The Ambassador of Rwanda to the United Arab Emirates, John Mirenge, on July 25 showcased his country’s impressive socio-economic progress with significant GDP growth, from $750 million in 1994 to $14 billion in 2023.
This was as government officials, diplomats, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda convened in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Rwanda's liberation. In 2023, the GDP was estimated at Rwf16, 355 billion according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
The services sector accounted for 44 per cent of the GDP, the agriculture sector contributed 27 per cent, and the industry sector contributed 22 per cent while net indirect taxes accounted for 7 per cent.
This year, the annual average GDP growth rate is 8.2 per cent.
The UAE is not only Rwanda’s leading trade partner but also a key source of foreign direct investment contributing to the country’s GDP growth.
Mirenge reflected on Rwanda&039;s journey of resilience, hope and transformation over the past three decades, rising from the ashes of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi to become a united, safe, and prosperous nation.
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He pointed out Rwanda's ambitious Vision 2050, aiming to transform the country into an upper-middle-income nation by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050.
He emphasized the crucial role of all Rwandans, notably the younger generation in achieving these goals.
"I can’t emphasize enough the role of all Rwandans and notably the youth in realizing this ambitious vision through acquiring and deploying the necessary skills, innovations, and technology,” he said.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s Liberation struggle was founded on the right cause of restoring dignity and rebuilding a country all Rwandans can call home.
Abdulrahman Al Hebsi, the Director of the African Affairs Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented the UAE government at the event which attracted over 450 attendees.
Mirenge highlighted the significance of this year's celebration which coincides with three decades of transformation post-liberation and the re-election of President Paul Kagame. He noted that President Kagame's overwhelming victory is a testament to the trust and confidence of the Rwandan people in his wise leadership and clear vision for the country.
Kagame led heroic men and women who stopped 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, liberated the country from evil, and inspired Rwanda’s remarkable rebirth.
"From the period of death, destruction and darkness, Rwanda has over these three decades, been able to rise from that horror and gone through a healing process leading to unbelievable transformation. As some of you may know, Rwanda was almost written off in 1994. Thirty years later, Rwandans have built a united, safe, secure, prosperous, and open country, with an ambitious future,” he said.
He reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to peace and security, both domestically and internationally highlighting Rwanda's active participation in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions with commitment to global peace and humanitarian efforts.