The event, organized in partnership with the Rwanda Human Resource Management Organization (RHRMO), took place at Kigali Serena Hotel, honoring outstanding organizations and leaders promoting decent work, gender equality, and people-centered leadership in Rwanda.
In his opening remarks, Steven Murenzi, Founder and CEO of People Matters, delivered a keynote on “The People Matters Mindset: Leading with Purpose, Empathy, and Impact.” He emphasized that it is people who build nations and reminded leaders that purpose inspires, empathy strengthens, and the positive impact of their actions becomes the true legacy of leadership.
Steven Murenzi also announced that Murigande Jacques [Mighty Popo] received the award in the Youth Empowerment and Job Creation Champion category.
He said: “We honored him in the Youth Empowerment and Job Creation Champion category for his role in creating opportunities for talented youth in music, enabling them to pursue their skills professionally. This award recognizes his contribution to nurturing young talent and helping them grow in their careers.”
The award ceremony was part of the People Matters Awards & Gala Dinner 2025 at Kigali Serena Hotel, celebrating leaders and organizations excelling in promoting decent work, gender equality, and people-centered leadership in Rwanda.
The awards recognized champions across key categories, each reflecting a critical pillar of Rwanda’s labor market transformation:
Youth Empowerment & Job Creation – organizations creating pathways for youth employment
Gender Equality & Women Empowerment – institutions advancing women’s economic participation
Diversity & Inclusion Excellence – organizations fostering inclusive cultures
Rising Star HR Professionals – emerging leaders shaping the future of HR
People-Centered Innovation – workplace innovations improving employee experience
Green & Sustainable Workplaces – employers integrating eco-conscious practices
Social Impact & Community Engagement – institutions uplifting communities
Education-to-Employment Transformation – organizations bridging skills and jobs
Financial Well-Being Empowerment – employers strengthening staff financial resilience
Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health – champions prioritizing holistic well-being
Learning, Growth & Skills Development – organizations investing in continuous learning
People-Centered Leadership Excellence – leaders driving transformation through people
HR Excellence & Impact – professionals and firms advancing high-impact HR practice
Awardees included MTN Rwandacell PLC, BNR, Rwanda Mountain Tea, Compassion International Rwanda, BRD’s CEO Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, Rogers Nkubito of AGL, ILPD, Solvit Africa, Kaizen Mind, Q-Sourcing, Right Seat, mHub Rwanda, and others.
Mighty Popo, Founder and CEO of the Rwanda Music School, is among the awardees honored by People Matters Rwanda
Pastor John Nkubana of Compassion International Rwanda, receiving the award given to the international organization he represents in Rwanda