Food Systems Finance in Kigali: IFAD and Equity Group launched the $200m Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM) to help East African smallholders and rural MSMEs access climate adaptation funding, targeting about 260,000 farmers across Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with at least half women beneficiaries. Investor Confidence & Market Access: NADF’s Mohammed Ibrahim told the Africa Food Systems Forum that Africa’s agriculture bottleneck is not capital but low investor confidence and weak, credible institutions—calling for predictable markets, reliable data and stronger linkages. Trade Barriers Block Food Flows: AUDA-NEPAD’s Nardos Bekele-Thomas urged Africa to dismantle cross-border trade and logistics barriers so surplus can reach deficit areas, warning that fragmented food markets keep prices high and processors underused. Rwanda’s Health Tech Push: A Rwandan startup, NEEM Company, unveiled a smart insole to detect diabetic foot risks early, aiming to reduce ulcer-related amputations. Rwanda-Oman Deal Momentum: President Kagame is set to visit Oman (Sept 7–8) as both countries deepen cooperation in aviation, logistics, digital tech and infrastructure, including new direct flights. Regional Governance & Civic Participation: Rwanda’s National Women’s Council partnered with Kigali Today to run civic education ahead of elections, focusing on getting women and youth to participate and vote.