This increase follows a period of declining revenue for the airline, as it earned RWF 334 billion in 2019, dropping to RWF 300 billion in 2020 and RWF 271 billion in 2021, due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transportation and tourism sectors.
The report also reveals that the government provided RwandAir with RWF 192.3 billion in 2023. The company CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, told The New Times that the airline experienced an exceptional economic recovery since the easing of the pandemic.
She stated, “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts indicate that air travel will triple in the next 20 years. The opportunities for continued growth are substantial. Our recent development is based on three factors: a significant rise in tourism, investment in cargo transport, and Kigali’s growing role as a hub for various activities.”
Makolo confirmed that RwandAir has been a key pillar in advancing Rwanda’s tourism, connecting Africa with other continents such as Europe and the Middle East through various routes.
She said, “The airline has become a crucial component in the government’s tourism development initiatives; the country welcomed 1.4 million tourists in 2023, nearly tripling the number received in 2021. Besides the regular tourists visiting various parks and cultural sites, Kigali is now the second most popular city for hosting conferences in Africa, after Cape Town. This tourism growth is closely linked to our routes.”
She emphasized that RwandAir has made Kigali a highly accessible destination for travelers from many countries across different continents.
{{Focus on Air Cargo Transport}}
Makolo noted that the airline’s air cargo transport program will continue to be a priority to boost exports. The 2023 report from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) shows that air cargo transport increased by 22.7%, reaching 4,595 tons. The main destinations for cargo include Dubai, the UK, and Belgium.
She said, “Promoting air cargo transport is part of government’s strategy to connect Rwanda with the world through trade. Recently, two cargo flights to Dubai and Djibouti were launched and we expect to announce more routes in the near future as new aircrafts are acquired to support this growth.”
Air cargo flights from Rwanda mainly transport agricultural products to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa, while imports by air to Rwanda include goods such as medicine and industrial equipment.
Makolo also mentioned that Kigali International Airport has started receiving a significant number of passengers transiting to other countries, now accounting for 60% of all passengers using RwandAir flights.
She said, “We increased our flights to Europe, enhancing connections between Africa and the world, and we also launched daily flights from London starting in May 2024.”
Makolo affirmed the continued efforts to turn Rwanda inti a central hub for travel in Africa, connecting various regions, and doubling its flight operations within the next five years while providing excellent services.
She added that the airline’s plan to launch new routes is ongoing, with a focus on expanding into new markets that could enhance growth in Africa. Exploring business opportunities is a key focus for advancing tourism, transportation, and trade.
According to information from RwandAir website, the airline has a fleet of 14 aircrafts that comprises four Boeing 737-800NG, two Boeing 737-700NG, two CRJ900NG, two Bombardier Q-400NG all in dual class configuration, and three Airbus A330s.
Kagame is invited to attend the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Summit, after which he will co-chair a high-level parallel session on state governance. The President, accompanied by a Rwandan delegation, will also hold talks with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China and his delegation.
This year’s FOCAC Summit is held under the theme “Jointly advancing modernization and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future”.
Rwanda and China’s cooperation is carried out through FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical and Trade Committee (JETTCO). China remains among the top contributors to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
Since 2019, RDB registered Chinese investments valued at $1.1 billion. The bulk of registered investments are in manufacturing, construction and real estate, as well as mining.
China is currently supporting the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital, which will increase capacity to 837-bed facility and eventually house the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
Since 2000, FOCAC has held three summits at head of state level: 2006 in Beijing, 2015 in Johannesburg, and 2018 in Beijing. The FOCAC Joint Declaration and the Action Plan (2025-2027) will be adopted during this year’s summit opening ceremony.
On Monday September 2, 2024, Biruta and his counterpart of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H.E Mazin Abudullah Al Farrayeh, witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between IGP Namuhoranye and Maj. Gen. Abeidallah A. Maaytah, the Director of Public Security of Jordan.
The event was also attended by the ambassador of Rwanda to Jordan, Urujeni Bakuramutsa.
The agreement outlines partnership in capacity building including training, exchange of information and expertise, cooperation in other sectors of security interest such as fighting terrorism, human and drug trafficking and cybercrime among others.
The UN Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SBL is proud to announce a move to join thousands of other companies in Rwanda and globally committed to taking responsible business action to create the world we all want.
“In line with our commitment to these principles, SKOL Brewery Ltd is proud to join the UN Global Compact, reaffirming our dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices that drive positive change both locally and globally,” said Eric Gilson, SKOL Brewery Ltd.’s General Manager.
As the company continues to expand and innovate, Gilson says that participation in the UN Global Compact will serve as a guiding framework for ensuring that their growth is aligned with the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 20,000 companies based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Global Compact Networks.
This new factory is perceived as a crucial step in the country’s ongoing efforts to industrialize the economy and diversify its manufacturing capabilities thereby positioning herself as a regional hub in the textile and garment sector.
AC Better Limited, a company comprised of Rwandan and Chinese business owners with deep roots in China’s robust textile industry and strong ties to Rwanda, is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation.
Edward Yin, the company CEO and key figure in the Kigali operations regards the establishment of the factory as a strategic move that aligns with both Rwanda’s national goals and the broader economic vision for the region.
“Rwanda is emerging as a central hub for the modern clothing industry in East Africa,” Yin explains. “Establishing this factory is not just about producing textiles; it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports local businesses, fosters innovation, and connects Rwanda to global markets.”
The company already operates a successful warehouse and supply chain business, providing local consumers with a wide range of textile fabrics, sewing machines, and essential accessories such as buttons and zippers.
They go beyond merely supplying products, providing spare parts and repair services to ensure that clients, from tailoring companies to retailers, receive comprehensive support and high-quality products.
This will serve as a major supply center for textiles in Rwanda, significantly enhancing the availability of high-quality fabrics and related products. This will be particularly beneficial for local designers, tailors, and fashion entrepreneurs who often face challenges in sourcing materials and accessing modern equipment.
The decision to establish the factory comes at a time when Rwanda is experiencing rapid growth in its industrial landscape. With a strong emphasis on promoting local manufacturing, the government has been actively encouraging investments in sectors that have the potential to create jobs, reduce dependency on imports, and boost exports. The textile industry, identified as one of the key areas for development, is now set to receive a major boost with this new venture.
The factory is expected to not only meet local demand but also cater for the broader East African market, thereby positioning Rwanda as a key player in the regional textile industry. Shyaka Gakuba, a Rwandan shareholder in AC Better Limited has been instrumental in conceptualizing the project.
Reflecting on the journey that led to this point, Gakuba said, “The idea to establish a modern textile factory in Rwanda was conceptualized when a ban against importation of second hand clothes was adopted. We looked at this as a way of creating a more self-reliant environment in clothing production.”
He is optimistic that this will enable a thriving, competitive industry that could provide jobs, support local businesses, and reduce reliance on imported textiles.
This development has since garnered significant interest from various stakeholders in Rwanda’s textile sector such as Maximilien Kolbe Uwayo Hategekimana, co-CEO of Kuza Africa Ltd, a hub dedicated to advancing the textile and garment industry in Rwanda.
He believes that this will positively contribute to transforming Rwanda’s fashion and textile sector. “Sourcing supplies and machines can be incredibly costly particularly for designers and small businesses from low-income economies,” he notes.
“By clustering designers into one entity, we can achieve economies of scale that reduce costs and streamline the production process. Our collaboration with AC Better Limited will ensure that our members have access to the materials and equipment they need at competitive prices,” he affirms.
Hategekimana, who connects tailors, fashion designers, and other value chain stakeholders by offering education, business development services, and access to world-class equipment, believes this is a positive step in the right direction.
In reducing Rwanda’s reliance on imported textiles, the idea of any contribution towards improving the country’s trade balance, industrial landscape and economic resilience is palpable.
The mother of two told the New York Times that she purchased a stake in Cesta Collective, a company that has been selling these handbags since 2018.
These handbags are woven by women in Rwanda and then sent to Italy to enhance their quality. Meghan Markle revealed that 2023 was the first time she carried a Cesta Collective handbag, during an outing with her husband Prince Harry, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cameron Diaz.
She shared that she discovered these handbags online, as she spends a significant amount of time on the internet looking for new trends and innovations from around the world.
According to Meghan Markle, what motivated her to invest in Cesta Collective was its alignment with her goal of empowering or supporting female artisans to improve their livelihoods and ensure they receive fair wages.
She stated, “With Cesta Collective, I have begun to understand the number of women whose lives have been transformed through their work, and that is something very valuable to me.”
Erin Ryder, the CEO of Cesta Collective, mentioned that since they started collaborating with Meghan Markle, their products have gained much more attention compared to other successful periods in their business.
Investment is synonymous with Meghan Markle, as she has invested in nearly 10 other companies. Nowadays, wherever Meghan Markle goes, she carries Cesta Collective handbags. During her recent visit to Colombia, she carried various handbags, including the Braided Canvas Tote (priced at $750) and the Crossbody (priced at $750).
IMIZI Rum, founded by the visionary Rohan Shah, is setting a new standard for luxury in Rwanda. With a price of 64,900 francs per bottle, this isn’t your average nightcap. But the buzz around it suggests it’s worth every coin. From the bustling bars of Kigali to the serene luxury lodges near Rwanda’s national parks, IMIZI is rapidly becoming the go-to choice for those who want to sip in style.
So, who is Rohan Shah, the mastermind behind this premium spirit? “My name is Rohan Shah. I’m a Singaporean Harvard University graduate, and in 2022, I moved to Rwanda to start IMIZI Rum,” says Shah. “IMIZI Rum is Rwanda’s first internationally awarded craft spirits brand. We make a premium alcoholic beverage called rum by buying and processing sugarcane sourced directly from small farmers in Rwanda.”
Shah’s journey to founding IMIZI Rum was inspired by his extensive experience in agricultural development across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. “The inspiration to start IMIZI comes from my past experiences. I used to work in agricultural development in many countries, including Zambia, Ethiopia, India, and Rwanda. When I first came to Rwanda, I realized that there are so many opportunities to turn agricultural products here into high-value products that can be exported. And that’s what inspired me,” Shah explains.
IMIZI Rum isn’t just any rum; it’s part of the elite 2% of the world’s rum made from fresh sugarcane juice, rather than the more common molasses. But that’s not all. “Our rum is very unusual for a few reasons,” Shah notes. “The first, as I’ve already mentioned, is that only 2% of the world’s rum is made from fresh sugarcane juice, including our rum. But the other thing that makes us very, very unusual is the fact that we are infused with Central African herbs that are sourced from Rwanda. Some of these herbs are really being used as ingredients for the first time in the world.”
Despite being in the pilot stage, IMIZI Rum is already making waves. Currently, the brand produces between 80 to 100 bottles per month, a modest start with big ambitions. “In terms of production capacity, we produce a total of 80 to 100 bottles every month. But this is a pilot stage for us. We are anticipating and planning for expansion because our larger ambition and our larger market is to eventually build a world-class product that is exported to consumers around the world, while remaining a very proudly made-in-Rwanda brand,” Shah shares.
IMIZI Rum has quickly found its way into the hands of Rwanda’s elite. “Our biggest customers are pretty much every luxury hotel group that operates in the country. Our product is a premium product, priced at 64,900 francs per bottle. And in terms of the reaction from customers, we’ve really been amazed by how positive it’s been. People really enjoy the product for its flavor and taste and also really appreciate the fact that we work directly with farmers and are trying to add value here in Rwanda,” Shah adds.
What’s even more impressive is the brand’s commitment to supporting local farmers. IMIZI processes 1.2 to 1.5 tons of sugarcane every month, sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Gakenke. “We’re proud to say that we process 1.2 to 1.5 tons of sugarcane every month. We purchase directly from the smallholder farmers in Gakenke, and we pay them three to five times the commodity price of sugarcane. As we grow, we’re hoping to buy from more farmers and increase that output. By 2030, we want to be doing not 1.2 tons every month but 1,000 tons every month,” Shah emphasizes.
Curious about IMIZI Rum? The brand hosts an intimate cocktail bar in Kigali, known as the IMIZI Residency, open from Thursdays to Saturdays. “If you haven’t heard about us or are curious about us, come check out our product. We host an intimate cocktail bar in Kigali from Thursdays to Saturdays called the IMIZI Residency. Come check us out, try our rum, and learn more about the story behind us. We’re super friendly, and we promise to show you a good time,” Shah invites.
IMIZI Rum isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience—a blend of tradition, innovation, and luxury that’s putting Rwanda on the global spirits map. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys the finer things in life, IMIZI is the spirit that promises to elevate your drinking experience to new heights.
For Rwanda, a landlocked country with ambitious goals for economic development, embracing air cargo transport is not just an option; it is a necessity. It plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, responsible for the movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods.
Although it represents only a small percentage of global trade by volume, it accounts for over 35% of global trade by value, underscoring its importance for industries that depend on the rapid and reliable delivery of products.
Key sectors that rely on air cargo include pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishable goods such as fresh produce, flowers, and seafood.
The need for speed in these industries is driven by the perishable nature of the products, the high costs associated with delays, and the necessity of maintaining product integrity during transit.
For many businesses, especially those operating in just-in-time supply chains, air cargo is the only viable option for ensuring that goods reach their destinations on time and in perfect condition.
Locally, air cargo transport is still in its infant stages. Many businesses and importers continue to rely on traditional shipping methods, such as using ports in Mombasa, Kenya, or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to bring in goods that are then transported over land across several borders to their final destinations.
Whilst this method has served Rwanda for many years, it is fraught with challenges, including delays, higher costs, and the risk of goods being damaged or spoilt during transit.
Companies like Heart of Africa Trading (HAT) Plc are leading the charge, recognizing the transformative potential of air cargo transport to redefine the nation’s economic landscape.
HAT, a prominent logistics and freight services company based in Kigali, has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of air cargo transport in Rwanda.
With a robust presence both locally and internationally, including offices in Dubai and sea transport services across East Africa, it has become a key player in the country’s logistics sector with efficiency and reliability, a preferred choice for businesses looking to transport goods quickly and securely.
Shyaka Gakuba, the CEO at HAT explains the critical role of air cargo in supporting Rwanda’s economic growth.
“Air cargo offers the speed and reliability that businesses need to stay competitive. It’s not just about moving goods; it’s about ensuring that products reach their markets in the best possible condition,” he says.
This is particularly important for perishable goods and high-value items, where any delay can lead to significant financial losses. Gakuba also highlights the broader impact of air cargo on the economy, noting that it enhances Rwanda’s ability to compete in global markets.
“By embracing air cargo transport, Rwandan businesses can build stronger relationships with international partners and customers. This, in turn, can lead to increased exports, higher revenues, and greater economic stability for the country,” he notes.
In addition to providing reliable transport services, HAT ensures that air cargo services are more accessible to Rwandan businesses, with a range of business incentives to encourage more traders to adopt air cargo transport.
One of the key incentives is providing cash advances to traders who may run out of funds while conducting transactions in foreign countries. This financial support can be a lifeline for businesses, enabling them to continue their operations without interruption and seize new opportunities in the global market.
“At HAT, we understand the challenges that businesses face when dealing with international logistics, that’s why we go the extra mile to offer financial solutions that help our clients overcome these challenges. Our goal is to make air cargo transport not only efficient but also accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes,” he explains
The limitations of traditional shipping methods are particularly pronounced in industries where speed is essential. For instance, Rwanda’s main exports to the United Arab Emirates, including fruits, flowers, and other perishable products, require rapid transport to maintain their freshness.
Similarly, pharmaceutical products such as vaccines and medicines are highly sensitive to environmental conditions and can lose their efficacy if subjected to the long transit times associated with sea or road transport.
This is where air cargo transport comes into play, offering a faster, more reliable alternative that ensures goods arrive at their destinations quickly and in optimal condition.
For Rwanda, this could mean the difference between maintaining and growing its export markets or falling behind in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
RwandAir has played a pivotal role in promoting air cargo transport. Having been recognized this year for its exceptional service, ranked third among African air transport companies for customer care and operational efficiency, the national carrier is taking the air cargo business, even a notch higher.
The Cargo department is one of the key developing segments where much emphasis is put to empower handling capabilities and network development both regional and across long haul routes. Currently RwandAir cargo departments is divided into two sub-units.
Cargo commercial section which handles sales and marketing activities, network planning, pricing and revenue Management while the Operations section overlooks all operational activities which include acceptance, tallying, warehouse operations, and handling for both imports and exports, as well as transiting cargo to and from customers.
Currently RwandAir, operates 7 dedicated cargo freighter destinations using 737 SF cargo freighter with a capacity to carry up to 21 tons depending the nature of cargo. These destinations include; Entebbe, Nairobi, Brazzaville, Bangui, Djibouti, Sharjah, Dubai World Centre and Kigali as the hub.
These are supplemented by other destinations served by RwandAir belly capacity. Some of the main destinations served by belly capacity include the United Kingdom, Belgium and France.
RwandAir Ltd. is undeniably steering a challenging environment in trying to capitalize on Rwanda’s untapped potential through air cargo transport with many strategies despite the existing challenges.
Some of the strategies include infrastructure development such as establishing regional connectivity, construction of facilities for Pharma and dangerous goods strategic partnerships and alliances, adaptation to new technology and improving on the existing regulations.
Jean Bosco Gakwaya, the Director of Cargo Services at RwandAir explains that some of the challenges include capacity constraints where the limited number of cargo freighters/Aircraft, warehouse capacities which in turn restricts cargo volumes to be processed
“Rwanda cargo market is relatively small, with limited demand from local businesses. This makes make it difficult to achieve economies of scale,” he says.
Other challenges include competition from road transport, competition from other Airlines, high operational costs and limited Skilled Workforce: External Factors:
Gakwaya admits that geopolitical instabilities in addition to the complex and inconsistent regulatory requirements slow down the development of air cargo services in Rwanda.
And as Rwanda continues to grow and develop, the importance of air cargo transport will only increase. The country is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that air cargo presents, but this will require a shift in mindset and a willingness to invest in the future.
By embracing air cargo transport, Rwanda can ensure that it remains competitive, innovative, and prosperous in the global economy.
In a stirring and impassioned speech while addressing the newly sworn in parliament on August 14, 2024, Kagame castigated efforts in place to confront a conflict that has cast long shadows over the region for decades.
With reason and conviction, The Head of State dismantled the falsehoods and that have long painted Rwanda as the villain in this tragic saga, asserting with unwavering clarity that the DRC’s problems must not, and cannot be blamed on Rwanda.
“Let me speak plainly about these issues of regional insecurity, the war that has gripped the eastern part of DRC, the simmering tensions that have pitted neighbors against each other, these are not new problems,” Kagame said.
“I addressed them the other day at the inauguration, and I address them again now: the true root of these conflicts lies not in Rwanda, but in the mire of interests and hypocrisies that refuse to confront the real causes,” he asserted.
Kagame peeled back the layers of distortion that have clouded the truth for so long describing a narrative that has been twisted and turned to serve the interests of a few, while the many suffer.
“It is a story that was told not to illuminate the truth, but to obscure it by shifting the blame away from those who must be held accountable,” he observed.
The president questioned those that allege Rwanda’s exploitation of the DRC’s resources through the supposed support of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels.
“They say the FDLR returned to Rwanda only to be sent back to the DRC, to exploit their riches. But I ask, what riches? What resources are they speaking of, when the people they claim to defend live in conditions worse than my own citizens?” he wondered
He acknowledged that many of these fighters came back to Rwanda and everyone knows who they are and also addressed the concerning misrepresentation of the refugee situation in the region.
“You acknowledge that there are people who need to be resettled, yet you refuse to engage with the very refugees who are at the heart of the insecurity in this region and then you turn around and blame Rwanda? This is not just wrong, it is unacceptable!” Kagame said.
“It is clear that they have no real interest in resolving this conflict. They do not seek peace, but rather, they seek to maintain the chaos from which they benefit,”
Reflecting on a discussions held with some delegates at his inauguration, Kagame questioned why Rwanda is continually asked to clean up the mess that others have created.
But let me remind you, Rwanda’s liberation and progress was not handed to us as a gift. We fought for it, we bled for it, and we earned it,” he said
He emphasized that security is a matter of survival for Rwanda and good neighborliness cannot come at the country’s expense, or anyone else’s. He said that the problems in the DRC is not Rwanda’s to solve, and this constant narrative should not be used as a scapegoat.
“We will continue to protect our people, our interests, without fear, and without hesitation,” he stressed
In the new appointments, Judith Uwizeye continues in her role as Minister in the Office of the President while Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe retains his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
These were very instrumental in strengthening Rwanda’s international relationships and enhancing the country’s global standing in the previous cabinet.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, previously at the helm of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, takes over as Minister of Health as Rwanda continues to advance healthcare reforms and adding up its public health infrastructure building on the successes achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paula Ingabire remains Minister of ICT and Innovation as Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja steps into the role of Minister of Justice and Attorney General. The former President of the East African Court of Justice is now tasked with ensuring that Rwanda’s judicial system remains strong.
Inès Mpambara has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office as Yusuf Murangwa, takes over the Finance and Economic Planning docket. Richard Nyirishema and Prudence Sebahizi steps in as Minister of Sports, Trade and Industry respectively.
Other appointments include Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana as Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri as Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, who is expected work to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore is the new Minister of Infrastructure, will oversee the development of critical infrastructure projects, while Ms. Consolée Uwimana continues to serve as Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira remains Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Dr. Valentine Uwamariya was retained as Minister of Environment.
Others are Gaspard Twagirayezu, Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Gaspard Twagiray in charge of Education, Labor and Public Service, Youth and Culture respectively.
This comes shortly after, the newly appointed Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente took oath and after the swearing-in of new members of parliament.
According to Rwanda’s constitution, Cabinet members are appointed within 15 days preceding the appointment of the Prime Minister. This new cabinet, reflects a strategic blend of continuity and change, positioning Rwanda to meet its goals and continue its path toward sustainable development and prosperity
