Rwanda is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Matha Capital’s African strategy as the Pan‑African financial advisory firm strengthens its local presence to deliver financial solutions aligned with the country’s national priorities and long‑term development goals. This renewed commitment was underscored during a business networking cocktail hosted by Matha Capital Rwanda in Kigali on March 25th. The event brought together senior officials from public institutions, prominent bankers, key players in the financial ecosystem, and seasoned private‑sector leaders—all gathered to connect, exchange ideas, and explore future collaboration opportunities. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Côte d’Ivoire, Matha Capital offers a broad spectrum of financial advisory services, including debt fundraising and restructuring, hedging solutions for currency, interest rate and commodity risks, and structuring of project finance transactions. To date, the firm has executed advisory mandates worth over US$15 billion across the continent, leveraging deep local insight and access to global capital markets. As Rwanda continues to position itself as a stable and attractive investment destination, Matha Capital aims to play a pivotal role in connecting the country to international financial institutions and unlocking new opportunities in the domestic market. In his remarks, Emmanuel Nambware, Managing Director for East and Southern Africa, welcomed guests and underscored the spirit of the evening: building meaningful connections among partners. He expressed appreciation for the openness and collaboration Matha Capital has consistently received in Rwanda, noting that strong partnerships remain central to the firm’s mission. Rwanda at the centre of Matha Capital’s Africa strategy Jean‑Paul Ndjemba, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted Rwanda’s growing strategic importance within Matha Capital’s Pan‑African vision. After initially using Kigali as a regional hub to access East and Southern Africa, the firm is now entering a new phase—one focused on deeper engagement within the domestic market. Ndjemba indicated that the renewed focus on the local market reflects the firm’s strong confidence in Rwanda’s strong growth trajectory, clear policy direction and a visionary approach to development. The firm has so far injected more than US$ 3 million in the country. “Rwanda now sits at the heart of our African strategy. Our value proposition lies in our ability to connect African opportunities with global, regional, and local capital, structure innovative financing solutions, and support our clients across short, medium and long‑term horizons,” Ndjemba said. He further noted the firm’s extensive experience advising on complex financing solutions across the continent, including infrastructure projects, public‑private partnerships, and financial risk management for sovereigns, state‑owned enterprises, and corporations. Deepening local engagement and tailored financial solutions Speaking on the firm’s direction in Rwanda, Charity Kagenza, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Matha Capital Rwanda, emphasized a more deliberate, locally grounded approach as the firm expands its presence. She pointed to Rwanda’s strong governance, clear policy direction, and long‑term development agenda as key pillars that create a unique environment for investment and partnership. “As a firm, our intention is to be part of Rwanda’s journey in a more focused, intentional, and impactful way. Our immediate priorities include deepening our engagement with various stakeholders, offering differentiated solutions that address existing needs in the market and sharing our knowledge and experience on innovative solutions structured in other African markets” she said. Kagenza added that the firm will deliver tailored financial solutions that directly address local market needs, reinforcing Matha Capital’s commitment to serving as a long‑term partner in Rwanda’s economic transformation. Rwanda’s role as a gateway for capital and investment While delivering her keynote address, Hortense Mudenge, the Chief Executive Officer of Kigali International Financial Centre placed the discussion within a broader continental context, highlighting the evolving dynamics of global capital and the growing importance of strong financial ecosystems in Africa. She noted that while investment opportunities across the continent are expanding, capital is becoming more selective—making credibility, governance, and predictability increasingly critical. “We are also seeing countries in Africa becoming more inward focused around domestic resource mobilisation. So, this creates an opportunity, and an opportunity for African financial centres and investors. Capital today is not just about looking for funds, it's about clarity, it's about governance, and most especially it's about predictability,” she said. Mudenge emphasised Rwanda’s role as a gateway for investment into Africa and commended Matha Capital for its contribution as a connector and catalyst within the financial ecosystem, supporting both regional integration and investment flows.
