March 9,2023

Senior Government officials and representatives of bilateral and multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations and private sector operating in Rwanda, are participating in the annual Development Partners Retreat (DPR) in Rubavu District.

DPR is a two-day retreat that brings together senior government officials and key institutional partners to discuss Rwanda’s development agenda and brainstorm ways to accelerate its achievements.

The 2023 DPR takes place as Rwanda’s economy continues to recover despite persistent global shocks including impact of COVID-19, inflationary pressures climate shocks among others.

Discussion at the retreat will focus on the 2022 National Census outcomes and how they can accelerate NST1 implementation; roadmap of activities planned in preparation of the development of the NST1 successor program; education reforms for human capital development with particular attention to school feeding program and; Rwanda’s journey to resilient agriculture in the face of emerging food security shocks among others.

Setting the tone for the 19^th DPR, Richard Tusabe, the Minister of State in Charge of National Treasury noted that the retreat takes place with Rwanda’s economy in a better position since the outbreak of COVID-19.

“As we start our retreat today for 2023, there are remarkable aspects of 2022 that have been achieved due to among others, our partnership which has contributed towards continued progress in recovery and investment in future preparedness. For instance, the holistic approach to the covid-19 pandemic allowed us to resume economic activities and during 2022, we recorded a significant recovery of the tourism and services sector,” Minister Tusabe said.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo underscored that the key to achieving sustainable development lies in embracing sustainable finance and building strong institutions.

“These steps not only promote economic growth but also ensure that development efforts are long-lasting and impactful. By coming together and working collaboratively, we can drive progress towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals. Let's join hands and pave the way towards a better future for all,” Mr. Ojielo said.

The DPR serves as an opportunity to address issues that may have not been tackled at quarterly Development Partners Coordination Group meetings and to have an open dialogue between Government and its development partners on the development priorities and challenges in meeting them. It sets the agenda and guides the Government and Development Partners’ dialogue over the coming year.