RCO Rwanda and DCO Convene Game-Changing Cooperation Framework Briefing with Regional Directors

Over 15 Regional Directors attended a thought-provoking briefing meeting on Wednesday, organized by the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda and DCO Africa. This was an important opportunity for the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Rwanda to present the status of the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and share strategic asks with the Africa Regional Collaboration Platform for better coordination and synergy in delivering impactful results.

Chaired by DCO Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Yacoub Ali El-Hillo, the meeting emphasized the critical need to break silos and enhance the UN’s strategic positioning.

Breaking Silos for Greater Impact

“This is an opportunity to interact and strategize how we can better position ourselves to support Rwanda’s priorities. I had an opportunity to attend the UNCT Rwanda retreat a couple of months ago, and the message from the Rwandan government was crystal clear: they expect the UN to move beyond a scattered, tiny project-based approach and instead operate in synergy, truly integrated at scale, to deliver bigger and more meaningful impact. That is why this conversation is very important for Regional Directors and UNCT members to fully align interventions as you implement the new Cooperation Framework,” said Mr. El-Hillo.

Rwanda’s Socio-Economic Development: Resilience Amidst Challenges

Rwanda’s economic and social progress continues to be remarkable, showcasing resilience and growth even after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy rebounded strongly, achieving 10.9% GDP growth in 2021, and stabilized at 8% by 2023—well above regional averages. Key sectors driving this growth include services, construction, and manufacturing, with notable advancements in technology and food crop recovery. The projected growth for 2024 remains strong at 8.3%, despite potential risks such as the Marburg Virus Disease.

Social indicators have also improved significantly. Rwanda’s Human Development Index (HDI) reflects advances in health, education, and income, with GDP per capita rising from USD 710 in 2014 to an estimated USD 1,040 in 2023. Life expectancy has increased from 64 to 70 years, and nearly universal primary school enrollment has been achieved. Rwanda is a leader in healthcare, with maternal mortality reduced to 180 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality to 35 per 1,000. Over 90% of the population now has access to quality healthcare through universal health coverage, further reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable development.

“Though there are some challenges on security and relations in the region, there is a strong commitment, and we are having different kinds of conversations with the government and development partners on how we programmatically work together to promote citizen-to-citizen engagement across borders,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.

The UN Rwanda Cooperation Framework

The impressive socio-economic progress in Rwanda presents both challenges and opportunities that require the UN to work differently. To respond effectively, the UN Rwanda Cooperation Framework (CF) has been developed, informed by trends such as Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation and the UN’s guiding principles.

The process involved several steps:

1. The development of the UNSDCF Conceptual Framework
2. The elaboration of the UNSDCF Strategic Offer
3. UNSDCF Strategic Offer

“We had to look at various parameters, global, continental, and regional orientation. We were inspired by the National Strategy for Transformation, and we also looked at the programming around the five Ps. We focused on transformative entry points that would catalyze an integrated approach to contribute to the Government’s aspirations,” said Mutinta Nseluke Hambayi, Chair of the Programme Management Team and Deputy Country Director of WFP Rwanda.

“We had to strategically look at what outcomes would be high-level and represent all of us, all of our mandates. We had to agree to disagree and finally found a common understanding,” Mutinta added.

The new Cooperation Framework is structured around three pillars: Economic Transformation, Social Transformation, and Transformational Governance. Three transitions—food systems, jobs and social protection, and education—play a central role, while three other key enablers—Digital Connectivity, Energy Access and Affordability, and Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Pollution—will support the framework’s objectives.

Rwanda's Vision and UN Rwanda's Commitment

“The ambitions of the Rwandan government are high and clear. The most important thing is that the senior government officials I spoke to appreciated UN Rwanda’s collective support. I am very much impressed by this new Cooperation Framework,” said Etleva Kadilli, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Speaking from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Etleva added, “At the end of the day, it's our collective mandate that counts. In Rwanda, with 60% youth, we must go beyond pilots and scale proof of concepts. Tackling education without addressing stunting is not the way forward—it’s about working smartly, in joint efforts, with political will and strong government support!”

UN Rwanda’s Strategic Asks to Regional Directors

Under the leadership of Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNCT Rwanda presented 8 strategic asks that align with key development priorities such as climate action, regional integration, labor mobility, macro-economic policy support, health, gender equality, data-driven decision-making, and country-centric approaches.

He urged the Regional Directors to deploy experts in the RCO who will help tackle some of the most pressing challenges outlined in the asks.

“We have put together these asks to you, and we are asking you to please join us in engaging in a business-as-usual approach. If anyone has doubts about the direction of travel for the UN, I would ask them to look at the recent political transitions in several countries and what it means for us as the United Nations System. We are almost in an existential struggle, and now we need to prove ourselves. Our request is that you use UN Rwanda as your testing ground for a new UN configuration,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.

Regional Directors expressed strong support for these strategic asks and affirmed their commitment to help UN Rwanda achieve its goals.

“As UN-Habitat, you can count on us. We are bringing our expertise in affordable housing to Rwanda. We’ve seen the power of collaboration, and we are committed to helping Rwanda’s vision take shape. We have realized our commonalities—working together is key. The government is seeking innovative ideas, and the UN must be poised to lead in this crucial space,” said Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of Sub-Regional Office, East and Horn of Africa, UN-Habitat.

“Rwanda normally sets the bar high, so Ozonnia and the UNCT have taken it even higher. I’m not surprised because I know that’s exactly what Rwanda demands of us. We are committed to supporting the vision expressed in the new Cooperation Framework,” said Matthias Naab, Director, UNDP Regional Service Center, Addis Ababa.

UNCT Without Borders: A Call for Regional Collaboration

During the meeting, Ozonnia emphasized the critical need for UNCTs in the region to collaborate beyond borders while addressing common challenges.

“This is the leadership we need. Countries in the region face both challenges and opportunities, and we are eager to collaborate beyond borders. Working together with UNCTs in the region will be key in supporting both refugees and host communities. Count on us for full support!” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes.

At the conclusion of the meeting, DCO Regional Director for Africa Mr. Yacoub Ali El-Hillo reiterated the importance of working together across borders.

“Thank you, Ozonnia and the UN Country Team, for this very rich conversation. I suggest we reconvene mid-next year to see how things are progressing,” he concluded.

The meeting was a powerful step towards fostering greater synergy within the UN System in Rwanda. The regional directors who attended represent a diverse range of agencies, including WFP, OCHA, UNICEF, ITU, UNFPA, UNAIDS, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, IFAD, UNHCR, UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNESCO, WHO, FAO, and UNECA. Their collective commitment to breaking silos and working collaboratively will be crucial in implementing the new Cooperation Framework. By aligning efforts and leveraging each agency's expertise, the UN Country Team in Rwanda is poised to drive meaningful and impactful change, in line with the country's ambitious development goals.