The agreements, witnessed by President Paul Kagame and his Senegalese counterpart, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, cover cooperation on visas, agriculture, health, correctional services, and Rwanda’s long-term development framework, Vision 2050.
President Faye arrived in Kigali on Friday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening relations between the two countries. During his stay, he is expected to tour key Rwandan institutions, including the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Sports, to explore avenues for collaboration in investment promotion, innovation, and youth development.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Kagame welcomed his Senegalese counterpart, describing the visit as a reflection of the “long-standing and productive relationship” between Rwanda and Senegal.
“Rwanda and Senegal are guided by the same values, putting people first, delivering results, and pursuing a bold, transformative vision,” President Kagame said. “Our discussions today reaffirmed our commitment to act on these principles. We also share the vision of a self-reliant, united continent guided by accountable governance and inclusive development.”
He added that both nations recognise the critical role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s future, emphasising the need to provide them with a stable, fair, and innovative environment to thrive. “Their talent and resilience are undeniable. Our responsibility is to make sure they have the opportunity to meet their full potential,” Kagame noted.
President Faye, on his part, expressed deep admiration for Rwanda’s transformation journey, commending President Kagame’s leadership in turning Rwanda into one of Africa’s most inspiring success stories.
“Rwanda’s resilience and the progress it has made on the path to development since 1994 are remarkable,” Faye said, while also paying tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He hailed the strong political and diplomatic bonds between the two nations, noting that while relations are excellent, there remains untapped potential in economic and trade cooperation.
“I am convinced that we can do much more in areas such as agriculture, education, health, the digital economy, air transport, infrastructure, culture, and sports,” he said.
President Faye also proposed the creation of a Joint Cooperation Commission to review the state of Rwanda–Senegal collaboration and identify new areas of partnership.
At the continental level, both leaders reaffirmed their shared stance on key African and global issues, underlining their commitment to Africa-led development and mutual support within international platforms. President Faye praised Kagame’s leadership in driving the African Union reform process and his efforts to promote peace and security across the continent.
Rwanda and Senegal have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations for decades, built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. The establishment of the Rwandan Embassy in Dakar in 2011 marked a turning point in their cooperation, paving the way for stronger engagement in governance, trade, and cultural exchange.
President Kagame last visited Senegal in August 2025, a visit that reinforced both nations’ determination to advance Africa’s transformation agenda through partnership, solidarity, and shared vision.
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