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Rwanda targets 3,000 emergency responders to meet global standards in pre-hospital care

Mahame — 2026-04-29T17:32:21Z

The announcement was made on April 29, 2026, by Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, Director of Training and Development for Health Professionals at the Ministry, during an assessment of 25 healthcare workers who had just completed a 10-day intensive training program in emergency response.

The training, hosted at RP Kigali College, focused on strengthening Rwanda's capacity to deliver timely and professional pre-hospital emergency services critical in saving lives during accidents and other urgent medical situations.

Dr. Nkeshimana emphasized that while Rwanda has made notable progress in expanding its emergency transport system, now boasting more than 500 ambulances, the number of skilled emergency responders remains far below what is required.

“We have over 500 ambulances nationwide, but the number of trained personnel is still very low. Even when combining staff in Kigali and hospitals across the country, we do not reach 500 responders. Yet we need at least 3,000,” he stated.

Globally, emergency response teams are expected to reach patients within 10 minutes.

In Rwanda, however, the average response time is about 15 minutes, highlighting a gap the Ministry is determined to close.

To bridge this gap, Rwanda partnered with the Association of Ambulance Professionals Uganda, whose experts facilitated the recent training.

The program combined theory with hands-on simulations, including staged road accident scenarios where trainees demonstrated rapid and professional intervention techniques.

One of the trainees, Jean d'Amour Turikumwe from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), noted that the training enhanced both their existing skills and exposure to international best practices.

“We learned how to respond more efficiently, ensuring that victims receive immediate care and are transported within the critical ‘Golden Hour," he said, referring to the first hour after a traumatic injury when prompt treatment is most crucial.

To address delays caused by traffic congestion, Rwanda has introduced alternative rapid-response options such as motorcycles, enabling first responders to reach patients quickly before ambulances arrive.

The country also utilizes boats, vehicles, and helicopters to ensure coverage across diverse terrains and emergency situations.

The 25 trainees will form a core group of future trainers, helping to scale up the program nationwide. In addition, the Ministry is collaborating with Rwanda Polytechnic to introduce a two-year training program that will produce a new generation of professional emergency responders.

This strategic investment is expected to strengthen Rwanda's healthcare system by ensuring faster, more reliable emergency care, ultimately saving more lives.

Citizens in need of urgent medical assistance can access emergency services free of charge by dialing 912.

Rwanda scales up multi-billion environmental projects to combat climate risks

Mahame — 2026-04-28T03:42:38Z

Across Rwanda, the growing impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as heavy rains during dry seasons or prolonged droughts during planting periodshave disrupted agriculture and intensified disasters.

The memory of the catastrophic rains of May 2023 still lingers, when floods and landslides killed 135 people, damaged over 2,100 homes, and completely destroyed 2,763 others, alongside key infrastructure. The effects are still visible today.

According to the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), disasters cost Rwanda approximately $300 million (over Rwf 400 billion) annually, placing a heavy burden on the country's economy.

In response, the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) and partners, is implementing environmental and climate-resilient projects worth more than Rwf 735 billion.

These initiatives aim to mitigate climate change effects, control flooding, improve water resource management, boost energy production, enhance food security, and uplift the livelihoods of communities in project areas.

One of the flagship projects is the Muvumba Multi-Purpose Dam in Nyagatare District, expected to be completed by March 2027, with construction currently at 46%.

Built across 400 hectares spanning Karama and Rukomo sectors and extending to Gatunda, the dam will stand 39 meters high and stretch 1.16 kilometers in length, with the capacity to store nearly 55 million cubic meters of water.

Once completed, it will supply 50,000 cubic meters of clean water daily, support irrigation on more than 10,000 hectares of farmland, provide water for livestock, and generate one megawatt of electricity.

The project is largely funded by the African Development Bank, which is covering 97.2% of the total cost, while Rwanda contributes the remaining share.

Another major initiative is the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and Meteo Rwanda.

Running from 2024 to 2028 with a budget of $300 million, the project focuses on flood control, water management, and improving livelihoods in high-risk areas around the volcanoes and the Vunga corridor.

It has already supported land-use planning in 60 villages, constructed terraces across hundreds of hectares, established anti-erosion measures, planted hundreds of thousands of trees and crops, and provided water tanks and livestock to vulnerable families in districts including Musanze, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Gakenke, Burera, Rutsiro, Ngororero, and Muhanga.

Rwanda is also investing $50 million in restoring ecosystems along the Congo-Nile Divide through a project implemented by the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA).

Covering 10 districts, the initiative focuses on restoring degraded landscapes across 444,600 hectares within the Albertine Rift.

It includes restoring parts of Nyungwe and Gishwati national parks, expanding agroforestry, building terraces, promoting clean energy for households, and conserving forests, while also expected to create more than 24,000 jobs.

In Western Rwanda, another project worth $9 million is addressing recurring floods and soil erosion, particularly in Rusizi and Karongi districts.

It involves building water retention structures, rehabilitating damaged waterways, protecting riverbanks, and promoting terracing and agroforestry, with more than 600,000 people expected to benefit.

The project also includes the installation of six modern monitoring stations to strengthen early warning systems and the use of advanced technologies to alert communities to potential disasters, reaching over 1.2 million citizens while enhancing preparedness.

These investments highlight Rwanda's commitment to safeguarding the environment as a foundation for sustainable development.

As climate-related risks intensify, the country is taking proactive steps not only to respond to disasters but also to build long-term resilience, ensuring that environmental protection translates into improved livelihoods, economic stability, and a more secure future for its citizens.

Rwanda plans major reforms in Education sector: Primary school teachers to hold university degrees

Mahame — 2026-04-23T06:47:05Z

The move was announced by the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), which says the current teacher training model is outdated and too short to meet modern education demands.

According to the Ministry of Education's 2024/2025 performance report released on March 30, 2026, Rwanda currently has 4,996 schools. Of these, 2,083 operate under government partnerships, 1,576 are public schools, and 1,337 are privately owned.

Despite this expansion, teacher qualifications remain a concern. As of December 2025, Rwanda had 133,029 teachers in primary and secondary schools.

Among them, 71,011 hold only secondary school certificates, 10,667 have undergraduate degrees, while 21,147 possess advanced university qualifications.

These figures highlight a gap in professional training, particularly at the foundational level of education.

REB Director General Dr Nelson Mbarushimana

Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, REB Director General Dr Nelson Mbarushimana emphasized that the current three-year teacher training program offered after lower secondary education is insufficient.

Rwanda has 16 teacher training colleges that admit students after completing lower secondary school, and after three years, graduates are qualified to teach in primary schools. However, he noted that this duration is shorter than international standards.

“When you compare the time spent in training here with other countries in the region and globally, it is still limited. That is why we are conducting research to improve it,” he said.

He added that teaching should be treated with the same seriousness as other professions, explaining that just as a surgeon undergoes intensive training to operate, teaching also requires deep and rigorous preparation.

Rwanda's reform plans are partly inspired by regional trends.

In Uganda, a policy introduced in 2024 requires nursery and primary school teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree, with a 10-year transition period for current teachers.

Meanwhile, Kenya still follows a system similar to Rwanda's existing model, where primary teachers undergo three years of training in teacher colleges.

REB stresses that primary education is the backbone of the entire system, as it is where children acquire essential skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy.

Dr. Mbarushimana explained that better-trained teachers will have long-term benefits, noting that learners guided by competent teachers at an early stage are better prepared for secondary education and can confidently choose their learning pathways, whether in technical and vocational education or higher learning institutions.

The reform also aligns with Rwanda's ongoing curriculum transformation, particularly the introduction of learning pathways in secondary education, which replaced the previous subject combinations.

This system allows students to specialize in areas such as science, humanities, and languages, giving them greater flexibility and aligning their studies with career aspirations, an approach that depends heavily on strong foundational learning at the primary level.

Rwanda orders public institutions to buy at least 30% electric vehicles in major Shift toward clean transport

Mahame — 2026-04-22T19:06:24Z

The directive, which took immediate effect on April 14, 2026, is part of broader national efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and promote clean mobility solutions.

In an official communication issued on the same date, the State Minister in charge of Infrastructure, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, instructed budget managers across government institutions to align vehicle procurement plans with Rwanda's green public procurement policy.

The letter emphasized that all public entities must ensure that “at least 30% of newly purchased vehicles are electric,” describing the move as a critical step toward reducing air pollution, lowering dependence on petroleum products, and advancing sustainable transport systems.

This policy comes at a time when fuel prices in Rwanda and globally continue to rise sharply, placing increased pressure on government spending. Within just one month, the price of petrol in Rwanda surged by nearly RWF 1,000 per litre, from RWF 1,989 to RWF 2,938 marking one of the most significant increases in the country's history. Diesel prices also rose from RWF 1,948 to RWF 2,205 per litre.

The shift toward electric mobility is also aligned with Rwanda's ongoing investments in clean public transport. In recent years, the government has introduced 300 buses operating in the City of Kigali, some of which are electric, as part of efforts to modernize urban transport while reducing environmental impact.

By the end of 2024, Rwanda had already registered more than 7,000 electric vehicles, reflecting steady progress in the adoption of green technology.

The initiative is further anchored in Rwanda's second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) covering 2024–2029, which sets an ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 38%, equivalent to 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

With this new directive, Rwanda reinforces its position as a regional leader in climate-conscious policymaking, signaling a clear commitment to a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable transport future.

Rwandans warned against fake German language schools as demand for certification surges

Mahame — 2026-04-19T22:58:03Z

The warning was issued on April 19, 2026, during a certificate awarding ceremony for candidates who completed German language exams under the ECL system, organized by Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy.

Speaking at the event, Mwizerwa Mulisa, CEO of Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy, cautioned that some institutions attract students with low fees and unrealistic guarantees but fail to provide the quality training required to pass international exams.

He emphasized that many learners are misled into believing that paying less means they will learn more, yet in reality, limited investment often results in poor outcomes, especially in exam performance.

“People are being misled into believing that paying less will help them learn more. In reality, when you invest little in your education, you often gain very little and that affects your performance in exams,” he said.

He further warned that some schools promise quick fluency or guaranteed success, describing such claims as deceptive and harmful to learners' ambitions.

According to him, many students only realize the consequences after failing exams or missing opportunities abroad due to inadequate preparation.

He called on Rwandans to be vigilant and report institutions that engage in misleading practices in order to protect others from similar experiences.

“There are institutions that simply deceive learners. We call on Rwandans to be cautious and to report such cases so that others are not misled,” he added.

These concerns come at a time when Rwanda is witnessing a steady rise in demand for German language certification.

The ECL German Exam system was officially licensed on December 3, 2025, granting Der Sprachen Hub the authority to organize and administer the exams locally.

The first examination session, conducted in February 2026, attracted significant interest, with more than 70 individuals expressing interest and over 34 candidates registering.

A total of 96 exam units were completed across B1, B2, and C1 levels, confirming a growing need for high-quality German language certification in the country.

The momentum continued in April 2026, when the examination session held from April 16 to 19 recorded remarkable growth.

Interest from candidates tripled compared to the February session, while the number of registered candidates doubled. Approximately 224 exam units were administered during this period.

For the first time in Rwanda, the A2 level was also introduced, expanding access to beginner-level learners and opening opportunities for a wider group of candidates.

Beyond local participation, Rwanda is increasingly attracting candidates from across the region seeking German language certification.

Recent sessions included not only a majority of Rwandan candidates but also participants from Burundi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Uganda, with additional requests coming from Kenya and Tanzania.

This growing diversity highlights Rwanda's emerging role as a regional hub for German language certification.

Learners who successfully completed the exams emphasized that proper preparation and structured learning are key to success.

Mugisha noted that access to learning materials, close support from teachers, and consistent preparation played a major role in his performance.

Similarly, Egide Ntihinyuzwa stressed that learning German requires dedication and cannot be rushed, pointing out that serious training provides a clear advantage.

“German is like any other language, it needs effort and time. Serious training gives you an advantage over those who are not well prepared,” he said.

Registration for the June 2026 ECL German exam session officially opened on April 8 and will close on May 14, with exams scheduled for June 12 and 13.

Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their career prospects and access international opportunities, particularly in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

Immediately after the briefing, a certificate awarding ceremony was held to honor successful candidates, accompanied by live testimonials showcasing the impact of ECL certification on academic and professional pathways.

Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy is a leading institution in Rwanda dedicated to German language training and international certification, enabling students and professionals to access global education and career opportunities.

As demand for German language skills continues to grow, stakeholders emphasize that success depends on choosing credible training institutions, avoiding shortcuts, and committing to quality learning.

China and Rwanda to deepen military cooperation

Mahame — 2026-04-16T12:41:50Z

The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Rwanda Defence Force in Kigali, focused on enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two countries, particularly in the areas of security and defense.

During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of deepening mutual trust and expanding cooperation through knowledge exchange and capacity building between their respective armed forces.

They also explored ways to strengthen collaboration in international peacekeeping missions, a field where both nations have played significant roles.

Ambassador Gao reiterated China's commitment to a sustainable and long-term partnership with Rwanda, highlighting his country's readiness to further support joint initiatives aimed at strengthening security and institutional capacity.

On his part, Gen. Mubarakh underscored Rwanda's high regard for its partnership with China, especially in military training, capacity development, and peacekeeping cooperation.

Both parties agreed that military cooperation remains a cornerstone of the broader relationship between Rwanda and China.

They reaffirmed their shared vision of advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in long-term collaboration and mutual benefit.

The partnership between the Rwanda Defence Force and China's People's Liberation Army has evolved over the years, marked by regular exchanges of military personnel, joint training programs, and technical support.

China's increasing engagement in Africa, particularly through United Nations peacekeeping operations has further strengthened its collaboration with Rwanda, one of the world's leading contributors of troops to international peacekeeping missions.

This shared commitment has fostered a strong alignment in promoting global peace and security.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China date back to 1971. However, cooperation significantly expanded after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as Rwanda embarked on rebuilding its national institutions, including its defense sector.

China has since played a key role in supporting Rwanda's efforts through military education, training programs, and broader security sector development.

The latest engagement signals a renewed push by both nations to elevate their defense cooperation as part of a wider strategic partnership. As Rwanda continues to diversify its international alliances, China remains a critical partner in advancing its security, development, and global peacekeeping ambitions.

President Kagame is the Chancellor of Rwanda's Military University as nation strengthens security education

Mahame — 2026-04-15T10:26:26Z

The university was created under a 2026 law published in the Official Gazette on April 10, consolidating various military and security training institutions into a single, high-level academic center.

Its formation reflects Rwanda's strategic vision to adapt to evolving global and regional security challenges by investing in advanced training, research, and international academic cooperation.

NDUR is expected to become a cornerstone in shaping Rwanda's future security leadership. The institution will focus on enhancing professional training, fostering cutting-edge research, and strengthening global partnerships in military education.

It will serve a broad range of learners, including members of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), personnel from other security organs, senior government officials, and international partners. The university will offer programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, including Master's and PhD degrees, all aligned with internationally recognized standards.

Under Rwandan law, the Chancellor of this university is the President of the Republic, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

In this role, President Kagame will provide strategic direction to ensure the university fulfills its mission of producing highly skilled experts in military and security affairs. He will also preside over graduation ceremonies or appoint a representative to do so, reinforcing the institution's national importance.

NDUR will be governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, the university's highest decision-making body. The board will be responsible for setting strategic direction, approving policies and annual plans, overseeing performance, and managing budgets and partnerships. Seven of the board members will be appointed by presidential order and selected from experts in military affairs, education, research, and development.

The board will also include key university representatives such as the Vice-Chancellor, a faculty representative, a Dean elected by peers, a quality assurance officer, and a student representative.

In line with Rwanda's gender equality commitments, at least 30% of the board members must be women. Members serving by virtue of their positions will hold four-year terms, renewable once.

The Rwanda Defence Force has confirmed that construction of the university is already underway in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, in the City of Kigali.

According to RDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, the construction works are progressing steadily, and once completed, the university is expected to play a transformative role in building the capacity of military and security leaders.

NDUR will bring together existing military colleges, police academies, and institutions affiliated with the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

This integration is expected to streamline and strengthen the delivery of education and training across Rwanda's security sector, enhancing coordination and ensuring a cohesive approach to national and regional security challenges.

As Rwanda continues to position itself as a leader in security and governance in Africa, the establishment of NDUR marks a forward-looking investment in knowledge, leadership, and resilience.

With President Kagame at its helm as Chancellor, the university is poised to become a center of excellence, producing highly trained professionals capable of addressing complex security dynamics both within Rwanda and beyond.

Politicians urged to strengthen unity and reject divisionism among Rwandans

Mahame — 2026-04-14T08:21:15Z

The call was made during 32nd commemoration event held at the Rebero Genocide Memorial on Monday, April 13, in honor of politicians who were killed for opposing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and standing firm against hatred and injustice.

Speaking at the event, Senate President Dr. François-Xavier Kalinda said the genocide was the result of a long history of poor governance and divisive politics rooted in ethnic discrimination.

He urged today's political leaders to learn from the past and ensure such tragedy never happens again.

“The Genocide against the Tutsi was the outcome of a series of bad leadership, beginning with colonial policies that fractured Rwandan unity and entrenched ethnic divisions, followed by post-independence regimes that institutionalized discrimination,” he said.

Dr. Kalinda emphasized that commemoration is essential in preserving truth, confronting genocide denial, and preventing recurrence.

“Commemoration helps safeguard the truth, counter denial and trivialization, and ensure that such atrocities never happen again,” he noted.

He further highlighted Rwanda's progress over the past three decades, noting that the country has chosen a path centered on unity, equality, and inclusive governance.

“We must remain committed to policies that promote unity and equal opportunities for all Rwandans, as this is the foundation of our country's progress and future,” he added.

The spokesperson of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations, Dr. Frank Habineza, paid tribute to politicians who lost their lives for resisting injustice and refusing to support genocide ideology.

“The politicians we honor today were killed because of their courage to stand against oppression and injustice. They chose principles over fear and fought for a Rwanda that respects dignity and equality,” he said.

He stressed that political diversity should not be a source of conflict, but rather a platform for constructive dialogue and solutions, noting that differences in opinion should never divide Rwandans.

Dr. Habineza also urged political actors and their supporters to reject any attempts to revive politics rooted in hatred and division.

Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, warned against the persistence of genocide ideology and hate speech, urging leaders to remain vigilant.

He highlighted how past regimes institutionalized ethnic discrimination and exclusion, particularly under former Presidents Grégoire Kayibanda and Juvénal Habyarimana, ultimately leading to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Dr. Bizimana called on political leaders to prioritize educating young people about Rwanda's history to prevent distortion and promote unity.

“It is essential to teach young people the true history of our country so they can resist divisionism and contribute to building a united Rwanda,” he said.

He also urged young people to reject hate speech and divisive narratives that may still exist among some political actors.

Although the 32nd Commemoration Week has concluded, remembrance activities will continue throughout the 100-day period marking the duration of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

Leaders reiterated that unity remains the cornerstone of Rwanda's recovery and future, calling on all politicians to uphold responsible leadership and ensure that the country never returns to a past marked by division and hatred.

“We cannot build lasting unity without understanding what destroyed it. Truth and shared responsibility are key to safeguarding our nation,” Dr. Bizimana said.

Rwandans will start using Kivu methane gas for cooking purposes early 2028

Mahame — 2026-04-06T08:04:05Z

The development was confirmed on April 5, 2026, by Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure, during a media briefing that focused on Rwanda's strategies to address rising global fuel prices. The session was also attended by Prudence Sebahizi.

Uwihanganye noted that the project, being implemented in partnership with Gasmeth Energy, has made significant progress. By 2028, methane gas will be widely available, particularly in high-demand institutions such as schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.

“This gas will primarily serve places with large populations like schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. It will significantly reduce pressure on bottled gas used by households,” he said.

The project dates back to 2019, when the Government of Rwanda signed a 25-year agreement with Gasmeth Energy to extract and process methane gas from Lake Kivu.

The company is expected to produce up to 40 million cubic meters of gas per day. This gas will be used not only for cooking but also in industries and transportation, with the potential to serve between 300,000 and 400,000 households.

On August 18, 2022, construction of a gas processing plant was officially launched in Bwishyura Sector, Karongi District, marking a key milestone for the project. Authorities confirm that implementation is now at an advanced stage.

Rwanda has already been utilizing methane gas from Lake Kivu for electricity generation through projects such as KivuWatt and a plant operated by Shema Power in Rubavu District.

A new power generation project with a capacity of 185 megawatts has also been approved and is expected to come online between 2029 and 2030.

The government has structured the methane gas initiative into three phases. Officials say that once the first phase proves successful, production will be expanded further to significantly cut down on gas imports.

In parallel, Rwanda is investing in gas storage infrastructure, including facilities with a capacity of 9,000 tonnes. These are expected to begin receiving gas supplies by August 2026, strengthening national reserves.

The announcement comes at a time when global fuel prices continue to rise due to geopolitical tensions, including conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have led to increased prices of petroleum products and cooking gas in Rwanda.

Currently, prices vary depending on cylinder size. For example, a 6kg gas cylinder costs between Rwf 11,670 and Rwf 15,000, while a 12kg cylinder is priced at around Rwf 28,000. Larger cylinders of 15kg, 20kg, and 40kg can cost up to Rwf 33,000, Rwf 45,000, and Rwf 80,000 respectively.

Minister Sebahizi clarified that the government does not regulate gas prices, as they are determined by importers based on international market rates and supply costs.

Rwanda is also pursuing broader clean energy goals, aiming to reduce reliance on biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal. By 2030, the country targets cutting the proportion of households using these traditional fuels to 42%, as part of its strategy to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

TI-Rwanda analysis exposes persistent gaps in public finance management at local level

Mahame — 2026-04-02T19:45:10Z

The findings, based on the 2023/2024 report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), were presented on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to government officials and key stakeholders involved in public financial management. The analysis aims to provide evidence-based insights to improve financial governance, particularly at decentralized levels.

According to the report, irregularities in public finance management remain widespread across all districts and the City of Kigali, with non-compliance to laws and regulations emerging as the most dominant issue. Such irregularities account for 63.2% of all identified financial mismanagement cases, equivalent to over Rwf 1.3 trillion in improperly used public funds.

One of the most alarming trends highlighted is the sharp rise in unsupported expenditures funds spent without proper documentation, which increased by 355% to reach Rwf 13.3 billion. These expenditures alone account for 93% of all financial misuse cases, pointing to serious weaknesses in record-keeping and financial reporting systems.

The analysis further indicates that issues related to asset management surged by 95%, while errors in expenditure management increased by 250%. Overall financial management anomalies rose by 38%, from Rwf 1.13 trillion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year to Rwf 1.34 trillion in 2023/2024.

Procurement processes were also identified as a major source of inefficiency, contributing to 40% of all public finance management challenges. Common issues include delays, poor planning, and non-compliance with procurement laws, all of which undermine the effective delivery of public services.

Additionally, delays in disbursing funds for social support programs, such as the Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support (NSDS), which alone involved over Rwf 10.3 billion have negatively impacted vulnerable populations, with some payments delayed by up to 161 days.

Infrastructure sectors, particularly roads, water and sanitation, and health facilities, were found to be most affected by these financial management gaps, largely due to weak contract management, inadequate planning, and insufficient oversight.

Despite these challenges, the report also notes some progress. For the first time since such assessments began, 19 districts achieved at least 70% implementation of audit recommendations.

Overall compliance with actionable recommendations improved significantly to 71%, up from 57.16% in the previous year, an indication that accountability mechanisms can yield results when effectively enforced.

Speaking at the presentation, TI-Rwanda Executive Director, Apollinaire Mupiganyi emphasized that the issues identified are not new but persistent.

“These are recurring challenges. Their continued existence shows the urgent need for stronger collaboration, professionalism, and effective accountability mechanisms,” he said.

He stressed that sound public financial management goes beyond technical capacity, describing it as a matter of leadership and governance responsibility.

“Managing public funds is not just a technical exercise, it is a governance obligation. Every franc must be used for its intended purpose to improve citizens' livelihoods,” he added.

The organization recommends strengthening audit follow-ups, enforcing procurement laws, improving planning and project feasibility assessments, enhancing asset management systems, and ensuring timely disbursement of funds. It also calls for clearer institutional responsibilities and stronger coordination among government entities.

Since 2008, TI-Rwanda has conducted independent analyses of Auditor General reports to promote transparency, evidence-based policymaking, and accountability in public finance management. The latest findings reinforce the need for sustained reforms to close long-standing gaps and ensure efficient use of public resources.