KIGALI - The Rwandan Immigration Department beat all African countries to scoop the prestigious 2009 African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) award.

Having submitted its innovative Online Visa Application project for the contest, the panel of judges yesterday ruled Rwanda the winner following a ten minute presentation and a question and answer session from all the five finalists on Sunday.

On September 20, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana and South Africa all showcased their individual projects to the jury which took two days to deliberate and announce the winner.

"We are very excited to receive this Award and we are thankful to the people who have worked with us towards this,” Anaclet Kalibata, the Director General of the Immigration and Emigration Department said in a telephone interview from Nairobi shortly after hearing the good news.

The selection took place in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
"This Award is in recognition of our coordinated efforts, it comes at a time when Rwanda is focusing on better service delivery, and it is a strong indication that where there is a will there is way.”

The competion that started in November 2008 saw 57 entries submitted from across Africa.

The AAPAM award recognises outstanding achievements by organisations in developing and implementing innovative, relevant and sustainable management practices that can be replicated to boost public sector in Africa.

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