Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Gerald Mbanda
Rwandan cultural dancers at the Changsha expo. Photo courtesy: Xinhua
Rwanda Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said that Rwanda and China have practical cooperation in various sectors, with relations between the two countries which positively impacts Rwandan people. The Rwandan Minister hailed the relationship between China and Rwanda on the sideline of the African ministers meeting in Changsha, China for the ministerial coordinators meeting on FOCAC implementation. Several African ministers attended the meeting.
The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened also opened on in the central Chinese city of Changsha, where Rwandan products like coffee, were exhibited. The Rwandan diaspora cultural troop presented a performance of Rwandan traditional dance that thrilled people at the trade expo. The expo, presents a commitment by China to strengthen ties with Africa not only in trade but in almost all areas of socio-economic development.
It should be recalled that during the FOCAC summit that took place in 2024 in Beijing, Rwanda-China relations were elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” emphasizing the benefits and future opportunities this upgrade presents. At the time, the Rwandan minister of foreign affairs highlightedChina’s significant role in Rwanda’s socio-economic development, further mentioning China’s investmentsexceeding $1.2 billion in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education. These investments have played a vital part in Rwanda’s economic growth. “China’s support in areas like construction and manufacturing has played an important part in Rwanda’s economic development. We value China as a reliable and consistent partner,” Nduhungirehe said.
In 2020, the Government of Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement for a grant worth RMB Yuan 400 million (approximately U$ 60 million). The agreement was signed by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning on behalf of Government of Rwanda and His Excellency RAO Hongwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Rwanda. Minister Ndagijimana and Ambassador Hongwei also signed a debt cancellation agreement worth RMB Yuan 40 million (apprx US$ 6 million).
In 2023, China and Rwanda signed a grant agreement for RMB Yuan 400 million, (US$60 million). This grant is earmarked for a priority project to be agreed upon, supporting various sectors like transport, agriculture, health, education, and energy. In addition, a concessional loan of $76 million was signed for the upgrade of Kigali urban roads, and a grant of about $42 million was provided for the expansion of Masakahospital.
In 2024, the two countries continued to strengthen economic cooperation, with China pledging to deepen practical cooperation in various fields under the Belt and Road Initiative framework. Specifically, the GisekeIrrigation Project, supported by concessional loans from the Chinese government, is expected to be a significant undertaking for Rwanda’s agricultural modernization. The expansion of Masaka Hospital, a major project supported by a Chinese grant, is also underway, aiming to become Rwanda’s top teaching hospital.
Cooperation between China and Rwanda continues to grow with tangible results that benefit the people of the two countries.
