SNV officially launched its 2019-2022 global strategy at the Ubumwe Grande hotel in Kigali on June 20 under the theme: local know-how for lasting solutions. The event was attended by the Minister of local government, Professor Anastase Shyaka, CEO of SNV Ms. Meike van Ginneken, national and district government officials, INGO’s, civil society organizations and members of the diplomatic and donor community.

Ms. Meike van Ginneken presents SNV’s global strategy booklet to Minister Shyaka.

SNV has been present in Rwanda for over 30 years. Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, SNV, in its new strategy, will continue to focus on implementing programs in its three core areas; Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) while addressing cross cutting issues such as gender and youth. In Rwanda, the programs will also contribute towards the National Transformation Strategy 1 (NTS1) and Vision 2050.

Speaking at the event, the Minister Shyaka commended SNV Rwanda for  great work on the ground and partnership with local authorities. "Rwanda is keen to continue building and strengthening partnerships with INGOs, civil society, faith-based organizations and the private sector toward the attainment of the NTS1 and 2050 vision. We are happy to see that SNV is strong on both partnerships and delivery,” said Minister Shyaka.

Minister of Local Government, Prof Anastase Shyaka giving his remarks at the launch.

The Minister added that SNV’s three core areas of programming are part of the country’s high level priorities contributing towards to the welfare of Rwandans. He highlighted that the agriculture sector provides a source of income for more than 70% of the Rwandan population, energy is key to the transformational development of the country while WASH is a key element for Rwandans development.

Ms. van Ginneken highlighted that SNV’s ‘Smart Development Works’ slogan is driven by the strong partnerships SNV has with governments where it works. "SNV’s tenets of premium quality, country presence, and systems change depend on these strong local partnerships with governments and I am pleased that in Rwanda we have enjoyed a very good partnership with the government that has enabled us to implement our programs with great impact on the lives of Rwandans.”