization of tuition fees, allowing students from the region to pay same fees as Rwandans studying in the Rwandan institutions of higher learning.
In July 2011 the EAC Council of Ministers approved the report of ministers responsible for Education, Science and Technology, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs on harmonization of EAC education systems and training curricula. However, it is only Rwanda that has implemented the initiative leaving other partner states lagging behind two years after the decision was made. At the University of Rwanda (UR), a public institution with various colleges, students from other EAC Partner States pay the same tuition fees as Rwandans. Amandine Ndikumasabo, a Burundian national, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication Studies at the Catholic Institute of Kabgayi in southern Rwanda. She pays same tuition fees as Rwandan students. “I’m a Burundian and I pay the same tuition fees as Rwandans; it’s good,” she says. She says it would be imperative if institutions of higher learning in the region were charging uniform tuition fees.
to attain their education in all the member states of EAC. We don’t need to be treated as foreigners; we are all East Africans. The education sector needs to be liberalized to allow people to move freely and get what they want,” Ms Ndikumana said. Currently East African universities have different tuition fees and it applies both in private and public institutions. In Rwanda, UR colleges charge Rwf 600,000 per year for Rwandans and students from other partner states of EAC. At Makerere University in Uganda, for example, a Ugandan student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy pays Rwf646, 513 while an international student doing the same course is required to pay Rwf 1.1 million. The tuition fees paid by international students— where students from other EAC partner states are categorized—are considered very high and deny the opportunity regional students to study from one of the prestigious universities in the region.
Amandine Ndikumasabo a Burudian student in Rwanda
the course that Nairobi University or Makerere has. I think what is needed is to change the mindset and we should be patriotic about our region,” he said He added: “If we are to change our region academically and compete on the global market, we need to empower our education sector and this can be done if education is made cheaper. Rwanda has successfully made it cheaper for other East African citizens and this is something that needs to be Experts believe that the only way emulated in other countries.” to facilitate the free movement of students and exchanging the However, the Rwandan Minister of courses within the region is to have Education Prof. Silas Lwakabamba expressed optimism that other uniform tuition fees. Patrick Burora, a university partner states were also about to lecturer at Mount Kenya University harmonize tuition fees to allow in Kigali observed that if Rwanda East African students pay uniform has implemented the initiative why fees across the region. not other regional countries. “We are working on it with “Some of the courses in East African colleague ministers. Eventually universities are more expensive it will be done. We have different than in European universities. Why momentum in implementation but should a Rwandan student go to it will work out,” he said.
She says that this would be easy for regional students to access education outside their home countries.“Students should be free an American institution to pursue www.mineac.gov.rw 22
July-Dec 2014
Integration News
Traders relieved in the wake of no roaming charges
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he move to harmonise calling rates by the East African Community (EAC) governments has been seen as a major step towards regional integration, especially by businesses in the region. So far, according to Patrick Nyirishema, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (Rura) Director General, Kenyan, Ugandan and Rwandan telecoms have already scrapped off roaming fees. This is yet another step forward in deepening the integration agenda as countries move to ease communication among East African citizens as this would spur economic and social benefits. Though the deal is between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, the other two remaining countries, Tanzania and Burundi, are yet to join the project as this will see the roaming charges scrapped in all five countries. South Sudan is also set to join as the younger country tries to set up its communication regulatory body.
clients Rwf60 per minute for calls to any network in Kenya, and Uganda while Airtel Rwanda charges Rwf69 per minute and Tigo Rwanda subscribers now part with Rwf70 per minute, according to Pierre Kayitana, the firm’s public relations officer. All the telecoms’ subscribers will also receive calls free of charge while in Kenya and Uganda. The new rates show a reduction from an average of Rwf200 per minute which the firms previously charged roaming subscribers.
in realizing the project. “It is important that our regional telecom operators work together to make this communication milestone a reality.” “When I used to call my suppliers in Kenya, they used to charge me and also deduct airtime fees. This was making it hard for us to do business,” said Olivier Mugabo, an importer of second hand clothes in Kigali’s Nyabugogo market. The previous regulations affected costs for all incoming international calls for mobile phone users in Rwanda and also those in Diaspora. At the end of it all, both mobile phone users and telecom operators were feeling the pinch of the high charges. Steve Gasana, Airtel Rwanda’s roaming interconnect and carrier business manager, said it was urgent that regional telecom regulators reduce the fees to ease communication.
Teddy Bhullar, the Airtel Rwanda managing director, said the reduction is part of ensuring seamless communication for users. With the reduction in roaming charges, experts believe that it will now facilitate those in business community. Nyirishema explained that the previous fee on incoming international traffic that was shared between the government and Rura The 9th Northern Corridor had been scrapped. Infrastructure Summit that will “The same applies to roaming take place in Kigali on 7 March charges, which has also been 2015 will see One Network Area removed,” he added. He noted that launched. the inter-operator fee had remained at $4 cents (about Rwf28), which In a meeting of regional regulatory when added to the taxes amounts bodies held in Arusha in August to $10 cents (about Rwf69), the 2014, Tanzania and Burundi were retail rate operators are supposed given until December 31, 2014 to to charge roaming clients. carry out studies on the minimum roaming charge they want. John Nasasira, Uganda’s minister of “We all have the same commitment Information and Communication to lower calling rates within the Technology said in a recent The scrapping of Roaming charges will region,” said Nyirishema. MTN interview that telecom operators facilitate cross border trade in the EAC Rwanda now charges roaming across the region played a key role Partner States. www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 23
Integration News
East African companies invest over USD 100 million in Rwanda
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wanda has attracted an estimated USD100million worth of investment from companies in the Partner States of the East African Community (EAC) which have expanded into the country seven years after it joined the bloc.
This was revealed by the Permanent Sectary in the Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC) Mr. Innocent Safari during a press briefing on the 5th EAC Week conducted from 17th-21st Nov Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of EAC Mr.Safari Innocent from regional firms to Rwanda Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that were in 2014. have created jobs for more than form of roadblocks, weighbridges and other formalities. This has He said more investments from 2,500 Rwandans. “When you look at what we have resulted into the reduction of days the EAC Partner States continue to flow into Rwanda, which is an achieved since we entered the taken to transport cargo containers indication that regional investors community; it’s quite positive. from the port of Mombasa in have confidence in the Rwandan We want to continue advocating Kenya to Kigali as well as from Dar economy; the most reformed for the removal of the existing es Salaam port in Tanzania. according to the World Bank’s non-tariff barriers to ease the free Cargo trucks that previously spent doing business rankings in the movement of goods and services,” twenty one days now take only five Safari said. days. region. Rwanda also extended the working Some of the biggest companies He added that easing the hours at different border posts to from the region, especially from movement of people through attract more business through Kenya and Uganda have invested the use of ID/student cards, increased free movement of goods in various sectors in Rwanda, and other authorized travel and services. notably the financial sector, documents among Rwanda, Kenya agriculture, tourism, transport and Uganda is also expected to The Gatuna border between and in manufacturing; and this has promote investments and cross Rwanda and Uganda operates boosted the country’s economic border trade within the northern 24-hours a day while the Rusumo corridor countries. border with Tanzania operates growth. 16 hours, and Nemba, the border In the financial sector, Kenyan banks such as Kenya Commercial The accession of Rwanda into with Burundi, operates 18 hours. Bank (KCB) and Equity Bank and the EAC has also contributed to Cyanika border that links northern insurance firms such as Britam its competitiveness in terms of Rwanda to Uganda works 16 hours and UAP Insurance firm have all proactive implementation of EAC and Kagitumba, another Rwandacommitments. In terms of Customs Uganda border operates 16 hours. opened offices in Rwanda. Mr. Safari noted that investments Union, Rwanda has removed Non-
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July-Dec 2014
Integration News
EU Market Access MoreNews Predictable National National News
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fter East African countries finally came to an agreement with the European Union on market liberalization, the Rwandan government is confident on competing and benefiting from the European market.
In a press briefing, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC) Innocent Safari and his counterpart in the Ministry of Trade and Industry( MINICOM) Mr. Emanuel Hategeka, who was also the Rwanda’s Chief negotiator in the process, elaborated on how Rwanda stands to take advantage of the European market. Mr. Hategeka said the government was to embark on sensitizing different partners especially the private sector on how best they could tap into the European market. The negotiations between the EAC Partner States and EU ended towards the end of 2014 with each team claiming a win for what was under negotiations. Implementation of the agreement is expected to start immediately after the signing of the historical accord. However, despite the wider market access, the question remains whether some regional small economies like Rwanda will have enough to export to the market. According to the agreement, the EU will open up to 100% of its market while the East African region will liberalize only 82.6% to protect small industries. “What we need now is to develop the www.mineac.gov.rw
capacity of our traders and it is one of the obligations of the EU according to the agreement. Our aim is to integrate into the global trade economy. We had the supply chain constraints but now it’s an opportunity for Rwanda and the region,” Hategeka said.
Kenya Airways cargo plane loading goods Rwanda and the EU have with European Union. been major trading partners and Safari observed that the European the potential is evident in light of market liberalization was an the growing bilateral trade between opportunity for the local products the two. Rwandan exports to the to shine in the global market. He EU have fluctuated in volume and said that MINEAC was ready to value but the EU remains Rwanda’s collaborate with other government major trading partner. For example, agencies and the private sector to the volume of Rwandan exports to ensure that Rwandan traders tap the EU was 22,724 tons, 27,473 tons into the EU market. and 21,495 tons in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. The merchandise In 2013, Rwanda’s main export exported from Rwanda to the destination was Europe, EU market was valued at $199m, accounting for 33% of the total $169m and $168.6million in 2011, trade. Rwanda mostly exports 2012 and 2013 respectively. coffee, tea, vegetables, flowers, and other goods. Gerald Nkusi The agreement will help to provide Mukubu, the acting Chief Rwanda with a predictable trade Executive Officer of the Private regime that provides duty free Sector Federation (PSF) believes and quota free market access for the country has enough to export Rwandan products instead of the to the European market. earlier unilateral offer that would be withdrawn any time by the EU. “We had some challenges with our products like standards and Rwanda like other regional packaging but now we are going to countries is expected to enjoy the work with the ministry in charge cumulative process where the to address all the issues. We have to business community could source utilize this opportunity,” he noted. raw materials from all African, However capacity building and Caribbean and Pacific states, facilitating Rwanda traders would overseas countries and territories, require about $8.9 billion in the EU countries and other countries next 25 years. that have Free Trade Agreement July-Dec 2014
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Pictorial
Presidents Paul Kagame(L), Uhuru Kenyatta(M) and Yoweri Museveni (R) during the 8th Nothern Corridor Integration Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Infrasructure Ministers from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan after signing a memorandum of understanding on management of Northern corridor airspace during the 8th Nothern Corridor Integration Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
EAC Religious Leaders attending a workshop on Peace and Security in Kigali in September 2014.
Pictorial
EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera chatting with some of the Regional Clerics during the regional inter-religious conference in Kigali.
Business Community breakfast meeting organised by MINEAC during the EAC week in Kigali on 18 Nov 2014.
Journalists attending a two day training on EAC Integration process organised by MINEAC at La Palisse Hotel in Kigali.
Regional Traders showcasing their products during Rwanda International Trade Fair in July 2014. All the EAC Partner States were represented at the fair.
People line up for check-in with IDs at Gatuna Border Post.
EAC Secretariat booth at the Rwanda International Trade Fair held in July 2014.
Regional News
Presidents push for free movement of people
Presidents Kagame (M) and Kenyatta (L) with the session moderator Joshua Oigara, CEO KCB Bank Group.
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resident Paul Kagame and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta have urged that allowing free movement of people among the Partner States of the East African Community (EAC) will promote economic, social and political cohesion.The Presidents said this during the East African Business Summit held in Kigali towards the end of 2014.
capital and goods.
During the summit, Kagame and Uhuru noted that without opening up of the borders, the people of the community stand to benefit nothing. It was noted that despite the Partner States agreeing to allow free movement of labour, there have been fears and concerns that it would promote unemployment and take away opportunities for nationals if foreigners are allowed They said opening up borders by to move and work freely in other EAC Partner States would lead to Partner States. But the Presidents employment promotion and trigger challenged this misplaced belief, economic growth.According to urging that the community will the East African Common Market greatly benefit once the free protocol, all the five Partner States movements are allowed. of the EAC—Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi— President Kagame calmed down have the obligation to facilitate fears that opening up borders to free movement of people, services, foreign workers would lead to www.mineac.gov.rw 28
loss of jobs held by nationals. “In my office I have had Kenyans, Tanzanians, [and] Britons. If we don’t open up borders, we are limiting ourselves and we are blocking opportunities. If Rwanda doesn’t worry about Kenya why should other countries worry,” President Kagame said.“Working together, being able to identify what we can do to support each other is what can benefit Africa as a whole. The more we bring resources together, the more we work together, the more each Partner State benefits. We want every citizen to benefit and make sure that whatever they do earns them enough to change their lives,” the President added. President Kagame further noted that since July-Dec 2014
Regional News Rwanda joined the EAC seven years ago, it has benefited a lot, especially with access to the wider East African Market for Rwandan products as well as removal of some trade barriers. During his speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta also rooted for free movement of labour within the region and hailed Rwanda-Kenya progress on the same issue. “Let us be frank with each other; we have not been able to move fast because of national fears, a sense of insecurity that if one opens up their people will be denied jobs and other opportunities. We must deal with these fears. We need to start talking about our people being the East African people,” Uhuru said. He further noted:
We need to work together as East to get passports; we have now Africans to develop ourselves,” resorted to IDs but sometimes I President Uhuru added. want to cross to Bujumbura and I forget that I have to use the The summit that was facilitated passport. I think other countries by the Rwandan Ministry of East should adopt it [ID] to facilitate African Community (MINEAC) our movements.” and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was held a year before the Rwanda’s closest trade partners December 2015 target when the include Burundi and Tanzania. EAC Partner States are expected Rwanda exports much to to have reached key benchmarks Bujumbura while some of her allowing for the free movement of imports and exports pass through people, goods, services and capital the port of Dar es Salaam port in across the region. Tanzania.
As a way of promoting free movement of people within the region, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda have introduced the use of National Identity Cards (IDs), student’s identity cards and voter’s cards to those without IDs to be “Kenya and Rwanda have made allowed to move to each of the progress on this. We have been three countries. This initiative has clear on opening up our labour greatly benefited the citizens of the market to take full advantage of three countries especially traders, the labour that is available in the students and skilled workers. east African region.” “All we need is political will. Let us not be Those travelling present their fearful of one another. Our people IDs or any other nationally are the East African people. To recognized document as a travel develop through our own means, document which also works both we have to stop the inward looking at the borders and airports. John mentality that we inherited from Bosco Talemwa an agricultural expert at the Rwandan Ministry our colonial master,” he noted. of Agriculture normally travels President Uhuru reiterated the around the region. need for political will among all the partner states in order to achieve He says that it would be better for the set goals. Taking an example of Tanzania and Burundi to adopt the the European Union, borders have use of ID cards. been abolished and citizens move He observed that many Rwandans without restrictions. EAC was also would want to travel to Burundi or urged to do the same. Tanzania using ID cards but they “Kenya cannot succeed unless other East African countries succeed. www.mineac.gov.rw
can’t.
He said: “People are now reluctant
Increased trade with other EAC partner states Since Rwanda joined the EAC, her exports to the region have been growing. This has been the same with imports. Statistics from the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) released in August 2014 show that Rwanda’s exports to the EAC region grew by 38.6 percent to $97.7million in the first half of the year, up from $70.7 million in the same period in 2013. The main export commodities included tea, raw hides and skins of bovine, coffee, steel and iron rods, vegetables and malt beer. During the same period, Rwandan imports from other EAC partner states increased by 3.7 percent from $239 million to $247.8 million. Major imports commodities were cement, palm oil, fats and oils, fertilizers, second hand clothing and sugar. The central bank reported that Rwanda’s trade deficit with other EAC Partner States reduced to $150 million from $168.5million. July-Dec 2014
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Regional News
TOYOTA Tsusho picked for Consultancy on Regional Oil Pipeline
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overnments of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have picked Japanese engineering firm Toyota Tsusho as the single consultant to carryout the feasibility study, design and supervision of construction of the oil pipeline that will see Kenya and Uganda start exporting crude oil.
Toyota Tsusho beat off competition from other eight firms that had been shortlisted for the job, which will see the project that is expected to cost an estimated USD4billion take off. The crude oil pipeline, with a distance of 1,500km from Hoima in Western Uganda to Kenya’s port of Lamu, connecting to South Sudan at Lochikar basin, is one of the key northern corridor integration projects, bringing together the governments of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Oil Pipelines. The same will run from Kenya via Kampala to Kigali.
single project but then split into the south of Lokishar basin at 600 two lots for each country—Kenya million barrels. and Uganda—to implement the Refined Petroleum Products part that is in their jurisdiction. Pipeline to Kigali It is expected that—and this is the Toyota Tsusho is expected to commitment made by the two Whereas the Hoima-Lokicharcomplete the study by April 2015. implementing governments— the Lamu crude oil pipeline is making Hoima-Lokichar-Lamu crude progress, the three governments The awarding of the consultancy oil pipeline will be completed are equally paying attention to contract to Toyota Tsusho comes in 2017/2018 so that crude another pipeline that will transport after the International Finance exports from the two countries can refined petroleum products within Corporation (IFC), a member of start flowing. the three countries. the World Bank Group, pledged financing worth USD600million to Kenya and Uganda have both found Refined petroleum products will the oil pipeline. huge deposits of commercially flow between the Kenyan city The funding is part of USD1.8 viable crude oil and they are taking of Eldoret, to Uganda’s capital billion loan for projects in the Horn steps to commercially exploit them Kampala and then Kigali. of Africa. through exports when production The three governments through begins in less than five years ahead. their Joint Coordinating The Principal Secretary for Energy Commission (JCC) have already in Kenya Joseph Njoroge said the Uganda estimates that its crude oil Hoima-Lokichar-Lamu crude oil deposits at 6.5 billion barrels while invited bids for Expression of pipeline will be developed as a Kenya estimates oil discoveries in Interest for an engineering, www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 30
Regional News procurement and construction of the proposed refined petroleum products pipeline running all the way from Edoret through Kampala to Kigali. The Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali refined petroleum products pipeline is one of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects that aims to accelerate regional development. According to the invitation to express interest which Integration Affairs Magazine has seen, the pipeline will be an extension to the existing Western Kenya pipeline system at Eldoret which is owned and operated by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). The Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali Pipeline will serve, among others, the markets of Uganda, Rwanda and the neighboring States of Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
especially to power the rapidly increasing number of personal and commercial vehicles and heavy machinery used in the factories.
“ The Eldoret-KampalaKigali Pipeline will serve, among others, the markets of Uganda, Rwanda and the neighboring States of Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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The same pipeline will have storage terminals in Kampala and Mbarara both in Uganda and Kigali.
This lot also comprises construction of mainline pumps, According to the invitation to intermediate pump stations and express interest, the assignment road or rail loading facilities for to put in place the pipeline has tankers at Mbarara and Kigali. two lots where lot 1 comprises of approximately 350 kilometers Government officials, economists from Eldoret in Kenya to Kampala and the members of the Rwandan in Uganda. private sector have all welcomed the initiative to serve Rwanda This will involve construction of with refined petroleum products a multi-products pipeline with 12 through the regional oil pipeline. inch diameter. According to the Rwanda Utilities The second lot comprises Regulatory Agency (RURA), conception of a detailed Rwanda’s petroleum importation design, material procurement, is huge as the country doesn’t construction, installation and produce any petroleum—although commissioning of a multi- exploration activities have been products pipeline from Kampala ongoing to establish whether to Kigali with the length of 434km. there is oil in Western Rwanda— www.mineac.gov.rw
RURA says that Rwanda currently imports petroleum products through either the central or the northern corridor in East Africa. The cost of oil imports is on average 25% of total import costs and accounts for 55% of the entire export revenues, according to the information found on RURA’s website. The demand for petroleum products, says RURA, is forecasted to grow at an average of 10% each year between now and 2020. The cost of procurement has an important macro-economic impact. The delivery of refined petroleum products to Kigali is expected to among other things; help lower the price of refined petroleum products due to the foreseeable reduction in transport charges and other risks associated with transportation of petroleum. It is also expected that the Rwandan upstream petroleum sector will grow due to investments expected in construction of large-volume fuel storage facilities. This will provide jobs to Rwandans and support the country’s ambition to achieve 11.5% annual economic growth in the period from 2013 to 2017 .
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Regional News
Traders Commend Nemba One Stop Border
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one are the days when traders and transporters used to spend hours at the Nemba border post between Rwanda and Burundi. The delays at the border would not only cost time but also money and this had negative implications on the traders’ businesses. With the establishment of One Stop Border Post (OSBP), the delays that characterized the Nemba border have become a story of the past. It now takes four to seven minutes for travelers, especially those involved in cross-border trade to clear their goods at the border Travellers clearing at the Border Post. post located in Rwanda’s Bugesera of people crossing the border. with the aim of facilitating trade District, Eastern Province. and investment in Rwanda. Under the OSBP project, customs He says: “We no longer use Some of the new OSBPs that and immigration officials from Akanyaru border; we now use will be launched include Gatuna OSBP, Rubavu (Grand Barriere) , both countries operate in the Nemba border. same building, something that It has eased our movement because Bweyeye and Cyanika OSBP. eases clearing of goods and travel officials are now working under documents for those entering any the same roof; even one official can Others under construction include OSBPs at Kagitumba border with of the two countries. clear you to enable one to cross Uganda and Rusumo border with Before the OSBP project, each immediately without delays at the Tanzania. country had its own immigration border.” The African Development and customs offices, thus causing Bank (AfDB) injected $45 million “Rusumo OSBP is 95 percent travelers to move from one office for construction of the Nemba complete and it will be fully OSBP including the construction completed by mid-December. to another to have clearance. of 20kms highway from Mayange This resulted into delays for Sector in Bugesera, that connects If all these projects are finalized , travelers. Issa Mugarura, an to Kirundo on the Burundian we expect the time reduction from exporter of construction materials side and it is operating smoothly. the border crossing from hours to to Burundi and the Vice Chairman According to Olivier Kabera, the minutes,” he said of Rwanda Truckers association, coordinator of the Single Project “Imagine a car transporting cows believes that the introduction of Implementation Unit (SPIU). In spending 24 hours at the border the OSBP at Nemba has greatly the Ministry of Infrastructure, due to verification process. There eased movement of traders and more OSBPs are in the pipeline is a cost of delay that has an impact led to the increase in the number on the market price,” Kabera said.
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www.mineac.gov.rw
July-Dec 2014
Regional News
EAC’s curriculum to boost education sector
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tudents in the partner states of the East African Community (EAC) will follow a uniform curriculum if all the five partner states harmonize their curriculums
five countries,” Gatera said.
Board (REB) and a focal point representing Rwanda says that the report awaits adoption by the council of ministers before work to harmonize education curriculla of the five Partner States begins.
The process to harmonise curriculums started in 1998 with the three founding partner states of EAC—Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania—exchanging their national curriculum documents for review and analysis.
“Teaching will become easy and teachers will be free to move The issue of harmonization of because all the education curriculum within the countries will EAC Partner States has always been be teaching the an outstanding matter. same subjects not like the current Technical experts have already system where completed the drafting of a regional we have different framework and structures on the systems,” added Minister of Education Prof. Silas Lwakabamba curriculums to be synchronized. Gatera. Gadson Mutsinzi is a law student In August 2014, curriculum experts The current system does not favour at the University of Rwanda (UR). from Rwanda and other EAC movement of students from one He came from Uganda in 2011 partner states met in Nairobi, Kenya country to another since countries when he was in form four but he and came up with the common have different curriculums. was advised to go back to form two position that will be approved by in Kigali due to the new system he the EAC council of ministers. According to Gatera, if the had joined. harmonization of curriculums If the common draft is adopted is implemented, primary and “I was affected since I had just by the council, then the secondary schools in all the partner come from a different system. If harmonization of curriculums will states will be teaching the same it is [harmonised curriculum] be at the right time to commence subjects, same teaching hours, implemented it will facilitate many the implementation. same years as well as other issues [students] and we will be able to Augustin Gatera, an official that the council of ministers might move freely to various regional schools,” Mutsinzi said. from the Rwanda Education advise to add.
“We have done our part as technicians. What is remaining is for the council of ministers to adopt the common report. If implemented, it will promote free movement of students from all the www.mineac.gov.rw
The process has produced country position papers on areas where the curriculum of a particular country converges or diverges with the other partner states.
Article 5 of the treaty establishing EAC clearly states that in order to promote the achievements of the objectives of the community, Partner States agree to undertake concerted measures to foster cooperation in Education and Training within the Community. This puts an obligation to the five partner states to implement a uniform education curriculum for the benefits of the people. July-Dec 2014
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Regional News
EAC Single airspace to stimulate economic growth
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Regional air transport to cost less.
uring the 8 Northern Corridor Integration Summit held on 11 December, 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya, Governments of Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Management of Northern Corridor air space. th
The MoU was overdue as it is expected to help the four countries push the airlines operating in their territory to reduce the cost of airfare to travel in the region to a tune of 40 percent, which is still under negotiations that should come to an end this year. According to the Communiqué issued after the Summit, the Heads of State directed the Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda, James Musoni, to convene a meeting of Airline Industry Stakeholders to finalise negotiations on the 5th Freedom Traffic Rights on the EntebbeNairobi-Juba-Nairobi route by 31st December 2014 and address all outstanding issues to reduce the cost of air travel in the region and report to the next Summit, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda in March 2015.
to benefit from rapid economic growth arising from easy and affordable movement of persons and goods within the region. The removal of restrictions in aviation sector will attract more airlines to tap into the regional market as this will magnetize more investments, experts say. In addition to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan, Tanzanian and Burundi governments are also eager to liberalise the air transport so as to make the East African Community (EAC) accessible to the people in the region and foreigners via air transport. If the harmonization of the Aviation sector is achieved, countries will be able to exchange experts, skills as well as see a reduction in transportation fares which will see business operators within the community increasingly using air transport.
development of the region. In Rwanda the sector has been growing tremendously for the last two decades.
There are fourteen projects under aviation sector that need to be harmonized and countries are trying all the possible means to conclude the negotiations.
Tony Barigye, the Public Relations officer at Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) says that more Airlines are expected to tap into regional countries if the sector is harmonized. Augustin Mugabo, a businessman who normally imports and exports goods in East Africa observed that it was imperative for the regional countries to embark on liberalizing all the transportation sectors to ease the movement of goods and services. July-Dec 2014
What is needed as a region is to have the aviation market liberalized to facilitate the business operations Experts believe that with and travellers. Aviation sector liberalisation of East Africa’s is considered among the biggest airspace and reduction of air fares, sectors that will provide a huge the regional economies are set contribution towards the economic www.mineac.gov.rw 34
RwandAir, the national flag carrier, has grown recently in terms of number of Aircrafts as well as new destinations, currently at 16 and it is now targeting to fly to Asian cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, all in China, and the Indian city of Mumbai. The airline flies to all the East African countries. Currently, Rwandair has a fleet of eight Aircrafts. Rwanda’s aviation industry has experienced rapid growth with more airlines adding Kigali to their destinations. The most recent entrants include, Qatar and Turkish Airlines.
Regional News
EAC religious leaders discuss peace and stability
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wanda hosted the East African Community religious leaders who had gathered in Kigali to discuss and come up with a clear strategy to work together in fighting insecurity in the region as well as promoting peace.
The one week regional conference that brought together religious leaders from EAC partner states aimed at discussing and strategizing on how to contribute towards peace and stability in the region. The conference was jointly organized by the East African Community Secretariat based in Arusha, Tanzania and the Ministry of East African Community in the Republic of Rwanda. The objective was to devise means to stimulate a proper approach to preventing conflicts in the region. With an apparent lack of peace in some of the East African countries notably Kenya and South Sudan, some religious leaders believe that the failure to act positively is due to intruders who masquerade as believers yet they have intentions of further dividing the church and Muslims. “What we have done is not enough and religion should not be a dividing factor. It must be a connecting factor. Sometimes, there is politicization of religion . This should not happen, and we need to mitigate and prevent these conflicts together in the region,” Bishop Michael Taban Toro, Chairperson of South Sudan council of churches noted. Bishop Taban further mentioned that in South Sudan, the church has www.mineac.gov.rw
tried its best to organize dialogue between the two fighting factions but this was not enough to bring lasting peace to South Sudan.
“We have always tried to bring different fighting groups together. We EAC and Local Goverment ministers posing with have been trying to talk regional religious leaders during the conference. to government, people strengthening accountability, in oppositions so that they can transparency and citizen dialogue and solve the problems participation mechanisms,” in non-violent means. It’s possible Kaboneka said. All these have that religion has the potential contributed to good governance to end conflicts in Africa. AU practices in Rwanda through (African Union) is saying they partnership with all stakeholders need Africa free of conflicts by including religious leaders and 2020 and they cannot achieve it believers, he said. without the involvement of the church. It’s possible and it’s just a The Secretary General of East matter of time,” Bishop Taban said. African Community (EAC) Amb. Francis Kaboneka the Rwandan Dr. Richard Sezibera observed that local government minister noted the use of religion to justify the that the Conference came at a time use of terror as a basis of religious when threats to peace and security intolerance is currently the most in the region had become more urgent challenge in the region and and more diverse, complex and the world at large. sophisticated in nature, requiring an array of responses one of which He said that one of the most is effective collaboration among important findings of cross-cultural key stakeholders, of which religious conflict resolution research is that leaders constitute an important and religion is a perennial and perhaps indispensable part. He informed an inevitable factor in both conflict the delegates that for the past 20 and conflict resolution. years, the government of Rwanda “Learned religious scholars and has been guided by the principles leaders tell us that it is not religion of reinstating people’s dignity, but superstition in the name of granting all Rwandans equal rights religion that is responsible for these and ensuring hope for the future. negative practices,” Amb. Sezibera “Our concerted efforts have been said. The EAC boss further noted focused on building an effective that it was the right time for religious state, ensuring respect of the rule leaders to re-organize themselves of law, unity and reconciliation, and come up with a clear strategy restoring and maintaining security, to help prevent conflicts in EAC. July-Dec 2014
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Opinion
Food Security Key For EAC Development Articles 105 to 110 spell out a range of policy objectives which Partner States should adopt to increase agricultural productivity and achieve food security.
simplify seed export/import documentation in most countries, facilitate harmonized protocols and procedures for variety evaluation, release and registration.
Articles 105,106,107,108,109 and 110 cover the following areas of scope of cooperation in the sector: Seed Multiplication and distribution, Livestock multiplication and distribution, plant and animal diseases control By Nathan Gashayija irrigation and Water Catchment griculture and food Management, and food Security. security sector draws its mandate from What has been achieved so far? Chapter 18 of the Treaty The current progress so far includes establishing the East African the development of a number Community (EAC). Articles 105 of policies in this area including and 111 of the Treaty state that the EAC Agriculture and Rural productive sectors and Agriculture development Policy. in particular are the basis for the livelihood of the people as they This Policy is directed at directly address the problem of low harmonizing Partner States food productivity, unemployment and security policies and legislation, food security in the region. promoting Research and Development and Improving transThe biggest sector is agriculture. boundary infrastructure to curb This sector is the cornerstone of disease of trans-boundary nature. the livelihood of the EAC people. It employs the majority of the In addition, regional fertilizer East African People and can Policy calls for harmonization be transformed into fostering of standards, regulations and tax the region’s quest for sustained regimes in fertilizer for agriculture economic growth and development. productivity. This will lead to Strategies for developing this sector elimination of sub-standard are meant to create the requisite fertilizers in the market and opportunities for enhancing the increased access hence increased welfare of the people of East Africa agricultural productivity. through improved competitiveness, Regional seed policy development regional and global integration. is in the process of being The goal of co-operation in developed. Its overall impact agriculture is to improve the when approved will be to facilitate overall well-being of the people operations of regulatory agencies whose principal occupation and involved in certification for seeds way of life is based on agriculture. in transit within the EAC region, www.mineac.gov.rw 36
EAC Strategy on Prevention and Control of Trans-boundary animals and zoonotic disease: this strategy led to the development of EAC Avian Influenza Response Project 2008-2012.
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The Avian influenza response project aimed at contributing to the socio- economic welfare and public health in the EAC by minimizing the impact of Avian Influenza and was specifically designed to harmonize, synergize and coordinate National Action Plans for Avian Influenza and other Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs); and to enhance sustainable capacity of the EAC Secretariat and National Veterinary Services. This led as well to establishment of inspection points at the border posts like at Gatuna ran by Rwanda Agricultural Board. So far 13 staple crops standards have been developed and under implementation by the National Standards bodies including Rwanda Standards Board. Existence of EAC SQMT Act commits Partner States to ensure that domestic standards are fully harmonized with regional ones; this has increased the trade of processed agricultural commodities within the region and beyond. EAC Sanitary measures for fish and fishery products and consists of two July-Dec 2014
Opinion
major accomplishments, Manual of Standard Operating Procedures (MSOP) and the Inspectors guide for fisheries officers use (IG). The aim of SPS measures is to protect health, enable EAC fish and fisheries products access the international markets and consequently promote the fisheries sector in the EAC. The harmonized EAC SPS measures on Fish and Fishery Products will greatly facilitate safe trade within the Community and between EAC and other trading partners.
What is the way forward? The regional strategic interventions of enhancing supply capacities in agriculture entailed identifying high value agricultural subsectors for which the region has www.mineac.gov.rw
a competitive advantage and follow up on the establishment capitalize on investments that can of the EAC commodity exchange facilitate Partner States to transform program. their respective economies. Final drafting of regional Others include the development Framework for control of Aflatoxin of an EAC Strategy Plan on in agriculture production chain is agriculture and Food Security; ongoing.Follow up on finalization harmonization of regional policies; of EAC Food Security and Nutrition regulations, SPS, and pest control Policy standards; development of regional programmes on bio-safety and Finally a follow up on development bio-technology, trans-boundary of regional CAADP Compact for disease control and emergency EAC and development of labelling preparedness; formulation of requirements for Pest Control special trade regime on SME Products have all provided an cross border trade,strengthening enabling environment for the of national Agriculture/Livestock development of agriculture sector institutions, farmers, traders and and in turn impacting on food security. processors associations. Others include but not limited to the implementation of 2010The Writer is Director General in 2015 EAC Food Security action, Charge of Coordination of EAC ratification of the Sanitary and Affairs in the Ministry of East Phyto sanitary (SPS) Protocol, African Community(MINEAC). July-Dec 2014 37
Opinion
Youth need to embrace EAC integration and instead, the youth should focus on trying to make connections that would lead to sharing of information on available jobs. This will however happen if the regional youth take up the challenge to learn about the EAC integration process, its benefits and challenges and how they can actually participate in every stage of integration to make it work for them and others.
By Peace Mukazi
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n Rwanda, approximately 60% of the population is the youth aged 17 to 35 years. This clearly shows that young people are the future of Rwanda and that they can as well be the future of the East African Community (EAC) if they are fully involved in the regional integration process. I strongly believe that youth hold the key for the success of the EAC integration process but they have to embrace it in order to make their contribution in building a better East Africa stand out. However, across the region, the youth are also faced with challenges, and top on the list is the issue of unemployment.
But still, the fears of the young East Africans to cross borders in search of employment are strongly grounded as far as the issue of skills is concerned. Regional employers—both governments and private sector— continue to claim that the regional youth are less skilled meaning that they are not ready for the job
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I strongly believe
that youth hold the key for the success of the EAC integration process but they have to embrace it in order to make their contribution in building a better East Africa stand out.
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East African youth are yet to fully integrate into the regional job market. There is an underlying fear that once they apply for jobs in the partner states other than their market. country, they may not succeed. This lack of skills has been a thorny But this fear should be abandoned issue for many decades and it www.mineac.gov.rw 38
doesn’t go away even at the time when learning has been eased with the use of internet. A critical assessment of the skills situation in the region reveals that the education systems in the region are to blame. However, governments, which set curricula, also share the blame because these curricula are the foundation of knowledge. As the region embarks on fasttracking integration, more focus should be directed at building the confidence of the young East Africans so that they can look beyond the borders of their sovereign states and exploit regional opportunities. Governments should also work closely with teaching institutions to come up with the hands-on curriculla that will spur skills development, something that will improve the attractiveness of the regional youth on the regional job market. The youth should also try their best in finding these regional opportunities and sharpening their knowledge arrows so as to be able to penetrate the regional market. As a youth ambassador in Rwanda, my goal is to create an environment whereby we work together to help each other and develop ourselves together for the best of my country but also my region, East Africa. Long Live EAC! The Writer is Rwanda’s Youth Ambassador in the EAC. July-Dec 2014
Q&A
EAC is secure-Hon Abdul Karim Harerimana
Hon. Abdul Karim Harelimana. The East African Community has recently increased cooperation in peace and security. But the rise of terrorism has also been noted as a threat to the region. Hon. Abdul Karim Harerimana, a member of the Committee on Peace and Conflict resolution in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) talks about the role of the regional parliament and the preparedness of the region in dealing with any peace and security threat to the East African Community. He spoke to Integration Affairs Magazine.
Read the excerpts: www.mineac.gov.rw
What is the role of the Committee on Peace and Conflict Resolution of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in ensuring security and conflict resolution in the region?
When conflict arises, the committee has a right to make a follow-up on it and have meetings with partner states and later report back to the house. The committee can also make suggestions on prevention measures before any conflict arises and that is why we have in place a bill on conflict management. It’s a private member’s bill initiated by a member from Rwanda and it was passed by the house last year [2013].
Can you elaborate more on this bill? EALA organized a conference on peace and security in the region which took place in Bujumbura and one of the resolutions was to have a bill about conflict prevention, resolution and management. Former member of EALA representing Rwanda, Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi initiated the bill and by then I was the Chair of the committee. The bill was passed by the house. I think prevention is better than cure because if you wait for things to happen and you come to resolve them, sometimes it would be too late. We have ample examples in this country [Rwanda] on genocide. July-Dec 2014
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Q&A Nothing is worse than genocide but looking at our country today after the genocide and you compare it with before genocide the difference is just like earth and sky. So, this is mainly what is in that bill.
mobilise and re-integrate them into society owing to good governance. The LRA took long because it was also in Sudan which is also not a member of the East African community.
What do you consider as a major security threat to the East African Is EAC ready to confront any Community (EAC)? insecurity threat and emerge a As individual member countries, winner? internally, I can say that we are alright for the time being. Rwanda is safe and very peaceful compared The East African Community is to other Partner States. Uganda, a ready to defend itself from any few years back, had the problem threat. You know security and peace of ADF [Allied Democratic Forces] are the backbone of development and LRA [Lord’s Resistance Army] of any country in the world. rebels led by Joseph Kony. In Kenya there are threats by the terrorist When you don’t have security you group Al-shabab. In Tanzania there are not peaceful and you can’t are threats of terrorism. I think you dream of development because remember that terrorists attacked what you are trying to build can be the American Embassy in Dar es destroyed any time. Salaam and what took place in the recent months in Arusha where So among the issues which took terrorist groups attacked with long in negotiations in our region is grenades. In Burundi, there are the issue of peace and security. small internal problems and people say that most of them are political There is a memorandum of among the and I think they can be brought understanding Partner States but in practice the under control because they are not Armed forces in the East African very serious. community meet to discuss issues of peace and security. They meet and exchange ideas and train Why has it taken long to eliminate together. dangerous groups such as ADF, LRA and Congo based FDLR which There are various joint trainings is a threat to the Rwandan security? that have been conducted together in all five countries. These forces don’t need the whole region to intervene and fight them and they are not in any of the EAC Partner States. FDLR is in Congo and we are told that they are now only 2000. They have reduced because Rwanda has sought to www.mineac.gov.rw 40
EAC in terms of peace and security? I think there is a lot other regions can learn from us. I think the East African Community is so far doing better than all of the other regional blocs in security and peace matters. Most Partner States of the East African Community have elections in the coming years. Burundi and Tanzania will hold elections in 2015 followed by Uganda in 2016 and Rwanda in 2017. Quoting the past experience some member states have held violent elections. Take an example of Kenya’s elections in 2007 where people were killed after the elections. The same situation can happen in any of the partner states. How is EALA particularly the Committee on Security and Conflict Resolution prepared to ensure peaceful elections in the partner states? I think conflicts during elections or after elections are not rampant in the region because the last time we saw it was in Kenya during the 2007-2008 elections. Post-elections conflicts have greatly reduced in Burundi and Uganda. Rwanda is stable. You people should thank God no single incident has been reported. We have observers from the East Africa Community who monitor the elections process and report back.
The Intelligence departments also EALA is ready to play its role so meet and share information to that no single conflict will arise fight criminals, drug trafficking, from elections in the Partner States. human trafficking and other threats to peace and security of the community. What can other regions learn from July-Dec 2014
Focus on Integration Stages Status On Free Movement Of Capital The East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol (CMP) is one of the more ambitious regional integration agreements globally. The Protocol covers several freedoms and rights. To enable free movement of capital, 20 operations related to securities, direct Investments, Credit operations, and personal capital operations are required to be free of restrictions.
Removal of restrictions Table 1 provides an overview of the number of restrictions removed and type of restrictions in place in each Partner State..
Partner States
Score Restrictions removed
Restrictions in Place Five, and several capital market operations do not have regulatory frameworks None, but four operations require government approval
Burundi
44.4 %
4/9
Kenya
80 %
16/20
Rwanda
95 %
19/20
One
Tanzania
14.2 %
2/14
Numerous restrictions across 12 capital market operations
Uganda
85 %
17/20
Three
Source: World Bank /IFC For Rwanda the study found that the Capital Market Act of 2011, the Law establishing the Capital Market Authority, and the 2010 regulation on Foreign Exchange Operations have been implemented which removed all prior restrictions. The loss of 5 points was due to one capital market restriction remaining in place. It was found that Rwanda requires firms to obtain a loan registration certificate from the central bank for any foreign borrowing if subsequent repayments are to be allowed.
Status of compliance on free movement of capital The pilot study gave Rwanda a 95% score on compliance while Burundi and Kenya scored 44.4% and 80% respectively. Tanzania and Uganda scored 14% and 85 % respectively.
Free Movement of Services Introduction For free movement of services, the EAC Partner States have concluded negotiations to liberalise 7 of 12 sectors currently covered by the Wold Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). They have also committed not to introduce new restrictions, and to eliminate the existing ones. www.mineac.gov.rw
July-Dec 2014
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Focus on Integration Stages Status of removal of Non - Conforming Measures (NCMs) Country Burundi Kenya Rwanda Tanzania Uganda Total Share of Total NCMs affecting each mode(%)
Table 2. Number of NCMs affecting modes of supply Cross border consumption Commercial supply Abroad Presence 1 7 10 15 6 39 54%
0 0 0 0 0 0 0%
5 15 8 15 5 48 67%
Table 3: Status of compliance in all Partner States Country Compliance with tariff schedule Adoption of rules of Origin Use of charges of equivalent effect to tariffs Recognition of certificates of origin Compliance with EAC Council Recommendation about issuance of certificate of origin by customs authorities Compliance with Customs Union Protocol Total (%)
Presence of a Natural person 7 16 9 17 10 59 86%
% 20 20 30
Rwanda 20 20 30
Burundi 20 20 27
Kenya 20 20 24
Uganda 20 20 21
Tanzania 20 20 18
16
14.4
16
14.4
11.2
8
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
0
0
0
0
0
90%
85.4%
72.2%
66%
100% 91.4%
3. Free movement of goods
For free movement of goods , all Partner States are required to remove Internal tariffs, implement a common external tariff (CET), remove non- tariff barriers to trade among other commitments. If fully implemented, these measures will have a profound and positive impact on the economies of Partner States.
Status of compliance in all Partner States To assess progress by Partner States in building a common market, the scorecard examines their compliance with four commitments from Article 5(2) (a) of the Common Market Protocol. Source: East African Common Market Score Card 2014.
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July-Dec 2014
Focus on Integration Stages • Elimination of tariffs and equivalent measures on intra-regional trade • Elimination of Non Tariff Barriers(NTBs) • Implementation of a common external tariffs (CET). • Harmonisation and mutual recognition of sanitary and physanitary standards (SPS) and standards preventing technical barriers to trade (TBT) The analysis led to the following findings about compliance with the obligation to eliminate NTBs: • Of the 51 reported NTBs Tanzania has 18(35% of the total), Kenya has 16(31%), Uganda has 9(18%), Rwanda has 5(%), and Burundi has 3 (6%) NTBs. • NTBs are most often linked to rules of Origin , sanitary and phytosanitory measures, charges of equivalent effect and technical barriers to trade. 1. TIME REDUCTION ALONG THE TWO CORRIDORS (IMPORTS/ EXPORTS)
Source: Rwanda National Monitoring Committee on NTBs 2. COST REDUCTION ALONG THE TWO CORRIDORS (IMPORTS/ EXPORTS)
Source: MINICOM www.mineac.gov.rw
July-Dec 2014
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Culture
Rwanda promoting use of Swahili to deepen EAC integration
Dr Cyprien Niyomugabo President of Rwanda Academy of Languages and Culture
T
he Swahili language or Kiswahili is a Bantu language and the mother tongue of the Swahili people. It is spoken by various communities inhabiting the African Great Lakes region and other parts of Southeast Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, it is said that Germans introduced Swahili to Rwanda the time they colonized the country.
to Dodoma. This re-introduced the have embarked on teaching their language although it remains less citizens the Swahili language with popular in the country. intentions of preparing them to gain from the regional integration. Language experts urge that Rwandans must learn Swahili if Dr Cyprien Niyomugabo (PhD) they are to penetrate and benefit is the Dean, School of Education, from the East African Community University of Rwanda and the (EAC) integration process. president of Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture. Swahili is the most spoken language in Tanzania and Kenya and it it is He says that the College of least spoken in Uganda, Rwanda education (former Kigali Institute and Burundi. of Education) has introduced public programs where every Rwandan Previously known as the language can join to learn Swahili. spoken by soldiers, the Swahili However, when Rwanda fell in language has progressively turned Every year, about forty students at the hands of Belgians, the Swahili out to be an important tool used in College of education graduate and language was abolished. But in the various areas including business, get Bachelor’s degree in Swahili. 1970s, Rwanda signed a bilateral political and social-cultural settings. According to the Dr Niyomugabo agreement with Tanzania to As EAC integration deepens, those the college will soon introduce promote education sector where who can’t speak Swahili are rushing master’s programs and Doctorate program aimed at equipping Tanzania would provide Swahili to learn it. Rwandans with capability to use teachers to teach in Rwanda and Governments where Swahili is the language within the region. Rwanda would send French teachers less used such as that of Rwanda www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 44
Culture “There was a negative attitude tap into these opportunities. towards Swahili where it was However, we understand and learn considered to be a language used Swahili,” Dr Niyomugabo added. in robbery but now it has changed. He said everything is in place to Without Swahili, you cannot ensure that in ten years at least transact any business in some of every Rwandan will know the our countries in East Africa. Next basics in Swahili. year we shall introduce a certificate program where everyone can join “We want our people to compete favorably on the regional market.” and learn Swahili,” he said In Rwanda, they are five Rwandans with PhDs in Swahili and the number is set to increase as the government embarks on teaching the language. “Our neighboring countries in DRC and Tanzania speak Swahili and there are a lot of business opportunities, however, we cannot
states on all matters related to Swahili research, learning, and teaching and policy formulation development.
Over 150 million people speak Swahili in the East and Central Africa.Wellace Mlagais, a Tanzanian national and a Swahili lecturer at the College of Education of the University of Rwanda, believes that Swahili Swahili has been fronted as should be promoted among all the the language of identity within five countries. the EAC, with key symbols of integration like the bloc’s anthem He mentioned that Swahili in the language. is simple to someone who understands Kinyarwanda. On the regional level, a protocol establishing the Swahili commission was signed as a tool to provide advice to the partner
Umuganura: Preserving Rwanda’s cultural heritage
O
n August 1, 2014, Rwanda celebrated Umuganura, a tradition that is deeply rooted in the Rwandan culture. Umuganura literally means “National Harvest Day” and it is a Rwandan cultural practice of sharing new harvests at the end of a harvest season. Just like the previous generations carried out Umuganura, the present generations try to fit in the same shoes to make it as exciting as it was in the past. Celebrated for three consecutive years since 2012, the National Harvest Day is seen as a noble cause to preserve the Rwandan culture and traditions.
www.mineac.gov.rw
During the 2014 Umuganura, various activities were carried out. High on the agenda was visiting the Inyambo, longhorned Rwandan cows at Urukari, the King’s palace in Nyanza District, Southern Province. Inyambo occupy a huge space in Rwanda’s culture especially in the past when they were seen as symbol of wealth and prosperity.
mainly of the cultural-based dances, Intore and Amaraba. Boiled Maize and milk were served to the adults and children respectively during the Umuganura day at Petit State in Remera. The first Lady Jeannette Kagame was the guest of Honour during the National Harvest Day, where along with other parents, she served milk to children. Serving milk to children is one of the cardinal traditions of Umuganura.
The celebrations also included various exhibitions of Rwanda’s achievements. Past cultural As Rwanda actively promotes articles such as baskets and cultural tourism, it is hoped calabashes and a carnival walk. that reviving some of the country’s cultural traditions Guests during the National such as Umuganura will Harvest Day were treated help attract more tourists, to warm and energetic something that can boost performances, composed tousirm revenue. July-Dec 2014
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Culture
Press Release THE FIRST EDITION OF MASHARIKI AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 We are happy to announce the First Edition of MASHARIKI AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL. It will be held from the 8th to 14th March 2015 in Kigali/ RWANDA. The festival has lined up various activities to bolster film making. These include workshops, film screenings, training, discussions, peer networking and mentorship programmes. As the festival plans to reach high gear, we are not only interested in the quantum of numbers but also on the quality of films that will be submitted thereto. Once again, the festival will provide an expression platform for both established and emerging talent in feature, documentary and short films genre of film making while reaching a wider audience. The festival seeks to celebrate the East African Film Network ( EAFN) and African achievements of filmmaking, recognise relevant exemplary performance and success in film making, encourage innovation, creativity and intellectual interaction among film lovers, The theme of the first Edition of Mashariki African Film Festival is “AFRICA, WE CHERISH OUR STORIES”. It is envisaged that the selected films will offer a nostalgic experience and bring forth “many down memory lanes.” We will tag on the audiences sentimentalities and motivate them to share the African stories experience. The best films will be screened during the festival. The distinguishing characteristic of this concept is that it will support the creative cultural expression while introducing film as a business. We will organise a 2 weeks production workshop and produce 4 short films. We aim to have 14 Rwandan participants and all the films will be screened at the closing ceremony of MASHARIKI AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL. The deadline for all application was 30th January 2015 respectively. Tresor SENGA, President of the Festival Joel KAREKEZI, Festival Director Head office: KIGALI CITY, NYARUGENGE DISTRICT PO.Box 1925 Kigali-Rwanda Tel: +250788881381/0788734402/0788703635 E-mail: info@mashariki.rw Website: www.mashariki.rw / www.maaff.rw 46
www.mineac.gov.rw
July-Dec 2014
Culture Integrating Through Music
T
here’s something distinct about music. Everyone seems to like it yet very few will exactly point out why music is special to them. It seems to make people get hyper in a way that is beyond their understanding. Many will simply tell you that it speaks to their hearts. To musicians themselves, it is a way of living and a means of passing on information that is social, Masamba Intore religious, political or otherwise.With the integration of the East African Community (EAC), musicians are reached a level where they can make a decent living not only eying a wider market for their music but also out of their careers.” He adds that with the integration of the EAC, musicians in Rwanda will benefit from a an opportunity to share culture and beliefs. wider market. “For a complete integration, there’s need for peoples of the region to know more about each other’s cultural Musicians the world over believe that music is a beliefs,” says Masamba, a singer of traditional songs universal language understood by everyone regardless in Rwanda.“Otherwise how will East Africans freely of their nationality, race, religion, etc. Muhoza says: interact when they are ignorant about each other?” he “From love to poverty, we all know about it… just come up with a theme and there will be tens of thousands wonders, adding that only music can achieve that. who will easily relate to the message,” she observes. So how will musicians accomplish that? “In my case, our group – Gakondo - is soon introducing Rwandan Her observation is shared with Masamba. “If the Nights in Nairobi and Kampala. Like I said, sharing (Rwandan) government wants to implement policies, cultures is the best opportunity to merge communities,” to promote tourism or anything else, then there’s no says Masamba. He has been performing across better channel than music,” he says. “Musicians reach the region. He is always the star entertainer at Jose out to millions of people far more than politicians Chameleone’s annual concerts in Kampala. He has also do,” he adds. If Masamba believes in sharing cultures done collaborations with other singers in East Africa through performances, others are looking at it terms of like Kidumu (Burundi) and Ragga Dee (Uganda). relocating from one East African country to another. “And something with Chameleone may soon come One such person is Cwinyai Raymond aka H.E Wenda. He and his younger brother, Osaga Emmanuel aka O.S your way,” he spills. Emaxxy have been singing since 2007. Tusker Project Fame (TPF) is a music academy that searches for talented singers in the five East African “These other countries are already ahead. We felt we countries and helps them to launch a music career. had something to share with Rwanda and grow with it. Fatuma Muhoza is Rwanda’s former representative We’ve so far done a song with Micho The Best called to the academy. She says that the integration of EAC Let Me Follow My Way and we may out another one came long before even the politicians started flying soon with Urban Boys,” says Wenda. Lauren Makuza from capital to capital to sign policies.” Lately, more is the Director of Culture Promotion at the Ministry artistes from the EAC have done collaborations than of Sports and Culture. He says the ministry has highly before. The most recent hit is Take It Off by Rwanda’s prioritized the integration. “For instance Rwanda was Urban Boys and Uganda’s former Blu*3 star Jackie the first to host the East African arts and culture festival Chandiru. These cross-border collaborations are, (JAMAFEST) in 2013. Each of the EAC countries sent however, more of an achievement in market expansion a choir of about 50 people,” says Makuza. He adds that than anything else. “The market for Rwandan music they will soon put in place laws to protect Rwandan has been meager,” says Masamba. Compared to Kenya, musicians so that they have equal benefits with regional Uganda and Tanzania, musicians in Rwanda haven’t singers. www.mineac.gov.rw July-Dec 2014 47
Sport
Rwanda to host Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and 2016 Chan
R
President Kagame Awarding CECAFA KAGAME CUP Champions El Mereikh
wanda will host November this year the Cecafa senior Challenge Cup ahead of the preparations of the 2016 CHAN. Rwanda successfully hosted Cecafa Kagame Cup in 2014, which was won by El Marriekh of Sudan after beating Rwanda’s APR 1-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
48
www.mineac.gov.rw
The lone goal was netted by Kenyan striker Allan Wanga after a good cross from skipper Ahmed Elbasha. It was the second consecutive year that APR has lost in the Cup final after losing to Vital’O of Burundi in 2013 in Sudan while it was the first time they lost Cecafa at home soil. It was the third regional title for the Sudanese giants, who last won it
in 1988, while the Rwandan army side was looking to win it for the fourth time on home soil, following successes in 2004, 2007 and 2010. The two-week tournament, which is sponsored by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, is the most popular football tournament in region and attracts about eleven teams. July-Dec 2014
Sport Despite the sports element, the tournament provides a platform for the countries to learn from each other in various fields including culture, developing skills for younger talented sportsmen as well as providing limelight for Rwandan soccer players on the international scene. President Kagame contributes $60,000 annually as prize money to the tournament named after him since 2002. He is also the patron of Cecafa.
while third-placed Police FC took $10,000 in addition to bronze medals.
years such as 2009 U-20 as well as the 2011 U-17 championships. Kigali has also hosted the oldest football tournament in Africa – the In addition, Rwanda will next year Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in host the Cecafa senior challenge 1999, 2001 and 2005. cup after it was hosted by Ethiopia in December 2014. Rwanda will For hosting 2016 CHAN, Rwanda also host the 2016 African Nations has the stadiums needed for such Championship (Chan) that will a competition to take place. The draw 16 countries from the Amahoro national stadium is the continent for the first time. biggest stadium in the country with a seating capacity of 30,000 people. This means that it will be a good opportunity for preparations for The Kigali Regional Stadium located For the first time in the tournament, the continental event and this is the in Nyamirambo seats 22,000 and the Rwandan Police Football Club time to prepare for the competition has hosted some important Afcon clinched third position in their that attracts Africa’s biggest and qualifying matches in the recent debut appearance in the annual spirited local football talent. past. regional tournament after they The Umuganda Stadium (Rubavu) defeated Ugandan champions Rwanda is a potential candidate to in the western province on the KCCA on spot-kicks 4-2 after both host the continental and regional shores of Lake Kivu which is sides drew 1-1 in normal time. El tournament. currently under re-construction Mereikh, on top of the trophy, took Rwanda has had a good history of and seats 15,000, while Huye home a cash prize of $30,000, APR hosting the Africa tournaments stadium in the Southern Province walked away with silver medals including two successful African will have the capacity to se seat and $20,000 for finishing second, youth football competitions in three 10,000 people after renovation.
El Mereikh and APR in action during the final match of Cecafa Kagame cup at Amahoro National Stadiuim. www.mineac.gov.rw
July-Dec 2014
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Valens Ndayisenga Wins Tour du Rwanda
Valens Ndayisenga celebrating his historical win of Tour du Rwanda. Courtesy photo Valens Ndayisenga, Rwanda’s cyclist, won “Tour du Rwanda 2014” cycling tournament, becoming the first Rwandan to be crowned the Champion of the annual event since it was first held in 1988. Ndayisenga, who hails from Kalisimbi, Rwanda’s top cycling club, won Tour du Rwanda in a total time of 24h57’10’, beating off tough competition from his teammates Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Joseph Biziyaremye and Eritrean national Aron Debretsion.“I am really happy; I am excited for what we have achieved. This win is for all Team Rwanda members. We did well, every rider played a key role to get this yellow jersey,” Ndayisenga was quoted. Thousands of Rwandans thronged Amahoro national www.mineac.gov.rw 50
stadium to witness the event that had attracted different local and international media houses. They cheered after Ndayisenga was crowned as the winner.The cyclist who never completed school has participated in various world cycling competitions and continues to shine as he represents Rwanda. Following Ndayisenga’s win, President Kagame hosted the Rwanda National Cycling team to a reception at Serena Hotel, to congratulate them for winning the Tour du Rwanda.In his address, President Kagame congratulated the winner, Valens Ndayisenga and the entire team, the team coach, the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) for making the country proud.
“The triumph of the Karisimbi team is a reflection of the Rwandan spirit; sacrifice teamwork, resilience and discipline. Discipline makes everything sustainable because without it, you cannot expect to keep winning. Instead, you keep experiencing decline,” President Kagame said. He pledged his support to the team so that it can achieve more, by building on what they already have.“You deserve support because you have earned it. We will ensure that you are not lacking in anything that you need to perform better. We will avail the tools you need and leave the rest to you to realize your potentials.” July-Dec 2014
www.mineac.gov.rw
Non-Tariff Barriers Are you having problems clearing goods across EAC borders?
THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY Mission
Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC Integration process in order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region.
Vision
Tell your problem to the A prosperous competitive, secure andright institution: politically united East Africa.
MINEAC
IMMIGRATION
MINICOM
MINEAC P.O.Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda MINAFFET Buidling 4 th Floor eg: Message (RRA I’m being charged extra taxes at Gatuna border, any recent raise mineac@mineac.gov.rw from your institution?) www.mineac.gov.rw 2525 (Local Messages) | 0789 252 525 (Across Rwandan borders)
www.mineac.gov.rw
Non-Tariff Barriers Are you having problems clearing goods across EAC borders?
THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY Mission
Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC Integration process in order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region.
Vision
Tell your problem to the A prosperous competitive, secure and right institution: politically united East Africa.
MINEAC
IMMIGRATION
MINICOM
MINEAC P.O.Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda MINAFFET Buidling 4 th Floor eg: Message (RRA I’m being charged extra taxes at Gatuna border, any recent raise mineac@mineac.gov.rw from your institution?) www.mineac.gov.rw 2525 (Local Messages) | 0789 252 525 (Across Rwandan borders)