He made the remarks on Friday, February 13, 2026, during the Art-Rwanda Ubuhanzi Xperience event, which also marked the closing ceremony of the third phase of the Art-Rwanda Ubuhanzi competition, where various talented young artists were awarded.
Dr. Utumatwishima expressed gratitude to Jeannette Kagame for attending the event, noting that her presence demonstrated the value and respect given to the arts sector in Rwanda.
He emphasized that this recognition adds to what was seen during the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), where musician Bruce Melodie engaged with His Excellency the President of the Republic on issues affecting artists. According to the Minister, such engagements highlight that artists are regarded as key contributors to national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Arts, the Minister stated that significant progress has been made in structuring and strengthening the creative industry so that it benefits artists directly while also contributing to Rwanda’s economy.
He revealed that the Ministry has already secured partners and begun developing a comprehensive National Arts Policy, alongside a long-term strategic plan for the sector. The policy is expected to be finalized by May 2026.
In addition, the government is in the process of establishing a Rwanda Art Council, which will represent and protect artists from the grassroots to the national level. Legal frameworks are also being prepared to ensure proper governance and sustainable development within the industry. These regulations are expected to begin taking shape by March, with artists having the opportunity to elect their representatives.
Loans for Artists Through Bank Partnerships
One of the major concerns frequently raised by artists has been access to finance. Addressing this issue, the Minister announced that the government has signed an agreement with Bank of Kigali to facilitate loans for artists.
Under this arrangement, an artist organizing a concert or securing a professional opportunity will be able to approach the bank for financial support. Once they receive payment for their event or project, they will then repay the bank.
The program is expected to begin no later than March 2026, enabling artists to access the capital needed to grow their careers. The Minister added that artists seeking to purchase professional equipment will also be eligible for financial assistance under similar arrangements.
Social Media Monetization in Progress
Dr. Utumatwishima also addressed the issue of monetizing social media platforms in Rwanda—an issue previously raised by Bruce Melodie during discussions with the President. He confirmed that significant progress has been made toward enabling local content creators and artists to earn revenue directly from their digital platforms.
“We have made substantial progress on making social media monetization possible,” he said, assuring artists that further updates will be provided soon.
These developments signal a major shift in Rwanda’s creative economy. With structured policies, financial access, institutional representation, and digital monetization on the horizon, the country’s artists may soon operate in a more supportive and economically sustainable environment.