The Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) has begun preparations for leadership elections set to run from March 9 to 16, 2026, starting at district level and culminating at the national level. Members will elect a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, as well as heads of various Chambers.

The current Committee includes Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, who has been serving as First Vice President and Acting Chairperson since 2020 following the resignation of Robert Bafakulera, alongside Aimable Kimenyi, the Second Vice President.

PSF is calling on eligible members to submit their candidacies before March 5 for district-level positions, while those seeking to contest at the provincial level may file their nominations from March 5 to 9.

Candidates for Chamber leadership positions will submit their applications between March 9 and 11, while those vying for national chairmanship positions—President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President—will do so from March 10 to 14, 2026.

What are eligibility requirements?

At District Level, a candidate must be a registered PSF member with at least five years of exemplary investment and business operations in the district where they intend to run. They must also demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience in business and investment, according to PSF spokesperson William Buningwire.

For Provincial Level,Candidates must be PSF members with at least five years of outstanding business operations within the province they seek to represent.

They must be fluent in at least two of Rwanda’s official languages, have a clear understanding of PSF’s vision, and show commitment and capability to execute leadership responsibilities. Active participation in initiatives aimed at promoting national development through investment is also required.

For Heads of Chambers, aspiring candidates must be PSF members with exemplary businesses, proven leadership and coordination skills, and the ability to advocate effectively for private sector interests. Fluency in two official languages—Kinyarwanda and English or Kinyarwanda and French—is mandatory, along with demonstrated willingness to contribute to national development.

At National Level (President or Vice Presidents), candidates must have at least 10 years of exemplary business and investment operations at the national level, along with a track record of tangible contributions to the Federation and the country’s broader economic development.

However, youth candidates are granted flexibility: instead of the 10-year requirement, five years of proven business experience at national level is sufficient to qualify.

Only registered PSF members will be eligible to vote in the elections.

PSF Chief Executive Officer Stephen Ruzibiza emphasized that leadership transition within the Federation is not merely procedural, but strategic.

“As we prepare for these elections, we understand that this is not just about changing leaders. It is about reinforcing the Federation’s core values and strengthening its contribution to national economic growth. These elections offer members an opportunity to choose leaders who will guide us toward sustainable development,” he said.

PSF members who meet the requirements and wish to contest are encouraged to submit their candidacies via psfelections2026@psf.org.rw or psfelections2026@gmail.com and actively participate in the electoral process.