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Nick Barigye’s ‘homecoming’ at Crystal Ventures as CEO marks a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s investment landscape, as the seasoned executive returns to lead one of the country’s most influential firms after nearly six years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC). His appointment, confirmed in July 2025, is being hailed as a strategic move to deepen Crystal Ventures Limited’s (CVL) regional impact and accelerate its growth across key sectors.
Barigye’s return to CVL is more than a leadership transition—it’s a full-circle moment. He previously held senior roles at the company between 2008 and 2014, including Group Operations Officer and General Manager of Building Materials Investments Ltd. Now, as Group CEO, he brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors, including his transformative tenure at KIFC, where he positioned Kigali as a Pan-African financial hub recognized globally for its innovation and investor confidence.
Under Barigye’s leadership, KIFC launched investment-friendly tax frameworks, forged partnerships with financial jurisdictions like Luxembourg and Singapore, and anchored Rwanda’s reputation in sustainable finance and fintech inclusion. His efforts helped attract major investment vehicles such as Virunga Africa Fund I and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, while also hosting the Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali.
Crystal Ventures, established in 1995 as Tri-Star Investments Ltd, is Rwanda’s largest private sector employer and a key player in national development. Its portfolio spans infrastructure, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and hospitality. Subsidiaries like Inyange Industries, NPD Ltd, and East African Granite Industries have become household names, contributing over Rwf 50 billion ($45 million) in taxes in 2023 alone.
Barigye’s appointment comes at a time when CVL is preparing for a potential listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, a move that could open up new investment opportunities and strengthen Rwanda’s capital markets. His dual fluency in finance and development policy positions him to steer the company through this next phase, blending enterprise with economic transformation.
The board of CVL described Barigye as a “seasoned leader with broad experience across multiple sectors and a strong track record of driving operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.” His predecessor, Jack Kayonga, is credited with guiding the company through pandemic-related uncertainty and consolidating its role in Rwanda’s private sector resurgence.
Barigye’s return also ensures continuity and institutional memory, as his long-time deputy at KIFC, Hortense Mudenge, steps in as CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited. This seamless transition reflects Rwanda’s commitment to leadership development and strategic succession planning.
With Barigye at the helm, expectations are high that CVL will expand its footprint across East Africa, deepen its investment in high-impact sectors, and reinforce Rwanda’s competitive edge in regional and global markets. His appointment is not just a homecoming—it’s a signal of ambition, resilience, and a renewed drive to shape Rwanda’s economic future.