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Strengthening Legal Expertise: CJA’s Training for Young Legal Professionals in the JCTP
Strengthening Legal Expertise: CJA’s Training for Young Legal Professionals in the JCTP

In February 2025, Certa Foundation, through its Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), conducted an intensive training program for legal professionals as part of the Judicial Clerkship Training Program (JCTP). This initiative aimed to enhance the skills of lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners in handling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) cases, ensuring justice for survivors through a rights-based approach.

Enhancing Legal Practice through IECMS: CJA Staff and Pro Bono Lawyers Training
Enhancing Legal Practice through IECMS: CJA Staff and Pro Bono Lawyers Training

On January 23, 2025, Certa Foundation, through its Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), conducted an IECMS training for staff and pro bono lawyers at its headquarters. Led by Me. Bagirishya Vedaste, the session aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to efficiently navigate the updated Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), ensuring improved access to justice and streamlined case management.

Financial Empowerment for GBV victims: Tinyuka Power Up Project & Equity Group Foundation International
Financial Empowerment for GBV victims: Tinyuka Power Up Project & Equity Group Foundation International

On February 12, 2025, Certa Foundation, through its Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), in partnership with Equity Group Foundation International, held a financial literacy training for 17 GBV victims with disabilities in Musanze District as part of the Tinyuka Power Up Project, funded by Ministère des Affaires étrangères français.

Empowering Communities to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Kirehe District
Empowering Communities to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Kirehe District

On February 25, 2025, Certa Foundation, through its Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), participated in the official launch of community forums in Kirehe District, Mahama Sector under the theme: “Twubake umuryango utekanye; Twite ku buzima bwo mu mutwe; Turwanya ihohoterwa rishingiye ku gitsina” (Building a Safe Family; Prioritizing Mental Health; Combating Gender-Based Violence)

Café Juridique – Expanding Business to Rwanda
Café Juridique – Expanding Business to Rwanda

On February 28th, the Café Juridique webinar provided entrepreneurs and investors with expert insights on navigating Rwanda’s business landscape, investment opportunities, and regulatory frameworks. Hosted in collaboration with Innovation Spark, the session explored Rwanda’s startup-friendly ecosystem, which is ranked among the strongest in Africa.

Shaping Fintech’s Future: CLI at the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2025
Shaping Fintech’s Future: CLI at the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2025

This February, The Center for Law and Innovation team attended the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2025, held from February 24th to 26th at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali.

Release of the Shaping the Future of AI in Africa: Policy Brief & Key Insights from the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting
Release of the Shaping the Future of AI in Africa: Policy Brief & Key Insights from the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting

On February 20, 2025, the Center for Law and Innovation at Certa Foundation published a policy brief outlining the outcomes of the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting on Innovative Governance and Capacity Building, held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2024. This document highlights the challenges, opportunities, and policy directions necessary for shaping AI governance and capacity-building efforts across the continent.

Certa Foundation at the Africa Tech Summit 2025, Nairobi
Certa Foundation at the Africa Tech Summit 2025, Nairobi

The Africa Tech Summit 2025 took place on February 12th and 13th at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together over 1,600 tech leaders from more than 65 countries. The event convened key players, including tech corporates, mobile operators, fintechs, DeFi and crypto ventures, investors, leading startups, regulators, and other industry stakeholders.

Pre-Residency Audits for New Resident Startups
Pre-Residency Audits for New Resident Startups

This month, our startup residency incubator welcomed a new cohort of 10 resident startups. As part of our commitment to providing customised legal support, our team conducted pre-residency audits to assess each company's legal standing, identify potential risks and understand their specific needs.

Training on International Pro Bono Ethics and Professional Values for Law Students: A Transformative Experience
Training on International Pro Bono Ethics and Professional Values for Law Students: A Transformative Experience

On February 26-27, 2025, the Certa Foundation, in partnership with Advocates for International Development (A4ID) and the UK aid, hosted a groundbreaking training program under the theme "International Pro Bono Ethics and Professional Values for Law Students." The event, held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together law students, legal practitioners, and experts to explore the critical role of pro bono work in advancing access to justice and fostering ethical legal practice. The two-day training was designed to introduce law students to the fundamentals of pro bono legal work, emphasizing its ethical dimensions and the responsibilities of pro bono lawyers. The program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in the field of pro bono services, while also inspiring them to pursue careers focused on social justice and public interest law.

Bridging the Gap Between Legal Theory and Practice: Judicial Clerkship Training Program’s 3rd Cohort
Bridging the Gap Between Legal Theory and Practice: Judicial Clerkship Training Program’s 3rd Cohort

Certa Foundation has successfully concluded the 3rd Judicial Clerkship Training Program cohort, marking another milestone in our mission to equip the next generation of legal professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Over 10 intensive days, 30 dedicated students immersed themselves in a dynamic and rigorous training experience designed to bridge the gap between legal theory and practical application.

CLI Attends the Launch of Kenya AI Guiding Principles
CLI Attends the Launch of Kenya AI Guiding Principles

On 29th January 2025, our Director, Ridwan Oloyede, attended the Kenya AI Statement of Principles Workshop in Nairobi, a pivotal event shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance in Africa. The workshop, themed "AI in Africa," brought together policymakers, international partners, and industry leaders to discuss Kenya’s AI strategy, statement of principles, and data governance framework. The Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Ed Barnett, emphasized the need for responsible AI governance, highlighting the UK-Kenya AI partnership. At the same time, French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, praised Kenya’s dynamic tech ecosystem and its role in driving AI for social good.

Representing CLI at the AI Action Summit in Paris
Representing CLI at the AI Action Summit in Paris

Our Director, Ridwan Oloyede, recently attended side events at the AI Action Summit in Paris, engaging with global leaders, policymakers, and experts on the future of AI governance. These discussions highlighted the urgent need for balanced policies that foster innovation while ensuring AI safety and accountability.

Contributing to the First-Ever International AI Safety Report
Contributing to the First-Ever International AI Safety Report

The Center for Law and Innovation is proud to have contributed to the first-ever International AI Safety Report, a landmark initiative backed by 30 countries, the OECD, the UN, and the EU. This comprehensive report summarizes the state of the science on AI capabilities, risks, and mitigation strategies, offering policymakers an evidence-based, balanced perspective on AI governance.

Completion of the Internal Negotiation Competition - Empowering the Next generation of Negotiators
Completion of the Internal Negotiation Competition - Empowering the Next generation of Negotiators

As part of our commitment to capacity building under the Professional Development Program, the Center for Law and Innovation (CLI) at Certa Foundation launched the second edition of the National Negotiation Competition. This initiative gives law students across Rwanda a platform to develop practical negotiation skills and reinforces the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in legal practice.