Rwanda’s tourism plans depend on stability

Subject

Rwanda's tourism sector.

Significance

Qatar Airways Chairman Akbar al-Baker on February 5 confirmed rumours that the Gulf carrier is in talks to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir. This follows a deal in December relating to the construction of a new 1.3-billion-dollar international airport outside Kigali, in which Qatar Airways will take a 60% stake. The deals will provide a major boost to President Paul Kagame’s long-standing efforts to use tourism as a major driver of economic growth. However, challenges remain that could threaten this vision.

Impacts

• The Qatar Airways deals may open the door to greater Qatari investment in Rwanda generally.
• As part of its wider push to boost the technology sector, Rwanda will also focus on expanding the digitalisation of tourism.
• Kagame’s active role in major continental political initiatives will boost opportunities for the hosting of major events in Kigali.