Rwanda rated highly in governance survey

Rwanda has made great strides in good governance, especially in administrative and democratic systems, a new report has said.The report titled, “Financial Governance Report on Rwanda”, is the outcome of research conducted under the auspices of African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA).Rwanda was among five pilot countries for the project. Conducted over a period of two years, with the final draft report put together in February 2012, the survey was also conducted in Kenya, Mali, Mozambique and Tanzania, with the report billed “a tool for research on financial management in Africa.”It particularly points out Rwanda’s “efficient management” of the national budget, revenues, internal control systems, as well as “transparent external audits.”“Rwanda scored highly on the indicators in procurement governance. The dimension of inclusiveness recorded 56 per cent, openness 100 per cent, rule compliance 67 per cent, oversight 100 per cent and capacity 75 per cent,” the report states. “The results are indication of access and openness to information, best practice and transparency in the procurement process.”“Rwanda’s vision and leadership have proven that good visionary and goal-oriented leadership are the forces behind good financial governance,” a draft of the report sent to The New Times, reads in part.The report will be validated during a meeting in Kigali today, which will be attended by government officials, business leaders and civic groups.The Rector of AUCA, Eng. Abel Ngabo Sebahashyi, observed that the concept emphasises general ownership of a nation’s programmes by both the government and private stakeholders. “Rwanda has the political will, determination and vibrant legal system to transform present governance outlook to greater position but the financial and human resource are limited,” he added.Johnson Egwakhe, the Head of Research Team and Director of Quality at AUCA, said the survey was motivated by the need for African institutions to conduct research and publish statistics on Africa as opposed to statistics on Africa developed by the western world.“We do not belong to a sleeping continent that cannot do its own needful research. We realised that instead of mostly relying on data supplied by western bodies and governments, more African bodies should undertake relevant research on the socio-political and economic welfare of Africans,” Egwakhe said, in an interview.“Donors can use this research to fund projects, while governments can find areas they need to improve to realise all-inclusive development,” he added. The report indicated that Rwanda needed to improve the role of its private sector in development as well as public access to vital information.The CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, welcomed the findings, saying it reflects recent trends.“Over the last 15 years, Rwanda has been recognised by many international bodies, including the World Bank and Transparency International, as a leader in implementing policies that are conducive to good governance and development,” Shyaka said.“When you look at anti-corruption, education for the poor, and transparency indicators, Rwanda has done a great job, which have largely been the fruits of home-grown initiatives.”In December, last year, the government started the “Governance Month” to help address citizens’ concerns.During the month, leaders and citizens met to address complaints arising from poor public service delivery.

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Rwanda rated highly in governance survey