According to a communique from the Office of the President of Botswana issued on April 29, 2026, in Gaborone, the visit will be preceded by the Second Session of the Botswana and Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), set for 4-5 May 2026. The meetings are expected to reinforce both countries’ commitment to structured and results-oriented cooperation.
The State Visit is seen as a significant milestone in strengthening Botswana–Rwanda relations, building on progress achieved since President Kagame’s 2019 State Visit, during which the two countries agreed to establish the JPCC as a framework for deepening bilateral engagement.
During the upcoming visit, President Kagame and President Boko are expected to hold official talks focusing on key areas of cooperation, including digital trade, tourism, animal vaccines, transport connectivity, and collaboration within the diamond value chain. As part of the programme, President Kagame is also expected to visit the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB).
Several agreements are anticipated to be signed during the visit. These include frameworks on trade and investment cooperation, institutional collaboration between the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as well as a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement aimed at facilitating smoother business and investment flows between the two countries.
In addition, a business forum is scheduled to take place on May 5, 2026, bringing together private sector stakeholders from both Rwanda and Botswana to explore investment and trade opportunities.
President Kagame will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, and members of the business community.
President Paul Kagame is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Botswana from 6th to 7th May 2026, at the invitation of President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.
The Office of the President confirmed the visit in a statement released on April 30, noting that the President attended the fixture featuring two of Rwanda’s primary “Visit Rwanda” partners.
Upon his arrival at the stadium, President Kagame was received by Atlético Madrid President Enrique Cerezo Torres.
The match remained a tightly contested affair throughout both halves. Arsenal took the lead just before the interval when Viktor Gyökeres converted a 44th-minute penalty following a foul by Atlético defender Dávid Hancko.
President Kagame attends UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between #VisitRwanda partners Arsenal FC and Atlético Madrid FC. pic.twitter.com/NbkF4AqxZM
Atlético Madrid found their response in the 56th minute after a handball by Arsenal’s Ben White led to a penalty, which Julián Álvarez successfully converted to level the score.
Both clubs maintain partnerships with Rwanda under the “Visit Rwanda” initiative, which promotes the country’s tourism and investment potential globally.
The partnership with Atlético Madrid, which runs from 2025 to 2028, includes branding at the club’s stadium and on training kits, as well as technical cooperation such as coaching development programs.
Meanwhile, the relationship with Arsenal has spanned eight years, featuring the “Visit Rwanda” logo on the club’s shirt sleeves and various promotional activities at Emirates Stadium, including player visits to Rwanda’s key tourism sites.
The result leaves the tie balanced ahead of the return leg, which is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at Emirates Stadium in London.
The latest appearance follows President Kagame’s attendance at another high-profile UEFA Champions League semi-final earlier in the week at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich in a 5-4 encounter.
The match was played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.Upon his arrival at the stadium, President Kagame was received by Atlético Madrid President Enrique Cerezo Torres.There was a large turnout of fans at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.President Kagame was presented with a gift by Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo Torres.President Kagame engaged in talks with Atlético Madrid officials.President Kagame being received at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.The Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium was packed with more than 70,000 football fans, including President Kagame.Atlético Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1.The first leg between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal took place in Madrid.President Kagame follows the match between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal.Atlético Madrid promotes Rwanda’s tourism through the “Visit Rwanda” campaign.
The listing of the third tranche follows a highly successful primary issuance which recorded an oversubscription of 126.2 percent, against the initial target of Rwf 23 billion. This reflects continued market confidence in the bank’s financial health and its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets.
“The success of this issuance demonstrates strong investor appetite for sustainable investments in Rwanda. The oversubscription and interest from a wide range of investors from Rwanda and beyond highlight that an ESG-driven approach is both impactful and commercially viable,” said Stella Rusine Nteziryayo, CEO of BRD.
The transaction was supported by the World Bank Group, which provided a credit enhancement to strengthen the bond’s attractiveness. Through this partnership, BRD has effectively mobilized private capital at three times the level of concessional financing provided.
“This transaction demonstrates how well-structured financial instruments can mobilize private capital at scale to support Rwanda’s development priorities. By linking financing to sustainability outcomes, BRD is helping to channel investment into sectors that create jobs, strengthen resilience, and drive inclusive growth. The World Bank Group is pleased to support efforts that deepen local capital markets while delivering tangible development impact,” said Sahr Kpundeh, the World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.
SLB picks international investor’s interest
In a landmark development for the country’s capital markets, the BRD is also in advanced discussions with an international investor expected to invest in the reopening of the second SLB. This would mark the first time an international investor participates in a domestic issuance on the local bourse.
Proceeds from the bonds will finance projects that drive sustainable development and job creation, including exports and manufacturing, affordable housing, and support for women-led enterprises. By linking financial performance to measurable sustainability targets, BRD ensures that its growth remains aligned with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
About BRD
Established in 1967, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is the country’s sole national development bank. BRD supports sustainable development by offering affordable, long-term, and tailored finance. Over the past 58 years, BRD has financed projects in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, affordable housing, education, green finance, exports, and manufacturing. These investments are critical for achieving Rwanda’s national development agenda, aligned with the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Vision 2050, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2025, Global Credit Rating Co. (GCR) reaffirmed BRD’s “AAA” rating on long-term domestic credit with a stable outlook that reflects BRD’s financial stability, strong support from shareholders and pivotal role in advancing Rwanda’s development.
The listing of the third tranche follows a highly successful primary issuance which recorded an oversubscription of 126.2 percent, against the initial target of Rwf 23 billion.
The proposed policy would prevent minors from creating accounts or viewing content on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube while in the country.
The move follows growing global concern about children’s exposure to harmful online content. Similar measures have recently been introduced in other countries.
In Australia, legislation adopted in late 2025 imposes heavy penalties, including fines of up to $34.4 million, on individuals or entities that enable children under 16 to access social media. Indonesia passed a comparable law in March 2026, classifying platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and X as high-risk for minors.
According to research by Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, 46% of children access digital services using mobile phones, either their own or their parents’. While schools provide computers for educational purposes, access is typically restricted.
Minister Paula Ingabire told RBA that between 30% and 35% of children surveyed reported encountering disturbing content online.
“We found that when children are on the internet or social media, particularly platforms like TikTok and YouTube, they are exposed to harmful material, including explicit content and other issues that negatively affect their well-being,” she said.
Ingabire noted that children often possess more advanced digital skills than their parents and teachers, making supervision and protection more challenging.
Currently, Rwanda does not enforce age-based restrictions on social media account creation or content access.
The government is now working on introducing systems, already implemented in other countries, that would block children under 16 from accessing such platforms. The approach will involve collaboration with internet service providers, social media companies, and parents.
“Our objective is to ensure that children under 16 are not able to create accounts or access these platforms,” Ingabire said. “We are working with relevant stakeholders to design a system that can be effectively implemented in Rwanda, as it has been elsewhere, in order to strengthen child protection online.”
Officials say the measure could also help reduce cyber-related crimes and encourage children to engage in more age-appropriate and beneficial activities.
In the meantime, parents are being urged to monitor their children’s screen time and online activity.
*Balancing child protection and digital education*
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana noted that students are already prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school, as they can distract from learning.
Ingabire emphasised that the government remains committed to promoting technology in education, but in a way that safeguards children.
“We want to enhance the quality of education through technology while minimising risks,” she said. “This includes protecting children from online threats and inappropriate content that may affect their development.”
In September 2025, Rwanda introduced a national child online protection policy. The cooperation framework between government agencies and internet service providers to detect and block harmful content, as well as regulatory measures requiring platforms to remove such material.
It also outlines the development of systems to monitor and prevent cybercrime, based on international standards.
In addition, the policy calls for ethical guidelines for technology developers and service providers to ensure their products and services align with national values and prioritise child safety.
However, some experts caution against a blanket ban. Sonia Ruton, Managing Director of Hope for Young, said technology also plays an important role in education.
“A gradual approach is needed,” she said. “Children should first be taught how to use technology responsibly. Online resources like Google and YouTube can help them better understand school subjects, especially complex topics. But their use should be limited to avoid distraction.”
International health guidelines recommend that children under two should not use digital devices; those aged two to five should be limited to about one hour per day with parental supervision; and older children should have moderated screen time.
Ingabire added that the planned rollout of a national digital identification system could make it easier to enforce age-based restrictions online by verifying users’ identities.
The proposed policy would prevent minors from creating accounts or viewing content on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube while in the country.
Rwanda’s foreign exchange reserves are expected to rebound to $2.2 billion in 2026, marking a recovery after a projected decline in 2025, according to the latest economic outlook.
The rebound follows a projected decline in reserves from $2.4 billion in 2024, equivalent to 5.3 months of import cover, to about $1.8 billion in 2025, or 3.7 months of imports.
By 2026, reserves are expected to recover to cover approximately 4.3 months of imports, returning above the widely accepted adequacy threshold of four months. In the years beyond, reserves are projected to stabilise around $2.6 billion, supported by sustained inflows of foreign direct investment and concessional financing.
External pressures and recovery path
The short-term deterioration in Rwanda’s external position is tied to a projected rise in the current account deficit to 13.3 percent of GDP in 2026, up from 12.9 percent in 2025. This reflects strong import demand as the country invests in long-term growth projects.
“This increase is driven by a surge in imports of capital goods, linked to key projects like a new airport, and intermediate goods. While strong export performance and supportive policy measures are projected to improve the current account balance in the near term, gradually,” reads the Annual Economic Report for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
However, the outlook remains optimistic. Strong export performance, particularly in commodities such as coffee and minerals, alongside supportive policy measures, is expected to gradually ease external imbalances.
Recent data shows an improvement in Rwanda’s external position, with the overall balance of payments surplus rising from about $217 million in the Financial Year 2023/24 to $274 million, supported by stronger inflows from exports, investment, and financing.
Gold emerges as a strategic reserve asset
A notable development shaping the forward outlook is Rwanda’s move to diversify its reserves. The National Bank of Rwanda has begun purchasing gold as part of its reserve assets, marking a shift toward strengthening resilience against global financial volatility.
Gold is widely regarded as a stable store of value that does not easily depreciate, especially during periods of currency fluctuations or global uncertainty. By incorporating gold into its reserves, Rwanda is positioning itself to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currency holdings such as the US dollar while enhancing long-term stability.
The central bank is expected to disclose the volume of gold accumulated, a move that could provide further insight into the country’s evolving reserve management strategy.
What it means for the economy
Foreign reserves play a critical role in stabilising the economy. When reserves are sufficient, they enable the country to pay for essential imports, support the national currency, and cushion against external shocks.
If reserves fall too low, the Rwandan franc could come under pressure, making imports more expensive and increasing the cost of living. Conversely, the projected recovery in reserves is expected to help stabilise the exchange rate, contain imported inflation, and support purchasing power.
The central bank also retains the ability to intervene in currency markets using reserves, injecting foreign currency when needed to limit excessive depreciation.
The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has begun purchasing gold as an additional way of building and diversifying its reserves.
Analysts warned that even brief interruptions of passage ripple through global markets and that prolonged instability risks evolving into a broader inflation and growth crisis.
Roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this narrow corridor linking the Gulf to global markets, making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Shocks of this magnitude propagate rapidly through trade, finance and consumption, ultimately affecting household budgets across economies worldwide.
Largest oil supply disruption
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, flows through the Strait of Hormuz have become increasingly volatile.
Data from shipping analytics firms show that prior to the escalation, an average of 45-50 oil tankers transited the strait each day. In the weeks since, that number has dropped by more than half, with fewer than 20 vessels transiting daily, and at times of heightened tension, falling to near zero as shipping temporarily halted.
Russell Hardy, CEO of Vitol, the world’s largest independent oil trader, warned that the market will lose at least 1 billion barrels of crude and refined products due to the crisis.
He noted that sustained attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and repeated closures of the strait have already removed some 12 million barrels per day of production since late February. Analysts expected the global oil market to shift from an expected surplus into a deficit of about 750,000 barrels per day in 2026.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), said the war in the Middle East “is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market,” warning that without a swift resolution, impacts will intensify.
In response, the IEA has coordinated an emergency release of around 400 million barrels from strategic reserves in March, the largest ever, to stabilize markets.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 63 percent in March, surpassing the 46 percent monthly gain recorded in September 1990 during the first Gulf War. Analysts estimate sustained instability could keep Brent crude between 100 and 190 U.S. dollars per barrel, with an average above 130.
Meanwhile, the shock is reshaping global flows. The London-headquartered maritime analytics firm Windward noted that crude shipments are increasingly rerouting toward the Gulf of Mexico, positioning the United States as a key export anchor amid Hormuz disruptions.
U.S. producers could benefit from higher prices, even as import-dependent economies bear the costs, analysts were quoted by Al Jazeera as saying.
“Conflict tax”
If the first layer of impact unfolds in supply, the second is felt in daily life. Reports point to a widening “conflict tax.”
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified energy as the main transmission channel, noting that for fuel-importing economies, rising prices act like a sudden tax on income.
Recent data showed these pressures are increasingly visible at the fuel pump. In the United States, gasoline prices rose by more than 24 percent in March alone, contributing significantly to a surge in retail spending driven largely by higher fuel costs.
In Asia, higher fuel and electricity costs are squeezing manufacturing output and household purchasing power, and in Europe, the crisis revives memories of the 2021-2022 gas shock. British officials warn that elevated food and energy prices could persist for months even after the conflict ends, reflecting delayed inflationary effects.
The real-world impact in other respects is increasingly visible. The war in the Middle East has triggered a sharp rise in air fares, with the lowest-priced economy tickets costing, on average, 24 percent more than a year ago, according to new research from the consultancy Teneo. The report said airspace restrictions linked to the conflict have forced airlines to reroute numerous flights, increasing fuel consumption and pushing up operating costs.
At the micro level, the consequences are equally tangible. In Ethiopia, a wholesale trader told Xinhua that fuel shortages delayed shipments by several days, causing goods to spoil and resulting in financial losses. In Portugal, consumers reported rising grocery bills eroding incomes, reflecting a broader cost-of-living strain.
“Even if the war is far away, the effect reaches people’s daily lives very quickly,” said Tiago Santos, a Brazilian immigrant working as a salesman in Lisbon, Portugal, capturing how geopolitical shocks in energy markets translate into lived economic pressure far beyond the region of conflict.
Structural adjustments
Beyond immediate shocks, analysts have pointed to longer-term changes. Restoring oil production to pre-conflict levels will likely take several months, depending on the extent of damage to oilfields and how smoothly shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.
Even under a relatively constructive scenario, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) analysts estimate that only 2-3 million barrels per day could return in the first month, with another 2-3.5 million barrels per day gradually coming back over the rest of the second quarter. However, they stressed that operational disruptions, damaged infrastructure and export bottlenecks mean the recovery will not be smooth or linear.
At a systemic level, the crisis is accelerating a reconfiguration of global energy and trade networks. Windward reported that alternative logistics patterns, notably overland transport corridors and destination shifts, are becoming increasingly normalized rather than temporary responses.
“This architecture is unlikely to unwind quickly, even if the ceasefire holds,” the report noted, adding that war-risk insurance, backlog pressure, congestion risk and unresolved transit governance mean that the current system has already moved from improvisation into operational normalization.
More broadly, the crisis highlights the vulnerability of maritime chokepoints and is prompting countries to diversify supply sources, expand strategic reserves and rebalance efficiency with resilience in global trade systems.
At the same time, the shock is reshaping the trajectory of the energy transition. Policymakers across regions have called for faster deployment of clean energy to reduce exposure to similar shocks.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has recently urged a rapid, large-scale transition toward renewables. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for speeding up “the integration of low-carbon, home-grown energy” to strengthen energy security.
“This fossil fuel crisis will happen again and again,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. “Sunlight does not depend on narrow and vulnerable shipping straits. Wind blows without massive taxpayer-funded naval escorts.”
Analysts warned that even brief interruptions of passage ripple through global markets and that prolonged instability risks evolving into a broader inflation and growth crisis.
APR VC lost 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 29-27) to Petrojet in their final Group A match played on Monday evening at BK Arena, missing the chance to finish the group stage unbeaten.
The army side found it difficult to break down the Egyptian club, which dominated the opening two sets with identical 25-18 wins. Head coach Sammy Mulinge made tactical adjustments, introducing players including Niyonshima Samuel and resting James Achuil, but APR could not turn the match around. They pushed hard in the third set and came close to forcing a fourth, but eventually fell 29-27.
Despite the loss, APR VC progressed to the knockout stage as third in Group A, behind Uganda’s Nemo Stars and Petrojet Sports Club. Nemo Stars secured top spot after defeating Cameroon’s Litto Team 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-12).
In Group B, Egypt’s Al Ahly finished the preliminary round unbeaten after defeating AS INJS of Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-17).
Rwanda’s Kepler VC also impressed, claiming their fourth victory of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Kenya’s Equity Bank (25-19, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18).
Police VC also maintained a perfect record in Group C, edging Kenya Ports Authority in a five-set thriller to close the group stage unbeaten. The Rwandan side won 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12.
Elsewhere in the same group, Ethiopia’s Wolaitta Dicha Sports Club defeated Tanzania’s Prisons VC 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-22), while Morocco’s Faith Union beat Ghana Army 3-2 (24-26, 25-14, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13).
In Group D, REG VC delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Ghana’s Kabili Sporting, winning 25-19, 25-21, 25-23.
Cameroon’s Port Autonome de Douala also secured a straight-sets win over Kenya’s General Service Unit, taking the match 25-14, 25-22, 25-20.
Teams qualified for the Round of 16
Group A: Nemo Stars, Petrojet, APR VC, Nigeria Customs
Group B: Al Ahly SC, Kepler VC, Sport-S VC, Equity Bank
Group C: Police VC, Faith Union, Ghana Army, Kenya Ports Authority
Group D: Port Autonome de Douala, General Service Unit, REG VC, Kabili Sporting
Round of 16 fixtures
REG VC will face Uganda’s Sport-S VC on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., while Police VC will take on Nigeria Customs at 2:00 p.m. at BK Arena.
Kepler VC will play Kenya’s General Service Unit at 4:00 p.m., while APR VC will face Morocco’s Faith Union at 8:00 p.m.
Full Wednesday fixtures
Nemo Stars vs Kenya Ports Authority
REG VC vs Sport-S VC
Police VC vs Nigeria Customs
Kepler VC vs General Service Unit
Port Autonome de Douala vs Equity Bank
Petrojet SC vs Ghana Army
Al Ahly vs Kabili Sporting
Faith Union vs APR VC
APR VC lost 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 29-27) to Petrojet in their final Group A match played on Monday evening at BK Arena.REG VC secured a win that confirmed its progression, defeating Kabili Sporting of Ghana.There were jubilant scenes among REG VC players following their victory in the match played at Petit Stade in Remera.Kepler VC also secured a place in the Round of 16 after defeating Equity Bank.The only match Kepler VC lost in Group B was against Al Ahly.FRVB President Ngarambe Raphaël followed the match between Kepler VC and Equity Bank.Police VC was the only Rwandan side to go unbeaten in the group stage, winning all its matches.Police VC Team Manager, CSP Jackline Urujeni, was actively supporting her players from the sidelines.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 28, during the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi, the Kenyan Head of State said his comments were misrepresented and were never intended to demean any country.
“I was recorded when I was speaking to fellow citizens somewhere. It was supposed to be a private conversation, but someone decided that it should be public. But they also misrepresented the facts,” he said.
Ruto explained that his remarks were meant to highlight the proficiency of English across African countries, rather than compare or disparage nations.
“The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English. In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator for you to understand the excellent English in Nigeria, so that was the comparison, but someone decided to take it out of context,” he said.
The President further expressed hope that the controversy would not affect relations between Kenya and Nigeria.
“My in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done,” he added, in reference to his family ties with Nigeria. Ruto’s daughter, June Ruto, is married to Nigerian national Alexander Ezenagu.
His clarification came moments after Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, addressed the matter in a light-hearted intervention during the same conference, saying Nigerians had “mandated” him to affirm their command of English.
“The people of Nigeria have mandated me to inform you and assure you that Nigerians speak good English,” Alake said, drawing laughter from delegates.
President Ruto had earlier sparked controversy on Monday, April 23, while addressing Kenyans living in Italy, when he praised Kenya’s education system and English proficiency, contrasting it with Nigeria’s accent.
“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying. You need a translator even when they are speaking English,” he said.
Both Kenya and Nigeria use English as an official language, though each country has developed distinct accents shaped by local languages and cultural influences. Online exchanges between citizens of the two countries are often marked by humour, rivalry, and national pride.
President Ruto explained that his remarks were meant to highlight the proficiency of English across African countries, rather than compare or disparage nations.
The visit, held on April 23, 2026, saw staff tour various sections of the memorial and receive a detailed briefing on how the Genocide was planned and executed. They were also taken through Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey.
The employees later laid wreaths at the burial site where more than 105,000 genocide victims are laid to rest.
The General Manager of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton, Aditya Chacko, encouraged staff, particularly young employees, to uphold values of unity, resilience, and responsibility in their daily work.
“The attitude of Rwandans, your courage, and your ambitions all demonstrate that you have chosen not to be defined by a painful past. I wish you continued progress,” he said.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Rwanda Defence Force, Lt Col Simon Kabera, emphasized the importance of educating young people about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the ideology that led to it.
He urged them to actively counter genocide denial and distortion, particularly on social media platforms widely used by youth.
“Our young people should learn how the Genocide was planned and executed, understand the path it took, and remain vigilant against those who still promote genocidal ideology so that it never happens again,” he said.
He further noted that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is not only a national responsibility but also a shared human duty.
Karambizi Oleg Olivier, an official from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement responsible for strategies against genocide denial and revisionism, called on hotel staff to develop a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history so they can accurately inform visitors.
He noted that, as hospitality workers engaging with many international guests, they have a responsibility not only to provide services but also to ensure visitors receive truthful accounts of Rwanda’s history, especially in cases where misinformation may exist.
Management of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali reiterated their commitment to supporting Rwanda’s development agenda, including contributing to the country’s positioning as a leading tourism destination and supporting economic growth through job creation.
VIDEO: Staff from Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali recently visited the Nyanza Genocide Memorial as part of the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during the visit, Aditya Chacko, CEO of Kigali Marriott Hotel, emphasised… pic.twitter.com/0uVOwJGX2t
Employees of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton paid a visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District The staff toured various sections of the memorial and received a detailed briefing on how the Genocide was planned and executed. They were also taken through Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey.The management and staff of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton paid tribute to the victims laid to rest at the memorial site.The General Manager of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton, Aditya Chacko, encouraged staff, particularly young employees, to uphold values of unity, resilience, and responsibility in their daily work.The employees laid wreaths at the burial site where more than 105,000 genocide victims are laid to rest.
The RDB report published on Tuesday, April 28, indicates that the performance reflects resilient demand despite global uncertainties, supported by strong air travel activity and the continued diversification of tourism products.
Gorilla tourism remained the sector’s leading revenue contributor, increasing by 7 per cent to $248 million (Rwf 361.3 billion), further strengthening its position as Rwanda’s flagship high-value tourism product.
The visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment recorded strong growth of 19 per cent, reaching $180 million (Rwf 262.2 billion), driven by increased regional travel and diaspora visits. Education-related travel also expanded by 17 per cent to $ 64 million (Rwf 93.2 billion), while business travel remained broadly stable at $112 million (Rwf 163.2 billion), the RDB report indicates.
Overall, tourism growth was largely underpinned by air travel revenues, which rose by 9 per cent to $594 million (Rwf 865.4 billion), reflecting improved connectivity and sustained international demand.
Visitor arrivals rise to 1.49 million
According to the RDB data, Rwanda welcomed 1.49 million visitors in 2025, up from 1.36 million in 2024, representing a 9 per cent increase in arrivals. The report attributes the growth mainly to air travel, with air arrivals rising by 23 per cent, while road arrivals increased by 5 per cent, highlighting Rwanda’s continued regional appeal.
Visitor inflows were led by East African Community (EAC) countries and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while arrivals from Europe, North America, Asia, and other African markets continued to expand. Business travel remained the largest segment of arrivals, alongside notable growth in health and education-related travel, reinforcing Rwanda’s positioning as a diversified, year-round destination.
National parks record growth and new attractions
RDB data shows that Rwanda’s national parks recorded 155,394 visits in 2025, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to 2024, supported by a 15 per cent rise in domestic visitation. Park revenues increased by 5.2 per cent to $40.8 million (Rwf 59.4 billion). Volcanoes National Park remained the leading revenue driver, generating $35.8 million (Rwf 52.2 billion), accounting for 87.7 per cent of total park revenues, the report states.
Nyungwe National Park recorded the fastest growth in visitation at 22.8 per cent, driven by new tourism products including a zipline and rope course, which attracted over 6,000 visitors within six months of launch, according to RDB.
Akagera National Park experienced a moderation in visitation following strong previous performance but continued to play a key role in Rwanda’s conservation and wildlife tourism offering, according to RDB.
Domestic tourism continues to expand
The new report indicates that domestic tourism revenues increased by 3.5 per cent to $821,093 (Rwf 1.2 billion) in 2025, while domestic park visits rose by 8.1 per cent to 59,270. Akagera National Park led domestic visitation with 32,932 visitors, followed by Nyungwe with 18,515 and Volcanoes National Park with 7,699 visitors. Gishwati–Mukura National Park continued to serve a niche domestic market.
On the revenue side, Volcanoes National Park generated the highest domestic tourism income at $306,263 (Rwf 446.2 million), followed by Akagera with $278,325 (Rwf 405.5 million) and Nyungwe with $234,337 (Rwf 341.4 million).
Rwanda also expanded its tourism offering through new investments, including Bisate Reserve in Volcanoes National Park, Magashi Peninsula in Akagera, and Munazi Eco Lodge in Nyungwe. Kigali’s hospitality sector also grew with new high-end hotels such as Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, The Pinnacle Kigali, and Zaria Court Kigali.
Tourists visit Akagera National Park. Rwanda’s tourism sector recorded steady growth in 2025, generating $685 million (about Rwf 997.9 billion) in revenue, a 6 per cent increase compared to 2024.Gorilla tourism remained the sector’s leading revenue contributor, increasing by 7 per cent to $248 million (Rwf 361.3 billion), further strengthening its position as Rwanda’s flagship high-value tourism product.
