The Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Dr. Edwin Forlemu yesterday referred to the progress of Rwanda’s Human and Institutional Development Agency (HIDA) as exceptional.  Forlemu was at the agency to evaluate its progress.

HIDA is the national focal point for capacity building interventions that coordinates and oversees the implementation of ACBF’s (Africa’s premier capacity building institution) efforts in Rwanda.

Dr. Forlemu said that with the huge support of government in conducting the country’s capacity profile, HIDA is on track and that because of the positive impression exuded, reaffirmed ACBF’s to the country’s capacity building interventions.  

He, however, cautioned that despite the improvements, there are still challenges such as utilization of resources that need to be addressed since many development projects are still underdeveloped.

Dr. Forlemu also said that ACBF will explore others sectors for funding since the government is also committed.

Emmanuel Hategeka, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Secretary General, explained that the PSF as an economic engine is still much challenged.

He said that the PSF structure is dominated by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are being urged to be innovative yet they employ few degree holders.

Charles Karake, the HIDA Director General, said that the visit and evaluation improves the relationship between both institutions and promotes efforts for human and institutional capacity building.

He said that sustainable human and institutional capacity is fundamental for growth, poverty reduction and good governance and that this is the backbone of the foundation.

Rwanda is one of the foundation’s 45 full members comprising of four international development institutions; the African Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Since 2000, the foundation has up to date committed $8.75 million in support of capacity building programmes in the public, training institutions, private sector and civil society.

ACBF has also supported capacity building programmes in Rwanda through grants.

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