Rwanda Development Board

Rwanda Development Board
Name	Rwanda Development Board
Formed	2008
Preceding1	Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency
Preceding2	Rwanda Tourism Board
Preceding3	Rwanda Commercial Registration Services Agency
Jurisdiction	Government of Rwanda
Headquarters	Kigali
Chief1 name	Clare Akamanzi
Chief1 position	Chief Executive Officer

Rwanda Development Board. The Rwanda Development Board is the principal government agency responsible for accelerating Rwanda's economic development by enabling private sector growth. Established in 2008 through a merger of several key institutions, it serves as a one-stop center for investors, spearheads national priority sectors, and implements the country's transformative development agenda under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (Rwanda).

History

The agency was created in 2008 by order of President Paul Kagame to streamline business processes and foster a more competitive investment climate. It consolidated the functions of several predecessor bodies, including the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency, the Rwanda Tourism Board, and the Rwanda Commercial Registration Services Agency. This merger was a key component of post-genocide economic reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and positioning Kigali as a premier business hub in East Africa. The creation followed broader national strategies like Vision 2020 and has since been integral to subsequent plans such as the National Strategy for Transformation.

Organizational structure

The agency operates under a board of directors chaired by the Prime Minister of Rwanda and includes senior officials from key ministries and private sector leaders. Day-to-day operations are led by a Chief Executive Officer, historically figures like John Gara and currently Clare Akamanzi. It is organized into several specialized departments focusing on priority areas, including Agribusiness, Tourism, Manufacturing, and ICT and Innovation. These departments work in tandem with other government entities such as the Rwanda Revenue Authority and the Rwanda Governance Board to implement cohesive policies.

Key functions and responsibilities

Its primary mandate is to attract and facilitate both domestic and foreign direct investment across all sectors of the Economy of Rwanda. The agency manages the complete investor journey, offering services from company registration and securing permits to providing aftercare support. It is also tasked with promoting Rwanda as a tourist destination, famously through campaigns linked to the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and partnerships like that with Arsenal F.C.. Furthermore, it drives export promotion, supports SME development, and implements business climate reforms, often measured by indices like the World Bank's Ease of doing business index.

Major initiatives and programs

Notable initiatives include the establishment of the Kigali International Financial Centre to position Rwanda as a financial services hub. The agency runs the **"Visit Rwanda"** tourism campaign, a global partnership with Paris Saint-Germain and the FIFA. It has launched the **"Made in Rwanda"** policy to boost local manufacturing and reduce the trade deficit. The agency also manages the **Rwanda Innovation Fund** and special economic zones like the Kigali Special Economic Zone, designed to attract companies in sectors like textiles and electronics. Programs facilitating the **"Rwanda Green Fund"** (FONERWA) also fall under its purview.

Impact and achievements

Under its stewardship, Rwanda has consistently ranked among the top reformers in Africa on the Ease of doing business index, with Kigali becoming a host for major international events like the World Economic Forum on Africa and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022. The agency has attracted significant investments from global firms such as Volkswagen, which established an assembly plant in Kigali, and Marriott International. Tourism, centered on attractions like Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park, has become a top foreign exchange earner. The country's rapid economic growth and improvements in Sustainable Development Goals indicators are frequently attributed to its streamlined approach.

Leadership and governance

The board is governed by a mix of public and private sector representatives, ensuring alignment with national policy and market realities. The current Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi, a former advisor in the Office of the President of Rwanda, has been instrumental in advancing its modern agenda. Leadership has maintained close coordination with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Rwanda) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (Rwanda). The agency's performance is regularly reviewed against the targets set in national frameworks like the Vision 2050 blueprint, with accountability to the Parliament of Rwanda.

Category:Government agencies of Rwanda Category:Economic development in Rwanda