Rwanda and Belgium on Tuesday signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement that will operate until 2029.
The signing, which took place at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in the capital Kigali, was done by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Kingdom of Belgium, represented by Heidy Rombouts, Director General of Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation.
The signature of the new program confirms the longstanding partnership in development cooperation between the Belgian and Rwandan authorities, Rwanda’s finance minister said.
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. At the event, both countries reinforced their joint commitment to sustainable growth and pressing global challenges.
The new program has been developed in close collaboration throughout 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), officials said.
After signing the deal, 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 access to healthcare, the transformation towards sustainable food systems and the development of climate-smart inclusive cities.”
Meanwhile, on the sectoral focus on health, the deal will look into health system strengthening, improving quality healthcare for all, among others.
The programme also has a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, as well as the fight against gender-based violence.
In agriculture, the deal will help increase 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.
In urbanization, the programme will support 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.
