Rwanda in the next seven years (2017-2024)

Introduction

2017 was a highly political year for Rwanda, with Presidential elections in the summer, that resulted in the election of His Excellency President Kagame for another 7-year term, and consequently the appointment of a new Prime Minister. It was also a year where Rwandans reflected on what has been achieved for the past 7 years (2010-2017) and set new targets for the next 7 years, as reflected in the 7-year Government Program (2017-2024). Article 119 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2015 requires the Prime Minister to formulate Government programs in consultation with other Cabinet members and present Government programs to Parliament within thirty (30) days from taking office. The Right Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, presented to Parliament the 7-year Government Program on September 26, 2017.

The 7-year Government program coincides with the implementation of the remainder of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2, 2013-2018), Vision 2020, which ends with year 2020, and will also cover the first four years of a new 30-year Vision for the period up to 2050, otherwise known as Vision 2050.  The implementation instrument for all the above will be the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). The NST1 also embraces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which consists of 17 Goals with around 170 targets and indicators, across a range of economic, social, and environmental issues; the Africa Union Agenda 2063 and its First 10-Year Implementation Plan (2014-2023) which is dedicated to the building of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, and representing a dynamic force in the international arena; and the East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, which focuses on initiatives for job creation and employment.

The National Strategy for Transformation

The National Strategy for Transformation is built on 3 pillars: Economic Transformation, Social Transformation, and Transformational Governance.

The Economic Transformation Pillar: The Overarching objective of the Economic Transformation pillar is to: Accelerate inclusive economic growth and development founded on the Private Sector, knowledge and Rwanda’s Natural Resources.

Specific objectives:

  • Create decent jobs for economic development and poverty reduction
  • Accelerate Urbanization to facilitate economic growth
  • Promote industrial development, export promotion, and expansion of trade related infrastructure
  • Develop and promote a service-led and knowledge-based economy
  • Increase agriculture and livestock quality, productivity and production
  • Sustainably exploit natural resources and protect the environment

The Social Transformation Pillar: the overarching goal for the Social Transformation Pillar is to Develop Rwandans into a capable and skilled people with quality standards of living and a stable and secure society.

The pillar has 5 broad objectives;

  • Move towards a Poverty Free Rwanda.
  • Ensure a Quality Healthy Population
  • Develop a Competitive and Capable Rwandan Population
  • Ensure Quality of education for all aiming at building a knowledge-based economy
  • Transition to a Modern Rwandan Household in urban and rural areas

The Transformational Governance Pillar: The overarching goal for the Transformational Governance Pillar is to consolidate Good Governance and Justice as building blocks for equitable and sustainable National Development.

The transformation governance pillar has the following broad objectives:

  • Consolidate values and unity of Rwandans, committed to a self-reliant and peaceful Rwanda
  • Strengthen partnerships between Government, private sector, citizens, NGOs and FBOs to fast track national development and people centered prosperity
  • Strengthen capable and responsible public institutions committed to citizens’ advancement and efficient service delivery
  • Establish legal frameworks that spur economic development and instill fairness, transparency and accountability across institutions and individuals
  • Strengthen foreign policy that is driven by economic diplomacy, regional cooperation/Integration and Pan Africanism
  • Strengthen capacity of security institutions/organs to preserve national security and protect Rwandans, as well as actively participate in socio economic development of the Nation.

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