The political system of Rwanda and the politics of the country continue to be defined by the horrific genocide in 1994 and its aftermath. A consensus-oriented social order serves as the foundation for the state. Rwanda is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. The transformation of the country into a middle income country is laid down in "Vision 2020". Rwanda is moreover an important country in the East African Community and recognised as a driving force in regional integration.

The FES began with the establishment of an office in Rwanda in 2016. One focal point in project work in the future is to be the strengthening of social justice. Even though Rwanda's economic growth has been remarkable, the majority of its population are still employed in the informal sector with low wages. Rwanda has already made enormous strides in many areas of social welfare, and the government would like to further expand the existing social security network. Trade unions, which have remained weak, are working for more just sectoral minimum wages and more comprehensive basic security for the large majority of employees that have not had jobs in the formal sector so far. This is the point of departure for the work of the FES.

The FES furthermore works together with partners in Rwanda to shape economic policy along socially just lines. Rwanda's economic growth and success in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals are recognised throughout the world. The government has obligated itself to shape economic growth along sustainability and at the same time linked this to job creation. There are indications of economic transformation in Rwanda. At the same time, the task is to shape these successes to be as sustainable as possible, reducing social inequality and strengthening participation at various levels of the state. The FES is working in this direction with its partners from civil society, trade unions, research and government.