Team note
The programming cycles of a number of EU MS were not conducive to develop a JP coinciding with the beginning of this EU MIP. EU MS ( at least FR, DE, NL, SE + CH) have confirmed the interest to work towards a JP proper in 2024, coinciding with Rwanda’s programming cycle. This will pave the way for stronger cooperation and a Joint EU Programme as of 2024.
The preiovus JP in Rwanda ran from 2014-18.
Preliminary plan of European partners to develop joint programming from 2024.
There is no roadmap towards a new joint programming document in Rwanda. Nonetheless, the EU Member States and the EU Delegation have developed very close and well-functioning cooperation, even more so over the last two years. The Government cycle, with the completion of National Strategy for Transformation 1 in 2024, and the mid-term review of the MIP at that point, may provide a good opportunity to move towards a Joint Programme. In this regard, 2024 should provide an opportunity to synchronise the bilateral strategies of EU Member States and to develop a JP for Rwanda. At least FR, DE, NL, SE and CH (associated) have confirmed interest to work to this effect.
Historical Backround
In 2019, it was agreed by the EU and a number of EU Member States to look into strengthening European cooperation in Rwanda. They see strengthened joint action as a tool to open joint spaces for policy dialogue/policy engagement, develop joint policy messages in selected areas, articulate a division of labour and make progress with the government to move towards more joint implementation.
There was a joint strategy in place until 2018. The joint response to Rwanda's EDPRS2 was developed by Belgium, the EU Delegation, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. It covered the period 2014-2018.