Kigali, January 30, 2024 -The Government of Rwanda, represented by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), and the Kingdom of Belgium, represented by Heidy Rombouts, Director General of Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement 2024-2029. The signing ceremony took place at the MINECOFIN offices.

The signature of the new program confirms the longstanding partnership in development cooperation between the Belgian and Rwandan authorities. Valued at EUR 95 million (approximately Frw 131 billion), the cooperation programme strategically allocates resources across key sectors including agriculture, urbanisation and health, as well as in public finance management. Building on the results of the ongoing cooperation programme 2019-2024, the new programme aims for continuity and impact. Both countries herewith reinforce their joint commitment to sustainable growth and pressing global challeAnges.

The new program has been developed in close collaboration over the course of 2023. Implementation will be ensured jointly by MINECOFIN, technical ministries and agencies, and Enabel, the Belgian development agency. The program will complement another ongoing bilateral cooperation programme on decent work and social protection (EUR 17 million, 2022-2027). Part of a broader Team Europe approach, the programme also aligns with those of other EU development partners.

Minister Ndagijimana said :  "The latest program represents a crucial stride forward, reaffirming our dedication to vital sectors such as agriculture, health, urbanization, and public finance management—a cornerstone for Rwanda's socio-economic advancement. This agreement underscores the sustained collaboration between our two nations, a partnership that has consistently delivered tangible progress across diverse sectors of our engagement."

Director Heidy Rombouts said: “With this new program Belgium and Rwanda renew their longstanding joint commitment to sustainable development. I am proud to stand here as a partner to Rwanda’s ambitious agenda on the access to healthcare, the transformation towards sustainable food systems and the development of climate-smart inclusive cities.”

Sectoral focus

Health: Health system strengthening, improving quality healthcare for all. The programme has a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, as well as the fight against gender-based violence.

Agriculture: Increasing access to and the consumption of quality food for the growing population within an enabling environment for food system transformation. The programme does so through the development of sustainable, resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains in a context of increasing urbanisation.

Urbanisation: Supporting the development of sustainable and attractive satellite cities by enhancing the living conditions of its population, especially the most vulnerable. This way, the programme aims to contribute to a socioeconomic and environmental ecosystem that is inclusive and climate-proof.