Warm greetings to everyone.
I want to thank the African Diaspora Network, in particular Almaz Negash and the team, for inviting me to speak with you today.
I also wish to congratulate you on this tenth anniversary milestone.
Over the years, the African Diaspora Network has brought together thousands of like-minded people to believe in, and contribute to, the progress on our continent.
This year, you have adapted to the Covid pandemic by finding new ways to serve and connect your members.
Rwanda and other countries on the continent are doing the same as we work to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our people and our economies.
Although it is more difficult, we have to think beyond the present moment, by mobilising resources and new ideas to accelerate the development our people need.
Africans in the diaspora can continue to play a role in this.
For example, the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is nearing implementation, provides vast opportunities for investment, business, and human capital development, on a scale never seen before.
We want to learn from the experience of others in regional integration and technological innovation to ensure success.
In Rwanda, we have learned that one way to get to where we need to be, is to pay serious attention to inclusivity, leaving no one behind.
For example, by guaranteeing the participation of women in leadership at all levels, we can only win.
Finally, I urge all of you to continue to remain engaged with Africa.
There are many ways to stay up-to-date with what is happening here, and take part in the many opportunities that our continent has always offered.
We will continue to be good partners on this front, and indeed we look to you to do your part in addressing the challenges facing Africa.
Once again, I congratulate the African Diaspora Network, and wish you continued growth and achievement in the years to come.
I thank you.