Dr. Nsengiyumva, who was previously the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows.
Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
According to Article 119 of the Constitution, the new Prime Minister's responsibilities include leading government operations based on the overarching guidance provided by the President of the Republic, overseeing the implementation of laws, and preparing the government's action program in consultation with other Cabinet members.
He is also required to present the government program to Parliament within 30 days of assuming office. Additionally, he assigns responsibilities to Ministers, State Ministers, and other government officials; convenes Cabinet meetings; and prepares the agenda for such meetings in consultation with fellow Cabinet members. The agenda must be submitted to the President and other Cabinet members at least three days before the meetingâ€"except for urgent matters handled in extraordinary sessions.
The Prime Minister has the authority to chair Cabinet meetings, although the President presides when in attendance. He also issues orders determining the objectives, duties, and organizational structures of government institutions under his authority.
The Prime Minister may also issue implementing orders for laws within his remit, and sign orders concerning the appointment and dismissal of senior officials, including the Director of the Prime Minister's Office, Executive Secretaries of national commissions, Advisors and Heads of Units within the Prime Minister's Office, and other senior government officials whose appointments are not governed by other procedures.
This power extends to senior and managerial positions in the Parliament, Supreme Court, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prosecutor General, ministries, and other government institutions.
It also includes national-level prosecutors, heads of higher-level prosecution offices, and public servants appointed at the same level as the aforementioned officials, as well as others specified by law.
The Prime Minister also co-signs laws passed by Parliament, presidential orders, and other legal instruments initiated by the Government.
Focus on NST 2 Targets
Beyond general constitutional responsibilities, Dr. Nsengiyumva's administration faces the crucial task of delivering on the remaining goals of Rwanda's second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which has four years left.
NST 2 is built on five main pillars: job creation, boosting exports, improving education quality, combating malnutrition and stunting, and enhancing service delivery.
Under this strategy, agriculture is expected to grow at 6% annually, driven by market-oriented production. Agricultural output is projected to increase by over 50% through the expansion of irrigated land to 85%, and increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Livestock farming is also to be modernized.
The plan also aims to create 1.25 million new income-generating jobs, with at least 250,000 created each year.
Private investment is expected to double from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029. Exports are projected to rise from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion. The 'Made in Rwanda' initiative is set to be strengthened to boost local production and employment, particularly through agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors.
In education, enrollment in pre-primary schools is to increase from 35% to 65%, reinforcing the commitment to early childhood education. More students are expected to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), supported by access to resources and equipment. Additionally, 500,000 people are to be trained in digital skills, and vocational model schools will be prioritized to meet labor market demands.
In the health sector, service delivery will be improved, with the number of healthcare workers expected to quadruple. Special attention will be given to services for pregnant women and children. The goal is to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%, and by 2029, every household, school, and hospital should have access to electricity and clean water.
In tourism, revenues are projected to double, driven by Rwanda's ambition to become a top destination for international conferences and related activities.
A digital national ID will be introduced to simplify access to public services, and by 2029, all government services are expected to be delivered digitally.
On the international front, the government will focus on enhancing foreign trade and attracting investment to boost economic development. Rwandans living abroad will also be increasingly engaged in sustainable development initiatives, while peace and security will continue to be prioritized.
To achieve all of this in the remaining timeframe, the government under Prime Minister Nsengiyumva is anticipated to implement strong and urgent strategies to accelerate progress in lagging areas and ensure that all targets are met by 2029.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/key-responsibilities-awaiting-rwanda-s-new-prime-minister
