Kigali, January 10, 2025 – The Rwanda Mining Association (RMA) held its General Assembly, bringing together members to elect a new national executive committee. This election followed the 2024 resignation of the previous committee, which had been serving since August 20, 2022.

RMA represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the mineral value chain, including mining companies, mineral processors, and traders.

The newly elected executive committee, with a three-year mandate, is led by Kagenga Innocent, a seasoned expert in the mineral sector. Usanase Josiane, Managing Director of EPROCOMI, was elected First Vice Chairperson, while Erneste Nsanzineza, Managing Director of RETC, assumes the role of Second Vice Chairperson. The committee also includes two advisors, Leonidas Simpenzwe and David Ngoboka.

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time as Rwanda’s mining sector is poised to accelerate its contribution to the country’s economic transformation, aiming to achieve the NST-2 target of $2.17 billion in mineral export earnings.

In his inaugural address, RMA Chairperson Kagenga Innocent expressed gratitude to the outgoing committee for its role in enhancing sector performance. He committed to building on their achievements by fostering unity among members and strengthening collaboration with partners. His vision prioritizes addressing industry challenges and promoting sustainable growth.

Kagenga Innocent, the chairperson of Rwanda Mining Association

"Our focus will be on transparency, prudent management of RMA resources, and strengthening the effectiveness of local committees," Kagenga stated.

RMB CEO Francis Kamanzi pledged unwavering support to the new leadership, emphasizing their critical role in driving the mining sector’s contribution to the government’s five-year National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2).

"Compliance with mining regulations and occupational health and safety standards is not optional," Kamanzi stressed. He urged all industry actors to familiarize themselves with the new law governing mining and quarry operations, ensuring strict adherence.

"We must strive to be a sector that not only contributes significantly to the economy but also maintains the highest safety standards," he concluded.

RMB CEO, KAMANZI Francis delivering his remarks