Addressing the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Paul
Kagame emphasised that public trust in leadership hinges on tangible delivery not rhetoric. He
argued that citizens must witness the impact of decisions in their everyday lives and that
accountability begins when words are matched by measurable results.
During high-level panel discussion titled ‘Is Humanity Heading in the Right Direction?’ which
explored the global trajectory of progress and shared prosperity.
President Kagame highlighted that leaders cannot rely on promises alone if those promises are
not backed by concrete outcomes.
“The single most important … even though there are many aspects to leadership, the first is
delivery. As leaders, you know what the people expect and need, and you have to work out ways to make sure that delivery is made to the expectations of the people,” he said.
He warned that when statements from leaders and citizens’ lived experiences fail to align, trust
does not emerge.
“Trust can be created by making sure what you have delivered is measurable,” Kagame added.
Using Rwanda’s post-Genocide recovery as a case study, Kagame emphasised that a mindset of
self-belief, responsibility and practical reform formed the backbone of the country’s progress.
He pointed out that Rwanda’s model is grounded in learning from crisis, building confidence,
and maintaining the focus on national development goals.
Asked what developing nations must do to reshape their economic futures, Kagame said change
begins with practical reforms at home.
“We are small geographically, but we are not a people of small minds or spirit. There is nobody
who will come from anywhere to deliver on anybody’s problem without the people working on
themselves first.”
He insisted that development in emerging nations begins at home.
“It is not an issue of size but of mind and spirit and practice. We have learnt to take care of our
business by holding ourselves accountable and measuring results throughout this journey.”
While international cooperation remains relevant, Kagame stressed that it must follow internal
strengthening.
“We prepare the ground for others from outside who can come and make investments with us or do trade with us. We have prioritised knowing our limitations and knowing how to go around these limitations while tapping into our own potential.”
