Dallas, Texas – July 4–6, 2025
 For three powerful days, the Irving Convention Center in Dallas was transformed into a hub of Rwandan identity, ambition, and community. Rwanda Convention 2025 brought together hundreds of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from across North America and beyond uniting under a shared purpose: to connect, collaborate, and contribute to Rwanda’s continued progress.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana set the tone for the weekend, reminding participants that “this convention is not only about discussing ideas, it’s also about fostering belonging, sharing knowledge, and inspiring actions for our nation’s continued progress.” That spirit of unity echoed throughout the event as participants engaged in everything from high-level business forums to cultural performances and youth innovation sessions.

Rwanda Convention 2025 pictures  | Highlights Video

The importance of diaspora contributions was a recurring theme. Hon. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized, “Being united empowers us to play a greater role in Rwanda’s development. The organization we see in USRCA and other RCA chapters gives us hope that the vision we’ve set for ourselves will be achieved with the continued contribution of our valued diaspora.”

This unity was visible not only in official addresses but also in the lived experiences of attendees. As Eric, Sylvie, Françoise, and Yves reflected, “Three days of connecting, reflecting, and dreaming together. Rwanda Convention 2025 reminded us that no matter where we live, we carry Rwanda in our actions.” For many, the event was more than symbolic, it was personal.

Investing in Rwanda’s Future: Ideas into Action

One of the convention’s key highlights was the Business and Investment Forum, which connected diaspora professionals with institutional partners including Equity Bank, Bank of Kigali, BPR Bank, NCBA, and RSSB. These sessions showcased opportunities in real estate, education, finance, and technology, all designed to make it easier for diaspora members to invest in Rwanda’s development.

Speaking to this potential, Michael Fairbanks, Board Chair of Akagera Medicines, praised Rwanda’s investment climate: “You embrace competition. Your rules are clear, you pay your taxes better than most people in Africa and around the world. You have a shared vision, you are optimistic about the future and that’s why your value chains are succeeding at a high rate.”

The Ministry of Education also unveiled a bold new initiative to better harness diaspora expertise. Minister Joseph Nsengimana explained, “We’re developing a platform that will showcase real needs in Rwanda. You’ll be able to self-match, see where your skills and interests align, raise your hand, and be connected to opportunities that make a difference.”

One such example of diaspora impact came from François Tuyishime, a Boston-based entrepreneur and founder of Yego Coffee: “I grew up on a coffee farm in Rwanda and now roast and export Rwandan coffee to the U.S. Rwanda produces some of the best washed coffees in the world. By mastering its unique profile and diversifying processing methods, we’ve proven it can compete at the highest level.”

Culture as a Bridge Across Continents

Throughout the convention, culture served as both a celebration and a call to action. Performances from beloved artists such as The Ben, Meddy, Kevin Kade, and Element, alongside traditional dance troupes Iraba Ry’Abeza, reminded attendees of their shared heritage and collective pride.

Gael Karomba, CEO of Kigali Universe, emphasized this moment in time for African creatives: “There has never been a better time to be an African creative than today our art is not only consumed, it’s finally recognized. With world-class infrastructure and visionary leadership, Rwanda is uniquely positioned to thrive on the global stage.”

This sentiment was echoed by diaspora performers like Lyv–Live Band, who noted, “We started as a music band abroad, but Rwanda is always at our heart. Performing at Rwanda Convention 2025 reminded us that distance doesn’t stop service—it simply changes the stage.”

The story of Zipline, Rwanda’s globally recognized drone delivery service, further illustrated the country’s innovation. As Pierre Kayitana, Zipline Rwanda’s General Manager, recalled, “What started in Muhanga with two Harvard grads and a presidential challenge to save mothers’ lives has grown into a global operation… Today, 75% of Rwanda’s blood deliveries are made by drone, and Zipline now serves five continents, including right here in Texas. This isn’t just policy talk, it’s proof.”

A Community of Purpose

What truly made Rwanda Convention 2025 unforgettable was the collective spirit of service and belonging shared by those in attendance. From volunteers to first-time participants, the weekend was filled with expressions of commitment, gratitude, and renewed connection.

Jacques B. and Falonne M. put it simply: “Giving our time and energy as a couple was our small way of giving back. Rwanda Convention 2025 showed us that even abroad, we can stand up for Rwanda, side by side.”

For families like Christian, Milka and Alain, the experience became a bridge across generations: “This wasn’t just a family trip, it was a chance to reconnect with our roots and contribute as one. Rwanda Convention 2025 brought us closer to each other and our country.”

Chelsea, Happy and Evelyn, who attended as friends, shared: “We came as friends, left as a community. Rwanda Convention 2025 was more than an event, it was a reunion of purpose, pride, and possibilities.”

New and returning attendees alike walked away with a deeper understanding of their role in Rwanda’s story. Dr. Margee Ensign, President of American University of Bulgaria, a speakert at the convention, told participants: “You should be extraordinarily proud of what your country has accomplished in 31 years… Tell the story all of you, because what has happened in Rwanda is miraculous and is because of visionary leaders.”

And for those who served behind the scenes, like Alex Rukashaza, the weekend affirmed their place in that story: “Serving at Rwanda Convention 2025 was a meaningful way to stay connected and give back. No matter where we are, we’re still part of Rwanda’s story.”

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

From business deals and creative expression to policy insight and personal testimony, Rwanda Convention 2025 was more than a gathering, it was a movement. It reminded every participant that the Rwandan diaspora is not distant; it is deeply woven into the nation’s fabric, dreams, and development.

As one final message resonated throughout the event: Wherever we are, Rwanda is always home.