After taking their oath of office on Monday, August, 19, three new faces in Rwandan Cabinet outlined their priorities as President Paul Kagame’s five-year term begins.
Prudence Sebahizi, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Christine Nkulikiyinka, the Minister of Public Service and Labour, and Richard Nyirishema, the Minister of Sports, highlighted key issues in their respective departments that will be on top of their to-do lists.
Sebahizi expressed his commitment to enhancing Rwanda’s industrial and commercial sectors. The economist emphasized that the ministry’s dual focus on industry and trade will guide his priorities.
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"When we speak about industry, we mean increasing the country’s production, while trade focuses on ensuring that this production reaches both domestic and international markets,” Sebahizi told the national broadcaster RBA.
He stressed the need to boost Rwanda’s industrial production, while ensuring that these products find local and international markets.
"We will monitor the entire value chains, from farming to post-production, to ensure the smooth functioning of services and their effectiveness in reaching the market,” he added.
Sebahizi also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with institutions and agencies that support the trade ministry.
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Sebahizi previously was the Director of Institutional Matters and Programs Coordination at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking of Rwanda’s need to leverage the AfCFTA, Sebahizi stressed the need to build a robust private sector capable of meeting the demands of the African market.
"We will focus on excelling in what we do within Rwanda, by improving quality to meet international standards, and encouraging Rwandans to increase their production,” Sebahizi stated.
On her part Nkulikiyinka, who took over the labour ministry having served in various roles including as ambassador to the Nordic countries, noted that her new portfolio marks a significant step in her career.
While she was cautious to outline specific priorities before the official handover, Nkulikiyinka assured the public that job creation would be atop her to-do list.
Nkulikiyinka said that she was committed to doing her best arguing that she will draw on experience and work closely with others.
Nkulikiyinka, who was the CEO of Rwanda Cooperation Initiative until her cabinet appointment, previously served as Rwanda’s ambassador to several countries, including Germany, Sweden, Poland, Romania, and others across Europe and the Nordic region.
For sports minister Nyirishema, he emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and cooperation with various stakeholders to develop the multifaceted sports sector.
He stated that he is ready to contribute to the development of sports alongside all partners and set goals and ways to achieve them.
Nyirishema, who previously served on the Executive Committee of the Basketball Association, indicated that he would reveal more priorities that are specific after the official handover.