In his opening remarks, the Head of State commended the progress that Rwanda has registered and added that a lot of work still needs to be done to get where the Country wants to be. He recalled that the retreat is a self –critic forum for leaders to evaluate themselves against the set development milestones, and devise strategies aimed at achieving the country’s vision.
Kagame urged all leaders to continue to take necessary measures to address the remaining challenges in the area of social welfare of all Rwandans. He emphasised the need for all organs to step up efforts to improve performance, collaboration, complementarity and accountability so as to fact track achievement of the set objectives.
In the retreat, different presentations were delivered and discussed on. Leaders discussed on where is Rwanda today in relation to the country’s development targets, fast tracking delivery, fighting corruption, prerequisites for transformational growth and transformation through enhanced urbanization and competitiveness.
Leaders also discussed on increasing Agriculture sector productivity for growth, Education for a knowledge-based economy; Improving the quality of health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) services and Rwanda in Africa and Beyond.
Under the retreat, group sessions were conducted in order to assess deeply key issues and devise strategies to improve performance which will be considered in the implementation of retreat resolutions
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Leaders committed to revisit the planning of District performance contracts (Imihigo) to ensure that they are aligned to the national priorities and respond to the local needs in each district. Imihigo should also be evaluated based on their quality and developmental impact.
Also leaders committed to strengthen strategies to fight corruption in all public and private institutions, fast track recovery of embezzled public funds and put in place measures for compliance with the Auditor General’s recommendations.
In the retreat, leaders committed to establish a database of university graduates and put in place a proper platform that informs and links them with opportunities available at the labour market.
Among the resolution include to ensure effectiveness of the Export Growth Fund to increase number of beneficiaries especially startups. The promotion of the development of Special Economic Zones/Industrial parks and to strive to resolve challenges facing industries especially Agro-processing industries was also considered.
The retreat decided to ensure effective implementation of Kigali City master plan with a focus on transformation of slums while protecting the environment. They also committed to support the development and expansion of secondary cities through agglomeration of economies, relocation of some Government institutions beginning with those originally located in these cities and establish their city management.
In agriculture, leaders committed to fast-track domestic production of agricultural seeds to ensure that within the next 3 years starting with 2018, all the required seeds are locally produced and enhance the production of needed fertilizers in the country.
In education, leaders seek to improve the quality of education at all levels and review the teaching methods of languages in primary and secondary schools with emphasis on English proficiency.
Also leaders committed to improve the functioning of existing professional bodies focusing on strategies aimed at recruiting certified professionals and scaling up this practice in all professions.
In health sector, leaders committed to support the Community Health Workers in order to improve health services; fast-track the implementation of the Early Childhood Development Program with emphasis on fighting malnutrition and scaling up health posts at administrative cell level to increase proximity of health care services to citizens.
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