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Rwanda

Help accelerate the end of poverty for Rwandan families with cash transfers.

Rwanda

You can help send life-changing cash transfers to families in extreme poverty.

264,000+ people uplifted across 6 programs in 22 districts throughout Rwanda

Baraza in Kayonza, Rwanda

Our aim is to help lift every person in Rwanda above the extreme poverty line.

Since 2016, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç has been delivering unconditional cash transfers to families living in some of the poorest regions in Rwanda. We've partnered with the Rwandan government to reach the most vulnerable families living in rural communities, cities, and refugee camps across the entire country. To date, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç has reached 22 of the 30 districts in Rwanda.
264,000+
people reached
$150M+
delivered
Rwanda map
Our focus

Cash transfers have measurable impacts on food security, youth employment, self-reliance, and more.

ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç has partnered with the Government of Rwanda to run programs targeted for poverty reduction in the country. Our longest-running poverty relief program in Rwanda delivered large, one-time transfers via mobile money for people to spend and invest as they see fit. We've run other cash programs focused on specific communities or outcomes: refugees, youth, food insecurity, and COVID-19 emergency relief.

ACTIVE PROGRAMS

PAST PROGRAMS

Our partners

Trusted partners in our Rwanda programs

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In the News

June 28, 2021
Refugees deserve autonomy. Cash can provide it.
Recipient stories

Rwandan families are using cash to transform their lives.

Nzayikorera
Nzayikorera bought a piece of farmland

"I am a wife and a mother to a two-month-old. Our main challenges before the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç cash transfers were the lack of sufficient land for farming and livestock to provide fertilizer. Our tiny plot of land couldn't produce a harvest that would last until the next season. When we received ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç support, we bought farmland for $650, a cow for $450, and two pigs for $75. In the coming season, we will be able to cultivate a larger area and we will no longer worry about food shortages."

Nzayikorera in Karambo, Rwanda
Josiane
Josiane bought a dairy cow

"I like drinking milk, and so do my children, but I couldn't afford a dairy cow. We did casual jobs, earning less than $2 a day, which wasn't enough to cover all our needs. After learning that we were eligible for ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç support, we bought a dairy cow for $700 and used the remaining money to renovate our house, fixing the roof. Now, we are a happy family! Our cow gives us 5 litres of milk a day; we drink some and sell the rest."

Josiane in Karambo, Rwanda
Rosine
Rosine supported her baby and started a canteen

"I got pregnant during my second year of high school and had to drop out. Taking care of my baby wasn't easy since my parents were also struggling to make ends meet. When I received my transfer, I spent $100 on clothes and a carrier for my baby. I also bought a goat, plus a mattress and sheets, and now we sleep much better. My next big project is to set up a canteen to have a stable job. With the profits, I'll be able to give my daughter a better life and a good education."

Rosine in Munini, Rwanda
Niganze
Niganze invested in a motorbike

"I always wanted to own a motorbike, sometimes even borrowing one for a day or two, but was unable to gather enough resources to purchase my own. The transfer facilitated the realization of my dream to own a motorcycle, which I have already begun using for transportation business. Within the first week of work, I have generated over $50. This investment not only aids in meeting daily expenses but also enables further investments, particularly in agriculture and livestock."

Niganze in Rusizi, Rwanda
Our focus

Poverty in Rwanda

of Rwanda's population lives below the international extreme poverty line, highlighting the substantial support needed to address the country's socio-economic challenges. The Rwandan government made significant progress between 2008 and 2015, and to accelerate growth, has introduced a in 2017 with the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2024. However, further progress has been hampered by the economic shocks of COVID-19, widespread food insecurity, and lack of access to capital.

In response to the slowdown, the Rwandan government announced its aimed at empowering people to graduate from poverty. Cash transfers are featured as the first pillar in the NSSG, followed by multifaceted socio-economic services and training.

14M
population in Rwanda
39%
live on less than $3/day
32%
of children are malnourished
20%
are food insecure

Sources: ,

Life & culture

Nature

Rwanda is often referred to as "The Land of a Thousand Hills" due to its stunning hills and mountainous terrain. It's also one of the only countries in the world that is home to both gorillas and chimpanzees.
Daphrose subsistence farming in Rusambu
Life in Rwanda
Politics
Rwanda is the first country in the world to have a female majority in its parliament, with 61.3% in the Chamber of Deputies.
Technology
Rwanda was among the first African countries to introduce a commercial drone network, which is used primarily to transport medical supplies.
Art
Imigongo, an art style unique to Rwanda that dates back to the 18th century, is characterized by unique geometric patterns and often uses colors made from natural materials.

Facts and highlights shared by ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç staff in Rwanda

Ethics reporting

We're committed to delivering cash aid securely in difficult environments.

To ensure safe and transparent reporting of observed misconduct by ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç staff, volunteers, vendors, contractors, or partners, we offer the following channels:

File a report through our third-party
Email a complaint to whistleblower@givedirectly.org
Call our Rwanda hotlines

Partner with us in Rwanda to send more cash to families in poverty.

Become a partner