The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey arrived in Kigali on Friday, June 12, on a working visit.

This is Botchwey's first visit to Rwanda since taking over the secretariat of the organisation of English-speaking countries in April 2025.

"I look forward to engaging with leaders and partners in Kigali to strengthen cooperation and advance the Commonwealth agenda for shared prosperity across all 56 member countries," she wrote on X.

ALSO READ: Inside Commonwealth opportunities for Rwandan youth

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation welcomed her to Kigali, saying her visit was important for Rwanda and the Commonwealth.

"The visit underscores our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing common priorities across the Commonwealth," the ministry said.

A former Ghanaian foreign minister, Botchwey is the seventh Commonwealth Secretary General and the second African to head the community.

ALSO READ: Rwandan official appointed chair of Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network

Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009, becoming the 54th member of the community made up mostly by former British colonies. It represents about 2.7 billion people.