More funds flow into Agaciro

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) yesterday announced a contribution of over Rwf133.9m to Agaciro Development Fund. The dummy cheque was handed over to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning John Rwangombwa, at RDB headquarters.“We are proud as staff of RDB to raise our own resources to contribute to a very important initiative that the Agaciro Development Fund is. We join the rest of the Rwandans in solidarity towards finding solutions to our country’s economic development. We will continue to do our part, not only to promote the Agaciro Development Fund, but also in doing our work in promoting economic development,” the RDB acting Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi, said. She added that aside from what has been contributed so far, RDB staff have several other initiatives that they have put in place and are working on to continue contributing to the fund such as the ‘piggy banks’ in the offices and National Parks as well as fundraising events.Speaking at the event, Minister Rwangombwa said the staff’s contribution underscored their commitment to the development of the nation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and its affiliated institutions on Monday contributed Rwf198.9m towards the Fund.Agaciro Development Fund, a solidarity fund initiated by Rwandans to improve the level of financial autonomy of Rwanda as discussed during last year’s National Dialogue. This Fund will be used to support key priorities such as rural development projects among others.The contribution has reached over Rwf19bn within a period of five weeks. The Fund would not replace the traditional sources of state revenues, including donor aid, but will supplement them. The money will be managed as the governmental budget and audited by Auditor General.Agaciro Development Fund was launched on August 23, 2012.