Rwanda’s foreign policy is intensifying its focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a core component of economic diplomacy. This approach, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s strategy for some time, is now being reinforced under the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2).
The details of this enhanced focus were disclosed in an exclusive interview with Ambassador Oliver Nduhungirehe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting held earlier today.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe emphasized that while economic diplomacy has long been integral to Rwanda’s foreign policy, the current phase aims to further strengthen this approach.
“Our foreign policy continues to prioritize economic diplomacy, but now we are amplifying our efforts to position Rwanda as a premier destination for FDI,” the Minister stated. “Our goal is to elevate Rwanda’s global profile and drive shared prosperity through more robust trade and investment opportunities.”
This enhanced focus aligns with Goal 13 of the NST2, which underscores Strengthening Economic Diplomacy and International Cooperation. This goal is critical for securing trade and investment opportunities and enhancing Rwanda’s global standing. 
The strategy also calls for leveraging the Rwandan diaspora to actively contribute to and support national development goals. Maintaining peace and security remains central to NST2, ensuring a stable environment conducive to Rwanda’s sustained growth and the active engagement of communities.
Rwanda’s foreign missions have been instructed to focus more intensively on investment facilitation rather than aid or grants. The Minister explained that reinforcing economic diplomacy is essential for sustainable development, helping Rwanda to build a more self-reliant and resilient economy on the global stage.
The government believes that by deepening its commitment to attracting foreign investment, Rwanda can accelerate its socio-economic development and meet the broader objectives of NST2.
While traditional cooperation will continue, the enhanced focus will be on creating a robust investment climate that benefits both Rwandans and international investors.