Richard Sezibera, Minister of Foreign Affairs

His appointment in October 2018 came at the height of political tensions between Rwanda and its neighbours, particularly Burundi and Uganda. He replaced Louise Mushikiwabo, who became the head of the International Organisation of the Francophonie.

“In the coming year, I think Dr Sezibera has to ensure that relations between Rwanda and its neighbours, particularly Burundi and Uganda are improved.

Bad relations are undermining the spirit of regional co-operation and I think he has what it takes to make things better,” said Buchanan Ismael, a professor of International Relations at the University of Rwanda.

Rwanda’s relations with South Africa also remain frosty. Its ambassador to Rwanda, George Twala, was recalled in December last year. This month, South Africa is expected to start an inquest into the murder of Col Patrick Karegeya, who was killed in a hotel in Johannesburg in 2014.

Kigali maintains that the existence of dissidents in South Africa is a threat to relations between the two countries. It will be interesting to see how Dr Sezibera handles this stalemate.

Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir

Making RwandAir a profitable business is in the hands of Yvonne Makolo, a seasoned business executive who was appointed CEO of the airline in April last year.

The airline has facilitated tourism and supported exports from the region to Europe; while its cargo revenues more than quadrupled between 2013 and 2017.

RwandAir signed leases for two new aircraft last year, which are expected to be delivered this year to service new planned intercontinental routes.

Ms Makolo’s task is to steer the airline into a modern airline that contributes to the country’s revenue basket.

Kampeta Sayinzoga, director-general, National Industrial Research and Development Agency

The seasoned politician has been at NIRDA since August 2017, having joined the institution from the Prime Minister’s Office where she served as director of Cabinet affairs.

NIRDA is expected to boost research that leads to increased industrial production, which should boost both domestic and export production particularly for “Made in Rwanda” items.

Energy is a key component of the economy and NIRDA is expected to play a significant role in boosting energy levels.

Currently, inadequate and expensive energy supply limits sustainable development. Ms Sayinzoga is expected to implement strategies to support industrial growth, which according to the national industrial policy should reach 12 per cent annually.

Diane Rwigara, government critic

She triumphed at the end of 2018, when charges against her were dropped by the High Court.

Together with her mother, Adeline, Diane spent over a year in prison. She was accused of forging endorsement signatures for her presidential bid and incitement.

She and her mother gained global media attention and support. The 37-year-old accountant and businesswoman started a movement called People Salvation Movement (Itabaza), which is still an unregistered hybrid of a political party and a human rights organisation.

Richard Tusabe, directorgeneral, Rwanda Social Security Board

After steering reforms at the Rwanda Revenue Authority, Richard Tusabe was appointed to head the government’s biggest financial institution, RSSB last year.

RSSB has consistently appeared in the Auditor General’s reports for poor investment choices and suspicious fund activity; and its leadership has been reshuffled many times.

The pension fund invested over Rwf21 billion in six entities, but none generated dividends, according to the Auditor General’s 2017 report.

With so much work to do in cleaning up the institution, Mr Tusabe’s reformative experience will be an asset.