The Japanese government has given Rwanda Television (RTV) a grant of 46.1 million Japanese Yen today (approx $0.5m).

A joint Rwanda-Japan communiqué notes that the grant will be signed today at the Ministry of Foreign affairs (Minaffet) through Japan’s grant assistance framework to improve RTV’s programmes.

The Charge d’Affaires of the Japanese embassy, Shigeru Kondo, and the Permanent Secretary in Minaffet, Eugene Munyakayanza, will represent both parties.

"The ceremony will mark a landmark of new partnership between Japan and Rwanda in the field of broadcasting through Japan’s continuing assistance for Rwanda’s sustainable national growth,” reads part of the joint communiqué.

"Through the Project, a total of 458 Japanese TV programmes, ranging from Japanese culture, education and business to science and technology will be contributed to the Rwanda Office of Information (ORINFOR) to be broadcast in English across the nation.”

ORINFOR visited the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK),in 2006 to learn about the country’s high quality TV programmes, and discuss how it provides public education information through broadcasting.

Through the project, the two countries plan to "further strengthen their cooperative partnership while furthering understanding of Japan and its culture.”

Ends