There is need for determination in order to attain self-reliance, the Minister for Local Government, James Musoni, has said.

The minister made the remarks during a self-reliance campaign during which local leaders from the City of Kigali were yesterday meeting to explore ways to enhance investment and increase revenue collection.

Musoni said it is necessary to change people’s mindsets to identify opportunities around them.

"Self-reliance starts from family, community and then the country. If you as leaders are determined, you will influence the whole community and the country. If your services are good then investors will be willing to invest in each and every single area which will widen the tax base and revenues collection in the city,” he said.

The minister said there is need to lift 40 per cent of Rwandans still living below poverty line.

"We, as a country, need to fully finance our National Budget,” he said.

Fidele Ndayisaba, the mayor of the City of Kigali, urged investors to exploit the existing business climate to grow their businesses.

"Kigali has skilled population, market and money. Almost all financial institutions in the country are mainly based in Kigali and whatever you can invest in you can get considerable revenue but the human capital is still underexploited,” the mayor said.

Ndayisaba stressed the need to develop human resource to save money spent on foreign experts.

The two-day campaign was organised by the City of Kigali in conjunction with Rwanda Governance Board.