VILLAGE URUGWIRO-There is evidence that Rwanda is on the right path towards social economic development, thanks to the determination of the country’s leadership and the Rwandan people.

This was said by the visiting Commonwealth Deputy Secretary General, Ransfold Smith, after paying a courtesy call on President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after meeting, Smith, who is in the country on a five-day visit, said that Rwandan progress can "easily” be seen when touring various parts of the country where development projects are taking place.

"Rwanda is on the path of economic development. We have seen evidence of that since we have been here,” Smith said

"We will continue to work with Rwanda and assist the country in different areas including areas relating to the media, development of the private sector, enhancing Rwanda’s trade capacity and diversification of its exports and many others,” he added.

The Commonwealth official said the bloc shares best practices between member states and Rwanda, as a new member, will benefit from these.

"In the Commonwealth, we share experiences, we share good practices and we seek to assist each other in terms of development and other goals,” he noted.

Smith briefed President Kagame on the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of State and Governments (CHOGM) summit to be held in Perth, Australia this October.

During his visit, Smith met several top government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, as well as the Central Bank Governor, Claver Gatete.

He also visited the School of Finance and Banking (SFB), where he spoke to students, lecturers and members of the diplomatic corps about the growth the African continent has experienced in the last few years.

"There is an emerging dynamism on the African continent. Purposefulness and energy are the new face of Africa" he said.

Smith said that Africa is at a defining period of development and the Commonwealth will play a role in sustaining and deepening the momentum.

19 of the Commonwealth's 54 members are from Africa and a number of them were recognised as the new frontiers of economic growth, Smith told the audience at SFB.

He added that he was positive about Africa's prospects. He, however, added that it was critical to sustain the economic growth momentum as well as adherence to Commonwealth values and principles, such as good and accountable governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

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