Rwanda's Development - An Outsider's Perspective By Beth Milburn:
Rwanda is what most
people would call 'a developing country'. However, when I say Rwanda is a
developing country I really mean Rwanda is a developing country! You
can't miss the evidence that this
is a country experiencing rapid development, it's everywhere. Before I came I was not expecting to see it so
clearly and I have found it extremely encouraging to see and to be here at this
significant stage of Rwanda's history.
Currently Rwanda is one
of the fastest developing countries in the world - ranked 9th in the
world (The Economist, 2013). It experienced an economic growth rate of 8% in
2012 and 7.8% in 2013. 'Vision 2020' is the Government’s
strategy and vision to transform Rwanda into a middle income country by 2020. There have been some great successes to date. For example, between 2005 and 2011 the poverty rate
decreased by 12% which means that 12 million people were lifted out of poverty
(UNICEF, 2013). Rwanda is one of just ten countries to achieve universal access
to antiretroviral treatment for HIV (UNDP, 2012).
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| The beautiful view of Kigali city |
Kigali, the capital city, is a beautiful mix
of skyscrapers and ordinary homes stretching across hill after hill after hill.
But the skyline is rapidly changing as the city is being transformed in accordance
with ‘Vision 2020’– big impressive buildings and towers are appearing and you
can see current projects under construction. Not only are buildings being built
but we have also seen projects laying down internet cables underground as part
of a plan to give the whole country a good internet connection – essential for
effective development. Roads too are constantly being built and improved and
the main roads we drive around on in Kigali are of an amazing quality. All the
industry in the city is being moved to a designated area and the central part
of town is being transformed. And this is just Kigali.
Our teammate Sam, who is from Kigali tells us that: 'you can't recognise the country from pre
2005' and that 'Rwanda is developing so
fast people come out of prison and think that they are in a different country'.
Imagine that!
The people are excited
about the development prospects of their country and are united. They say that
'we are all Rwandan', there is one culture, one language, and development is 'one
Rwandan project'. Therefore these transformations are not just taking place in
Kigali. This form of development is what’s known as ‘pro-poor growth’, where the
aim is that no one will get left behind as Rwanda’s economy grows. This is due
to projects such as 'One Cow Per Poor Family',
the prioritisation of education for all, and an emphasis on inclusive
development.
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| The vision for the future Kigali skyline |
I am genuinely
excited by the hope that lies in this country and its potential for the future.
Effective policies are being put in place, poverty levels are decreasing, and
here development is far more tangible
and evident than I ever thought it could be.
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