Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 18 June 2025
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Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 18 June 2025
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ü Nigeria: Premium Times' Employability Summit Seeks Way Out of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria
ü Kenya: CBK Extends Kepss's Bulk Payment Settlement Time
ü Africa: Carbon Markets May Unleash Billions of Tons in Emissions, Power Shift Africa Warns
ü Kenya: Ruto Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing Amid Criticism
ü Liberia: Beyond Yellow Machines - VP Koung Holds Investment Meetings
ü South Africa: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana Sign Treaty to Boost Cross-Border Conservation, Livelihoods
ü Nigeria: Lagos Govt, Marketers' Dispute Threatens Fuel Distribution Nationwide
ü Mali Moves to Dominate Gold Sector Amid Barrick Mine Dispute and Russian Deal
ü Kenya: Ruto Says Criticism Will Not Distract Him From Transforming Kenya
ü Rwanda: How Rabbits Changed Fortunes of Rwanda's Top Breeder
ü East Africa: Rwandair Named Africa's Best Regional Airline
ü Liberia: Monrovia Faces Power Outage Amid Repair Works in Côte d'Ivoire
ü Uganda: Govt Warns Money Lenders Over Exploitative Practices
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Nigeria: Premium Times' Employability Summit Seeks Way Out of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria
The conference plans to feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, fireside chats and plenary sessions.
The Employability Summit, a high-level dialogue that seeks to address employment challenges in Nigeria, will take on youth unemployment at its inaugural edition to be hosted by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, organisers said.
The initiative is assembling thought leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society discussions on how Africa's most populous nation could leverage its exploding youth population as a strength to drive productivity and creativity on a wide scale.
Titled "Converting Nigeria's Demography into Assets," the conference plans to feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, fireside chats and plenary sessions.
PREMIUM TIMES is partnering with Business School Netherlands, 7 Up and The SME Scale Up, a platform that is committed to tackling unemployment and reducing the rate of small business failure in Nigeria, to hold the event.
"The summit explores critical areas such as skills development, workforce readiness, vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and cross-sector collaboration," the organisers stated.
Nigerians aged 30 and under, the demographic group that the summit is focusing on, constitute more than 60 per cent of its population, estimated at 227.9 million by the World Bank.
Nigeria's latest labour statistics show that the youth unemployment rate declined to 6.5 per cent in the second quarter of last year from 8.4 per cent in the preceding quarter. The overall unemployment rate for the country within the period stood at 4.3 per cent, a percentage lower than that of the first quarter, even though the metrics for measuring those indicators have been subjects of debated.
The current methodology for calculating unemployment data remains largely controversial after the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) altered the former computation structure in August 2023 to make the process align "with international best practices."
Unemployment rate fell substantially to a record 4.1 per cent following the overhaul, compared to 33.3 per cent in Q4 2020, the last quarterly unemployment data to be released by the NBS before the new procedure was adopted.
Analysts say the current methodology does not reflect a true picture of joblessness in the country, adding that a large part of the populace remains poor despite the significantly low unemployment rate.
The event will feature a powerful line-up of speakers and panelists, including Niyi Yusuf, the Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director, 7Up Bottling Company; Uyi Akpata - Immediate Past Country Partner, PwC Nigeria; Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Context Advisory Partners; Esiri Agbeyi, Partner and Africa Family Business Leader, PwC Nigeria.
Other speakers include Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC); Oludare Odusanya, General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation; Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Rise Networks & Interactive Studios Africa; Kelechi Abiri, Founder, Reposebay Human Resource Limited; Prof Lere Baale, Chief Executive Officer, Business School Netherlands and Lara Yeku, Divisional Director/Head, HR Food Commercial Division, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.
Others are Nneka Eneli, Director, Workforce Outsourcing; Samira Bello, Chief Executive Officer, Aadun & Co.; and Oladeinde Olawoyin, the Business, Energy and Economy Editor of Premium Times.
Read the original article on Premium Times.
Kenya: CBK Extends Kepss's Bulk Payment Settlement Time
Nairobi — The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has increased bulk payment settlement time to enable completion of large-value and time-sensitive transactions.
Starting July 1, 2025, the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS), the national Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, operating hours will be revised to between 7am and 7pm from the current 8:30am and 4:30am.
"This strategic enhancement is aimed at improving the efficiency, accessibility, and resilience of Kenya's payments ecosystem," CBK said in a statement.
"By enabling earlier initiation and later completion of large-value and time-sensitive payments, this move will support the country's transition towards a 24/7 digital economy."
The extension is a boost to government, businesses, banks, and private sector players, among others, who depend on the system to transact large sums of funds daily.
Between August 2023 and August last year, for example, KEPSS handled over 5.3 million transactions with over Sh45 trillion.
"CBK remains committed to ensuring that the national payments infrastructure continues to meet the evolving needs of the economy and to fostering a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial system," CBK added.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
Africa: Carbon Markets May Unleash Billions of Tons in Emissions, Power Shift Africa Warns
Nairobi — Carbon markets could release 1.5 to 2.5 gigatonnes of new emissions annually, fueling more pollution in Africa, a recent report by Power Shift Africa has revealed.
The report titled "Why Carbon Markets Are a Dangerous Distraction for Africa" shows that carbon markets lead to further carbon pollution, delay real climate solutions, enable corporate greenwashing, and burden Africa while allowing wealthy nations and industries to evade meaningful emission reductions.
Mohamed Adow, director and founder of Power Shift Africa (PSA), noted that the emissions are more than all of Africa's current fossil fuel and agricultural emissions combined.
"Carbon markets are nothing more than a smokescreen for polluters. They allow corporations to keep burning fossil fuels while claiming climate responsibility through offset purchases. This does not reduce emissions but simply shifts the burden onto Africa," stated Adow, Director of PSA.
The report argues that carbon markets, especially voluntary ones, act as "pollution permits" by allowing corporations to continue burning fossil fuels under the guise of environmental responsibility.
Adow advocated for increased public funding, debt cancellation, climate reparations, tax justice, and community-led adaptation projects, noting that these will ensure climate action solutions are implemented.
"We need direct public investment in clean energy, adaptation, and real emissions reduction strategies. The illusion that carbon markets reduce emissions is dangerous," he said.
The report has been endorsed by 21 African organizations, including the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Green Faith Africa, and the African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET).
Africa contributes a low percentage of total global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is one of the most vulnerable continents to the harsh effects of climate change, including severe drought, flooding, and loss of biodiversity.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
Kenya: Ruto Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing Amid Criticism
President William Ruto has defended the government's Affordable Housing Programme, stating that no level of criticism will deter his administration from pushing forward with the initiative, which he says is central to uplifting low-income Kenyans and transforming urban development.
Speaking during the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Tuesday, President Ruto emphasized that his leadership is focused on laying a foundation for long-term socio-economic change rather than short-term political gains.
"Leadership is not defined by how long someone serves in office, but by the foundation put in place for a better future," he said. "We should be defined by how much we are impacting the lives of people and the difference we are making for the next generation."
The Head of State criticized Kenya's political class for prioritizing electioneering over policy continuity, saying this has undermined the implementation of development initiatives.
"Transformation of a nation doesn't happen overnight. It takes deliberate steps, planning, patience, and the courage to overcome challenges," he added.
The Affordable Housing Programme, one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza administration, aims to address the housing deficit by delivering low-cost units across urban and rural areas, while creating jobs in the construction and real estate value chains.
The Forum brought together stakeholders in urban development to discuss inclusive planning, sustainable housing, and solutions for informal settlements--areas President Ruto said remain a key priority in the housing agenda.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
Liberia: Beyond Yellow Machines - VP Koung Holds Investment Meetings
Liberia's Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is expected to meet with Shandong Province Governor Zhou Naixiang today as the latter appears to have shown interest in investing in Liberia.
The meeting between the two leaders is expected to take place following the Vice President's visit to Qingdao Port, a Shandong Port Group. Details of these meetings are scanty, but they are geared towards potential investment opportunities in Liberia.
The Shandong Port Group has, in recent times, been engaged with Liberia's National Port Authority Management over potential investment in the country's port facilities.
These meetings with both Governor Zhou and authorities at Shandong port come on the sidelines of a verification visit to three companies which have expressed unsolicited bids to supply 285 earth-moving equipment to Liberia.
Among the group seeking to provide the Yellow Machines is Shantui, a company that is part of the Shandong Heavy Industries Group. Shandong is an SOE owned by Shandong Province.
Vice President Koung and the delegation wrapped up their visit at Shandong Heavy Industries at Laiwa on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, and were transferred to Laiwa Xueye Lake Conference Center, where they had lunch before taking a high-speed G207 train to Jinan East, Qindao North, where they retired for the day.
Factory officials were able to showcase to the Vice President and delegation several lines of production, including Sino Trucks, Boats, 50-75-seater buses, as production was in progress.
The Laiwa Factory Sinotruck, Jinan Truck Manufacturing Company, is a key component of Shandong Province's major initiative.
The Liberian Government has set a ceiling of US$22 million to purchase earth-moving equipment and has received unsolicited bids from three companies based in China-Sany Group in Changsha, Shantui in Shandong, and the ABK Group.
Vice President Koung is currently leading a delegation in China visiting the three companies in these provinces for a physical verification of the earth-moving equipment and suppliers.
The aim of Vice President Koung's delegation which comprises Public Works Minister Roland Gittens, Public Procurement and Concession Commission boss Scott, Assistant Finance Minister for Budget Sarah Mulbah and General Services Agency Fleet Manager Roberts Wilson among others is to inspect and compare equipment quality, plant capacity, and production standards of the three companies.
"We aim to get value for money. We aim to get a fair market value for the money to avoid ambiguity in price," VP Koung told Sany Group Vice President Li Qin during his delegation's first stop at Sany Group in Changsha, Monday, June 16.
"We don't want cheap items but quality with affordable prices," he said, "The country is considering the processes and middlemen/ agents in getting the product to Liberia, which might increase the price. We understand businesspeople aim to make a profit; however, we don't want to buy and don't have a real market value," he added.
As per the government's procurement request, the suppliers must be able to include in the package supplies of spare parts, training of Liberians, and maintenance for certain period.
As for Shandong, it's a Chinese SOE manufacturing company with 40 percent production revenue from China and 40 percent from global sales of products made in China, and 20 percent is produced and sold from global production sites.
SHABDONG HEAVY Industry Group has six major business segments: power systems, commercial vehicles, Agriculture, construction, intelligent logistics, and machines
At the end of the tour on Tuesday, VP Koung thanked the Shandong Group chairman for the tour, saying Liberia is a small country but "we envy China. That you took yourself from poverty is enviable."
The tour of the Sinotruck Factory was intended to showcase the company's potential to VP Koung and his delegation. The trucks are built for various purposes, from construction to mining. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
Read the original article on New Dawn.
South Africa: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana Sign Treaty to Boost Cross-Border Conservation, Livelihoods
BOTSWANA, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have signed a treaty to establish the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, aiming at promoting cross-border environmental conservation, cultural heritage protection, and sustainable socio-economic development.
The countries will work together to protect nature and cultural heritage in the Greater Mapungubwe area, while also improving people's lives through conservation and sustainable development.
Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the people in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area share common values, interests, and cultural ties and are therefore working together to create strategies that support both community well-being and environmental conservation.
"The objective of the Treaty is to establish the Greater Mapungubwe
Transfrontier Conservation Area for the promotion of collaborative conservation of the environment and shared natural and cultural heritage resources for the benefit of people in the Transfrontier Conservation Area.
"Owing to shared values, interests and cultures among the people in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, the governments of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coming together to develop models for enhancing livelihoods and conservation efforts.
"The Treaty will promote ecosystem integrity, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage resource management and sustainable socio-economic development across international boundaries.
"The Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area will comprise the following areas: the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, in Botswana; the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site in South Africa; and the Tuli Circle Safari Area, Maramani and other surrounding Wildlife Management Areas in Zimbabwe.
Communities in the Greater Mapungubwe area face major problems like human-wildlife conflicts, climate change effects, and limited job or income options for locals.
Meanwhile, according to authorities, in Zimbabwe, 300 people were killed in human-wildlife conflicts nationwide between 2019 and 2023, with recent reports indicating that 18 people were killed in this year's first quarter alone.
Read the original article on New Zimbabwe.
Nigeria: Lagos Govt, Marketers' Dispute Threatens Fuel Distribution Nationwide
There is an imminent disruption in fuel supply following the failure of petroleum marketers and truck owners to lift products at Dangote Refinery and Lekki Seaport, Daily Trust can report.
This is in protest against the Lagos State government's enforcement of N12,500 e-call-up levy on trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) on Monday staged a peaceful demonstration, withdrawing haulage and fuel trucks from the corridor in rejection of what they describe as an "Exploitative, ill-timed, and burdensome" policy.
Our correspondent reports that the boycott had halted tanker movement from the corridor, raising serious concerns about fuel distribution in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Daily Trust reports that the Lekki-Epe corridor plays a strategic role in supplying petroleum products, particularly with the presence of the massive Dangote Refinery and associated facilities.
It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had introduced the Electronic Call Up System to manage traffic in the corridor. However, they are being required to pay N12,500 per truck.
Why the e-call up
Daily Trust reports that the e-call up uses an app called Eto, through which truckers are expected to book turns to access the ports following its introduction in Apapa ports.
The system has become imperative on the Lekk-Epe corridor following the increased truck and trailer movement after the kick-up of Lekki Deep Seaport, the Dangote Petrochemical Refineries, among other commercial activities on the Lekki Free Trade Zone corridor.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi recently stated that the move is driven by the urgent need to implement a sustainable, effective and technology-driven solution of truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
He further disclosed that the application of e-call up system will help synchronize movement of trucks assessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, starting from Eleko junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone, highlighting the State and Federal Government plans on road network expansion and inter-modal transport systems to streamline vehicular traffic and enhancing free movement in one of Lagos' most critical economic zones.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who is saddled with the enforcement of the e-call up system of the corridor also explained that an interim arrangement is being put in place to decongest the roads through evacuation of all illegal tankers from the red zone by a joint TASKFORCE of the State, LGAs/LCDAs, Security Agencies and Stakeholders.
Giwa urged truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success.
"The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state's economy, making the e-call up system an essential tool for sustainable development," the government had said.
Fuel disruption imminent - Marketers
However, the truck drivers and marketers are protesting over the N12,500 levy per truck for the e-call up system.
According to the protesters, the e-call-up levy--part of a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative--is being enforced without adequate infrastructure or stakeholders' input.
They said the policy does not address any actual traffic congestion, which government officials have cited as the primary reason for its implementation.
Immediate past Chairman of IPMAN in the South-West, Dele Tajudeen, said all efforts to reach a compromise with the government were rebuffed.
"We have had several meetings, but the government has remained adamant," Tajudeen said. "There is no gridlock along the corridor. So why this levy? This policy is not about solving a traffic problem--it's about enriching private interests under the pretense of public benefit."
"We already pay N7,000 at the toll gate. Now, an additional N12,500 is being demanded. That's N19,500 before we even load fuel. And this money, we hear, is going to a private account--not government. This is not sustainable."
Daily Trust reports that the president of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had directed members to halt loading on that corridor over the N12,500 e-call-up fee.
The association in a memo by its President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, said the state government ignored its plea to review the fee down to N2,500 to reflect the economic realities.
However, Gbenga Olubasusi, Chairman of NARTO at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, said, "Trailer tyres now cost over N700,000, and trucks that used to cost N4.5 million now go for over N40 million. We are already managing so much inflation. This new levy will drive up fuel prices and everything else."
Olubasusi also condemned the absence of basic facilities for truckers in the area. "There is no government trailer park here. We use private parks and pay between N3,000 and N5,000 daily. Now they want to charge us an additional N12,500 with nothing to show in return?"
Also, Lagos State NARTO Chairman, Kayode Odunowo, said the industry cannot absorb the additional costs.
"We are totally against this charge. We cooperated in Apapa years ago with similar promises from the government, but they failed to deliver. This time, we won't play along."
IPMAN warns of hike in fuel price
Also speaking, National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike explained that the rising logistics costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers, possibly triggering a fuel price hike and destabilising supply across the state.
He said, "The imposed amount is exorbitant and unbearable for marketers. It will inevitably lead to an increase in the pump price of petrol."
Ukadike noted that stakeholders, including truck operators and marketers, had agreed at a recent meeting that the fee should be returned to N2,500 to maintain industry stability.
As of yesterday, tanker activities along the corridor remain suspended, and the state government has yet to issue an official response to the protest.
How we agreed on N12,500 - LASG
A spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Bolanle Ogunlola, in a chat with Daily Trust said the N12,500 was agreed upon after due consultation with the stakeholders.
According to her, all the stakeholders duly agreed on the need to introduce the call-up system to prevent a recurrence of the Apapa gridlock.
She said, "We have been engaging with them in the last two years. There has been conversation around it and there have been series of stakeholders meeting to explain the reason we needed to put up that e-call-up system. Everybody aligns with the fact that it is very necessary for the e-call up to take up.
"The disagreement is about the fees. After series of negotiation, we reached that N12,500. Initially we planned N20,000."
She explained that it is the tankers and truck owners that are complaining, saying those who have dry cargoes are not complaining.
She added that there are other businesses on that Lekki-Epe corridor even as it is also a residential area, adding that the residents and other businesses must be protected.
Ogunlola stated that with the facilities put in place for the e-call up system, the N12,500 is not too much.
Read the original article on Daily Trust.
Mali Moves to Dominate Gold Sector Amid Barrick Mine Dispute and Russian Deal
The ruling junta in Mali is tightening its hold on the gold industry as it moves to reclaim control from established foreign operators and boost local processing capacity through investment from Russia.
Mali's military government has stepped up its efforts to reclaim control of its lucrative gold industry, moving decisively this week to seize operational reins of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex from Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold and launching construction of a new Russian-backed refinery.
On Monday, a Malian court ordered that Barrick's flagship gold mine - Africa's largest by output - be placed under provisional administration for six months amid an escalating tax dispute.
Zoumana Makadji, a former health minister and accountant, has been appointed to manage the mine's operations within a fortnight, according to Judge Issa Aguibou Diallo.
This latest move follows months of mounting tension between the country's military rulers and Barrick, which has operated in Mali for three decades.
Disputed contracts
The dispute erupted publicly last December when an arrest warrant was issued for Barrick CEO Mark Bristow over alleged unpaid taxes and disputed contracts.
Barrick insists its subsidiaries remain the legal owners of the mine but admits operational control now lies with the state-appointed administrator.
In a statement, Barrick criticised the ongoing detention of some of its local employees, calling it "deeply concerning" and an obstacle to a "genuine long-term partnership".
The company is pursuing arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes while simultaneously negotiating with Mali's authorities in the hope of a resolution.
Mali is Africa's third-largest gold producer, yet decades of foreign extraction have left the country struggling with poverty, instability and limited industrial benefits from its vast mineral wealth.
Since seizing power in 2020, Mali's military government has pledged to reverse that trend by exerting greater sovereignty over its resources.
Sahel ministers in Russia for talks after breaking with western allies
Russian-backed gold mine under construction
Reinforcing the junta's ambition, Mali this week also broke ground on a major new gold refinery on the outskirts of the capital, Bamako.
The facility, built in partnership with Russia's Yadran Group and a Swiss investment firm, will have the capacity to process up to 200 tonnes of gold a year - almost four times Mali's current annual output.
Speaking at the ceremony, interim president Colonel Assimi Goita hailed the refinery as a crucial step in ending the country's dependence on foreign refineries in places like the UAE, South Africa and Switzerland.
"This deprives our country of substantial revenues that could be used for the development of its economy," Goita declared.
The new plant is part of a wider wave of mining reforms sweeping across the Sahel, with neighbours such as Guinea, Niger and Burkina Faso also revising mining codes to boost local processing and value addition.
Mali's revised code will soon require all gold mined domestically to be refined within its borders.
At the inauguration of the mine's construction, Yadran President Irek Salikhov said the refinery could become a regional hub for processing gold from neighbouring nations too.
Though no completion date has been set, the project underlines Mali's shift towards new partnerships, having cooled ties with traditional Western backers in favour of closer links with Russia and other non-Western allies.
Read or Listen to this story on the RFI website.
Kenya: Ruto Says Criticism Will Not Distract Him From Transforming Kenya
Naivaisha — No amount of criticism by detractors will derail the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, President William Ruto has said.
The President said he won't be defined by election terms or by how long he serves in office.
His focus, he pointed out, is on the implementation of his development agenda projects that directly impacts on the lives of Kenyans.
"Don't worry about me, I am a man on a mission to transform this country, and no amount of noise by detractors will stop me from implementing this agenda. I am willing to pay the price," Ruto said during the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha.
He regretted that leaders have for a long time wasted time and energy on election issues at the expense of decisions and policies aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans.
"Transformation of a nation doesn't take a flash. It takes deliberate steps, plans and patience, and having the courage to overcome bumps and challenges," Ruto explained.
The President pledged to continue uplifting the lives of Kenyans, especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid and informal settlements.
"Leadership is not defined by how long someone serves in office, but by the foundation put in place for a better future," President said.
The President noted that the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme is enabling many Kenyans, especially those in slums, own decent homes and live dignified lives like other people.
"We should be defined by how much we are impacting on the lives of the people and the difference we are making for the next generation," the President said.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
Rwanda: How Rabbits Changed Fortunes of Rwanda's Top Breeder
In the moderately hilly area of Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge District in Kigali, thousands of rabbits, ranging from newborn kits to full-grown bucks can be seen comfortably moving in hutches made of rust-resistant wire cages.
It's around 11 a.m. at Kigali Rabbit Farm, where the hutches are equipped with plastic mats, birthing nests, automated feeders, and a piped watering system connected to overhead tanks. Urine is efficiently channelled through pipes into tanks to maintain hygiene.
All of this is the result of Dieudonné Musoni's vision. His farm, which specialises in breeding meat rabbits--including through artificial insemination--hosts between 3,000 and 7,000 rabbits each month.
ALSO READ: The untapped potential of rabbit farming in Rwanda
Musoni, who also chairs the Rwanda Rabbit Farmers' Association, is the official African distributor for Hycole, a French company known for high-performance meat rabbit breeds.
A single rabbit of this breed, used as parent stock, costs Rwf40,000, and his farm sells between 1,000 and 2,000 such rabbits monthly.
"This breed reaches 2.5kg in just 73 days, and a doe can produce up to 18 kits every 42 days--far more than the local breeds," Musoni said.
While the imported breed is more expensive, he said it is also more profitable. Hycole rabbits can reach up to 10kg in weight, more than double the 4.5kg typical of local varieties.
>From financial consultant to agripreneur
Before venturing into agribusiness in 2018, Musoni worked at a financial consultancy firm, earning Rwf150,000 per month. With degrees in finance and disaster management, he explored several agricultural options--from crops to chickens, pigs, and cows--before settling on rabbits due to their lower startup costs.
ALSO READ: Rabbits change the fortunes of many
He began with 30 local rabbits, investing around Rwf2 million, 70 per cent of which went into building housing for the animals. But he soon realised the local breed offered limited returns and pivoted to Hycole rabbits after receiving training in France.
"You can invest Rwf10 million in rabbit farming and make a monthly profit of Rwf2 to 3 million--if it's well managed," Musoni said.
He credits his farm's success to vision, discipline, infrastructure, and professional practices, including the use of artificial insemination.
With artificial insemination, up to 500 rabbits can be inseminated in just two hours, compared to the traditional method that takes months and has a lower success rate.
Growing market, untapped potential
Despite his farm's scale, Musoni said he is still unable to meet growing demand for rabbit meat, especially from hotels and restaurants.
"We had deals with three hotels to supply 100 rabbits a day, but we couldn't sustain that volume," he said, noting the need to supply more farmers with quality breeds to increase national meat production.
He sees opportunity both locally and abroad. China, for instance, imports up to 900,000 tonnes of rabbit meat annually, and prices in Europe can reach €40 (about Rwf65,000) per kilogram.
"Rabbit meat is white, protein-rich, low in fat--and the demand is growing. We need more investment in this sector," he urged.
Local impact and expansion
Musoni's farm employs 30 people, including nine permanent staff, in roles ranging from fodder handling to veterinary services.
One of them is veterinarian Shaddad Rutikanga, who described his work as both professionally enriching and financially empowering.
"I work under contract, can apply for loans, and I'm gaining deep experience in a field I'm passionate about," Rutikanga said.
Leonidas Nsengiyumva, a farmer from Kirehe District, purchased 10 Hycole rabbits from Musoni's farm for Rwf400,000. Within a month, their weight grew from 2.5kg to four kilos. Encouraged by the results, he has ordered 20 more.
"They are more expensive than local breeds, but the productivity--number of kits, growth rate--is worth it," he said.
Scaling up
Currently focused on breed distribution, Musoni's farm produces between 1,500 and 3,000 kits monthly. His goal is to scale up to between 15,000 and 30,000 kits per month.
"From January 2026, we plan to also produce five to 10 tonnes of rabbit meat monthly," he revealed. "Only with more commercial farmers can we export meat to markets like China and Europe."
Rwanda's largest rabbit breeding operation
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda had more than 660,000 rabbits in 2023-2024.
Musoni's farm is the only large-scale breeding operation in the country, according to Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Development at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.
"Musoni's rabbit breeding farm has an implication in increasing the population of rabbits in Rwanda," she said of the implication of his farm.
She observed that rabbit farming has great potential due to high reproduction rates, fast growth, and the ability to thrive on diverse feed sources, indicating that, in Rwanda, it has significant potential as a sustainable and profitable venture.
In terms of food security, she said rabbit meat is a high-quality, low-fat source of protein, which can be crucial in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in areas with limited access to animal protein.
The government, she said, is committed to improving rabbit breeding, nutrition, disease management, and biosecurity.
Read the original article on New Times.
East Africa: Rwandair Named Africa's Best Regional Airline
RwandAir on June 17 received a top award as the Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 World Airline Awards during the Paris Air Show, cementing its reputation as one of the continent's leading carriers.
ALSO READ: RwandAir wins three accolades at World Airline Awards
Organized by Skytrax, a global air transport rating organization, the agency noted that RwandAir stood out for its consistent commitment to service quality across all aspects of the travel experience.
"RwandAir continues to distinguish itself through a clear focus on service attention, and we congratulate them on winning this award as the Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 World Airline Awards. The airline has created an experience that stands out in its category--professional, considered, and personal as it continues to evolve its regional product with confidence," said Edward Plaisted, the CEO of Skytrax.
ALSO READ: RwandAir, Qatar Airways launch African cargo hub
Skytrax emphasized that this year's award reflects RwandAir's growing recognition among regional travellers, having become a familiar presence at the awards in recent years.
Following the announcement, RwandAir expressed its appreciation for the recognition. "We are honored to receive this recognition and grateful to our passengers for their continued trust. Thank you for flying with us--this award is yours too," the airline wrote on X.
ALSO READ: What drove RwandAir's surge in cargo volume in 2024?
The rating agency explained that the awards are based on a wholly independent and impartial global survey conducted annually since 1999.
The 2025 survey, which ran from September 2024 to May 2025, gathered over 22.3 million eligible entries from travelers representing more than 100 nationalities worldwide.
Passengers rated airlines based on various elements of their travel experience, making the results a comprehensive measure of customer satisfaction.
Read the original article on New Times.
Liberia: Monrovia Faces Power Outage Amid Repair Works in Côte d'Ivoire
The Liberia Electricity Corporation has announced that the Ivorian Electricity firm 'Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Électricité' (CIE) is currently carrying out commissioning works at the DUEKOUÉ substation in Côte d'Ivoire.
According to the information posted on social media, the commissioning activity is part of ongoing efforts to improve the reliability of the Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, commonly known as CLSG (a high voltage line from Côte d'Ivoire with substation in Nimba, running through to Sierra Leone) transmission network.
According to the release, as part of the commissioning process, a scheduled outage on the Buyo-Man transmission line, an essential component of the CLSG network, will temporarily reduce power flow into the CLSG network.
"As a result, from June 16 to 18, 2025, around 7am to 5pm some parts of Monrovia and surrounding communities may experience intermittent electricity disruptions throughout the commissioning period, daily," the release said.
Accordingly, LEC's technical team is actively working to minimize the impact of these disruptions by optimizing output from our available generation sources.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public's continued patience and understanding during this critical period of infrastructure improvement," the release said.
However, the LEC has vowed to keep the public updated on the progress of the situation as it progresses.
In similar development, there are complaints for continued power outages across most of the communities under the Jungle Energy Power, Nimba grid, something many considered as complacency, where over 100 houses are connected to a single phase.
Read the original article on Liberian Observer.
Uganda: Govt Warns Money Lenders Over Exploitative Practices
The Government has issued a stern warning to money lenders charging excessively high interest rates, urging them to halt the exploitative practice that is pushing many borrowers deeper into poverty.
Speaking during the launch of the Microfinance Forum a new multi-stakeholder platform aimed at improving coordination in Uganda's microfinance sector the Minister of State for Microfinance and Small Enterprises, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said many complaints have been received from citizens across the country regarding abusive practices by lenders, especially those operating without proper registration or licenses.
"These lenders are trapping people in endless debt cycles and confiscating national IDs, which is illegal and unacceptable," Kasolo said.
He emphasized that while regulations exist, many of the so-called money lenders continue to ignore them, instead operating in oppressive and unregulated ways that violate borrowers' rights.
Kasolo also raised concern over the ongoing practice where borrowers are coerced into signing agreements that falsely indicate they have sold their property when they are only offering it as loan security.
"This kind of deception is criminal and must stop. We are going to intensify oversight and ensure only licensed lenders operate," he warned.
The minister's remarks come a year after President Yoweri Museveni also condemned the practice of money lenders confiscating national identity cards from borrowers.
Authorities have pledged tougher action on unlicensed operators and a review of licensing procedures for SACCOs and private lenders to ensure consumer protection and financial transparency in Uganda's microfinance sector.
Read the original article on Nile Post.
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