The award was presented at the AFIS Awards 2026 ceremony held in Luanda, Angola, on November 3, 2026, during the Africa Financial Summit, which brought together leaders of financial institutions, banks, investors and economic policymakers from across Africa.
BNR said the award recognises Soraya’s outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to advancing the financial sector, particularly through initiatives aimed at ensuring more people have access to financial services.
The central bank added that the recognition also highlights Rwanda’s contribution to the development of Africa’s financial sector and the growing role of women in shaping decisions that influence the continent’s economic future.
The African Woman in Finance Award is presented by the organisers of the Africa Financial Summit to women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in public or private financial institutions.
Recipients are selected based on their professional achievements, leadership capabilities, contribution to the financial sector and efforts to expand access to financial services.
Soraya received the award after serving as Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda for more than a year. She was appointed to the position on February 25, 2025, succeeding John Rwangombwa.
She became the first woman in Rwanda’s history to lead the central bank, having previously served as Deputy Governor for nearly four years after her appointment in March 2021.
Before joining BNR, Soraya served as Minister of Trade and Industry from October 2018 to March 2021, where she contributed to implementing the Made in Rwanda policy and promoting trade and industrial development.
She also worked with international financial institutions, including ING Bank in London, BNP Paribas Group in Paris, Fortis Bank and Bank of New York Mellon in Brussels.
Soraya holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, as well as a postgraduate qualification in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in the United States.
She also pursued leadership studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The award is among the AFIS honours established to recognise individuals and institutions contributing to the growth of Africa’s financial sector, promoting innovation and expanding access to financial services.
The Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) is a continental platform established in 2021 by Jeune Afrique Media Group in partnership with the Africa CEO Forum. It aims to promote the development of Africa’s financial sector.
Each year, AFIS brings together banking executives, insurance companies, investors, central bank governors and government policymakers to discuss ways of increasing investment, advancing financial technology and expanding access to financial services.
The summit also organises the AFIS Awards to recognise individuals and institutions demonstrating outstanding leadership and achievements in developing Africa’s financial sector.
The awards cover several categories, including African Woman in Finance, banking leadership and financial innovation. Winners are selected based on their achievements, leadership capabilities and contribution to the development of the continent’s financial sector.
