The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, has commended the role of the Rwandan diaspora community in national development, noting that remittances from Rwandans abroad reached $505 million (over Rwf705 billion) in 2023. The country has seen notable growth in remittances over the past 14 years, from $65 million in 2010 to $470 million in 2023. ALSO READ: How Rwanda is leveraging rising diaspora remittances Nduhungirehe revealed the latest figure on Friday, January 3, in Kigali, where he met more than 100 Rwandans living abroad in an event that was meant to offer an opportunity to network, engage, and discuss ways the diaspora can contribute to Rwanda’s development. The remittances primarily are sent to support families and invest in local projects, which play an important role in uplifting communities and advancing national development. The minister urged the members of the diaspora to continue contributing to their country’s development in various ways. “Over the past years, various members of the Rwanda Community Abroad showed unmatched participation in national issues, including by teaching about the country’s history, especially the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and monuments have been set up in various countries, far and beyond,” Nduhungirehe said. “Bear in mind that wherever you are, you represent Rwanda, and when everyone sees you, they see Rwanda. Keep up the good work and stand for the country.” “You should aim at making more networks as you share experiences in your respective homes abroad so that what can be done in one country can also be done in another country,” he added. Nduhungirehe urged them to think of more collaboration this year to register greater success than the previous year and work more closely with their embassies, which now number up to 50, to develop themselves and contribute to the country’s overall progress. ALSO READ: New WB report says remittances to Rwanda on steady rise The event also attended by Michelle Umurungi, the Chief Investment Officer the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), who shed light on the incentives available to encourage diaspora investment. Umurungi informed the participants about sectors ripe for investment, including real estate, agro-processing industries, technology, tourism, and agriculture. “Rwanda is among the few countries that have made it easy for investors to operate,” Umurungi said. “In the previous years, we received an estimated 500 tourists annually. However, last year, that number grew to 1.5 million. This highlights the need for more investment in eco-tourism, the development of tourism cities, and related opportunities.” ALSO READ: Remittances: The glue that binds Rwandan Diaspora and their roots Diaspora perspectives The Rwandans living abroad shared insights about their investments in Rwanda and offered suggestions to the government. Many called for more incentives, enhanced communication channels for investment processes and requested greater support in navigating different areas to invest in. Basil Rene, who lives in Arizona State, USA, invests in real estate, hospitality, and the production of sanitary materials. Rene began his ventures in 2020, and his investment is now estimated at over $33 million, currently employing over 170 workers. “I’ve got government support, especially through VAT and import duty tax exemptions on most of my investments when importing machines and other equipment,” Rene said. He said that he was a beneficiary of the recently phased out Manufacture and Build to Recover Programme. He said the programme allowed him to save up to 18 per cent when purchasing equipment, which turned into significant cost savings. “Many of us are unaware of these opportunities. I’d encourage my fellow diaspora members and investors in general to seek more information,” he added. On behalf of the Rwandan community in Australia, Renatus Murindangabo, Chairman of RCA in Queensland, presented contributed Rwf4,000,000 to the national school feeding programme, through the Dusangire Lunch campaign. Murindangabo highlighted that one of their key goals was to connect with more Rwandans and investors and explore more opportunities through a campaign called “Coming Home.” “We are actively mobilizing members to participate. Recently, we faced communication challenges due to Australia being very far. However, we have introduced a radio station called Hobe Digital, Rwandan Voice, which airs in Kinyarwanda and reaches everyone.” Murindangabo added that they also have a website where publish articles to provide timely and authentic news about Rwanda. “These initiatives have improved our engagement and ensured that no one is left behind,” he said.
