President Paul Kagame, yesterday, launched the second generation Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) at a ceremony that also included showcasing the impressive gains registered under the EDPRS I, which is now in its final year.

Across all the sectors, it is clear that nearly all the targets of EDPRS I have been achieved – with a year to spare – something worth celebrating considering how far the country has come.

The progress made so far also demonstrates that the country is on track to achieve most of the global Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Despite the remarkable advancement, it is not yet time to rest on our laurels.

Speaking yesterday, President Kagame highlighted some of the key priorities for the next five years, including access to markets, infrastructure and energy development, creation of off-farm job and skills development.

These four areas of intervention are not only critical in sustaining the already-registered progress, but are also key ingredients in the country’s target to become a middle-income economy by 2020.

Moving forward, it is high time the private sector took the lead in the transformation process. From commercial farming to quality education and healthcare, the role of private sector cannot be overemphasised.

While the government has laid a firm foundation and continues to roll out programmes designed to help accelerate growth, the private sector should take a more central role in propelling the economy further ahead.

This, coupled with the ever-growing community participation, will help deliver the ultimate change the country aspires for.