Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a strong call for regional market integration, robust governance, and public-private sector synergy at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Speaking at a high-level panel focused on unlocking the Commonwealth’s potential and shaping a better future, Kagame emphasized that economic viability and cross-border collaboration are the true drivers of sustainable development.
“We must educate people that if any project, irrespective of size, is feasible and looks profitable, the other problems to deal with are much simpler,” Kagame told attendees. He stressed that scaling these projects requires looking beyond local borders to foster broader regional markets. “It is not just a small project in a small country but rather, a viable project in a growing market beyond the place where it is.”
The Rwandan leader shared the stage with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Samoan Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioʻo. During the session, Kagame highlighted that government action is foundational to making this economic integration possible.
“Certainly there have to be policies, there have to be institutions that allow this to happen, and that is the responsibility of any government,” he stated. “So we insist on governance and growing strength of institutions and making sure there is a connection between the public and private sectors.”
Beyond the panel stage, President Kagame maintained a busy diplomatic schedule on the sidelines of the summit. In a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Holness, the two leaders reviewed the longstanding cooperation between Rwanda and Jamaica. Their discussions centered on expanding joint initiatives in mutually beneficial sectors, specifically targeting health, defense, and tourism.
Kagame also held talks with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The dialogue reaffirmed Rwanda’s ongoing partnership with the WTO, with both leaders agreeing on the critical need to boost regional trade and investment to achieve long-term sustainable development outcomes.
Following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Leaders and CEO Investment Summit, President Kagame joined other Heads of Government and senior global business executives for an exclusive reception hosted by His Majesty King Charles III, capping off a summit heavily focused on economic resilience and unified market strategies across the Commonwealth.
