Vision — “It is very simple: nobody owes Rwandans anything. Why should anyone in Rwanda feel comfortable that taxpayers in other countries are contributing money for our own well-being or development? Do not get me wrong. We appreciate support from the outside, but it should be support for what we intend to achieve ourselves. No one knows what is good for us better than we do ourselves. They should, in fact, respect us for wanting to decide our own fate. Rwanda is a nation with high goals and a sense of purpose.”
– Financial Times, May 7, 2009
Becoming an African “Tiger” – “There is nothing to be complacent about. We are poor, and being poor is bad. We aspire to be like others, like the developed world. There are countries that 40 or 50 years ago were at the same level of development as our country. They have moved forward and left us behind. Why can’t we achieve this? That’s a question I constantly ask myself. … I do not apologize for having big dreams.”
– A Thousand Hills by Stephen Kinzer
Entrepreneurship – “In the old Rwanda, everyone looked for a job in government because of the benefits and the security. But nowadays they are thinking that the private sector holds the promise of a better life. I believe that this is a huge step forward. Entrepreneurship is the surest way for a nation to meet its goals and develop prosperity for the greatest number of people. I consider entrepreneurship to be, simply, the backbone of a new Rwanda.”
– In the River They Swim by Michael Fairbanks
Competition – “Competition in an economy is good for poor people. I think competition is good everywhere. Competition is compelling because it stimulates people and unleashes people’s capacities and potential. It gives people a feeling that they are valued and have meaning, that they are as capable, as competent, as gifted, and as talented as anyone else. Shielding (our citizens from competition) is something that travels deep in the mind. If you allow a process where some people are shielded from the forces of competition, then it is like saying they are disabled.”
– In the River They Swim by Michael Fairbanks
President Paul Kagame Speaks…
Vision — “It is very simple: nobody owes Rwandans anything. Why should anyone in Rwanda feel comfortable that taxpayers in other countries are contributing money for our own well-being or development? Do not get me wrong. We appreciate support from the outside, but it should be support for what we intend to achieve ourselves. No one knows what is good for us better than we do ourselves. They should, in fact, respect us for wanting to decide our own fate. Rwanda is a nation with high goals and a sense of purpose.”
– Financial Times, May 7, 2009
Becoming an African “Tiger” – “There is nothing to be complacent about. We are poor, and being poor is bad. We aspire to be like others, like the developed world. There are countries that 40 or 50 years ago were at the same level of development as our country. They have moved forward and left us behind. Why can’t we achieve this? That’s a question I constantly ask myself. … I do not apologize for having big dreams.”
– A Thousand Hills by Stephen Kinzer
Entrepreneurship – “In the old Rwanda, everyone looked for a job in government because of the benefits and the security. But nowadays they are thinking that the private sector holds the promise of a better life. I believe that this is a huge step forward. Entrepreneurship is the surest way for a nation to meet its goals and develop prosperity for the greatest number of people. I consider entrepreneurship to be, simply, the backbone of a new Rwanda.”
– In the River They Swim by Michael Fairbanks
Competition – “Competition in an economy is good for poor people. I think competition is good everywhere. Competition is compelling because it stimulates people and unleashes people’s capacities and potential. It gives people a feeling that they are valued and have meaning, that they are as capable, as competent, as gifted, and as talented as anyone else. Shielding (our citizens from competition) is something that travels deep in the mind. If you allow a process where some people are shielded from the forces of competition, then it is like saying they are disabled.”
– In the River They Swim by Michael Fairbanks