Corruption is likely to tamper with rwanda’s vision 2020

Rwanda is among the poorest countries in the world due to reasons like lack of natural resources and being a landlocked country. The Vision 2020 plan was set up to arrest this poverty by putting in place strategies that will increase GDP $220 in the year 2000 to $900 in 2020. However, the reality is, since 2000 GDP has only increased from $220 in 2000 to $290 in 2008. The worry is not just why Rwanda isn’t reaching to its targets but also how this problem will be redressed. The country still face challenges mainly caused by insufficient infrastructure particularly in the transport, communication and energy sectors; inadequately skilled labor force, poor agricultural practices with minimum value addition, a high birth rate and a weak but growing private sector with limited entrepreneurial skills and shallow business culture. Normally national prosperity is created not inherited, and in today’s competitive world, a nation’s competitive advantage depends on its capacity to innovate and upgrade by adding value to both products and services. Although this vision is still achievable if strategies are modified and priorities are set, managing to deal with people’s mindsets and change them is essential. Our development strategies are being implemented by people who have corrupt mindsets. This vision can only be achieved if the people involved in policy making and implementation are dedicated and committed to the national interest. This might sound strange to the people who are undertaking their duties in proper manner, but the current crop of corrupt leaders, especially in local government, need to be addressed. This whole issue of corruption tampers with Vision 2020. It makes it unachievable simply because, apart from embezzling money that was meant to support it, the constant firing and resignations leave a gap that needs to be filled yet most of those that steal funds and caught are the cream of Rwanda’s labor force having acquired skills through government scholarships. The principle of zero tolerance to corruption must not remain just in words and but action if Vision 2020 is to be achieved. theinspector3@yahoo.com