Paul Kagame

Paul Kagame was born on October 23, 1957, in Tambwe, Rwanda. Forced into exile in Uganda as a toddler during ethnic violence in 1959, Kagame grew up in refugee camps and helped Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army take power in Uganda in 1986. Following the death of Fred Rwigyema in 1990, Kagame assumed command of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

In July 1994, Kagame’s RPF defeated the genocidal regime and captured Kigali, halting the horrific 100-day genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over 800,000 lives. Serving initially as Vice President and Minister of Defense before assuming the Presidency in 2000, Kagame prioritized national reconciliation through traditional 'Gacaca' community courts, abolishing ethnic identity cards.

Under Kagame's 'Vision 2020' and 'Vision 2050', Rwanda accomplished one of the most stunning economic turnarounds in developing history: average annual GDP growth exceeded 7%, extreme poverty fell dramatically, universal healthcare (Mutuelles de Santé) reached over 90% of citizens, and Kigali became renowned as Africa’s cleanest, safest city. He served as Chairperson of the African Union (2018–2019), championing the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).