President Paul Kagame on June 9 received a delegation of Panamanian business leaders affiliated with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), as Rwanda seeks to strengthen economic ties and attract investment from international private-sector partners.
The delegation, comprising 19 YPO members and their spouses, was led by Rogelio Romero, chairman of YPO Gold Panama and chief executive officer of Concretex Panama. The group met Kagame at Village Urugwiro, the Office of the President in Kigali.
According to the Office of the President, discussions focused on Rwanda’s development journey, efforts to promote entrepreneurship and job creation, and opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation between Rwanda and Panama.
A statement issued by the presidency said the meeting also highlighted Rwanda’s progress in creating an environment conducive to business and investment, while exploring areas of potential economic collaboration between the two countries.
The visit comes as Rwanda continues to pursue stronger economic partnerships with countries beyond Africa and attract foreign investment across key sectors of its economy.
Founded in 1950 in New York by entrepreneur Ray Hickok, YPO is a global leadership network that brings together more than 38,000 chief executives and business leaders from over 130 countries. The organization’s Panama chapter includes executives from some of the country’s leading companies and investment firms.
Rwanda and Panama have expanded cooperation in recent years through diplomatic engagement and civil aviation agreements. In November 2025, the two countries signed an air services agreement aimed at facilitating trade, tourism and travel between their markets.
Kagame has longstanding ties with YPO. In 2003, the organization awarded him its Global Leadership Award in recognition of his leadership and contributions to peace, economic development and improved living standards in Rwanda.
The visit reflects ongoing efforts by Rwanda and Panama to deepen commercial relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation between their business communities.
