President Paul Kagame on Thursday welcomed a bipartisan delegation of members of the United States Congress to Village Urugwiro, where both sides held discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas considered central to Rwanda’s long-term development agenda. The delegation was led by Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and included Representatives Troy Carter, Morgan Griffith, Russ Fulcher, Jay Obernolte, Cliff Bentz, Craig Goldman, and Julie Fedorchak. The meeting highlighted the continued engagement between Rwanda and the United States on issues of shared interest, including healthcare, energy, investment, and economic development.
According to the Office of the President, the discussions reviewed Rwanda’s progress in national transformation while exploring additional opportunities to deepen bilateral collaboration. In an official statement, the Presidency said, “The discussions focused on Rwanda’s transformation journey, as well as ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including health, energy, and investment.” The meeting reflected the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, which have expanded steadily over recent years.
Cooperation in the energy sector has become an increasingly important pillar of the relationship. In May 2026, Rwanda and the United States signed an agreement to advance collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. During the same period, Rwanda also entered into an agreement with U.S.-based nuclear technology company Holtec International to support the country’s civil nuclear energy ambitions. The partnership is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s plan to deploy Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, with the government targeting the commissioning of its first reactor by the beginning of the next decade as part of broader efforts to diversify electricity generation and strengthen long-term energy security.
Healthcare also remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. In late 2025, Rwanda and the United States concluded a health partnership valued at approximately US$228 million, designed to reinforce healthcare systems, expand access to essential medical services, and improve public health outcomes. The initiative builds on years of collaboration between the two countries in disease prevention, health workforce development, and medical infrastructure.
Economic and commercial relations continue to grow alongside diplomatic engagement. Rwanda has welcomed increasing investment from American companies in sectors ranging from mining and advanced technology to manufacturing and clean energy. Partnerships involving Trinity Metals and U.S. firms have supported exports of Rwandan wolfram to the American market, while the Rwanda Development Board reported that U.S. investors committed approximately US$441.3 million across 31 projects in 2024. Trade between the two countries also remained significant, with the combined value of goods and services reaching nearly US$369 million during the same year, reflecting sustained commercial exchanges across multiple sectors.
Officials from both countries have consistently emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation based on shared economic interests and sustainable development. The Office of the President described the congressional visit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration. The engagement underscored the continued commitment of both Rwanda and the United States to fostering partnerships that support innovation, investment, healthcare advancement, and inclusive economic growth.
