Our Board of Directors
Amb. Dr. Benjamin M Rugangazi
ChairmanAmb. Dr. Rugangazi Benjamin M. is an entrepreneur with broad leadership skills in government and academia. He is currently the Executive Manager of Nema Company Ltd, a privately owned light manufacturing and Agro-processing company in Rwanda. Dr. Rugangazi started his career in Veterinary Medicine in 1982, before venturing into the investment arena. Between 1995 and 2004, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Tri- Star investments; a private company with investments in mobile telephony in East Africa, construction and agricultural projects. Thereafter he joined the government of Rwanda as Ambassador to China and six other South Asian countries and later as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania. He holds a PhD. in Veterinary Science from the University of Nairobi and an Executive Business Management Certificate from UCLA, USA. He has written and co-authored Academic Publications. Dr. Rugangazi is a member of the board of Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Limited.
Ms. Rita M. Kamanzi
DirectorMs. Rita is the Chief Human Resource Officer at AOS Ltd since September 2015. Her main focus is human resource activities within the company. She has previously worked with renowned private and public institutions which include KT Rwanda Network, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Information Technology Authority and Kigali Institute of Education. Rita served as Director of e-Government at a time when the Government of Rwanda was implementing different strategic e-Government solutions and her responsibility was to coordinate all these initiatives at a national level. She has since played a vital role in the development of the Rwanda ICT Sector; covering areas of project management, policy formulation, sector strategic planning and execution, as well as M&E. She has served primarily within the public sector of Rwanda in the area of ICT in different capacities and is committed to serving the private sector in the same way, with her accumulated experience and knowledge. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Bangalore University) and MSc.IT, option Computer Science & Software Engineering from the University of Rwanda.
Mr. Nelson J.M Mainnah
DirectorMr. Mainnah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Nairobi. He is a member of Kenya Institute of Management and is an alumnus of INSEAD, France, where he obtained qualifications on Risk Management in Banking. He retired from CBA as Group Head of Enterprise Risk in April 2012 after working at the bank for thirty- eight years. Mr. Mainnah has considerable expertise in business management, credit and enterprise risk, and treasury operations. Nelson holds various board positions in the educational sector and offers financial leadership in various charitable organizations. He is currently involved in strategic leadership and risk management through consultancy services.
Ms. Julianne K. Kayonga
DirectorMs. Julianne K. Kayonga is Starbucks FSC Regional Manager since 2016. Before joining Starbucks, she worked with ACDI/VOCA Rwanda in improving the country’s food security. She consulted on different environmental impact assessments for USAID projects, and prior to that, she worked as Rural Finance Specialist for USAID Rwanda. Julianne holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Development, from Texas A&M University, a Certificate in Advanced International Affairs, Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the National University of Rwanda.
Ms. Eugenia Kayitesi
DirectorMs. Eugenia is the Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR Rwanda) since February, 2014. She previously worked with the Commercial Bank of Rwanda for a period of 10 years where she held different roles, including but not limited to, Credit Analyst, Credit Manager, Compliance and Board Support Officer, and a Risk Management Manager. She is an Honors Graduate of Social Sciences from Makerere University, and has an MBA from Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands and is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Eugenia also holds professional development certificates in Risk Management in Banking from Stockholm (Sweden) and School of Finance and Banking Kigali Rwanda. She serves as an advisory Board member of African Portal a research repository and an expert analysis hub on African Affairs based in South Africa and sits on the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) for the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA). Eugenia has featured in Regional and International workshops and Conferences both as a participant and a panelist.
Dr. James Ndahiro
DirectorDr. James Ndahiro was appointed and joined the Board of Directors in November 2023.He brings extensive experience in finance, governance, and development. He spearheaded the establishment of the Rwanda Stock Exchange and currently serves as Technical Advisor to the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Finance to support the development of the capital markets. He also championed East African integration efforts during his time in the East African Legislative Assembly. A committed advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Dr. Ndahiro promotes its use within the Rwandan Judiciary. Despite visual impairment, his leadership, innovative thinking, and meticulous attention to detail make him a significant asset to Rwanda's progress.
Mr. Deogratius Kamurase
DirectorMr. Deogratius Kamurase is the Founder and Managing Director of Business Dynamic Consult Ltd, a Business and Investment Advisory Firm. Prior to Setting up the Firm, Deogratius served as Rwanda Country Manager of One & Only Resorts, with an overall responsibility to manage the implementation, operation and management of all Kerzner managed properties located in Rwanda. He is a resourceful, forward-thinking Business management professional, offering 18 years of professional leadership experience in various business portfolios. He possesses broad knowledge in stakeholder management with a proven track record in project execution including setting goals to ensure complete sustainable solutions for stakeholders. Deo has a proven record in advising, collaborating with strong partnerships across various spectrums of business and as such take clear responsibility in establishing strong competitive environments to ensure best value performance for the benefit of all stakeholders. With leadership and managerial experience gained over time, Deo aspires to continue broadening his skills at leading critical high valued projects, while adhering to implementing and executing cost-effective policies resulting in significant bottom-line performance with Deo holds a bachelor’s degree in Business administration (Makerere University) and an MBA in Finance from University of Wales Cardiff. He has also served on boards of a number of companies within telecommunication, Banking, Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
Hon. Abdirahin Haithar Abdi
DirectorHon. Abdi served as the speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (2007 to 2012), having been a member of the assembly from 2001. He was instrumental in significantly influencing legislative, oversight and representation activities of the assembly charged with fostering regional integration. Hon. Abdi holds a BSc degree in Business Administration (Finance), has been accorded Presidential awards and international appointments in legislative roles for his distinguished service to the Nation of Kenya and the East African Region. He is a seasoned businessman with multi-sectoral experience gained from the private and public sectors and holds Directorships in various companies.