The Rwandan community in the United States has scheduled a homecoming in August 2026, announced the Director General of the community. Yehoyada Mbangurika said, during the Rwanda Convention 2025 event held in Dallas, Texas, that members of the 31 communities of Rwandans residing in 22 US states are preparing to meet in Kigali. ALSO READ: Rwandan diaspora urged to counter misinformation on DR Congo conflict Rwanda Convention 2025 is an event that celebrates Rwandan culture, values, achievements, and unity while informing the diaspora and friends of Rwanda about the country's programmes and opportunities, encouraging them to invest and gathering their ideas on the country's development. The three-day event, from July 4 to 6, also marked the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation. “As Rwandans, we start preparing early. From August 6 to 9, 2026, we will meet in Kigali. Everyone should know that after this convention, our next meeting will be in Kigali,” Mbangukira said. He noted that the community had been contributing to building their country in many ways, including in real estate, investing in various sectors, and remittances to their families and friends. ALSO READ: Nduhungirehe lauds diaspora role in devt as remittances surpass Rwf700bn| For instance, he said, they recently contributed to the 'Dusangire Lunch' program launched by the Ministry of Education to feed students at school. In 2024, Rwandans living abroad sent over $502 million ( approx. Rwf705 billion) in remittances to Rwanda, with those living in the United States alone sending $233 million. ALSO READ: How Rwanda is leveraging rising diaspora remittances Sheba Rugege, the Executive Board Member of the US Rwanda Community Abroad, emphasized the importance for the Rwandan diaspora to go back to their roots and learn about the different activities and how to actively participate in shaping the right narrative of Rwanda’s story. “Let’s share that ownership. It’s not just for the embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but our collective effort,” Rugege said. The convention was also attended by representatives of Rwandan government institutions and private sector, who pitched the various development programs in which Rwandans abroad can invest and financial products to facilitate international transactions as they take part in the development journey. Michelle Umurungi, Head of Investment at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said Rwanda’s ambition to become an upper-middle income, knowledge-based economy is the guiding compass, which requires diversification of sectors that contribute to development. She highlighted some investment opportunities such as in the budding agroprocessing sector, real estate, healthcare, tourism and the creative industry. “I encourage you to come, look around, and assess where the opportunities are,” Murungi said. Other investment opportunities presented to Rwandans living in the United States include expanding and developing medical services, building pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing plants, and other facilities.
