The Rwandan community in Ethiopia has collected about $30,000 (Rwf19m) out of the $50,000 pledged by members towards the Agaciro Development Fund.

This was revealed at the weekend during one of the regular meetings of the community in Addis Ababa.

During the meeting, it was reported that $30,000 has so far been transferred to Agaciro account in the central bank (BNR).

The outgoing chairman of the Rwandan community in Ethiopia, Dr Jean Bosco Butera, thanked the community for having honoured part of their pledges.

Butera said the Rwandan community in Ethiopia is committed to the national cause.

"We are committed to this initiative and we will honor our pledges before the end of this fiscal year. Rwanda's self reliance is a goal that we in the Diaspora should also significantly contribute to. Our support to Agaciro Fund is one of the ways to achieve this," he said.

The organised and hard-working Rwandan community in Ethiopia comprises slightly more than 100 people, mainly those working with the African Union, UN, NGOs and students.