New PSF Leadership Officially Takes Office Following March 2026 Handover Ceremony

Kigali, Rwanda – March 17, 2026

Rwanda’s private sector has entered a new leadership chapter as François Twagirumukiza officially assumed office as Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), unveiling an agenda focused on strengthening financial protection for traders and promoting a 24-hour business culture to support the country’s growing service economy.

François Twagirumukiza officially assumed office, succeeding Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony held in Kigali on March 17, 2026, Twagirumukiza outlined key priorities that will guide the federation’s work over the next three years. At the heart of his vision is a push to expand a newly established insurance scheme designed specifically to support traders who often operate without personal financial protection.

The initiative aims to provide a safety net for entrepreneurs who are unable to afford conventional insurance packages. According to Twagirumukiza, the scheme—based on mutual solidarity among traders—remains in its early stages, with fewer than 900 members currently enrolled.

“This fund was created by traders to support fellow traders,” he explained. “Many entrepreneurs insure their businesses, their shops, or their merchandise, but the individuals themselves remain uninsured. When illness or unexpected accidents occur, they are forced to spend their entire capital on medical treatment, which can jeopardize their businesses and livelihoods.”

Over the coming years, PSF plans to intensify outreach efforts to encourage more members to join the insurance scheme, positioning it as a key tool for strengthening resilience among Rwanda’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

Beyond financial protection, Twagirumukiza also emphasized the importance of transforming Rwanda’s business culture to align with its ambition of becoming a service-driven economy. One of the federation’s major priorities will be encouraging businesses to extend their operating hours, with the long-term goal of establishing a 24-hour business environment in key sectors.

Currently, many businesses across the country close early in the evening, limiting service availability for customers, especially during nighttime hours and weekends. Twagirumukiza said this practice no longer reflects the realities of a country positioning itself as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and international investment.

“In a modern service economy, access to services should not be limited by time,” he said. “Rwanda is welcoming international visitors and investors who are used to accessing services whenever they need them. For our economy to remain competitive, we must gradually adopt a culture where businesses operate longer hours.”

Previous pilot initiatives attempted to introduce extended operating hours but did not gain widespread adoption. Under the new leadership, PSF intends to work closely with businesses to demonstrate the economic benefits of staying open longer.

The federation also plans to collaborate with security institutions to ensure that businesses operating late at night are able to do so in a safe and secure environment.

Another pillar of Twagirumukiza’s strategy focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs entering the private sector. With Rwanda’s youthful population continuing to grow, he believes that empowering youth-led businesses will play a critical role in creating employment opportunities and driving innovation across the economy.

“We must ensure that young entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools and support they need to build sustainable businesses,” he said. “By strengthening youth entrepreneurship, we are also strengthening the future of Rwanda’s economy.”

PSF will also continue implementing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening its internal capacity, diversifying revenue streams, and improving service delivery to members across the country.

Reflecting on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, former PSF Chairperson Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi highlighted significant progress in strengthening the federation’s international partnerships during her three-year tenure.

According to Mubiligi, the federation organized numerous international trade missions designed to open new markets for Rwandan businesses and foster strategic commercial partnerships.

“These engagements helped many of our members connect with international partners, access new markets, and identify reliable suppliers for their businesses,” she said.

Several cooperation agreements were signed with foreign institutions during that period, aimed at facilitating trade and supporting dispute resolution mechanisms between businesses operating in Rwanda and those in partner countries.

Among the most notable partnerships are those developed with the United Arab Emirates, which have opened new opportunities for the export of agricultural products from Rwanda.

Despite these gains, both the outgoing and incoming leadership acknowledged that a significant number of small-scale entrepreneurs across the country remain outside the federation’s membership.

Expanding PSF’s membership base is therefore expected to be a priority moving forward, with efforts planned to encourage informal and small-scale traders to join the federation and benefit from its programs and advocacy efforts.

The new leadership team was elected in March 2026 through nationwide elections covering PSF’s sectoral chambers as well as its provincial and district-level structures.

Twagirumukiza will lead the federation alongside Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, who was elected First Vice-Chairperson, and Diane Mukasahaha, who will serve as Second Vice-Chairperson.

Established in 1999, the Private Sector Federation is Rwanda’s umbrella organization representing businesses across multiple industries. It replaced the former Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Rwanda and now brings together companies from ten sector-based chambers, serving as a critical platform for dialogue between the private sector and government.

As Twagirumukiza begins his tenure, the federation’s new agenda reflects a broader ambition: strengthening the resilience of Rwanda’s entrepreneurs while positioning the private sector as a driving force behind the country’s economic transformation.