Rwanda Roundup: Partnership with Algeria, leather factory gains, ceasefire talks with DR Congo
Rwanda moves to boost research in aquaculture, cut fish imports
Rwanda is advancing its aquaculture sector by establishing a national research and breeding centre in Nyamagabe District, aiming to enhance fish production and reduce import dependency. This centre targets an annual broodstock production of between 1,000,000 and 3,000,000, thereby aiming to bolster food security and support job creation. According to New Times, The certification of six private tilapia hatcheries will ensure increased accessibility to fingerlings, significantly contributing to domestic fish production, alongside cage farming initiatives that could amplify total fish output from 4,000 tonnes to 80,620 tonnes by 2035 under the National Aquaculture Strategy.
UNSC urges Rwanda, DRC to honour ceasefire, back talks
The UN Security Council is advocating for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo amidst escalating violence attributed to armed groups such as M23 and ADF. With over 6.4 million individuals displaced due to ongoing conflicts, the Council has called for both Rwanda and DRC to respect a ceasefire and facilitate peace dialogues. Accusations from DRC officials regarding Rwanda's military involvement have been met with denial, as the complexities of the situation are acknowledged, reports The Mirage. The Council reiterated its commitment to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.
Investors eye leather factories in Rwanda
Investors are increasingly interested in Rwanda's leather industry following the government's initiative to set up a tannery park in Bugesera’s Special Economic Zone. This initiative emerged from discussions at the Africa Leather Value Chain Annual Forum 2024, to bolster local production and reduce imports of finished leather goods. A significant investment of $15.1 million is anticipated for the leather processing plant, which could generate substantial job opportunities and local manufacturing, with plans to produce 900,000 pairs of shoes monthly, The New Times reports.
Nearly 75,000 mine workers need training
The Rwanda Extractive Workers' Union has highlighted a critical skills gap in the mining sector, with nearly 75,000 workers unqualified for their roles. This pressing issue was brought to light after the Rwanda Mining Week. To combat this, REWU aims to increase the proportion of trained miners from 5% to reduce safety risks and enhance production efficiency. As reported by The New Times, The government’s commitment to improving training opportunities is part of a broader strategy to boost mineral export revenues significantly by 2029.
Kagame, Algeria's president discuss infrastructure, agric partnerships
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently convened to enhance bilateral relations in key sectors such as agriculture and education. Held during the African Union’s Continental Forum, the discussions focused on advancing cooperation and potential agreements, including visa waivers and trade collaborations to support the growth of both nations, reports The New Times.
