Rwanda is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Africa. Its history has long been marred by conflict. Genocide, civil war and mass displacement have set Rwanda's development back by years. The Republic of Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962. Ethnic violence then ravaged the country for decades, culminating in civil war in 1990 and the brutal genocide of 1994, in which approximately one million people were killed within a span of one hundred days. Several years of internal disarray and regional conflict ensued before the government and military could restore security within its borders.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress since 1994. The post-genocide transitional government introduced numerous reforms to stabilise the populace and economy. A milestone occurred in 2003, when the first democratic parliamentary and presidential elections in Rwandan history took place. Almost half of Rwanda’s members of parliament are women.

The Government today is continuing its efforts to stabilise the country and further sociopolitical and economic development, but great challenges remain. The effects of the genocide are still present, and Rwandan society remains sharply divided. Suspected murderers frequently live alongside their victims’ survivors, and millions have been left traumatised. Economically, Rwanda remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with 56.9 percent of the population living in absolute poverty and surviving on less than one dollar per day. Population growth of 2.7 percent, an average life expectancy of 49 years, and a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 3.1 percent further exacerbate poverty in the country. High HIV/AIDS infection rates, the continued presence of ex-combatants in Rwanda and neighbouring countries, and questions of social injustice still hinder growth and reconciliation.

Since launching operations in Rwanda in 1979, GTZ has worked with local and international partners to reduce poverty, improve health care and governance, advance economic development, and maintain sustainable peace in the country. It was one of the first development organisations to return after the genocide, resuming operations in September 1994. Since 2000 Rwanda has been a priority country for German bilateral cooperation, which concentrates on strengthening the following sectors: 

• Good governance
• Health
• Sustainable economic development

GTZ contributes to these priority areas above all through advisory services, in order to help the Rwandan Government and population build and reinforce democratic structures, thus providing them with the opportunity and the means to lead their own way out of poverty.

February 2008