The Rwandan communities living abroad were on Wednesday urged to be active in different government programmes to ensure they make meaningful contribution towards the country’s growing economy.

The call was made as members of the Diaspora met in Kigali for an event dubbed ‘Diaspora Homecoming Day’, aimed at connecting the Rwandan communities abroad to local business people, as well as private and public institutions to collectively look at how they can explore investment opportunities back home.

Speaking to the media, Alice Cyusa, the president of Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN), said that ,as members of the Diaspora, they are always pleased to come back and do something for their country.

"This time, we wanted to have one platform where we can meet and share the success stories with the people doing business in Rwanda, which we thought would help us in taking part in all on-going government programmes,” she noted.

"There are many government programmes which aim at fighting poverty, we felt it was our responsibility as Rwandans to take part in these activities. We want to give our contribution; for instance, through the small income generating activities, among other channels,” she said.

The one-day event also featured an exhibition, where different real estate, travel and hotel companies showcased their activities.

Rwanda Stock Exchange and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) were also part of the exhibition.

Alexis Lulisa, the head of community-based health insurance department at RSSB, stressed the need to involve the Rwandan communities living abroad in different programmes.

"There’s a need to engage them in all programmes, although they don’t live in the country but they are able to contribute,” he said.

Cyusa said that they want to help the most vulnerable citizens by paying for them health insurance cover.

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