Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has been appointed Prime Minister of Rwanda by President Paul Kagame, in a leadership change announced on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. Nsengiyumva replaces Édouard Ngirente, who had held the position since 2017.
The appointment, confirmed in an official statement from the Office of the President, marks a significant moment in Rwanda’s political and governance landscape.
Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva appointed Prime Minister of Rwanda is seen by analysts as part of Kagame’s broader push to revitalise key institutions and accelerate national transformation.
Although no official reason was given for Ngirente’s departure, the reshuffle aligns with Rwanda’s ongoing focus on economic modernisation, digital policy, and improved public sector governance.
Before this appointment, Dr. Nsengiyumva served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a role he assumed in early 2025.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, along with a Master’s degree from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
In addition to his strong academic credentials, Nsengiyumva brings broad public sector and international experience.
He previously worked as a Senior Economic Advisor in the UK’s Office of Rail and Road and contributed to major policy projects in the Department for Work and Pensions. He also led research at Refugee Action UK and served on the board of the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit.
Domestically, he has held senior policy roles, including Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
He is credited with helping to implement key reforms, such as the transition of Rwanda’s school system from French to English.
According to Rwanda’s constitution, a new cabinet must be formed within 15 days of the Prime Minister’s appointment. Political analysts say Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva’s appointment as Prime Minister of Rwanda reflects a strategy to inject fresh energy into the government as it works toward the ambitious goals of Vision 2050.
President Kagame’s administration is widely seen as a pillar of stability in the Great Lakes region, and the choice of a technocrat with deep economic and global experience is being viewed as a move to consolidate that reputation while pushing forward domestic reform.
The full composition of the new cabinet is expected to be announced in the coming days.
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