Kigali, Rwanda – President Paul Kagame has called on Rwandans to embrace greater self-reliance and collective responsibility as the country enters 2026, saying Rwanda’s development and long-term prosperity depend first and foremost on its own people.
In his televised end-of-year address, the Head of State said 2025 closes with tangible progress across several fronts, despite challenges that tested the country’s resilience.
“Our economy performed well. The task ahead is to sustain and raise this growth, and use our resources productively,” Kagame said, stressing that economic gains must now be protected and deepened through discipline, ambition, and smarter use of national assets.
He warned against dependence on external support, underlining that Rwanda cannot rely on others to finance its development and well-being.
Kagame strongly emphasized the role of young people, whom he described as the country’s most valuable investment. “The most valuable and biggest investment we have as a country is a capable youth,” he said.
“It is your task, as young Rwandans, to sustain what we have built and take it further. I hope you have prepared for that duty including when it may require sacrifices from us individually and collectively,” he added.
Reflecting on the past year, the President said Rwanda has once again demonstrated an ability to turn adversity into opportunity, a quality that has defined its journey over the past three decades.
He urged citizens not to forget where the country has come from, noting that resilience, unity, and clarity of purpose must continue to guide national progress. “This is how we will continue, so that it helps us build ourselves the way we desire,” he said.
Kagame also highlighted key milestones that elevated Rwanda’s international standing in 2025. Among them were high-level global gatherings, including the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa.
He also pointed to the launch of the African School of Governance, whose first cohort of students began their studies during the year, as well as new initiatives focused on nuclear power innovation for Africa.
“This has reinforced Rwanda’s growing voice in continental and global debates where Rwandans and Africans generally have the power to define where, what we stand for, and where we are going,” he said.
One of the most defining moments of the year, according to the President, was hosting the UCI Road World Cycling Championships, a historic first for Africa in the event’s century-long history.
Bringing elite cyclists to Kigali’s streets, Kagame said, was a moment of immense national pride. “Sports unifies and empowers communities across all boundaries. The world saw Rwanda and Africa in a new light,” he noted.
On football, Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda has yet to reach the highest competitive levels but expressed confidence in the future. He cited FIFA’s support in strengthening the sport and welcomed plans to host the FIFA Series in the coming year.
“With the infrastructure we have built, our long-term ambition is to nurture the next generation of Rwandan talent to compete and excel,” he said.
Turning to regional security, Kagame addressed the peace agreements signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as the Washington Accords, mediated by the United States with support from Qatar and African institutions.
He described the agreements as a critical step toward resolving the root causes of recurring conflict in eastern DRC, including a plan to neutralize the FDLR militia and reaffirmed Rwanda’s full commitment to implementing this agreement.
However, he warned that threats to Rwanda’s security remain unacceptable. “Any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. The threat of state-supported violent extremism is unfortunately still very real,” Kagame said.
As the new year begins, the President urged Rwandans to remain vigilant, focused, and confident in the country’s direction.
“The future we deserve is within reach we must stay the course, remain positive, and continue aiming higher,” he said, wishing Rwandans and friends of Rwanda a joyful and prosperous New Year 2026.
