Vision Media

University of Rwanda Leads €15.3M Chikungunya Vaccine Project

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-09T14:08:17Z

The University of Rwanda (UR), has launched a four-year international research project aimed at developing a vaccine against Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease often mistaken for malaria.

The initiative, named ACT-CHIK, brings together seven global institutions. UR will lead research activities in Rwanda, Kenya, Senegal, and Nigeria, focusing on vaccine development and clinical studies.

Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and causes high fever, severe joint pain, and fatigue. Although widespread in tropical regions, it is frequently misdiagnosed as malaria, and no specific treatment or vaccine currently exists.

The €15.3 million project is funded by the European Union European Union and coordinated by the Institut Pasteur Institut Pasteur. Vaccine trials will be overseen by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) International Vaccine Institute.

Other partners include Institut Pasteur de Dakar Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Fiocruz Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Kenya Medical Research Institute, and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

UR was selected to lead the African research arm after outperforming competing universities across the continent.

ACT-CHIK project lead at UR, Prof. Léon Mutesa, said the collaboration will advance all stages of vaccine development, including immune response studies. He noted that initial vaccine design work has already been completed by Institut Pasteur.

Rwanda's Ministry of Health Ministry of Health Rwanda said the project highlights the country's growing capacity to host global health research and could pave the way for future vaccine and pharmaceutical development.

Experts say Chikungunya is underdiagnosed due to its similarity to malaria, despite infecting an estimated 35 million people globally each year, mainly in Asia and South America.

Cabinet approves national artificial intelligence institute

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-09T10:06:20Z

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national artificial intelligence institute to advance the development and use of artificial intelligence across Rwanda.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office on June 8 said the institute will oversee the implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives in Rwanda and abroad.

It will focus on supporting public sector transformation, conducting research, building expertise in artificial intelligence, ensuring ethical standards, promoting industry development, and strengthening international cooperation.

Artificial intelligence is already being used in Rwanda across sectors including health care, education, justice, agriculture and business, according to the statement.

The government said the institute will centralize AI-related activities to improve coordination, develop talent, attract investment and support the country's broader technology agenda.

Rwanda approved its National Artificial Intelligence Policy on April 20, 2023, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro.

The policy aims to position Rwanda as a global hub for artificial intelligence research and innovation, strengthen its role in Africa's technology sector, improve public service delivery through AI and promote responsible use of the technology in the private sector.

IMF approves $250M loan for Rwanda under reform program

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-09T08:56:41Z

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $250 million loan for Rwanda under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program to support economic stability and ongoing reforms.

The IMF Executive Board approved the arrangement in April following Rwanda's request for financing for low-income countries. The program will run for 38 months. Rwanda immediately received $35.7 million, equivalent to about 52.2 billion Rwandan francs.

The IMF said the financing will help Rwanda manage global financial pressures, support economic growth, protect social and development spending, and strengthen resilience to external shocks.

Rwanda's economy grew 9.4% in 2025, exceeding expectations. However, inflation rose in early 2026, reaching 13.2% in April, above the National Bank of Rwanda's target.

Trade performance improved, driven by higher exports of coffee and minerals. Imports also increased, particularly equipment and investment goods linked to ongoing domestic projects.

The IMF warned that global risks, including conflict in the Middle East, could slow Rwanda's growth to below 6.8% in 2026. Rising oil and fertilizer prices and continued infrastructure spending are expected to add pressure to the budget.

The ECF program focuses on strengthening economic policy management, improving fiscal discipline and debt sustainability, and promoting private-sector-led growth. It also aims to improve oversight of public institutions.

IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li said Rwanda has remained resilient despite global economic shocks, crediting governance reforms and sound policy decisions. He noted that higher interest rates, declining aid, and global uncertainty continue to challenge developing economies.

Bo Li added that inflation and trade imbalances remain key risks despite a positive outlook.

The IMF said the program is based on strong government commitment and close cooperation with development partners. It is designed to support reforms, stabilize the economy, and improve access to long-term external financing for sustainable development.

Rwanda launches first upper-air weather monitoring station

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-05T08:09:51Z

Rwanda on Thursday inaugurated its first Automatic Upper-Air Station, a facility designed to strengthen the country's weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities.

The station, located in Huye District, was officially launched by Environment Minister Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye and is expected to improve the collection and analysis of atmospheric data used in weather forecasting.

Officials said the facility will enhance the accuracy of meteorological information, helping sectors including agriculture, transportation and disaster management make more informed and timely decisions.

The station is also expected to boost Rwanda's contribution to international meteorological data-sharing efforts by providing observations used in weather and climate monitoring.

The launch forms part of Rwanda's broader investment in modern technology aimed at improving resilience to climate change and strengthening preparedness for weather-related hazards.

Four hotels face temporary closure over compliance failures

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-04T14:48:43Z

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has temporarily suspended operations at four hotels after inspections found they failed to comply with required tourism and hospitality standards, the agency said Thursday.

The affected establishments are Century Park Hotel and Residences in Kigali's Nyarutarama suburb, Dove Luxury Hotel in Gicumbi District, Highland Resort Ltd in Rulindo District and Nengo Eden Park Hotel in Rubavu District.

In a statement issued June 4, RDB said the closures followed compliance inspections that identified deficiencies in several operational areas, including business licensing, hygiene, food safety, overall security and service quality.

“The temporary closure of the hotels is intended to provide them with time to address the operational shortcomings identified during inspections,” the agency said.

RDB ordered the four hotels to halt all hospitality and tourism-related activities while the suspension remains in effect. The establishments will be permitted to reopen only after demonstrating that the identified issues have been corrected and after undergoing verification by the relevant authorities.

The agency also urged all hospitality businesses across the country to comply fully with regulations governing tourism operations, sanitation, safety, food quality and customer service.

RDB said adherence to these standards is critical to protecting guests, employees and the public, while safeguarding the quality and reputation of Rwanda's tourism and hospitality industry.

The suspensions come as Rwanda's tourism sector continues to expand, driven by investment in hospitality infrastructure and the country's growing profile as a destination for international conferences and leisure travel.

According to RDB, tourism generated $685 million in revenue in 2025, supported by nearly 1.49 million visitors to the East African nation.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda shows the country had 1,460 hotels with 25,330 rooms in 2024, up from 669 hotels with 13,802 rooms in 2018, reflecting steady growth in accommodation capacity over the past several years.

BasiGo to deploy 18 electric buses in Rwanda, expand charging network

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-04T09:01:52Z

Electric bus company BasiGo plans to introduce 18 new electric passenger buses in Rwanda as part of efforts to expand clean public transport and reduce operating costs linked to rising fuel prices.

The 100% electric buses are expected to operate across multiple provinces, including the Southern, Northern and Eastern regions, extending service beyond Kigali, where electric buses are already in use.

The company currently operates charging stations in Muhanga and Huye districts.

Each bus has a capacity of 42 passengers and includes space for luggage. The vehicles are designed for longer-distance travel, with a range of at least 400 kilometers, allowing trips such as Kigali to the Eastern Province and back on a single charge.

BasiGo Rwanda said the buses have already arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, and are being transported to Rwanda, with delivery expected no later than June 2026.

Company CEO Jones Kizihira said electric buses are becoming increasingly cost-effective for public transport operators compared with diesel-powered vehicles.

“Fuel prices continue to rise. These vehicles will help public transport operators meet their targets and sustain their investments, especially as many of their existing vehicles run on diesel,” Kizihira said. “Gradually adding electric vehicles reduces daily operating costs.”

He encouraged transport operators to adopt electric mobility, noting growing confidence in the technology.

“Electric vehicles are still relatively new, and there have been concerns,” he said. “But people are increasingly gaining confidence as they see the benefits. The more they are adopted, the more knowledge grows around maintaining and operating them.”

BasiGo plans to introduce at least 100 electric buses in Rwanda by 2026. The company is also expanding supporting infrastructure, including charging stations and training programs for technicians responsible for maintenance and charging operations.

Minister Nduhungirehe advances ties in Seoul, hails U.N. council elections

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-04T08:47:23Z

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a diplomatic forum in Seoul this week, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Africa and South Korea and expanding economic partnerships.

Nduhungirehe joined African foreign ministers attending the Africa-Korea Foreign Ministers' Forum, which brought together officials to explore opportunities in trade, investment, technology and development cooperation.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, talks between President Lee and the visiting ministers centered on deepening Africa–South Korea relations and identifying new areas of collaboration.

South Korea remains one of Rwanda's key development partners, with cooperation spanning technology, education, trade, investment and capacity-building programs.

During the forum, Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda's investment opportunities, particularly in the mining and energy sectors, as the country seeks to attract more foreign investment and strengthen international economic ties.

On the sidelines of the meeting, he held bilateral talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, focusing on strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Nduhungirehe also met members of the Rwandan diaspora living in South Korea during a gathering in Seoul. The discussions focused on Rwanda's development priorities, foreign policy direction and the role of Rwandans abroad in supporting national development.

Meanwhile, Nduhungirehe welcomed the election of five countries as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

Zimbabwe, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago were elected during voting held at U.N. headquarters in New York.

Zimbabwe secured 182 votes from U.N. member states. Portugal received 134 votes, while Austria won 131 votes, securing the seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group.

Kyrgyzstan won election from the Asia-Pacific group after three rounds of voting against the Philippines, securing 142 votes and earning its first term on the council.

In a statement, Nduhungirehe congratulated the newly elected members.

“Congratulations to Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal and Austria on your election as non-permanent members of the U.N. Security Council for the 2027–2028 term,” he said.

The United Nations Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and is the only U.N. body that can adopt legally binding resolutions, including sanctions and authorization of the use of force. It is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

WASAC says Kigali water projects to close 65,000-cubic-meter daily gap

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-03T09:20:09Z

The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) says ongoing and planned infrastructure projects are expected to close a daily water shortage of about 65,000 cubic meters in Kigali, where demand continues to outpace supply.

The city currently requires about 210,000 cubic meters of water per day but produces about 145,000 cubic meters, according to WASAC, leaving a deficit that has contributed to intermittent water supply in several neighborhoods.

Residents in areas including Kanombe, Busanza and Karembure have reported increased water shortages in recent weeks, even before the peak of the dry season.

In some locations, limited supply has driven up prices at public water points, where vendors have reportedly raised the cost of a jerrycan from about 20 Rwandan francs to as much as 300 francs, depending on demand.

WASAC Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Asaph Kabaasha said that the shortage is driven by the gap between production and demand across the city.

He said short-term interventions include the expansion of the Nzove water treatment plant, which is expected to add 20,000 cubic meters per day by September. He said a contractor has already been signed for the project.

Kabaasha also pointed to a longer-term project expected to add 400,000 cubic meters per day by 2035. The project will draw water from the Nyabarongo II hydropower system, where water will be used for electricity generation and urban supply.

He said the Karenge water treatment plant is also being expanded from 12,000 cubic meters per day to 48,000 cubic meters, with 36,000 cubic meters expected to be supplied to Kigali.

Kabaasha urged residents to conserve water, protect infrastructure and report illegal connections, saying the ongoing investments are aimed at improving reliable access to clean water across the city.

RRA orders release of 2 million liters of stored fuel

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-03T09:07:50Z

The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has ordered petroleum traders to clear nearly 2 million liters of gasoline and diesel that have remained in bonded warehouses for more than six months, giving them 30 days to comply or risk seizure of the products.

In a public notice, the tax authority said the fuel must be declared, duties paid and the products released onto the market within the deadline. It warned that noncompliant stock could be confiscated and sold by customs authorities.

The total volume identified by the RRA is 1,993,750 liters of petroleum products stored in bonded facilities operated by Yussa in Kabuye, Rubis Energy in Gatsata and Oilcom in Jabana.

Diesel makes up the largest share of the stockpile at about 1.35 million liters. The remainder includes 641,055 liters of gasoline and 5,065 liters of kerosene.

According to the published inventory, ownership of 791,832 liters of fuel was not identified.

Companies listed as holding the largest quantities include Mount Meru Petroleum with 368,998 liters, Kivu Energy Ltd with 120,361 liters and Socit Sarl with 65,404 liters.

Other firms on the list include Ukod Oil Rwanda Ltd with 29,121 liters, Hashi Energy with 27,132 liters, China Road with 24,845 liters, Gulf Energy with 18,398 liters, Hunan Road with 16,163 liters and Job Petroleum with 15,232 liters.

The RRA said the fuel had exceeded the legally permitted storage period in bonded warehouses and must now be cleared into the domestic market.

Bonded warehouses are typically used to store imported goods before customs duties are paid or before authorities authorize their release into circulation.

A person familiar with petroleum storage operations told local media that fuel left in storage often belongs to small companies that have ceased operations. Because warehouse operators do not own the products, they cannot sell or distribute them without authorization, the source said.

The RRA list also includes individual owners with fuel stored in bonded facilities, with the smallest recorded quantity listed at three liters.

Rwanda to Launch 2025/26 National Practical Exams on Wednesday

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-02T15:05:24Z

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) will officially launch the 2025/2026 national practical examinations on Wednesday, June 3, with ceremonies scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., officials said.

The exams will run through June 22, 2026.

Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana is expected to launch the examinations at St. Joseph Integrated Technical College in Nyarugenge District. State Minister for Education Claudette Irere will lead a separate launch event at Kagarama Secondary School in Kicukiro District.

A total of 74,085 candidates are registered to sit for the practical examinations nationwide. This includes 70,504 students enrolled in schools and 3,581 private candidates, according to MINEDUC.

The exams will be administered across 854 examination centers throughout the country.
The ministry has deployed 8,484 invigilators to oversee the examinations and ensure proper conduct.

MINEDUC said the national practical examinations are a key component of Rwanda's Competence-Based Curriculum and Assessment framework, which evaluates students' practical abilities, vocational skills, behavior and general knowledge. The goal is to assess whether learners can apply classroom knowledge in real-world and workplace settings.

Candidates sitting for the exams include students from Technical Secondary Schools (TSS), Teacher Training Colleges (TTC), the Associate Nursing Programme (ANP), Accounting programs, and general secondary students undertaking Science Project-Based Assessments (PBA).

In addition to the official launches in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro, senior ministry officials and representatives of affiliated education institutions will oversee launch events at selected examination centers across the country.