Ten years ago, Rwandans rallied around the idea to establish a national sovereign wealth fund as a home-grown initiative aimed at cushioning the country against external shocks and accelerating socio-economic development.

Soon after, Rwandans of all walks of life were making voluntary contributions toward the cause and Agaciro Development Fund (AgDF) was born.

The Fund has since grown from slightly over Rwf50 billion to more than Rwf280 billion with a portfolio spanning 29 companies. And Agaciro officials are working on a strategy they say should see the Fund further grow to Rwf1 trillion by 2030.

A cross-section of ordinary Rwandans shared their thoughts as the Fund marked its tenth anniversary last week in an event held in Kigali.

Excerpts:

- Marie Alice Batamuriza, a trader in Kamembe town

Our leadership was visionary to establish Agaciro Development Fund. It speaks to the government’s commitment to promoting a savings culture for future generations. In my view, everyone has a part to play in securing the future of our country, we all have a contribution to make, however big or small it may seem, and the impact can be enormous as we’ve seen with the idea of Agaciro.

- Jacqueline Nyinawingeri, a resident of Rusizi District

I’ve heard that the people managing the Fund have made a very wise decision of investing in companies, instead of just keeping the money in the bank. It means they will make a profit, which will lead to a bigger impact of the voluntary contributions made when the Fund was being set up. Remember that when they invest in any company they also create jobs and other opportunities for Rwandans, which means many people will see improvement in their lives as a result.

- Patrick Ndayishimiye, a resident of Karongi District

As we all know, the word Agaciro has deep meaning in our culture. It is a value we cherish deeply. To lead a dignified life means everything to a Rwandan. If you have dignity, you do not rely on anyone to feed you; you are proud of what you do for yourself. For instance, I feel happy and satisfied when I am able to feed myself and my family instead of waiting for anyone to do it for me. I’m so proud that Rwandans chose to establish a fund that would help drive our development, who wouldn’t be proud of it? I wish to see Agaciro Development Fund grow bigger and bigger and have a significant impact on our country’s development. I wish to see a much more developed Rwanda, because this would earn us more respect globally, as a result of the work of our own hands as Rwandans.

- Alice Umulisa, a resident in City of Kigali

Agaciro Development Fund helps us to save for the future. It’s important that we continue to strengthen the Fund so that we have something we can fall back on in case of external shocks. The investments that have been made will also help us to achieve our development goals as a country. Investing the money in different companies not only brings about dividends but it also creates more jobs for Rwandan youth and brings solutions to local problems, such as transportation issues and digital inclusion. I believe that Agaciro Development Fund is one of the home-grown solutions that will enable our country to not only be self-reliant economically, but also independent in terms socially and politically.

- Jean Pierre Tuyishimire, a taxi-moto operator in City Kigali

Agaciro Development Fund will help our country in many different ways. Savings are very important not just for individuals but for the country in general. As a Rwandan citizen, I feel proud of living in a country where citizens and their leaders have the courage to determine their future. I think that Agaciro Development Fund is there to help us in times of need. Its existence reminds everyone, including ordinary people such as taxi-moto operators like me, that it is always necessary to save for the future, instead of spending all your money on the present.

- Gaudance Nyirandikubwimana, a farmer in Kirehe District

For me, Agaciro Development Fund, besides representing the aspirations of Rwandans in general, creates another avenue through which to empower Rwandan women. We believe that whatever the Fund invests in enhances women empowerment. The Fund is a good inspiration to women in what is possible when you put your mind and heart into creating capacity for self-reliance. The concept of Agaciro Development Fund is a continuation of the spirit behind the policies that have empowered Rwandan women to stand up for their rights and be actively involved in running the affairs of their families and building the economy of our country.

- Fulgence Mbarubukeye, a resident in Ngoma District

It’s nice that Agaciro Development Fund is supporting farmers because agriculture is the main source of income for people in rural areas. Rwandans, and farmers in particular, should work hard, become self-reliant, feed their families and take care of their children so they don’t drop out of school.

- Enock Uhiriwenimana, a youth in Gicumbi District

Agaciro Development Fund means a lot to the youth. First, young people should embrace good values and fully embrace the true meaning of Agaciro. Youth should also work hard so that we can deal with the issue of unemployment. Agaciro Development Fund came at the right time. I think it should also invest in projects run by young people, who comprise the majority of Rwanda’s population. If all Rwandans, including the youth, are empowered, reliance on foreign aid would soon become history. We would also be in position to fully support vulnerable compatriots.

- Jean Claude Harerimana, a teacher in Rwamagana District

As an initiative designed to help find solutions to Rwanda's problems, Agaciro Development Fund needs to invest more in companies that promote sustainable agriculture because nowadays we have problems with climate change, which threatens food security. It’s a great milestone for the Fund to be celebrating10 years of visible impact. And, as a teacher, I would also like to see the Fund also investing in the education sector over the next 10 years. Education is the key to any country's development. So, it's important to invest in quality education of young people so that we can move ahead with a well-equipped population that will drive and sustain the development we wish to see.

- Anita Uwineza, an engineer at CIMERWA plant

I believe that Agaciro Development Fund plays a big role in our development and empowerment as a society. The Fund was established at a time Rwandans demanded to be self-sufficient and independent. So, as a Rwandan, I feel dignified. The existence of the Fund is a demonstration that Rwandans can achieve whatever they’ve set out to do, together as one people.