Uzziel Ndagijimana is the current Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda. Appointed in 2018, he is a seasoned economist with a long and distinguished career in public service. His primary responsibility is overseeing the country’s economic policies and strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and development for Rwanda.
Dr. Ndagijimana holds a PhD in Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) in Belgium. This strong academic background has equipped him with the theoretical and analytical skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges of managing a developing economy. Before assuming his current role, he served as the Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning, a position he held since 2011. This prior experience provided him with invaluable insight into the inner workings of the Rwandan economy and the government’s long-term objectives.
His tenure as Minister of Finance has been marked by a focus on several key priorities. Firstly, he has been instrumental in implementing policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting private sector growth. Rwanda has consistently sought to improve its business climate and diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors like agriculture. Under Dr. Ndagijimana’s leadership, the government has actively pursued reforms to streamline business registration, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and improve infrastructure.
Secondly, Dr. Ndagijimana has championed prudent fiscal management. He has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring debt sustainability. This focus on fiscal discipline has been crucial in maintaining Rwanda’s economic credibility and attracting international support. He has overseen the development and implementation of national budgets that prioritize key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Thirdly, he has played a crucial role in Rwanda’s efforts to integrate into the regional and global economy. He has actively participated in negotiations with international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), securing funding and technical assistance for various development projects. He also represents Rwanda in regional economic forums, advocating for policies that promote trade and cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
Dr. Ndagijimana’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to data-driven decision-making and a focus on achieving tangible results. He is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with other government ministries, the private sector, and civil society organizations to ensure that economic policies are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the Rwandan people. He is a key figure in Rwanda’s ongoing journey towards sustainable and inclusive economic development.