President Paul Kagame chaired the 17th National Congress of the ruling RPF-Inkotanyi party, joined by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, with more than 2,200 party members in attendance.
The gathering focused on key issues shaping Rwanda’s future and the implementation of the country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) for 2024–2029. The plan builds on NST1’s achievements and aims to accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a knowledge- and technology-based economy.
NST2 targets annual economic growth of 9.3% and aims to raise per capita gross domestic product from $1,040 to $1,369 by 2029. Private sector investment is expected to double from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion, while export of goods and services are projected to increase from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion.
The strategy also emphasizes job creation, aiming to generate 1.25 million new positions over five years, while advancing agriculture, industry, and service sectors.
The party also announced leadership changes. Consolée Uwimana remains the RPF-Inkotanyi First Vice President, while Marie Solange Kayisire was named Second Vice President. Ambassador Bazivamo Christophe replaces Gasamagera Wellars as Secretary General, and Gasana Karasanyi Stephen was appointed Deputy Secretary General. Bazivamo had represented Rwanda in Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso since early 2023.
The congress also introduced a new Senior Expert level within the party’s leadership structure, complementing the existing advisory framework.
The event brought together party members to discuss Rwanda’s development priorities and the strategies needed to achieve them.
