Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) has elected businessman François Twagirumukiza as its new Chairman, entrusting him with leading the country’s business community for the next three years.
Twagirumukiza won 191 votes out of 202 cast during an election held Friday at the Kigali Convention Center, where members of the federation gathered to choose leaders who will guide the organization through its next phase of growth.
He succeeds Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, who had led the federation since February 2023.
Twagirumukiza, who ran unopposed, brings nearly three decades of business experience to the role. He said his journey into entrepreneurship began 28 years ago under challenging circumstances.
Before entering business, he worked as a teacher for about a year and a half. With limited resources and no clear business plan at the time, he decided to try entrepreneurship.
“I started it as an experiment because my only capital was hope,” Twagirumukiza said.
Over the years, he built successful ventures and now owns two companies, including Eastern Hope, which imports construction materials into Rwanda.
Speaking after the election, Twagirumukiza said his leadership will prioritize empowering young entrepreneurs and expanding job opportunities through private sector growth.
“We want to help young people gain the capacity to start their own businesses and create jobs,” he said, adding that employment growth would strengthen communities by increasing people’s purchasing power.
Other leaders were also elected during the meeting. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu was chosen as first vice president with 184 votes, while Diane Mukasahaha Kamanzi was elected second vice president with 180 votes.
The new leadership also plans to improve service sectors, including hospitality, which Twagirumukiza said still faces challenges despite recent progress.
Uwizeyemungu said the federation would continue building on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, emphasizing that Rwanda’s development depends on a strong private sector.
“A country cannot develop without strong private businesses,” he said.
The Private Sector Federation, established in 1999, represents entrepreneurs across Rwanda and works closely with the government to promote business development, investment and job creation.
The organization also organizes Rwanda’s annual international trade fair, Expo, which brings together businesses from Rwanda and abroad to showcase products and expand commercial partnerships.
