As Africa’s economic influence continues to rise and investment opportunities across the continent expand, the region is gaining further global recognition following the appointment of former Rwandan Minister of State for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye as Principal, Emerging Markets and Business Development at Raffles Family Office (RFO), Asia’s leading multi-family office.
The appointment showcases Africa’s growing importance as a dynamic destination for long-term investment, wealth creation and cross-border capital, while strengthening RFO’s ability to engage with the continent’s rapidly expanding markets and opportunities.
Based in Hong Kong and reporting directly to Group CEO Chi Man Kwan, Uwihanganye will lead RFO’s efforts to deepen its engagement with emerging markets, with a particular focus on Africa and the increasingly important investment links connecting the continent with Asia and global markets.
Moreover, Africa is increasingly positioned at the center of the next phase of global economic growth. Its population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, while the African Continental Free Trade Area brings together about 1.3 billion people across a market with a combined GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion.
At the same time, the continent’s young population, expanding consumer markets and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem are creating new opportunities for investors, businesses and financial institutions. As these opportunities continue to expand, demand for sophisticated investment, wealth-structuring and succession solutions is also expected to increase.
“We are delighted to welcome Jean. Africa’s potential is greater than many yet recognise, and helping perception catch up with that potential takes people who understand both ends of the corridor. We look forward to what we can build together as our engagement with the region develops,” Chi Man said.
Building on this momentum, Uwihanganye brings more than 15 years of experience spanning government, diplomacy, capital and cross-border business. He most recently served as Rwanda’s Minister of State for Infrastructure and previously represented Rwanda as High Commissioner to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Brunei, as well as Ambassador to Indonesia.
Further underscoring his experience across the Africa–Asia relationship, Uwihanganye played a role in the conception and launch of the Inclusive FinTech Forum, which grew into Africa’s largest global finance and technology event. He also served as Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Singapore, representing 54 African nations to the Asia-Pacific business community.
In addition, his earlier experience as a director at a leading construction company in Rwanda strengthened his private-sector and business leadership background, complementing his extensive public-service and diplomatic experience.
Speaking about his new role, Uwihanganye said: “Africa and Asia are increasingly writing the next chapter of global growth together, and patient family capital can be one of the most effective bridges between them. Joining RFO allows me to help African families access world-class wealth and legacy solutions, while creating genuine, well-structured pathways for Asian and global capital to access opportunities in Africa.”
With this combination of experience, Uwihanganye is positioned to help strengthen connections between African families, businesses and investors and the wider global financial ecosystem.
A Chartered Engineer, he holds First Class degrees from Rwanda and the University of Manchester, as well as an MBA from Nanyang Business School at Nanyang Technological University.
His appointment comes at a time of accelerating economic and investment engagement between Africa and Asia. It therefore represents a significant opportunity to deepen capital flows, expand investment partnerships and unlock Africa’s vast economic potential, while further positioning the continent as an increasingly important force in the global investment landscape.
