The 17th National Leadership Retreat, commonly known as Umwiherero, whose major focus was shaping the country in line with its Vision 2050, will end today, February 19.

More than 400 leaders from all arms of government, heads of parastatal, civil society and the business community, among others, are meeting at the Rwanda Defence Force Combat Training Centre in Gabiro in Gatsibo District for the annual leadership retreat.

The retreat, which is held in the first quarter of every year, is used as an opportunity for all the leaders to reflect on the journey made by the country, the challenges encountered and the best way they can be addressed going forward.

Senior government officials read Tuesday’s edition of The New Times before the start of sessions on February 18. 

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame at the retreat on Tuesday.

BRD chief executive Kampeta Sayinzoga (left) moderates a panel that discussed the private sector's role in achieving Vision 2050. The panel included (left-right); Jean-Baptiste Musabyimana,General Manager, Abusol Agribusiness Solutions Ltd; Clare Akamanzi, CEO, RDB; Robert Bafakulera, Chairman, Private Sector Federation; and Jean Malic Kalima, President, Rwanda Mining Association.

Delegates at the 17th National Leadership Retreat (Umwiherero) share views during a group brainstorming session on Monday this week. The four-day event, held at the Rwanda Defence Force Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Gatsibo District, closes Wednesday having attracted about 400 delegates from public and private sectors. Discussions were geared toward devising mechanisms on how the country can best achieve its economic blueprint of Vision 2050. 

First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Valentina Rugwabiza during a break at the 17th National Leadership Retreat. 

Ildephonse Musafiri, Executive Director of Strategy and Policy Council (SPC) in the Office of the President moderates a panel that discussed Education and Skills. On the panel is (L-R), Eugene Mutimura, Minister for Education; Michael Fairbanks, co-founder of The SEVEN Fund; Valentine Uwamariya, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Rwanda Polytechnic; Prof. Philip Cotton, Vice Chancellor, University of Rwanda and Philothère Ntawiha, Lecturer, University of Rwanda.

Minister for Education Eugene Mutimura makes a submission on Day III of the National Leadership Retreat. One of the key topics discussed on Tuesday was challenges in the education sector.