Rwanda: Agaciro fund becomes a reality
In the aftermath of the bully-like suspension of foreign aid to Rwanda by a number of development partners earlier this month, the idea of a fund created by Rwandans for Rwandans to help finance developmental projects was mooted.
The idea was to give Rwandans a sense of self-belief, of worthiness. To galvanize Rwandan citizens and impart in them self-belief that they themselves are the first and main solution their problems.
No longer an idea, the Fund is now a reality.
In a vibrant function held at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, President Paul Kagame, flanked by the majority of his cabinet ministers launched the Agaciro Development Fund (AgDF) this Thursday, marking the beginning of a journey towards self-sustenance of Rwanda.
In the run-up to the much anticipated keynote address by the Head of State, a number of Ministers including the Youth and Sports Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister rotated on the podium to outline the workings and achievements of their respective dockets.
The best performing districts were also recognized regarding performance contracts or ‘Imihigo’, with Kicukiro, Kamonyi and Bugesera Districts placing first through third respectively.
Then came the much anticipated keynote speech from the guest of honor, President Paul Kagame. Opening with a moment of silence in honor of the deceased Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who died in London earlier this week, the President then elaborated, in hard-hitting words, the essence of Agaciro, a Kinyarwanda words which translated means ‘dignity.’
The President in colloquial terms outlined how Rwandans must understand that it is the responsibility of Rwandans themselves, first and foremost, to develop their country – young and old alike.
President Kagame further underscored that foreign aid, while still necessary, merely provides temporary relief without solving the cause of the problem, referencing a patient receiving anesthesia to block pain, but once it wears off the pain persists, requiring more anesthesia in an endless cycle.
He ended his speech by pointing out that the initiative itself, and not so much the money it raises, is a huge step forward in nurturing dignity and self-worth.
Participants of the official launch thereafter started makes pledges on behalf of themselves and/or the company they represented. By the close of the ceremony, unofficial estimates put the figure raised through pledges made by those attending the ceremony and those pledging via SMS at 1.2 Billion Rwandan Francs.
Bank accounts in three banks have been set up to collect the funds, the National Bank of Rwanda, Bank of Kigali and Banque Populaire.
Donations can be made through bank deposits or transfers to any one of the aforementioned banks.
Pledges can also be made by means of text messaging, by texting the word ‘Agaciro [space] 500’ on any mobile network in Rwanda and send to the number 2020. The equivalent of the amount pledged will be deducted from the airtime balance.
An alternative means of pledging is online on the website www.agaciro.org using credit and debit cards.
The main aim of the AgDF is to improve the level of financial autonomy of Rwanda as a nation, and will be financed by voluntary contributions from Rwandan citizens in Rwanda, Rwandan citizens abroad, private companies and Friends of Rwanda. The Agaciro Development Fund sets the tone that Rwandans will work together to drive their own development.
The Fund will be managed directly by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning which will also report on its intended use at annual ‘Umushyikirano’ (National Dialogue). In the future, the Fund will be under independent management and will remain audited by an external auditor. The outcome of every audit will be made public, as per the fund’s website.
