This week, we publish Tal Ben Yakir's profile of Joe Christa Giraso, Rwanda's only known landscape architect, highlighting her career journey and advocacy for the profession. Giraso's passion for landscape architecture stemmed from a childhood love of nature and her father's encouragement, despite initial challenges including a lack of recognition for the profession in Rwanda and societal expectations. Her work combines architectural design with environmental protection, focusing on creating sustainable and equitable spaces, particularly in rural areas. Giraso's story underscores her resilience and determination to establish landscape architecture in Rwanda, inspiring future generations and promoting a deeper connection between people and nature. She hopes to see the field flourish, contributing to Rwanda's development while preserving its natural beauty.

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Cappuccino, a newsletter, argues that amidst the global economic uncertainty, thoughtful analysis is lacking in public discourse. The writer advocates for a space where nuanced and informed discussions can take place, rather than relying solely on social media soundbites. He critiques the "conservative versus liberal" dynamic and calls for a "radical centre" where evidence-based policy meets social responsibility. The article also features a list of films and TV shows recommended by the author.

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This article from The Kigalian, a publication focused on Rwandan culture and society, explores the experience of attending a football match at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The author, Gilbert Rwabigwi, uses the game between A.P.R. and Pyramids FC as a lens to examine the social dynamics, fan culture, and broader potential of the stadium as a gathering space. He reflects on the passion and dedication of fans, the sense of community, and the opportunity for the stadium to transcend its role as a venue for sports and become a more inclusive hub for diverse events and activities.

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A review of Nimko Ali’s 2019 book, What We’re Told Not To Talk About (But We’re Going To Anyway), published on The Kigalian. The review praises Ali’s book for its honest and immersive portrayal of the experiences of forty-two women, highlighting their struggles with social norms, traditions, and their own bodies. The reviewer argues that the book is particularly valuable for men, as it offers a unique perspective on the challenges women face, thereby promoting understanding and empathy. The review concludes by recommending What We’re Told Not To Talk About as a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience, arguing that it should be compulsory reading for everyone.

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This article from The Kigalian is a personal reflection by Amandine Manywa on the current state of the world. She shares her feelings of despair and helplessness as she witnesses global suffering, particularly in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. However, Manywa finds solace in prayer and encourages readers to seek comfort in their communities and faith, reminding everyone that collective action can make a difference despite the challenges we face.

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This article argues that Rwandan youth need to be actively involved in politics to ensure the country's continued progress and prosperity. The author highlights the challenges of Rwandan politics and the need for young people to engage with the system, urging them to understand how Parliament works and to consider roles in local government. He emphasises the importance of their involvement in shaping the future of the nation, drawing upon President Paul Kagame's call for young people to participate in politics. The author acknowledges the need for positive change in Rwandan politics and suggests that young people are uniquely positioned to drive this change.

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A book review of "Reconciliation Is My Lifestyle" by Antoine Rutayisire, a Rwandan author and preacher. The review highlights Rutayisire's experiences growing up amidst ethnic conflict in Rwanda, culminating in the genocide of the 1990s. The book explores his personal struggles, including the loss of his father, the discrimination he faced as a Tutsi, and his ultimate embrace of faith, which he credits with helping him find solace and purpose. The reviewer, Gilbert Rwabigwia, praises Rutayisire's ability to convey his story in an engaging manner, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond those with a Christian background.

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The article, written by a former global macro trader and arbitrageur, argues that African nations and businesses should adopt wartime financial strategies to avoid potential pitfalls in the global economy, which is currently entangled in several conflicts. The author highlights three key strategies: interest rate hedging, energy price hedging, and contract arbitrage. These strategies, he argues, can help African nations and businesses secure long-term financing, ensure access to energy, and benefit from pricing discrepancies in different markets, thus allowing them to navigate the economic uncertainties of the current global landscape.

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The article, "The Changing Taste of Kigali's Coffee: A Roast Conundrum", discusses the shift in preference for darker roasts of Rwandan coffee in Kigali. The author, Brian Gatera, expresses concern that this trend may overshadow the unique delicate flavours of Rwandan beans. He argues that while dark roasts provide a bold flavour, medium-dark roasts offer a balance of sweetness and bitterness that complements the subtle nuances of Rwandan coffee. The article encourages readers to explore different roast profiles and support roasters who prioritise quality to preserve the distinctive flavours that have made Kigali's coffee scene renowned.

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We have used Google's NotebookLM to generate a podcast which answers a rather interesting question: What exactly is The Kigalian?

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