Rwanda’s stability key to development – Shyaka

THE CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Prof. Anastase Shyaka, on Tuesday said that the country`s stability is a notable step achieved that automatically translates into sustainable development.

Thursday, December 06, 2012
The CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Prof. Anastase Shyaka. The New Times / File.

THE CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Prof. Anastase Shyaka, on Tuesday said that the country`s stability is a notable step achieved that automatically translates into sustainable development.Shyaka was addressing a news conference about the findings of the latest report by Gallup Inc, a respected international research-based performance management consulting firm, which rated Rwanda as the safest place to live in Africa."In any country, where there are no conflicts, it (stability) is the first step towards development in all the other sectors; based on the conducive working environment that also attracts investors,” Shyaka said.He explained that the security measures taken that have resulted in stability and good governance have and will continue enabling the population to work hard to fight poverty.Shyaka said that the various initiatives government has put in place will effectively work towards building its capacity, and that of the population in addressing the challenges that still remain.Findings in the report dubbed, Global States of Mind; New Metrics for World Leaders, indicate that 92 per cent of Rwandans feel safe living in their country than before.This, the reports says, is highly attributed to the current leadership, according to the independent views of Rwandans in the country, about what they think of their leadership.According to the report, which was released last month, among the countries in Africa that are not safe, Gabon and Zimbabwe top the list. The report puts the two countries at 39 per cent, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho and South Africa at 38 per cent.However, the report indicates that there is need for African countries to come up with measures that will enable citizens to meet their needs, including food and shelter as well as improving their general well being.The report points out basic services that include health, social networks, personal, economics, happiness and productivity. According to the report, no African country appears on the list of countries with low levels of suffering.This has also resulted into Africans moving from one country to the other due to scarcity of local opportunities. Speaking about the way forward, Shyaka said that for Rwanda, the government will continue building on the various initiatives aimed at improving further the welfare of the population.Among others, he pointed out the education system that is now focused at creating job creaters rather than job seekers."The vocational training education system, which is currently being promoted, will bring hope and create many opportunities, especially for the young generation; and this will directly impact the well being of citizens,” he said. He also added that the Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy 2 will help reduce poverty levels further and create more opportunities for citizens.