On 7th October 2025, Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons. The event brought together elders, youth, and leaders across the country to reflect on policies and initiatives designed to improve the lives of older persons.

At the national level, the celebration took place in Gishyita Sector, Karongi District, where Minister of Local Government Habimana Dominique joined residents to review Rwanda’s progress in supporting older persons.

Minister Habimana highlighted several government policies and programs aimed at improving the well-being of older citizens. These include the Old Age Grant for vulnerable individuals, the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP), the Community-Based Health Insurance scheme, the increase of old-age pensions, and the Long-Term Savings Scheme known as Ejo Heza, among others.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously improving the welfare of older persons, while also urging the youth to assist whenever needed and to value the wisdom and experience of the elderly.

“This is the right time to reflect on what has been achieved to improve the welfare of older persons and to learn from the challenges we still face, so that our elders continue to contribute to the country’s development journey through their wisdom and experience,” he said.

In Rwanda, older persons—defined as those aged 60 years and above—make up 6.5% of the population. The Southern Province has the highest proportion, with 243,644 elderly residents.