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President Kagame delivers the Keynote Speech at the High Level Forum on aid effectiveness in Busan, South Korea

President Paul Kagame has called on donors to embrace a paradigm shift on aid policy, if developing countries are to use aid effectively to meet their development goals.
The Head of State made the call, yesterday, while addressing delegates at the 4th High Level Forum on aid effectiveness in Busan, South Korea.
He observed that it would be futile to talk about competent use of aid without addressing impediments to its effectiveness:
“As the history of Asia amply illustrates, it is sound economic policies and investment capital that propelled millions of Asians to prosperity,” President Kagame said.
“We should, therefore, be talking about aid effectiveness in tandem with trade and investment – and I would add, a fair framework with clear rules and proven best practices.”
The President pointed out that in spite of the many aid commitments always made and periodically reviewed, Africa is not getting the desired results.
“It is most relevant that we are having this conversation in Korea which, in the last half a century, has moved from an aid recipient country to an industrial nation that is now supporting others to develop,”
“Other countries in Asia have made a similar transition. Over the same period, about one trillion US Dollars in development aid has been transferred to Africa,” President Kagame said, adding;
“But real per capita income today is less than it was in the 1970s and more than half the population – about 500 million people – still live in poverty. At this rate, most African countries may not meet many of the Millennium Development Goals,”
President Kagame, however, pointed out that in the last two decades or so, African countries have registered average annual economic growth of between 5-8 percent despite low foreign investments and the global economic crisis, saying that it is evidence that Africa has great promise:
“These two contradictory realities are pertinent to our discussion on aid effectiveness and beg serious questions,”
“Why has massive aid been largely ineffective and little investment productive? How can we translate aid commitments into effective development outcomes that will drive our graduation to self-sufficiency?” pondered Kagame.
The Head of State emphasized that there was no contention, whatsoever, on the principles of aid effectiveness, as adopted during previous forums.
He noted that there is need for global leaders to overcome structural and attitude-related barriers that hinder the realisation of what should otherwise be obvious.
“For instance, in Paris we committed, and reaffirmed in Accra, to channel aid through country systems so as to strengthen national capacity to execute development plans, to budget efficiently and deliver services,”
“It was also meant to build the foundation for enhanced capacity and accountability towards development results. In practice, the status quo still prevails,” the President said.
President Kagame observed that there is still resistance on the part of some donor countries to channel their aid through national systems, which raises important issues of effectiveness and accountability.
“While donors may not be entirely to blame for bypassing these systems where they are weak, or non-functional, why not use aid to build up and strengthen such critical systems?” the Head of State wondered.
President Kagame reminded that when multiple and parallel execution modalities and systems are employed, there is a significant impact on the effective allocation and use of public resources, which he said may undermine the relationship between governments and their citizens if they are not seen to be credible or responsive to people’s needs.
With regard to accountability, President Kagame said that although there has been agreement on the crucial importance of mutual accountability in the development effectiveness agenda, this very principle has not been applied, equally or fairly.
“While there are more demands on developing countries to account, there has been reluctance from some donors to do the same. And often this is accompanied by the introduction of issues unrelated to aid performance either as an excuse not to act or to delay commitments,” he said.
The President noted that there is real danger that the huge industry that has been built around aid can become a permanent feature of the development process and perpetuate dependency, directly undermining the very national systems that should instead be strengthened.
“Developing countries spend more time and energy agreeing on procedures and accounting to donors and an ever-increasing number of related non-state actors than in actual development work, often responding to endless questioning that no answers can fully satisfy,” he said
President Kagame called for a shift in the aid regime to broaden beyond traditional donors to emerging economies as countries that have recently achieved prosperity understand what it takes to get out of poverty and have relevant lessons for developing countries and donors alike, regarding what works best.
“This shift inevitably means strengthening South-South Cooperation and bringing it from the margins to the centre of international development frameworks. This should shape future development discourse and could be the lasting legacy of Busan”.
President Kagame reiterated that aid can be effective in achieving development objectives if greater trust in partnerships is allowed and recognized as a shared responsibility, built on common values and goals.
The Head of State urged the Busan forum to come out with clear commitments, actions, and targets to enhance mutual respect and inclusive global partnerships, by building on previous commitments on aid and development cooperation.
The President of South Korea, Lee Myung-bak called on advanced nations to deliver on their aid commitments to developing nations, stressing that less well-off nations are not a burden, but key partners for sustainable growth of the global economy.
“We are living in an era where various difficulties each nation faces cannot be resolved by any country alone but can be overcome when all of us living in the global community unite in strength,” Myung-bak said.
“All of us around the world live in the era of globalization, where each and every country is closely interconnected to one another.”
The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon called on governments to empower their private sectors through skills development and investment in innovations, citing Rwanda as an example.
“The skills of the private sector, ideas and dynamism can make a difference; through working together,” the UN Chief said.
“I have seen in Rwanda, the Government is setting trends in Gender empowerment, education, and ICT as key components of the development process.”
The US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton said the United States is working to remove many of the requirements tying aid to U.S. companies, recognizing that it frees recipients to choose from a wider range of partners, and it maximizes impact by increasing competition and driving down costs:
“We should recognize the accomplishments that have occurred, in some places quite dramatically, as we have heard not only about Korea but also about Rwanda,”
“But let us also acknowledge honestly the challenges and the problems that we must address if we expect to see greater progress. We need to continue shifting our approach and our thinking from aid to investment, targeted to produce tangible returns.” Mrs Clinton said.

Perth, Australia – 28 October 2011 

President Kagame today said that Rwanda is pleased to be part of the Common-wealth and to contribute to the organi-sation as it adapts in the face of new global challenges. Speaking at opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, where Rwanda was officially welcomed as the newest member, President Kagame thanked Commonwealth members for the support extended to Rwanda during its admission in 2009. 

President Kagame noted that Rwandans shared the values and principles that have shaped the Commonwealth and pledged Rwanda’s support to collective efforts to make the organisation stronger and more dynamic; 

“Our citizens know from experience that peace, security, and equal opportunities for all –including gender equality – are important pillars of good governance and a strong basis for socio-economic development. We also believe that when we work together, we win together. The economic and political challenges that the global community has witnessed recently provide more than enough evidence regarding the degree of our interdependence.” 

President Kagame also pointed out that Rwanda was happy to associate with the Commonwealth aspirations of mutual respect and understanding which supports cooperation and partnership framed by fair rules that are equally applicable to all. 

Queen Elizabeth, celebrating her 60th anniversary as the Head of the Commonwealth, said that almost a decade after the last CHOGM was held in Australia, new challenges exist and member states must remain steadfast and rise to the occasion in order to provide long lasting solutions to these common challenges; 

“The theme this year is, ‘Women as Agents of Change’. It reminds us of the potential in our societies that is yet to be fully unlocked, and it encourages us to find ways to allow all girls and women to play their full part. We must continue to strive in our own countries and across the Commonwealth together to promote that theme in a lasting way beyond this year”. 

Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia said that the meeting was a fitting moment for reflection and renewal as it marks the 80th anniversary of the Commonwealth and urged fellow CHOGM members to consider it a call to action; 

“How do we best pursue our timeless values in a world of change? Let us make CHOGM 2011 memorable for answering this question. Memorable for being the Meeting that gave the Commonwealth the direction it needed at a time of global uncertainty and risk. In so doing, we will be faithful to our values, and faithful to the people who have sent us here. “

Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, described the importance of CHOGM to its citizens; 

 “CHOGMs have also become the occasion to bring together in celebration the full breadth of our Commonwealth community. All can serve our three aspirations of Democracy, Development and Diversity. And in offering global wisdom and value, we must continue to strive for equity, especially for the rights and causes of the small and the vulnerable, and in the service of our people”. 

Over the next two days President Kagame will take part in closed working sessions with other Heads of Government during which they will deliberate over the CHOGM agenda.

The reading of the final communiqué this Sunday will mark the end of the 2011 CHOGM meeting.

KIGALI – Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, yesterday, commended Rwanda’s tremendous development in the health sector.
The ambassador had visited Kibagabaga hospital with the Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho.
Amb.Carson said that he was impressed with the improvement made in Rwanda’s health care system.
“I believe that Rwanda has been a leader among many other countries in improving the health of all its citizens. The United States of America (USA) is proud to be one of Rwanda’s strongest partners and collaborators through USAID and other US projects here,” Carson said.
He stated that when he returns to the US, he will report that the financial support and resources given to Rwanda are being put to good use. He further mentioned that the service delivery in Rwanda is very impressive.
Carson said that despite the Rwandan government being relatively new, the development in the country is enormous and that the US will continue to contribute to this progress.
Dr. Binagwaho stated that Carson’s visit is an honour to Rwanda and also a chance for Rwanda to showcase the incredible progress in the health care and other sectors.
“His visit is also an opportunity for us to show what we have done with the support they give to us. We have discussed with him the progress made in increasing the use of family planning in Rwanda, the increase in the number of babies delivered in heath facilities and also the number of malnutrition cases that has drastically dropped,” Binagwaho said.
The Minister however attributed all the success in the health sector to the good governance of Rwanda.
“We have a clear and focused agenda. We work together with different Ministries but above all through the good governance, we are able to implement whatever we set out to do,” she said.
The President of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Kinyinya, Zaverine Mukamakombeza, also said that Carson’s visit was a chance for them to also boast of their role and achievements as CHWs.
She said that CHWs have played a very vital role in improving health from the grass root level.
Mukamakombeza said that these health workers sensitize and encourage people to seek proper medical care.
There are 45,000 CHWs in the country and around 15,000 Community Health Workers that don’t belong to the Ministry of Health but do social follow-up starting from grass root level.

KIGALI – The Rwanda 2011 Cup of Excellence live internet auction of specialty coffee is scheduled for Thursday this week, an official has announced.
The third internet auction of Rwandan coffee comes after the country held the third Cup of Excellence competition, in August, in Karongi district.
Robinah Uwera, an official in charge of international coffee marketing at the National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB), told The New Times yesterday that the live internet auction will be for coffees that qualified for the Cup of Excellence.
“This year, 189 lots were collected to participate in the competition, among them, 132 qualified for the national jury and out of these, only 36 lots won the competition and they are the coffees that will participate in the internet auction,” she said.
The 36 lots were selected by an international jury.
“What makes these coffees so special is that their exemplary quality is very rare. These coffees are perfectly ripe, carefully picked with a well developed body, pleasant aroma and a lively sweetness that is only attained by high quality specialty coffees,” Uwera added.
According to the NAEB official, each winning coffee has its own flavour from the soil where it grows and all have been handcrafted in such a way as to enhance these unique characteristics.
Uwera also noted that the importance of the Cup of Excellence competitions is that the coffee farmer is not only given a prestigious award during the awards ceremony, but the majority of the record prices during auction go back to the producers who deserve and need it.
“In addition, the coffee farmer is recognized in the industry as being a quality coffee producer. A winning farm and its whole region can expect to receive future visits from coffee importers and roasters who are in need of quality coffee,” she said.
“The positive impact on the quality of life for a winning farmer and his family is permanent as the auction money will often be spent on farm improvement or family education which can change their economic livelihood for the long term, even if they do not win every year”.
Jeremie Iyakaremye, a coffee farmer from the Eastern Province, who participated in the recent competition for the first time, was buoyant.
“The competition, as I observed, was conducted in a fair manner. The result was really encouraging because many of us in the Eastern Province had never thought our coffee could be as good. We didn’t know we could get such a good position.”
Iyakaremye’s lot emerged 14th during the recent competition in Karongi and his expectations are now high.
Despite acknowledging little knowledge about the live internet auction, he says partaking in the competition was a big achievement – especially as he is now sharing knowledge with other farmers in his region.
Iyakaremye believes the competition and other events – such as the upcoming live internet auction benefit all coffee farmers.
“Previously, we had problems especially because of not knowing or having access to the market. This is really big for farmers in the Eastern Province,” Iyakaremye said.
According to Uwera, all the 36 winners will be duly informed and will attend the live auction.
During the August competition, the winning coffees were chosen by a select group of national and international cuppers and were cupped at least five different times.
Only coffees that always scored more than 80 percent progressed in the competition’s phases.

Ambassador Immaculée Uwanyiligira walks 160km in four days at the 4Daagse International Marches in Nijmegen.

The 95th International Fours Days Marches in Nijmegen started on Tuesday 19 July and concluded on 22 July. More than 42,000 people participated in the marches and over 800,000 cheering spectators on the roadside.

Among participants was the Rwandan Ambassador Immaculée Uwanyiligira, who before starting the walk described the air at in Nijmegen as thick with jubilation, similar to that of a Fair or Amusement Park. The Ambassador registered to walk 40km per day for four days to complete a total of 160 km on the fourth day.

From 19 July throughout 22 July, the multitude of walkers was unbelievable!  Military, civilians, organizations, individuals, old and young. Endless walkers as far as the eye could see! There were thousands and thousands of people cheering the walkers and music bands at every corner of every small town and village  in the beautiful countryside  surrounding the town of Nijmegen.

Ambassador Uwanyiligira in her own words said that she was impressed to see different configurations of families outside their homes: parents, young and grown up children, but mostly groups of neighbours and friends, all having a whale of a time, waving flags, with the youngsters offering plates of cookies, biscuits, sweets and other delicacies. Other  stretching out their hands for a "high five" or a "fist bump".  Then there were families that had converted their entire front yards as make-shift rock-band stages, replete with big performing equipment. ‘It was an unforgettable experience and the beauty of the countryside and the people was amazing’ she said. 

Friday 22 July at 1612, Ambassador Uwanyiligira touched the finish line registering 160 Km of consecutive walking. Looking tired but clearly relieved, she smiled as she received her medal for champions of the 95^th 4Daagse.

Asked by a journalist of Gelderlander, a regional newspaper if she was ready before starting the Marches, Uwanyiligira replied that she thought she was – but realised  that the 160 km walk required another level of fitness and training before the start!

In her interview with Saskia Houttuin of Radio Netherlands Worldwide, Ambassador said that even though she was feeling pain all over her body, she was happy to have completed what she had set out to do and to have experienced and lived this important Dutch event rather that hearing it from someone else. Her message relayed through Radio Netherlands was, that Rwanda is health-conscious nation.

For more information, see the Dutch magazines:

the article in the Telegraaf.
or the article in the Gelderlander