President Paul Kagame on Thursday met Sahr Kpundeh, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager in Rwanda, and Julie Crowley, Canada’s outgoing ambassador to Rwanda, as both officials conclude their assignments in the country.
The two meetings were held separately at Village Urugwiro in Kigali on August 27, 2026, according to the Office of the President.
Kagame and Kpundeh reviewed Rwanda’s partnership with the World Bank and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in support of the country’s development priorities.
Kpundeh has served as the World Bank’s Country Manager in Rwanda since September 2023, when he succeeded Rolande Pryce.
A US national of Sierra Leonean origin, Kpundeh joined the World Bank in 2002 and has held various positions within the institution, including assignments in South Sudan and Zambia.
The World Bank is among Rwanda’s key development partners, supporting programmes in sectors including education, healthcare, poverty reduction, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and private-sector development.
Kagame also met Crowley, who is concluding her tenure as Canada’s ambassador to Rwanda after serving in the position since March 2024.
Their discussions focused on Rwanda-Canada relations and bilateral cooperation, as well as opportunities to deepen ties in areas of mutual interest.
Rwanda and Canada cooperate in several areas, including diplomacy, economic development, governance and social development.
The two countries have also strengthened educational cooperation. Earlier in August, Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada, Prosper Higiro, signed a partnership agreement with Concordia University of Edmonton to expand opportunities for Rwandan students, including scholarships and academic knowledge exchange.
The meetings came as Kpundeh and Crowley conclude their respective diplomatic and development assignments in Rwanda.
