Justin Nsengiyumva Biography: Rwanda’s New Prime Minister in 2025

Justin Nsengiyumva Biography

Justin Nsengiyumva also known as Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva is a highly respected Rwandan economist, policy expert, and public servant who was appointed Prime Minister of Rwanda on July 23, 2025, by President Paul Kagame. With an impressive academic background and a wealth of international experience, Dr. Nsengiyumva has emerged as a key figure in Rwanda’s new technocratic leadership era.

Justin Nsengiyumva Early Life and Education of

Justin Nsengiyumva born and raised in Rwanda, Dr. Nsengiyumva pursued academic excellence early in life. He holds a:

Justin Nsengiyumva has PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. His doctoral research focused on foreign capital inflows, financial development, and government ownership of banks.

Justin Nsengiyumva has Master’s Degree in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future contributions to public policy, economic governance, and regulatory innovation.

Justin Nsengiyumva Career Journey

Government Roles in Rwanda

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry (2005–2008)
Led Rwanda’s negotiations in global trade forums such as WTO, EAC, COMESA, and EPA.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (2008)
Played a vital role in transitioning Rwanda’s education system from French to English as the main language of instruction.

Justin Nsengiyumva Career journey in the United Kingdom

Senior Economic Advisor, UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
Led strategic analysis of rail costs, competition, and infrastructure policy from 2016 onward.

Economist, UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Contributed to policy design during major welfare reforms.

Policy & Research Manager, Refugee Action UK (2009–2013)
Advocated for refugee rights and immigration reform.

National Trustee, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
Provided governance oversight and support for immigrant communities.

Justin Nsengiyumva Biography

Justin Nsengiyumva Deputy Governor – National Bank of Rwanda

In February 2025, Nsengiyumva was appointed Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). In this role, he focused on:Monetary policy implementation

Digital finance and innovation

Financial stability and regulation

His tenure, though short, marked a turning point in Rwanda’s financial modernization.

Justin Nsengiyumva Prime Minister of Rwanda – 2025 Appointment

On July 23, 2025, President Paul Kagame appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as Prime Minister of Rwanda, replacing Édouard Ngirente. This appointment was part of a broader government reshuffle aimed at accelerating national development.

As Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva is tasked with:

Coordinating government ministries

Implementing Vision 2050 strategic goals

Promoting economic growth and regional integration

Driving Rwanda’s digital transformation and infrastructure development

Justin Nsengiyumva Personal Life

While Dr. Nsengiyumva is a well-known public figure, he maintains a private personal life. He is married and known for being family-oriented, although details about his spouse and children are not publicly disclosed.

Key Facts About Justin Nsengiyumva

Full Name	Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva
Nationality	Rwandan
Current Role	Prime Minister of Rwanda (2025–present)
Previous Role	Deputy Governor, National Bank of Rwanda
Education	PhD (Leicester), MA (Nairobi), BCom (CUEA)
Other Experience	UK Government, Refugee Action, Immigration Aid
Languages	English, Kinyarwanda, French
Appointed By	President Paul Kagame
Known For	Economic expertise, Technocratic leadership

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Justin Nsengiyumva Political and Economic Leader

Prime Minister of Rwanda: Appointed by President Paul Kagame on 23 July 2025, succeeding Dr. Édouard Ngirente who held the role since 2017 .

Oversees coordination of government operations and national policy implementation.

Previous Key Roles

Deputy Governor, National Bank of Rwanda (BNR): Served from February 2025 until his premiership .

Permanent Secretary of Rwanda’s Ministry of Education (2008) — instrumental in transitioning Rwanda’s language of instruction policy .

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (2005–2008) — led Rwanda’s trade negotiations at WTO, EAC, COMESA, and ICA regional blocs .

International Experience

UK public sector economist/advisor: Served as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK’s Office of Rail and Road, and economist at the Department for Work and Pensions—contributing to welfare and railway sector reform .

Non‑profit sector: Worked at Refugee Action as Policy & Research Development Manager; also served as trustee for Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit .

Academic Credentials

PhD in Economics, University of Leicester (UK). Research focused on financial development, state ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows .

MA in Economic Policy & Management, University of Nairobi; BCom, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, both with first-class honors .

Governance & Community Work

Board positions held at RwandAir, Rwanda Revenue Authority, RIEPA, and board roles in UK-based educational and refugee‑support charities .

Served as a school governor in Salford (UK) and contributed to academic journals as an ed

Why This Appointment Matters

Technocratic depth: Blending advanced economic theory with real-world governance experience positions him to drive Rwanda’s ambition for economic growth, digital transformation, and stronger institutional frameworks .

Forward-looking leadership: His ascent from the central bank to the premiership reflects Rwanda’s strategic emphasis on evidence-based policy and nationwide reform coordination.

Justin Nsengiyumva wick Profile

Detail Information

Name Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva
Date of Appointment 23 July 2025
Education BCom (CUEA), MA (Nairobi), PhD (Leicester)
Previous Roles Deputy Governor BNR; Permanent Secretary in Ministries of Education & Trade
International Service UK government advisor; refugee‑sector leadership
Board & Community Involvement RwandAir, RRA, RIEPA, UK charities, education boards.

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FAQ About Justin Nsengiyumva

Who is Justin Nsengiyumva?

Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva is a Rwandan‑British economist and seasoned public servant, selected by President Paul Kagame as Rwanda’s Prime Minister on July 23, 2025, replacing Dr. Édouard Ngirente .

What is his educational background?

Bachelor of Commerce (First Class) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya)

Master’s in Economic Policy and Management (First Class) from the University of Nairobi

PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester (UK), with his dissertation on institutional and financial development .

What major roles has he held before becoming Prime Minister?

Permanent Secretary at Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade & Industry (2005–2008), where he led WTO and regional bloc negotiations

Permanent Secretary at Rwanda’s Ministry of Education in 2008, overseeing the shift from French to English as the language of instruction

Economist at UK’s Department for Work and Pensions and Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail & Road (since 2016)

Policy & Research Development Manager at Refugee Action in the UK (2009–2013)

Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, appointed in February 2025, before his elevation to Prime Minister .

What prompted his appointment as Prime Minister?

His rise reflects Rwanda’s need for technocratic leadership in economic modernization, institutional reform, and post‑pandemic recovery. His broad experience in public policy and financial governance aligns with government priorities under Vision 2050 .

What has he said about his appointment?

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed gratitude to President Kagame, pledging to serve with humility, integrity, and dedication to Rwanda’s development goals .

When will the new cabinet be formed?

Under Rwanda’s constitution, the appointment of a new Prime Minister triggers the formation of a new cabinet within 15 days of the appointment .

What areas is he expected to focus on as PM?

Key focus areas are likely to include:

Economic growth and monetary policy

Education reform and institutional efficiency

Regional integration and trade positioning
His track record suggests a data-driven, inclusive approach to governance.

Key focus areas are likely to include:

Economic growth and monetary policy

Education reform and institutional efficiency

Regional integration and trade positioning
His track record suggests a data-driven, inclusive approach to governance .

Any insights into his personal life?

Dr. Nsengiyumva splits his time between Rwanda and the UK. He is married and lives with his family; his son is studying in the UK. While personal details are private, sources suggest a strong commitment to community service—whether in local charities or education governance.

Justin Nsengiyumva Biography

Justin Nsengiyumva Quick Overview

Attribute Details

Name Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva
New Role Prime Minister of Rwanda (since 23 July 2025)
Previous Role Deputy Governor of National Bank of Rwanda
Education PhD (Leicester), MA (Nairobi), BCom (CUEA)
Notable Past Roles Ministries of Trade & Industry and Education; UK advisory positions
Leadership Style Analytical, inclusive, evidence‑based
Focus Areas Economy, education, policy reform, Vision 2050 alignment

Justin Nsengiyumva Conclusion

Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva is not just an economist — he’s a transformational leader committed to Rwanda’s long-term prosperity. From his academic roots in East Africa to policy roles in the UK and now the highest office in government, Nsengiyumva exemplifies modern African leadership rooted in knowledge, experience, and integrity.

His premiership marks a new chapter in Rwanda’s pursuit of innovation, stability, and inclusive economic growth.