Cabinet has approved a new staffing structure for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), paving the way for the institution to operate independently of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as the government moves to strengthen oversight of the extractive sector.
The decision was among the resolutions adopted at a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on Monday. The meeting also reviewed public governance, the 2027A agricultural season, proposed legislation, international agreements and appointments to key public institutions.
RMB had previously operated under RDB. Its new status is intended to strengthen regulation and oversight of mining, petroleum and gas activities, sectors whose contribution to Rwanda’s economic development is expected to grow.
The Cabinet was also briefed on the consolidated government accounts for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and the progress of preparations for the 2027A agricultural season. Officials said agricultural activities were progressing satisfactorily, while farmers were urged to complete land preparation and planting and use quality seeds and fertilisers properly and on time to improve yields.
On governance, the meeting reviewed reports on the state of governance and citizens’ perceptions of governance and service delivery at the local level. Both reports indicated that governance performance remained positive.
The Cabinet called on relevant institutions to build on the progress made by adopting coordinated measures with clear monitoring indicators to address identified challenges, improve public services and increase citizens’ satisfaction.
Legislation and international agreements
The Cabinet approved two draft laws for ratification. One concerns a loan agreement between Rwanda and the European Investment Bank to support a project aimed at protecting the health of communities living near volcanoes in northern Rwanda. The agreement was signed in Kigali on Aug. 5, 2026, and in Luxembourg on Aug. 6.
The second draft law concerns a tax agreement between Rwanda and Oman to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and non-compliance. It was signed in Salalah, Oman, on Sept. 8, 2026.
The Cabinet also approved a cooperation agreement between the Rwandan government and Raffles Family Office Limited to mobilise funding for development projects and promote international investment.
Another agreement with Luma & Lua concerns the renovation and management of the Musanze International Cycling Centre, which prepares and trains cyclists.
The meeting also approved a ministerial order amending Order No. 007/24/10/TC of Sept. 30, 2024, which sets guidelines for implementing the general principle of access to information.
Diplomatic and public-sector appointments
The Cabinet approved the accreditation of Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Rwanda, Helliate Rushwaya, who will be based in Kigali, and Finland’s ambassador to Rwanda, Anna Merrifield, who will be based in Dar es Salaam.
It also appointed Claudette Mukashyaka as Auditor General and Gratien Kubwimana as Deputy Auditor General. Nyiragwaneza Athanasie, Bangayandusha Viateur and Umutoni Aissa were appointed commissioners at the National Commission for Human Rights.
Upcoming national and international events
The Cabinet was informed that Rwanda will mark World Food Day on Oct. 30 in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province.
World Savings Day will be observed on Oct. 31, followed by a national savings awareness week running through Nov. 6.
Rwanda will host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol from Nov. 2 to 6, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the protocol.
Kigali will also host the Youth Connekt Africa Summit from Nov. 25 to 27, bringing together participants for an international youth forum.
