President Paul Kagame has appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister of Rwanda. He previously served as the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a position he assumed on February 25, 2025. Dr. Nsengiyumva replaces Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who had held the post since 2017.
Prior to his appointment at the central bank, Dr. Nsengiyumva served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education until 2008. Before that, he held the same role in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Dr. Nsengiyumva holds a PhD from the University of Leicester and has extensive experience in economics. His professional background includes designing and implementing economic policies, legislation, and development strategies.
Before returning to Rwanda to serve at the National Bank, he worked in the United Kingdom as a Senior Economic Advisor in the UK Government’s Office of Rail and Road from April 2016. Between April 2014 and April 2016, he was an economist in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK Government.
From June 2009 to December 2013, he also worked as a Programme Officer and Researcher at Refugee Action. Additionally, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education from March to November 2008, and as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry from June 2005 to March 2008.
Dr. Nsengiyumva earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester (2011–2015), a Master’s degree in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
What Happens When a Prime Minister Is Replaced?
According to the Rwandan Constitution, when a Prime Minister resigns or leaves office for any reason, it automatically results in the resignation of the entire government. The President of the Republic accepts the resignation of the government when the Prime Minister formally submits it.
The outgoing government remains in charge of daily administrative affairs until a new government is appointed. Following the appointment of a new Prime Minister, the entire cabinet must be sworn in again.
List of Rwanda’s Prime Ministers Since 1994:
1.Faustin Twagiramungu – From July 19, 1994 to August 31, 1995
2.Pierre-Célestin Rwigema – From August 31, 1995 to March 8, 2000
3.Bernard Makuza – From March 8, 2000 to October 7, 2011
4.Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi – From October 7, 2011 to July 23, 2014
5.Anastase Murekezi – From July 23, 2014 to August 30, 2017
6.Dr. Édouard Ngirente – From August 30, 2017 to July 23, 2025
7.Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva – From July 23, 2025 – Present
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