Rwanda’s envoys, alongside presidents of Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA) chapters, came together in a virtual X Space hosted on Sunday, September 22 to discuss how the Rwandan diaspora can contribute to the country’s national development while living abroad.
The discussion, which lasted over an hour, was hosted under the theme: “Building the Rwanda We Want: The Diaspora’s Contribution to Rwanda’s NST2 Strategy”.
The conversation covered a wide range of topics, emphasizing the importance of active participation by both Rwandans at home and abroad in achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
While the government bears the responsibility of implementing this vision during President Paul Kagame’s next five-year term, the success of NST2 depends on collective ownership. The diaspora plays a critical role in this national movement, with participants noting past and ongoing initiatives as key examples of their engagement.
Among of the key priorities of NST2 are: Improving the quality of education, boosting exports, public service delivery, reducing stunting and malnutrition and decent and production jobs
Contributions and achievements during NST1
The discussion began with a review of what Rwanda achieved under NST1. Among the successes were significant advancements in infrastructure, education, and health, alongside the reduction of poverty and malnutrition. These accomplishments laid a foundation for NST2, which focuses on improving education quality, boosting exports, enhancing public service delivery, reducing stunting and malnutrition, and creating decent and productive jobs.
Diaspora’s involvement in national development
Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana, Rwanda’s envoy to the USA, highlighted the tremendous impact of the Rwandan diaspora particularly in the U.S.
She noted that there are now over 29 organized Rwandan communities in the United States alone, a product of deliberate political mobilization.
“This unity has translated into significant contributions to Rwanda’s progress. For instance, over Rwf500 million (remittances) has been raised by the diaspora in general to support various local development initiatives,” she said.
One notable example of diaspora engagement was a group of Rwandans from Kansas State who brought their expertise and investment to Kigali, further strengthening ties between Rwandans abroad and the homeland.
“Additionally, the Ohio State office of Rwanda’s community, previously based in the U.S., has been relocated to Rwanda. This move was initiated by a colleague from Ohio, who led the mobilization effort, resulting in the office now operating from Rwanda,” she said.
Mukantabana also emphasized the diaspora’s role in healthcare, citing a group of professionals who traveled from the U.S. to assist in Rwandan health facilities.
She also mentioned a successful initiative to incorporate Kinyarwanda language education in schools, notably in Indiana state, in the U.S.
Diaspora’s role in national elections and other initiatives
Ambassador Igor Cesar, Rwanda’s envoy to Germany, this is possible and you can tell from the growing community engagement that has been made in Germany.
He pointed out that during the recent presidential elections, the number of Rwandans abroad who participated in voting doubled. This reflects the diaspora’s growing engagement in national affairs.
Additionally, there are several other initiatives where the diaspora played an integral role, such as the recent Dusangire Lunch campaign and BRD’s Cana Challenge, young Rwandans coming back home for study tours, demonstrating how collective action can encourage national progress.
Encouraging more job creation and investments
Herve Kubwimana, president of RCA in Germany, urged Rwandans to tap into the advanced research institutions in areas such as agriculture and financial bonds, which could be adapted to Rwanda’s development context by partnering with them and be part of the changes.
However, he emphasized the need for advocacy to address gaps in services available to diaspora members.
Kubwimana shared an example from a recent virtual meeting with the Bank of Kigali, where it was discussed that some services required by the diaspora are not yet available, calling for swift solutions to these challenges.
A call to action, investing in Rwanda’s future
Amb. Mukantabana encouraged more Rwandans to invest in their homeland, stressing that “we have everything we need, but we must make bold decisions.”
She acknowledged that some still have reservations about investing in Rwanda, but emphasized the importance of doing so for the future of the next generation.
It’s worth noting that Rwanda has put in place infrastructure that benefits everyone, from education to sports.
For instance, in 2013, during a meeting between President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan diaspora in Toronto, Canada, Jocelyne Alexandre and Josephine Murphy, twin sisters, presented their project to build homes for Rwandan orphans.
With an initial capital of $80,000, they sought government assistance to acquire land for the construction.
President Kagame immediately responded, terming their request ‘simple,’ and directed them to Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board by then, along with local authorities, to facilitate land acquisition.
Four years later, their dream became a reality. Through their NGO, ‘Shelter Them,’ they were granted 5 hectares of land in Bugesera District.
Shelter Them Batarure Rwanda now provides shelter, education, and care for orphans and children with disabilities. Currently, it houses 214 children, including 89 in Early Childhood Development, 84 in primary school, 29 in secondary school, and 11 in university.
Mukantabana proudly noted the success of Rwanda’s involvement in international tournaments such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
She also highlighted the impact of the Visit Rwanda initiative, stating that “many of the country’s high-end visitors are Americans, though Rwandans themselves should also take the lead in promoting the nation.”
The envoy pointed to the increasing recognition of Rwandan culture globally, with Hollywood stars donning Rwanda’s fashion brands. However, she urged Rwandans to seize this opportunity more effectively.
“We have the platform. We have everything needed including economic diplomacy. Let’s utilize it.”
Cultural preservation and youth engagement
Another key point discussed was the importance of preserving Rwandan culture within the diaspora.
Rwandans living in Indiana, USA, according to Mukantabana, successfully advocated for Kinyarwanda to be taught to children, showcasing how diaspora members can be active participants in the nation’s cultural preservation.
She noted that Rwanda is playing a major role on the global stage and that the entertainment industry is flourishing. She encouraged everyone to find their place within Rwanda’s growth.
“Let’s support our young talents,” she said, “They’re there, and we must nurture them.”
What’s next for Rwanda’s diaspora?
The ambassadors concluded the discussion by calling on all Rwandans to understand what NST2 means, both individually and collectively.
Mukantabana said that success lies in collective action, and Rwandans abroad must invest in education, health, and trust-building efforts within the country.
“Through initiatives such as the recent youth retreat and talent detection in the U.S., which brought Rwandan youth together, the diaspora continues to foster networks of growth and opportunity.”
With Rwanda’s global presence growing and its diaspora actively contributing to national development, the X Space conversation affirmed that Rwandans abroad remain an integral part of building the Rwanda they want—a Rwanda that prospers both at home and on the international stage.
