President Paul Kagame on Thursday received Sahr Kpundeh, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, for a farewell meeting as he prepares to leave the position.
The meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on Rwanda’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank and continued cooperation in support of the country’s development priorities, according to the Office of the President.
Kpundeh has served as the World Bank’s Country Manager in Rwanda since Sept. 1, 2023, when he succeeded Rolande Pryce. The World Bank announced his appointment in September 2023.
During his tenure, the World Bank approved major financing for Rwanda in areas including urban transport and disaster resilience.
In June 2025, the World Bank approved $100 million in financing for the Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement Project, which is aimed at improving public transport in Kigali and expanding access to jobs and services.
In September 2025, the bank approved a further $141 million operation to strengthen Rwanda’s preparedness and response to disasters and improve the resilience of its built environment and natural resources.
