Kagame revealed it yesterday as he virtually participated in the celebration of 60 years since OECD was established.

Rwanda approved to join OECD Development Centre country members in May 2019.

The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 37 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.

President Kagame commended the organization for spearheading evidence based policies in development programs.

“OECD’s signature is its use of evidence-based policy to improve economic and social well-being worldwide. Its focus on inclusive, private sector development is much needed particularly for Africa’s industrialization agenda,” he said.

As countries make plans to recover from the Covid pandemic, Kagame said, it is important that everyone is brought along, no matter the level of development.

“As a new member of OECD Development Center, Rwanda appreciate the opportunity to learn from best practices, and also share the lessons of our development journey. In Africa and Rwanda, we look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with the OECD, in pursuit of prosperity and opportunity for our people,” he said.

Generally, OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries. As of 2017, the OECD member countries collectively comprised 62.2% of global nominal GDP (US$49.6 trillion) and 42.8% of global GDP (Int$54.2 trillion) at purchasing power parity. The OECD is an official United Nations observer.

President Kagame commended the organization for spearheading evidence based policies in development programs.