Local Governance Exchange in the Partnership between
Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda
The German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda have a long-standing partnership. Within this partnership, the Service Agency Communities in One World and the Ministry of the Interior and for Sports in Mainz are piloting a programme, which facilitates professional exchange between municipalities and institutions, and launches joint projects within the 2030 Agenda.
Participants from Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda saying hello at a workshop in Mayen. Photo: Martin Magunia
Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda have been partners for more than 35 years. In 2018, this formula for success achieved through sub-national cooperation that responds to regional and local needs was taken to a new level. In the programme 'Local Governance Exchange – Rhineland-Palatinate-Rwanda', local authorities, local governance training institutions and municipal associations from both sides are for the first time embarking on individual projects for professional exchange. Within the individual municipal and institutional partnerships, the programme is supporting not only expert exchange, but also the joint development of ideas for projects delivering results within the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Programme participants gain an opportunity to experience different ways of solving local tasks and obtain fresh professional input. They also raise the profile of their local authority or institution by taking part in an international and intercultural partnership.
The programme’s objectives?
(Re)activate, strengthen and professionalise municipal engagement in the context of the partnership between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda
Promote professional exchange on issues involving the delivery of municipal services and sustainable local governance
Plan and implement projects jointly, in order to make tangible contributions on both sides toward implementing the 2030 Agenda
Learn from each other in the intercultural context
Promote the multi-level approach: national – regional – local
Who can participate?
The programme is designed for existing municipal partnerships, but will also promote the initiation of new partnerships between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda.
How we will support you
Advice on how to initiate or resume a partnership
Funding and specialist support for reciprocal expert missions and training stays for professional exchange
National and international networking meetings in Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda
Advice and access to further funding opportunities for implementing joint municipal projects
Country-specific intercultural training courses for people involved in the programme
Support for PR activities to promote the programme
Fact-finding missions for new interested municipalities
This programme will run initially from 2018 to 2020. It is one of our contributions to the 'Marshall Plan with Africa – A new partnership for development, peace and a better future' launched in 2017 by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Project example
Partnership Landau and Ruhango
The partnership between Landau and the Rwandan District of Ruhango makes an pro-active contribution in the field of public water supply.
The 'Rwanda direct' cooperation project enters the final straight
The Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities and the Rhineland-Palatinate Association of Towns and Municipalities set up the 'Rwanda direct' information service.
Rhineland-Palatinate/Rwanda, 2020. Despite increased workloads in the municipalities and the restrictions on travel and contacts, in 2020 the partnerships did manage to continue their activities.
