Summary of DFID’s work in Rwanda 2011-2015

Rwanda has achieved tremendous progress since the devastating genocide of 1994. By 2020, the Government of Rwanda aims to complete the country’s transformation from a poor, post conflict nation to a thriving, middle income, regional trade and investment hub.

Rwanda uses aid very well, both in terms of the results it achieves and accounting for its use.
The country, however, still faces huge challenges. 45% of Rwanda’s people live in poverty, and those living in rural areas are extremely poor – partly because 86% of Rwanda’s population still relies on agriculture for a living.

Although women are well-represented in government institutions (more than half of Rwanda’s  MPs are women), and girls’ attendance at primary and secondary school exceeds that of boys, women are more likely to be extremely poor than men.

That we will achieve
In the next four years UK support will help:
 525,000 of the poorest people in Rwanda to get a job, or financial support to meet their basic needs;
 45,000 children to complete basic education and ensure it’s of a quality which enables them to pass their national exam at the age of 14;
 4 million men and women have their land registered so that they legally own it and are able to invest in it to improve its productivity and raise their incomes;
 1.25 million men and women to have choice and control over their own development and to hold decision-makers to account.Summary of DFID’s work in Rwanda 2011-2015 September 2013

Who we will work with

The UK will provide funding and technical expertise to increase investment in Rwanda and invigorate the private sector, improve poor peoples’ access to services, increase the accountability of the state to its people, and address potential causes of conflict and fragility.
Working through the Government of Rwanda is an important component of DFID’s programme. Government delivers key services to its people, and its systems are strong.
As well as working with the Government of Rwanda, DFID works closely with the private sector to help Rwanda develop economically. DFID also works closely with civil society organisations to increase their ability to engage directly with the Government of Rwanda on issues such as the allocation of public resources, the quality of services and reconciliation.

How we will work 

More than ever, in the current financial climate, we have a duty to show that we are achieving  value for money in everything we do. Results, transparency and accountability will be our  watchwords and we are determined to get value for money for every hard-earned taxpayer pound spent on development.

Transparency International judges Rwanda to be among Africa’s least corrupt countries, while the 2010 ‘Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Assessment’ carried out by donors,documents an impressive and fast-improving public financial management system.

But the well monitored financial environment for aid co-exists with constraints on political rights and freedom of expression, and regional instability.

The UK’s political discussions with the Government of Rwanda will focus on ensuring the country’s development becomes increasingly inclusive, so that Rwanda’s success can be sustained. It also focuses on Rwanda’s role in securing long term, sustainable peace and security in the region.

DFID