Rwanda: Poverty Declines - Musoni

from All Africa

The New Times (Kigali)

Magnus K Mazimpaka
Kigali

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning James Musoni has said the national poverty levels had declined by five percent. Musoni, who was addressing delegates at the Fourth National Dialogue at the Parliamentary Buildings, said there were plans to further contain the poverty levels, currently estimated at 55%.

He said poverty decline had led to an increase in life expectancy and a slump in HIV/Aids prevalence.

The minister also lauded the performance of the health sector, and noted that Aids prevalence had gone down from thirteen to three percent over five years, and that the life span had increased from 49 to 52 years.

Musoni, who was highlighting the economic situation in the country, also said the imports had increased, while export base was static.

He also said the government intended to reduce population participation in agriculture by about 5%, from 80% to less that 75%.

The Minister told the delegates that the education sector had registered progress, with primary school enrolment currently estimated at 90%.

"This is a very good achievement and we think it will be possible to achieve the 100 percent as our target," he said, adding however, that the quality of education needed to be improved.

The Dialogue that began Monday ends today.