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Defining the future of the private sector

> 15 October 2012

As a response to the recent AgriBusiness Forum 2013, held in October, an Agriculture Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) was organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and find solutions to address core issues related to the agriculture value chain.

This session is very crucial for the country as a follow-up of the momentum built by AgriBusiness Forum 2013. In the broader context, linking the private sector to public sector is also crucial to the achievement of EDPRS II goals, which has been recently launched and the development of the private sector.

“I want this discussion to push both sectors to talk about the different opportunities, and how to take advantage of them. This is also a chance to discuss challenges and how to overcome obstacles,” said Minister of Agriculture & Animal Resources, Agnes Kalibata on the PPD.

Participants to the Rwanda Agriculture PPD included both public and private institutions of Rwanda, as well as partners in agriculture development.

“The 5.5% growth rate of the agriculture sector will be continuously possible if we all work closely together, and see what strategies we can put in place. Our aim is to go from a 35% contribution of agriculture to a 25% GDP contribution and achieve transformation,” stated RDB COO, Tony Nsanganira, a panel member of the PPD.

With the agriculture sector contributing about 50% of export revenues in Rwanda, and employing at least 75% of the population, the sector still remains the backbone of the economy.

The PPD expects to come out with recommendation by both public and private stakeholders on future actions, that will be shared with all participants and affiliates. The dialogue will also be discussing all kinds of issues, such as land availability, market access, access to finance, infrastructure, quality and packaging, post-harvest, transportation, and more.

Panelists included MINAGRI DG of Planning Raphael Rurangwa, NAEB DDG Dr. Magnifique Nzaramba, CEO of Banque Populaire du Rwanda Ephraim Turahirwa, and Olivier Rwakazima from Sonarwa Insurance.