Category: Business

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Infrastructure, Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, after the price of diesel rose by Rwf722 per litre, from Rwf2,205 to Rwf2,927, largely due to rising international fuel prices.

Diesel price hikes typically lead to higher transport costs, as most buses and public transport vehicles operating in Rwanda run on diesel.

However, Uwihanganye assured commuters that transport fares would remain unchanged.

“Public transport buses will continue purchasing diesel at the previous price because the Government will provide a subsidy. We have worked with fuel station operators and transport companies to make this possible. The objective is to ensure that the benefit reaches ordinary citizens,” he said during an interview with RadioTV1.

He added that transport fares would remain stable across the country, including in Kigali and the provinces, because the main factor that would ordinarily drive fare increases has been addressed.

“The cost of transport will not increase anywhere in the country, whether in Kigali or upcountry,” he said.
Uwihanganye also noted that businesses are being encouraged to adapt to the changing fuel market and consider investing in electric vehicles as part of long-term efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Claudien Habimana, Chief Executive Officer of Société Pétrolière (SP), one of Rwanda’s leading petroleum importers and distributors, confirmed to IGIHE that fuel companies had been informed about the subsidy plan, although it has not yet been implemented as authorities finalize operational details.

“The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority [RURA] is still holding discussions with bus operators. Once they reach an agreement, we will receive guidance on how the system will work,” Habimana said.

“For now, public transport operators are paying the market price because we have not yet received official instructions. The discussions are ongoing, and we expect the framework to be finalized within the next few days.”

According to Habimana, RURA is preparing regulations that will determine how the diesel subsidy for public transport operators will be administered.

He explained that several options can be considered. Under one model, fuel stations could sell diesel to bus operators at the subsidized rate of Rwf2,205 per litre and later claim reimbursement from the Government. Another option would require transport companies to pay the full market price and then seek reimbursement through the subsidy scheme.

“If the proposal is approved, we could receive payment after deducting the subsidy and then recover the difference from the Government. Alternatively, bus operators could pay the full amount and later apply for reimbursement. Discussions are still ongoing regarding the most practical approach,” Habimana said.

On July 5, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority announced new fuel prices, maintaining petrol at Rwf2,938 per litre while increasing diesel from Rwf2,205 to Rwf2,927 per litre.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva recently revealed that without government intervention, the price of diesel could have reached Rwf3,581 per litre.

The recent surge in global fuel prices has largely been attributed to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route through which around 20 percent of the world’s daily oil supply passes.

During the five-day period, Rwanda exported a total of 10,154 tonnes of agricultural and livestock products to international markets.

Coffee exports accounted for 288 tonnes, generating about Rwf2.1 billion. Tea exports exceeded 1,000 tonnes and earned Rwf4.2 billion, making it one of the top-performing export products during the period.

Vegetable exports reached 316 tonnes, bringing in more than Rwf630 million, while fruits totaled 462 tonnes and earned over Rwf454 million.

Flowers exported during the same period amounted to 14 tonnes and generated about Rwf113 million.

Other agricultural products, including tubers, legumes, cereals and related crops, made up the largest share with 7,795 tonnes exported, earning about Rwf.6 billion.

Livestock and animal products contributed 270 tonnes, bringing in more than Rwf565 million.

Officials said Rwanda’s main export destinations included the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and several countries across Africa.

During this period, the park received more than 11,700 visitors, with Rwandan tourists accounting for the largest share. The figures highlight continued growth in domestic tourism and the park’s rising appeal.

Park authorities attribute this growth to the presence of the “Big Five” species, lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, as well as ongoing conservation efforts and tourism promotion campaigns, including the Visit Rwanda initiative.

Compared to the same period in 2025, revenue increased by 8%, with earnings from tourism and related commercial activities reaching approximately $1.33 million.

National Geographic further boosted the park’s global profile by listing Akagera among the 25 must-visit destinations in the world for 2026, citing its exceptional biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

Local communities benefit from tourism revenue

Communities surrounding Akagera National Park also reported significant earnings during the first quarter of 2026, collectively generating over $168,220 through conservation-linked income-generating activities.

Fishing groups earned $59,770, while beekeepers made $17,309. Income from crafts, poultry farming, and accommodation services totaled $16,998.

In addition, local tour guides earned $31,922, and cooperatives involved in construction and casual labor generated $42,227. These figures reflect the growing role of community participation in conservation-based tourism.

Wildlife monitoring strengthened with technology

Akagera’s wildlife continues to roam freely within its open ecosystem, meaning animal sightings vary across time and location.

Between January and March 2026, conservation teams fitted GPS collars on three lions and one elephant to enhance tracking and research efforts. In addition, 17 black rhinos were equipped with VHF transmitters attached to their horns to support monitoring and protection efforts.

Established in 1934, Akagera National Park spans 1,122 square kilometers and is one of Rwanda’s most biodiverse protected areas. It is home to more than 11,300 recorded animals, including approximately 60 lions, 142 elephants, 4,000 buffaloes, 115 giraffes, between 80 and 100 leopards, and 145 rhinos.

Other species include around 2,000 impalas, 1,500 antelopes, and between 120 and 150 hyenas. The park also supports an estimated 1,500–1,800 hippos, 1,000 waterbucks, and over 1,000 additional antelope species.

Akagera is also a major birding destination, hosting about 500 bird species, the highest number recorded in any national park in Rwanda. By comparison, Nyungwe National Park hosts around 300 species, while Gishwati and Volcanoes National Parks have fewer.