The World Bank Group Executive Director has affirmed the bank’s commitment to partnering with Rwandan government on development projects  meant to transform lives.

Dr Louis Rene Peter Larose, who  was on  a three-day official visit  made the remarks after  paying a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi, in Kigali yesterday.

He singled out the country’s Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) programme as transformative.

 "I have seen a number of development plans before, but none of them matches Rwanda’s EDPRS2 in terms of relevance and practicability,” he said.

Dr Larose is the Executive Director of Africa Group 1 constituency, representing 22 countries, including Rwanda at the World Bank Group.

"To fully understand and solve development challenges facing African countries, we need to get to the ground and make assessment,” Dr Larose said.

He expressed optimism that EDPRS2 and Vision 2020 targets would help the country meet its goals of reducing poverty to below 20 per cent, creating more than 200, 000 jobs annually, and facilitating the private sector as the engine of growth.

He also added that the implementation of EDPRS2 requires more funding and assured of continued partnership.

The World Bank through government is investing in areas like agriculture, energy, social protection, among others. 

Claver Gatete, the Minister for Finance, commended the role played by the World Bank in Rwanda’s development, adding that more homegrown innovative projects would be designed to attract support from the global body.

Gatete also called on the bank to consider facilitating regional projects such as the Northern Corridor infrastructure project to accelerate regional development.

Earlier on Thursday, the World Bank official visited farmers in Mwurile Sector, Rwamagana District and pledged to advocate for their continued support.

The about 4,000 farmers are supported by the Rwandan government and the World Bank through the Land Husbandry, Water Harvesting, and Hillside Irrigation programme (LWH).

Production in the area has increased from three tonness per hectare to 17 tonness for Irish potatoes and other crops.

 "I am impressed by what I have seen…the determination and dedication of the farmers is beyond imagination,” Larose said.

Reacting to the farmers demand to help them advance in agriculture transformation, the WB official  committed to pushing for more funds.

"I can assure you that when I go back to Washington, I will be proud to solicit for more funds for Rwandan farmers. You are doing a commendable job and be assured of support from the World Bank,” he told hundreds of jubilant  farmers.

In Rwamagana, Gerardin Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture, who accompanied the WB official, said the country expected a bumper harvest this season.

The World Bank in early November last year approved $200 million to fund programmes aimed at improving food security and public finance management in Rwanda.