According to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), titled Statistical Yearbook 2024, the number of registered vehicles in the country increased from 268,537 in 2021 to 330,166 in 2023.
The increase in vehicle imports aligns with the rising demand for permanent driving licenses. Over the past three years, 143,864 residents obtained permanent driving licenses.
The growth reflects a surge in economic activity and an increasing appetite for personal and commercial transportation options.
Motorcycles continue to dominate the registered vehicle market, with registrations increasing from 141,532 in 2021 to 177,187 in 2023. Cars and jeeps followed suit, growing from 43,182 to 51,262 over the same period.
Other categories of vehicles also experienced growth, with buses increasing from 6,213 to 7,142 and trucks from 24,564 to 28,612. Additionally, trailers saw a rise from 2,169 to 2,559, and special equipment vehicles used in construction and agriculture grew from 2,877 to 3,404.
The growth could be attributed to several factors, including improvements in infrastructure, favourable import policies, and a growing middle class.
Regionally, Rwanda’s trade partnerships with the COMESA and SADC blocs have also contributed to this trend. Imports from the COMESA region alone surged from $153.14 million in earlier years to $368.56 million.
However, the increase in motor vehicle imports also presents challenges, particularly concerning urban congestion and environmental impact. The government has been proactive in addressing these issues by promoting the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. Several policy measures are in place to encourage sustainable transport solutions, including tax incentives for environmentally friendly vehicles.
As Rwanda’s economy continues to grow, the demand for motor vehicles is expected to rise further. Policymakers are tasked with ensuring that this growth aligns with the country’s broader goals of sustainability and urban development.
According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the initiative will see 240,000 avocado seedlings planted on 800 hectares and 60,000 mango seedlings planted on 200 hectares nationwide.
The expansion plan targets five districts for avocado cultivation, including Rusizi in the Western Province, Huye and Nyanza in the Southern Province, and Rwamagana and Bugesera in the Eastern Province.
The seedlings will be grafted, a specialized horticultural technique that merges parts of different plants to enhance traits like yield, quality, and resilience.
For mango cultivation, the government will focus on Rusizi and Bugesera, planting across 200 hectares.
In addition to avocados and mangoes, Rwanda plans to scale up macadamia production by planting 102,000 seedlings on 100 hectares in Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Rwamagana districts.
The efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand Rwanda’s production of high-value horticultural crops, including mangoes, avocados, and macadamia, to strengthen the country’s position in global horticultural markets.
Data from NAEB released last year shows that between 2017 and 2022, Rwanda’s avocado export volumes increased from 105.4 metric tons in 2016/2017 to 2,765 metric tons in 2021/2022, while revenues soared from $37,155 to $4,533,801 during the same period.
The Hass and Fuerte avocado types are the three most popular varieties in Rwanda.
Jean Bosco Mulindi, Emerging Commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the plan aims to increase agricultural exports while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“By focusing on high-demand crops like mango, avocado, and patchouli, NAEB continues to drive the growth of Rwanda’s horticulture sector and contribute to the overall development of the country’s agro-export economy,” Mulindi said.
The initiative is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and aims to boost productivity and incomes for farmers while creating valuable job opportunities.
A significant component of the program involves the community-based production of seedlings, with active participation from youth and women’s groups. This inclusive approach is expected to uplift the living standards of participants and their families.
Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, announced the milestone during a press briefing at the company headquarters in Remera on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The company has already registered 1.5 million smartphones enjoying voice over 4G services, with 30% of Voice 3G traffic now switched to the new technology.
The VoLTE service, launched on November 19, offers customers HD-quality voice calls, faster call setups, and the ability to browse data while on a call, without additional charges.
Hamez noted that 4G technology has revolutionized the traditional voice call model by converting voice calls into data, making them more affordable.
“The concept of minutes or duration is no longer valid. Now, voice calls, like sending a photo, consume data, not minutes or seconds. For instance, a one-hour non-stop call equates to 15 megabytes of data. This is a significant shift in the charging model. We’re no longer selling minutes, but data,” the MD explained.
The company expects to reach two million subscribers early next year.
Currently, Airtel Rwanda is working with phone manufacturers like Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno to ensure broader compatibility with the new technology. Hamez expressed optimism about ongoing discussions and expects more smartphones to be supported in the coming months.
To enhance network accessibility, the company has invested $63 million in infrastructure, adding 200 new transmission stations to its network, bringing the total number of stations to over 1,000. This expansion now covers 95% of the Rwandan population.
Airtel Rwanda is the first telco to introduce VoLTE technology in Rwanda. The move aims to improve customer experience and increase market share, which currently stands at 38.1% with 5.5 million subscribers.
With the growing adoption of 4G voice calls, the company plans to phase out 3G technology by the end of 2025 and 2G by the end of 2026, aligning with the government’s National Broadband policy.
The cost of smartphones remains a key challenge during the transition, but Hamez noted that the company would continue to work with other partners to increase access to affordable smartphones in rural and underserved populations.
In October last year, Airtel Africa collaborated with the Rwandan government to introduce the country’s most affordable 4G smartphone as part of the ConnectRwanda initiative.
Priced at 20,000 Rwandan Francs, the budget smartphone comes with a monthly plan of 1,000 Rwandan Francs that includes 1GB of data and unlimited calls daily.
The initiative is aimed at empowering both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with reliable, high-speed connectivity at no upfront cost.
Alexis Kabeja, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda, highlighted the importance of connectivity during the holiday period, a time when businesses are busier than ever.
“The holiday season is a time for staying connected with family, friends, or business networks. It’s also an incredibly busy time for enterprises across the African continent,” he said.
While Rwanda is making significant strides toward digital transformation, over 65% of the population remains offline, posing challenges for businesses during peak periods such as December’s retail rush. Liquid Rwanda’s festive season promotion seeks to address this gap by providing businesses with an opportunity to access cutting-edge internet solutions without the barrier of installation fees.
“This seamless process allows companies to redirect resources toward innovation, resource optimisation, and customer satisfaction during the busy holiday season,” Kabeja added.
The promotion comes as Liquid continues its efforts to expand connectivity across Rwanda. Recent fibre network expansions into regions such as Nyamata, Huye, Muhanga, and Rusizi demonstrate the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusivity for underserved areas.
Beyond the promise of speed, Liquid’s internet services are backed by 24/7 customer support. Businesses will benefit from round-the-clock technical troubleshooting, network monitoring, and on-demand assistance, ensuring uninterrupted operations throughout the festive season and beyond.
Businesses interested in taking advantage of this offer can sign up or inquire further by calling +252100100 or emailing sales@liquidtelecom.rw.
During the event held at Sainte Famille Hotel in Kigali, participants were guided on effective loan utilization to ensure progress in their ventures.
Raissa Muyango, COPEDU PLC’s Managing Director, encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship and leverage the institution’s financial support to advance their projects.
She stated, “Create your businesses and approach us for loans that support your ideas, helping you achieve your dreams.”
Simon Ndayisenga, a representative from the National Bank of Rwanda’s Department of Inclusive Financial Services, emphasized the significance of empowering women as key contributors to family and community development.
He underscored the importance of gender equality in financial access, improved livelihoods, and poverty alleviation, saying, “When you educate a woman, you educate the nation. Financial equality is crucial—laws that previously excluded women and favoured men must be eradicated.”
Ndayisenga also urged beneficiaries to use loans strictly for their intended purposes to avoid financial mismanagement.
Solange Uwingabire, COPEDU PLC’s Head of Business Development, highlighted the institution’s 27-year legacy of providing financial services, including savings, withdrawals, and loans. She called on more women to engage with the institution to meet their financial needs.
The session included training on project selection, compliance with legal frameworks, and responsible loan usage to prevent losses. The topics were delivered by COPEDU leadership and branch staff.
The event, attended by Rwanda’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, representing the Government of Rwanda, along with development partners from the UK and the Netherlands, and Trademark Africa, marked the official commencement of operations for Rubavu Port. The port had been operating under a pilot phase since June 2024 by the consortium of contractors, JV Century Engineering Contractors – Yojaka India.
The state-of-the-art facility in the Nyamyumba Sector, Rubavu District, promises to enhance regional trade connecting all the adjacent towns with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while boosting regional economic exchange opportunities.
Driving this transformative project was EPC Africa Group, through its subsidiary Century Engineering Contractors (CEC). Contracted by Trademark Africa in partnership with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the project was funded by Netherlands-backed Invest International and the UK government, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda.
As a trusted civil engineering and electromechanical contractor, CEC leveraged its expertise in marine construction expertise which allowed it to deliver the two-hectare facility to the global standards.
Speaking during the inauguration of the facility, EPC Africa Group CEO, Ferdy Turasenga said the company managed to deliver the Rubavu Port project on schedule, despite the significant challenges they faced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
“We are very grateful and happy today that we have handed over this historical project, the first of its kind in our country and perhaps in the sub-region of the Great Lakes region. We are thankful to the client.
“We started this project at the beginning of 2020 when COVID just knocked on the door of the world. It was a global shock, but we kept the resilience Spirit to this date,” the CEO remarked during the opening ceremony graced by Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner.
The facility includes two modern terminals, one for cargo and another for passengers. The cargo terminal features advanced infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and two quays capable of simultaneously handling 2X60m length vessels with a capacity of 500 deadweight tons each. The passenger terminal is equipped with modern offices and enhanced security checkpoints.
Rubavu Port is designed to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. It provides an essential waterways link between Rwanda and the DRC, offering a cost-effective alternative to road transport and streamlining cross-border exchanges and trade.
Key commodities such as cement, beverages, and agricultural products are now transported more efficiently, reducing long queues at border delays which is going to benefit passengers and traders.
The pilot phase already demonstrated the port’s impact, with businesses reporting smoother logistics and reduced transport costs. The port has also created employment opportunities, with around 150 workers currently involved in daily operations—a number projected to grow as trading activity increases.
Rubavu Port is part of Rwanda’s ambitious Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which also includes planned facilities in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora. The ports aim to further bolster trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
EPC Africa Group, through its construction arm “Century Engineering Contractors”, is also implementing the Rusizi project, continuing its contribution to Rwanda’s infrastructural transformation.
Beyond its work on Rubavu Port, EPC Africa Group operates several other subsidiaries that contribute to its diverse portfolio. These include Energicotel Plc, which specializes in the development, maintenance, and operation of power plants across Africa; Afrilott, focusing on commodity trading, procurement and logistics; and EPCA Development, which offers expertise in the design, supervision, and maintenance of commercial infrastructure projects, including the construction of modern and low-cost houses.
The program, set to be implemented in partnership with [Gate Consulting Group->https://gateconsulting.rw/], was unveiled during WIFR’s end-of-year dinner in Kigali on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event was organised to reflect on and celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past year.
Dozens of representatives from leading institutions across banking, insurance, and related sectors attended the glamorous and highly interactive dinner. Organisations represented included Bank of Kigali, NCBA, BPR, I&M Bank, EcoBank, Old Mutual, ZEP-Re, One Acre Fund, Rwanda Finance, Access to Finance Rwanda, Urwego Bank, Mayfair Insurance, and Old Mutual among others.
Speaking at the event, Salma Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, praised the partnership with WIFR, saying, “It was an easy collaboration because we both shared the same vision of supporting women’s development.”
According to Nkusi, the mentorship program is designed to bridge leadership gaps by overcoming existing barriers.
“While formal education is invaluable, this program opens up opportunities for employees to network, learn from leaders, and navigate challenges, all while becoming more strategic about their growth,” Nkusi stated.
Nkusi’s decision to pursue a mentorship program, dubbed ‘LiftHerUp’ two years ago, was influenced by her personal career journey as a woman and the valuable lessons she has learned over the years.
“I felt like what I missed, I really want to give it to younger women. One of our key goals is to shift mindsets, helping women realize that they have a voice and can contribute meaningfully at the table,” added the CEO.
In the new partnership, at least 20 women from WIFR’s membership will be onboarded into the nine-month program starting in March 2025. They will benefit from carefully crafted activities and interventions aimed at preparing them for career growth, unlocking their full potential, and building a pipeline of future women leaders.
According to a 2023 report from the World Bank, labour force participation in Rwanda stands at 55.1% for women and 66.4% for men, reflecting a gender gap in employment rates.
Nkusi acknowledged the government’s efforts in increasing women’s participation in the workforce and emphasized the need to boost the number of women in key decision-making positions, particularly in privately owned institutions, where the gap remains huge.
Lina Higiro, the Founding chair of WIFR, encouraged attendees to enrol in the mentorship program as mentors or mentees to build meaningful connections for their career growth.
“Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor,” quipped Higiro, who currently serves as Regional Head of Business Operations at NCBA Group.
Sylvain Nsabimana, Senior Finance Manager at NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC, also encouraged women to take up the challenge. Having mentored young professionals at NCBA, he believes strongly in the benefits of mentorship in scaling and deepening the sector.
“Young women should step up and take on leadership roles, as they are fully capable of leading institutions,” said Nsabimana, who helps manage WIFR’s finances and accounts.
Meanwhile, during the Saturday dinner, 16 young women were recognized for completing courses undertaken in partnership with different institutions including [Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI)->https://www.cisi.org].
Since its launch in 2023, the foundation has extended scholarships to about 50 staff members in the banking sector.
Clarrise Mukantambara, a Loan Officer at BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, expressed her immense joy after successfully completing the scholarship course.
“Thanks to Women in Finance Rwanda and its co-founder Lina Higiro, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my skills and grow professionally. The knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable, and I’m excited to apply it in my career,” shared Mukantambara.
Access to Finance Rwanda CEO, Iyacu Jean Bosco, announced that AFR, part of the [FSD network->https://fsdafrica.org/], will support the WIFR Research project on the State of Women in the Financial Sector in collaboration with the Central Bank (BNR). He emphasized that this initiative would be the first of its kind in Africa. As part of WIFR’s Data Pillar, the research findings will inform policy-making and enhance accountability in the sector.
Building on this momentum, Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers Association, commended the foundation’s efforts and expressed a strong commitment to continued partnership.
The evening’s program also highlighted the work of Belinda Bwiza, co-founder of WIFR, who spearheaded the Mentorship Pillar, further advancing the organization’s mission to empower women in the financial sector.
As a gesture of gratitude, the WIFR leadership extended appreciation tokens to key partners, including the heads of the Rwanda Bankers Association, Access to Finance Rwanda, and IGIHE, for their unwavering support. Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, presented the tokens, while Amanda Musiimire served as the MC for the event.
With nearly 15 member institutions signing the WIFR Gender Diversity Charter—a framework for measuring and monitoring progress annually—the Rwandan financial sector now leads the way in promoting accountability for gender equality.
Officially launched on December 6, 2024, the modern facility is located in Gasabo District’s Kimihurura Sector, Rugando area, near the iconic Kigali Convention Centre.
As Rwanda continues to grow as a regional hub, investors are leveraging opportunities to foster development in key sectors such as tourism. T-Stone Apartment Hotel aims to enhance this momentum, offering premium services tailored to both local and international clientele.
T-Stone Apartment Hotel provides options for short-term and long-term stays, featuring Executive Suites priced at $200 per night or $2,000 per month.
The hotel also offers airport transfer services for international guests, ensuring convenience and seamless experiences.
Guests can enjoy a wide array of amenities, including a sauna and massage centre, a restaurant with affordable dining options, and other features expected of a high-end establishment.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Daniel Niyomugabo, the General Manager of T-Stone Apartment Hotel, emphasised the hotel’s dedication to delivering exceptional service.
“Our unique value lies in delivering quick and high-quality services. While we acknowledge competition in the area, we are set apart by the quality of our offerings and our prime location. We aim to create a standout experience, ensuring efficient and friendly service unlike any other.”
Niyomugabo added that the hotel’s trained staff are committed to ensuring guests receive top-tier service, from the moment they arrive to the time they depart.
Founder and CEO Muhirwa Gashugi expressed the company’s ambition to contribute to Rwanda’s tourism growth, aligning with the government’s efforts to position the country as a premier destination in Africa.
For reservations or inquiries, T-Stone Apartment Hotel can be reached via:
The October 2024 report highlights a significant shift in Rwanda’s import dynamics, with imports from Kenya soaring to $121.45 million—a staggering 241.55% increase compared to September 2024 and a 361.43% rise year-on-year.
The growth propelled Kenya to the second spot among Rwanda’s top import partners, contributing 19.29% of total imports.
Meanwhile, Tanzania experienced a notable decline, with its exports to Rwanda plummeting by 39.04% month-on-month to $57.38 million, representing just 9.11% of Rwanda’s total imports.
Tanzania’s sharp drop from its previously dominant position indicates a significant shift in Rwanda’s import landscape, as it has long been Rwanda’s primary partner due to its geographical proximity and the role of the Dar es Salaam port.
Kenya’s performance has been attributed to increased trade in key commodities such as food products and manufactured goods, sectors in which it is highly competitive. By contrast, Tanzania’s decline reflects reduced trade volumes in categories like crude materials and other traditional export items.
China remains Rwanda’s top import partner, supplying $142.08 million worth of goods in October 2024. However, Kenya’s surge underscores its growing role in the regional trade landscape.
The shift also highlights Kenya’s robust trade infrastructure and strong bilateral relations with Rwanda. Enhanced trade agreements, improved logistics, and competitive pricing are likely contributing factors to Kenya’s rise.
Other notable import partners include India, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Malaysia, Belgium, Egypt, and Japan.
In the export market, the United Arab Emirates led as the largest destination, accounting for 67.44% of exports, despite a 15% month-on-month decline. Other notable export partners include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Luxembourg, and Uganda.
In October 2024, Rwanda’s trade deficit stood at $363.65 million, reflecting a 7.37% decrease compared to September 2024 but an 11.89% increase compared to October 2023.
Rwanda’s total exports displayed a mixed performance during the same month. While exports declined by 12.29% month-on-month, they showed a remarkable 45.49% increase year-on-year. Domestic exports followed a similar pattern, with a 15.75% month-on-month decline but an impressive 61.81% rise year-on-year. Meanwhile, re-exports recorded modest growth, increasing by 1.63% month-on-month and 8.87% year-on-year.
Among export sectors, animal and vegetable oils, fats, and waxes stood out with exceptional growth, registering a 42.43% increase month-on-month and a staggering 6347.55% increase year-on-year. Similarly, miscellaneous manufactured articles performed strongly, growing by 23.76% month-on-month and 57.26% year-on-year.
On the imports side, total imports experienced a slight decline of 1.92% month-on-month but rose significantly by 23.99% year-on-year. The food and live animals category contributed notably to this growth, increasing by 19.21% month-on-month and 22.00% year-on-year. Additionally, chemicals and related products exhibited robust performance, with imports rising by 21.42% month-on-month and 35.15% year-on-year.
Located in the vibrant Remera neighbourhood, the hotel opened its doors in 2014 and has since become a key player in the country’s hospitality sector, helping shape the experience of both travellers and business professionals.
Since its inception, Grand Legacy Hotel has been committed to providing world-class accommodation, hosting international conferences, and offering a wide range of amenities. These include two restaurants, a gym, aerobics facilities, a steam room, sauna, massage services, and a pool for guests to enjoy.
The hotel has also established itself as a trusted venue for events, offering catering services for meetings and private parties, ensuring guests’ needs are met with unparalleled hospitality.
With 43 rooms, including 33 superior rooms, and exclusive facilities for business conferences and meetings, Grand Legacy Hotel has earned a stellar reputation for its professional and welcoming service. The hotel has hosted over 3,000 guests at notable events, such as the African Development Bank’s Annual Meeting, earning accolades from both customers and international organizations.
In 2015, just one year after opening, the hotel won the prestigious “Best 2nd Hotel for Excellent Service” award at the Gateway Tourism Expo in Nairobi, surpassing some of the world’s largest hotel chains. This recognition was followed by glowing reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Booking.com, where the hotel earned praise for its exceptional service and guest satisfaction.
Reflecting on this milestone, Christian Ndagijimana, CEO of Grand Legacy Hotel, said, “When we started, there were few hotels in Rwanda. Our goal was to contribute to the development of the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made. Today, we’ve seen our hotel grow in both reputation and clientele, and we look forward to continuing our support for Rwanda’s tourism industry for years to come.”
François Nsengimana, Development Manager at Salvation Army and one of the hotel’s most loyal clients, expressed his satisfaction with the hotel’s services, saying, “Grand Legacy Hotel is a modern establishment with professional staff who pay attention to every detail. Its location—close to the airport and Kigali’s key attractions—makes it an ideal place for both business and leisure.”
To celebrate this significant achievement, Grand Legacy Hotel will host a special anniversary event at its premises in Remera on December 6, 2024.
The event will bring together local dignitaries, loyal clients, business partners, and media representatives to reflect on the hotel’s journey and future endeavours.
During the event, the management will unveil plans to expand its offerings with a new eco-friendly resort on Nkombo Island, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to environmental sustainability and Rwanda’s tourism development.
Looking ahead, Grand Legacy Hotel plans to continue expanding its influence on both the local and international hospitality landscape. With several new projects in the pipeline and an unwavering dedication to excellence, the hotel is poised to play an integral role in shaping the future of Rwanda’s tourism industry.
