According to Vision 2020, Rwanda will join the club of middle income countries in another 3 years. The World Bank defines middle-income economies as those with a gross domestic income (GNI) per capita of more than $1,045 but less than $12,736. In East Africa only Kenya has attained this status with GNI of US$1,376.
To understand why Kagame needs a miracle to achieve Vision 2020, consider his recent economic performance. This is how Rwanda’s GNI performed between 2010 and 2015:
2010: US$553.5
2011: US$606.9
2012: US$667.4
2013: US$678.9
2014: US$697.6
2015: US$697.3
As indicated, Rwanda’s GNI increased by US$143.8 in the five-year period between 2010 and 2015. Between 2014 and 2015, Rwanda’s per capita income actually decreased by 3 cents.
Assuming that Rwanda performs the same way in period 2016-2020, its GNI will increase by US$143 to US$840 – far short of Vision 2020.
Unless Kagame performs a miracle, the period 2016-2020 will most likely be a lot worse. The next phase will mark continued stagnation as indicated by the years 2014 and 2015.
The explanations for the stagnation are well-known. Among them is dependency on foreign aid which is increasingly unpredictable, high import bills, limited exports, and sharply increased foreign debt.
I suspect Kagame has rushed to announce his Vision 2050 to cover up his dismal record as just indicated. Be forewarned – there is another Kagame mirage ahead.
By David Himbara
