As Valentine’s Day approaches, businesses across Kigali are gearing up for a surge in activity ahead of February 14. This year’s celebration falls on a weekend, a factor many business owners say could significantly boost sales and customer turnout. In this article, The New Times speaks to flower vendors, jewellery dealers, restaurant managers, clothing retailers and gift shop owners to understand how they are preparing for the occasion. From stocking up on popular items to rolling out special offers and extending business hours, traders shared their expectations and how the timing of the celebration could shape demand. ALSO READ: Princess Lover in Kigali ahead of Valentine’s Day concert Jeanette Byukusenge, a clothing retailer operating in downtown Kigali, says this year’s Valentine’s Day has lifted traders’ spirits because it falls on a weekend. She expects higher foot traffic compared to previous years when the celebration landed on a weekday. “The special...

Delays, inflated costs ‘hit public projects’ under new system Facebook

The Government has revised the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget to Rwf6,952.1 billion, a reduction of Rwf80.4 billion, citing better financial management and a shift towards more affordable funding for major national projects. Facebook

As Kigali comes alive with Valentine’s Day celebrations, from packed restaurants to lively concerts and late-night gatherings, there is a growing desire for spaces that allow people to slow down after the excitement. This February, Project Somnia is answering that need with Twilight Picnic & Film Soirée: Lovers & Others, scheduled for February 15. Rather than positioning itself as an alternative to Valentine’s Day, the Twilight Picnic & Film Soirée is designed as the weekend’s soft landing – a moment to exhale, reconnect, and sit with love once the rush has passed. It is an experience rooted in intentionality and connection, inviting attendees to celebrate love in all its forms. Since its inception, Project Somnia has built a reputation for curating events that prioritise feeling over frenzy. The Twilight Picnic & Film Soirée embodies this philosophy fully: an open-air setting at golden hour, carefully curated music, film, shared food, and...

The head of MONUSCO arrived at Goma airport on Thursday morning as part of efforts to support preparations for monitoring and verification of the ceasefire between DR Congo and the AFC\/M23 rebels.\n\nREAD: https:\/\/www.newtimes.co.rw\/article\/33251\/news\/africa\/monusco-boss-arrives-in-goma-to-advance-ceasefire-monitoring”,”delight_ranges”:[],”image_ranges”:[],”inline_style_ranges”:[],”aggregated_ranges”:[],”ranges”:[{“entity”:{“__typename”:”ExternalUrl”,”__isEntity”:”ExternalUrl”,”url”:”https:\/\/l.facebook.com\/l.php?u=https\u00253A\u00252F\u00252Fwww.newtimes.co.rw\u00252Farticle\u00252F33251\u00252Fnews\u00252Fafrica\u00252Fmonusco-boss-arrives-in-goma-to-advance-ceasefire-monitoring&h=AT2dF6Q9EM-M9akWLcyaEgAg-MU7HbOWi-T3WiqnZDAOaTPSGijOK1tlStbPDbdWUK1m0qvGwslsD5iJ4oeIsOUKwiIF2VDJkU-v1PcEUEarxSM5_t7tlUOKjxmXhxNlBFrza6fgeLd1dujXsKbKXPvybtBgeCyhoYwIsQ&s=1″,”external_url”:”https:\/\/www.newtimes.co.rw\/article\/33251\/news\/africa\/monusco-boss-arrives-in-goma-to-advance-ceasefire-monitoring”,”__isWebLinkable”:”ExternalUrl”,”web_link”:{“__typename”:”ExternalWebLink”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.newtimes.co.rw\/article\/33251\/news\/africa\/monusco-boss-arrives-in-goma-to-advance-ceasefire-monitoring”,”fbclid”:null,”lynx_mode”:”ASYNCLAZY The head of MONUSCO arrived at Goma airport on Thursday morning as part of efforts to support preparations for monitoring and verification of the ceasefire between DR Congo and the AFC/M23 rebels. READ: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/33251/news/africa/monusco-boss-arrives-in-goma-to-advance-ceasefire-monitoring Facebook

The City of Kigali has intensified patrols and surveillance around drainage channels following a series of deadly flood incidents and criminal activity linked to the city’s drainage infrastructure. Facebook

Rwanda recorded its highest score yet in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), standing out at a time when global and regional performance against corruption continues to decline. According to the latest report, Rwanda scored 58 out of 100, improving slightly from 57 recorded in 2024. The country also moved up globally, ranking 41st out of 182 countries, compared to 43rd place last year. The improvement comes as the global fight against corruption faces setbacks. The CPI report indicates that the global average score has dropped to 42 out of 100, its lowest level in more than a decade. More than two-thirds of countries, 122 out of 180 assessed, scored below 50, highlighting widespread struggles in controlling corruption. ALSO READ: Rwanda records highest-ever score in global corruption index Speaking about the country’s performance, officials said it was due to factors including strong political commitment, institutional accountability, and citizen engagement. Madeleine...

Corruption: What’s behind Rwanda’s top performance in global ranking Facebook

Between Fear and Opportunity: How AI is reshaping the workplace Facebook

The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC)has appointed Ahmed Farah as the new Executive Director of the regional body. The appointment was announced on Tuesday, February 10, by the EAC chairperson John Lual Akol Akol. ALSO READ: EABC pushes for raising cap on duty-free goods The Kenyan trade and investment policy expert with over two decades of leadership experience across East Africa and other African markets. Farah takes over from Adrian Raphael Njau of Tanzania who was appointed as the acting Executive Director, after John Bosco Kalisa of Rwanda stepped down in 2024. ALSO READ: Inside Rwandan JB Kalisa's tenure at helm of East African business body Prior to joining EABC, Frah served as Country Director for Kenya at TradeMark Africa, where he led programmes focused on trade facilitation, corridor performance, customs modernisation, and private-sector competitiveness. He has also previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya...