MFA and LuxDev visit Rwanda to celebrate innovation and strenghten partnerships

From 15 to 19 October 2025, Rwanda welcomed a delegation from Luxembourg for a visit that combined high-level meetings with hands-on experiences in the field. Mr Georges TERNES, Director General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Mr Manuel TONNAR, Director General of LuxDev, were in the country to strengthen bilateral cooperation and celebrate the achievements of joint development initiatives.

The visit included a series of strategic meetings with key Rwandan institutions and partners. The delegation met with the Minister of State for Education and the Director General of the Rwanda TVET Board, the Director for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Minister of State from the Minister of Local Governance, the Minister of State for Treasury, the CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited and the Rwanda Stock Exchange, and Team Europe partners. These discussions focused on ongoing collaboration in areas such as education, local governance, sustainable finance and private sector development.

On 16 October, the Embassy of Luxembourg hosted an award ceremony for the second edition of the LuxAid Demonstration Fund (LDF). The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors and development partners to celebrate innovative solutions to development challenges. This year, four standout projects were selected :

• EXUUS – AI-powered microloans for climate-resilient farming;
• KAYKO – a platform for financial inclusion that works without smartphones;
• MAGGOT FARM PRODUCTION – insect protein production to support food security;
• ITEME – a new approach to agency banking for underserved communities.

Together, these projects received EUR 1.1 million in co-financing, representing a total investment of EUR 2.25 million.

The ceremony concluded with a networking reception that encouraged new partnerships and collaborations.

Over the following two days, the delegation visited project sites across Musanze, Rubavu, Burera and Kigali to see how Luxembourg’s support is making a difference in the field.

Busogo Technical Secondary School (TSS)

At Busogo TSS in Musanze District, the delegation unveiled a newly equipped computer lab and observed blended learning in action. The school is one of the 11 pilot schools benefiting of the project Digital skills for quality TVET in Rwanda, which is helping modernise TVET through digital infrastructure and a new teaching and learning approach.

Mutobo TSS

Also in Musanze, the delegation visited Mutobo TSS, one of three planned TVET Centers of Excellence under the Improving skills for holistic employment in modern agriculture (ISHEMA) project. The school is being transformed into a hub for modern agriculture and agro-processing, with demonstration plots already in use and plans for industry-linked training and incubation.

Rubavu District

In Rubavu District, the delegation visited a community-led tree nursery supported by the Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project. The nursery is part of a broader effort to restore degraded landscapes, promote clean energy, and build climate resilience. Community members, including women and youth, are actively involved in managing the nursery and applying skills gained through training.

Bushoka Nyanga water supply system

In Burera District, the delegation visited the Bushoka–Nyanga water supply system, a gravity-fed infrastructure project supported by the Pro Poor Development Basket Fund. The system now provides clean water to over 6,600 residents, improving public health, reducing household costs and supporting small-scale enterprise development. The visit highlighted the importance of community ownership and sustainability through local water user committees.

Kigali Farms

The visit concluded at Kigali Farms, a recipient of the LuxAid Demonstration Fund. The enterprise is pioneering sustainable agriculture and nutrition solutions, including mushroom cultivation and feed innovation. The delegation toured the facilities and learned about the enterprise’s growth and future plans.

This visit showcased the strength of Rwanda–Luxembourg cooperation—from national policy to local innovation. With a shared focus on results and resilience, both countries are working together to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Manuel TONNAR also expressed appreciation to the governments of Luxembourg and Rwanda for their trust, and acknowledged the dedication of the LuxDev Rwanda team, including former and current Resident Representatives Quentin BOURDEAUX and Olivier HECQUET.