President Paul Kagame has said that Africa does not lack talented people or innovative ideas, but has historically struggled to turn its ambitions into action. He emphasized that countries such as Rwanda and Botswana can help bridge the continent’s governance gap through effective leadership and cooperation.
Although Africa remains the continent with the largest amount of untapped natural resources, especially minerals, it is also the poorest continent in the world.
President Kagame has repeatedly stressed that African countries should unite their efforts and process their own resources locally instead of exporting raw materials to foreign industries and later importing finished products at higher prices.
Speaking during a dinner held at Royal Aria on May 6, 2026, during his two-day working visit to Botswana, Kagame said Rwanda and Botswana share a strong relationship rooted in a common vision for governance.
“We believe that sustainable development is achieved through purposeful, accountable governance that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens. This shared approach reflects a broader vision for our continent,” he said.
Statistics indicate that by 2050, Africa’s population will exceed 2.5 billion people, with around 830 million under the age of 25. The continent is expected to have the world’s youngest population, with a median age of about 25 years.
Kagame stressed that Africa’s main challenge is not a shortage of talent or ideas, but rather the inability to align goals with implementation.
“Africa has never lacked talent or ideas. What has often been missing is the connection between ambition and execution. Countries like ours can help close this gap through deeper cooperation and tangible results,” he said.
He added that young people across the continent need equal opportunities to succeed and improve their lives, noting that leadership plays a major role in making this possible.
“Young people in Kigali, Gaborone, and across the continent aspire to the same things — equal opportunities to succeed and prosper in life. It is our responsibility as leaders to create systems that make this possible,” Kagame stated.
He said this is exactly what both Rwanda and Botswana are working toward, emphasizing the importance of such state visits.
On the first day of the visit, Rwanda and Botswana signed several cooperation agreements covering areas such as the avoidance of double taxation, visa waiver arrangements for citizens of both countries, air transport, economic cooperation, trade, and investment.
The Rwanda Development Board also signed a cooperation agreement with its Botswana counterpart.
On May 7, 2026, President Kagame is expected to tour the Botswana Diamond Trading Company in the capital city, Gaborone.
Photos by @UrugwiroVillage
