Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has commended the strong ties between Rwanda and Australia as the two countries move towards celebrating 20 years of cooperation in 2027. He also commended Rwandans living abroad for their significant contributions to the country’s development, especially through remittances, which have grown from $65 million in 2010 to $502 million in 2024. From August 14 to 17, Minister Nduhungirehe was in Australia on a working visit. During his stay, he held bilateral meetings and attended the Australian Leader

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has commended the strong ties between Rwanda and Australia as the two countries move towards celebrating 20 years of cooperation in 2027. He also commended Rwandans living abroad for their significant contributions to the country’s development, especially through remittances, which have grown from $65 million in 2010 to $502 million in 2024. From August 14 to 17, Minister Nduhungirehe was in Australia on a working visit. During his stay, he held bilateral meetings and attended the Australian Leadership Retreat, organized under the theme “Integrated Strategic Investment.” There, he shared Rwanda’s approach to homegrown development solutions, citing initiatives such as Gacaca courts, Umuganda, and Imihigo as examples of citizen-led progress. In a live conversation with 4EB FM 98.1 Hobe Australia’s Kinyarwanda Program on August 16, the Minister emphasized the important role of the Rwandan diaspora, often called “the sixth province” in supporting national development. He revealed that remittances from the diaspora rose from $65 million in 2010 to $457 million in 2023. These funds, mainly used to support families and invest in local projects, have been vital in uplifting communities and boosting the economy. “Rwandans living in Australia are also contributing. In the last four years, their remittances reached $50 million, about $12 million per year,” Minister Nduhungirehe said. He added that beyond sending money, the diaspora should be encouraged to invest in Rwanda to help build a sustainable future. Rwanda–Australia Cooperation Minister Nduhungirehe praised the partnership between Rwanda and Australia, which will mark two decades in 2027. “Cooperation between Rwanda and Australia is strong. We work together in business, mining, real estate, education, political consultations,” he noted. He said both countries, as members of the Commonwealth, have supported each other in various ways. Australia backed Rwanda’s entry into the Commonwealth in 2009 and also supported Rwanda when it hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2022. At the United Nations level, Rwanda and Australia cooperated closely when both served on the UN Security Council in 2013–2014. Education is another area of collaboration, with many Rwandan students receiving scholarships from Australian universities. The Minister encouraged students studying abroad to focus on technology, mathematics, and business, aligning with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. “As outlined in the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), creating jobs for the youth is a key priority,” he said. Rwanda’s Development Path Speaking on Rwanda’s progress, Minister Nduhungirehe attributed the country’s development to the vision of President Paul Kagame, under whose leadership Rwanda has chosen unity and resilience after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “It’s about the vision we have and the spirit of accountability among Rwandans. Vision 2020 and Vision 2050 guide us toward achieving our goals,” he said. He added that Rwanda continues to strengthen its global presence by establishing new diplomatic ties, opening embassies, and joining regional and international organizations.

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