evelopment Partners Position for AFS Summit 2024: Transforming Food Systems, Driving Innovation, and Unlocking Investments in Kigali

At their regular monthly gathering on Friday 16th August 2024, 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. 

Agriculture: The Backbone of Rwanda's Economy 

With the realization of the crucial role of the agriculture sector in social transformation, women’s economic empowerment, and youth employment, the DPs held a policy dialogue to unpack how to better position their efforts in building resilient and sustainable Agri-food Systems. 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” he said.

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. Whilst nearly 69% of households are engaged in agriculture, and an estimated 400,000 people are employed in agri-food systems. 

The PSTA5 emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and nutrition through three key priorities: modernizing agriculture and animal resources, improving market linkages and post-harvest management, and strengthening enablers for effective food systems. It aims to scale up climate-smart agriculture, expand irrigation, improve nutrition and storage, enhance extension services, drive research, and commercialize agriculture. 

AgriHubs and Animal Hubs will foster synergies among stakeholders, while digital technologies and strong partnerships are essential for progress. As the Africa Food Systems Summit approaches, Partners are urged to align efforts, establish legacy programs, and engage in a collaborative approach to shape Rwanda's sustainable agri-food future.

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.