AGP Executive Report

Kigali Creative Spotlight: A National Geographic Traveller feature puts Kigali on the map as a rising creative capital, mixing gorilla-tourism hype with real city art—like the Niyo Arts Center’s motorcycle-part sculpture and ever-changing murals. Media & Entertainment in the Region: Nation Media Group Uganda is back on air after a month-long shutdown, with Taifa Group confirming the phased return of TV, radio, print and digital services—good news for East Africa’s audiences and creators. Digital Payments & Storytelling: AfricaNenda Foundation trains journalists across Rwanda and other countries to better explain inclusive instant payments, aiming to boost trust and adoption of digital money systems. Youth, Democracy & Culture: New African Youth Survey findings show young Africans are optimistic about the future but demand jobs, accountability and a democracy model that fits African realities—fuel for youth-led media and arts conversations. Sports Business: FIFA’s Infantino faces UEFA backlash over plans to package the World Cup into a private-investor company, keeping football governance in the headlines.

Kigali Creative Spotlight: A National Geographic Traveller feature spotlights Kigali’s fast-rising arts scene, from the Niyo Arts Center’s recycled-material sculpture and vibrant murals to the city’s growing pull for culture-hungry visitors. Digital Payments & Media: AfricaNenda Foundation is training journalists across Rwanda and other countries to better explain inclusive instant payments, aiming to boost trust and adoption of digital finance. Sports & Global Attention: Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 season could end in Europe if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are disrupted by the Iran conflict, with a decision due by mid-September. Regional Media Power Move: Uganda’s Nation Media Group is set to resume operations after President Museveni’s authorization, ending a month-long shutdown that hit TV, radio, print and digital platforms. World Cup Politics: FIFA President Gianni Infantino doubles down after criticism, attacking “hate and false rumours” about the tournament as UEFA challenges FIFA’s plan to commercialize World Cup governance.

World Cup Business Row: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino says critics are “spreading hate and false rumours” after the tournament, while UEFA fires back that FIFA can’t “sell” football—amid plans for a $20bn private-investor company to run World Cup commercial activities. Regional Media Watch: Nation Media Group Uganda is back on air and in print after a month-long shutdown, following authorization linked to President Museveni and support from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with Taifa Group confirming the restart. Rwanda in the Spotlight (Culture): Addis Ababa hosts “Unity,” a major exhibition opening July 29 alongside the World Public Summit Africa, featuring artists from Rwanda and across the continent. Rwanda Sports Moment: Commonwealth Games action includes Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru winning bronze in the women’s 10,000m, while UK-based Megan Keith misses the podium in the 10,000m. HIV Progress & Funding Pressure: UNAIDS highlights that Kenya, Rwanda and others cut new HIV infections sharply since 2010, but warns funding cuts could reverse gains.

Rwanda Sports Spotlight: Tusker FC kicked off the CECAFA Kagame Cup with a tough 2-0 loss to Al Hilal at Amahoro Stadium, with Kamaradini Mamudu and Salim Adams scoring as Julien Mette’s side struggled to respond. Commonwealth Games Buzz: Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru won bronze in the women’s 10,000m in Glasgow, finishing behind Rose Davies (gold) and Diana Wanza (silver). Rwanda Entertainment & Culture: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of events, hospitality, and community impact. Pan-African Media: Maxima Media Group launched the Foodies Choice Awards, a consumer-voted food and agriculture platform spanning Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, with nominations open and an inaugural ceremony planned for Lagos in November. Global Football Talk: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino hit back at critics after the World Cup, saying “hate and false rumours” drowned out the tournament’s “joy and togetherness.”

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Australia’s Meg Harris dethroned Mollie O’Callaghan in the women’s 100m freestyle in Glasgow, while Rose Davies won the women’s 10,000m gold; Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru took bronze. Rwanda Sports: Tusker FC began their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign with a 2-0 loss to Al Hilal at Amahoro Stadium, with the Brewers set to bounce back against Rayon Sports. Media & Entertainment Business: Maxima Media Group launched the Foodies Choice Awards across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, opening nominations for food and hospitality players. Film & Cinema: Bigger Motion confirmed Rwanda’s Cine Mayaka as a stop for the East African theatrical run of “Memory Of Princess Mumbi,” with other venues listed across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Music & Culture: Ugandan gospel creator Mungu Feni won Best Gospel Artist Content Creator of the Year at the 2026 Africa Content Creators Awards in Kigali, highlighting the growing digital shift in African music. Global Football Talk: FIFA President Gianni Infantino hit back at critics, saying “hate and false rumours” drowned out the World Cup’s “joy and togetherness.”

World Cup Media Clash: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino hit back at critics a week after the final, saying they spread “hate and false rumours” while he praised the tournament’s “joy and togetherness.” Kigali Hospitality Milestone: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali marked 10 years since opening in 2016, celebrating a decade of events and community impact. Rwanda Justice Spotlight: Malawi NGO Gender and Justice Unit won the 2026 Segal Foundation Fighting for Fairness Award for its women-focused community justice work, including the EmpowerLine legal tech tool. Film & Screens in Rwanda: Bigger Motion confirmed Kigali’s Cine Mayaka as a venue for the East African cinema run of sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi.” Community & Youth Development: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Bugesera (with a second opening in Kigali), bringing education, childcare, health, sports, digital learning and vocational training under one roof. Sports in Kigali: Mount Kigali University won the inaugural Rwanda Varsity League Football title after an unbeaten run.

Big Brother Naija Season 11: The show is back with 24 housemates chasing a record ₦160m prize, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu under the “Everything Is For The Taking” theme, with a top winner taking home ₦100m plus an SUV. Rwanda on the big screen: Bigger Motion has confirmed cinema venues for the East African run of sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” including Cine Mayaka in Kigali (showtimes to be released closer to each screening week). Rwanda community spotlight: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera, with plans for 30 hubs nationwide—bringing learning, childcare, health, sports, digital training and vocational skills under one roof. Rwanda sports: Mount Kigali University celebrated an unbeaten run to win the inaugural Rwanda Varsity League Football title, beating EAUR 3-0 in the final. CECAFA Kagame Cup build-up: Tusker FC arrived in Kigali ahead of the 2026 Cecafa Kagame Cup, starting group play at Amahoro Stadium. Media training: Rwanda journalists were urged to avoid biased crime reporting during a Fojo Media Institute training.

Community & Youth Services: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera, with plans for 30 hubs nationwide—bringing childcare, health, ICT learning, vocational training, sports and entrepreneurship under one roof. Film & Cinema: Bigger Motion confirmed Rwanda’s cinema stop for the sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi” at Cine Mayaka, Kigali, as the film rolls out across East Africa in Aug–Sep 2026. Rwanda Sports: Mount Kigali University crowned inaugural Rwanda Varsity League Football Champions after an unbeaten run, beating East African University Rwanda 3-0 in the final. Rally Spotlight: “Super Lady” Muwonge made a strong international start after finishing Best Woman Driver and earning a podium in the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally. Media & Ethics: Rwanda journalists were trained to avoid biased crime reporting, with legal experts stressing the presumption of innocence. Music & Digital Growth: Ugandan gospel creator Mungu Feni won Best Gospel Artist Content Creator of the Year at the 2026 Africa Content Creators Awards in Kigali, highlighting streaming-driven regional reach.

Rwanda Sports: Mount Kigali University (MKUR) crowned the inaugural Rwanda Varsity League Football Champions (2025–2026) after an unbeaten run, sealing the title with a 3-0 win over East African University Rwanda at Kamena Stadium in Huye on June 28. East African Cinema: Bigger Motion has confirmed cinema venues for the regional big-screen tour of sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” with Rwanda audiences set to watch at Cine Mayaka in Kigali (showtimes to be released closer to each screening week). Community & Youth Development: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera, with a second hub opening in Kimisagara, and plans for 30 hubs across Rwanda—bringing education, childcare, health, ICT learning, vocational training, sports and entrepreneurship under one roof. Rwanda Media & Ethics: Journalists were urged to avoid bias in crime reporting during a Crime Reporting training in Rwanda, stressing that reporting should inform the public without sounding like verdicts. Rwanda Talent Spotlight: Ugandan gospel creator Mungu Feni won Best Gospel Artist Content Creator of the Year at the 2026 Africa Content Creators Awards in Kigali, highlighting the growing digital reach of East African music.

Rwanda Community Boost: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera, with 30 more planned nationwide—bringing education, childcare, health, sports, digital learning and vocational training under one roof. Rwanda Digital Banking: NCBA Bank Rwanda rolled out NCBA NOW (mobile banking for individuals) and NCBA ConnectPlus (business platform), aiming to make payments and corporate finance easier without branch visits. Rwanda Sports Spotlight: Tusker FC arrived in Kigali for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, using the tournament to build match fitness ahead of the SportPesa League and CAF Confederation Cup. Media & Music Across East Africa: Ugandan gospel creator Mungu Feni won Best Gospel Artist Content Creator of the Year at the 2026 Africa Content Creators Awards in Kigali, highlighting how streaming is shifting music power beyond traditional hubs. Crime Reporting Training: Rwanda journalists were urged to avoid biased crime coverage and stick to balanced, ethical reporting that respects the presumption of innocence. Film & Creative Finance: Investors and producers gathered in Cape Town for the inaugural African Film Investor Roundtable, pushing more funding into African cinema.

Kigali Nightlife & Culture: Hottempah Collective is back with the third edition of “Tunataka Ku Enjoy” in Kigali, a two-day festival mixing live music, food, fashion pop-ups and DJ sets. Sports (Rwanda-focused): Tusker FC arrived in Kigali for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, using the tournament to sharpen fitness and team chemistry ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup; they open Group C against Al Hilal at Amahoro Stadium. Media & Ethics: Rwanda journalists are urged to avoid biased crime reporting after a Fojo Media Institute training stressed that suspects must be treated as innocent until a court decides. Tech & Business (Rwanda): NCBA Bank Rwanda launched NCBA NOW (mobile banking for individuals) and NCBA ConnectPlus (business platform) to expand branch-free banking, with performances by artist Ariel Wayz. Human Stories: Rwanda says 289 trafficking victims were rescued and repatriated, with authorities citing awareness campaigns and prosecutions as key tools.

Rwanda Digital Banking: NCBA Bank Rwanda has launched two new platforms—NCBA NOW for personal customers and NCBA ConnectPlus for businesses—aimed at branch-free payments, bill handling, and real-time corporate transaction visibility, with performances by local artist Ariel Wayz at the Kigali Convention Centre. East Africa Music Spotlight: East Africa’s music scene is getting bigger global attention, with Kenya announcing global recorded-music giants (Sony, Universal, Warner) setting up offices in Nairobi—an effort to strengthen the regional recorded-music ecosystem. Kigali Nightlife & Entertainment: A new piece asks what Kigali needs to unlock its full nightlife and entertainment potential, pointing to gaps that could be holding back the city’s cultural energy. CECAFA Kagame Cup Build-Up (Rwanda): Tusker FC coach Julien Mette says the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali is the perfect tune-up for their return to continental football, with the Brewers drawn against Al Hilal, Rayon Sports, and KVZ SC. Holocaust Memorial Day Music: The HMD Harmony music competition is open, encouraging a new generation of musicians to engage creatively with Holocaust Memorial Day lessons. Human Stories in Entertainment: A feature on Hottempah Collective’s Tunataka Ku Enjoy festival previews Kigali’s two-day mix of live music, food, fashion pop-ups, and DJ sets.

Kigali Nightlife & Entertainment: A new piece asks what Kigali still needs to fully unlock its nightlife and entertainment potential, pointing to gaps that could shape how the city sells culture after dark. Rwanda Festival Buzz: Hottempah Collective is back with the third edition of “Tunataka Ku Enjoy,” a two-day Kigali festival mixing live music, food, fashion pop-ups and DJ sets. Music for a Cause: The HMD Harmony Music Competition is set to run through November 9, encouraging a new generation of musicians to engage creatively with Holocaust Memorial Day. Sport in Focus: Tusker FC see the CECAFA Kagame Cup (starting July 24 in Kigali) as the right CAF Confederation Cup rehearsal, while Nigeria’s Falconets push for peak fitness and a winning mentality ahead of the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup. Human Stories: Authorities say 289 Rwandan trafficking victims were rescued and repatriated after exploitation abroad. Art Across Africa: Ethiopia hosts the “Unity” exhibition and the inaugural World Public Summit Africa, bringing together contemporary artists from 16 countries including Rwanda. Film & Media: New movies open in Memphis as “The Odyssey” continues its run, alongside wider debate about entertainment and culture.

CECAFA Kagame Cup Build-Up: Tusker FC coach Julien Mette says the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup is the “perfect” rehearsal for their CAF Confederation Cup return, with the Brewers heading to Kigali for the July 24–Aug 7 tournament to sharpen fitness, chemistry and tactics. Football Officiating: Russian referees may start getting assignments across Africa, Asia and Latin America, with Rwanda’s sports minister previously expressing hopes for a Rwanda–Russia national team match. Kigali Festival Buzz: Hottempah Collective is set to return for the third edition of “Tunataka Ku Enjoy,” a two-day Kigali festival mixing live music, food, fashion pop-ups and DJ sets. Music & Media for Memory: The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust launches the HMD Harmony Music Competition, inviting a new generation of musicians to create works linked to Holocaust Memorial Day. Sport Rewards in Rwanda: betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus keeps winning teams paid fast, with instant mobile money payouts now reaching clubs across Rwanda and other East African countries. Visa-Free Travel Update: Nigerians can travel visa-free or with VOA/e-visa to 44 destinations, including Rwanda.

Kigali Festival Buzz: Hottempah Collective is back with the third edition of “Tunataka Ku Enjoy,” a two-day Kigali festival mixing live music, food, fashion pop-ups and DJ sets. Music & Memory: A Holocaust Memorial Day music competition, “HMD Harmony,” is launched to bring in a new generation of musicians; entries close Nov 9. Sports Sponsorship: Bank of Kigali’s Rwf1bn-a-year sponsorship deal with Rayon Sports is set to boost the club’s push on the pitch and in branding. Football Prep in Kigali: Tusker say the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali is the right test as they fine-tune ahead of continental football. Media & Streaming: eMedia expands its digital footprint with Openview Stream, adding more FAST-style viewing options. Travel & Culture: Visit Rwanda appoints NBA rising star Nate Ament as a global ambassador, aiming to lift Rwanda’s tourism visibility worldwide. Tech for Entertainment: Amazon and Starlink’s satellite push to Africa is stirring fresh conversations about connectivity for media and entertainment.

Rwanda Sports & Tourism: Visit Rwanda has named NBA rising star Nate Ament as its Global Ambassador in a new ELLVEE partnership, with multi-year plans to promote Rwanda through basketball development and youth programmes. Football & Sponsorship: Bank of Kigali has sealed a landmark Rwf1 billion-a-year sponsorship deal with Rayon Sports, boosting the club’s financial muscle ahead of the season. Film & Media: Kigali is set to host SIGNIS World Congress in August, with Bishop Bibi leading a Buea delegation to the first-ever African edition focused on digital communication, cultural harmony and AI ethics. Arts & Culture: Rwanda’s Kiswahili Language Day celebrations drew 583 participants in Sweden, highlighting growing cultural exchange. Entertainment Tech: eMedia expands its digital footprint with Openview Stream and FAST streaming, pushing more content access across the region. Regional Sports Prep: Tusker are using the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali as a key test ahead of continental football.