3 Ways Rwanda is Facilitating their Economic Boom
Rwanda has been making remarkable growth in their economy considering the devastating recent 1994 civil war they went through. Thanks to Rwanda’s President, Rwanda is taking advantage of their renewable resources, new technologies and strategic governance.
1. Reconciliation Between Nations Tribes
After the brutal civil war, Rwanda followed a reconciliation commissions that helped both sides understand the root of the genocide and join together to heal. Acknowledging the history of the genocide, holding memorials and government intervention to monitor community relations every 5 years also was crucial. Fortunately, up to 90% of Rwandan communities agree that they have reconciled fully (source).
In order to deal with trauma, many Rwandans look to God and also advocate for the “one Rwandan identity”. This sense of belonging and collectivity helps heal many Rwandans and allows those who want to forget escape in this identity. Although, the trauma of the genocide still impacts Rwandans, many stay hopeful with the youth who remain resilient and accepting of other tribes.
2. Kagame’s Government that is set on development
Although, the country is under authoritarian rule, Kagame remains popular among his citizens. This type of government allowed for many important economic reforms to take way. Rwanda plans to follow Singapore’s footprints who also had great economic growth in a short period of time using “Authorian Prosperity” to promote businesses. After growth, the country shifts to a democracy government to lock in growth (source).
Rwanda also made progress in women’s rights with the parliament being 61% women and granting women rights including maternity leave, land rights and more! (Source).
3. Business and Industry growth in Rwanda
In the small time frame between 2001-2014,Rwanda has experienced an amazing 9% GDP growth (source). The government credits these results to innovation of resources that are more sustainable and less expensive. Despite this, Rwanda already made great improvements with providing electricity to the population with 50% currently having access compared to in 2009 being only 10% (source).
The Rwandan government as well made way for the country to become a tech hub of Africa by collaborating with Chinese companies and enormous tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon (source).
What do you think of Rwanda’s progress? How can other African countries do the same?