Rwanda and Kazakhstan have entered a new chapter in their bilateral relations after signing multiple cooperation agreements spanning key sectors such as critical minerals, digital technology, agriculture, education, and finance.
The accords were formalised during Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Kazakhstan, where he held a high-level meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two heads of state underscored a mutual desire to expand cooperation between the African and Central Asian nations.
“Our partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for growth,” President Kagame said during a joint press briefing following the closed-door talks. “We are committed to deepening our collaboration across strategic sectors that drive sustainable development.”
Among the agreements signed was a significant memorandum of understanding between the Rwanda Mining Board and Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund. The deal aims to unlock joint opportunities in the critical minerals sector—an area both countries see as vital for energy security and industrial transformation.
President Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s interest in tapping into Kazakhstan’s experience in mining, energy, and mineral processing. “Their technical know-how is valuable to Rwanda as we continue to build capacity in our natural resources industry,” he noted.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of pacts on diplomatic engagement, ICT development, financial cooperation, academic exchange, and food security. According to officials, the agreements are designed to facilitate joint innovation and capacity-building, particularly in manufacturing and technological advancement.
Kagame drew parallels between the two countries’ ongoing investments in local vaccine production, describing it as a shared priority in building self-reliance and resilience. “This is a space where knowledge exchange can yield practical results for both our populations,” he added.
While in Astana, Kagame is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Astana International Forum. In a statement ahead of the event, he called for renewed global solidarity amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation. “We must resist division and instead find new ways to cooperate,” he said. “This forum offers a timely platform for such dialogue.”
To solidify the strengthening ties, President Kagame extended an invitation to President Tokayev to visit Rwanda.
This visit marks Kagame’s second trip to Kazakhstan, following his first in 2015. The renewed engagement signals Rwanda’s broader strategy of cultivating diverse partnerships beyond traditional allies, positioning African states as active players in shaping global development narratives.