Joshua Rugema. As head of the East African Commodity Exchange (EAX), one of the fastest growing companies in the region, Joshua Rugema is an extremely busy man.

His affinity for investment shows in his career path and at 38 years of age, his journey is still ongoing. His daily routine entails attending multiple meetings with stakeholders and he is permanently on the move.

He is working to spin something recognisable out of EAX being the third-largest agricultural commodities exchange in Africa behind the South African Futures Exchange and the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange.

Graduating with a Major in finance and economics, Rugema attended Taylor University in Indiana, US, where he also worked for some time before moving back to Africa to work in various managerial posts in the business sector.

Although born in Rwanda, he lived in Kenya as a child and attended high school in Germany and university in the US. He has also lived in Israel.

He had been managing director of H2O venture companies in Rwanda before joining EAX.
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What’s your off-duty passion?

I love to read. I read widely and wildly. I read a lot of different things and it’s usually how I spend my time, I have a TV in my house that I never watch.

If you hadn’t turned out to be who you are today, what would you have become?

I probably would have been a chef. I enjoy cooking, food itself and creating in the kitchen. I don’t get to do it often because of my work, but I love it.

What signifies your personal style?

I guess it’s simple but elegant, as I don’t like flashy things.

How do you manage your wardrobe?

I try to be very efficient — I like solid colours, but simple. The whites, blues, grays and blacks; nothing crazy. I don’t claim to be a fashionista by any means but obviously working in a professional atmosphere I’m required to dress professionally.

When in East Africa, where are you most likely to be whiling away your time on a Saturday afternoon?

I usually would go to Lake Muhazi since my family is from that area.

Describe your best destination yet in East Africa?

I would have to say Zanzibar. It’s beautiful, peaceful and it is close to Rwanda, being only a two-hour flight away. It’s worth that time.
The food there is great, and so is the music and the scenery.

Anywhere on your must-visit list?

I want to go to Bali, Indonesia.

What do you see as East Africa’s greatest strength?

I think it’s our people. What we are doing as a people here, from integrating and collaborating in so many ways, I think is going to pay huge dividends for Africa and the world.

What’s your best collection?

I don’t have a collection right now but when I was in high school, I collected branded matchboxes from hotels.

What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve received?

My godfather, when I graduated, gave me a watch that I’ve treasured ever since and then my parents took me on vacation after graduating high school, which was equally a powerful gift. It was the gift of time that really meant a lot to me.

What’s the best gift you’ve given?

Again, I guess for me it’s the gift of time. I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m not big on material things.

Your last great read?

I’ve been reading Technopoly by a guy called Neil Postman. It is an interesting book on the role that technology is playing in our lives and some of the traps that come from it. I’d recommend it.

Which movie had an impact on you?

Schindler’s List, a movie based on the Holocaust and how one German man rescued Jewish families from the Genocide. It has had an impact on me as a Rwandan but also as a human being, about the power of kindness, self-sacrifice and putting the welfare of others before self.

What’s your favourite music?

I like all kinds of music. I am eclectic; I like anything with a beat. If I had to choose, I would say New Orleans style blues and Jazz, but also country music after spending many years in Texas. I like Randy Jackson and Jason Aldean and true country musicians.

Your favourite website?

I read a lot so I like news sites such as the Huffington Post, Politico, Financial Times — to name a few.

What’s a constant in your fridge?

Sparkling water, because hydration is important!