President Kagame Meets World Bank Delegation to Deepen Development Cooperation

President Kagame has held talks with senior officials from the World Bank, led by Ndiamé Diop, the Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, focusing on strengthening cooperation across key sectors that underpin Rwanda’s development agenda.

The meeting took place on Tuesday at Village Urugwiro, according to the Office of the President. Discussions centered on ongoing projects and new areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the country’s socio-economic transformation.

A Partnership Rooted in Rwanda’s Reconstruction

Rwanda has been a member of the World Bank since September 30, 1963, and cooperation between the two intensified significantly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as the country embarked on an ambitious journey of national recovery and rebuilding.

According to figures released on September 30, 2025, the World Bank has invested $3.37 billion in 26 major development projects in Rwanda. These initiatives span crucial sectors including social protection, private sector growth, infrastructure, technology, and agriculture.

Major Investments in Health Sector Transformation

The World Bank has contributed $360 million to strengthening Rwanda’s health system. This support has been critical in expanding universal access to healthcare services.

Key achievements include:

Support for over 26,000 community health workers and staff at more than 220 health facilities

Delivery of essential health services to 5.2 million Rwandans, among them 1.3 million women and 700,000 children under five

Reduced stunting levels in 13 districts

Increased capacity for diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at primary health facilities

Boosting Education and Youth Employability

The education sector has been another major beneficiary of World Bank funding, with $338 million channeled into expanding access to quality basic education.

This investment facilitated:

Construction of 22,000 classrooms

Building of 31,000 toilets

Contribution to 50% of Rwanda’s school infrastructure expansion

In addition, $270 million was invested to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and enhance youth employability.

23,000 young people received short-term vocational training

More than 90% secured employment afterward

Strengthening Cooperation for the Future

During the meeting, President Kagame and the World Bank delegation reviewed progress on ongoing projects and explored new areas of collaboration. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening a long-standing partnership that continues to drive Rwanda’s inclusive and sustainable development.