President Paul Kagame has said that while Rwanda recorded strong economic performance in 2025, sustaining and accelerating this growth in the next year will require greater self-reliance and productive use of national resources. “Our economy performed well. The task ahead is to sustain and raise this growth, and use our resources productively,” Kagame said in a televised end-of-year message on Wednesday, December 31. ALSO READ: Economy records double digit growth in third quarter The President said this would require new resolutions to keep the country focused and ambitious, stressing that Rwandans cannot rely on other people to finance their development and wellbeing. Kagame placed particular emphasis on the role of young people, describing them as the country’s most important asset. “It is your task, as young Rwandans, to sustain what we have built and take it further. I hope you have prepared for that duty including when it may require sacrifices from us individually and collectively,” he said. The Head of State said Rwanda has repeatedly turned challenges into opportunities and must continue building on that resilience without forgetting where it came from. Key milestones of 2025 He also noted several milestone events in 2025 that elevated Rwanda’s international profile, including the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa, the matriculation of the first cohort of students at the African School of Governance, and the launch of a new annual event on nuclear power innovation for Africa. ALSO READ: Africa’s peace, security cannot be outsourced – Kagame “This reaffirms that Rwandans and Africans generally have the power to define where, what we stand for, and where we are going,” Kagame said. The defining moment of 2025, Kagame said, was undoubtedly hosting the UCI Road World Cycling Championships. The 2025 UCI Road World Championships marked a historic moment as the event came to Africa for the first time in its century-long history. “Bringing this competition and its elite athletes to Kigali’s streets was a source of immense pride for our nation,” he said. “Sports unifies and empowers communities across all boundaries. The world saw Rwanda and Africa in a new light.” On football, he said Rwanda has yet to reach the top, but prospects for the future remain promising. He cited FIFA’s support in strengthening the sport and the country’s plans to host the FIFA Series next year. ALSO READ: Kagame highlights football’s role in promoting peace With the infrastructure we have built, our long-term ambition is to nurture the next generation of Rwandan talent to compete and excel, Kagame said. This December, Rwanda and DR Congo signed the Washington Accords, by Presidents Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi under the mediation of US President Donald Trump. These agreements offer a path to peace and economic prosperity in DR Congo and the region. In particular, the agreements have developed a neutralization plan for the FDLR, a Kinshasa-backed militia founded by remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “I thank the United States and Qatar, alongside African institutions, for supporting this peace process,” Kagame said. “It is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DR Congo and restoring regional stability. Rwanda is fully committed to implementing this agreement.” “Any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. The threat of state-supported violent extremism is unfortunately still very real,” he added. ALSO READ: You can't threaten me for defending myself, Kagame tells West As the year ends, Kagame urged citizens to remain vigilant and committed to national goals, reminding them that everyone has a role to play in shaping the country’s future. “The future we deserve is within reach we must stay the course, remain positive, and continue aiming higher,” he said, wishing Rwandans and friends of Rwanda a joyful and prosperous New Year 2026.
