Rwanda has emerged as a leader in economic inclusion, achieving 5% annual GDP growth since 2006. Initiatives like Gira Wigire and the Vision Umurenge Program empower vulnerable populations through financial literacy, job creation, and improved health services, showcasing effective strategies for sustainable development at the upcoming South-South Learning Forum in 2025.
Over the past two decades, Rwanda has transformed from a nation recovering from tragedy to a global example of economic inclusion, achieving an average annual per capita GDP growth of 5% since 2006. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about empowering vulnerable populations through initiatives like Gira Wigire, which means “to have dignity” in Kinyarwanda.
Gira Wigire provides beneficiaries with financial literacy training, business development skills, and small loans, enabling them to seize new opportunities and build brighter futures. A key element of Rwanda’s strategy is the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP), the flagship social protection initiative that links economic inclusion with maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood development (ECD). Through VUP, approximately 40,000 beneficiaries—80% of whom are women—have gained employment as caregivers, while access to integrated ECD services for under-5 children from poor households has surged from 17% in 2017 to 80% in 2024. Rwanda’s approach adapts global best practices to local needs, creating jobs and strengthening community infrastructure. The Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) and a dynamic social registry enhance the program’s effectiveness, ensuring no one is left behind.
In February 2025, Rwanda will co-host the South-South Learning Forum (SSLF) in Kigali, a platform to showcase successful economic inclusion strategies. This event will not only share lessons learned but also inspire other nations to create impactful programs, further demonstrating Rwanda’s commitment to empowering individuals and promoting lasting change.
