Rwanda, Inc.

How a Devastated Nation Became an Economic Model for the Developing World

By: Patricia Crisafulli, Andrea Redmond

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

Eighteen years after the genocide that made Rwanda international news, yet left it all but abandoned by the West, the country has achieved a miraculous turnaround. Rising out of the complete devastation of a failed state, Rwanda has emerged on the world stage yet again - this time with a unique model for governance and economic development under the leadership of its strong and decisive president, Paul Kagame.

Here, Patricia Crisafulli and Andrea Redmond look at Kagame’s leadership, his drive for excellence and execution that draws comparisons to American CEOs and emphasizes the development of a sophisticated and competitive workforce that leverages human capital. In Rwanda, the ultimate turnaround, strong and effective leadership has made a measurable and meaningful difference. Rwanda’s progress offers an example for other developing nations to lift themselves out of poverty without heavy reliance on foreign aid through decentralization, accountability, self-determination, and self-sufficiency. The authors also explore Rwanda’s journey toward its goal of becoming a middle-income nation with a technology-based economy and its progress in encouraging private sector development and fostering entrepreneurship while also making gains in education, health care, and food security - and all with a strong underpinning of reconciliation and unification.

As so many nations stand on the brink of political and economic revolution, this is a timely and fascinating look at the implications of Rwanda’s success for the rest of the continent - and the world.

©2012 Patricia Crisafulli and Andrea Redmond (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In Rwanda, Inc., Crisafulli and Redmond recount the rise of an unyielding people and their chief executive, President Paul Kagame.… An exceptional blueprint for other developing countries." (Bill Clinton)

"A fascinating portrait of a nation and a president at a pivotal moment in history." ( Publishers Weekly)

Not objective and poorly read

The book reads like a puff piece for Paul Kagame, who can apparently do no wrong and whose leadership is the apex of human achievement. I might be able to overlook the obvious propaganda but for the fact that the narrator sounds like a disinterested robot. I am forced to look elsewhere for a well-written account of Rwandan history and culture.

Rwanda's growth

What made the experience of listening to Rwanda, Inc. the most enjoyable?
I read this book a while ago and subsequently I visited the country for the first time earlier this year. Then I bought the audio version for "revision" purposes. The story is still fascinating and this book captures the essence of this miracle.

Who was your favorite character and why?
It has to be Paul Kagame and his leadership of this beautiful nation

Which scene was your favorite?
The " yes, we can" attitude.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
The genocide would make anyone sad. Why did the world just turn a blind eye?

The narrator doesn't sound convinced

The narrator makes the story sound more like the book is propaganda, than its intended to.

Poorly researched

Book relies mostly on statements by government insiders and poorly cobbled up newspaper articles. More so, the paternalistic interpretation of what constitutes success for an African state is unappealing.

Story of leadership and a country's redemption

Throughly enjoyed listening to the background and history of Rwanda and how the country has worked to heal the wounds of genocide through investing in their greatest resource, their people.