Seven Years Government Programme: National Starategy for Transformation (NST1) 2017-2024

Since the emergency and recovery period that followed the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda has achieved substantial socioeconomic progress, with economic growth rates among the fastest in the world coupled with substantial gains in poverty reduction. Growth across all sectors has been positive and resilient in the face of a slowing global economy. Signs of socio-economic transformation have emerged as the labor force moves from agriculture to higher productive services and industry.

Rwanda adopted its Vision 2020 in the year 2000. Through a succession of poverty reduction and economic development strategies, Rwanda has developed the necessary policies and tools for attaining Vision 2020 aspirations, driven by visionary leadership, mutual trust in the society, self-belief, hard work of citizens, and support of partners. Development improved Rwandans’ livelihoods across the Nation. Life expectancy has increased from 49 in 2000 to 66.6 years in 2017. Poverty has reduced considerably from 60.4% in 2000 to 38.2% in 2016/2017 and extreme poverty reduced from 40% to 16% over the same period. Maternal and child health has improved significantly over the last two decades and exceeded MDGs ambitions. Maternal mortality reduced by 80% between 2000 and 2014 while infant and child mortality decreased by over 70% in the same period. Free universal basic education was initiated and scaled up to 12 years’ cycle. This resulted in net enrolment of nearly 100% in primary for both boys and girls. Gender parity was achieved with more girls than boys in primary school.