Kagame picks economist Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda’s new Prime Minister in Cabinet shake-up
Nsengiyumva, who until now served as deputy governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, replaces Édouard Ngirente, whose seven-year tenure came to an abrupt end on Wednesday.
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has appointed Justin Nsengiyumva as the country's new prime minister, setting the stage for a new cabinet within two weeks.
Nsengiyumva, who until now served as deputy governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, replaces Édouard Ngirente, whose seven-year tenure came to an abrupt end on Wednesday.
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The change was announced in a brief statement by the government spokesperson's office, with no explanation offered for Ngirente's dismissal.
The incoming prime minister struck a humble tone in his first remarks.
Writing on X, Nsengiyumva thanked President Kagame for the trust placed in him and vowed to serve the nation "with humility and dedication."
"I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose," he said. "I will give all I have in me to help you [the president] achieve your great vision for this country."
Under Rwanda's constitution, the appointment of a new prime minister triggers the formation of a new cabinet within 15 days.
Nsengiyumva career
Nsengiyumva brings over 20 years of experience in economics and public service, with a career spanning senior roles both in Rwanda and the United Kingdom.
He previously worked as a Senior Economic Advisor in the UK Government’s Office of Rail and Road and also served at the UK Department for Work and Pensions as an economist.
In Rwanda, Nsengiyumva has held influential government positions, including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 2005 to 2008, and later at the Ministry of Education.
During his time at the Education Ministry in 2008, he oversaw Rwanda’s major transition from French to English as the language of instruction in schools.
The former PM, Ngirente, who was appointed Prime Minister in 2017, expressed gratitude to Kagame for the opportunity to lead the government for nearly a decade.
In a message shared on X, he said, “I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last 8 years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose.”
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It's a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Nsengiyumva now steps into the role at a time when Rwanda is focused on advancing economic growth, education reforms and regional cooperation, with his extensive background in both national and international economic policy expected to shape the next phase of the country’s development.
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