KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation hosted an evening gathering in Kigali on Friday, August 14, 2026, bringing government officials, diplomatic representatives and members of the Rwandan diaspora together for discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and its communities around the world.
The “Meet & Greet” brought together Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of State Kaitesi Usta, Director of Diaspora Sandrine Uwimbabazi Maziyateke, diplomatic representatives, diaspora leaders and Rwandans living abroad who were visiting the country.
The gathering provided participants with an opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and discuss how Rwandans abroad can continue contributing their professional expertise, networks, investments and experience to Rwanda’s development. The event also highlighted continued collaboration between government institutions and diaspora organizations, including efforts associated with Diaspora Homecoming initiatives.
Addressing participants, Nduhungirehe thanked Rwandans living abroad for their contributions to the country and encouraged them to remain actively engaged in Rwanda’s development. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the minister called on diaspora members to continue sharing their expertise, developing partnerships and creating opportunities that strengthen connections between Rwanda and its citizens abroad.
The message reflected the government’s broader approach of viewing the diaspora not only as communities maintaining cultural and family relationships with Rwanda, but also as partners who can contribute knowledge, professional experience, investment opportunities and international networks. Such engagement can provide connections between Rwanda and institutions, businesses and communities in countries where Rwandans have established themselves.
Cathy Rwivanga, President of the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia Rwandan Community Abroad (DMV-RCA), delivered remarks on behalf of members of the diaspora. Her participation highlighted the role of organized Rwandan communities overseas in maintaining connections with Rwanda while encouraging cooperation among diaspora members and institutions at home.
The evening combined dialogue with cultural celebration. Rwandan artist Titi Brown performed during the special gathering, bringing energy and excitement to the event as members of the audience enthusiastically joined him on the dance floor. The performance added a cultural dimension to an evening focused on national connection, collaboration and a shared sense of community.
The Kigali gathering forms part of Rwanda’s continuing engagement with its citizens living overseas. During previous meetings with Rwandan communities in different countries, government officials have emphasized unity, cultural preservation, investment, knowledge transfer and the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with the country.
Diaspora engagement has increasingly become an avenue through which Rwandans abroad can participate in national development while strengthening connections between their countries of residence and Rwanda. Professional skills, entrepreneurship, investment, education, technology and institutional partnerships are among the areas through which diaspora communities can contribute to the country’s long-term ambitions.
The gathering also offered a more personal setting for participants to exchange experiences and renew relationships with one another. By combining official discussions with cultural performances and interaction among diaspora representatives, the event underscored a broader message of maintaining strong ties among Rwandans regardless of where they live.
The evening concluded with an emphasis on continued collaboration between Rwanda and its global diaspora, reinforcing the idea that geographic distance does not have to weaken national, professional or cultural connections. Instead, sustained engagement can help transform those international connections into partnerships and opportunities benefiting Rwanda and Rwandan communities around the world.
