Press Releases

USAID Welcomes New Acting Director

Kigali, Rwanda (October 2, 2007) – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has appointed George E. Lewis as Acting Director of its program in Rwanda.  Mr. Lewis served as Director of USAID/Rwanda from 1996-1999 and will lead the agency on an interim basis for the next several months. USAID/Rwanda has a budget of US$125 million for 2007 and works with the Government of Rwanda to improve the health and livelihoods of Rwandans, increase Rwanda’s economic growth and promote democracy and good governance.

Mr. Lewis, a former Senior Foreign Service Officer with USAID, has 30 years of international development and management experience in North and sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. In addition, his work has focused on post-conflict recovery, promoting justice and reconciliation, and ensuring accountable governance.

“Rwanda has changed dramatically since I first arrived as Mission Director in 1996,” commented Mr. Lewis. “The country has completed national elections, enjoyed impressive rates of economic growth, and improved the overall health of the population.

“As Rwanda has developed, USAID’s programs have evolved. From 1996-1999, USAID/Rwanda had an annual development and emergency assistance budget of US$40 million focusing on immediate needs in the areas of food security and agriculture, democracy, justice and human rights, and health. In 2007, total USAID assistance has grown to US$125 million and emphasizes long-term development.
 
“It is an honor and privilege to return and work with the Government of Rwanda on its goals set forth in Vision 2020 and the Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy.”