Rwanda Cabinet approves independent status for mining regulator

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a new organisational structure for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), paving the way for the institution to operate independently of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The decision was among several resolutions adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on October 26, 2026.

The move is intended to strengthen oversight and regulation of the mining sector while supporting its growing contribution to Rwanda’s economic development.

Cabinet also reviewed the consolidated government financial statements for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and assessed preparations for the 2027A agricultural season, urging farmers to complete land preparation and planting and to use quality seeds and fertilisers on time to improve yields.

On governance, reports presented to Cabinet indicated that the country’s governance performance remained positive. Relevant institutions were urged to build on the progress made by implementing coordinated measures, supported by clear monitoring indicators, to address identified challenges and improve public service delivery and citizens’ satisfaction.

New agreements and legislation

Cabinet approved draft legislation authorising the ratification of a loan agreement between Rwanda and the European Investment Bank to support a project aimed at protecting the health of communities living around volcanoes in northern Rwanda. The agreement was signed in Kigali on August 5 and in Luxembourg on August 6, 2026.

It also approved draft legislation for the ratification of a double taxation agreement between Rwanda and Oman. The agreement seeks to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and non-payment. It was signed in Salalah, Oman, on September 8, 2026.

Two other agreements were approved: a cooperation agreement between the Rwandan government and Raffles Family Office Limited (RFO) to mobilise funding for development projects and promote international investment; and an agreement with Luma & Lua concerning the renovation and management of the Musanze International Cycling Training Centre.

Cabinet further approved a ministerial order amending the guidelines governing implementation of the general principle of access to information under Ministerial Order No. 007/24/10/TC of September 30, 2024.

New appointments

Cabinet approved the appointment of Helliate Rushwaya as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Rwanda, based in Kigali, and Anna Merrifield as Finland’s ambassador to Rwanda, based in Dar es Salaam.

In the Office of the Auditor General, Claudette Mukashyaka was appointed Auditor General, while Gratien Kubwimana was named Deputy Auditor General.

Athanasie Nyiragwaneza, Viateur Bangayandusha and Aissa Umuntoni were appointed commissioners of the National Commission for Human Rights.

Upcoming national and international events

Cabinet was informed that Rwanda will mark World Food Day on October 30, 2026, with celebrations scheduled to take place in Gatsibo District in the Eastern Province.

World Savings Day will be observed on October 31, followed by a savings awareness week running through November 6 to encourage Rwandans to develop a culture of saving.

Rwanda will also host the 38th meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol from November 2 to 6, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the protocol.

Meanwhile, Kigali is scheduled to host the YouthConnekt Africa Summit from November 25 to 27, 2026.