French Development Aid to Rwanda Surpasses President Macron’s Target

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The French Development Agency (AFD) has surpassed its targeted contribution to Rwanda’s development, marking a significant milestone five years after resuming its activities in the country.

AFD’s re-engagement with Rwanda commenced in 2019, highlighted by a meeting between President Paul Kagame and AFD Group’s CEO, Rémy Rioux, ending a 25-year hiatus. This pivotal meeting reignited dialogue between AFD and Rwandan authorities. Two years later, President Emmanuel Macron visited Rwanda, pledging substantial support.

During Macron’s historic visit in 2021, he committed that “Team France” would mobilize €500 million by the end of 2023 to bolster Rwanda’s development strategy. The subsequent opening of an AFD office in Kigali in October 2021 further facilitated mutual understanding and identified key priorities and projects.

Fast forward three years, a recent AFD report reveals that French support to Rwanda has surpassed expectations, totaling €504 million, exceeding the initial commitment.

In collaboration with Rwanda, these funds have been allocated to priority sectors such as health, education, and climate finance. Noteworthy projects include a vocational training initiative aimed at meeting labor market demands, benefiting 4,400 students annually. Additionally, AFD’s support for the financial sector has facilitated the creation or preservation of 554 jobs in 83 SMEs through the Bank of Kigali (BK).

AFD has also been instrumental in promoting green financial flows, launching initiatives like Ireme Invest to promote environmental sustainability in the private sector, with support from the Development Bank of Rwanda and the Rwanda Green Fund.

Looking ahead, AFD plans to collaborate closely with the Rwandan government, with consultations scheduled for February 22 to present achievements and explore new areas of cooperation. Arthur Germond, AFD Director in Rwanda, emphasizes the agency’s commitment to building upon successful initiatives, including the mechatronics department at IPRC Tumba and the upcoming construction of Musanze Hospital, to further support Rwanda’s ambitious development agenda.