Rwanda hosts Africa’s Attorneys General Forum on strengthening Public–Private Partnerships for Development

Rwanda convened the Africa’s Attorneys General Forum in Kigali from 5–7 May 2026, in partnership with the World Bank Group, ICSID, MIGA, AFC, IFC, and leading private sector actors. The high-level forum brought together Attorneys General, senior government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to examine how public–private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate sustainable development across Africa.

Opening the Forum, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja emphasized that successful public–private partnerships are built on trust, clear legal frameworks, and capable institutions. He reflected on Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding institutional credibility and noted that collaboration, competitiveness, reliability, efficiency, and accountability remain central to delivering successful PPPs.

Discussions throughout Day One focused on the transformative role of PPPs in advancing development priorities across the continent. Sessions led by explored how political risk mitigation can unlock private investment in PPP projects. A fireside discussion with private sector leaders highlighted lessons learned from implementing large-scale partnerships, while afternoon sessions examined how effective dispute prevention and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can protect projects from escalation and preserve long-term viability.

Day Two focused on the legal realities of public–private partnerships (PPPs), including project readiness, structuring, and dispute management. Participants engaged in practical discussions on strengthening legal frameworks, improving institutional preparedness, and building sustainable partnerships between governments and investors.

The final day of the Forum highlighted the critical role government legal officers play in supporting World Bank Group operations. Discussions covered legal opinions for loan effectiveness, parliamentary approval processes, private sector investment frameworks, anticorruption investigations, dispute resolution, arbitration, and strategies to strengthen institutional coordination, legal risk management, and operational efficiency.

In closing remarks, speakers emphasized that the relationship between government legal counsel and the World Bank Group extends beyond a transactional engagement and represents a partnership dedicated to advancing development outcomes. They underscored that the quality of legal work on both sides directly influences whether citizens benefit from projects and whether public resources are used effectively, noting that strengthening legal capacity is itself a key development outcome.