Minister Dr Ngirente received the head of the World Bank in Rwanda, on Thursday March 8, 2024, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The talks between the two leaders were attended by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana, and focused on strengthening the existing cooperation between Rwanda and the World Bank.
Among the activities that the World Bank currently collaborates with Rwanda are various projects aimed at development in sectors including infrastructure, education, agriculture and breeding to eradicate poverty, combat malnutrition and others. Even so far the World Bank has already loaned Rwanda more than 8 billion dollars.
In September last year, when the World Bank celebrated 60 years of cooperation with Rwanda, Sahr Kpundeh praised the way Rwanda effectively uses the grants and loans given to it, pointing out that they benefit the country and its people.
He said: “In particular, we would like to express our gratitude to the Rwandan government for the efficient use of development partners’ grants and loans.”
He pointed out that 60 years is an important milestone for the World Bank and its partners and is a good time to pause and look back on the achievements and draw lessons for the future.
On September 30, 1963, Rwanda became a member of the World Bank and seven years later, in 1970, the Bank’s board of directors approved the first loan given to Rwanda amounting to 18.8 million.
An American from Sierra Leone, Sahr Kpundeh, was appointed the new Director of the World Bank in Rwanda in September 2023, replacing Rolande Pryce who was given other responsibilities, and is responsible for monitoring the projects that the Bank collaborates with the Government of Rwanda and other partners.
