Liberation is no longer just a chapter in Rwanda’s history, it is a lived reality reflected in the country’s resilience, discipline, and steady progress over the past three decades, according to Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi. He made the remarks during Rwanda’s National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, where he led the delegation in marking 31 years the country’s liberation since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Held on July 4, the occasion brought together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Japan to reflect on the country’s transformation, from the ashes of genocide to a nation widely recognised for its journey of resilience and economic development. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Rwandans to celebrate culture, innovation at Expo 2025 Osaka Sebahizi recalled that in 1994 the country lay in ruins, its institutions had collapsed, the social fabric was torn apart, and over a million lives had been lost. “It is from such circumstances that the journey of liberation meant ending the cycle of violence, restoring dignity, and laying the foundation for a country where all citizens, regardless of background, could live in peace and equality,” he said. He credited Rwanda’s progress to discipline, vision, and the collective will of its people. “Liberation is no longer just a historic milestone,” he said. “It is a living reality, reflected in our progress in health, education, governance, gender equality, and technological innovation. Two words remain consistent all through, resilience and ambition.” ALSO READ: 'A standard of good governance’: Reflections on Rwanda at 31 Expo 2025 Osaka, which runs from April 13 to October 13, features 158 countries showcasing solutions under the theme “Designing Future Societies for Our Lives.” Each country has a designated National Day to showcase its culture, achievements, and potential. Rwanda’s National Day coincided with Liberation Day, making the moment even more symbolic. Rwanda’s National Day celebration at the international exhibition featured a performance by the national ballet Urukerereza, and a choir from Oe Elementary School in Osaka singing the Rwandan national anthem, as well as a documentary screening. On July 3, Minister Sebahizi also represented Rwanda at Japan’s own National Day at the Expo. “It was a powerful showcase of Japanese tradition, innovation, and global vision,” he said. “Rwanda is proud to stand alongside Japan as a partner and friend, bound together by shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and human dignity, he added. Shigeki Watanabe, Vice Governor of Osaka, who represented the Government of Japan at Rwanda’s National Day, praised the bilateral relationship between the two nations. “Rwanda and Japan have developed economic cooperation in various fields such as water and sanitation, agriculture, and infrastructure,” he said, noting that his country also welcomes Rwandan students through different exchange programmes. He also recalled his participation in the May 8 commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held at the same venue in Osaka. Ambassador of Rwanda to Japan, Marie Claire Mukasine, emphasized the role of culture in the nation’s post-genocide recovery. “Our culture is not only a source of pride, but also a powerful tool that played a central role in the reconstruction and healing of a nation once on the brink of destruction,” she said. “Now, 31 years forward from those dark times, we recognize the importance of preserving our dignity, sharing our culture, and participating in global platforms like this Expo, she added. ALSO READ: 31 years after liberation, transformation continues The Rwanda Pavilion featured interactive exhibitions, including a VR museum showcasing the country’s progress and ambitions across sectors such as ICT, agriculture, and green investment. Placide Niyonshuti, a Rwandan student in Japan, described his visit to the pavilion as “turning adventures into real-life experiences.” Daniella Umubyeyi, a trade associate at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the pavilion demonstrated not only Rwanda’s development but its vision for the future. “This Expo is a perfect opportunity for us to collaborate and learn from other communities,” she said. The day ended with a reception bringing together the Japanese and Rwandan delegations. Guests exchanged gifts and toured several country pavilions, including Japan’s, which showcased biogas power generation from food waste and other cutting-edge carbon recycling technologies promoting sustainability. Minister Sebahizi noted Rwanda's commitment to global collaboration and the investment opportunities it offers. “Rwanda positions itself as a gateway for investment and partnership on the continent, he said. We offer a predictable, investor-friendly environment, strong governance, and a young, dynamic population ready to lead change. Whether through trade, tourism, technology, or cultural exchange, Rwanda is open to the world.”
