{{The Government of Rwanda will on Friday, September 13, 2013 at parliament launch the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2). }}
The launch of the EDPRS 2 follows a year-long elaboration process during which a focused strategy has been developed taking into account contributions from a broad range of stakeholders including those of the grassroots population, development partners and the private sector.
The main objective of the strategy is to accelerate Rwanda’s progress towards a middle income country by rapid and sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
The strategy further draws on the lessons learned from the first EDPRS which delivered unprecedented success.
The achievements of the EDPRS were described by Prof. Paul Collier as the “hat trick” of growth, poverty reduction and inequality.
Growth averaged 8.3% over the last five years, poverty reduced by 12 percentage points and inequality reduced to below the 2001 levels.
The EDPRS 2 is based on analysis of evidence from national and household level data on important indicators on poverty, health and the population in general.
To achieve the targets of the EPDRS 2, the strategy focuses on themes of economic transformation for growth, rural development for poverty reduction, accountable governance for efficient service delivery and productivity and youth employment.
The strategy also includes key issues of a foundational and cross cutting nature that will ensure Rwanda’s development and competitiveness is maintained over the long term in a broad based and inclusive manner. EDPRS 2 places particular emphasis upon community and district-based planning, private sector development and urbanization.
The launch will provide the opportunity for Rwanda to officially showcase the fundamental components of the EDPRS 2 and to show the Rwandan population the output of this comprehensive consultative process. It will also develop a sense of awareness of what will be required to achieve these targets.
The event will be marked by the signing of the central and local government contracts that will set out to implement the first year of the EDPRS 2 targets. This will include recognition of outstanding performers in implementing the 2012-13 performance contracts from the final year of EDPRS 1 through a presentation of awards.
The event is expected to bring together the top leadership of the country at both Central and Local government, as well as invited guests from the international community, members of the Diplomatic corps, development partners, private sector, academia and representatives from local communities. Approximately 700 people will be in attendance.
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