President Paul Kagame met with Álvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to discuss strengthening agricultural development in Rwanda, with a focus on rural transformation and resilience for smallholder farmers.
The talks took place in Nairobi on May 12, 2026, on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit, which brought together African heads of state and government alongside international partners to advance cooperation on development priorities.
According to a statement from Village Urugwiro, the discussions focused on ongoing cooperation between Rwanda and IFAD, particularly in rural development, agricultural transformation, and improving resilience among smallholder farmers.
Both leaders also explored additional opportunities to deepen collaboration, including enhancing access to markets, promoting inclusive economic growth, and strengthening private sector participation in the agricultural sector.
IFAD, a United Nations specialized agency focused on agricultural development and rural poverty reduction, has partnered with Rwanda for more than 40 years, supporting efforts to modernize agriculture and improve livelihoods in rural areas.
Since 1981, IFAD has financed 21 projects in Rwanda worth over $893 million, contributing significantly to the transformation of the country’s agricultural sector.
In February 2026, Rwanda and IFAD signed a $78.5 million financing agreement aimed at supporting climate resilience and strengthening the livestock sector.
IFAD-supported programmes are currently implemented in 14 districts across Rwanda, focusing on increasing productivity, improving sustainability, and boosting rural incomes.
