Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has appointed Jean-Guy Afrika as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on January 13, 2025. This transition follows Francis Gatare’s tenure as he moves into his current role as Senior Economic Advisor to the President.
The appointment of Afrika, a seasoned public policy expert, marks a pivotal moment for RDB, a key institution in driving Rwanda’s economic growth and positioning the country as a leading investment and tourism destination in Africa. With a wealth of experience in regional integration, export promotion, and institutional reform, Afrika’s leadership is expected to further bolster Rwanda’s appeal to global investors and tourists.
Prior to his appointment, Afrika served as Acting Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank (AfDB) since December 2021. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping policies that strengthened regional integration across Africa.
Afrika’s career trajectory includes notable contributions as Senior Policy Expert with the East African Community (EAC), where he supported the adoption and implementation of key protocols and regulations that advanced regional trade and cooperation. His earlier role as Director of Export Promotion at the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency saw him champion policy reforms that enhanced Rwanda’s business environment and sustained export growth.
Afrika’s appointment comes at a time when Rwanda is focusing on cementing its status as a global tourism and investment hub. Under his stewardship, the RDB is expected to deepen its efforts in enhancing Rwanda’s competitiveness in the global market while driving sustainable development across sectors, including tourism.
His expertise in regional trade, economic integration, and strategic leadership positions him to lead the RDB in fostering partnerships, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring Rwanda remains a top destination for business and leisure.
Afrika’s academic credentials further underscore his preparedness for this role. He holds a Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and is an alumnus of executive programs in trade, leadership, and negotiations from Harvard Kennedy School, Oxford University, and the Graduate Institute of Geneva.
For the tourism industry, Afrika’s experience in export promotion and policy reform is particularly relevant. His leadership is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s tourism infrastructure and marketing strategies, enhancing the country’s position as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.
As Rwanda continues to prioritize economic diversification and sustainability, Jean-Guy Afrika’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to innovation, regional collaboration, and long-term growth. This development is not just a leadership change but a strategic move to position Rwanda for greater success on the global stage.
