Rwanda’s Political Will Drives Success of National School Feeding Program
At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro, underscored the critical role of political will and people-centered leadership in the successful rollout of Rwanda’s National School Feeding Program (NSFP).
Delivering a keynote address during a high-level session titled “Feeding the Future: How School Meals Drive Nutrition, Markets, and Equity,” the Minister shared Rwanda’s journey in scaling school meals from donor-driven initiatives to a fully government-funded national program.
Since 2021, the NSFP has expanded rapidly, now reaching more than 3.8 million learners in primary and secondary schools across the country. According to Dr. Bagabe, this investment has significantly improved attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes while cutting dropout rates from 9.4% in 2020 to 6.4% in 2022. “School feeding is more than a social service it is a strategic investment in the health, education, and future productivity of our young people,” he stated.
NSFP has expanded rapidly, now reaching more than 3.8 million learners in primary and secondary schools across the country since 2021
The Minister highlighted Rwanda’s Home Grown School Feeding model, which deliberately sources food from local smallholder farmers, women’s groups, and youth cooperatives. This approach not only strengthens nutrition outcomes but also channels nearly 30% of the NSFP budget into local economies. “Every franc we spend on local procurement multiplies benefits nourishing children while creating jobs, empowering farmers, and driving local development,” Dr. Bagabe emphasized.
Innovation remains at the heart of Rwanda’s program. The introduction of high-iron beans and the planting of fruit trees in schools are bridging nutrition gaps, tackling anemia, and enhancing dietary diversity. Yet challenges persist, including protein and vitamin deficiencies, food safety concerns, and supply chain bottlenecks.
Looking ahead, the Minister called on partners to support Rwanda’s efforts to scale innovations and strengthen sustainability. “Our vision is clear: no child should learn on an empty stomach. School feeding must remain a continental priority if Africa is to unlock the full potential of its human capital,” he concluded.
Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 is taking a place in Dakar, Senegal since Monday
Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro addressing to the delegates in Africa Food Systems Forum 2025
