According to Village Urugwiro, the meeting took place on the afternoon of June 14, 2026.
In a statement, the Office of the President said:
“President Kagame received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. They held constructive discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth, as well as preparations for the upcoming CHOGM 2026.”
Rwanda is one of the member states of the Commonwealth and previously hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 in Kigali in 2022.
Botchwey’s visit comes at a significant moment as preparations intensify for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. It is also her first official visit to Rwanda since assuming office in 2025 and the first CHOGM she will oversee as Secretary-General.
Traditionally held every two years, the most recent CHOGM took place in Samoa in 2024.
The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 is scheduled to be held from November 1 to 4, 2026, in Antigua and Barbuda.
Earlier, on June 12, 2026, Botchwey met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Jean-Guy Afrika, in the presence of Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye.
Their discussions focused on exploring ways to further strengthen cooperation between Rwanda and Commonwealth member states, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
The two sides also examined opportunities to boost international trade, attract investors, and expand partnerships with the private sector, with the broader objective of supporting Rwanda’s economic growth and helping local businesses access international markets.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was confirmed as Commonwealth Secretary-General during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Apia, Samoa, in 2026
