Date : 18 February 2026 , Venue : Kigali Convention Centre (KCC)

Organizers : High Commission of India, Kigali & Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) Rwanda

Executive Summary
The High-Level Policy Dialogue on Enhancing India–Rwanda Socio-Economic Ties, held on 18 February 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together senior officials, diplomats, private sector leaders, researchers, and civil society representatives to deliberate on strengthening cooperation between the two nations. Organized by the High Commission of India in Kigali and the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN), the dialogue convened around 50 participants and focused on innovations, opportunities, and challenges across agriculture, trade, technology, education, and cultural exchange.
The discussions were anchored in Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and India’s Viksit Bharat@2047, both of which emphasize inclusive and sustainable development. Opening remarks highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking, private sector engagement, and institutional reforms to ensure that bilateral initiatives translate into tangible socio-economic outcomes. Panel 1 focused on agriculture, trade diversification, and research-driven policymaking, while Panel 2 emphasized private sector-led growth, investment promotion, and Rwanda’s positioning as a gateway to the East African market. Interactive Q&A sessions reinforced the need for pilot projects, reforms to ease doing business, and inclusive partnerships involving academia, entrepreneurs, and civil society.
Key outcomes of the dialogue included consensus on priority actions across six sectors : trade and investment, agriculture, technology and innovation, education and skills, cultural exchange, and policy and research. Recommendations emphasized diversifying exports, piloting precision agriculture projects, expanding scholarships and vocational training, fostering joint incubation programs, and institutionalizing research collaboration. Participants agreed that cultural synergies—such as Rwanda’s Umuganda and India’s Seva traditions—should be leveraged to deepen people-to-people ties.
The dialogue concluded with a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s development priorities and a call to move from dialogue to action. By strengthening institutional linkages, investing in human capital, and fostering inclusive partnerships, India and Rwanda aim to transform their socio-economic ties from transactional exchanges into strategic, long-term collaboration. This milestone event set the stage for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors, aligning with global sustainability goals and reinforcing South–South cooperation as a driver of prosperity, resilience, and inclusive growth.