President Kagame Appoints Justin Nsengiyumva as New Prime Minister

By Elias Hakizimana.

Kigali, Rwanda – July 23, 2025— President Paul Kagame has appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda’s new Prime Minister, replacing Dr. Édouard Ngirente, who has held the position since 2017. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant change in the country’s top executive leadership.

The appointment was made in accordance with Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, which empowers the Head of State to name a Prime Minister.

Until his new role, Dr. Nsengiyumva served as the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), a position he assumed in February 2025. His swift rise to the premiership reflects growing confidence in his leadership and technocratic expertise, particularly in economic and fiscal policy.

Dr. Nsengiyumva brings with him a rich background in public service and academia. Prior to his time at BNR, he served as the Permanent Secretary in both the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education, playing key roles in policy formulation and institutional reform.

He holds a PhD in Economics from the **University of Leicester** in the United Kingdom, a credential that aligns with the government’s ongoing emphasis on evidence-based policy and sustainable economic development.

The former Prime Minister, Dr. Édouard Ngirente, was widely credited with steering Rwanda’s post-pandemic recovery efforts and overseeing major reforms in education, infrastructure, and social protection. His departure marks the end of a seven-year tenure characterized by stability and continuity.

Reactions to the appointment are expected in the coming days from both domestic political actors and Rwanda’s development partners.

President Kagame has yet to announce other changes within the cabinet, but political analysts anticipate further adjustments as the government continues to align its leadership with national development priorities laid out in Vision 2050.