Several city youth cooperatives and associations on Friday signed performance contracts locally known as Imihigo with the City of Kigali with an aim of promoting socio- economic development within the city.

Imihigo is a cultural based performance approach that was initiated in 2006, since then the approach has been used by local government authorities for setting local priorities, setting annual targets and defining activities for civil servants.

The city Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba presided over the ceremony that brought together 80 cooperatives and associations operating in Kigali.

It was the second time the youth were signing such Imihigo.

Previously signed contracts emphasised on hygiene and environmental protection within the city.

However, this year's contracts focused on economic development of cooperatives and associations members.

Ndayisaba welcomed the move and pledged government's support to help the youth achieve their targets.

"You have committed to Kigali city's development, you have the capacity to achieve the set targets."

The Mayor of Nyarugenge district Solange Mukasonga said; "The targets of economic development of your cooperatives and association members are complementary with the districts' targets, you are supporting us to achieve our Imihigo targets."