HomeCountries & Areas…Rwanda hide Rwanda Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of African Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Rwanda U.S.-Rwanda Relations U.S. Assistance to Rwanda Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Rwanda Relations The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country experienced civil war and genocide. The U.S. seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an enabling environment for private The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country experienced civil war and genocide. The U.S. seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an enabling environment for private sector-led growth. The U.S. supports Rwandan efforts to increase democratic participation, enhance respect for civil and political rights, build capacity of its peacekeeping forces, grow its economy, and improve the quality and outcomes of health care and basic education. Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries, but it has made progress in developing national and local government institutions, economic development, maintaining security, promoting reconciliation, achieving Millennium Development Goals, and strengthening the justice system. Collapse U.S.-Rwanda Relations Read more about U.S.-Rwanda Relations U.S. Assistance to Rwanda The U.S. assists Rwanda in providing basic health services for the populace; expanding economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly through a strengthened agricultural production and food security program; protecting and promoting the country’s unique biodiversity; strengthening democracy engagement between civil society and government; expanding access to electricity; and improving the foundational educational system and skills (literacy, numeracy, and workforce readiness) The U.S. assists Rwanda in providing basic health services for the populace; expanding economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly through a strengthened agricultural production and food security program; protecting and promoting the country’s unique biodiversity; strengthening democracy engagement between civil society and government; expanding access to electricity; and improving the foundational educational system and skills (literacy, numeracy, and workforce readiness) that prepare Rwandan youth for a modern service-based economy. These goals are carried out through various presidential initiatives such as Feed the Future; Power Africa; Trade Africa; and the Global Health Initiative, including the President’s Malaria Initiative and PEPFAR. U.S. assistance also supports Rwanda’s refugee response and promotes regional economic integration to spur business development, entrepreneurship, and increased employment opportunities. Collapse U.S. Assistance to Rwanda Read more about U.S. Assistance to Rwanda Bilateral Economic Relations Rwanda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The U.S. and Rwanda have a trade and investment framework agreement (signed in 2006) and a bilateral investment treaty (signed in 2011). The U.S. also has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Rwanda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The U.S. and Rwanda have a trade and investment framework agreement (signed in 2006) and a bilateral investment treaty (signed in 2011). The U.S. also has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Rwanda is a member of both regional organizations. U.S. business interests in Rwanda are expanding, with private U.S. investment in tea, coffee, energy, mining, water treatment, banking, franchising, services, and manufacturing. U.S. exports to Rwanda include aircraft, pharmaceutical and scientific products, machinery, optical and medical instruments, construction equipment, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Rwanda include coffee and other agricultural products, tantalum and tungsten ores, basketwork, handbags, and apparel. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications COVID-19 Vaccine Deliveries Since August, 2021 the United States has donated 10,375,320 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Rwanda. This includes 10,039,320 Pfizer and 336,000 J&J doses. Of the 10,375,320 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX. The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future. Learn more about our work Delivering Vaccines and on COVID-19 Recovery More Vaccine Deliveries Highlights March 1, 2024 Kigali, Rwanda: International School of Kigali – Rwanda: 2024 Special Needs Profile February 27, 2024 Digital Press Briefing on U.S. Environmental Efforts on the African Continent February 21, 2024 Online Briefing with Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Michael Hammer, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; and John Godfrey, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan February 14, 2024 FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for NGO Programs Benefiting Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda January 16, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Rwandan President Kagame VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of African Affairs Rwanda
