African Renaissance Retreat
With a youthful population poised to drive economic innovation, Africa stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. In a world where connectivity is key, Africa seeks to leverage its uniqueness for growth and development. Recognizing the need for collaboration across sectors, the Retreat calls for unified efforts to harness Africa's strengths and resources. By fostering dialogue and action, the event aims to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Theo Edwards for YAMEAfrican Renaissance Retreat took place in Kigali, Rwanda from September 6th to 8th, 2024. Addressing a gathering of influential leaders and entrepreneurs, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, stressed that the continent’s youthful population and abundant natural resources offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and global influence.
With a youthful population poised to drive economic innovation, Africa stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. In a world where connectivity is key, Africa seeks to leverage its uniqueness for growth and development. Recognizing the need for collaboration across sectors, the Retreat calls for unified efforts to harness Africa's strengths and resources. By fostering dialogue and action, the event aims to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
The gathering, initiated by Dangote, aimed to unite African business leaders and policymakers to tackle the continent’s challenges and promote Africa as a prime destination for investment. Dangote reflected on the success of his own business, which operates in 14 African countries, despite obstacles like inconsistent government policies, infrastructure deficits, and economic instability.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man — Dangote industries limited
Speaking on Africa’s wealth, Dangote noted that the continent is home to approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, including the largest deposits of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds. Additionally, Africa holds 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of its renewable freshwater resources, making it a key player in global economic prosperity. “These assets are critical for driving not just Africa’s growth but that of the world,” Dangote remarked.
former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dangote
The event featured contributions from prominent African figures, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn.
The retreat also served as a platform to address issues such as conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, debt crises, and development funding. Dangote emphasized the importance of dialogue in shaping Africa’s future narrative and driving transformative change.
The closing resolutions include plans to improve the free movement of people across Africa, reduce logistics costs, and expand internet access—seen as crucial for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
Theo Edwards for YAME
The Proliferation of Places of Worship
The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches. And the reason? There is a failure to comply with safety and health regulations, such as poor soundproofing and the transactional nature of many places of worship. In a statement, RGB said that the inspection focuses on verifying that religious organizations have registration documents issued by the board. The churches also need to show letters of collaboration with the district authorities.
By Theo Edwards for YAME
The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches.
Rwanda: August 14, 2024: The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches. The reason; is the failure to comply with safety and health regulations, such as poor soundproofing and the transactional nature of many places of worship.
Rwanda has progressively been implementing a law passed in 2018 to regulate religious organizations. The law requires religious leaders to have theological training before operating a church and mandates the RGB to inspect the physical safety of the buildings housing the churches.
This recent move represents the most significant enforcement since the 2018 law regulating places of worship was implemented. When the law was enacted, approximately 700 churches were closed.
In a statement, RGB said that the inspection focuses on verifying that religious organizations have registration documents issued by the board. The churches also need to show letters of collaboration with the district authorities.
“Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards,” read the statement issued on August 1.
Believers worship during a Sunday service at an Anglican church in the Kacyiru, Rwanda, on Feb. 16, 2019. | The Christian Post/Samuel Smith
'There should be an intentional willingness to comply with the law. When we register faith-based organizations, we ask them to provide their structure. The education requirement is primarily targeted at the top personnel in the organizational structure,' clarified Kaitesi.
Banking, Real Estate & Technology, Headquartered in Rwanda
Mara’s technology ventures capitalizes on the rapidly growing smartphone and internet markets creating a suite of platforms that are tailored locally.
Why Africa? “The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle” by Ashish J. Thakkar is the true story of today’s Africa, one often overshadowed by the dire headlines. Traveling from his ancestral home in Uganda, East Africa, to the booming economy and (if chaotic) new democracies of West Africa, and down to the “Silicon Savannahs” of Kenya and Rwanda, Ashish J. Thakkar shows us an Africa that few Westerners are aware exists.
Mara Group & Mara Foundation
Africa Reach – An African company with investments and operations in 25 countries across the continent
Established in 1996, Mara has grown from a small computer hardware trading firm in East Africa to a multi-sector group with investments and operations spanning 25 African countries and 3 continents.
Why Africa? “The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle” by Ashish J. Thakkar is the true story of today’s Africa, one often overshadowed by the dire headlines. Traveling from his ancestral home in Uganda, East Africa, to the booming economy and (if chaotic) new democracies of West Africa, and down to the “Silicon Savannahs” of Kenya and Rwanda, Ashish J. Thakkar shows us an Africa that few Westerners are aware exists.
Mara’s technology ventures capitalizes on the rapidly growing smartphone and internet markets creating a suite of platforms that are tailored locally.
“The rise of the African Middle Class is expected to fuel consumption growth. This will provide a considerable opportunity to invest and meet the burgeoning demand. McKinsey projects that, by the year 2030, the top 18 cities in sub-Saharan Africa will have a combined spending power of $1.3 trillion. Africa’s retail banking sector is projected to grow 40 percent by 2020” ~The Realities of Africa. Learn More.