The United States has extended a $108 million (Rwf72 billion) grant to Rwanda in a bid to promote development projects.

The grant was announced yesterday in a statement from the US Embassy in Kigali.

"The US has officially renewed its commitment to Rwandans by providing over $108 million of development assistance to fund development projects,” reads the statement in part.

Much of the money will be disbursed through the United States Agency for International Development (Usaid), and according to the statement, it "will continue the United States work to accelerate Rwanda’s progress to middle income status.”

The new US Ambassador to Rwanda, Erica Barks-Ruggles, said her country will continue investing in critical sectors like health and welfare improvement, among others.

"This additional support will build on the progress already made and significantly contribute toward a more prosperous future for Rwanda,” she is quoted as saying.

Usaid’s development projects in Rwanda focus on several priority areas, including health, economic growth and agriculture, food security and nutrition, democracy and governance, basic education and youth employment, among others.

"Over the last ten years, Usaid has disbursed over $1 billion, which has contributed significantly to major development successes in the country,” reads the statement.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw