President Paul Kagame today received a delegation of MBA students from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania at Urugwiro Village. The delegation, led by Professor Katherine Klein and Eric Kacou, is in Kigali for the 11th Wharton Global Modular Course titled “Conflict, Leadership, and Change: Lessons from Rwanda.”
Earlier in the day, the group met with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) team, led by CEO Jean-Guy Afrika. The discussions at RDB centered on Rwanda’s transformation into a hub of economic growth and innovation. Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the pivotal role of public-private partnerships and strategic policymaking in achieving the country’s development goals.
The course aims to explore Rwanda’s extraordinary journey from the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to becoming a model of effective leadership and governance. During their meeting with President Kagame, the students gained deeper insights into the leadership strategies that have driven Rwanda’s recovery and long-term vision.
President Kagame underscored the importance of unity, resilience, and accountability in overcoming challenges and fostering national progress. He encouraged the students to draw lessons from Rwanda’s experiences, emphasizing that leadership rooted in values and innovation is key to sustainable development.
Professor Katherine Klein described the visit as a valuable opportunity to understand Rwanda’s transformation firsthand. “Rwanda offers profound lessons on how visionary leadership can drive change even in the most difficult circumstances,” she noted.
Eric Kacou praised Rwanda’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities, stating, “This nation stands as a global case study in leadership, resilience, and inclusive growth.”
The Wharton delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with key policymakers, business leaders, and site visits to explore the strategies behind Rwanda’s success. Their engagement with both RDB and President Kagame provides a comprehensive perspective on how effective governance and collaboration have shaped Rwanda’s development story.