President Paul Kagame appointed Damien Murwanashyaka as Rwanda's new Minister of Infrastructure on June 11, bringing to the role an engineer and construction industry professional with more than 15 years of experience in project management, cost management and infrastructure development. Murwanashyaka replaced Jimmy Gasore, who had served in the position since September 2023. Murwanashyaka is a civil engineer who has worked at major real estate and construction companies. A professional civil engineer and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Murwanashyaka has built his career across both the public and private sectors, holding senior leadership positions in some of the country's leading construction and engineering firms. ALSO READ: Kagame appoints new ministers, ambassadors He began working in the engineering field in 2012. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving as the Managing Director of Preferred Contractors Ltd, a construction company he founded that specialises in consultancy, project management and construction services. From 2024 to 2025, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ultimate Developers Ltd (UDL), the RSSB-owned real estate developer behind Vision City and other flagship housing projects. During his tenure at UDL, the company gained international recognition for sustainable housing developments, including accolades for Vision City Phase Two and other green real estate initiatives. Murwanashyaka's career has seen him occupy several strategic positions within Rwanda's construction industry. These include serving as Chief Quantity Surveyor at Real Contractors Ltd, Projects Manager at ROKO Construction Ltd, Contracts Manager at Century Engineering Contractors, and Projects Manager at Gasabo 3D Design Ltd. He worked as an Account Manager at Cimerwa PPC, Rwanda's largest cement manufacturer. He also served as Account Manager for the New Bugesera International Airport project. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. ALSO READ: UDL announces Damien Murwanashyaka as new CEO Known for his expertise in project planning, contract management and cost control, Murwanashyaka has been involved in the delivery and supervision of high-value infrastructure and construction projects over the years. Murwanashyaka also served as Project Manager for the construction works of the Outpatient Department (OPD) at King Faisal Hospital and the completion of the Four Points by Sheraton hotel project. Academically, he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rwanda and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oklahoma Christian University in the United States. His blend of engineering expertise and business management is expected to be an asset as he oversees Rwanda's infrastructure agenda, which includes expanding transport networks, increasing access to energy and water services, supporting urbanisation and housing, and delivering on strategic national projects.
