He made the remarks on March 29, 2026, during a high-level discussion of Heads of State held alongside Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The dialogue focused on how member countries can better leverage economic opportunities to achieve sustainable development.
Call for stronger cooperation and trade reforms
Prime Minister Nsengiyumva emphasized the need for deeper cooperation among member states, particularly in removing trade restrictions that hinder private sector development.
“We must ask ourselves whether we are truly working together in a way that allows our private sectors to deliver on expectations. First, we need stronger collaboration among our countries, grounded in mutual respect. We must eliminate all barriers to trade,” he Saidi.
He stressed that OACPS countries should take responsibility for existing challenges instead of attributing them to historical factors such as colonialism and slavery.
“This requires political will and leadership. We must allow our citizens to move freely across our countries, enable capital to flow without obstacles, and create conditions where people can work and invest wherever they can be most productive,” he added.
Rwanda as a model for Visa-Free travel
Nsengiyumva highlighted Rwanda’s visa-free policy for African nationals as a practical example of how easing movement can stimulate investment and economic activity.
“Any African arriving in Kigali or anywhere in Rwanda does not need a visa. All they need is a passport, and they can stay for up to three months, with the possibility of extension without additional visa requirements,” he said.
He expressed hope that all OACPS member states would adopt similar policies, describing them as essential for unlocking shared economic potential.
“I hope that when we meet again, such measures will have been implemented across all OACPS countries. This is extremely important,” he noted.
Rethinking financing for sustainable development
A day earlier, on March 28, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva also addressed the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms for the organization, noting that global dynamics are rapidly changing.
“As the global landscape evolves, our financing approaches must adapt accordingly. Rwanda believes OACPS can strengthen its role, not just as a cooperation platform, but as a driver of investment and economic transformation,” he said.
He outlined three key pillars to support the organization’s long-term development: strengthening domestic resource mobilization to ensure financial self-reliance and timely member contributions; expanding and structuring regional projects to attract long-term financing from major financial institutions; and promoting joint investment initiatives through partnerships that distribute responsibilities and benefits among stakeholders.
About OACPS
Founded in 1975, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) brings together 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The bloc aims to promote sustainable development, strengthen economic cooperation among its members, and maintain strategic partnerships, particularly with the European Union.
