She replaces John Rwangombwa, who has completed his second term in office.

In a statement released by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente’s office on Tuesday, February 25, the Head of State also appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Deputy Governor of the central bank. The new officials will serve a renewable six-year term.

Hakuziyaremye brings a wealth of experience in finance, government, and international relations, particularly in financial sector development, risk management, and strategic policymaking.

Prior to her appointment as Governor, she served as the Deputy Governor and Vice-Chairperson of BNR since March 2021.

She previously served as the Minister of Trade and Industry from 2018 to 2021, where she played a key role in shaping Rwanda’s economic policies.

Her extensive background in international finance includes serving as Senior Vice President and Credit Risk Manager at ING Bank UK, where she managed credit risk for financial institutions and advised on global finance deals.

She has also worked with BNP Paribas Group, The Bank of New York Mellon, and as a senior advisor at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, where she contributed to Rwanda’s successful campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Hakuziyaremye holds a Master’s degree in Business Engineering from Solvay Business School in Belgium and a postgraduate degree in International Management from Thunderbird Graduate School in the United States.

She recently completed the Oxford University Executive Public Leaders Program in 2024. In addition to her professional roles, she is a co-founder of the Brussels-Africa Hub and serves on the board of Ngali Holdings.

The newly appointed Deputy Governor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, brings extensive experience in economic policy development, financial regulation, and international economic strategies.

Before his appointment, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva held the position of Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Government’s Office of Rail and Road since 2016. He also held various roles at the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK, showcasing his broad experience in economic and policy advisory positions.

He has also served in various leadership roles in Rwanda, including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education from March to November 2008 and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry from June 2005 to March 2008. Additionally, he worked as the Policy and Research Development Manager at Refugee Action from June 2009 to December 2013.

Dr. Nsengiyumva holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, focusing on financial development and foreign capital inflows. He also earned a Master’s in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

The appointments of Hakuziyaremye and Nsengiyumva are expected to further strengthen the institution’s role in maintaining financial stability and driving economic growth.

Soraya Hakuziyaremye Prior to her appointment as Governor, Soraya Hakuziyaremye served as the Deputy Governor and Vice-Chairperson of BNR since March 2021.

Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has been appointed the new Deputy Governor of the central bank.