The Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, commenced the conference at the Kigali Convention Centre to officially open the country’s annual Mining Week, a major event dedicated to advancing Rwanda’s mining sector.
The conference has drawn over 2,000 participants, including more than 100 international investors, reflecting growing global interest in Rwanda’s mineral potential.
Mining activities in Rwanda date back to the 1930s, and the sector has steadily expanded over the decades. Revenues have shown remarkable growth—rising from U$373 million in 2017 to U$1.7 billion in 2024—positioning mining as one of the country’s most critical economic pillars.
This year’s conference is held under the theme; “Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future.”
The theme highlights the increasingly essential role minerals play in powering modern industries—from clean energy technologies to digital innovation—and underscores their importance in driving the global shift toward sustainability.
While launching the event, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva emphasized the sector’s transformative potential. “Mining is not only about the extraction of resources,” he stated.
“It is about creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and shared prosperity,” He noted.
Expectations From This Year’s Conference
The 2025 Mining Week is expected to:
Strengthen partnerships between Rwanda and international investors seeking sustainable mineral value chains.
Showcase new technologies that support environmentally responsible mining.
Promote value addition, encouraging the processing of minerals within Rwanda to boost local industrial development.
Discuss global market trends, especially the rising demand for critical minerals used in renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Provide a platform for policy dialogue, ensuring the sector grows in line with global sustainability standards.
As Rwanda positions itself as a reliable and responsible minerals supplier, this year’s conference aims to shape a future where mining drives inclusive development and contributes to a greener global economy.
By Andrew Shyaka
