KIGALI - The annual high-level meeting between the government and its development partners starts today with major focus on predictability of funding to Rwanda’s poverty reduction strategies.

President Paul Kagame will open the Development Partners’ Meeting (DPM) today at Serena Hotel Kigali.

At least 400 top diplomats from various development partners are expected to attend the meeting to debate with a team of government representatives.

 During the conference, the government and its development stakeholders will review this year’s progress in economic performance and policy development on poverty reduction.The conference will be held under the theme: ‘Stimulating growth and poverty reduction through strong partnerships and sound economic governance.’

Also to be represented at the meeting is the private sector and the civil society.  

A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said: "The purpose of the meeting is to provide a framework for predictable funding to successfully implement Rwanda’s newly introduced Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).”

The meeting will also discuss regional integration, decentralisation, public service delivery, justice and reconciliation.  Meanwhile, the visiting British Minister for International Development, Shriti Vadera, has called on Rwanda’s development partners to increase their assistance to the country.

Vadera, who arrived in the country on Saturday to attend the meeting, is due to deliver a statement.

Vadera said: "If Rwanda is to cut the number of people living in poverty by a third in the next five years, it needs accelerated and sustained growth which includes the poor and appropriate assistance from its development partners.” 

The UK currently provides bilateral assistance to Rwanda totaling £46 million each year of which £31 is provided as direct support to the national budget.  It provides the biggest donor funding to the government.
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