Vision 2050 is no longer in the closet, Finance and Economic Planning minister Claver Gatete said, yesterday, outlining its highlights.

The blueprint emphasises universal access to improved living standards, sustained food security, protection of the Rwandan family, and universal access to quality affordable services in health, education, finance, housing, energy, infrastructure, among others.

Amb. Gatete, while addressing the 14th National Dialogue (Umushyikirano), said ‘much progress’ has been registered toward the current Vision 2020, hence paving way for Vision 2050.

According to the finance minister, Rwanda has made commendable strides in implementing the 2030 Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development; and is actively implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Paris Declaration on Climate Change (2030), East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050; and African Union Agenda 2063.

"All the above will inform Vision 2050 elaboration,” ’ Gatete said.

He noted that Vision 2050 is about ensuring high standards of living for all Rwandans. It will move Rwandans from the current livelihood to the society everyone wants and is proud to belong to.

The blueprint is elaborated in five main pillars; Quality of Life; Modern Infrastructure and livelihoods; Transformation for prosperity, Values for Vision 2050; and International cooperation and positioning.

According to Gatete, the country will work toward reaching ‘upper middle income’ by 2035 and high income by 2050. This will require average annual growth of above 10 per cent (almost doubling the current economic growth rate), he added.

The minister said this will help free the country from aid dependency and international pressure that comes with foreign aid.

Tact toward vision

To achieve this vision, Gatete proposed high level of commitment and sacrifice in terms of attitude and behavior and to cultivate the culture of excellence, integrity and a sense of urgency in delivery.

He added that ensuring long-term consistency, adopting a national development mindset, developing a culture of savings and sacrifice for a better future, strong accountability while ensuring value for money and sustained national stability in terms of good governance, inclusive development and security will successfully deliver the country to Vision 2050.

Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo reiterated that the Government will work towards consolidating the achievements made in regional integration, strengthening multi-lateral and bilateral cooperation and strongly positioning the Rwanda brand and the country’s interests abroad—both in public and private sector-driven goals.

"The Rwanda we want in terms of international cooperation and positioning is surely in our reach. But, definitely, there is a lot to work on to sustain what we have achieved and what we anticipate going forward. We are proud of what we have achieved,” Minister Mushikiwabo said.

"But when you visit other countries, you realise that a lot is yet to be done in our country. Of course, judging from where we have come from, our progress is commendable but we can certainly do more in terms of integration and diplomacy.”

She said the Rwandan brand and name is ‘stronger’ now and positively recognisable across the world, but moving into Vision 2050, the country has to position itself as an influential player both in the region and beyond, both in diplomatic terms and business aspects.

"The most important principle that will deliver this vision is collaboration and coordination of the leaders. Let’s say; if I am foreign affairs minister, then I need to work closely with someone in agriculture or finance ministry. Coordination is key,” Mushikiwabo said.

Progress made in diplomacy

According to Mushikiwabo, new 54 ambassadors and consular have presented their letters of credence to Rwanda since 2011.

Embassies with residence in Rwanda grew from 17 in 1994 to 28 embassies and nine honourary counsels in Rwanda to date.

There are more than 30 international bodies with offices in Kigali while there are 44 ambassadors to Rwanda with residencies in other countries.

Rwandan embassies in other countries have grown from 13 to 34 in the last 22 years. The embassies serve Rwanda’s interests in 147 countries and international organisations. Rwanda also has Honorary counsels in 17 countries.

The country is a signatory to 201 regional and international communities, ‘aimed at facilitating seamless mobility of citizens to various places around the world, Mushikiwabo said.

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