Rwandan Economy at the Crossroads of Development

Reviews / Votes

"The editors and contributors are to be congratulated for the publication of this interesting new volume. Over a quarter of a century ago, the world's attention focused on the Rwandan tragedy. But in more recent times the attention has switched to the country's dynamic economic performance as one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Sahara Africa. The 12 studies in the volume cover many important topics, from macroeconomic management to innovation and healthcare." (Hal Hill, Australian National University, H.W. Arndt Professor of Southeast Asian Economies, Crawford School, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University)
"In a short span of 25 years, Rwanda has witnessed astriking transformation from an economy torn by conflict to a success story in development. This book provides an engaging discussion and perceptive analysis of the constraints on, and possibilities of development over the next quarter century. Its macroeconomic perspective supported by microeconomic analysis is unusual, yielding policy lessons not only for Africa but also for Least Developed Countries elsewhere in the world. It will be valuable reading on the Rwanda economy for research scholars and policy practitioners in development. The editors have done a commendable work in bringing out this volume." (Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Honorary Fellow, Balliol College, Oxford, and former Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi)
"The volume contains an array of contributions employing sound economics research to address selected topics on Rwanda's development. The collection's analyses focus on issues ranging from long-term development prospects vis-à-vis persistent socioeconomic challenges, to options for realizing the country's ambitious National Strategy for Transformation. The book will serve as a valuable reference for scholars, policymakers, and readers interested in African development." (Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, Chief, Investment Research Section, Division on Investment and Enterprise, Deputy Editor, Transnational Corporations Journal,United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva, Switzerland)
"There has been considerable interest in the developmental lessons from the Rwandan economic experience, both among scholars and among the policy community. The Rwandan economy has performed well in many dimensions in recent years, and widely regarded as a success story of a country coming out of conflict. This volume by both Rwandan and international scholars bring together what we know about the Rwandan economic development experience. It will be valuable reading for both academics and policy makers. The authors deserve credit for compiling this collection." (Professor Kunal Sen, Director, United Nations University, World Institute of Development Economics Research, Helsinki, Finland)
"I recommend this book for all those interested in the economic development of the least developed economies of the world. The microeconomic studies of the factors that contribute to survival and growth of small and medium enterprises in Rwanda are especially valuable. Based on a database of 49,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region in and around Kigali, there are multiple chapters that examine the factors that contribute to survival and growth of SMEs in Rwanda, including tax incentives, education, training and mentoring, financial discipline, family relationships in the business, networks and others. There are chapters that focus on: what influences SME productivity; and process and product innovations in SMEs. Researchers, students and policy-makers would all benefit from the insights of these studies." (David G. Tarr, Consultant and Former Lead Economist, The World Bank)