International Non Governmental Organisations (INGOs) working in Rwanda have been challenged to ensure their partnership generate greater achievement in services aiming at socio economic transformation of citizens.

The Chief Executive of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Prof. Anastase Shyaka, made the call during the RGB’s first meeting with INGOs under its new mandate of registering and monitoring their operations.

The meeting aimed at enhancing partnership and welcoming INGOs into the new operational framework.

The meeting, according to Shyaka, offered ultimate opportunity to know each other, and create synergy   to make a bigger positive impact to the development of citizens.  "The transfer of INGOs from the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to RGB remains an innovative reform meant to increase efficiency and improved delivery. International organisations’ interventions complement government’s efforts in uplifting people’s lives .We highly appreciate the work on the ground. INGOs have contributed a lot toward the development of the country but there is need to strengthen those that are still weak,” he said.

He added that since INGOs are mainly active at the district level, they are required to work closely with local governments and align their activities with district development plans. According to RGB, there are over 173 registered INGOs in Rwanda. Most INGOs’ interventions are in the areas of agriculture, forestry, health and nutrition for mothers and children, as well as advancement of political participation, promotion of accountability and transparency.

One of the requirements for registration of an international NGO is having an action plan that resonates with the broader national development aspirations, with the guiding blueprints being Vision 2020 and EDPRS II, as well as District Development Plan at the local level.

Speaking on behalf of INGOs, Papa Diouf, the Chairman of the Network of Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the country (NINGO)   said they are committed to fully cooperate with the RGB to address current issues affecting the population.

He also reiterated that, due to the reforms they were glad to hear from the meeting that they are being addressed by the responsible entities.

"The main challenges we have relate to the registration process. The online registration has issues that led to many of us to encounter certificate expiration. RGB has promised us to extend the deadline up to 3 months as it also works on this registration platform to progress smoothly,” he said.

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