Justin Nsengiyumva was officially sworn in as Rwanda’s new Prime Minister on Friday, July 25, just two days after President Paul Kagame appointed him to the role, replacing Edouard Ngirente, who had held the position since 2017. In the ceremony presided over by President Kagame, Nsengiyumva pledged loyalty to the Republic of Rwanda and commitment to upholding the Constitution and laws of the country. I swear to remain loyal to the Republic of Rwanda, to abide by the Constitution and other laws, and to strive to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me,” he declared. ALSO READ: Justin Nsengiyumva, economist-turned-Prime Minister of Rwanda In his inaugural address, Nsengiyumva expressed deep gratitude to President Kagame for the trust placed in him. “I understand the weight of the responsibilities before me and their impact on improving the lives of citizens and driving national development,” he said. “This trust from the President will not be based on empty promises. I commit to doing everything within my power, and beyond, to ensure our country benefits in tangible ways.” ALSO READ: Kagame, new PM Nsengiyumva discuss national priorities Nsengiyumva also commended the contributions of former Prime Ministers, stating that he was ready to build on the strong foundation they laid. He emphasized that his leadership would prioritize citizen-centered policies. “My main focus will be on addressing citizens’ concerns. I will work hand-in-hand with all institutions to ensure that no Rwandan is left behind,” he affirmed. President Kagame also officiated the swearing-in of the Ministers, Ministers of State, and other senior officials. Before his appointment, Nsengiyumva served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), a position he had assumed in February. His background reflects a strong blend of national and international expertise in economic policy, financial systems, and institutional reform. ALSO READ: Four new faces as Kagame appoints Cabinet members The economist becomes Rwanda’s sixth Prime Minister since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Alongside the Prime Minister, President Kagame also announced a slightly reshuffled Cabinet on Thursday, July 24, following consultations with Nsengiyumva. The new Cabinet retained many serving ministers while introducing four new faces: Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye as Minister of Environment, Dominique Habimana as Minister of Local Government, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye as Minister of State for Infrastructure, and Telesphore Ndabamenye as Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources. ALSO READ: New PM pledges to advance national priorities Nsengiyumva's professional career spans over 20 years, with leadership roles in both Rwanda and the United Kingdom. In the UK, he served as Senior Economic Advisor in the Office of Rail and Road, where he led major policy and research initiatives that influenced the country’s railway sector. He also worked as an economist with the UK Department for Work and Pensions, contributing to welfare reform strategies. In Rwanda, he served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (2005–2008), where he led Rwanda’s trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and regional blocs such as the EAC, COMESA, and ICGLR. Later, as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education (2008), he played a pivotal role in transitioning Rwanda’s education system from French to English. He has also worked in the non-profit sector in the UK, serving as Policy and Research Development Manager at Refugee Action and as a national trustee for the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit. Academic and governance experience Nsengiyumva holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focused on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. He also holds 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. In addition to his public service, he has sat on the boards of key national institutions, including RwandAir and the Rwanda Revenue Authority. He has also served as a school governor and contributed to academic journals as an editor.
