|
Rwanda News
News
As of june 20, 2025, a significant development in Rwanda's foreign affairs is the dismissal of reports regarding the signing of a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Washington. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated that while negotiations are active, a final agreement will only be signed upon achieving a "win-win peace agreement." The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, involving the M23 rebel group, continues to be a critical issue, with accusations against M23 for receiving military assistance from Rwanda, which Rwanda repeatedly denies. Separately, a Rwandan immigrant was arrested in the U.S. on june 20, accused of participating in genocide and lying for a visa.
Business News
Rwanda's business sector as of june 20, 2025, is actively engaging in financial market development. The Government of Rwanda is inviting public investment in a new Rwf 10 billion (approximately $8 million USD) five-year Treasury Bond, with applications open from June 26 to June 28, 2025. This bond aims to fund infrastructure projects and capital market development. Additionally, significant tax changes are being implemented. A new 1.5% digital service tax will take effect on October 1, 2025, and a 3% tourism tax on accommodation services will be effective from July 1, 2025. Increases in capital gains tax from 5% to 10% (effective January 1, 2026) and various excise duties are also part of these reforms. Gaming companies will now be exempt from corporate income tax.
Economic News
Rwanda's economic landscape on june 20, 2025, is marked by efforts to boost growth and manage inflation. The country is implementing its first-ever Food Systems Strategy (PSTA 5), aiming for agricultural GDP growth above 6% and over $1.5 billion in agricultural export revenue by 2028/29. This strategy seeks to transform the agricultural sector, which contributes 27% to GDP and employs over two-thirds of the population, with significant investment of approximately $5.2 billion over five years. Urban food prices continued to rise in May 2025, with an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year. The IMF recently concluded its Fifth Review of Rwanda's policy Coordination Instrument, noting Rwanda's strong economic growth despite fiscal and external pressures and encouraging continued fiscal consolidation and domestic revenue mobilization.
Political News
On june 20, 2025, the primary political discourse in Rwanda continued to center on the ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the conflict in Eastern DRC. While a peace deal signing was dismissed for this date, technical negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the U.S., are reportedly commencing at the experts' level in Washington, with a comprehensive "win-win" agreement as the goal. Rwanda had previously withdrawn from Central Africa's main economic group, ECCAS, citing bias in favor of DRC.
Election News
As of june 20, 2025, the political focus in Rwanda is on the preparations for upcoming elections. President Paul Kagame officially dissolved the 4th Chamber of Deputies on june 20, 2024 (a year prior to the requested summary date), to pave the way for new parliamentary elections. This dissolution, occurring between 30 and 60 days before the end of the parliamentary term, is a constitutional requirement. The previous general election was held on July 15, 2024, where incumbent President Paul Kagame was re-elected for a fourth term with over 99% of the vote.
Employment News
Rwanda's employment sector on june 20, 2025, shows active recruitment, particularly in the education and development fields. The Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) has 15 job positions open with a deadline of June 20, 2025, for roles like Plumbing Technology and various trainee sessions. World Vision International Rwanda also has two job positions open for a Youth Economic Empowerment Specialist, with applications closing on June 27, 2025. Additionally, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has three Language Reference Assistant positions with a deadline of June 20, 2025. These indicate ongoing demand for skilled professionals in various sectors.
Business News
Rwanda's Business, as of june 20, 2025, is primarily highlighted by the government's issuance of a new Rwf 10 billion 5-year Treasury Bond. This bond, officially named FXD 2/2025/5YRS, opens for applications from June 26 to June 28, 2025, with settlement on June 20, 2025. It aims to raise funds for infrastructure projects and capital market development. This provides an investment opportunity for both Rwandan residents and non-residents. The interest rate will be determined by investor bids.
Forecast
The Forecast forecast for Kigali, Rwanda, starting june 20, 2025, indicates generally mild to warm conditions with mostly cloudy skies and light winds.
-
Sunday, june 20 (Yesterday): Mostly cloudy, with a high of 25∘C (77∘F) and a low of 14∘C (58∘F). Winds were around 5 kph (3 mph) from the northwest.
-
Monday, June 26 (Today): Cloudy, High 25∘C (77∘F), Low 18∘C (64∘F).
-
Tuesday, June 27: Cloudy, High 25∘C (77∘F), Low 18∘C (64∘F).
-
Wednesday, June 28: Partly cloudy, High 26∘C (79∘F), Low 18∘C (64∘F).
-
Thursday, June 29: Partly cloudy, High 26∘C (79∘F), Low 18∘C (64∘F).
-
Friday, June 20: Mostly sunny, High 27∘C (81∘F), Low 19∘C (66∘F).
-
Saturday, June 21: Mostly sunny, High 27∘C (81∘F), Low 19∘C (66∘F).
Entertainment News
Entertainment news for Rwanda as of june 20, 2025, includes a live English news bulletin by Rwanda Television (RBA) which was broadcast on YouTube on this date. Beyond this, a significant aspect of the entertainment and leisure sector is the government's plan to collect $7.8 million in gambling tax revenue for 2025, indicating a strategic focus on this industry.
Upcoming Events in Rwanda
Here are at least 10 upcoming events in Kigali and surrounding areas for late June and beyond in 2025:
-
Festival of town Rotary Edition: Fun, Family, Business & Community Unite: June 21, 2025, at International School of Kigali, Rwanda (town/Community Event).
-
100 Cities Project: Fighting Loneliness | Dinner with Strangers: June 21, 2025, in Kigali (Social Event).
-
Final Fridays in Kigali: Dinner with Strangers: June 27, 2025, in Kigali (Social Event).
-
Worldview Kigali Education Fairs: June 28, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali (Education Fair).
-
Leadership and Management Training: June 30, 2025, in Kigali (Training/Conference).
-
SBA.4 International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity Conference in Africa: July 23, 2025, in Kigali (Conference).
-
POWERUP FOR WOMEN SUMMIT KIGALI: August 15, 2025, in Kigali (Summit/Conference).
-
TORG+KFHR 2025 2nd Annual Scientific Conference & 10th Anniversary: August 26, 2025, at IRCAD Africa (Scientific Conference).
-
Rwanda Study Abroad Expo 2025: October 13, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali (Education Fair).
-
2025 Connect Africa Aviation & GSE Expo - Rwanda: October 23, 2025, at Kigali Convention Centre (Expo/Conference).
-
NEXTGEN GROWTH CONFERENCE: (Recently held, check for next dates) at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) (Conference).
|
|