AGP Executive Report

Montreal Protocol Push: Rwanda says it will host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38) in Kigali from Nov 2–6, building on a decade since the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs and speed up sustainable cooling. Carbon Markets: Rwanda Environment Management Authority reports 29 carbon projects registered and about $1.5m earned from credit sales, with prices ranging from $14 to $45 per ton of CO2 equivalent. Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwiye says Rwanda is seeking wider African consensus on a declaration to align priorities ahead of MOP38 and COP31. DRC-Rwanda Peace Talks: Rwanda and DR Congo officials meet in Geneva for the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to advance implementation of the Washington Accords. Visa Mobility: Armenia approved visa-free agreements for diplomatic and service passport holders with Benin and Rwanda. Sports & Youth: Rwanda held Libya in the African Youth Championship, while Rwanda also featured in Geneva peace-talk coverage and regional volleyball results.

Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks in Geneva: Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo will meet in Geneva on Sept 16-17 for the 7th Joint Security Coordination Mechanism session, supported by the US, Qatar, Togo and the African Union, to push forward implementation of the Washington Accords, including monitoring and verification steps and a DDR plan for the FDLR. World Ozone Day, Kigali’s Climate Link: Rwanda is set to host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (Nov 2-6, 2026), placing Kigali at the centre of global ozone protection and cooling climate action tied to the Kigali Amendment. Ozone Recovery Update: Scientists and the World Meteorological Organization say the ozone layer is healing, with the Antarctic ozone hole among the smallest on record in 2025, though recovery is uneven in the Northern Hemisphere. Benin-Rwanda Diplomacy: Benin President Romuald Wadagni begins a two-day official visit to Kigali, meeting President Paul Kagame to deepen cooperation across security, trade, investment, technology, transport and tourism. Rwanda Economy Snapshot: New data shows household spending is driving growth as government consumption declines, with Rwanda’s Q2 2026 GDP rising to Frw7.174 billion and household consumption up 13% year-on-year. Tungsten Move: Aterian’s Rwanda subsidiary Eastinco starts a tungsten trading trial, aiming to scale critical minerals trading with controlled volumes and traceability systems.

Rwanda-Healthcare Training: RIX Industries and Build Health International will train biomedical technicians on high-pressure medical oxygen compressors at Kigali College of Rwanda Polytechnic, in partnership with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre—aimed at keeping oxygen equipment running across sub-Saharan Africa. Diplomacy: Rwanda and Belgium remain without full diplomatic relations more than a year after ties were severed in March 2025, though communication continues, according to Rwanda’s foreign affairs minister. Economy & Trade: Rwanda’s economy is reported to have grown 9.4% in Q2 2026, with exports also rising as the country pushes to open new markets. Environment & Cooling: World Ozone Day (Sept 16) highlights the Kigali Amendment’s 10th anniversary, linking ozone protection to climate-friendly cooling—an issue Rwanda continues to spotlight. Regional Mobility: Kenya reports 235 EV charging stations in 2025, the second-highest in Africa, while Rwanda is cited among countries endorsing electric mobility.

Rwanda Economy: Rwanda’s GDP grew 9.4% in Q2 2026, up from 7.8% a year earlier, driven by a strong 18% jump in industry (led by construction, mining and manufacturing) and steady services growth. Ozone Day & Kigali Amendment: World Ozone Day (Sept. 16) spotlights the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment under the Montreal Protocol, stressing that the ozone layer is recovering but still needs global action, especially around cooling and HFC phase-downs. Kigali Events & Tourism: Thousands gathered for Rwanda’s 21st Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony, with 22 baby gorillas named to support conservation and biodiversity. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink is expanding in Africa via “direct-to-phone” mobile use, with Airtel Africa launching Starlink Mobile in the DRC so compatible phones can access messaging and light data without satellite dishes. DRC Protests: In the DRC, police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrations against constitutional changes that critics say could enable a third term for President Tshisekedi. Sports (Kigali): Uganda beat Sierra Leone by eight wickets in the Africa Continental Cup in Kigali, while Rwanda’s cricket and other regional sports coverage continues to draw attention. Business (Rwanda): Almonty says it has struck a deal with Rwanda to process tungsten locally, with Rwanda set to receive a 25% share in the local subsidiary.

EU Visa Rules: The EU published its Schengen mandatory visa list, placing 51 African countries—including Rwanda and the DRC—on the “must get a visa in advance” category for travel to 29 European nations. DRC Politics & Security: In Kinshasa, hundreds protested a proposed constitutional amendment that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term, as tensions rise amid conflict in the east. Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks: DRC and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva on Sept 16-17 to test implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, with mediators including the US, Qatar, Togo and the African Union. DRC Tragedy: Bukavu mourns children killed in a school fire and stampede, with UNICEF reporting at least 26 deaths and 25 injuries. Rwanda in Global Tech/Trade: A US-linked deal gives Rwanda 25% of a tungsten venture via Almonty, while broader trade coverage highlights how strategic resources and investment are reshaping deals. AI & Development: Bill Gates’ foundation pledged at least $1bn over two years to expand AI access for health workers, farmers and teachers, with Rwanda cited as an early testing ground.

Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks: Rwanda and the DRC will reconvene in Geneva on Sept 16-17 to test implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, with mediators from the US, Qatar, Togo and the African Union—key issues include DRC’s FDLR neutralisation and Rwanda’s force disengagement. Tungsten Deal: Rwanda secured a 25% stake in a new tungsten venture with US-listed Almonty Industries, trading the Shyorongi exploration concession and a processing licence for equity as Western partners seek supply chains beyond China. Ebola Update (DRC): Health authorities report an Ebola case in north-western DRC after a traveller carried Bundibugyo Ebola from South Kivu via Rwanda and Uganda, raising cross-border monitoring concerns. Bukavu Tragedy: Victims of a school fire and stampede in Bukavu were laid to rest, with UNICEF saying at least 26 children died; the cause is still unknown. Skills & Mobility: Nigeria’s NTAC has deployed another 10 Nigerian Technical Aid volunteers to Rwanda under South-South cooperation. Sports & Esports: Rwanda hosted EA SPORTS FC 26 esports action as Egypt’s Anas Badr won the SportsBiz Africa Esports Cup; Rwanda also drew in regional volleyball championship groupings.

DR Congo Crisis: Families gathered at morgues in Bukavu after a deadly school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting 25 more injured; Bukavu has been under Rwanda-backed M23 control since Feb 2025, and authorities say the cause is still unknown. Rwanda–DRC Security: MONUSCO says it coordinated the repatriation of 120 FDLR members and dependants to Rwanda, sending them to the RDRC in Mutobo for reintegration, while DRC figures urged vigilance over how returnees may be used in politics. Critical Minerals Deal: Almonty Industries signed a Rwanda partnership to source and process tungsten, with Rwanda taking a 25% stake in exchange for an exploration concession and processing licence—aimed at building a Western-aligned supply chain beyond China. Rwanda Business & Health Access: Bio Usawa and Axmed announced a collaboration to expand access to affordable biologic medicines across Africa, starting with ophthalmology and retinal diseases. Kigali Education Spotlight: Gicumbi student Habumugisha Samuel topped Rwanda’s Languages national exams despite blindness, scoring 93.53%. Mobile Network Update: Econet plans to phase out 3G by end of 2027, pushing remaining users to 4G/5G.

Kigali Urban Growth: Kinyinya Sector is set for a major transformation, with projects like Heza Estate, Kinyinya Park Estate and Green City Kigali aiming to turn the area into a denser, mixed-use, climate-conscious neighbourhood by 2036. Agriculture & Climate Finance: IFAD and Equity Group launched ARCAFIM in Kigali, a $200m mechanism to help smallholder farmers and rural businesses access climate adaptation funding across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Banking Regulation: Kenya’s central bank moves to rein in “too important to fail” lenders, proposing tighter limits on expansion and new products for systemically important banks. Sports (Kigali): Cricket Cranes’ unbeaten ILT20 Continent Cup run ended in Kigali’s Migingo Derby, where Kenya beat Uganda by eight wickets. DRC Security & Health: The DRC says its Ebola outbreak is under control and has passed its peak, but risks remain as it spreads to a seventh province; meanwhile, a blast in Rutshuru killed seven civilians and injured three. Regional Trade Push: Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn trade by 2030, with Rwanda among attending countries.

Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC government says its Ebola outbreak is “under control” and has passed its peak, but officials warn of ongoing flare-ups, continued transmission and the spread to a seventh province—urging strict contact tracing and vigilance. School Tragedy (DRC): A fire and stampede at a school in Bukavu killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting 25 injured, as panic broke out when pupils tried to escape from upper floors. Rwanda Focus (Clean Air): Rwanda marked International Day of Clean Air in Kigali, with officials saying air quality still needs major improvement and that stronger monitoring, cleaner transport and industrial controls are key to getting there. Regional Business (PAEC): Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn trade by 2030 and pushing closer private-sector links, with Rwanda among attending countries. Travel Convenience (eVisas): A 2026 passport review says Nigerians can apply for eVisas to 54 destinations, including Rwanda, while other countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options.

Pakistan-Africa Economic Council (PAEC): Pakistan and African partners, including Rwanda, launched the PAEC drive to lift bilateral trade to $15bn by 2030, with talks on sectors like agriculture, textiles, pharma, IT, minerals and infrastructure. Ebola in DR Congo: Congo says its Ebola outbreak is “under control” and past its peak, but the virus has now reached a seventh province, including a new case in Sud-Ubangi after travel via Rwanda and Uganda—health officials urge continued vigilance. Rwanda cleaner air push: Rwanda marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Kigali, calling for cleaner transport, better emissions testing and stronger monitoring, with officials saying air may need to be 3–4 times cleaner to meet targets. Juvenile justice in Rwanda: A Kigali-area juvenile facility highlights education and skills training for young inmates, offering a “second chance” through O’Level and A’Level preparation. CAF football: APR FC beat DR Congo’s Les Aigles du Congo 3-0 at Amahoro to advance in the CAF Champions League, setting up a next round tie vs Zamalek or AS Port. DRC tragedy: UNICEF reports 26 children died in a school fire and stampede in Bukavu, with 25 injured.

Rwanda Economy & Industry: Rwanda inaugurated its first steel processing plant, A1 Iron and Steel Rwanda Ltd., in Musanze, aiming to cut steel imports and produce items like bars, nails, pipes and barbed wire, with plans for about 250,000 tonnes annually and thousands of jobs. Regional Health Alert: Ebola in DR Congo is spreading beyond the original epicentre, with a new case confirmed in Sud-Ubangi after travel through Rwanda and Uganda, bringing the outbreak to seven provinces. DRC Tragedy: A school fire and stampede in Bukavu killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting 25 injured, as pupils tried to escape from upper floors. CAF Football: APR FC overturned a 1-0 first-leg loss to beat DR Congo’s Les Aigles du Congo 3-0 in Kigali, winning 3-1 on aggregate and setting up a next round tie against Zamalek. Kigali Environment: Rwanda marked National Clean Air Day, calling for collective action to improve air quality and protect public health. Transport Policy: Ghana announced new road traffic rules under the 2025 Road Traffic (Amendment) Act and 2026 regulations, including lower alcohol limits and a reduced minimum driving age.

Rwanda’s Industry Push: Rwanda inaugurated its first steel processing plant, A1 Iron and Steel Rwanda Ltd in Musanze, aiming to cut the country’s $150m steel import bill by producing bars, nails, pipes and other construction materials at about 250,000 tonnes a year. Education Crackdown: The Ministry of Education says 1,097 Senior Six students caught cheating in 2025/26 exams will not be allowed to retake, as results show 94.33% pass. Ebola Alert for the Region: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, with Africa CDC warning cases are rising beyond the epicentre; authorities say a patient travelled through Rwanda and Uganda before the virus was detected. Church Leadership in Kigali: Bishop Dr Manasseh Gahima was elected Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, succeeding Dr Laurent Mbanda. Mobile Network Update: Econet in Zimbabwe plans to switch off 3G by end-December 2027 as customers migrate to 4G/5G. Sports: CAF Champions League qualifiers saw Enugu Rangers beat AS Sobemap on penalties, while Rwanda’s APR thrashed Aigles 3-0 in Kigali.

CAF Football Weekend in Kigali: APR FC host Les Aigles du Congo at Amahoro Stadium tonight with the tie level at 1–0 from the first leg, and Kigali fans are being urged to turn the return into a loud, decisive night. CAF Confederation Cup Focus: Tusker face Al Ahli Wad Madani in the second leg after a 2–2 aggregate draw in Kigali, with captain Abud Omar calling for collective responsibility to overturn defensive lapses. Agroforestry Push in Gatsibo: Gatsibo District plans to distribute 1.5 million agroforestry trees to 65,654 households ahead of the 2027 season, including fruit trees for schools and farmers. Ebola Alarm in Eastern DRC: Africa CDC says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is rapidly spreading beyond Ituri into North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths reported. Rwanda in the Spotlight: Rwanda’s High Court Kwibuka Esdras called on the BOI minister as Rwanda continues to position itself for investment and development.

Congo Tragedy: A deadly fire in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, swept through two adjacent schools, killing at least 24–26 students and injuring dozens, with reports of narrow exits, students trapped in wooden buildings, and a stampede during evacuation. Public Health: Africa CDC says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading beyond its epicenter, with cases rising sharply in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity and displacement. Rwanda Energy: Rwanda’s Parliament heard concerns that falling dry-season water levels are cutting hydropower output, pushing the country to expand solar and other sources to protect industrial electricity supply. Cashless Push: Rwanda’s central bank launched #TwagiyeKashiresi to close the gap between digital account access and cash-heavy daily spending, using the eKash interoperable system. Aviation Growth: RwandAir plans long-haul expansion into Europe and the Far East as it grows its widebody fleet. Sports & Business: Mr Eazi’s Locker Room Bonus brings direct player rewards to Kenyan volleyball, while Rwanda-Russia economic ties and FIFA leadership chatter also made headlines.

Rwanda’s Sustainable Finance Push: Rwanda is moving from strategy to implementation in its 10-year sustainable finance drive, rolling out a Green Taxonomy and a digital “Green Taxonomy Navigator” to guide investors and cut greenwashing risks. East Africa Digital Growth: NEC Africa appoints Phillip Nganga as East Africa Regional Manager, with Rwanda named among key markets for expanding digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Kigali Airport Incident: A Gabonese MP was arrested after an altercation with a RwandAir supervisor, then released and handed back to Gabon after diplomatic talks. Ebola Readiness: The UN says it has trained nearly 200 community health officers in Rwanda to strengthen Ebola preparedness, including screening and infection prevention. DRC Crisis Spillover: A school fire in rebel-held Bukavu, Congo, has killed at least 17 people, highlighting ongoing instability near Rwanda’s region. Regional Trade Pressure: AfCFTA is urged to move from agreements to real cross-border trade that clears standards, customs and payments smoothly. Social Policy Debate: Rwanda’s “decency policing” and unclear indecency rules are sparking renewed concern over women’s freedoms and enforcement bias.

Kigali Airport Drama: A Gabonese MP, Augustin Lobelle Yembi, was arrested after an alleged altercation with a RwandAir supervisor during a layover at Kigali International Airport, before being released following talks between President Paul Kagame and Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, with the matter now set to be handled in Gabon. Gorilla Economy: Rwanda’s gorilla conservation continues to pay off beyond wildlife protection, with gorilla trekking driving jobs and tourism spending around Volcanoes National Park and Kwita Izina’s 21st naming ceremony naming 22 baby gorillas. El Niño Watch: East Africa braces for El Niño impacts, with warnings of heavier rains and flood risks; WHO and Kenya are ramping up readiness, including water, sanitation, disease surveillance and emergency response planning. SportsBiz Africa Forum: Rwanda opened SportsBiz Africa Forum 2026 in Kigali, pushing the idea that sport can be a major engine for investment, jobs and youth opportunities across the continent. Cricket in Kigali: Kenya beat Sierra Leone by 94 runs in the ILT20 Africa Continental Cup opener at Gahanga, setting the tone for the tournament in Rwanda. Digital Learning: Rwanda is taking cybersecurity training into TVET schools, with the first group of teachers completing training to strengthen digital skills.