Hakuziyaremye Munyana Soraya, the recently appointed Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), has had an inspiring journey—one that took her from the rigorous academic halls of Europe to prestigious financial institutions and, ultimately, back home to contribute to Rwanda’s development. In a conversation with Kura, she shared insights on her career, the challenges she faced as a Black professional in Europe, and her advice to young people on saving, investing, and entrepreneurship.
Born in Brussels, Belgium, to a Rwandan family, Soraya was raised in an environment that encouraged intellectual curiosity. With a lawyer for a father and a doctor for a mother, she found herself drawn to an entirely different field—finance.
“I wanted to explore something new, something no one in my family had pursued,” she shared.
She enrolled in a finance program in Belgium in the 1990s, an experience she describes as both academically demanding and socially challenging.
“It was a five-year program. We started with 700 students in the first year, but by the second year, only 140 of us remained. In Europe at the time, Black students were often discouraged from pursuing demanding careers. Some teachers openly doubted our capabilities, making it clear that they didn’t expect us to succeed,” she recalled.
But instead of backing down, she used these challenges as motivation, working even harder to prove herself.
Even after excelling in school, breaking into the job market as a Black woman in Europe was no easy feat. While many of her white classmates secured jobs immediately after graduation, she struggled for six months before landing her first role in December 2000.
“Being multilingual played a huge role in my career. I realized early on that speaking multiple languages would set me apart. Even though I was in Belgium, I applied for jobs in Paris and elsewhere. My English proficiency even helped me secure a job in Iceland,” she said.
Through determination and strategic positioning, she climbed the ranks, gaining extensive experience in financial institutions across Europe.
Despite a thriving career abroad, Soraya felt a strong pull to contribute to Rwanda’s development. Around 2009, she and other young Rwandans working in Europe began meeting regularly to discuss ways they could give back to their homeland.
“We visited Rwanda, explored different programs, and realized how much we could do. By 2012, I made the decision to return. I started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFET), which gave me a complete picture of the country’s economic landscape,” she shared.
Her move home was fueled by a deep sense of responsibility—to use her expertise to shape Rwanda’s financial future.
As Rwanda’s central bank governor, Soraya has a strong message for young people: Financial discipline should begin early.
“Many people say, ‘I’ll start saving when I have a million or ten million.’ But saving isn’t about how much you earn; it’s about creating the habit. Even if you earn a small amount, setting aside 20% for savings is a good practice. It’s a skill you develop over time, not something you suddenly learn when you’re older,” she advised.
She emphasized that financial literacy—budgeting, saving, and investing—should be prioritized from a young age.
For young Rwandans looking to build a future, Soraya sees immense potential across various sectors, from agriculture to technology. However, she advises against blindly chasing trends.
“All sectors in Rwanda are growing—agriculture, manufacturing, business, and tech. But before jumping into an industry, young people need to assess their skills and knowledge. For example, mining may seem lucrative due to high export revenues, but do you understand the sector? Do you have the necessary skills?” she asked.
She urged young entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, particularly in fintech, which is revolutionizing financial services in Rwanda.
“Technology is a game-changer. If you have an idea, use digital tools to research, learn, and improve it. The resources are available, but success comes with discipline, persistence, and the ability to adapt.”
She also encouraged youth to take advantage of government programs that support entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Reflecting on her journey, Soraya highlighted the values that guided her success—hard work, discipline, and a clear vision.
“I see many young people today seeking an easy life. However, a lack of proper planning can lead to unintended consequences. If you want a successful future, start by setting clear goals and putting in the work,” she concluded.
Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of giving back. From navigating barriers in Europe to leading Rwanda’s financial sector, Soraya Hakuziyaremye is proof that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s also about creating opportunities for others.
