Editor,

Refer to Joseph Rwagatare’s article, "Why Rwanda is economic star pupil” (The New Times, January 27). This is indeed a very interesting article — well written and engaging. The only thing I didn’t like is the concept of Rwanda as a student of the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

IMF has a disturbing history with the "developing world” that the author touched on. Today, its general policy appears to be encouraging poor nations to tighten their belts, and rich nations to max out their credit cards.

This attitude might seem logical to some but it would have crippled the economy of Rwanda.

As the author pointed out very well, our government has instead established policies that are very much geared towards raising the standard of living for everyone—rich and poor, but especially the latter.

In my opinion, IMF can instead learn more from Rwanda—about impactful, sustainable, and sound financial investments—than Rwanda can (or should) learn from them. Rwanda has done what many have failed to do, and that’s why I’d describe her as an economic star master, but not "pupil”.

Akaliza Keza Gara