Rwanda Convention Canada 2026
Programme
Our Heritage, Our Bridge: Celebrating and Building Rwanda Together
Rogers Centre Ottawa · All times are Ottawa time.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Arrival, registration and check-in
Snacks and drinks while you arrive, exhibits and kiosks in the lobby, and music by the DJ. Please have the QR code we emailed you ready to be scanned at the entrance. You will receive a wristband at check-in.
Location: Lobby
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Video showcase
Short videos on Rwanda and the Rwandan diaspora in Canada.
1:30 PM – 1:40 PM
Introductory remarks
Speakers and performers: Mr. Alain Patrick Ndengera, President, RCA Canada
1:40 PM – 1:50 PM
Welcome remarks
Speakers and performers: H.E. Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of Rwanda in Canada
1:50 PM – 2:15 PM
Keynote address
Our heritage and shared values, the strength of a united Rwandan community in Canada, and its role as a bridge between Canada and Rwanda.
Speakers and performers: Senator Evode Uwizeyimama
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Keynote discussion: questions and answers
A moderated conversation with the Head of Delegation, and questions from the floor.
Ask a questionSpeakers and performers: Moderator: Ms. Adeline Muhoza Nzitatira · Senator Evode Uwizeyimama
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Short break
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Panel: Our Heritage, Our Bridge
How heritage and culture shape our community, and how members in Canada can contribute: skills and knowledge transfer, investment and enterprise, and links with institutions in Rwanda. Ten minutes per panellist, then an open exchange with the audience.
Ask a questionSpeakers and performers: Moderator: Ines Kayigamba · Mr. Drayton Mulindabigwi · Mr. Moses Gashirabake · Ms. Nathalie Munyampenda · Peace Mukazi Ndekezi, Ph.D.
4:30 PM – 4:35 PM
Close of the plenary
Speakers and performers: Mr. François Régis Kabahizi, Vice-President, RCA Canada
4:35 PM – 5:30 PM
Break
5:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Cocktail reception and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between I&M Bank and RCA Canada, with a cultural troupe performance and a toast.
Speakers and performers: Mr. Alain Patrick Ndengera, RCA Canada · Mr. Benjamin Mutimura, I&M Bank · H.E. Prosper Higiro (toast)
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Igitaramo: cultural evening
An evening of Rwandan music and celebration.
Speakers and performers: Nel Ngabo · Christopher Muneza
Rogers Centre Ottawa · All times are Ottawa time.
Master of ceremonies: Mr. Ghislain Shema
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Arrival and check-in
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Opening of the session
Speakers and performers: H.E. Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of Rwanda in Canada
9:40 AM – 10:05 AM
Consular services
General information, Irembo services and other consular services, including birth registration and marital status. Followed by questions.
Speakers and performers: Mr. Igor Ngabo, High Commission of Rwanda
10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Overview of the communities
The number of structures and cities covered, planned expansion, and the role of RCA in the life of the community.
10:30 AM – 10:55 AM
Community matters: open discussion
An exchange with community leaders on the issues to be addressed and practical ways forward.
Speakers and performers: Community leaders
10:55 AM – 11:20 AM
Investment and banking opportunities
Opportunities for the diaspora presented by Invest in Rwanda, and banking services presented by I&M Bank.
11:20 AM – 11:45 AM
Wrap-up and key takeaways
A summary of the Convention and priorities for the next edition, with thanks to participants and the organising team.
Speakers and performers: Mr. Alain Patrick Ndengera
11:45 AM – 11:55 AM
Closing remarks
Speakers and performers: H.E. Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of Rwanda in Canada
12:00 PM
Close of the Convention