National Bank of Rwanda Governor Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye has received the African Woman in Finance Award at the 2026 Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), recognising her leadership and contribution to the financial sector.
The award was presented during the AFIS Awards ceremony in Luanda on November 3, as part of the two-day summit bringing together financial leaders, policymakers and regulators from across Africa and beyond.
According to the award organisers, the African Woman in Finance category recognises women leaders in public and private institutions for their professional achievements, operational leadership, influence in the financial sector and commitment to advancing financial inclusion.
Hakuziyaremye’s recognition highlights Rwanda’s representation in Africa’s financial leadership and the growing influence of women in shaping the continent’s financial industry.
She was appointed Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda in March 2021, after serving as Deputy Governor. Before joining the central bank, she served as Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry from 2018 to 2021 and held senior positions in international banking.
The 2026 AFIS Awards recognised achievements across six categories, including African Banker, African Insurer, African Fund, African Central Bank Governor and African Disrupter.
The Africa Financial Summit, held on November 3 and 4 under the theme Making Capital Count: Unlocking Growth Through African Finance, focuses on mobilising investment, strengthening financial institutions, expanding access to finance and directing capital towards productive sectors of African economies.
Hakuziyaremye’s award places Rwanda among the countries recognised for leadership and contributions to the development of Africa’s financial sector.
