Rwanda Roundup: Marburg contained, mpox vaccines, scientific discovery about trees

Discovery about trees

Rwandan scientists have identified two tree species, Senna siamea and Gliricidia sepium, as viable options for generating clean electricity to help meet the country's goal of 100% electricity access by 2030. These fast-growing trees have high wood density and calorific values, making them efficient alternatives to fossil fuels. The initiative, led by Bonaventure Ntirugulirwa from the Rwanda Forestry Authority, aims to sustainably address energy needs in rural areas, while also improving soil quality, mitigating climate change, and alleviating poverty. The project emphasizes farmer participation in cultivating biomass for energy production. Meanwhile, testing for biomass heating value has commenced, with additional analyses required abroad for other key elements. The approach has garnered praise for its potential to resolve food shortages and electricity gaps in rural communities, Tech Xplore reports.

Leader in ADR

Rwanda has emerged as a leader in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank's recent Business Ready report. The nation has established effective mechanisms such as community mediators (Abunzi), court-annexed mediation, and plea bargaining, allowing for swift and amicable resolution of disputes. In the fiscal year 2023/2024 alone, over 12,000 cases were resolved through ADR, saving an estimated Rwf7.5 billion. Judicial spokesperson Harrison Mutabazi emphasized that a robust ADR framework enhances the business environment, making Rwanda more attractive to investors by preventing protracted legal battles. Since its implementation in 2012, the judiciary has focused on training, with a recent opening of an ADR centre in Nyamirambo underscoring this commitment, reports The NewTimes.

Marburg disease contained

The Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda has been contained, with no deaths reported in the last three weeks and two stable patients remaining under care, according to Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on November 1. Key updates include a 22.7% case fatality rate, over 6,000 tests conducted, and more than 1,600 vaccine doses administered. The virus's source was identified as fruit bats in a cave, which has now been sealed off from human contact. As of October 31, Rwanda recorded 66 cases, including 49 recoveries and 15 deaths. Weekly updates on the outbreak will begin on November 1, as reported by The NewTimes.

Tourism in Rwanda

In the first half of 2024, visitors to Rwanda spent $267.71 million on goods and services, a nearly 12% increase from $236.2 million in the same period of 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The Travel Expenditure Survey revealed that in Q1 and Q2 of 2024, travel credit (expenditures by visitors) totalled $267.71 million, while travel debit (expenditures by Rwandan residents abroad) amounted to $168.8 million. A significant portion of travel credit (84.4%) came from air transport. According to The NewTimes, holiday spending was the largest category, accounting for 48% of total travel credit, with average daily expenditures of $173 for air travellers and $66 for land travellers. The survey's findings are intended to inform policymakers and businesses for better decision-making and enhance travel experiences.

Mpox vaccination progress

Over 50,000 people have been vaccinated against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, according to the WHO. Despite this, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with the African Union warning of a potential pandemic worse than Covid-19. Over 1,100 deaths and 48,000 cases have been reported in Africa since January, with the majority of deaths occurring in the DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, Barron's reports.