Throughout the year, Rwanda's influence on the international stage has continued to grow. The country garnered widespread recognition for its strong governance, diplomatic efforts, and flourishing international trade, particularly in tea, coffee, and minerals.
Additionally, Rwanda's vibrant tourism industry and its prominent role as a host for international conferences further elevated its global profile. These efforts helped Rwanda attract over 1.15 million visitors during the 2024/2025 period, cementing its position as an increasingly influential global player.
In the realm of diplomacy, Rwanda continued to expand its influence opening new embassies around the world. In return, several countries have also chosen to establish embassies in Rwanda.
One such move took place in Luxembourg, where Rwanda's first ambassador, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, arrived in March 2025. She assumed duties after presenting her credentials to the King of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg, located in the heart of Europe, borders Belgium to the north and west, France to the south, and Germany to the east. Situated over 6,300 kilometers from Rwanda, Luxembourg is not known for its high mountains, with its highest point, Kneiff, reaching only 560 meters above sea level.
With a population of just over 670,000 and an area of 2,586 square kilometers, Luxembourg is more than 10 times smaller than Rwanda. Nearly half of Luxembourg's population is foreign-born, and its citizens speak three languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish.
Rwanda expands relations with Pakistan
In April 2025, Rwanda opened a new embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Fatou Harerimana serving as Rwanda's ambassador to Pakistan. Since the embassy's opening, several initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries have been launched.
Key developments include the possibility of direct flights between Rwanda and Pakistan, and exploring potential areas of collaboration.
Pakistan established its embassy in Rwanda in 2021. Following the opening of Rwanda's embassy in Islamabad, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on diplomatic training in April 2025.
Growing relations with Algeria
In July 2025, Rwanda appointed Vincent Karega as its first ambassador to Algeria.
He presented his credentials in October 2025 to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a message shared on his X account on October 28, 2025, Amb. Karega expressed his delight at becoming Rwanda's first resident ambassador to Algeria.
'I am honored to officially present to President Tebboune of Algeria my letters of credence as the first resident Rwandan Ambassador. Rwanda and Algeria are determined to elevate our bilateral and continental relations to the highest level,' he noted.
Rwanda and Algeria have maintained cooperation in areas such as security and education, with several Rwandan students pursuing studies in Algeria, a country where Arabic, French, and Tamazight are the official languages.
Since 1982, the two nations have signed various agreements covering economic cooperation, social development, cultural exchange, and other fields.
In December 2023, Algeria opened its embassy in Rwanda, demonstrating a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.
On June 3, 2025, President Paul Kagame paid a state visit to Algeria, where he toured the National School of Artificial Intelligence, which also hosts Rwandan students.
During the visit, he held talks with President Tebboune focused on promoting stronger African cooperation in areas such as cross-border trade.
Before his new appointment, Ambassador Karega served as Rwanda's envoy to South Africa until 2019, after which he was posted to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He left the DRC in 2022, following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
On December 20, 2024, he was appointed Rwanda's Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, prior to taking up his current role as Ambassador to Algeria.
New embassies in Kigali
In 2025, Rwanda's diplomatic relations expanded significantly, as countries from all over the world chose to open embassies in Kigali. One notable example is Brazil, which decided to appoint its ambassador to Rwanda, ending years of reliance on its embassy based in Kenya.
Irene Vida Gala, Brazil's first ambassador to Rwanda, expressed that Brazil hopes to learn from Rwanda's success in reconciliation and peacebuilding. She also shared her vision of seeing "Visit Rwanda" on the shirts of Brazilian football teams.
Ambassador Gala also emphasized that both nations would work together to enhance cooperation in areas such as agriculture, livestock, and tourism.
Denmark commits to enhancing trade with Rwanda
In August 2025, Denmark opened its embassy in Rwanda, appointing Casper Stenger Jensen as the first Danish ambassador.
After presenting his credentials to President Kagame, Ambassador Jensen outlined his focus on strengthening investment and trade relations between the two nations.
Denmark has embassies in 11 countries across Africa, and Rwanda is now a key part of their diplomatic outreach.
In the same year, Gabon also appointed its first ambassador to Rwanda, with a primary focus on promoting economic, cultural, and educational cooperation.
Gabon is home to over 2,000 Rwandan students who are currently studying at various institutions in Rwanda.
Switzerland's Embassy in Rwanda
Although Rwanda and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960, Switzerland officially opened its embassy in Kigali on November 20, 2025.
The embassy's opening aligns with the country's ongoing regional development efforts and bolsters Switzerland's image as a strong advocate for peace and security.
In December 2025, Poland also opened its embassy in Rwanda, following Rwanda's decision to open its embassy in Poland in 2021.
On November 13, 2024, Rwanda and Poland signed the Basic Air Service Agreement (BASA), which focuses on expanding air cooperation between the two countries.
Education continues to be a cornerstone of cooperation, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to agreements between universities in both countries. Poland has hosted over 1,500 Rwandan students, making them the largest group of foreign students from a single country in Poland.
Currently, Rwanda is represented by 49 ambassadors across the globe and has one Consul General. Together, these diplomats oversee Rwanda's interests across 147 countries, with 37 honorary consuls representing Rwanda's interests in 17 countries.
Rwanda is an active member of 200 international organizations, and 47 embassies are based in Kigali.
Additionally, there are 31 diplomats representing international organizations in Rwanda, 22 diplomats representing the interests of different countries, while 71 countries are represented by non-resident envoys in Rwanda.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-diplomatic-milestones-in-2025
