Twenty-four years later, Kigali City re-branded, heart and soul

Twenty four years after the genocide, Kigali city is recognized by many as a monument to modernity. Where there was destruction and poignant hurt, you now discover peaceful areas with a vibrant undercurrent.

Even in the previous years, no one could deny the pristine and reserved beauty of Kigali City. Several parts like Kacyiru, or Kabuga charmed many with its uniform architecture, where they would leave Kigali, telling the story of a “luminous, musical city, as optimistic and welcoming as any in Africa”.

At present, new skyscrapers and office blocks have been built, many roads have been widened and adorned with tarmac, and public spaces are meticulously maintained by professional gardeners.

A lot of emphasis has been on boosting business. From 20 business people in 1909 to more than 6000 in 1962, Kigali went overboard in the business sector in a very short span of time.

The City of Kigali has huge potential in terms of its growth trend, tourist arrivals, infrastructure development, growing financial sector and other aspects that strengthen investor confidence.

Besides, Rwanda is safe, secure, and one of the most investor-friendly economies in the region, which facilitated Kigali in marketing itself as a top meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination. This in turn, landed some of the biggest conferences in the region, including the World Economic Forum, African Union Summits, Global Africa Investment Summit, and others.

By hosting these big events, Kigali brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, global leaders and other high calibre people who are key-persons in the future growth of the nation.

The government’s efforts succeeded in making Kigali the go-to city for regional conferences and a high tech hub in the Continent.

Also, grand Hotels like Sky Hotel, Mabara Umubano, in Kacyiru, Hôtel des Milles Collines, Hôtel des Diplomates and Rebero Horizon, adorn the city like gems. Moreover, recent ones like Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre gave the city its authentic essence of an optimistic and welcoming nation.

Although Rwandans still remember the 1994 genocide against Tutsis, with tears in their eyes and tell of terrible suffering and loss. No one wants to forget, and no one will. The desire to construct a more positive and united future forged the city to the fabulous home of modernity it now is.