Kagame addresses 10,000 youth at BK Arena as Rwanda tackles cybersecurity, water and farming challenges

KIGALI, Oct 21 – President Paul Kagame met more than 10,000 young people at BK Arena on Wednesday in a wide-ranging engagement focused on health, addiction and social values, as Rwanda simultaneously grappled with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, delayed rains affecting farmers and improvements in its water distribution network, according to The New Times.

Kagame used the youth forum to deliver several pointed messages to the next generation. He urged young people to prioritise their health and well-being before pursuing other ambitions, warning that poor health can undermine their ability to develop, The New Times reported. The president also called on youth to take personal responsibility for overcoming harmful habits, particularly alcohol and drug abuse, saying lasting change requires individual commitment. He further encouraged young people to think critically about shifting social norms, including dressing styles, saying society has a role in shaping values and determining what is acceptable.

On the economic and infrastructure front, Rwanda's Water and Sanitation Corporation, WASAC, reported a significant improvement in water management. The utility's non-revenue water rate, which measures water lost through leaks and other means before it generates income, has fallen to 30 percent from a previous level of 45 percent, The New Times reported. The decline follows government efforts to repair ageing pipes, detect leakages and improve water distribution systems across the country.

Cybersecurity and agriculture also featured prominently in the day's developments. Experts warned that businesses in Rwanda must strengthen their cybersecurity systems and prepare to recover quickly from attacks, emphasising that early detection and effective response are critical, according to The New Times. Separately, delayed rainfall has been disrupting planting across Rwanda, leaving some farmers counting losses and others racing to sow crops weeks into the September-to-December growing season. Scientists are turning to artificial intelligence to improve weather forecasting in response to the increasingly unpredictable conditions, The New Times reported.

On the diplomatic front, Kagame on Tuesday received Germany's Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Serap Güler, for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Germany, The New Times reported. Meanwhile, Rwandans are preparing to bid farewell to celebrated singer Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa, who died on October 16 at the age of 83 following an illness. She is set to be laid to rest at Rusororo Cemetery on Saturday, October 24, according to The New Times.