Rwanda
The Belgian development cooperation supports Rwanda’s sustainable development agenda for the socioeconomic welfare of its people. The Belgo-Rwandan partnership 2019–2024 focuses on three main sectors in line with the priorities of the Rwandan government.
Health
Rwandan health care services have improved significantly, however, major challenges remain. For instance, in many rural areas the quality of and access to health care services are not optimal yet.
Belgium provides support to the construction and rehabilitation of health infrastructure and to capacity development of health institutions, in order to improve access to primary health care. A strong focus is put on reproductive and sexual health services, in line with Rwanda’s ambition to ensure access to quality health for all.
Belgium will be the first to implement support to reproductive and sexual health through Results-based Financing, linking incentives with agreed upon results.
Urbanisation
Rwanda’s urban population is expected to increase from 18.5% in 2015 to 41.,2% in 2050. This rapid urbanisation is a challenge which, if well managed, can offer opportunities for job creation and economic development.
Rubavu, Musanze and Rwamagana are emerging cities with a high economic potential due to tourism assets, fertile land and proximity to bigger cities like Kigali and Goma (DRC). We support these three cities to develop their local economy, and advise local authorities on urban planning for economic development.
We improve the infrastructure of market places and build roads connecting these commercial centers. In addition, Enabel works with the Government of Rwanda and local companies to address challenges of technology, standards and management experience. We also provide training to the construction sector.
Agriculture
As the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, agriculture and agribusiness are crucial for its growth and poverty reduction. The agricultural sector accounts for 39% of GDP and nearly three quarters of Rwanda’s employment.
But challenges such as low levels of productivity and inefficient farming practices need to be tackled in order to contribute to economic development and job creation. Jointly with the World Bank, the United Kingdom and Holland, Belgium supports the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture to implement Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture.
This aims to reform agriculture from a subsistence sector into a knowledge-based value-creating sector contributing to the national economy and ensuring food and nutrition security.
Public Finance Management
Enabel and its partners aspire to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of Public Financial Management systems at central and local government level. Good public finance management is also essential to achieve results in our other action areas of health, agriculture and urbanisation.
Related content
Enabel has been active in Rwanda since 1999 through partnerships and programmes with funding from Belgium and other commissioners. The current Belgian cooperation programme 2024-2029 of 95 million euros aims to contribute to Rwanda’s socio-economic development, with focus on healthcare, agriculture and urbanisation. It is complemented with a five-year Belgium-funded thematic portfolio on social protection worth 17.6 million euros. This highlights Belgium’s and Rwanda’s joint commitment to fostering significant, long-term growth and prosperity, to enhance the quality of life for all Rwandans.
Country brochure
Read the reflection paper. A collaboration between the European Union, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles/Wallonie-Bruxelles International, Bozar and Enabel.
Culture and creativity for the future of cities
Have a look at our projects in Rwanda via the open.enabel platform.
Our projects in Rwanda
Contact the Enabel team in Rwanda
News & Events
News
29 May 2026
Investing in education is investing in democracy and peace
When conflict disrupts learning, entire generations are left behind. Educaid.be 2026 conference shows why investing in education means investing in peace.
Read more
News
19 May 2026
Practitioners’ Network General Assembly marks the end of a successful Enabel and Sida co-Presidency
Enabel and Sida hand over Practitioners’ Network co-Presidency to GIZ and CzDA, strengthening European international cooperation.
Read more
News
13 May 2026
New board of directors at Enabel to strengthen the strategic role of international cooperation
Enabel, the Belgian state-owned enterprise for international cooperation, announces the appointment of its new board of directors.
Read more
Resources
10 May 2026
Cooperation in motion – activity report 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 Activity Report tackles the themes, events and achievements that have marked the past year and will continue to inspire our work in 2026.
Read more
News
10 May 2026
Ukraine: beyond the war, hope for the future
Viacheslav Chaus talks about Chernihiv’s current challenges and his vision for the region and Ukraine’s future.
Read more
News
10 May 2026
Enabel and the private sector: natural allies
Enabel develops partnerships with the private sector to boost employment and accelerate the sustainable transition.
Read more