Clement Uwajeneza has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda's Private Sector Federation (PSF), succeeding Callixte Kanamugire who served as Acting CEO. Uwajeneza assumed office on November 3, 2026, bringing experience in technology, digital transformation, and business management to the organization representing Rwanda's business community. He previously served as CEO of Irembo, the company behind Rwanda's digital government services platform.
Uwajeneza joins PSF from NewGlobe, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and led teams operating across six countries to transform public education through digitalization and structured pedagogy. He also served as Country Director of Andela Rwanda and was the former Chairperson of the Rwanda ICT Chamber. His appointment brings experience in technology entrepreneurship and digital business development to PSF.
The leadership transition at PSF also saw the introduction of André Gashugi as the Federation's new Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Gashugi brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, investment management, strategic planning, and institutional development. He is the founding CEO of the Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT), which was established in 2014.
Uwajeneza's immediate challenge will be to lead an organization whose members operate across different sectors and face various concerns, including access to markets, financing, business regulation, and competitiveness. Speaking after his appointment, Uwajeneza said he intended to work closely with PSF's members, leadership, staff, and stakeholders to strengthen the organization's institutional capacity and advance the interests of businesses.
The importance of addressing these challenges was highlighted during the opening of the 26th East African Community Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Trade Fair in Kigali. Antoine Kajangwe, Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, called on regional businesses to take greater advantage of opportunities created by economic integration. He emphasized that MSMEs are the backbone of East Africa's economy.
Kajangwe cautioned that businesses could not fully benefit from the regional market without addressing barriers that continue to constrain cross-border trade. He urged enterprises to build their capacity to compete within the East African Community and eventually across the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. PSF serves as the principal platform for private-sector representation and public-private dialogue.
PSF First Vice-Chairperson Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu said the leadership transition reflects the Federation's commitment to institutional continuity and governance. The transition ensures sustained progress in advancing Rwanda's private sector. Uwajeneza and Gashugi will work together to strengthen the business environment and ensure that the concerns of enterprises are reflected in national economic discussions.
Key points
- Clement Uwajeneza takes over as CEO of Rwanda's Private Sector Federation.
- Uwajeneza brings experience in technology, digital transformation, and business management to PSF.
- The leadership transition aims to strengthen PSF's institutional capacity and advance the interests of businesses.
