On February 25, 2025, President Paul Kagame appointed Soraya Hakuziyaremye as the new Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), making history as the first woman to lead the institution.
Her appointment marks a significant step towards gender inclusivity in Rwanda’s financial sector while reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic transformation.
A New Era for Rwanda’s Financial Sector
Hakuziyaremye steps into the role at a crucial time, succeeding John Rwangombwa, who served two consecutive six-year terms since 2013.
With extensive experience in government and international banking, she is well-positioned to drive forward Rwanda’s monetary policies, financial stability, and digital banking transformation.
Having served as Deputy Governor since 2021, she has been at the forefront of key financial sector reforms, making her transition into leadership both strategic and timely.
Her previous roles, including Minister of Trade and Industry (2018–2021) and Senior Vice President at ING Bank UK, have equipped her with a wealth of experience in financial risk management, banking governance, and international trade policies.
These credentials make her one of the most qualified individuals to take on this role at a time when Rwanda is strengthening its digital financial infrastructure and increasing economic resilience.
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Gender Representation in Financial Leadership
Hakuziyaremye’s appointment is not just a win for Rwanda’s banking sector; it is a landmark moment for women in leadership.
Historically, central banks worldwide have been male-dominated institutions, with only a handful of women ever reaching top leadership roles.
Rwanda, a country known for its progressive approach to gender equality, continues to break barriers by ensuring that women hold influential roles in both the public and private sectors.
Her leadership is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in finance and policymaking, encouraging a new generation of female leaders in Rwanda and beyond.
It also reinforces the country’s broader agenda of promoting gender-balanced governance, as seen across various sectors in Rwanda’s economy.
The Future of Rwanda’s Central Bank Under Hakuziyaremye
With her appointment, all eyes will be on how Hakuziyaremye navigates Rwanda’s evolving financial landscape. Key priorities will likely include enhancing financial inclusion, strengthening regulatory frameworks for fintech and digital banking, and positioning Rwanda as a regional financial hub.
Additionally, she will play a critical role in managing inflation, foreign exchange reserves, and economic policies that drive sustainable growth.
As digital banking and fintech solutions continue to rise, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Rwanda remains at the forefront of financial innovation in Africa.
Supporting her in this mission is the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, an experienced economist with a strong background in financial regulation and economic policy development.
Together, their leadership is expected to usher in a new era of stability, innovation, and economic transformation for Rwanda’s banking sector.
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Looking Ahead
Soraya Hakuziyaremye’s historic appointment as Rwanda’s first female Central Bank Governor is a milestone moment for gender representation in financial leadership and a strategic move for Rwanda’s economic future.
With her extensive expertise in finance, policy, and international banking, she is well-equipped to lead the National Bank of Rwanda into a new era of financial innovation and stability.
Her leadership will not only shape Rwanda’s financial sector but also set a precedent for gender inclusivity and economic transformation across Africa.
