Rwanda and China have long enjoyed a robust partnership, characterised by mutual respect and shared development goals. This relationship has been further solidified by the planned Giseke Dam and Irrigation Project in Gisagara District, a venture made possible through a concessional loan from China.  The project is designed to irrigate 2,640 hectares of land, directly benefitting over 900 households and approximately 4,578 individuals by providing critical infrastructure for crop cultivation. Gisagara District, known for its large-scale rice farming, stands to…

The Government of Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective immediately, and instructed all Brussels’ diplomats to leave the East African country within 48 hours. In a media statement on Monday, 17 March 2025, Rwanda accused Belgium of having “consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda.” Rwanda further alleged that Belgium employed “lies…

In a significant shift in African politics, leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have decisively moved to isolate Rwandan President Paul Kagame following recent deadly attacks that have further exacerbated instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Kagame, whose government has long been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, now faces increasing isolation from SADC, which has held his forces responsible for the tragic deaths of 14 South African peacekeepers and several others…

China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa’s development without imposing its will, said Rwandan President Paul Kagame ahead of his attendance of the ongoing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing. He made the remarks in a recent written interview with Xinhua. The following is the written interview. Question: Over the past 20 years and more, under your leadership, Rwanda’s GDP has grown at an average rate of nearly 8 percent, becoming one of…

It was pleasantly warm and dry in Rwanda in early August, and young farmers in Southern Province were celebrating a bountiful harvest. Their hands were not bunched with corn or rice but with mushrooms, cultivated with the help of a technology transferred from a country far away to this “land of a thousand hills” in Africa. Joining the celebration was Professor Lin Zhanxi. Since the 1980s, the octogenarian scientist has led a research team on Juncao technology in China’s southeastern…

In a move that could transform childbirth procedures in Rwanda, Chinese doctors at the Masaka District Hospital in Kicukiro have successfully facilitated natural birth by a woman living with HIV. This milestone marks a significant step towards safer and more accessible childbirth practices in the country.  Wu Peng, then director general of the Department of African Affairs in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the achievement, emphasising that the woman’s successful delivery signifies a major breakthrough in maternal health care.…

In a significant stride towards fostering international collaboration in education, China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Rwanda’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector. The partnership, marked by the signing of two letters of intent between Rwanda Polytechnic and prominent Chinese institutions, underscores the mutual dedication to enhancing skills development and fostering economic growth.  The agreements were reached during a visit by a high-level delegation from the Chinese TVET sector to Rwanda in October, where they engaged in…

Esperance Mukamusoni had to travel for three hours from her home in the city of Huye to reach Kibeho, a sacred site for Christians in Nyaruguru District in south Rwanda. But not anymore. Thanks to a road constructed by a Chinese firm, the travel time has been reduced to just 50 minutes. Now, Mukamusoni can easily join thousands of pilgrims from around the world who visit Kibeho each year.  Mukamusoni vividly recalls a time when pilgrims from Uganda would have…

Nathan Bagarukayo, an aeronautical engineering graduate from Beijing’s Beihang University, is grateful for the chance he had to study in China and credits his professional success to the quality of education he received in China.   “I learned so much during my time in China, and the skills and knowledge I acquired have been invaluable in my professional life. I’m proud to be a graduate of a Chinese university,” he told ChinAfrica from his home in Rwanda.   But Bagarukayo is not…

Over the past few years, the development of Rwanda’s infrastructure and economy has greatly benefitted from the significant investment from China, according to insiders. The two countries have strengthened cooperation in various fields, particularly in the area of investment.   “The collaboration in investment has led to numerous benefits for both countries, such as increased economic growth, job opportunities, and improved access to resources and capital,” Emmanuel Bugingo, chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in the Chamber…