President of Republic of Rwanda H E Paul Kagame recently spoke at the Global Security Forum 2024 in Doha, Qatar, emphasizing the importance of investments from Qatar in Rwanda’s infrastructure and human resources development. In a videoconference session with moderator Steve Clemons from Al Jazeera English, Kagame highlighted the collaboration with Qatar Airways to enhance the country’s economy and value chain. He emphasized the focus on building a strong foundation for development by investing in human capital through education, food security, technology, and various industries.
Kagame mentioned the shift in mentality towards adding value to Rwanda’s natural resources, rather than just exporting raw materials. He stressed the significance of advancing service industries like hospitality, biotech, and mining to leverage the country’s potential for growth. When asked about the possibility of Rwanda being recolonized by foreign players in technology and biotech sectors, Kagame emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and ensuring self-reliance in Africa’s development trajectory.
The President highlighted Rwanda’s strategy of working within the African continent and forging partnerships with various global powers without being consumed by their competition. He emphasized the need for African countries, including Rwanda, to prioritize their own development agenda and not be dragged into power struggles between major players like the US and China. Kagame emphasized the importance of maintaining autonomy and focus on African interests while engaging with international partners for mutual benefits.
In conclusion, Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to pursuing a path of self-reliance, collaboration with other African nations, and fostering partnerships with global powers without compromising the country’s sovereignty. He stressed the need for African countries to learn from past mistakes, prioritize value addition to natural resources, and build a vibrant economy through investments in human capital and key industries. Kagame’s remarks at the forum underscored Rwanda’s strategic approach to development and its determination to chart its own course in the global arena.
