Rwanda and EU Commission sign €460 million development assistance

{Rwanda and the European Commission today in Brussels signed € 460 million eleventh European Development Fund National Indicative Program.}

The six year development assistance (2014-2020) which is in form of a grant has been aligned to Rwanda’s second Economic Development and Poverty reduction Strategy (EDPRS2).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the fund will support sustainable energy, agriculture and food security as well as accountable governance.

Speaking after the signing event, Claver Gatete, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, hailed the support as crucial in accelerating Rwanda’s development targets.

“This support will focus critical sectors that have an impact on Rwanda’s development. We are committed to ensure that it contributes to the socio-economic wellbeing of Rwandans,” Minister Gatete said.

The European Union Commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs, noted that Rwanda’s development efforts are real and palpable and that Rwanda has the will to progress and makes every effort to get there.

“The EU firmly supports the commitment of the Government of Rwanda in pursuing accelerated growth and in reducing poverty. We recognize the excellent progress achieved as well as universally acclaimed results towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals,” Commissioner Piebalgs said.

Support to the energy sector will focus on power generation, access to energy for urban and rural households, energy efficiency and reduction of diesel and biomass dependency.

The sustainable agriculture development and food security sector will have a specific emphasis on improving food and nutrition security among rural households, supporting agricultural intensification and developing inclusive value chains.

The Accountable governance will focus on strengthening public accountability, democratic governance and ensuring efficient, effective and accountable use of public resources.

The support to the above three priority sectors is underpinned by support for civil society and institutional strengthening as well as capacity building of the relevant ministries and public institutions.

11th EDF funds will be channeled through budget support and project support and will be effective in the second half of 2015.