The Chief Executive Officer of RGB, Dr. KAITESI Usta commended the role of civil society organization in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction and transformation journey. She made the remarks on 27 November 2020 at the occasion of the launch of the first Report on the contribution of Civil Society organizations (CSOs) to Rwanda’s transformation.

The Report compiled by Rwanda’s Network of Civil Society Organizations (RCSP) and the Network of International Organizations (NINGO) highlights the key contributions of different non-governmental organizations both local and international in the sectors economic transformation, social transformation and governance.

The scope of the report covered two fiscal year namely 2009/2010 and 2018/2019. It showed that in the financial year 2009/2010, CSOs injected RwF 254,833,597,195 (or US$428,291,760) into the Rwandan economy, while in 2018/2019 the contribution of CSOs was US$ 196,000,000. The Report also presented the special contribution of CSOs to Rwanda’s Response to Covid-19.

Sean Kerrigan, the Chairperson of NINGO said that this report was compiled as starting point to regularly document and showcase the impact of COS contribution in different sectors of national development and its impact on citizens.

De. Ryarasa Nkurunziza, the Chair of RCSP underlined that this report reflects the will of CSOs to be accountable.

“CSOS organisations are watchdog and have the mandate to hold government accountable. Thus, we must show what we do, to be accountable before holding others accountable.” Said Ryarasa

In her remarks, Dr. Usta Kaitesi appreciated the report as good initiative and requested to widen the scope in the next editions to ensure that CSOs interventions are comprehensively documented. She also reiterated the will of government to continue to support CSOs as strategic partners to achieve national development goals.

“The governance of Rwanda is built on the pillars of accountability, transparency, efficient use of scarce resources and citizen-centeredness” This report remains an important tool that present the contribution of CSOs in delivering to these pillars.” Stressed Dr. Kaitesi.

This event was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda Mr. Fode Ndiaye and other stakeholders from government institutions, Development Partners agencies and Faith-Based Organisations.