Smith Ransford, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Development, is leading an inter-disciplinary operational team, as part of the next step of the Commonwealth engagement with Rwanda.

The main objective of the visit that began yesterday is to engage with key governance institutions and identify key priorities for the Commonwealth to formulate interventional programs to support the country.

In addition, according to a news release, the Commonwealth team will consolidate areas where lessons could be drawn from Rwanda, to share with other member countries in order to optimise her contribution to the bloc.

"This will be a much more focused and action-oriented mission, which will lead to the development of a clear action plan on Rwanda’s broader engagement with the Commonwealth,” reads part of a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The current mission is expected to, among other issues, raise awareness about the Commonwealth Secretariat and, in particular, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC).

It will initiate dialogue with the government with a view of identifying areas of work in the economic and social sectors in which the Commonwealth can assist Rwanda.

They will consult with key donors to leverage ongoing initiatives with existing potential to avoid duplication and ensure value addition.

Ransford and his delegation are expected to hold discussions with key government institutions including; the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and that of Finance.

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