Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a new organisational structure for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), paving the way for the institution to operate independently of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), under which it previously operated.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at Village Urugwiro on Monday, October 26, 2026, chaired by President Paul Kagame.
The new arrangement is intended to strengthen oversight and regulation of the mining sector while encouraging greater private-sector participation in the industry’s contribution to economic growth.
The Cabinet also reviewed the consolidated government financial statements for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and received an update on preparations for the 2027A agricultural season, which it said had made encouraging progress.
Farmers were urged to complete land preparation and planting, and to use improved seeds and fertilisers appropriately and on time to increase production.
The meeting also considered findings from reports on governance and citizens’ perceptions of governance and service delivery at the local government level. The reports indicated that governance performance remained positive.
Relevant institutions were instructed to build on the progress made, coordinate their interventions and establish measurable monitoring mechanisms to address identified challenges and improve public services and citizen satisfaction.
Cabinet approves loan and tax agreements
Cabinet approved a draft law authorising ratification of a loan agreement between Rwanda and the European Investment Bank to support a project aimed at protecting the health of communities around volcanoes in northern Rwanda. The agreement was signed in Kigali on August 5, 2026, and in Luxembourg on August 6, 2026.
It also approved a draft law authorising ratification of an agreement between the governments of Rwanda and Oman to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and non-payment. The agreement was signed in Salalah, Oman, on September 8, 2026.
Rwanda approves investment and cycling agreements
Cabinet approved a cooperation agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Raffles Family Office Limited (RFO) on mobilising funding for development projects and promoting international investment.
It also approved an agreement with Luma & Lua concerning the renovation and management of the Musanze International Cycling Training Centre.
The meeting further approved a ministerial order amending Order No. 007/24/10/TC of September 30, 2024, which establishes guidelines for implementing the general principle of access to information.
New ambassadors and public officials appointed
Cabinet approved the appointment of two ambassadors to Rwanda: Helliate Rushwaya of Zimbabwe, based in Kigali, and Anna Merrifield of Finland, based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
It also made appointments at two public institutions.
At the Office of the Auditor General, Claudette Mukashyaka was appointed Auditor General, while Gratien Kubwimana was appointed Deputy Auditor General.
At the National Commission for Human Rights, Athanasie Nyiragwaneza, Viateur Bangayandusha and Aissa Umuntoni were appointed commissioners.
Upcoming national and international events
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources informed Cabinet that World Food Day would be marked on October 30, 2026, with celebrations scheduled in Gatsibo District in the Eastern Province.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning announced that World Savings Day would be observed on October 31, alongside a savings awareness week running from October 31 to November 6, 2026, to encourage Rwandans to develop a culture of saving.
The Minister of Environment announced that Rwanda would host the 38th meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol from November 2 to 6, 2026. The meeting will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Arts Development informed Cabinet that Kigali would host the YouthConnekt Africa Summit from November 25 to 27, 2026.
