Rwanda, Ethiopia share national policy strategy

Rwanda and Ethiopia have solidified their strategic partnership with the signing of 11 bilateral agreements within various sectors. The signing ceremony was attended by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who emphasized the importance of nurturing learning models and sharing the design of national policies and strategies. This collaboration between the two nations reflects their commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region. Both Rwanda and Ethiopia have been able to sustain impressive economic growth rates of over 6% over the last decade, despite global economic challenges. The success of these economies raises questions about how they attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and manage risk effectively. President Kagame pointed out that the perception of risks in Africa is often exaggerated, and that investors from Western countries face similar risks in their own countries. He highlighted the importance of peace, stability, good governance, and anti-corruption measures in attracting investors to the region. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia acknowledged the outstanding growth of his country and emphasized the need for African nations to invest in human capital and adopt best practices to drive economic development. Both leaders underscored the importance of putting people first in their development strategies. The bilateral agreements between Ethiopia and Rwanda signal a commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and knowledge exchange. Rwanda's impressive rural and agricultural transformation, which has enabled the country to achieve food self-sufficiency with limited land resources, serves as a model for other African nations. Ethiopia aims to learn from Rwanda's success in land development and rural housing initiatives to accelerate its own rural transformation efforts. The two countries also plan to collaborate on improving their business environments and enhancing their global competitiveness. The partnership between Ethiopia and Rwanda sets a positive example for African integration and cooperation. By sharing best practices and coordinating policy recommendations, the two nations aspire to drive economic growth and sustainable development not only within their borders but across the entire continent. The focus on learning, vision, strategy, and implementation underscores their shared commitment to achieving shared growth and prosperity for their people. As Rwanda and Ethiopia continue to strengthen their partnership, their joint efforts are poised to accelerate economic progress and create opportunities for their citizens.