President Paul Kagame on Friday received a delegation from Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, for talks aimed at advancing cooperation on critical minerals and mining investment. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Kazakhstan sign critical minerals deal The delegation led by the fund’s Chief Executive Nurlan Zhakupov met with Kagame at Urugwiro Village to discuss the implementation of a cooperation agreement on critical minerals signed between Rwanda and Kazakhstan during the Present’s visit to Astana in May 2025. “Discussions focused on the recently signed cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Kazakhstan on critical minerals, exploring opportunities for collaboration in geological exploration, mineral resource development, and mining investment,” the Presidency said in a post on X. ALSO READ: Rwanda records $1.5bn in gold exports in 2024 The talks also emphasized strengthening Rwanda’s role in the global critical minerals value chain, an area the country has increasingly prioritized as demand rises for minerals used in modern technologies and the energy transition. During Kagame's visit to Astana, he and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement on critical minerals, paving the way for joint work in mineral exploration, mining development, and knowledge exchange. It was signed by Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and Samruk-Kazyna. At the time, Kagame said Rwanda stood to benefit from the Central Asian's experience in mining, energy, and mineral processing. “Our two countries are good friends and partners, and we want to build on this strong foundation to further deepen our partnership,” he said. ALSO READ : Rwanda’s newly discovered lithium ‘world-class’ The mining sector is one of Rwanda’s key export revenue earners, with minerals such as gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange revenues. Mineral export revenues reached $1.7 billion (Rwf2.38 trillion) in 2024. The government of targets $2.2 billion in annual mineral exports by 2029. Exploration of critical minerals such as lithium has gained momentum in recent years, with global mining giants like Rio Tinto investing in the sector.
