From Monday to Friday, courts publicly display the names of defendants scheduled to appear, whether in custody or released, depending on the judge’s decision or the nature of the charges.
The general principle of justice is that suspects should stand trial without being held in detention.
However, in the 2024/25 judicial year, pre-trial detention and bail cases were significant. Courts handled 16,310 such cases involving 21,855 individuals.
Of these, judges ordered 10,358 to remain in pre-trial detention, while 6,490 were released on bail. Additionally, 1,539 individuals had their detention extended, 139 were subjected to specific judicial measures, and six were determined to have been unlawfully detained.
By the end of the judicial year 2024/25, which closed in June 2025, Rwandan courts had received over 106,000 cases, of which 74,835 — representing 70% — were criminal cases.
A report released on September 1, 2025, shows that theft was the most common crime handled by the courts, appearing in 13,956 cases. It was followed by assault and battery with 10,948 cases.
Another highly reported crime was child defilement, with 6,124 cases, while drug-related offenses appeared in 5,590 files, and the use of weapons or threats appeared in 3,194.
Other frequently prosecuted crimes included fraud (2,649 cases), unintentional bodily harm (2,497 cases), domestic violence (2,034 cases), homicide (1,780 cases), and obtaining another person’s property by deception (1,659 cases).
{{Why do some crimes remain dominant?}}
For more than five years, these ten categories of crime have consistently topped Rwanda’s criminal court dockets.
According to lawyer Ibambe Jean Paul of H-I Lex Partners, some crimes are interconnected in ways that make offenders likely to commit several of them.
“Take drug abuse, for instance. Once a person is under the influence, they are highly likely to engage in other crimes. They are the ones who fight, who assault and injure others, and may end up committing sexual offenses such as defilement. No person in a sound state of mind would simply decide to commit such acts. This is not unique to Rwanda — it’s the same everywhere.” he explained.
He further noted that those who commit armed robbery are often the same who use intimidation to achieve their criminal goals.
Lawyer Ibambe added that the apparent rise in certain crimes does not always mean society is becoming more criminal, but rather that law enforcement has improved its capacity to detect and prosecute them.
“Sometimes it doesn’t mean that crimes are increasing in number. What increases is citizens’ awareness about elements constituting a crime and their willingness to report it. Authorities have also enhanced their ability to detect even cases that might otherwise remain hidden. In some instances, the figures rise, but that’s also because investigative and prosecutorial capacity has expanded,” he explained
{{The prosecution’s record}}
The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) reported that in 2024/25 it received 78,489 case files, processing more than 75,000. Out of these, 42,279 were taken to court while 33,453 were archived.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, prosecutors litigated 42,378 cases, winning 39,498 — a success rate of 93.2%.
In specific crimes such as child defilement, prosecutors won 74% of cases compared to 65% in the previous year.
Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana recently said that the institution had intensified its focus on handling sexual offenses against children, aiming for their complete eradication.
“We have increased efforts in processing cases of child defilement, domestic violence, and sexual assault,” she said.
In these three categories combined, prosecutors received 8,169 files, processed 7,780 (95%), and secured convictions in 83% of cases.
{{Youth remain a key concern}}
Data shows that the majority of prisoners in Rwanda are young people, most of them convicted of drug abuse, theft, and related crimes.
“Globally, crimes like drug use and petty theft are most prevalent among youth. Once someone abuses drugs, they may fight without reason, act irrationally, and eventually get trapped in crime,” Lawyer Ibambe emphasized.
He also highlighted the risks posed by idleness: “Young people who spend their days idle are more likely to drift into crime. The solution lies in keeping them engaged — some in schools, others in work opportunities. When they lack jobs or prospects, they are vulnerable to substance abuse and, eventually, criminal behavior.”
Residents reported intense shooting in the city, near Lake Tanganyika, from around 8 p.m. on September 5, 2025. The clashes involved AK-47 rifles and machine guns.
Sources indicate that the Wazalendo fighters engaged in the shootout with FARDC were members of a unit led by “General” John Makanaki, which has long been active in South Kivu.
Since September 2, 2025, Wazalendo fighters have staged major demonstrations in Uvira, demanding the removal of Brig Gen Olivier Gasita, a FARDC officer whom they accuse of being Rwandan. Their suspicions are based on his identity as a Munyamulenge, an ethnic minority group in eastern DRC.
The unrest has paralyzed life in the city. Wazalendo closed the main highway, disrupted economic activities, and vowed to continue until Brig Gen Gasita was removed from Uvira.
On September 5, 2025, Uvira’s interim mayor, Kifara Kapenda Kik’v, convened a meeting aimed at defusing tensions. It was attended by Wazalendo leaders, including Makanaki and “General” William Amuri Yakutumba. However, the talks failed, and protests continued.
Yakutumba insisted that Brig Gen Gasita must leave Uvira. Makanaki warned that if the general had not departed by September 8, his fighters would shut down the DRC–Burundi border and block the port of Uvira on Lake Tanganyika.
Yakutumba firmly stated during the tense meeting, “We do not want the commander sent here, Gen Gasita, in Uvira.”
The FARDC spokesperson, Maj Gen Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, had earlier urged Wazalendo to accept Brig Gen Gasita, stressing that the General appointed by the head of state had never betrayed the country.
He also said the United States will host next year’s G20 at his golf club, Trump National Doral, near Miami.
“It’s right next to the airport. It’s the best location. It’s beautiful,” he told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that his family business “will not make any money on it.”
During his first term in 2019, Trump abandoned a plan to use his Doral resort as the host site for the G7 summit in 2020, following bipartisan criticism that it could benefit him financially and violate the Constitution.
The order would authorize the Department of Defense, the secretary of defense and subordinate officials to use secondary titles such as “Department of War,” “Secretary of War,” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official correspondence and public communications, according to a White House fact sheet.
It also instructs Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to recommend actions, including legislative and executive actions, to make the renaming permanent. A full legal change would still require congressional approval.
“Defense is too defensive,” Trump said in the Oval Office last month. “And we want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be. So, it just sounded to me like a better name.”
Hegseth had argued that changing the name is “not just about words — it’s about the warrior ethos.” Critics warned it could incur high costs and distract from security priorities.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim said the renaming was a childish idea, adding: “Americans want to prevent wars, not tout them,” according to a BBC report.
The Department of War, created in 1789, directed the U.S. Army and oversaw the country’s military through both World Wars before being consolidated into the Department of Defense in the late 1940s.
The event brought together leaders from the entertainment, sports, business, science, and conservation sectors, reflecting the growing global recognition of Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Distinguished guests included Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame; Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva; Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean Guy Afrika; and the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde.
This year, 40 baby gorillas were named, with several names chosen by prominent figures from around the world. International celebrities and global leaders—ranging from actors and musicians to sports icons and conservation advocates—participated in the naming, using their influence to shine a spotlight on Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the country’s commitment to wildlife protection.
Among the named gorillas were 18 born in 2024, whose naming had been delayed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. Families represented at the ceremony included Muhoza, Kwitonda, Matsiko Cyuzuzo, Kwisanga, Pablo, and others, highlighting the thriving diversity of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population.
Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is more than a symbolic gesture. It celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements, the essential role of local communities in protecting biodiversity, and the survival story of endangered mountain gorillas.
Below is the full list of the 40 named gorillas and the meaning behind their names:
{{1. Mushumbamwiza
}}
Mushumbamwiza is a male baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, born on October 19, 2024, to Igihembo. His name means “good shepherd” and was given by Alliance Umwizerwa, Gorilla Research Assistant at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
{{2. Unguka
}}
Unguka is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on July 26, 2024, to Ruhuka. His name means “gain.” He was named by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, a field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors.
{{3. Rufatiro
}}
Rufatiro is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on November 2, 2024, to Umwe. His name means “foundation.” He was named by Dieudonné Gato, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
{{4. Amahitamo
}}
Amahitamo is a male from the Mutobo family, born on April 27, 2024, to Ishyaka. His name means “choice.” He was named by Théogène Bimenyimana, Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
{{5. Tsinda
}}
Tsinda, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on June 1, 2025, to Magayane. The name means “win.” Tsinda was named by Brenda Umutoni, a ranger at Volcanoes National Park.
{{6. Atete
}}
Atete is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 28, 2023, to Akariza. Her name means “to receive affection.” She was named by Leonard Nsengiyumva, Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
{{7. Umutoni
}}
Umutoni is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 6, 2024, to Rwunguko. Her name means “favourite.” She was named by Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
{{8. Kwihangana
}}
Kwihangana, whose sex is unknown, is from the Kwisanga family, born on March 16, 2025, to Aheza. The name means “patience.” Kwihangana was named by Naume Mukabarisa, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
{{9. Ogera
}}
Ogera’s details were not disclosed during the ceremony. The name means “popular.” This baby was named by Khaby Lame, a globally renowned content creator and social media personality.
{{10. Burere
}}
Burere is a female from the Muhoza family, born on October 3, 2024, to Iriba. Her name means “upbringing.” She was named by Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, a German artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation.
{{11. Ntarungu
}}
Ntarungu is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 29, 2024, to Gahuza. Her name means “companionship” or “enthusiastic.” She was named by His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of WWF Malaysia.
{{12. Mwizerwa
}}
Mwizerwa is a female from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on April 20, 2024, to Umuco. Her name means “reliable.” She was named by Professor Senait Fisseha, MD, JD, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and Chief Advisor to the WHO.
{{13. Impuguke
}}
Impuguke is a female from the Kwisanga family, born on July 21, 2024, to Ahazaza. Her name means “expert.” She was named by Sang-Hyup Kim, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute.
{{14. Rugwiro
}}
Rugwiro is a male from the Pablo family, born on January 22, 2024, to Ubukombe. His name means “hospitable.” He was named by David S. Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International.
{{15. Tekana
}}
Tekana is a female from the Isimbi family, born on December 24, 2023, to Africa. Her name means “feel secure.” She was named by Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger.
{{16. Ntavogerwa
}}
Ntavogerwa is a male from the Agashya family, born on December 14, 2024, to Inyungu. His name means “untouchable.” He was named by Charlie Mayhew, Co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust.
{{17. Nyunganizi
}}
Nyunganizi is a male from the Mutobo family, born on November 18, 2024, to Akamaro. His name means “supporter” or “helper.” He was named by Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer, Nyungwe National Park.
{{18. Umurage
}}
Umurage, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on May 22, 2024, to Umoja. The name means “heritage.” Umurage was named by Michael Bay, an award-winning American film director and producer.
{{19. Rwogere
}}
Rwogere is a female from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 1, 2025, to Karema. Her name means “famous.” She was named by Michelle Yeoh Todt, internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
{{20. Garuka
}}
Garuka is a male from the Kwisanga family, born on October 18, 2024, to Nchili. His name means “return.” He was named by Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), an internationally acclaimed Burundian singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
{{21. Rubuga
}}
Rubuga is a male from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2024, to Twitabweho. His name means “platform.” He was named by Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal legend and CEO of GFBiochemicals.
{{22. Ruvugiro
}}
Ruvugiro is a male from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 19, 2025, to Gukina. His name means “platform.” He was named by Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety and former President of FIA.
{{23. Mwungeri
}}
Mwungeri is a female from the Isimbi family, born on August 9, 2025, to Ejoheza. Her name means “shepherd.” She was named by Matthew Harris, Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock.
{{24. Iwacu
}}
Iwacu, whose sex is unknown, is from the Isimbi family, born on May 15, 2024, to Isura. The name means “our home.” Iwacu was named by Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’), Rwandan-American vocalist, composer, and playwright.
{{25. Kundwa
}}
Kundwa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Igisha family, born on May 1, 2025, to Imbaga. The name means “loved.” She was named by Yemi Alade, a Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter.
{{26. Tengarama
}}
Tengarama is a male from the Amahoro family, born on August 1, 2023, to Mudahinyuka. His name means “be safe and sound.” He was named by Reed Oppenheimer, Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation.
{{27. Cyubahiro
}}
Cyubahiro is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 12, 2024, to Igitangaza. Her name means “respect” or “honour.” She was named by Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Founder and Chairperson of Imbereheza Gahunga.
{{28. Rwandanziza
}}
Rwandanziza is a male from the Igisha family, born on September 4, 2023, to Twongere. His name means “beautiful Rwanda.” He was named by Dr. Edward Hult, CEO of Education First North America.
{{29. Muvugizi
}}
Muvugizi is a female from the Isimbi family, born on March 22, 2024, to Rwandarushya. Her name means “advocate.” She was named by Suzanne Sinegal, Co-founder and President of Rwanda Girls Initiative & Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology.
{{30. Mpinganzima
}}
Mpinganzima is a female from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2023, to Ikirezi. Her name means “futuristic.” She was named by Gagan Gupta, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and builder of Africa’s green future.
{{31. Rugano
}}
Rugano is a male from the Isimbi family, born on March 12, 2024, to Dukundane. His name means “bamboo.” He was named by Camille Rebelo, Founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo.
{{32. Iraba
}}
Iraba is a female from the Amahoro family, born on September 26, 2024, to Ihame. Her name means “ornament pattern.” She was named by Luis Garcia, Atlético de Madrid legend and ESPN football analyst.
{{33. Amahumbezi
}}
Amahumbezi, whose sex is unknown, is from the Agashya family, born on January 13, 2025, to Munezero. The name means “gentle breeze.” He was named by Bacary Sagna, an Arsenal legend.
{{34. Izere
}}
Izere is a male from the Titus family, born on November 16, 2024, to Agaseke. His name means “hope.” He was named by Xi Zhinong, renowned Chinese wildlife photographer and Founder of “Wild China” film.
{{35. Shyamba
}}
Shyamba, whose sex is unknown, is from the Musilikale family, born on January 16, 2025, to Ubufatanye. The name means “forest.” Shyamba was named by Lee Ehmke, conservation leader and former President & CEO of Houston Zoo.
{{36. Cyerekezo
}}
Cyerekezo is a female from the Musilikale family, born on January 8, 2025, to Izihirwa. Her name means “vision.” She was named by Susan Chin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement, Wildlife Conservation Society.
{{37. Nkomoko
}}
Nkomoko is a female from the Ntambara family, born on February 3, 2024, to Tegereza. Her name means “origin.” She was named by Ruth Fisher, Corporate Attorney and President of Pereg Holdings.
{{38. Higa
}}
Higa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Ntambara family, born on February 23, 2025, to Nsanganira. The name means “commit.” Higa was named by Vivien Ressler, creative and philanthropist.
{{39. Terimbere
}}
Terimbere is a male from the Igisha family, born on December 3, 2023, to Ikigera. His name means “progress.” He was named by Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children, Nyaruguru District.
{{40. Ogera
}}
Ogera was named virtually by Khaby Lame, TikTok sensation and one of the world’s most-followed social media personalities, emphasising Rwanda’s commitment to linking conservation with global culture.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, speaking at the event in the foothills of the park in Kinigi, Musanze District, highlighted the ambitious plan, emphasising that it will not only safeguard the critically endangered mountain gorillas but also uplift surrounding communities.
The ceremony, which named 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total to 438 since 2005, served as a vibrant backdrop to Rwanda’s conservation vision. Dozens of high-profile individuals from various fields, including conservation, attended the naming ceremony.
“Rwanda is honoured to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas, which are not only a global treasure but also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation,” Prime Minister Nsengiyumva declared.
“But success brings new challenges. As the gorilla families grow, we must expand their habitat,” he added.
The government plans to increase the park’s size from its current 160 square kilometres by approximately 37.4 square kilometres (3,740 hectares), a move expected to support a 15-20% increase in the gorilla population and reduce infant mortality by 50%.
This expansion, supported by partnerships with organisations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the World Bank through its Volcanoes Community Resilience Project (VCRP), aims to reduce rising conflicts between gorilla groups caused by limited space, which can sometimes result in the death of young gorillas.
PM Nsengiyumva framed the expansion as a testament to Rwanda’s model of community-centred conservation, which has helped the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif grow.
“The story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration. Years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain. Today, we are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif,” he stated.
The Prime Minister called on the international community to join Rwanda in this ambitious project, emphasising the shared responsibility to protect biodiversity.
“When we stand united, no mountain is too high to climb,” he said, drawing a parallel between the gorillas’ perseverance and humanity’s challenges.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), echoed the Prime Minister’s commitment, emphasising Rwanda’s conservation achievements and their economic impact.
“In 2024, the sector generated 647 million dollars, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over 200 million dollars,” Afrika noted.
He credited Rwanda’s robust legal and policy framework, including biodiversity laws and a tourism revenue-sharing program that allocates 10% of park revenues to local development, for transforming communities.
“Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes, and agricultural hubs,” he said, underscoring the synergy between conservation and community empowerment.
The expansion at Volcanoes National Park will include a buffer zone to minimise human-wildlife conflict, with over 3,400 resettled families gaining access to better housing, social infrastructure, and eco-tourism opportunities, creating an estimated 17,000 new jobs.
The milestone event drew more than 30 influential figures from around the globe, who joined Rwandans in honouring the country’s conservation achievements. First Lady Jeannette Kagame was among the high-ranking officials who attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
American film director Michael Bay, Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna, actress Michelle Yeoh Todt, former FIA President Jean Todt, PSG legend Javier Pastore, Nigerian Afropop star Yemi Alade, and leaders from global conservation organisations were among the distinguished participants who named the young gorillas.
Bay named one baby gorilla Umurage, meaning “heritage,” while Alade named hers Kundwa, meaning “loved.”
“As a movie director, I am going to make him a famous gorilla movie star,” Bay remarked.
Reflecting on the moment, Alade said:
“As the first daughter of her mother, I know the responsibility of this role. It cannot be replaced because there is only one first daughter. The minute I laid my eyes on beautiful Kundwa, it was love at first sight. I feel grateful to the guides and trackers who spent hours locating the gorilla family. Their dedication allowed us to be welcomed into this family, and I love my baby Kundwa.”
The ceremony, held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, came alive with traditional dances and vibrant attire, as the namers dressed in dark green blended with other colourful hues, celebrated alongside the locals.
Among the other prominent “namers” were Princess Ingeborg Zu Schleswig-Holstein, Prince Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Professor Senait Fisseha, Sang-Hyup Kim, David S. Marriott, Dr Yin Ye, Charlie and Caroline Mayhew, Claver Ntoyinkima, Matthew Harris, Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), Mathieu Flamini, Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’), Reed Oppenheimer, Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Dr Edward Hult, Suzanne Sinegal, Gagan Gupta, Camille Rebelo, Luis Garcia, Xi Zhinong, Lee Ehmke, Susan Chin, Ruth Fisher, Vivien Ressler, and Jean de Dieu Niyonzima.
Virtual participants included TikTok sensation Khaby Lame and a team of rangers and researchers from the Volcanoes National Park and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
In his address, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the global significance of the event:
“Today, we celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas but also conservation, communities, and the extraordinary power of nature to unite people from all corners of the world… Thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of conservationists, and the commitment of our communities, mountain gorillas have come back from the brink. Today, there are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif.”
The Prime Minister also affirmed a bold plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25%, ensuring future generations of gorillas have secure habitats while simultaneously improving local livelihoods.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika described Kwita Izina as a symbol of the country’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage and uplifting communities.
“This year, we celebrate 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total named since 2005 to 438. Kwita Izina is more than a ceremony—it is a global movement that combines conservation, community empowerment, and tourism, which in 2024 generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million.”
“Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes and agricultural hubs across the country,” he added.
He added that Rwanda’s conservation achievements extend beyond gorillas, noting the reintroduction of lions and rhinos to Akagera National Park and the 2025 translocation of 70 white rhinos—the world’s largest such effort.
Governor of the Northern Province Maurice Mugabowagahunde welcomed participants and thanked the Head of State for safeguarding Volcanoes National Park. He noted that communities surrounding the park had benefited from over 695 projects funded through the tourism revenue-sharing program, with investments exceeding Frw 6 billion across 12 sectors.
“Residents appreciate the important project to expand Volcanoes National Park, which we believe will further boost tourism. Hosting the Kwita Izina ceremony here in the Northern Province is a great source of pride for our region,” he said.
The figures were released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) during the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition that opened in Kigali on 4 September 2025.
The meeting has brought together more than 1,600 aviation stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing the industry.
IATA’s report “The Value of Air Transport to Rwanda,” which covered the year 2023, highlighted the value of air transport to Rwanda, showing that the sector directly supports over 29,000 jobs nationwide.
This includes employment created by airlines, airports, on-site businesses, air navigation services, and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
The report further noted that more than 2,900 people are directly employed in Rwanda’s aviation sector, generating $8.9 million, equivalent to 0.1% of GDP.
Overall, the air transport value chain contributed $160.2 million (1.1% of GDP) and supported 42,000 jobs through supply chains, employee spending, and tourism-related activities.
Every year, international visitors are estimated to contribute nearly $688 million to Rwanda’s economy through purchases of goods and services from local businesses.
The report also underscored aviation’s critical role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating: “Air transport contributes to quality education, social and family connectivity, cultural exchange, and community development. By working together, nations can expand productivity, promote sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty.”
In 2023, Rwanda’s airports handled around 16,500 tonnes of cargo, while 95% of all passenger traffic was international, amounting to 447,400 trips. Domestic flights accounted for just 5%.
Regionally, 56% of Rwandan travelers flew within Africa, 21% to Europe, and 12% to North America. The top 10 destinations were Nairobi, Kampala, Brussels, Johannesburg, Dubai, Lagos, Paris, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, and London.
Since 2014, Rwanda’s international air connectivity has grown by 23% within Africa and by 326% with the rest of the world.
Passenger flow data shows that 66% of travelers either ended their journey in Rwanda or continued by road and other transport modes, while 34% transited through Kigali International Airport to other destinations.
Looking ahead, RwandAir is projected to carry 1.2 million passengers by 2026, up from 1 million in 2023/2024. By 2028/2029, passengers are expected to reach 2.1 million, supported by a fleet expansion to 21 aircrafts.
However, Rwanda’s exports declined by 2.95% in July 2025 compared to June, and by 55.11% year-on-year. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained the leading export destination, accounting for $38.65 million or 35.3% of total exports.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranked second with imports worth $34.68 million (31.67%), followed by China, which imported goods valued at $1.36 million (11.29%).
Imports into Rwanda also fell, dropping by 10.75% in July 2025 compared to June, and by 32.2% year-on-year. China was the country’s largest source of imports, supplying goods worth $95.94 million (23.23%).
Tanzania followed with $46.9 million (11.36%), while Kenya supplied $35.94 million (8.7%).
The UAE accounted for $35.73 million or 8.65% of Rwanda’s imports in July, while imports from India were valued at $25.29 million, representing 6.12% of the total.
Speaking at the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Makolo emphasised that despite progress under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), market access remains uneven across the continent.
“Even with countries that are signatories to SAATM, we still face challenges gaining access to some points, which is frustrating,” she said.
Makolo also highlighted the airline’s ongoing fleet expansion, noting the addition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft and an expected Airbus A330 by the end of the year.
“Availability of aircraft, spare parts, and engines is increasingly tough, especially for smaller carriers competing against larger airlines,” she said.
The RwandAir CEO also spoke about the airline’s preparation for the upcoming Bugesera International Airport, expected to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of around $2 billion.
“We are looking as an airline to grow. We have the new airport that’s coming up in the next two and a half years. And in order to grow, we need to make sure we’re ready for that growth,” she said.
The first phase of the new Bugesera International Airport is planned to handle 7 million passengers annually. A subsequent second phase will expand the airport’s capacity to handle 14 million passengers per year.
Makolo noted the importance of partnerships in expanding the airline’s reach. RwandAir has extended codeshare agreements with Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, giving it access to more than 100 additional destinations.
“For African airlines, it’s important to partner both internationally and within the continent to achieve the scale needed,” she added.
Protectionism remains a major barrier to continental connectivity. Makolo cited excessive fees and restrictive practices in some countries as obstacles to growth.
“We need to get to a level where we understand the importance of aviation. It’s not for rich people. It’s for all citizens of our continent. Given the vastness of this continent, we need aviation to connect with each other,” the RwandAir CEO stated.
Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company, emphasised the necessity for structural reforms within African aviation to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness.
He advocated for modernising airport infrastructure, privatising operations, and liberalising airspace.
He further underscored the need for airspace liberalisation through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), noting, “SAATM is a vision for Africa to open up our skies, but we face challenges like protectionism.” These reforms, he argued, are critical to reducing high airfares and improving connectivity across the continent.
Additionally, Habonimana highlighted the challenges in financing aviation development, pointing out that governments struggle to prioritise airport projects amid competing demands.
“Each government goes with like 20 files [to development partners like the World Bank or African Development Bank]—healthcare, agriculture, now today what is trending is the environment protection. So you can imagine then bringing eight files of one government, and we’re 54 governments. Adding airport development, airport maintenance or airport upgrade, that would never be a priority for those development partners,” he explained.
He proposed a dedicated African aviation fund to address this issue, ensuring resources for infrastructure upgrades. Workforce development is another critical focus for Rwanda. Habonimana detailed the establishment of a civil aviation training centre in Kigali, supported by the African Development Bank, to prepare young people for aviation careers and develop skills tailored to the African context.
“That’s why we have established a centre, a civil aviation training centre based here in Kigali in the aviation authority, training young people to come into this industry, but also for the future transformation,” he stated.
He emphasised the need to train 15,000 pilots and 20,000 engineers by 2040 to support Africa’s projected passenger growth, noting, “With this number of 15,000 pilots and 20,000 engineers, all of them need other support people in this industry, which means we need to invest more in human capital on the continent.”
