No country epitomizes the changes in Africa more than Rwanda. It has embraced major political and economic reforms. The World Bank now rates the country as one of the world's 10 most-improved economies. Agriculture is booming and tourism is growing. Yet the way government officials see it, all of this is only the beginning. The nation's stated goal is to transform itself from an economy based on subsistence agriculture to a knowledge-based economy by 2020. Already, companies such as Starbucks, Google, Costco and Macy's are doing business in the country—leading Fortune magazine to dub Rwanda the country "CEOs love."

A stunning rebirth

A landlocked country with no gold or diamonds and few natural resources, Rwanda is the biggest rising star of East Africa. And while many people continue to associate the country with the devastating 1994 genocide—an event that led to the massacre of approximately 800,000 people in only a few short months—the world community is beginning to take note of the progress. Rwanda's GDP growth rate has averaged more than 7 percent since 2000. In 2008, the rate hit a stunning 11.2 percent.

The nation, with a population of approximately 11.3 million, has adopted progressive financial policies while embracing political reforms that may serve as a model for the rest of Africa. The World Bank rates Rwanda as one of the most business-friendly nations in the world. "Rwanda has achieved dynamic change and impressive economic growth over the last several years. The country has undergone a remarkable transformation and completely rebuilt itself," says Lucy Mamganga Mariam Fye, senior private sector specialist for the World Bank.

A new government in which women play a vital role

The genesis of this remarkable rebirth dates back to the end of the genocide in 1994. That's when Paul Kagame, who led the opposition Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), emerged as president. He immediately introduced significant reforms. In 2003, Rwanda adopted its current constitution following a national referendum. Kagame, who received an English university education and U.S. military training, was re-elected president that year and again in 2010 (the president of Rwanda serves a seven-year term).

Kagame has received both compliments and criticism for his authoritarian approach. But the results are indisputable. His zero-tolerance policy toward corruption has shaped an attractive business climate. And his political reforms have created a model for the 21st century. Rwanda is the first country in the world to have a female legislative majority. In 2010, 56 percent of the members of parliament were women, including the speaker. The country also has eight female ministers who regularly convene with Kagame and other high-level officials at cabinet meetings.

Women play an integral role in Rwandan business and politics. After the 1994 genocide, the country was left with a population that was 70 percent female. Today, women comprise about 55 percent of the workforce and operate 40 percent of all businesses—selling goods, producing handicrafts and, increasingly, working in professional and managerial positions within the business sector and government. The stigma of sending a girl off to school is rapidly disappearing.

Made in Rwanda

Not surprisingly, this atmosphere is changing the way the world community views Rwanda. Retailing giant Macy's is a partner in Rwanda Path to Peace, a project that helps create a global market for the unique baskets, handicrafts and art of Rwanda. Macy's first began selling the eye-catching products in its stores and online in 2005. The project now employs more than 2,500 weavers and has created a sustainable income for Rwandan women and their families. Google, too, has taken aim at Rwanda. It has led groups of employees to Africa and made its Google Apps (word processing, spreadsheet, email and other software) available to government ministries and universities in Rwanda. Google executives have publicly stated that they are impressed by the country's pro-tech attitude and the rapidly growing need for broadband connectivity.