New Leadership, New Hopes: François Twagirumukiza Takes the Helm of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation

The hall was filled with anticipation as members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) prepared to elect new leaders who would guide Rwanda’s business community for the next three years.

When the votes were counted, François Twagirumukiza emerged as the new President of the PSF. Out of 202 members who cast their ballots, 191 placed their confidence in him. Running unopposed, Twagirumukiza succeeded Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, who had led the federation since February 2023.

For Twagirumukiza, the victory was more than just a leadership appointment—it was the continuation of a journey that began nearly three decades ago.

Twenty-eight years earlier, he had entered the world of business with little more than determination and hope. At the time, he did not even have a clear business idea. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he spent a year and a half working as a teacher. Eventually, he decided to try his hand at business.

“I started simply as an experiment,” he once said. “My only capital was hope.”

That hope slowly grew into success. Today, Twagirumukiza owns two companies, including Eastern Hope, a firm that imports construction materials into Rwanda. Looking back on his journey, he credits Rwanda’s stable leadership and supportive business environment for enabling entrepreneurs to grow and thrive.

Alongside Twagirumukiza, other leaders were also elected. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu was chosen as First Vice President with 184 votes, while Diane Mukasahaha Kamanzi became Second Vice President with 180 votes. New executive committees were also elected to represent sectors such as services, industry, agriculture and livestock, commerce, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

After the election, the newly chosen leaders spoke about their vision for Rwanda’s private sector.

Twagirumukiza emphasized the importance of empowering young people. According to him, the future of Rwanda’s economy depends on giving youth the skills and opportunities to start their own businesses.

“We want to help young people become capable entrepreneurs,” he said. “When businesses grow, they create jobs—not only for themselves but for the entire community.”

He also highlighted the need to improve service industries such as hospitality. While Rwanda already has many hotels and service businesses, he believes there is still room to strengthen the quality of services offered.

The new leadership plans to build on the achievements of the previous committee, which had already reached about 70 percent of its goals. Twagirumukiza hopes the new team will push that progress closer to 90 percent.

His deputy, Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, echoed the importance of collaboration. He noted that no country can achieve sustainable development without a strong private sector.

“Our role is to create jobs, increase the number of businesses in Rwanda, and expand trade beyond our borders,” he said.

He also stressed that PSF serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the government—a platform where business challenges can be discussed and solutions developed.

Meanwhile, Second Vice President Diane Mukasahaha Kamanzi emphasized the role of women and youth in economic transformation. She believes that entrepreneurship should not be limited by starting capital.

“Someone can start with very little and still achieve great dreams,” she said.

Mukasahaha hopes the next three years will demonstrate that young people and women are powerful drivers of economic change. In an increasingly globalized world, she encourages Rwanda’s youth to think beyond national borders and seize international opportunities.

Founded in 1999, the Private Sector Federation was created to bring together Rwanda’s entrepreneurs and advocate for their interests. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country needed institutions capable of rebuilding the economy and encouraging private investment. PSF became one of those institutions, working closely with the government to promote business growth and economic recovery.

Today, the federation operates from grassroots levels in local communities all the way to the national stage. It promotes job creation, supports investment, and organizes the annual international trade fair Expo, which attracts businesses from Rwanda and around the world.

As the new leadership begins its three-year mandate, expectations are high. For Twagirumukiza, however, the mission remains simple: empower entrepreneurs, create opportunities, and ensure that Rwanda’s private sector continues to grow.

From a young teacher who once entered business with nothing but hope, to the leader of Rwanda’s largest business federation, his story reflects the possibilities that determination—and the right environment—can create.