The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created by the U.S. Government in 1961 to provide U.S. foreign economic and social assistance. Currently, USAID works in more than 100 countries around the world. USAID promotes peace and stability by fostering economic growth, agriculture, and trade; protecting human health; improving the quality and access to basic education; providing emergency humanitarian assistance; preventing conflicts; and enhancing democracy in developing countries.
USAID began providing assistance to Rwanda in 1964. Since that time, the American people through USAID have provided nearly $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance and programs to strengthen the healthcare and education systems, increase economic opportunities, and promote good governance. USAID provides U.S. foreign assistance to Rwanda along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Peace Corps, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
In Rwanda, USAID operates under a Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) with the Government of Rwanda and within the framework of the U.S.-Rwanda bilateral agreement, which has been in effect since 1992. USAID programs cooperate with ministries, governmental and non-government organizations, businesses, and communities to improve the well-being of Rwandans through improved laws, new jobs, increased incomes, improved services, and better management of available resources.
USAID programs in Rwanda are implemented mainly through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements by more than 80 local and international organizations, including U.N. agencies, for profit companies, and non-governmental organizations.
MISSION STATEMENT
USAID/Rwanda’s goal is to increase economic growth and improve well-being in Rwanda.
OBJECTIVES
Increased Use of Community Health Services, Including HIV/AIDS
Expanded Economic Opportunities in Rural Areas
Improved Governance Through Increased Citizen Participation
