Rwanda

4 September 2023

Africa’s Business Heroes Announces Top 10 Finalists for 2023

Location: News

The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition, a philanthropic program sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, now in its fifth year, has announced this year's top 10 finalists following an intense round of semi-finale business pitches and judging held on September 1 and 2 at Norrsken House in Kigali, Rwanda. These 10 entrepreneurs will compete for their share of the final prize of US$1.5 million in grant funding at the competition's Grand Finale scheduled for November 23 and 24.

The top 10 finalists are (in alphabetical order, by country):

Ms. Bola Bardet, CEO and Co-Founder, Susu (https://apo-opa.info/3Pq49NQ) (Benin)
Mr. Ayman Bazaraa, CEO and Co-Founder, Sprints (www.Sprints.ai) (Egypt)
Mr. Andrew Takyi-appiah, Founder, Zeepay Ghana Limited (https://apo-opa.info/3sCxgEH) (Ghana)
Ms. Christina Gyisun, CEO and Co-Founder, Sommalife Limited (www.Sommalife.com) (Ghana)
Mr. Thomas Njeru, CEO and Co-Founder, Pula Advisors Limited (https://apo-opa.info/3L4blfF) (Kenya)
Mr. Ismael Belkhayat, CEO and Founder, Chari (www.Chari.co) (Morocco)
Mr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder, Wellahealth Technologies (https://apo-opa.info/3qVGqvr) (Nigeria)
Mr. Albert Munyabugingo, CEO and Co-Founder, Vuba Vuba Africa LTD (www.VubaVuba.rw) (Rwanda)
Ms. Nthabiseng Mosia, CMO and Co-Founder, Easy Solar (https://apo-opa.info/3LaFf1X) (South Africa)
Mr. Theo Baloyi, CEO and Founder, Bathu (www.Bathu.co.za) (South Africa)

The 2023 ABH top 10 entrepreneurs were selected through multiple stages of interviews and evaluation from 27,267 applications across all 54 African nations. They hail from eight African countries, including Benin, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. Their start-ups have been drawn from a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, education & training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and retail.

The 10 finalists will present their businesses on stage to a panel of inspiring businesspeople at this year's Grand Finale, which will take place in conjunction with a summit and will be the biggest in ABH's history in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the competition. Held offline in Kigali, Rwanda on 23 and 24 November and also partially livestreamed to reach audiences across Africa, the Summit and Grand Finale will be a gathering of a diverse group of African entrepreneurial ecosystem players. The action-packed event will comprise exciting sessions including speeches, workshops, an entrepreneurial showcase and a live pitch competition, among other activities. Register here to secure your seat: https://apo-opa.info/3sJzPoa

“ABH remains committed to uncovering, championing and supporting trailblazing African entrepreneurs who are bringing positive change to their communities. As we reach the fifth anniversary of our 10-year commitment to this initiative, we're excited by the expanding and diverse array of talent among our contenders,” said Jason Pau, Executive Director of International Programs at the Jack Ma Foundation. “With November on the horizon, we wish every of the top 10 finalists the best of luck on their journey, and we encourage the public to join our Summit and Grand Finale, as it promises to be truly special.”

“The ABH competition has shown that African entrepreneurship can emerge as a potent force propelling both social upliftment and economic progress. It is a dynamic stage, spotlighting ingenious start-ups that steer toward solutions, tackling challenges with a resonance that's impactful, competitive, sustainable and additive. I believe that entrepreneurs are carriers of HOPE as they can unlock possibilities that can change the world. I look forward to the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists will demonstrate their remarkable business acumen on stage,” said Rene Parker, Cofounder and CEO of RLabs, ABH semi-finale judge (2019 – 2023).

Originally launched in 2019, the ABH Prize Competition is Pan-African, inclusive, sector-agnostic and grassroots-oriented. It aims to identify, support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

For more information about ABH 2023, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/3qVklx5 and follow ABH on Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3R1QXQl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), Facebook, (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room:
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English:
Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com

French/Arabic:
Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com

About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over a 10-year period, each year the ABH Prize Competition and show features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

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28 August 2023

Rwanda’s Reconstruction: From Genocide to Inspiration

Location: MyPR

Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation since the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. The resilience and determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild their country and create a better future are truly inspiring. Despite the immense challenges they faced, they have managed to achieve impressive social, economic, and political progress. The achievements highlighted, such …

23 August 2023

Is Your Web Site on THIS List?

Location: MyPR

Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …

15 August 2023

Here are more than ten compelling reasons why Rwanda deserves more than honest a single visit.

Location: MyPR

Rwanda offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring vibrant cities to trekking through lush jungles to see gorillas and other wildlife. The points highlighted cover a wide range of attractions and experiences that make Rwanda unique and appealing to travelers. With each visit to Rwanda, you’ll uncover new layers of its beauty, culture, and …

8 August 2023

Mathe Group and Van Dyck step up investment and innovation

Location: MyPR

Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group, has received a new Waste Management License for a new R65-million plus tyre recycling facility which will be positioned alongside its already highly successful existing operation. CEO of Mathe Group and sister company, Van Dyck, Dr Mehran Zarrebini, says that negotiations with a potential funder are well under …

7 August 2023

Starbucks National Barista Championship 2023: Bloemfontein’s Thapelo Reigns Supreme

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Starbucks National Barista Championship 2023: Bloemfontein’s Thapelo Reigns Supreme On July 20-21, Starbucks South Africa held its annual National Barista Championship at Starbucks Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. This year’s competition took a thrilling twist, as 7 Starbucks District Champions competed against each other, representing various corners of South Africa, including the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg, …

7 August 2023

Cloudmania opens up opportunities for Mauritius’ business market

Location: News

Liquid Intelligent Technologies
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Cloudmania, launched by Liquid C2 in 2021 to support Africa's digital transformation journey, opens its doors for the Mauritius channel partner ecosystem. With partners in 22 countries across the continent, Cloudmania is committed to providing cloud and cyber security services to partners within an ecosystem defined by support, expertise, and enablement.

Vinay Hiralall, Managing Executive of Cloudmania, said, “Our operations have grown exponentially, in the last year itself, we have grown from 100 partners to over 500. This highlights that our value proposition resonates with channel partners across the continent. We have a deep understanding of the channel ecosystem and work with partners to provide the technical enablement, operational efficiency, and solution portfolio to drive their businesses forward. Winning the Microsoft Partner of the Year award in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023, respectively, reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that propel cloud adoption and partner growth and accelerate digital transformation for businesses in Africa”.

All resellers that partner with Cloudmania receive access to a suite of market-leading solutions tailored to suit their customers' needs. Cloudmania aims to help channel partners better manage their business by creating a single-pane view via an always-on platform that assists with billing and subscription management services. In addition to providing partners with programmes that drive sales enablement, they also have access to our marketing initiatives and technical advisories. By alleviating the backend operations, partners can focus more on their core business of expanding their operations and increasing their customer base.

Cloudmania understands the critical role cloud and cyber security technologies play in today's digital economy. “Being recognised by one of the largest global hyper-scalers like Microsoft as ‘Partner of the Year' is testimony to Cloudmania's unwavering commitment towards ushering change, development, and progress through technology, and we hope to win next year's award for Mauritius,” concluded Hiralall.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023. For more information: https://Cloudmania.Africa/

About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2 is a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group, offering managed cloud and security services, product solutions, and related professional and advisory services in 22 African countries. It operates Africa's widest Azure Stack deployment across four countries and deployed the only African Cyber Security Fusion Centres in South Africa and Kenya, with another four to be launched in 2023. Liquid C2 was selected as an Operator Connect launch partner by Microsoft in six countries. The organisation was a finalist in the Microsoft Partner of the Year 2021 in South Africa and Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023. https://LiquidC2.com/

12 June 2023

Electric Tractors for Rwanda

Location: Business

Kigali/Kariega – Volkswagen has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors. The MoU was signed by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri , Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen …

25 May 2023

‘Justice will be done’

Location: News

UN News
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One of the world's most wanted genocide fugitives has been arrested after being on the run for more than two decades, the UN tribunal prosecuting war crimes committed in Rwanda announced on Thursday.

Fulgence Kayishema is alleged to have orchestrated the killing of approximately 2,000 Tutsi refugees at Nyange Catholic Church during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) said in a statement.

He was arrested in South Africa on Wednesday in a joint operation between the IRMCT Office of the Prosecutor and the authorities.

Finally facing justice

Kayishema has been at large since 2001 and was among four remaining fugitives from the genocide, during which an estimated one million people were killed, and roughly 150,000 to 250,000 women raped, over a period of some 100 days.

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the arrest "sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed such crimes cannot evade justice and will eventually be held accountable, even more than a quarter of a century later."

Mr. Guterres commended the cooperation between the IRMCT and the South African authorities for the apprehension, and recalled that "all States have an obligation to cooperate with the Mechanism in the location, arrest, detention, surrender and transfer of the accused persons still at large."

IRMCT Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said his arrest ensures the long-standing fugitive will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.

“Genocide is the most serious crime known to humankind. The international community has committed to ensure that its perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished. This arrest is a tangible demonstration that this commitment does not fade and that justice will be done, no matter how long it takes,” he added.

International partners for justice

Mr. Brammertz said the thorough investigation that led to the arrest was made possible through the support and cooperation of South Africa and the Operational Task Team established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to assist the ICMRT Fugitive Tracking Team.

They also received “vital support” from similar Task Forces in other African countries, notably Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Rwandan authorities under the leadership of Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye continued to be our strongest partners and provided essential assistance,” he said.

The Chief Prosecutor also cited support from other countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, saying “Kayishema's arrest demonstrates yet again that justice can be secured, no matter the challenges, through direct cooperation between international and national law enforcement agencies.”

The IRMCT performs essential functions previously carried out by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed in December 2015, and another for the former Yugoslavia, which concluded two years later.

Kayishema was indicted by the Rwanda tribunal in 2001.

He was charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity for killings and other crimes committed in Kivumu Commune, Kibuye Prefecture, during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

According to the indictment, he and other co-perpetrators murdered more than 2,000 refugees - men, women, elderly persons, and children - at the Nyange Church in Kivumu commune, on 15 April 1994.

He “directly participated in the planning an execution” of the massacre, working methodically over two days following, to transfer the corpses to mass graves.

‘Further step forward'

The arrest marks “a further step forward” in the effort to account for all those fugitives still at large who have been indicted by the ICTR.

Since 2020, the OTP Fugitive Tracking Team has accounted for five of the fugitives at large, including another of the architects of the genocide which was orchestrated by the extremist Hutu regime at the time, Félicien Kabuga, as well as Augustin Bizimana, Protais Mpiranya, and Phéneas Munyarugarama. There are now only three outstanding fugitives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

9 May 2023

Disastrous Rainstorms in Rwanda

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
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On May 8, 2023, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Rwandan President Paul Kagame over the disastrous rainstorms in the country.

Xi Jinping said upon learning of the recent disastrous rainstorms that hit many places and caused heavy casualties and property losses in Rwanda,he would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured and the affected people. He expressed confidence that Rwanda will be able to overcome the difficulties and rebuild the homeland.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.