Rwanda achieved independence from Belgium in 1962, the result of both anti-colonial and anti-Tutsi sentiment. There followed a long period of animosity – and hatred – between Hutu and Tutsi culminating in the 1994 genocide in which somewhere between 500,000 and one million Tutsi died. Eventually the Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front led by Paul Kagame captured the country and ended the genocide.
The postwar government placed high priority on development, opening water taps in remote villages and promulgating progressive environmental policies. Agriculture became a priority when Rwandan coffee and tea was discovered to be among the world’s best. The mountain gorillas began to receive foreign visitors.
Rwanda’s economy has recovered impressively over the last two decades. Per-capita GDP has risen from $127 in 1994 to $909.9 in 2022. This represents an annual growth rate of 8% and has lifted one million people out of poverty. Life expectancy has increased from 29 years in 1994 to 67 years. Inflation fell from 101% in 1995 to 1.1% in 2018.
Rwanda has the lowest murder rate in East Africa and the 4th lowest in Africa. In 2020 It was judged to be the best place to do business in Africa. The capital Kigali is the cleanest city – gutters are cleaned several times a day.
Strategic investments
Rwanda has benefited from a number of far-sighted policies:
- Investment to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency
- Support for tourism and the construction industry
- An emphasis on innovation and technology, especially ICT
- Investment in education and skills, notably innovation and ICT
- Gender equality. Women now occupy leading positions in the ICT sector, in government and in parliament
- Active measures to attract foreign investment, especially the creation of a conducive business environment
It is nothing short of a miracle that a country so traumatized and with so few resources can bounce back to vibrant life. It shows what purposeful leadership devoid of political wrangling can achieve.
I am of the opinion that indeed Africa can succeed if we just put round pegs in round holes!
By Godfrey Selbar