• Rwanda and GiveDirectly will mobilize more than $150 million over five years to reduce poverty by 25% in the five poorest districts.
• Rwanda reduced its national poverty rate by 12.4 percentage points between 2017 and 2024.
• GiveDirectly has distributed over $100 million to more than 220,000 households in Rwanda since 2016.

The Government of Rwanda signed a five-year framework agreement with the NGO GiveDirectly on February 24, to accelerate poverty reduction through a joint financing mechanism.

The two parties established a co-financing mechanism called the “Poverty Acceleration Co-Financing Basket Fund.” The initiative aims to mobilize more than $150 million over five years. The partners will direct the funds toward targeted investments and direct cash assistance in the five districts with the highest poverty rates. The program aims to reduce poverty by 25% in those districts.

GiveDirectly described the agreement as a significant milestone. “A major step forward. We’re proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda on the Poverty Acceleration Co-Financing Basket Fund. A bold five-year commitment to accelerate poverty reduction where it’s needed most. Big ambition. Real partnership. Lasting impact.” the organization said in a statement posted on X.

A major step forward. We’re proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda on the Poverty Acceleration Co-Financing Basket Fund. A bold five-year commitment to accelerate poverty reduction where it’s needed most.

Big ambition. Real partnership. Lasting impact. https://t.co/3LeLoyugzT

— GiveDirectly in Rwanda (@GiveDirectlyRw) February 24, 2026

Rwanda achieved substantial progress in poverty reduction in recent years through targeted public policies. The national poverty rate declined to 27.4% in 2024 from 39.8% in 2017, according to the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7). The data shows a decrease of 12.4 percentage points over seven years. However, a significant share of the population remains poor, particularly in rural areas.

GiveDirectly has operated in Rwanda since 2016. The organization reports that it has distributed more than $100 million to over 220,000 households across 22 districts.

The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which aims to significantly reduce poverty nationwide over the coming years.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum