What is national strategy for transformation(NST1)? Objectives, achievements, fails , importance?
The National Strategy for Transformation 1 (NST1) is a development blueprint implemented by the Government of Rwanda from 2017 to 2024. It aims to accelerate Rwanda's progress towards becoming a middle-income country by effectively utilizing its resources and enhancing socio-economic transformation. The strategy focuses on four main areas: economic transformation, human transformation, urbanization, and rural development.
Objectives of the NST1:
1. Achieve an average economic growth rate of 8.5% per year.
2. Create at least 1.5 million off-farm jobs by 2024.
3. Reduce poverty from 39% in 2017 to 24% by 2024.
4. Improve citizens' skills and knowledge through quality education and healthcare.
5. Efficiently manage urbanization and promote sustainable rural development.
Achievements of NST1:
1. Rwanda witnessed an average annual economic growth rate of 8.0% from 2017 to 2019.
2. Significant progress was made in improving access to education and healthcare services.
3. The country achieved a significant reduction in poverty levels.
4. Several infrastructure projects were completed, contributing to urban development and improved connectivity.
5. Rwanda emerged as a regional hub for technology and innovation, attracting investments and fostering entrepreneurship.
Fails of NST1:
1. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 negatively impacted the economy, leading to a temporarily reduced growth rate.
2. Some indicators related to gender equality and environmental sustainability did not meet the desired targets.
3. Challenges in the agricultural sector persist, such as limited access to markets, low agricultural productivity, and climate change impacts.
Importance of NST1:
1. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development, guiding government policies and programs.
2. NST1 aims to propel Rwanda towards its long-term goals of becoming a knowledge-based, middle-income country.
3. The strategy prioritizes inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and human development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
4. NST1 has helped attract both domestic and foreign investments, contributing to Rwanda's economic growth.
5. The strategy emphasizes effective governance, accountability, and partnerships to foster development.
It is important to note that the NST1 is an evolving strategy, and while it has achieved significant milestones, challenges and opportunities continue to shape its implementation.
The National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) is a development framework adopted by the Government of Rwanda in 2017. It is designed to guide the country's transformation towards becoming a knowledge-based, middle-income country by 2035.
Objectives of NST1:
1. Economic Transformation: To achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth by promoting export-oriented industries, private sector development, and investments in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and services.
2. Human Capital Development: To enhance the quality of education, healthcare, and capacity building, ensuring that all Rwandans have access to quality social services and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
3. Governance and Accountability: To strengthen good governance, transparency, and accountability at all levels of society, promoting effective public institutions, and eradicating corruption.
4. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: To develop sustainable cities and towns, with efficient infrastructure and services, that can support economic growth and improve living standards.
5. Science, Technology, and Innovation: To promote research, innovation, and the use of technology to drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness.
6. Private Sector-led Development: To create an enabling environment for private sector investment and entrepreneurship, fostering domestic and foreign investment, and supporting job creation.
Achievements of NST1:
- Significant progress has been made in poverty reduction, with poverty rates declining from 39.1% in 2014 to 33.8% in 2017.
- Rwanda has experienced constant economic growth, with an average annual growth rate of around 7% over the past decade.
- Investments in infrastructure, such as road networks, electricity, and water supply, have improved access to basic services for many Rwandans.
- The promotion of sectors like ICT and tourism has attracted foreign investments and diversified the economy.
- Increased enrollments and improved quality in the education sector have contributed to human capital development.
Fails of NST1:
- Despite progress, challenges remain in achieving inclusive economic growth and reducing income inequality.
- The agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, needs further modernization and productivity enhancement.
- Access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, still needs improvement.
- The formal private sector needs support to create sufficient job opportunities for the growing labor force.
- Improving the quality of education and matching it with market demands is an ongoing challenge.
Importance of NST1:
- The strategy provides a clear roadmap for Rwanda's development, ensuring coordinated efforts across different sectors and stakeholders.
- NST1 aims to build a resilient and knowledge-based economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and promoting sustainable growth.
- By prioritizing human capital development, the strategy aims to empower individuals, improve living standards, and reduce poverty.
- NST1 emphasizes good governance and accountability to ensure efficient and effective use of resources.
- The strategy's focus on science, technology, and innovation enables Rwanda to position itself as a regional hub for technological advancements and innovation.
Overall, NST1 plays a crucial role in shaping Rwanda's development trajectory, with its objectives centered around economic transformation, human capital development, good governance, infrastructure, and private sector-led growth. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and continuous efforts are needed to achieve the strategy's goals.