Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente
In his statement at the 18th National Umushyikirano Council, taking place at Kigali Convention Center, 27-28 February 2023, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente highlighted Government’s key achievements in various sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, trade and health as part of the economic recovery process.
He started his remarks by presenting the status of Rwanda’s economy whereby in 2021, the economy grew at a rate of 10.9% after contracting by – 3.4% in 2020. He noted that according to projections, our economy will grow by 6.8% in 2022 and by 6.2% in 2023%.
The Premier recalled some key measures that were put in place by the Government of Rwanda in the recovery process, including the Economic Recovery Fund and the Manufacture and Build to Recover Program.
In the agriculture sector, Prime Minister noted that the Government has taken various measures to increase agricultural production, such as expanding the area of cultivated and irrigated land in the framework of Crop Intensification Program, fighting soil erosion, facilitating farmers in getting subsidized agricultural inputs as well as investing in post-harvest handling facilities.
Likewise, other big projects, such as Gabiro Agribusiness Hub and Gako Beef Project, which are in the pipeline, are expected to also increase the production of agriculture and livestock.
In the education sector, the Premier stressed that the Government will continue to improve the quality of education and encourage students to join technical secondary schools.
He added that in order to ensure career path development for students in technical secondary schools, Bachelors of Technology and Masters of Technology programs will soon be introduced in Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centers (IPRCs).
The Prime Minister also revealed the Government’s efforts in the infrastructure sector, especially in the area of road development. He gave examples of big infrastructure projects that are being implemented. These projects include the Bugesera International Airport, the renovation of Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Stadium, the construction of Nyabarongo II, Rusizi II hydropower plants as well as the Methane gas production project in Lake Kivu.
With regard to trade and industry, the Prime Minister indicated that the Government has invested in developing special economic zones across the country. He also revealed the Government’s efforts in promoting export. In this regard, he mentioned the newly purchased cargo airplane with a capacity of 23 tons as well as the establishment of the Export Growth Fund – EGF in order to support startup businesses in exporting their goods.
In the health sector, he mentioned that about 78% have received at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. He commended Rwandans for embracing the vaccination program.
He also noted that to facilitate access to health care, the Government of Rwanda has increased the number of hospitals, health centers and health posts. He indicated that currently, there are 512 Health Centers, 1,245 Health Posts as well as 56 Hospitals.
The Premier also added that in collaboration with various partners, the Government of Rwanda has started the construction of a factory that will manufacture vaccines for COVID-19, malaria and tuberculosis. (End)