Mainstreaming Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production in Policies and Strategies of Rwanda

Rwanda is often cited as a symbol of Africa’s turnaround, reflecting rapid reconstruction and development after 1994. The economy has posted consistent growth, with GDP currently expanding at 6.2% per year and a five-year average of 8.5% from 2005 to 2010, despite inflation of 12%. Reconstruction began from a low base, and poverty remains widespread, with about three quarters of the population living on less than US$2 per day. Human Development Index values remain low, though improving. GNI per capita rose steadily to US$520 in 2009, in line with growth. Under Vision 2020, Rwanda aims to become a private-sector-led middle-income country, targeting per capita income of US$900 and 1.4 million non-agricultural jobs for an estimated 13 million people by 2020. With over 80% in agriculture, the government views SME expansion, 98% of firms and 41% of private employment, as central, especially formalization.