88565
                                              Rwanda

                          Country Partnership Strategy FY2014-2018

                                           Chair Summary ∗

                                             June 5, 2014

       Executive Directors discussed and endorsed the joint IDA/IFC/MIGA Country
Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Rwanda for the period FY2014-2018. They welcomed the
alignment of the CPS with the national development plan, the second Economic Development
and Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2013-2018 and the World Bank Group (WBG) strategic goals.
Directors strongly supported the three pillars of the CPS, namely: (i) accelerating economic
growth that is private sector driven and job-creating; (ii) improving the productivity and incomes
of the poor through rural development and social protection; and (iii) supporting accountable
governance through public financial management and decentralization.

        Directors commended the excellent development progress made by Rwanda in recent
years. They acknowledged its highly strategic approach to development which has galvanized
domestic and external resources around nationally-defined goals to deliver high rates of
economic growth, a significant decline in poverty, a reduction in inequality, and progress in
nearly all developmental outcomes. Going forward, Directors noted the vital importance of
sustainable agriculture which is a key driver for growth and poverty reduction, particularly in
rural areas. They recognized the importance of innovative solutions to address land management
and agricultural productivity and noted the important transition from subsistence to commercial
agriculture. Directors also welcomed Rwandan investments in climate-smart agriculture as a
good practice example of increasing resilience whilst boosting productivity.

        Directors were pleased to note the strong collaboration among IDA, IFC and MIGA in
the CPS. They strongly supported WBG initiatives for regional integration to increase market
access and address the underlying drivers of conflict. Directors noted the importance of efforts
to build cooperation and peace whilst enhancing political stability and security in the region.
They welcomed integrated WBG regional projects, including in power, and recognized the
important contributions of the Great Lakes Initiative and the East African Community. They
encouraged sharing the lessons of Rwanda’s development experience with other low-income
countries.

        Directors also noted importance of balancing the use of IDA resources and the range of
WBG instruments and allowing for flexibility during CPS implementation. They underscored
the vital role of private sector development, vocational training, and job creation, particularly for
women and youth. Directors encouraged an expanded role for IFC, especially for local
entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses. Directors also emphasized the importance
of gender equality and urged comprehensive tracking of gender in the results framework for the
CPS.



*This summary is not an approved record.