Ties between Switzerland and Rwanda have a longstanding focus on development cooperation, with both countries looking to build upon this basis and develop closer relations. To that end, Switzerland will soon convert its cooperation office in Kigali into an embassy.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Rwanda
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland has set out a strategy for Africa for 2025–28, with objectives and measures for East and Central Africa presented in sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Swiss–Rwandan relations are good and centred on a longstanding partnership in development cooperation. The two countries have committed themselves to deepening and diversifying bilateral ties, and conduct regular high-level meetings to support these efforts. The opening of an embassy in Kigali will help to further consolidate relations between the two countries.
Africa Strategy 2025–28 (PDF, 40 Pages, 3.8 MB, English)
Economic cooperation
Although trade between the two countries remains modest, Rwanda's growth rate is among the most dynamic in Africa and its economy has great potential, particularly with regard to investments and trade.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
There are a range of agreements in place between higher education institutions in Switzerland and Rwanda. Researchers who are citizens of Rwanda can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Measures to promote peace and human security
As part of the regional strategy for the Great Lakes region (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda), Switzerland is committed to peace, stability, poverty reduction, and the protection of the civilian population. It helps bolster democratic processes, respect for human rights, social cohesion, and job creation, especially for young people. Through the coordinated use of foreign policy instruments – diplomacy, development aid, peace and human rights promotion, humanitarian aid – Switzerland aims to strengthen the capacities of the people in the region to cope with the crises and challenges facing them.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland's focus in Rwanda is on international cooperation: a regional programme for the Great Lakes (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda) has been in place since 2009, and three country programmes will be launched in 2026. The core areas of Switzerland's current work in Rwanda are the promotion of gender equality, vocational education and training, job creation and economic development. Switzerland is also committed to good governance and improving citizen participation.
Swiss citizens in Rwanda
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 108 Swiss citizens were living in Rwanda at the end of 2024 and 381 Rwandan citizens were living in Switzerland.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland immediately recognised Rwanda's independence, which was gained in 1962. The following year, Rwanda became a priority country for Swiss development aid. In this context, a number of Swiss nationals have acted as personal advisers to the Rwandan president. Following the genocide in 1994, Switzerland halted its development cooperation, turning its attention to delivering humanitarian aid for victims. Switzerland has been working in Rwanda as part of a regional programme since 2009. The Swiss embassy in Kenya has diplomatic responsibility for Rwanda until the end of 2025.
