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Swiss generics maker Sandoz signs deal with Rwandan government

Administrator — 2026-04-16T12:22:10Z

Sandoz has signed an agreement with the Rwandan government for the direct supply of essential medicines, including antibiotics and cancer drugs.

In addition to Rwanda, the supply is intended to include selected African partner countries and could be expanded in the future.

The agreement with the Rwandan government, which initially covers about 60 products, is a first step toward a sustainable regional procurement model for affordable, high-quality medicines, Simon Goeller, Chief Transformation and Growth Officer at Sandoz, is quoted as saying in the press release.

The additional quantities will be supplied from the Kundl plant in Austria, the company announced on Wednesday.

Sandoz said medicines supplied under the deal will be produced in Austria, at one of Europe's last major antibiotic manufacturing hubs. The company believes the partnership could serve as a model for a more sustainable system of procuring affordable medicines across Africa.

Simon Goeller, Chief Transformation and Growth Officer at Sandoz, described the agreement as a “first step” toward building a long-term regional supply system that ensures patients can access the medicines they need without disruptions.

“It is good news for Rwanda and for Africa,” Goeller was quoted as saying in a statement by the company.

“Securing additional volumes for this important region is great progress, but we still need urgent and similar action from EU governments to ensure the sustainability of this unique European asset, which is critical to Europe's long-term autonomy and resilience.”

The Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimana, said Rwanda is among the few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that reimburse cancer treatment through its public health system, while continuing to prioritise the fight against infectious diseases.

“This partnership reflects our efforts to work with established biosimilar and generic manufacturers to expand access to quality, affordable cancer care and essential antibiotic therapies,” he said.

“Through this agreement, Rwanda aims to support improved access to treatment for patients within Rwanda and across the African Union.”

The agreement builds on the 2025 Alpbach Communiqué, a global initiative aimed at securing reliable antibiotic supply chains from Europe to other regions, including Africa.

Rwanda was among the countries that supported the initiative and is also home to the African Medicines Agency, further reinforcing its role in advancing access to medicines on the continent.

Kagame meets Congo's Sassou Nguesso, discusses bilateral ties and regional issues

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-16T08:55:56Z

President Paul Kagame held talks with his Congolese counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key issues affecting the African continent.

Kagame has been in Brazzaville since April 15, 2026, where he is attending Nguesso's inauguration ceremony scheduled for Thursday.

According to a statement from Rwanda's presidency, Village Urugwiro, Kagame was received by Nguesso at the presidential palace, Palais du Peuple, in the Congolese capital.

The two leaders discussed longstanding ties between their countries, major regional challenges and cooperation in priority sectors aimed at deepening existing relations. Kagame also congratulated Nguesso and wished him success in his new term.

Nguesso, 82, secured re-election with 94.65% of the vote, defeating Mavoungou Zinga Mabio, who received 1.48%, along with five other candidates. The victory grants him another five-year term in office.

The inauguration ceremony is set to take place at Unity Stadium (La Concorde Multipurpose Sports Complex), located in the city of Kintélé.

Rwanda and the Republic of Congo maintain longstanding relations and cooperate across several sectors, including trade, security, agriculture and land management.

Kagame congratulates Arsenal on Champions League progress

Administrator — 2026-04-16T08:51:41Z

President Paul Kagame has congratulated Arsenal FC on reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, praising the club's progress as part of its partnership with Rwanda through the Visit Rwanda campaign.

Arsenal secured a place in the last four on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, after a 0-0 draw against Sporting CP in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie, advancing 1-0 on aggregate.

Shortly after the match, Kagame posted a message on X expressing support for the club's continued run in the competition.

“Well done to our Visit Rwanda partner for reaching the UEFA semifinals. We will continue to support you in the next stage,” he said.

Arsenal is among several European clubs partnered with Rwanda to promote tourism. Others include Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid, both of which have also reached the Champions League semifinals.

Bayern Munich, another club linked to Rwanda through a football development partnership, is also in the competition's final stages.

In the semifinals, Arsenal will face Atlético Madrid, which eliminated FC Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain will take on Bayern Munich, which advanced after defeating Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate.

Rwanda's season A harvest rises slightly as food prices remain high

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-15T16:32:24Z

Rwanda recorded slight increases in the production of major food crops during the 2026 Season A harvest, according to a report released on Wednesday, by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The report shows potato production rose by 3.3% to 491,564 tons, while sweet potatoes increased by 3% to 675,768 tons. Banana production grew by 4.1%, exceeding 1.3 million tons.

Season A is the country's main agricultural season, producing about 70% of Rwanda's total food supply.

More than 1 million hectares were cultivated with seasonal crops, while 501,000 hectares were planted with long-cycle crops.

Maize was grown on 245,405 hectares, beans on 327,907 hectares and potatoes on 55,310 hectares. Sweet potatoes covered 96,217 hectares, cassava 236,357 hectares and bananas 267,676 hectares.

Maize production rose by 1.5% to 488,622 tons compared with Season A of 2025, while beans increased by 0.5% to 229,396 tons. Rice production reached 71,080 tons, up 2%.

Key staple crops on local markets, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, recorded steady gains, alongside bananas, which also posted an increase compared with the same period last year.

However, the increase in production comes amid rising prices. NISR reported that consumer prices increased by 9.2% in March 2026 compared with March 2025.

Food and nonalcoholic beverage prices rose by 4.1%, while prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 17.8%. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 14.6%.

The report also highlights increased use of irrigation, especially among large-scale farmers. Overall, 14.4% of farmers used irrigation, including 12.6% of smallholder farmers and 60.3% of large-scale farmers.

Among those using irrigation, 66.4% adopted modern irrigation methods.

Use of agricultural inputs also remained notable, with 37% of farmers using improved seeds. Organic fertilizers were used by 90.2% of farmers, mineral fertilizers by 67.2% and pesticides by 46.9%.

Lawmakers call for faster oversight of cooperatives, warn of financial losses

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-15T08:25:20Z

Rwanda's Chamber of Deputies has urged the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address delays in auditing cooperatives, warning that weak oversight is contributing to poor performance, mismanagement and financial losses for members.

The request was made Tuesday during a parliamentary session in which the Committee on Governance, Gender and Family Affairs presented its report to the plenary.

Committee chair Nabahire Anastase said Rwanda has a national cooperatives policy, a governing law and a dedicated regulatory body, but enforcement and follow-up remain weak.

He said those gaps have led to widespread challenges, including poor management and operational inefficiencies that ultimately affect citizens who rely on cooperatives for income.

Citing a 2024/2025 report by the Ombudsman's office, he said governance failures in cooperatives continue to cause losses for members.

The Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) has identified more than 4,200 inactive cooperatives out of about 11,000 registered nationwide, according to parliamentary findings.

Lawmakers also noted that many cooperatives go years without inspection, with some operating for more than 17 years without formal audits or technical guidance.

The Chamber of Deputies called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to present within three months a plan to ensure timely inspections and strengthen oversight mechanisms to improve accountability and protect citizens' investments.

Barcelona, Liverpool eliminated as Atlético, PSG move on

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-15T07:49:43Z

Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Tuesday, eliminating Barcelona and Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

Atlético Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Spain in the second leg, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. Barcelona, which had lost 2-0 at home in the first leg, responded quickly with goals from Lamine Yamal in the fourth minute and Ferran Torres in the 24th.

The Spanish side appeared on course to force extra time before Ademola Lookman scored for Atlético in the 31st minute to swing the aggregate in Atlético's favor. Barcelona thought it had equalized in the 57th minute through Torres, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Despite late pressure, Barcelona could not find another goal and was eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.

In England, Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield to complete a 4-0 aggregate win. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring in the 72nd minute with a long-range strike that eluded goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. He added a second goal in stoppage time.

Liverpool created multiple chances through players including Rio Ngumoha and Virgil van Dijk, but PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov made several key saves. A potential penalty for Liverpool in the 66th minute was overturned after a VAR review determined no foul on Alexis Mac Allister.

PSG will face the winner of the Bayern Munich–Real Madrid tie in the semifinals. Bayern leads 2-1 from the first leg ahead of Wednesday's return match. Atlético Madrid will meet the winner between Arsenal and Sporting CP, with Arsenal holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Liverpool's exit means it will finish the season without a trophy. The club is currently fifth in the Premier League and has already been eliminated from the FA Cup and the English League Cup.

The match also marked the final Champions League appearance for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson with Liverpool. Both players are expected to leave the club this summer after helping it win the competition in 2019.

Rwanda to Expand Electricity Access, Clean Cooking for Thousands with AIIB Loan

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-14T13:39:43Z

Rwanda plans to expand electricity access to 200,000 households and provide clean cooking equipment to 100,000 more under a new infrastructure program backed by an international loan, officials said Monday.

State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning Godefrey Kabera told lawmakers the initiative will be funded through a 14.8 billion Japanese yen (about $90 million) loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The project aims to improve energy access, particularly in rural areas, while promoting environmentally friendly cooking solutions.

Kabera said the program will focus on closing gaps in electricity coverage, which remain despite significant progress over the past decade. Challenges include limited financing, long distances between power lines and users, and reliance on traditional cooking methods.

The project will be implemented in three phases: upgrading and expanding electricity networks, increasing both on-grid and off-grid connections, and distributing clean cooking technologies.

In addition to connecting households, the plan will supply electricity to 850 businesses, 310 schools and health centers, and about 50,000 users through off-grid systems, mainly solar power. It also includes installing street lighting along 200 kilometers (124 miles) of roads in satellite towns around the capital, Kigali.

Lawmakers questioned whether the investment would help Rwanda exceed its target of reaching 90% electricity access this fiscal year. Kabera said the loan aligns with national development goals and will support continued progress.

According to the Rwanda Energy Group, electricity access reached 85.4% in 2025, with 60.1% connected to the national grid and 25.3% using off-grid solutions.

The loan will be repaid over 29 years, with a five-year grace period.

Rwanda coffee ranks among top five at global exhibition in California

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-14T11:50:31Z

Rwandan coffee ranked among the top five coffees at the World of Coffee San Diego exhibition held in California.

The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) announced the recognition, saying Rwandan coffee placed among 48 samples evaluated at the international event.

NAEB said, “Rwandan coffee was among the top five winners out of 48 entries that were tasted at the World of Coffee San Diego exhibition in California, United States.”

The agency said the achievement highlights Rwanda's continued efforts to improve quality, innovation and competitiveness in global markets.

Rwanda's participation in the exhibition aimed to identify new export markets and promote the quality of its coffee internationally.

The World of Coffee San Diego exhibition ran from April 10 to April 12, 2026.

Coffee remains one of Rwanda's key export crops, generating significant and growing foreign exchange earnings.

NAEB reported that coffee export volumes rose 39% in 2025 compared with 2024, while export revenues increased 65% over the same period.

In 2025, Rwanda exported 23,860 metric tons of coffee, earning more than 216 billion Rwandan francs, compared with 17,142 tons and 129 billion francs in 2024.

Rwanda Launches $62 Million Nyamagabe WASH Program to Achieve Universal Water Access by 2030

Administrator — 2026-04-14T11:16:59Z

The Ministry of Infrastructure, through the WASAC Group in partnership with Water For People and Nyamagabe District, has launched the Nyamagabe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program, a $62 million initiative aimed at delivering universal access to safe water and improved sanitation services by 2030.

The program was officially launched during a ceremony that included the laying of a foundation stone at a planned water infrastructure site. The event was presided over by Gemma Maniraruta, Director General in charge of Water and Sanitation at the Ministry of Infrastructure, alongside Prof. Omar Munyaneza, Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group, and other WASH partners.

The initiative is designed to expand access to water services in Nyamagabe District from the current 59% coverage to full coverage for all residents. It also seeks to improve sanitation and hygiene services in schools, health facilities and other public institutions.

Maniraruta said the program aligns with Rwanda's national goal of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation services by 2029, adding that it is expected to improve public health and livelihoods.

“I am confident that the Government of Rwanda and Water For People's interventions in Nyamagabe District will significantly contribute to poverty reduction and enhanced wellbeing. Beyond improving prosperity, these interventions will create jobs and drive economic development,” she said.

Key components of the project include the construction of new water treatment plants at Rukarara and Mbirurume, upgrading the existing Gisuma Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity to 1,700 cubic meters per day, and rehabilitating and extending 46 water supply systems.

The program also includes construction of 1,396 toilet cabins, 91 girls' sanitation rooms in schools, and installation of 571 rainwater harvesting tanks.

Prof. Munyaneza urged residents to protect water infrastructure from vandalism and to connect to water systems as services become available, while also emphasizing the importance of timely payment for water services.

Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri thanked the government for launching the program and acknowledged the role of partners including Water For People and WaterAid Rwanda.

The program will be implemented through 2030 by Nyamagabe District, WASAC Group and Water For People.

Senate President honors slain politicians during genocide commemoration

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-14T08:01:11Z

Rwanda's Senate President, Dr. Kalinda François Xavier, on Monday paid tribute to politicians killed for opposing the divisive regime of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, saying their sacrifice symbolizes courage and a commitment to unity.

He made the remarks during the closing of the 32nd commemoration week of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Rebero Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District.

Kalinda said the slain politicians were stripped of their dignity while defending truth and justice, noting they paid the ultimate price for rejecting ethnic division and genocide ideology.

“Remembering these politicians is a moment to honor their bravery and dedication, as they chose unity and just leadership over division,” he said.

He added that commemorating them restores their dignity and recognizes their sacrifice, while reminding leaders of their responsibility to protect all citizens, fight discrimination and uphold justice.

Kalinda emphasized that the 1994 genocide, which killed more than one million people, was the result of long-term planning fueled by bad leadership, ethnic division and hate propaganda rooted in colonial and post-independence governance.

He said discriminatory policies against Tutsi were institutionalized, including in the 1991 Constitution, and spread through political parties that promoted genocide ideology among citizens.
Kalinda stressed the importance of acknowledging the role of politicians in planning the genocide to counter denial and prevent its recurrence.

He noted that after the genocide was stopped by the RPF-Inkotanyi forces, Rwanda chose unity and inclusive governance, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

He urged Rwandans to remain united and reject hate speech and genocide ideology still present in the region.