President Paul Kagame has appointed Soraya Hakuziyaremye as the new Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), making her the first woman in the country’s history to hold this position. She replaces John Rwangombwa, who has completed his two terms. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has been named Deputy Governor.
The appointments, announced on February 25, 2025, are based on Article 112 of Rwanda’s Constitution. Hakuziyaremye, previously the Deputy Governor since 2021, brings extensive experience in banking and finance. She formerly served as Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry from 2018 to 2021.
Hakuziyaremye studied
finance and marketing at the Université
Libre de Bruxelles and later worked with major financial institutions,
including Bank of New York and BNP Paribas Fortis. She also held
leadership roles at ING Group in
the Netherlands and the UK.
Under Rwangombwa’s leadership, BNR
implemented major financial reforms, embracing digital banking. Mobile banking
transactions grew by 58% in 2021/2022,
reaching RWF 6.6 billion.
Rwanda’s economy also saw consistent growth, averaging over 7% annually during his tenure.
With Hakuziyaremye at the helm,
expectations are high for continued financial sector modernization. Analysts
anticipate her leadership will focus on financial
inclusion, innovation, and sustainable economic policies to keep
Rwanda’s economy on a strong trajectory.
Soraya
Hakuziyaremye named BNR Governor
Dr.
Justin Nsengiyumva appointed Deputy Governor
John
Rwangombwa led BNR for 12 years
Kin
RSS 
