President Paul Kagame has appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda’s new Prime Minister, replacing Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who has held the position since 2017.
The announcement, made through an official statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, signals a significant shift in the country’s top executive leadership.
Dr. Ngirente exits the role after eight years of steering government coordination, a period marked by reforms in health, education, infrastructure, and economic development, all under Rwanda’s centralized model of governance.
Dr. Nsengiyumva steps into the position with a background steeped in economics, public policy, and regional affairs. He previously served in various senior advisory roles within the government, most notably in economic planning and regional integration.
Holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, a master’s degree in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Dr. Nsengiyumva’s academic and professional trajectory has aligned closely with Rwanda’s developmental vision.
However, the newly appointed Prime Minister is no stranger to public scrutiny. In the past, his name surfaced in a 2013 corruption investigation involving an alleged Rwf 3.5 million bribe from businessman Moses Byaruhanga. At the time, then-police spokesman Emmanuel Kabanda stated that Nsengiyumva, along with a Central Bank employee, had reportedly sought a cut in a financial transaction. Though the matter was widely reported, no formal charges were brought against him, and the case did not proceed in court.
In his first public remarks following the appointment, Dr. Nsengiyumva said he accepted the responsibility with “humility and dedication,” promising to focus on national priorities in alignment with President Kagame’s vision.
> “I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose,” he said.
The appointment comes at a time when Rwanda continues to strengthen its regional economic partnerships and push forward its digital and infrastructure agenda.
As Prime Minister, Nsengiyumva will be expected to build on the legacy of his predecessor while addressing rising concerns around public accountability, economic inclusivity, and governance reforms.
