Rwanda is revising its development cooperation policy to build deeper, more strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2050, says Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa. Murangwa said the new shift aims to prioritise high-impact, sustainable projects over traditional aid models. He said this during the annual Development Partners Retreat, held in Rubavu District from February 18-20, convening government leaders and development partners to shape Rwanda’s new framework with development partners. Discussions at the meeting were centered on the draft Rwanda Development Cooperation Policy, which is set to replace the 2006 Aid Policy. The event began with a visit to the Muhira Model Village located in Muhra Cell, Rugerero Sector. Housing 150 households. The village serves as a blueprint for sustainable settlement projects which the government intends to scale up nationwide. Minister Murangwa told reporters on Thursday that the government is now targeting larger, high-impact projects with its development partners. He explained that the new approach shifts from traditional aid to deeper, more strategic partnerships that reflect the country’s current stage of development. We want to see all development partners engage in large-scale projects that align with government policies—moving away from minor, scattered initiatives toward efforts that provide visible, impactful results, Murangwa said. He also called for a stronger role of the private sector in advancing sustainable projects under the Vision 2050 roadmap. According to him, the Rwanda Development Cooperation Policy “marks a significant evolution” from the 2006 Rwanda Aid Policy and reflects our nation’s transformation over the past two decades.” This policy is about working together differently, Murangwa said. It moves from scattered projects to joint efforts that are designed here in Rwanda and driven by our own long-term vision. We are entering a new phase in our development journey.” The proposed policy is also expected to prioritize climate financing, mobilize new sources of investment, and accelerate digital transformation as well as supporting the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and ensure every partnership delivers real, measurable impact. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator, praised the initiative, identifying Rwanda as “the first country in Africa to be thinking along these lines.” It is a massive opportunity to create something different and new for Rwanda, Ojielo said in his remarks. It recognizes that to achieve real scale and lasting change, we must work as one. We are fully invested in supporting the government through this process. Ojielo further emphasized that the rest of the continent should look to Rwanda as a model for defining their own independent development pathways. “We are going to promote this policy; we are going to share the experience of the Rwandan example to other African countries, through my office and bilateral partners and Rwanda cooperation,” he added. Over the next two years, officials said, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning will work alongside partners to phase in this new approach.
