Lamin Momodou Manneh, the UN’s Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative in Rwanda, discusses Rwanda’s progress and potential.
European Times: What makes Rwanda unique?
Lamin Momodou Manneh: Rwanda does things right, efficiently and in innovative ways. The current president has transformed Rwanda from a nation plagued with very serious problems twenty years ago into a country which has become a model for development and transformation in Africa. I am also impressed with Rwanda’s transparent and responsible use of international funds.
European Times: What are the UN’s activities in Rwanda?
Lamin Momodou Manneh: The UN focuses on transformational capacity development, deepening governance, promotion of gender equity, employment creation, food security, green growth, human development, particularly education and healthcare as well as humanitarian assistance. The Rwandan government is committed to “trade, not aid” and the UN is happy to support this. We stand behind value addition for agricultural goods, and industrial development, especially in more diversified areas. The UN has budgeted around €333 million (US$ 411 million) in support for Rwanda for 2013 to 2018.
European Times: Why should investors and funding organisations target Rwanda?
Lamin Momodou Manneh: Rwanda offers many outstanding opportunities for investors as underscored by its very strong performance in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings. The Rwandan government is facilitating foreign investment, there are no serious corruption problems, and the political situation is stable and security is excellent. Rwanda is also an excellent base for business into the East African Community and the Great Lakes region. I am excited about Rwanda’s progress and I am also excited to be a part of it at this time.
