Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, a distinguished alumnus of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM) at Egerton University, was appointed Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government on October 18, 2024. His appointment to one of the nation’s top leadership roles highlights his strong foundation in academic excellence, policy expertise, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Mugenzi earned his PhD in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University in 2022, supported by CESAAM. The Centre’s mission to build regional capacity in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness provided him with advanced knowledge and practical skills that continue to shape his impactful public service career. He also holds a Master’s degree in Management, Economics, and Consumer Studies from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Before joining the Cabinet, Dr. Mugenzi served as the Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) from August 2023, where he spearheaded efforts to modernize and regulate Rwanda’s extensive cooperative movement. Prior to that, he was a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda, focusing on agricultural value chain finance and inclusive business models designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen rural economies.

As Minister of Local Government, Dr. Mugenzi now plays a critical role in enhancing local governance and driving Rwanda’s economic and social transformation.

His journey from academia to public leadership is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of advanced education and the role of Africa’s Centers of Excellence in nurturing the continent’s next generation of changemakers.

Learn more about CESAAM at: https://cesaam.egerton.ac.ke