KIGALI, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, September 2, joined a meeting of the Rwanda Development Board’s Board of Directors, placing renewed emphasis on effective delivery, institutional accountability and a stronger business environment as Rwanda advances its private-sector-led economic development agenda.
According to an official statement from the Presidency of Rwanda, the meeting was held at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices and reviewed the institution’s priorities and ongoing programs. Discussions centered on accelerating private-sector growth, attracting and facilitating investment, expanding exports and tourism, and strengthening Rwanda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
President Kagame emphasized that implementation and measurable results should remain central to the institution’s work. The Presidency said the President stressed the importance of maintaining “a strong focus on delivery, accountability” while continually improving conditions that allow businesses and investors to succeed.
The discussions come as Rwanda continues to position private enterprise as an important driver of investment, employment, exports and long-term economic transformation. RDB occupies a central position in that strategy, with responsibilities covering investment promotion and facilitation, investor support, export facilitation, tourism and conservation, business registration and other areas affecting private-sector development. RDB also promotes investment opportunities across sectors including agriculture, education, energy, financial services, health, information and communication technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, real estate and tourism.
The government’s approach reflects a broader effort to make Rwanda an increasingly competitive destination for international capital while strengthening opportunities for domestic businesses. This includes not only attracting new investors but also creating conditions that enable companies already operating in Rwanda to expand, employ more people and participate more effectively in international markets.
RDB has previously described Rwanda’s international partnerships as part of a strategy to increase the country’s visibility as a destination for investment and tourism. RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika, speaking in 2025 about one such international partnership, described Rwanda’s ambition as positioning the country as “a premier global hub for investment, tourism, and sports development.”
That international outreach is complemented by efforts to develop entrepreneurship and innovation at home. RDB has previously supported initiatives bringing government, private enterprise and development organizations together to strengthen Rwanda’s start-up ecosystem. Such programs have included cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme and other partners to support emerging entrepreneurs and technology-driven businesses.
President Kagame’s emphasis on accountability also signals that attracting investment alone is not considered sufficient. The effectiveness of Rwanda’s development strategy will increasingly depend on whether institutions can translate policies and investment commitments into productive businesses, competitive exports, sustainable employment and economic opportunities for citizens.
The September 2 meeting therefore placed RDB at the center of Rwanda’s continuing effort to connect public-sector efficiency with private-sector expansion. For a country seeking greater participation in regional and global markets, the government’s message is that economic ambitions must be accompanied by execution, accountability and an investment climate capable of supporting both Rwandan entrepreneurs and international investors.
As Rwanda pursues its next stage of economic transformation, President Kagame’s message to RDB underscores a results-oriented approach: strengthen the conditions for businesses to thrive, expand Rwanda’s competitiveness and ensure that economic policy translates into tangible development outcomes.
