Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a proposed budget framework for the 2026-27 fiscal year focused on agriculture, industrial development, job creation and economic resilience.
The Cabinet, chaired by President Paul Kagame, met Monday at Village Urugwiro, according to a communiqué issued after the meeting.
Ministers also approved the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency, a move the government said will support technological innovation, investment and governance as Rwanda expands its digital economy.
The Cabinet was briefed on the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the region. The Ministry of Health said it has strengthened screening and monitoring measures at all border entry points to prevent the virus from entering the country.
No Ebola cases have been reported in Rwanda, the ministry said. Authorities urged the public to continue observing health guidelines.
The Cabinet also approved draft laws ratifying financing agreements with international partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional lending arm.
The agreements cover additional financing for water resource development in the Muvumba area, support for refugee and host communities, urban transport improvements and disaster risk management programs.
Ministers also approved a tax treaty with Botswana aimed at preventing double taxation and curbing tax evasion.
The Cabinet endorsed air services agreements with Algeria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Costa Rica, Guyana, Morocco, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, a move expected to strengthen Rwanda’s international air transport links.
Other decisions included approving mining and quarrying licenses, revising an agreement governing the presence of the Nile Basin Initiative in Rwanda and authorizing the lease of state-owned land in Karongi District to Zipline Rwanda Ltd.
The government also approved the accreditation of three international representatives: Jérémie Blin, ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda; Simone Knapp, Austria’s ambassador to Rwanda; and Dede Ekoue, Rwanda representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The Cabinet further approved appointments in several public institutions, including the Gender Monitoring Office, the Rwanda Development Board, the Rwanda Governance Board and the Higher Education Council.
In other business, ministers were informed that the 21st Kigali International Peace Marathon will be held June 13-14. Rwanda will also host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol from Nov. 2-6.
