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Rwanda intensifies Ebola screening along borders
Rwanda health authorities have confirmed that they are intensifying screening at all points of entry after the death of a Pastor due to Ebola in Goma a Democratic Republic of Congo town bordering the country, In Uganda, President Museveni has embarked on a wealth creation tour while the Kenyan Parliament has started conversation on constitutional changes, these are some of the major headlines that dominated the news this week and joining CNBC Africa to dissect them is Julius Bizimungu from the New Times newspaper.
Tue, 23 Jul 2019 09:20:55 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The mining sector in Rwanda is facing a funding gap, particularly for exploration activities, despite its significant contribution to the country's economy.
- Rwanda is seeking to attract foreign investments and partnerships to alleviate funding challenges in the mining industry and stimulate economic growth.
- The recent Ebola scare near the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border underscores the importance of stringent border protection measures and proactive public health initiatives.
Rwanda's mining sector is facing significant challenges in terms of funding and investment, despite being a strategic sector that contributes a substantial amount to the country's economy. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Julius Bizimungu from the New Times newspaper highlighted the funding gap that exists in the sector, particularly when it comes to financing exploration activities. While the mining sector in Rwanda generated over $350 million last year, experts and stakeholders in the industry have pointed out that there is a lack of funding available for crucial exploration efforts. This shortfall in funding has led to an increase in accidental and small-scale mining activities, which are not sustainable in the long run. The reluctance of banks to invest in the mining sector is primarily due to the high-risk nature of the industry, making it a speculative investment. As a result, much of the available funding is directed towards countries like Nigeria, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and China, where high-value minerals such as gold, lithium, and copper are abundant. In contrast, Rwanda primarily exports minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which are not as lucrative for investors. To attract more financing and investment in exploration activities, the Rwandan government is exploring ways to partner with equity investors who are willing to exclusively fund these critical operations. By creating a conducive environment for investors and forming strategic partnerships with countries like Qatar, Ghana, and Morocco through the establishment of new embassies and diplomatic relationships, Rwanda aims to attract more foreign investments into its mining sector. The appointment of experienced individuals to represent Rwanda in these countries signals a strong commitment to strengthening economic ties and attracting much-needed funding for the mining industry. Rwanda's efforts to revitalize its partnerships with Qatar, Ghana, and Morocco are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, fostering increased trade and investment opportunities. Moreover, the recent scare of a potential Ebola outbreak near the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border has highlighted the importance of stringent border protection measures. While initial concerns regarding the spread of Ebola into Rwanda were alleviated by the World Health Organization's confirmation that the virus did not enter the country, the incident underscored the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness. Rwanda's proactive approach to containing the Ebola threat and safeguarding its borders reflects the government's commitment to ensuring public health and safety. By effectively addressing funding challenges in the mining sector and actively seeking foreign investments, Rwanda aims to strengthen its economic resilience and attract sustainable growth opportunities in key industries.
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