Angaza Awards 2023:
Special Recognition

In December 2019, Kampeta Sayinzoga took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career of over a decade in public finance and development. Her appointment reflects her exceptional leadership abilities and expertise in the field of public finance and planning.

One of the groundbreaking initiatives by BRD under her leadership includes participation in a new investment facility that will support Rwanda’s private sector to access green finance and increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s response to climate change. The fund launched in November 2022 is capitalized at USD 104 million with BRD investing USD 22 million (equivalent in RWF). Rwanda has set an ambitious climate action agenda to build the country’s resilience and foster green growth. To achieve these goals, the country needs investments totaling USD 11 billion.

Prior to joining BRD, Kampeta served as the Director General at the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA). During her tenure at NIRDA, she played a pivotal role in driving enterprise development through export promotion. Notably, she spearheaded the transformative "Cow in a Car" project, which aimed to enhance the value chains of animal products in Rwanda's industrial sector. The project focused on manufacturing leather products to be used in the assembly process of Volkswagen cars, thereby strengthening the value chain within the livestock production cluster.

Under her guidance, Rwanda developed a comprehensive national livestock value chain policy, which included the establishment of training centers for professional leather makers and research facilities in collaboration with the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic. NIRDA provided funding support for the project, offering entrepreneurs and startups zero-interest loans without any service fees, enabling their active participation in the "Cow in a Car" initiative.

One of the notable achievements in Kampeta’s finance career was her appointment as one of Africa's youngest Permanent Secretaries at the age of 27. She served as Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the National Treasury within the Ministry of Finance, following her previous roles as Government Chief Economist and Director of the Macroeconomic Policy Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Her tenure within the ministry spanned a decade, during which she played a key role in shaping Rwanda's economic trajectory.

Kampeta attributes her success to the collaborative efforts of "Team Rwanda," a group of public servants driven by a private sector mindset to elevate the country economically. She also acknowledges the guidance and support of mentors and partners who shared a common vision, as well as the dedication and mentorship she provided to her own staff.

Balancing Rwanda's ambitious economic goals with limited financial and human capital resources posed a significant challenge during her time at the Ministry of Finance. Kampeta tackled these challenges by engaging stakeholders in policy discussions, prioritizing funding allocations, and fostering public-private partnerships. She also focused on promoting regional integration, enhancing public financial management systems for improved efficiency, reinforcing anti-corruption measures, and instilling a culture of strategic planning and accountability within the Ministry. As a result, over one million Rwandans were lifted out of poverty during her tenure.

Among her other notable accomplishments, Kampeta played a pivotal role in championing Rwanda's successful Eurobond issuance and developing the country's capital markets. She prioritized privatization efforts, facilitated access to capital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoted competition within the financial sector.

In addition to her public service, Kampeta has served on various boards, including Trade and Development Bank, East African Development Bank (EADB), GT Bank, and the National Tax Agency. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Junior Professional Associate at the World Bank Rwanda office.

Building effective teams to handle internal and external pressures and fostering institutional development have been core driving forces in Kampeta's career. She encourages women to consider careers as economists, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system at home. She therefore also credits her husband, children and extended family for her successful career.

In 2023, Kampeta demonstrated her commitment to supporting employees' work-life balance by spearheading the establishment of an in-house Early Childhood Development Center at BRD. This pioneering initiative marked the first of its kind within the financial sector. The center offers comprehensive childcare services for the children of BRD staff members, catering to ages ranging from 3 months to 4 years. By providing this facility, Kampeta aimed to address the career limitations often faced by women and create an inclusive environment that supports both female and male employees.

In summary, Kampeta's remarkable accomplishments and contributions across government, the development community, and the private sector have earned her immense respect in Rwanda's field of public finance and development. Her achievements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of "Team Rwanda," her unwavering commitment to building effective teams, promoting gender equality, and the support system she has cultivated.

Kampeta stands as an influential figure, inspiring present and future women leaders in Rwanda's financial sector and beyond.

Education:
Kampeta has a Master’s of Science degree in Economic Development and Policy Analysis from University of Nottingham, a Certificate in Management from Harvard Kennedy School, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of the Witwatersrand, where she also obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree (honors).