Editorial: Rwanda is indeed the most improved sub-Saharan nation

A recent survey covering the past five years- Ibrahim Index, financed by Sudanese mobile phone magnate  Mo Ibrahim, named Rwanda as most improved country.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

A recent survey covering the past five years- Ibrahim Index, financed by Sudanese mobile phone magnate  Mo Ibrahim, named Rwanda as most improved country.

The report continues that despite human rights organisations often portraying it negatively, Rwanda is on the move. This is no doubt attributed to good governance and leadership the current regime has displayed since it came to power.

After putting an end to a divisive rule, the government since July 1994 has reconstructed the nation, first through reconciliatory programmes that have promoted developmental goals instead of retribution.

Two, by propagating ways of liberating Rwandans from poverty. Just as an example, today, microfinance is an indispensable instrument in alleviating poverty in Rwanda.

Women have been empowered and this can be evidenced by improvement in girl-child education as well as women occupying nearly half the seats in parliament and many senior top positions in public offices.

The country that was brought to its knees in 1994 by the Genocide took a big toll on human lives and infrastructure. However, now most road networks connecting the country to its neighbours have been rehabilitated, mobile communications licences given to private investors, to say the least.

The last ten years has seen a surge in the construction industry, by far the most improved sector of the economy. The outskirts of Kigali, is standing proof; the once bare hills are now dotted with magnificent new buildings.
 
The literacy rate in general has also risen to 66 percent.
The government policy also promotes Information Technology connectivity that has not only rated Rwanda best in the region in the last two years, but also earned the president an ICT award this year.

In addition, 17 percent of the population has access  to internet across the country.

Ends