Development Partners Group Reaffirms Commitment to Rwanda's New Leadership and Strategic Priorities

In a significant gathering on Friday, the Development Partners Group convened for their first meeting following Rwanda's recent general elections and the swearing-in of the newly elected President, Prime Minister, and 80 Members of Parliament, including the new Speaker. The meeting set the stage for renewed collaboration between development partners, as the country advances into its next phase of growth and transformation, it is poised to harness new opportunities while addressing emerging challenges." “On behalf of all Development Partners in Rwanda, I would like to say hearty congratulations to His Excellence President Paul Kagame on his inauguration for another term in office,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator. 

“In his speech, Mr. President was very categorical about the degree of ambition that Rwanda has. So as Development Partners in our meeting, we have reaffirmed our full commitment to support the journey that Rwanda wants to walk over the next five years.

Agriculture: The Backbone of Rwanda's Economy

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, nearly 69% of households are engaged in agriculture, and an estimated 400,000 people are employed in agri-food systems. This sector is crucial for social transformation, women’s economic empowerment, and youth employment.

The Ministry states that Agriculture development has contributed to about two-thirds of the poverty reduction achieved between 2001 and 2017. In 2023, the sector accounted for 27% of GDP and about 34% of exports. 

During the Development Partners meeting, Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources made a presentation on the key elements of the new Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5). 

“The strategies that we had before were only tailored to Agriculture, taking agriculture and livestock development as one sector. But now we are taking a wider multisectoral approach and considering agri-food systems and integrating climate resilience.” 

Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024

The Development Partners Group meeting also discussed the forthcoming Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AFSF). 

“ We looked at how Development Partners can participate in creating opportunities, leveraging the deal room, for different kinds of stakeholders and potentially investors in Rwanda,” said Mr. Ojielo. 

The Africa’s Food Systems Forum- AGRF, is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African food systems forward.

“It is a great opportunity to update the Development Partners in Rwanda on the Africa Food Systems Forum, which will take place in Rwanda from 2nd to 6th September 2024. They are part of those who support the Government but also they are connected to their headquarters. It is timely to provide the progress of the preparation but also the leadership which different Partners can bring to this Forum” said Mr. Amath Pathe Sene AGRF Managing Director. 

At the highest strategic level, the Forum is pivotal in supporting the continental agricultural agenda, and it will measure progress in alignment with the African Union’s leadership by reviewing data from the CAADP Biennial Review to understand which countries regions, and sub-sectors of the agricultural system are improving over time and which need more focus. Furthermore, the AGRF’s programmatic focus and platforms will be structured to effectively respond to emerging needs and continue driving progress in the most impactful way. As the world evolves, we are challenged to embrace new technologies and innovative ways of thinking. Yet, despite the relentless pace of change, our commitment to transforming Africa's food systems from scarcity to abundance remains unwavering.  "The Africa Food Systems Forum provides a timely and well-suited platform, designed to galvanize political will and drive forward the policies, programs, and investments necessary for achieving an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems..

Health Security: Addressing the Mpox Threat

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing upsurge of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in a growing number of countries in Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). 

During the Development Partners Group Meeting, Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Rwanda Representative, gave a briefing on the Global and Regional Mpox situation, including WHO and other partner support to countries. Dr. Edson Rwagasore, Division Manager in charge of Public health surveillance and emergency preparedness and response at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) gave the national update and reassured partners that the government has the outbreak is under control.

As Rwanda embarks on its new National Development Programme (NST2) and the UN with the new Cooperation Framework, the meeting served as an opportunity to renew joint efforts in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Rwanda.   

“ We are looking forward to five years of impactful collaboration between Development Partners and the Government of Rwanda” concluded Ojielo.