Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has called for a new chapter in Europe and Africa relations, urging both sides to move beyond aid dependency and colonial-era power imbalances toward partnerships rooted in mutual respect, trade, and shared economic interests. His remarks were delivered during a high-level Leaders Forum organized by Poland on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Speaking as a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience working in Europe, Nduhungirehe acknowledged that Europe remains a powerful and wealthy continent with a significant role to play in Africa’s development. However, he stressed that the nature of that engagement must evolve to reflect Africa’s growing agency, economic potential, and strategic importance on the global stage.
He emphasized that Africa continues to value its relationship with Europe, pointing to longstanding historical ties and ongoing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and development. At the same time, he argued that the future of the partnership should be driven less by traditional aid models and more by sustainable economic collaboration that benefits both continents.
More than sixty years after most African countries gained independence, Nduhungirehe said it was time for Africa and Europe to fully transition from donor recipient dynamics to partnerships centered on commerce, industrial development, and private investment. He noted that Rwanda has actively embraced this approach, positioning itself as a destination for investment and innovation rather than prolonged aid reliance.
As an example, he highlighted the European Union’s recent decision to allocate 95 million euros to Rwanda in October 2025 to support vaccine manufacturing. The initiative reflects a shift toward strengthening Africa’s industrial and health security capacity while creating long-term value for both sides.
When asked specifically about Rwanda’s experience, the minister addressed the country’s journey of unity, reconciliation, and recovery following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He did not shy away from discussing Europe’s historical role in Rwanda’s tragic past, noting that colonial policies introduced ethnic divisions that later contributed to mass violence.
He pointed to Belgium’s role in institutionalizing ethnic categorization during the colonial period and criticized France for abandoning Tutsi civilians during the genocide and later assisting some perpetrators in fleeing justice. Other European countries, he added, provided refuge to individuals responsible for atrocities, delaying accountability for decades.
Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery was rooted in confronting that painful history while rebuilding a society based on unity, justice, and shared national identity. He said Rwanda rejected ethnic division and chose inclusive governance, restorative justice mechanisms, and economic reforms as the foundation for long-term stability.
Despite starting from devastation, Rwanda has pursued inclusive development policies, revived a collapsed economy, expanded trade, and encouraged both domestic and foreign investment. These efforts, he said, explain the country’s current trajectory and growing confidence in engaging global partners on equal terms.
Turning to Africa’s place in global governance, Nduhungirehe observed that when the United Nations was formed after World War II, Africa had little influence over international decision-making. That imbalance, he argued, is increasingly untenable given Africa’s demographic and economic realities.
Today, Africa is home to more than 1.4 billion people, the majority of whom are young. This demographic advantage, he said, positions the continent as a future driver of global growth, innovation, and labor markets. Africa is no longer a peripheral player but an emerging force whose voice must be reflected in global institutions.
He noted that African countries are actively engaging with a wide range of partners, including the European Union, the United States, Russia, and China, seeking balanced relationships that serve their development priorities. This multipolar engagement reflects Africa’s growing confidence and strategic autonomy.
Nduhungirehe also referenced the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement signed in Kigali in 2018, describing it as a historic step toward economic integration. He said the agreement demonstrates Africa’s determination to build internal markets, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen collective bargaining power on the global stage.
When asked whether Africa can truly achieve economic and political integration, he expressed optimism, citing the continent’s population size, natural resources, and youthful workforce. However, he stressed that success depends on access to investment capital, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.
He acknowledged that challenges remain, including governance gaps, corruption, conflict, and limited opportunities for young people in some countries. He argued that African leaders must take responsibility for addressing these issues internally rather than attributing all shortcomings to external actors.
The minister also highlighted Poland as a key partner for Rwanda and Africa more broadly, noting that Poland does not carry a colonial legacy on the continent. He said this historical neutrality gives Poland a unique opportunity to engage Africa with a fresh perspective based on mutual benefit.
Rwanda and Poland have strengthened ties across multiple sectors in recent years. In December 2025, the two countries held high-level ministerial talks aimed at expanding cooperation. During a visit to Kigali by former Polish President Andrzej Duda in February 2024, both nations signed agreements covering trade and environmentally sustainable technologies.
Education has emerged as a central pillar of bilateral relations. Poland currently hosts more than 1,500 Rwandan students, making Rwanda the largest single source of international students in Poland. Partnerships between universities in both countries have expanded academic exchange and skills development.
Diplomatic engagement has also intensified, with Rwanda opening its embassy in Warsaw in 2021 and Poland establishing its mission in Kigali the following year. These moves have facilitated closer coordination across trade, security, education, and investment.
In the mining sector, Nduhungirehe pointed to the LuNa Smelter in Rwanda, a Polish-backed tin processing facility. Since its launch in 2018, the plant has significantly increased capacity and now processes more than 250 tons of tin per month, with plans to reach 600 tons within five years.
He described Poland as an important strategic partner, praising its investments, educational cooperation, and approach to Africa based on respect rather than historical dominance. He argued that this model could inspire a new generation of Europe Africa relations.
Looking ahead, Nduhungirehe said cooperation between the African Union and the European Union remains essential due to geographic proximity and shared interests. He cited a recent AU and EU meeting held in Luanda, Angola, as evidence of continued dialogue between the two blocs.
Ultimately, he concluded that Africa’s future partnerships must be anchored in dignity, respect, and mutual economic value. While Europe has much to offer, Africa also brings investment opportunities, human capital, and strategic relevance. For that potential to be realized, both sides must abandon outdated frameworks and embrace a relationship fit for the realities of the 21st century.
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