Soraya Hakuziyaremye Biography
Soraya Hakuziyaremye was born on October 3, 1980, in Kigali, Rwanda. Soraya has had a distinguished career that spans banking, policymaking, and leadership. From a young age, she exhibited a keen interest in numbers and logical reasoning, which later shaped her career path. She attended Ecole Belge de Kigali (Belgian College of Kigali), where she excelled in mathematics and physics. Soraya Hakuziyaremye is 45 years old as of 2025.
Her thirst for knowledge led her to Brussels, Belgium, where she pursued higher education. She studied at Vlerick Business School before obtaining a Master of Science degree in Finance and Marketing from the Solvay Business School at Université Libre de Bruxelles. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University in the United States.
Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in finance and governance. With expertise in financial markets, risk management, and global trade, she became a sought-after professional in international banking circles.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye Career
Soraya Hakuziyaremye’s career is a blend of high-level positions in international banking, government service, and policy development.
Early Career in Banking
Her professional journey started in December 2002 at the Bank of New York Mellon, where she worked for nearly four years. She then transitioned to BNP Paribas Fortis in Brussels, spending six years refining her expertise in financial markets and corporate risk management.
After gaining valuable experience in Europe, she moved back to Rwanda in 2012 to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. This marked her entry into government service and policymaking.
Following this role, she returned to the private sector, joining the Dutch banking giant ING, where she rose to the position of Vice President, Financial Institutions & Financial Markets Risk Management in London. Her tenure at ING gave her extensive exposure to global financial strategies and risk assessments.
Minister of Trade and Industry (2018 – 2021)
In October 2018, Soraya Hakuziyaremye was appointed Minister of Trade and Industry in Rwanda’s cabinet. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in boosting Rwanda’s trade policies, enhancing industrial growth, and advocating for foreign investments. She was instrumental in formulating trade regulations and policies that positioned Rwanda as a competitive player in the East African market.
Her leadership in the Ministry lasted until March 2021, when she transitioned to another significant role in the country’s financial sector.
Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (2021 – 2025)
In March 2021, she was appointed Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. This position gave her the responsibility of overseeing monetary policies, banking regulations, and financial stability in the country. She played a key role in ensuring economic resilience, especially during the post-pandemic recovery period.
Her contributions to the Rwandan financial system did not go unnoticed. Recognizing her leadership and expertise, she was later entrusted with an even greater responsibility.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye Personal Life
Soraya Hakuziyaremye is married to Murangwa Eugene, and their relationship stands as a testament to her ability to juggle professional responsibilities with family commitments.
Although she is a public figure, she prefers to keep her private life out of the spotlight. However, those close to her describe her as dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about empowering young women in finance and governance.
Hakuziyaremye is also a co-founder of the Brussels-Africa Hub, an initiative aimed at strengthening economic and business ties between Africa and Europe. Her work in this space reflects her commitment to fostering international collaborations that benefit Rwanda and the continent as a whole.
She has continuously used her platform to mentor young professionals, particularly women, encouraging them to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries like finance and politics.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye Appointment as Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (2025)
On February 25, 2025, Soraya Hakuziyaremye made history as the first woman to be appointed Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). President Paul Kagame entrusted her with this crucial role, recognizing her vast experience in both domestic and international financial sectors.
She succeeded John Rwangombwa, who had served as the central bank’s head since 2013. After completing two consecutive six-year terms, he stepped down, making way for Hakuziyaremye to take the reins.
Her appointment signals a progressive shift in Rwanda’s financial leadership. As Governor, she is responsible for monetary policies, inflation control, foreign exchange regulations, and overall financial stability in Rwanda. Her deep understanding of global markets and risk management equips her to navigate complex financial landscapes.
Supporting her in this role is Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, the newly appointed Deputy Governor, whose expertise in economic analysis and policy development complements her leadership.
With her extensive knowledge of financial institutions, commitment to economic stability, and passion for policymaking, Hakuziyaremye’s tenure is expected to bring about significant growth and modernization in Rwanda’s banking sector.
Conclusion
Soraya Hakuziyaremye’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a young girl with a passion for numbers to becoming the first female Governor of Rwanda’s Central Bank, she has consistently broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her expertise in banking, risk management, and trade policies makes her one of Rwanda’s most influential figures in finance and governance.
Her appointment as Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda cements her legacy as a trailblazer who has played a pivotal role in shaping Rwanda’s financial future. With her leadership, Rwanda’s economy is poised for stability, innovation, and sustained growth.
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