Kigali, 13 July 2011
President Kagame today received in his office the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Mr. Abdul-Aziz Khelef. Cooperation between Rwanda and the Arab development bank started way back in 1970 when the bank was formed.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Abdul-Aziz Khelef said that his discussions with the President mainly dwelt on existing cooperation between Rwanda and BADEA and the bank’s ongoing and planned projects in the country. “We are interested in financing Rwanda’s infrastructure projects which include roads and energy and we have already signed several agreements to this effect. We are very satisfied with the level of cooperation and look forward to increased participation in different sectors of this country’s economy”.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Albert Nsengiyumva said: “BADEA has been our partner for a long time and have helped a great deal especially in improvement of our road network and other infrastructure projects. The Director General has just signed an agreement to fund construction of the road connecting Rusizi and Rubavu also known as route 6, and the one connecting Ngororero-Mukamira and Gitarama which is nearing completion. Other roads under BADEA’s fund include Base-Byumba-Nyagatare and Kibungo-Nyanza. Once completed, these roads will facilitate transportation of goods and people and reduce on transportation costs”.
The Minister also said that BADEA funds energy projects like the Gisenyi, Gihira and Mukungwa hydro power projects: “The discussion with the President also looked at how the bank can move a step ahead and facilitate private sector development by funding SMEs, and the Director General expressed interest in this.”