President Paul Kagame has challenged the perception that investing in developing countries is riskier than investing in wealthy nations, saying investment risks exist everywhere and should not prevent profitable projects from accessing financing. He made the remarks on November 2, 2026, in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, where he is attending the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The meeting, taking place from November 1 to 4, is focusing on accelerating cooperation and investment for shared development. President Kagame said investment plays an important role in helping countries develop, create employment opportunities for young people, strengthen their skills and entrepreneurial abilities, and contribute to economic growth.
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Kagame Challenges Perception of Investment Risks
The President identified the perception that developing countries are riskier investment destinations as one of the major challenges that needs to be addressed. He argued that this view should not be treated as an established fact because investment risks can arise in any country, regardless of its level of economic development.
he said: “What needs to change, and what would make a significant difference, is the mindset. There is a long-standing perception that when you invest in developing countries, the risks are greater than in wealthy countries,”
He added: “That is not true. Risks exist everywhere in any investment you want to undertake.” President Kagame explained that efforts should instead focus on identifying ways to reduce investment risks through resource mobilisation, stronger cooperation and mechanisms that enable viable projects to secure financing.
He said the Commonwealth could play an important role in changing these perceptions by bringing together governments, investors and financial institutions to ensure that profitable projects are not denied funding simply because of where they are located.
The issue is among the key topics at CHOGM 2026, where the Commonwealth launched an investment platform featuring more than 60 projects submitted by 20 countries, with a combined value of approximately $30 billion. The projects cover sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, industry and the green economy.
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Small Countries Can Attract Investment Through Viable Projects
President Kagame was also asked how an entrepreneur from a small Commonwealth country could attract investment for a profitable project when investors are reluctant to provide financing because of the country’s size, credit rating or limited access to capital.
He said the first step is to convince potential investors that a project is feasible and capable of generating returns, while addressing other challenges through appropriate mechanisms. He noted that governments and the private sector should work together to help entrepreneurs access equipment, financing and other resources needed to establish and expand their businesses.
he said: “If any project, regardless of its size, is feasible and clearly has the potential to generate profit, the other challenges that need to be addressed become easier to solve,”
He explained that public-private partnerships are particularly important in bridging financing gaps and ensuring that viable projects with the potential to transform communities can access the capital they need.
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Regional Cooperation Can Expand Investment Opportunities
President Kagame also highlighted regional integration as an important way of overcoming the limitations associated with small domestic markets.
He gave the example of market integration in Rwanda’s region, explaining that cooperation allows businesses in smaller countries to access opportunities beyond their national borders. Under such arrangements, a project is no longer limited to serving a small domestic market but can reach consumers and businesses across a wider regional economy.
he said: “It is no longer a small project in a small country; rather, it becomes a viable project in an expanding market that goes beyond its location,” He stressed that achieving this requires sound policies and strong, effective institutions, which are responsibilities of every government.
President Kagame said Rwanda places emphasis on good governance, building strong institutions and establishing mechanisms for cooperation between the government and the private sector to facilitate investment, create jobs and support development.
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CHOGM 2026 Focuses on Investment and Shared Development
This year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is focusing on how member countries can use their potential to increase investment, expand trade, promote innovation and find solutions to challenges facing small and developing economies.
President Kagame’s remarks highlighted the importance of changing investment perceptions, strengthening cooperation and ensuring that viable business projects can access financing regardless of the size or economic status of the countries where they are based.
