UNHCR and African Development Bank (AfDB) sign landmark joint country action plan to advance refugee inclusion in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda – August 25, 2025: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the African Development Bank AfDB) have signed a Joint Country Action Plan for 2025 – 2027, marking a significant milestone in their partnership to promote inclusive development and refugee self-reliance in Rwanda.

This joint plan aims to integrate refugee needs into national development efforts, reinforcing the humanitarian development nexus and aligning with Rwanda’s national priorities and the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees.

Ms. Ndèye Aissatou Masseck Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda, expressed appreciation for AfDB’s leadership and commitment to inclusive development. “This partnership is instrumental in advancing durable solutions for refugees while strengthening resilience and self-reliance in host communities across Rwanda. By investing in refugee-hosting areas and championing resilience together, UNHCR and the African Development Bank are helping turn displacement into an opportunity for inclusive and sustainable development.”

Ms. Aïssa Touré Sarr, AfDB Country Manager in Rwanda, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that refugees are included in Rwanda’s development agenda:

“The African Development Bank is proud to strengthen this collaboration with UNHCR and the Government of Rwanda. By mainstreaming refugee inclusion into our investments, we are not only improving lives but also advancing Rwanda’s vision of integrated, resilient, and sustainable communities.”

The joint action plan outlines strategic cooperation in key sectors, including:

• Energy and Environment: advocating for refugee inclusion in national energy grids and clean cooking initiatives.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): integrating refugee settlements into national water systems and sanitation infrastructure.
• Transport: enhancing connectivity in refugee-hosting districts to improve access to services and markets.
• Economic Empowerment: expanding livelihood opportunities and access to finance for refugees.
• Education and Skills Development: supporting inclusive education and vocational training for refugees and host community youth.

The plan also supports Rwanda’s Sustainable Refugee Graduation Strategy for 2025 – 2030 and the Government’s vision for transformative refugee management in alignment with its second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

This partnership capitalizes on UNHCR and AfDB’s respective experience and expertise in international protection and development to channel their shared commitment to supporting the Government of Rwanda in its transformational approach to refugee response.

For more information, please contact:

• UNHCR: Tim Shoffner, External Relations Officer, [email protected], +250 788 369 092
• AfDB: Moses Kazoora, Communication Specialist: [email protected], Tel:+250788357575

About the African Development Bank (AfDB)

The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprising three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Established in 1964, the Bank’s mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and social progress across its 54 African member states.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance such as shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home.