President Paul Kagame swore in Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda's new Prime Minister on Friday, July 25, marking the first change in the country's premiership since 2017. The ceremony came just two days after Nsengiyumva's appointment, replacing Edouard Ngirente who had served as Prime Minister for seven years.
Nsengiyumva, an economist by profession, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a position he assumed in February 2025. His appointment makes him Rwanda's sixth Prime Minister since 1994.
The swearing-in was followed by a mini cabinet reshuffle announced on Thursday, July 24, following consultations between President Kagame and the new Prime Minister. The changes introduce four new ministers to key positions: Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye as Minister of Environment, Dominique Habimana as Minister of Local Government, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye as Minister of State for Infrastructure, and Telesphore Ndabamenye as Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.
The reshuffle comes as Rwanda continues to implement its Vision 2050 development plan, with economic stability and environmental sustainability remaining key priorities for the government. Analysts suggest Nsengiyumva's financial expertise may signal an increased focus on monetary policy and economic growth strategies.
President Kagame has maintained that such periodic changes in government leadership are part of normal administrative processes aimed at bringing in fresh perspectives while maintaining policy continuity.