The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director and Representative in Rwanda, Dede Ekoue, has presented her letters of credence to Dr Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State in charge of Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Rwanda accelerates its agricultural transformation under Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (2024–2029) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (2024–2029).
“Rwanda has set a bold vision for agricultural and economic transformation, and IFAD is proud to walk this journey with its government and people – scaling up innovation, climate resilience and access to finance, technology and markets, so that smallholder farmers, women and youth lead the change,” said Ekoue.
The Country Director also acknowledged Rwanda’s active role in IFAD governance and its contributions to the institution. She thanked the Government for its generous pledge to IFAD’s Fourteenth Replenishment (IFAD14). Rwanda increased its investment in IFAD with a US$900,000 pledge to IFAD14, a 200% increase over its previous three-year contribution. This commitment underscores Rwanda’s dedication to rural transformation, agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and market-oriented value chains.
Ekoue brings over 20 years of international experience in agriculture and rural development, inclusive finance, climate resilience, social development and public policy from senior leadership roles in international organizations and government. Most recently, she served as IFAD Country Director in Nigeria (2022–2026).
A partner in Rwanda’s rural transformation since 1981, IFAD has financed 21 projects with a total value of US$893.1 million, including US$451.5 million in IFAD financing and US$441.6 million in cofinancing and other contributions. These investments have benefited over 1.5 million rural households through watershed development, livestock, export value chains and inclusive rural finance. An independent evaluation of Rwanda–IFAD cooperation from 2019 to 2024 found participating households achieved an average income increase of 118 per cent and 84 per cent reported improved production.
