ISSUE Also speaking at the opening session was Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Di- Monthly rector of the International Trade Centre. She explained that Africa remains RWANDARWANDAFULFUL Roundup of the continent with the greatest promise. “Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s Rwanda’s second fastest-growing continent in economic terms, with GDP rising by an Stories average of 6% per year,” she said. 3838 TheThe HagueHague Ms Aranchez said that Sub-Saharan Africa’s demographics held great prom- August & September 2014 ise with young Africans’ entrepreneurial spirit and technology and innova- tion on the rise. Africa has become the second most attractive investment destination in the world and the continent’s rapid urbanisation, expanding middle class and increasing household expenditures are creating millions of President Kagame opens World Export consumers.
Africa is already taking its place as the market of the future and local SMEs Development Forum in Rwanda can seize the opportunity to increase local value addition and begin selling to markets in the region. She noted that SMEs will play a large role in cre- ating the 500 million jobs needed by the year 2030 to meet the demand of the growing global working age population.
Ms Gonzalez also announced the launch of ITC’s e-learning SME Trade Academy, which is now accessible to all from the ITC website. “The e- learning platform puts ITC’s expertise in the hands of entrepreneurs who want to tap into potential trade opportunities through practical online training and export related courses coupled with mentoring,” she said.
Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer, Francis Gatare, said that Rwanda shares the same vision as the ITC – that a vibrant private sec- Developing countries will need to significantly change their mindsets for their economies to transform. Speaking tor is the only way trade-led growth and development can be achieved. during the opening session of the World Export Development Forum in Kigali on 16 September, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said that it was important for SMEs in developing countries to shift their mindsets in three key areas: believing that they can do it, not giving up and seeing competition as an opportunity rather than a problem. To achieve economic transformation, developing nations will have to believe in themselves, exercise hard word and resilience and develop the productive capacities of citizens, and their economies. “Our path to prosperity may be harder and slower than it was for others, but there is no country that is so isolated and disadvantaged that it cannot find some competitive edge in the global economy,” President Kagame said. “However, to find the right trade niche requires not only hard work, but also resilience in the face of setbacks and disappointments. If the path were easy or obvious, it would have been discovered already.”
President Kagame added that to overcome geographical and other disadvantages, we must benchmark ourselves EMBASSY OF THE against the best in the world, not just against similar economies. He said that the government’s role remains find- REPUBLIC OF RWANDA The Hague ing ways to help people learn the lessons of competition faster and share them quickly. Pointing out that real www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw wealth is in the mind and not on the ground, the President noted that building a competitive, modern economy [email protected] requires smart investments in human capital, and productive knowledge. Rwanda remains the most competitive economy in the region President Kagame visits Gikomero residents in Gasabo District
Rwanda maintained its position as the most competitive economy in the East Afri- President Kagame met on 9 September over 25,000 residents of Gikomero sector and neighbouring sec- can region and third in Africa, according to a new Global Competitiveness Index tors in Gasabo District. He told the gathering at a community stadium in Munini cell to continue the hard report. work so as to achieve self-reliance.
According to the 2014-15 World Economic Forum annual report released this week, Rwanda ranks 62nd globally with aggregate 4.3 out of seven. It is one of the four African economies in the top 75 most competitive countries out of 144 surveyed, the others being Mauritius (39th), South Africa (56th) and Botswana (74th).
According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Clever Gatete, Rwanda deserved the position because the country has maintained its impressive growth rate. "Our aim is to rank on top position and accelerate our country’ s growth. We are not resting; we are aiming higher for better and sustainable results that will benefit each and every Rwandan citizen," he noted.
The report ranks Rwanda 18th with best structured institutions globally. On aver- age, Rwanda’s macroeconomic environment scored 4.6 aggregates out of a possible In his speech President Kagame called on residents to aspire for high productivity in every income- seven, while health and primary education registered 5.5 aggregates. Competitive- generating activities they do. He also asked the residents to work in cooperatives because it is the easi- ness was also recorded in financial markets (4.30), technological readiness (3.1), est way to access finance and markets. “The government will provide necessary infrastructures and business sophistication (3.80), and innovation (3.5). working environment but it’s the duty of people to use those facilities for their own development. It is very easy for business to prosper when people join hands and resources. We should target to become The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 assesses the competitiveness of self reliant because we cannot keep on surviving on donors’ mercy,” said president Kagame landscape of 144 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. The report series remains the most comprehensive assessment of During his visit President Kagame reminded leaders to think about the people they are serving first. The national competitiveness worldwide. It is, therefore, crucial to address these struc- visit was also marked by a Q&A session where many residents asked various questions but also many tural challenges to ensure more sustainable and inclusive growth. More than ever, who thanked the leadership for key development programs that have changed their lives like Gira Inka cooperative leadership among business, government and civil society is needed to among many others. re-establish sustainable growth and raise living standards throughout the world. Gahima Celestin is a resident of Karambi cell in Gikomero. He received a cow from the Gira Inka program and since then he has not only improved his families wellbeing but has also gave its 2 calves with his neighbors. He now gets enough milk for his family and sells some to cover other needs. He added that he also benefited from VUP program and later received training in modern agricultural schemes that he used to plant his own banana plantation and now supplies key restaurants in the capital.
Facts about Gasabo district Population: 16.740 residents Gikomero: Is the origin of Rwanda Cells : 5 cells Villages 20 villages Agriculture: Banana, Beans, Maize and Greens. East Africa Tourist Visa launched in the Netherlands by the Ambassadors of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda
Tourists visiting the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda find it easy and cheaper after the three countries created one seamless tourist destination with the launch of the East African single joint visa.
The launch was celebrated at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague on Thursday 11 September 2014 organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda and the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya. Rwandan Ambassador H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ugandan Ambassador H.E. Mirjam Blaak-Sow and Kenyan Ambassador H.E. Rose Makena Muchiri officially unveiled the East African Tourist Visa, attended by more than 250 guests.
The new cross-border visa simplifies travel arrangements for holidaymakers, as well as creates a new brand for the whole region and open up opportunities for joint marketing campaigns. Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda are famed for their wildlife, which will, through the introduction of a joint visa, boost regional travel, adding value to the tourism products of the three countries and highlighting the diversity of East Africa. The introduction of the single tourist visa is a result of a joint initiative and decision made by the Heads of State of the respective countries.
More information about the East Africa Tourist Visa on the website of the Embassy: http://www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw/index.php?id=255 Explore opportunities in Rwanda at AfricaWorks on 16 & 17 October
The application form for the East Africa Tourist Visa can be downloaded here: The Netherlands African Business Council (NABC) and the African Studies Centre (ASC) will be or- http://www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw/uploads/media/ ganizing the second edition of the Africa Works! conference on 16 and 17 October at the Holiday EAST_TOURIST_AFRICA_VISA_FINAL_01.pdf Inn in Leiden, the Netherlands. The aim of Africa Works! is to strengthen the dialogue between the private and public sector, NGOs and knowledge institutions to form partnerships on the African continent. To apply the East Africa Tourist Visa online, go to: http://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=233 Ambassador Karabaranga from the Rwandan Embassy in The Hague and Ambassador Cuelenaere from the Dutch Embassy in Kigali will be present with their teams on both days to meet potential investors and business companies.
Furthermore here will be: * More than 500+ participants * Over 100 business participants from Africa * Opportunity to meet Dutch and African Ambassadors at their Country Stands * Network App to have all the participants on your mobile during and after the conference * More than 35 workshops to attend * Possibility to transfer your ticket to a colleague for the second day! * High Level Speakers such as Minister Ploumen, Board member of Rabobank, CEO of Vlisco Group & Vice presi- President Kagame attends UN Climate Summit Address by President Kagame at the 69th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly On 23 September President Kagame attended the Climate Summit held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly. The UN Cli- We are living through a period of unprecedented progress in human development. The success of the Millennium mate Change Summit, hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Development Goal framework demonstrates that international cooperation remains strong, though we wish the ex- brought together world leaders to mobilize political will for a universal pected results would come faster. and a legally-binding comprehensive agreement. The agreement is ex- Even on climate change, if the public and private sectors work together to increase investment in scientific research, pected in Paris by the end of 2015. The meeting was attended by 100 we can look forward to a future where countries no longer have to choose between green energy and economic Heads of state as well as over 800 leaders from business, finance and growth. civil society. While we work on building peace and well-being in Africa, crises elsewhere in the world have aroused grave concern.
Efforts to address them seem to have little effect, and in some cases may even make things worse. In a statement issued during the summit, Rwanda shared its vision for Two critically important public goods have been consist- sustainable energy: “We want to produce and consume more, not less. ently undervalued by the international system in its ap- But we want to do so sustainably and affordably. Ultimately, it is about proach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding: These are faster progress for our people.” physical security and national identity. President Kagame and the President of the EU Commission, José Manuel When security breaks down, the human costs are enor- Durão Barroso signed the Sustainable Energy Declaration Agreement. mous. Extremists and opportunists are empowered. Citi-
zens lose faith in public institutions, as grievances are In an effort to create solutions to climate change challenges, Rwanda settled in the street. As a result, sustainable gains in good established FONERWA, a national fund for environment and climate governance cannot be made change which has raised $75 million in one year. It takes time and patience to build a better politics. There are no short-cuts. We are dealing with real people who
want change, but with continuity and safety. They must be fully included in the process of consensus-building. The fund is considering various funding mechanisms, including research This is because structures of governance that are not developed from within will not take root. We should encourage and development, carbon pricing as means to raise funds to invest in full ownership and partnership, and the approach of international institutions and member states should take these low carbon energy. To date, Africa is only using 12 percent of the world’s realities into account. hydropower potential and is currently exploiting less than 10%. In countries that have only known peace, such arguments may sound self-serving. But they are not, because lives are
at stake. The second neglected element is national identity. This is just as important. To manage the diversity in our Through carbon financing, Africa would be able to harness renewable societies, politics must be national in scope. Whatever differences we may have, our common citizenship is a bond energy by selling carbon credits to larger emitters. The one- day Summit that unites us. aimed to galvanize transformative action in all countries to reduce emis- sions and build resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Negative experiences of nationalism have created doubt about affirming patriotism and national identity. However, next summit will be held in Lima, Peru ahead of the one slated for Paris. what we see around the world today is that national identities are too weak, not too strong. As a result, ethnicity, region, and religion become the dominant currency of politics, and nations are torn apart. International systems should encourage efforts by governments and civil society to strengthen national unity. In Rwanda, we have focused on building accountable governance institutions, and renewing our dignity as a nation. As a result, Rwandans today are among the most optimistic and civic-minded people in the world. For us, stability is not an abstraction, it is a reality that abides in the minds and hearts of the people, and the institu- tions they build to sustain it. Once achieved, the horizon expands from poverty reduction, to wealth creation, and the attainment of ever higher measures of human development. Thus, our task in the international community is not to manage conflicts, but to help prevent and end those conflicts. If we focus on keeping people safe, and bringing them together to solve their problems, we will be able to do so. Imihigo 2014/2015 to address key government priorities
On 12 September all ministers, district mayors and governors signed their 2014-2015 Imihigo (performance contracts) before the President of the Republic Paul Kagame.
Performance contracts for the fiscal year 2014/2015 will focus on increasing citizen welfare, good governance practices and improving economic performance at a grass roots level. As well, the Imihigo will focus on accelerating Rwanda’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy by focusing on critical areas.
The Minister of Local Government Francis Kaboneka presented key planned activities for Imihigo of the year 2014/2015 that fit in the country’s priorities as established in EDPRS 2. “Key develop- ment areas like energy, agriculture, education, social welfare, agriculture and environment protection will form the base of this year’s Imihigo”, he said. All set activities are in line with the broad perspective of accelerating economic transformation, increasing productivity and youth employment, expediting rural development as well as accountable governance.
President Paul Kagame called all leaders to fulfill what they prom- ise in their performance contract. “Imihigo is a performance con- tract between leaders and those you serve. Citizens will continue to hold you accountable. As leaders, you must put your words into action and walk the talk” he said adding that “ It is the leaders responsibility to solve challenges faced by citizens in an efficient and just manner”.
President Kagame said Imihigo should be helping to build on what has been achieved to propel further development and citizens’ welfare. “We must uphold a culture of accountability. The progress we have made is not an excuse for complacency. Let us look ahead and work to accomplish even more with every step that we take”.
This time, the way imihigo evaluation was done has changed making it more scientific and reflecting results that change thelives of Rwandans, as it was done by a third party. For the ended year, the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research Rwanda with the input from Rwanda Governance Board did the exercise, which also included the view of each district’s population. “The evalu- ation results show that the average score for the last fiscal year performance for district is 75.7%, while it stands at 66.5%” said the Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi, complementing that “the performance is below the set targets”. Some of the activities carried out highlighted by last fiscal year’s evaluation include: “the construction of km 51.6 tarmac roads, 78,112 new households got electricity, a million and half got clean water, construction of 2,010 classrooms; ha 47,638 terracing; 33,715 cows distributed as part of One cow per family. In a survey by Rwanda Governance Board, 74% of Rwandans has expressed they appreciate government services”.
Speaking at the gathering, the Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi reminded that performance is delivering quality service to citizens. “Whatever we do, people’s welfare is our top priority and they expect quality service delivery,” adding that “quality service delivery is a key indicator of good governance”. The district of Kicukiro was ranked the first, the district of Ngoma the second while both Ngororero and Huye districts were ranked third for fulfilling their Imihigo. Gatsibo district was ranked the 30th, making it the last perming district.
Imihigo was re-initiated by Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, in March 2006. This was as a result of the concern about the speed and quality of execution of government programs and priorities. The government’s decentralisation policy required a greater accountability at the local level. Its main objective was to make public agencies and institutions more effective and accountable in their implementation of national programs and to accelerate the socio-economic development agenda as contained in the Vision 2020 and Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strate- gy (EDPRS) policies as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 3rd Umuganura festival: Rwandans encouraged to aim at Akagera National Park celebrates 80th anniversary high productivity
On 1 August 2014 Rwandans celebrated for the third time the cultural event literally known as Umuganura (cerebrating the first harvest). First Lady Jean- ette Kagame graced this day at Agahozo-Shalom Youth village in Rwamagana district.
The event was marked by different events including the carnival dance on different streets of Kigali, Inyambo parade (special traditional cows breed) at the Urukari ancient history museum and national cerebrations at the national stadium. This year’s Umuganura was celebrated under the theme "Umuganura" a Pillar to Self Reliance.
Speaking at the event minister of agriculture Geraldine Mukeshimana said Akagera National Park is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. The 1,122km2-wide park is the only protected that Umuganura was a traditional way of celebrating the agricultural produce savannah region in Rwanda. Akagera National Park is located in the North-East of Rwanda along the border with and an opportunity to plan ahead the productivity. “This is not just a day to Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of celebrate, it’s an occasion to look back and acknowledge how far we’ve lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. come, and look to an even more productive future as our theme tells. We need to work more and use technology in our daily works to meet the stand- Ambasador Yamina Karitanyi, Head of Tourism and Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board said: "As we ard of today’s world”. proudly celebrate 80 years of Akagera National Park—our oldest national park, our aim is to emphasise the role of government as well as communities in preserving our beautiful wildlife. Through these combined efforts, we have In Rwandan tradition, Umuganura was one of the most important ceremonies seen growth in term of animal population as well as diversity of fauna. This has also positively impacted the park’s performed by Rwandans at the beginning of every harvest season. This event revenues and well being of surrounding communities through increase of tourists over the years." came second to the most important ceremony in the Rwandan kingdom, In 1997, the park was downsized by two thirds due to land pressure from returnees after 1994. Despite the reduc- which was the coronation of the new King. tion in size it still thrives with high numbers of biodiversity. The Rwandan Government has prioritised the restora- In the Rwandan Tradition, the ceremonies were launched at the national tion of Akagera as a key development initiative for the country. For better management of Akagera National Park, level by the King – “Umwami”, at the village level it was officiated by the vil- in 2009, African Parks partnered with the Rwanda Development Board and created the Akagera Management lage chief and in the family by the head of the family. In the beginning of the Company, the entity responsible for the day-to-day management of the park. The new management is working to celebration of “Umuganura”, Rwandans mainly focused on the most appreci- take a business approach to issues of conservation within the park. ated seeds in Rwanda, which was sorghum and finger millet. Jes Gruner CEO of Akagera Management Company commended the role of Rwandans to protect and promote Akagera Park. He also noted that Akagera is among the few African parks to be visited by majority of nationals in big percentage. “If you consider the total visitors of Akagera Park, Rwandan nationals make up 53% of total visitors in 2013," he added.
Akagera Management Company plans also to reintroduce lions, black rhinoceros and roan antelope as a great importance to the development of Akagera National Park not only for the tourism product of the park, but also for the natural ecological functioning of the Akagera ecosystem. The recent census shows that Akagera National Park has more than 5,000 antelopes; 2500 buffalos; 60 giraffes; 90 elephants. The park also features many types of birds, reptiles and aquatic animals. The number of visitors of the park has raised from 15,259 in 2009 to 26,092 in 2013 with an increase of income from 205,000$ to 802,000$ respectively. "Rule of law is the foundation for sustainable development" -President Kagame Government official take oath of office at the opening of the 2014-2015 Judicial Year
On 5 September 2014 President Paul Kagame officiated the opening of the Judicial Year at Parliament. This President Paul Kagame officiated the swearing in ceremony of various government opening also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the justice sector reforms. officials including Cabinet Ministers, a senator, two MPs and the Deputy Inspector General of Police. This ceremony was held at the Parliament Building in Kimihurura. Speaking at the launch, President Kagame thanked members of the judiciary for their achievement from last judicial year but reminded them to stay focused because a lot remained to be done. ‘‘We all know that jus- Below, the list of government officials that were worn on 18 August. tice is an essential part of any country’s development journey. When a country upholds the rule of law, it gives the people the confidence that they are all equal before the law and that they are all equally protect- Ministers ed. The rule of law and justice system that every Rwandan trusts goes hand in hand with good governance 1. Hon. GASINZIGWA Oda, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Rwandans have chosen,” he said. President Kagame also warned those who may be tempted to think they 2. Hon. HABINEZA Joseph, Minister of Sports and Culture are above the law, saying that no one is above the law and no one should think it is within their right to un- 3. Hon. KABAREBE JAMES, Minister of Defence dermine the progress of every Rwandan. 4. Hon. NSENGIMANA Jean Philbert, Minister of Youth and ICT
The launch was also characterised by remarks from the Bar Association, the Prosecutor’s Office as well as Ministers of State the Chief Justice who discussed justice sector achievements over the last year. The President of Rwanda Bar 1. Hon. GASANA Richard Eugene, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Association, Athanase Rutabingwa spoke on the capacity building initiatives that lawyers have benefited and Cooperation from in the last year. He said that the Bar now has over a thousand members since when it was created 17 2. Hon. NSENGIYUMVA Albert, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education in years ago. The Prosecutor General, Richard Muhumuza explained various measures put in place to propel justice. He spoke of the establishment of special units including Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit, International Crimes Unit, Economic and financial crimes Unit and Gender Based Violence Unit. Prosecutor Muhumuza also said that ICT is being used in expediting the process of crime preventing, tracking and information sharing, which has increased the conviction rate from 76% in 2009 to 90.6% today while decreasing illegal detentions,from 1.24% in 2007 to 0.24% today. Chief Justice Sam Rugege presented some of the accomplishments of the sector saying that both Rwandans and international organisations have recognised the increasing performance of the justice sector.
The July 2014 Transparency International survey shows that 79% of Rwandans are satisfied with the perfor- Charge of TVET mance of the judiciary sector in handling all cases, while a survey by Rwanda Government Board two year ago showed 74,9% on the same matter. The The Global Competitiveness Report 2013 - 2014 ranks Rwanda’s Senator justice sector independence as Hon. Muhongayire Jacqueline 34 out of 144 surveyed coun- tries. The same report says Members of the Chamber of Deputies Rwanda justice on the 3rd place 1. Hon. Bushishi Giovanni in Africa and 1st in the East Afri- 2. Hon. Mukantagazwa Pelagie ca Community while it ranks 16 globally and 2nd in Africa in Deputy Inspector General of Police matters of efficiency in legal Mbarizamunda Juvenal framework in settling disputes. Rwanda celebrates the International Youth Day under the theme: The Embassy On Social Media "Youth and mental health for employment" Follow us not only on Facebook and Twitter, but also on Flickr and Youtube and The Ministry of Youth and ICT in partnership with National Youth Council have organised the International Youth Day 2014 in Rwanda under the be the first one to know the latest news theme “Youth and mental health for employment”. The aim of this international event was to discuss youth challenges and economic opportuni- from the Embassy. ties available in the various districts as it was concurrently observed in 10 districts of Rwanda. We invite our followers on social media to The Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana noted that our country has decided to portray the relationship between mental health, “like” our posts, react to them and post employment and youth empowerment as issues that matters for young people in Rwanda. "We have adopted a methodology whereby we will be relevant items on our Facebook page and in different sectors across Rwanda engaging the youth actively, listening to what they have to say, especially how they’re participating in differ- also to react on and re-tweet our tweets ent programs that the government has put in place for them especially the fight against drug abuse which is the main cause of mental health," he on Twitter. This way, you will help spread said. the emerging great story of Rwanda to those who do not yet know. The Minister also noted that that the National Employment Program will help the youth in Rwanda to create more jobs. The recently launched National Employment Program will help young people to to bridge the gap between training and employment and to avail more training oppor- Facebook: tunities especially technical vocational. This targeted education system will provide required skills to businesses and will increase employment www.facebook.com/pages/Rwanda- opportunities at all level especially in the community. This will subsequently lower the unemployment rate but also contribute to the creation of Embassy-in-The- the targeted 200,000 in the EDPRS2. Hague/151677708237339#! The overall objective of the International Youth Day 2014 is to celebrate role of youth as essential partners in change. It is also an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by youth as well as to encourage the general public to understand the needs of young people, to implement policies Twitter: that designed help youth to overcome the challenges they face. www.twitter.com/EmbassyRwandaNL
12 August was designated as International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999. It is an annual celebration of the role of young wom- Flickr: en and men as essential partners in change, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s www.flickr.com/photos/embassyrwandanl youth. Youtube: www.youtube.com/EmbassyRwandaNL Rwanda hosts international roundtable on sourcing from women owned Prime Minister presents Government priority programmes to businesses Parliament
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Anastase Murekezi presented on 4 August the Govern- ment Programmes to both houses of Parliament. Article 118 of the Constitution stipu- lates that the Prime Minister shall present Government programmes to Parliament within a period of thirty days after assuming office. This presentation comes after his recent appointment by President Paul Kagame on 23 July 2014.
The Prime Minister said that the Government Programmes are based on the National Vision 2020 as well as the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2). “The Government Programmes have four major pillars: govern- ance, justice, economic development and social welfare,’ he said. In the Governance sector, the Prime Minister said that the Government would continue to fight against any form of discrimination as well as corruption. He added that Rwanda aims to be The Fifth Senior Executive Roundtable on Sourcing from Women Vendors in Kigali was opened on 15 Sep- among the top ten less corrupt countries globally. tember by Oda Gasinzigwa, Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion. The event brought to- The Prime Minister also said that the Government will improve the agriculture sector gether over 50 decision makers in governments, corporations, trade support institutions and women’s by increasing the quantity and quality of Rwanda’s traditional agricultural exports of associations. It discussed the challenges and opportunities to enhance their operations, especially in rela- coffee, tea, and pyrethrum by 10 per cent every year and a target of 30 per cent annu- tion to procurement. ally increase in exports of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Farmers will also have addi- At the roundtable, the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched an initiative to increase the number tional access to loans as the government targets increased financing for agriculture public procurement contracts being awarded to women-owned businesses. In her remarks Minister projects. Gasinzigwa welcomed the initiative, emphasising that Rwanda still has some way to go despite its achievements in empowering women. “Some of the main causes of the limited share of women in access- The government will also continue to develop the manufacturing sector with a target- ing procurement contracts are limited information on procurement guidelines and regulations, limited ed 12 per cent annual growth to be translated into 20 per cent contribution to the knowledge about selection and bidding procedures and lack of affirmative action in the procurement GDP, from 15 per cent today. Electricity generation will continue to be a high priority regulations and procedures,” she said. with an increase in grid capacity from the current 119 MW to 563MW by 2017. Minister Gasinzigwa added that there is a need to come up with strategic policies to uplift women so that The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government will continue to put social protec- they can compete with their male counterparts. According to the ITC, only an estimated one percent of tion programmes on the top of the agenda. He pledged that programmes such as the public-procurement contracts globally are awarded to women owned business or women entrepreneurs. One-Cow-per-poor-family and the universal coverage of Mutuelle de Santé health To this the ITC Executive Director Arancha González said, “Women account for half the world’s popula- insurance scheme will be maintained and expanded. tion and have a concrete role to play in economic development.” She urged participants to work together to improve the one percent of public procurement that finds its way to women-owned businesses.
In addition to the initiative, a guide to help governments develop guidelines for public procurement was unveiled. The guidelines will facilitate the sourcing of more goods and services from women entrepre- neurs by addressing the challenges they commonly face in accessing and participating in public procure- ment. In Rwanda, the initiative is envisioned to help increase the participation of women-owned businesses, not only in public procurement, but also in public decision-making. In doing so, it will help Rwanda build on the work it is already doing to combat poverty and promote inclusive economic growth. President Kagame attends US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC
The US Africa Summit began its first day with the US Africa Business Forum bringing together leaders in the business sectors from both Africa and the United States to discuss opportunities for partnership.
Speaking on the panel titled “Game Plan: Shaping the Future of a Fast- Growing Continent” alongside President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Marzouki of Tunisia, President Zuma of South Afri- ca and President Kikwete of Tanzania, President Kagame highlighted the potential to turn Africa’s challenges into opportunities: “Through this partnership, imagine the kind of growth and development than can be unleashed. But there has to be grounds on which growth can translate into development. Each of the mem- bers in this partnership has responsibilities and a role to play.”
President Kagame emphasized the need for Africa to own up to its weaknesses and forge a way forward that ensures Africa becomes an equal partner: “We need to build our capacities and strengthen our institutions to avoid the over de- pendency that has been there for too long. We need to own up to our mistakes and weaknesses and contribute to our solutions. We need to tell our own story.”
President Kagame concluded his remarks with an emphasis on the need for African nations to work together: “There is not much time to waste in terms of building consen- sus and working together so that we partner with others rather than be dependent on them.”
The US Africa Business Forum was co hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The day focused on key areas including infrastructure, pow- er, agriculture, finance and capital investments and information and communication technologies. Speakers throughout the day included African business leaders Aliko Dan- gote, Ashish Thakkar, Strive Masiyiwa as well as US policy makers including National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Secretary of State John Kerry and US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.
The investment of US businesses in Africa following this conference is expected to total $14 billion in business deals that will benefit both Africa and the US. Among the issues advocated at the summit, the Obama administration announced efforts to extend the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act set to expire next year for another fifteen years. The previous day, President Kagame held an interactive discussion at the Aspen Institute in Colorado, on Rwanda’s journey of transformation.
Speaking to a gathering of leaders and members of the Aspen Institute, President Kagame shared Rwanda’s progress and challenges. President Kagame pointed to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi as a lesson for all Rwandans: “We came out determined and committed to reverse the situation. We looked each other in the eyes and asked one thing: who benefitted from Genocide? Not one single person or family benefitted from the Genocide. We could choose to work towards a common good or the common de- struction that we had already experienced.”
Speaking on the reconstruction process that followed the Genocide, President Kagame emphasized the importance of resilience: “For us, the question was what happens if we fail to achieve? There was no alternative. What Rwandans have achieved is because of the resilience of the people. Other people can help but no one will carry our burden for us.”
The interactive session brought together members of the Aspen Institute and was moderated by Elliot Gerson, the executive vice president of the Aspen Institute who defined Rwanda as “a coun- try of progress born out of suffering.” Elliot Gerson pointed to the 90% of children currently in school in Rwanda, the fastest growth rate in Africa and the growth in life expectancy by 20 years as some of Rwanda’s accomplishments. On the issue of women empowerment, President Kagame explained that the choice of empowering women is “simply common sense.” Rwanda’s economy grew by 7.4% up from 4.7% in the first quota Security Council members visit the Netherlands
The Rwandan economy is recovering from the slowdown of 4.7% registered in 2013 and is evolving toward achieving or even surpassing the projected growth rate of 6.0% by end 2014. This was revealed by the Gov- ernor of Rwanda Central Bank John Rwangombwa while issuing a statement on the state of monitory policy and financial stability in the country.
In the first six month of 2014, Rwanda’s economy grew by 7.4% in real terms compared to 4.7% recorded in the first six month of 2013. This good result was due to good performance in the three sectors of the econo- my. “The service sector realized the biggest growth of 8% compared to 4% registered in quota one of 2013. Agriculture and industry sectors also performed well, growing by 5% and 9% in 2014 quota one from 6% and 13% in 2013 quota one respectively.” The economic recovery in 2014 is further affirmed by the trend of turnovers for services and industry, the Composite Index of Economic Activities as well as in the new author- ized loans. In 2014, total turnovers of industry and services increased by 20.1% from 12.6% and 15.6% rec- orded in quota one of 2014 and quota one of 2013 respectively.” Rwangombwa noted.
The increase in turnovers for the service sector is due to good performance in trade services (20.6%), posts and telecommunications (101.1%) and banking & insurance companies (11.8%), which altogether represent 72% of the service sector. A delegation of the United Nations Security Council visited the Netherlands on Sun- In the industry sector, the increase in turnovers is mainly due to the good performance in construction day 10 and Monday 11 August, at the invitation of foreign minister Frans Timmer- (27.2%) and manufacturing (13.1%) with a collective share of 74% of the industry sector while energy and mans. Ambassador Karabaranga of the Embassy of the Republic Rwanda in The mining increased by 9% and 3,1% respectively. Hague participated on behalf of Rwanda.
The Composite Index of Economic Activities (CIEA) also shows an increase in economic activities during the In The Hague, the delegation met with members of the international courts and first half of 2014, rising in real terms by 6.4% from 4.6% and 0.3% in the first and second half of 2013 respec- tribunals and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. They also tively. The increase in turnovers for the service sector is due to good performance in trade services (20.6%), visited Prime Minister Mark Rutte. posts and telecommunications (101.1%) and banking & insurance companies (11.8%), which altogether rep- resent 72% of the service sector. In the industry sector, the increase in turnovers is mainly due to the good They were given a guided tour of the Peace Palace, where they had consecutive performance in construction (27.2%) and manufacturing (13.1%) with a collective share of 74% of the indus- meetings with representatives of the International Court of Justice, the Internation- try sector while energy and mining increased by 9% and 3,1% respectively. al Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Criminal Court and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The delegation arrived in The Hague on Sunday evening, and was briefed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Renée Jones-Bos, on the state of affairs concerning the MH17 air disaster.