Rwanda’s central bank governor, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, has received the 2026 African Woman in Finance Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to the development of Africa’s financial sector.
The award, presented by the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), was given to Hakuziyaremye at a ceremony in Luanda, Angola, on November 3.
It recognises women with strong professional records who have helped lead financial institutions, shape policy and expand access to financial services, particularly for underserved communities.
Hakuziyaremye became the first woman to lead the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) when she was appointed governor in February 2025. She had served as deputy governor since March 2021.
Before joining the central bank, she was Minister of Trade and Industry from 2018 to 2021. During that period, she contributed to the implementation of the Made in Rwanda policy and took part in work supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AFIS said Rwanda’s industries recorded average annual growth of 9% during her tenure, while exports also increased.
Hakuziyaremye has also worked to advance women’s participation in finance and economic development. She was a member of the Graça Machel Trust’s expert group on women’s financial inclusion and, in September 2025, became the first woman to chair the board of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI).
The award highlights women’s growing role in financial leadership and the importance of extending financial services beyond higher-income groups to women, young people, farmers and others with limited access.
It also recognises the link between effective financial-sector leadership, economic development and national financial stability.
