A cabinet meeting held virtually on Monday, May 18, and chaired by President Paul Kagame, appointed four new members on the Board of Directors of Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The new appointees are Eric Kacou, Ivan Kagame, Liban Soleman Abdi, and Dr Solange Uwituze.

Dr Uwituze has served as the Deputy Director-General in Charge of Animal Resources and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) since 2018. She holds a PhD and MSc in Animal Sciences from Kansas State University. Uwitonze brings to the RDB Board over 16 years of a rich career in higher agricultural education, research, governance and multilateral projects. 

Ivan Kagame, who holds a BSc in Economics from Pace University and an MBA from the Marshall School at the University of Southern California, brings a diverse skill set and vast experience in investment management advisory services, entrepreneurship and investment management. He is currently a partner at a Venture Capital fund and co-founder of a leading energy company. 

Eric Kacou is an Ivorian national and the Co-Founder of Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners, a firm that offers consultancy to businesses. 

Kacou’s operations in Rwanda started with his OTF Group, a firm that played a role in developing competitiveness in the country’s human capital in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He has also led the Rwanda National Innovation and Competitiveness Program. Kacou holds an MBA from the Wharton Business School and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. 

Liban Soleman Abdi, who holds a BSc in Finance and Marketing from George Mason University and an Executive Education from HEC Paris, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 13 years in financial management, enterpreneurship and government advisory. Previously, he served as Chief of Cabinet to the President of Gabon, and Chairman, Gabon National Investment Promotion Agency. He also served as a business executive in Israel. 

The Cabinet also reappointed Itzhak Fisher, an Israeli businessman, as the RDB Chairperson - a position he has held since 2017.

Evelyn Kamagaju was also reappointed as Vice Chairperson, whereas Alice Nkulikiyinka, Diane Karusisi, and Faith Keza will also continue to serve as members of the Board.