Rwanda has secured a landmark $228 million health-sector agreement with the United States, marking a major early benefit from the recently reaffirmed peace deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a diplomatic meeting highlighting commitments to regional stability and cooperation.
The funding, approved under the Trump administration’s new results-driven aid model, is designed to strengthen Rwanda’s health system while promoting long-term financial self-reliance. Specifically, $158 million will target the fight against infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS and malaria, while enhancing outbreak preparedness, surveillance systems, and health infrastructure.
In line with the results-driven model, Rwanda will also contribute $70 million in domestic funds, signaling Kigali’s commitment to taking greater financial responsibility as U.S. support gradually declines over time.
“This agreement underscores Rwanda’s ambition to build a self-reliant, adaptive, and technology-enabled health system,” said Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Oliver Nduhungirehe, citing the country’s partnership with medical drone company Zipline as a key example of innovation-driven health delivery.
The U.S.-hosted meeting in Washington reaffirmed the June peace accord between Rwanda and the DRC, as well as an economic integration compact signed last month. President Trump welcomed both leaders, saying:
“We’re settling a war that’s been going on for decades… now they’re going to spend a lot of time hugging, holding hands, and taking advantage of the United States of America economically like every other country does.”
For Rwanda, the agreement represents both a strategic investment in public health and the first tangible benefit of renewed U.S. engagement in the Great Lakes region. For Washington, it combines geopolitical stabilization with development cooperation, reinforcing U.S. influence while supporting resilient, independent health systems abroad.
The deal also aligns with broader efforts to promote regional cooperation and stability, building on the peace agreement’s goal of fostering lasting economic and social progress between Rwanda and the DRC.
This health aid deal follows President Trump’s strategy of results-oriented foreign assistance, which emphasizes measurable impact, sustainability, and reduced long-term dependency on external support.
