Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) has announced the appointment of Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026. The appointment comes as AFR begins implementing a new strategic framework aimed at strengthening its contribution to Rwanda’s financial sector and expanding access to finance. In an announcement shared on X, on August 4, AFR said Sayinzoga joins the institution at an important stage of its development. “Ms. Kampeta joins AFR at an important moment as we begin implementing our new strategic framework and deepen our contribution to Rwanda's financial sector,” the organisation said. “Her experience in institution building, partnership development and inclusive finance will be invaluable as AFR continues to expand its impact,” it added. Broad leadership experience Sayinzoga brings extensive experience in public-sector leadership, development finance, and institutional management. She previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) from December 2019 to December 2025, where she led the development finance institution during a period in which the bank expanded its role in supporting businesses and development projects across the country. Before joining BRD, she served as the Director General of the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), a position she held from September 2017 to December 2019. Her public service career also includes serving as Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) between 2009 and 2016. She subsequently served as Director of Cabinet in the Office of the Prime Minister from 2016 to 2017. Her appointment to lead AFR comes as Rwanda continues efforts to improve financial inclusion and ensure that individuals and businesses have greater access to appropriate financial services AFR works with public and private-sector partners to promote financial inclusion in Rwanda, with a focus on expanding access to finance for underserved groups and strengthening the financial ecosystem. Academic, international experience Sayinzoga holds a Master of Science in Economics, Development and Policy Analysis from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. She also holds a certificate in Public Financial Management for a Changing World from Harvard Kennedy School. Beyond her executive roles in Rwanda, she has served on international and regional platforms. She has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Africa Trade Transformation Fund, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), since 2025. She is also a member of the Economic Advisory Panel to the President of the World Bank. Her experience across government, development finance and private-sector partnerships is expected to support AFR's efforts to implement its new strategic framework and broaden its impact on financial inclusion.
