Over the past two decades, Rwanda has transformed from a nation rebuilding after tragedy to a global example of economic inclusion. Its impressive 5% average annual per capita GDP growth since 2006 tells part of the story, but economic growth is just one piece of the puzzle. The real story lies in how this growth has touched lives, especially the most vulnerable, through initiatives like Gira Wigire, which means "to have dignity" in Kinyarwanda.
At the heart of this transformation is the belief that economic inclusion is not just about lifting people out of poverty. It’s about empowering them to thrive. One of the most compelling examples of this vision is the story of Aphrodis Iradukunda, a 29-year-old agricultural worker from rural Rwanda.
Aphrodis: A story of transformation
Life was a daily struggle for Aphrodis, who faced the daunting task of providing for his family without a steady income. Without resources or support, he felt trapped in a cycle of poverty. Everything changed when he became a beneficiary of Gira Wigire, Rwanda’s innovative economic inclusion initiative.
Through Gira Wigire, Aphrodis received financial literacy training, business development skills, and a small loan. These tools allowed him to open his own store, turning his aspirations into reality. Today, Aphrodis stands as a proud small business owner, earning a steady income and investing in his child’s education. His journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of targeted support.
Aphrodis success is not just about financial aid. It was the result of a holistic support system that combined coaching, mentoring, and productive assets. This approach, building on global lessons and evidence base, addresses material needs while fostering aspirations, enabling beneficiaries like Aphrodis to seize opportunities and build brighter futures.
Transformative initiatives: Vision Umurenge Program
A cornerstone to Rwanda’s strategy is the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP), the country’s flagship social protection initiative. VUP integrates economic inclusion with maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood development (ECD). Beneficiaries of the public works program, for example, are trained to serve as caregivers in home-based ECD centers. This dual approach expands critical services for children while creating work opportunities for adults.
These interconnected initiatives supported by the World Bank’s Social Protection Transformation Project have produced remarkable results:
- Access to integrated ECD services for under-5 children from poor households increased from 17% in 2017 to 80% in 2024.
- Close to 40,000 beneficiaries—80% of whom are women—have become caregivers, gaining year-long or multi-year employment opportunities.
- Over 50,000 beneficiary households—45% female headed—are currently receiving a package of support like Aphrodis did.
Tailored solutions for lasting change
What sets Rwanda’s approach apart is its ability to adapt global best practices to local realities. For example, VUP’s public works program creates jobs while enhancing community infrastructure. Parasocial workers play a vital role in this ecosystem, providing mentorship and coaching to participants, helping them build confidence and entrepreneurial skills. These solutions are deeply rooted in community aspirations and foster collaboration at every level.
Robust coordination mechanisms further enhance the program’s effectiveness. The Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) and a dynamic social registry ensure that interventions are seamlessly delivered and properly sequenced. This data-driven approach ensures that no one is left behind.
Learning and sharing: South-South Learning Forum 2025
In February 2025, Rwanda will co-host the South-South Learning Forum (SSLF), a global platform organized by the World Bank, with support from partners, to showcase effective economic inclusion strategies. Policymakers and practitioners will gather in Kigali to discuss multifaceted approaches to job creation, women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation.
For Rwanda, the forum is an opportunity to share lessons learned and inspire other nations to design impactful programs. Stories like Aphrodis’ will be celebrated as powerful examples of how tailored, community-driven solutions can transform lives. The SSLF will also galvanize Rwanda to take its approach to the next level, ensuring even greater impact in the years to come.
Rwanda’s journey is a powerful reminder that economic inclusion is about more than just lifting people out of poverty. It’s about giving them the tools to thrive. From successful businesses to green neighborhoods, Rwanda demonstrates how tailored solutions can achieve lasting change.
Aphrodis’ story is a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support, individuals can break free from poverty and create better futures for themselves and their families. As the world gathers for the SSLF in Kigali, let us draw inspiration from Rwanda and work towards a future where dignity and opportunity are within everyone’s reach.
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