KIGALI, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame held talks with Ambassador Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), at Urugwiro Village in Kigali on August 28, 2026, with discussions focusing on Rwanda’s economic development and long-term national priorities.
According to the Office of the President, the meeting examined Rwanda’s economic growth trajectory and how it aligns with the country’s longer-term development objectives. In its official announcement, the Presidency said the discussions “focused on Rwanda’s economic growth trajectory” and its connection with the nation’s long-term development goals.
The talks come against the backdrop of continued cooperation between Rwanda and UNECA in areas considered important to economic transformation, including industrial development, regional trade, agriculture and greater value addition to locally produced resources. UNECA’s broader mandate includes supporting African countries in development planning, regional economic integration, sustainable growth and structural transformation.
Mineral processing and domestic value addition have been among the areas of engagement between Rwanda and UNECA. Strengthening local processing could allow Rwanda to retain a greater share of the economic value generated from its resources while supporting investment, employment and the development of more competitive industries.
Agriculture and agribusiness have also featured in the relationship. In 2024, Gatete expressed UNECA’s willingness to cooperate with Rwanda on the Gako Beef project, an initiative intended to strengthen meat processing for domestic consumption and international markets. Cooperation has also included the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, a large-scale agricultural initiative spanning approximately 16,000 hectares and designed around modern farming and commercial agricultural production.
Regional connectivity and trade facilitation represent another area of interest. Rwanda and UNECA have previously considered opportunities to improve the movement of goods across borders, including proposals associated with the Akagera Navigation initiative and the potential use of waterways to strengthen commercial links toward Kagitumba.
Such priorities correspond with UNECA’s continent-wide work on regional integration and trade. The UN commission says its programs support African countries in deepening regional markets, increasing intra-African trade, accelerating industrialization and addressing barriers to structural economic transformation.
Gatete, a Rwandan economist who previously held senior government positions, leads UNECA at a time when African economies are seeking stronger regional integration, increased domestic production and new approaches to financing development. UNECA describes its mission as supporting governments and other stakeholders in advancing sustainable development while promoting economic opportunities across the continent.
The meeting between President Kagame and Gatete therefore placed Rwanda’s national development ambitions within a broader African economic context, highlighting the importance of investment, productive industries, modern agriculture and regional commerce in sustaining long-term growth.
