Rwandans in the Diaspora have pledged to partner with local governments in a move aimed at boosting investments and growth in the countryside. 

Jean Nganji, the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network secretary general, said it is important for Rwandans abroad to partner with local governments and  entrepreneurs to scale up investments and bridge the knowledge and skills gap to spur growth across the country.

"We want to make a contribution at the grass roots to enhance economic growth of rural areas. We are looking at sharing business experiences and learning from one another, especially on how local entrepreneurs can be integrated in value chain of investment to drive Rwanda’s growth,” Nganji said during the Diaspora Investment Forum in Kigali on Monday.

The development is a big boost to the local economic development plans of various districts.

Nganji said they were interested in tourism, agro-business, information and communication technologies, small-and-medium enterprises, and manufacturing sectors.

James Musoni, the Minister for Local Government, said the partnership was in line with the second phase of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II) objectives, and would create jobs for the youth in rural areas.

"When you study Vision 2020 and government’s ambitious plan to attain 11.5 per cent growth annually, you will understand why you need to contribute towards the country’s economic sustainability,” he told the Diaspora community at the conference.  

He pledged the government’s full support to ensure the initiative succeeds.

"Each district has a strategic master plan on how it can achieve economic sustainability.  This will guide you on which sectors you can prioritise and support,” Musoni pointed out.

Justus Kangwage, the chairman of the Rwanda Association Local Government Authorities, urged the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network to focus on agro-investment to help the rural poor get out of poverty.    

"We need to harness and exploit the vast investment opportunities in the country, which will help attract more foreign investments,” Kangwage, who is the Rulindo District mayor, added.

He noted that supporting the districts’ local economic development plans would also strengthen Rwanda’s competitiveness and export potential.

The Rwanda Development Board registered investments worth $1.2b (about Rwf800b) in the first half of this year, 22 of which were foreign investments worth $406.9m, and nine joint ventures worth $338.1m.