Rwanda plans to promote high-end, eco-friendly and diversified tourism, projecting to generate $1.1 billion (over Rwf1.5 trillion) in annual revenues by 2029, from a baseline of $620 million in 2023, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has said. “To achieve that target, we will continue developing existing tourism destinations and put in place new tourism attractions countrywide. This will be done to promote nature-based tourism,” the Prime Minister said on Tuesday, August 12, as he presented a five-year development programme to Parliament. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s tourism generates $647m in 2024, eyes over $700m in 2025 The second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which ends in 2029, is designed to take the country closer to realising the Vision 2050 of sustainable economic growth, prosperity, and high quality of life for all citizens. Nsengiyumva told the two chambers of parliament that tourism is one of the sectors expected to contribute to the country’s economy, and its exports expected to more than double to $7.3 billion in 2029, from $3.5 billion in 2023. In partnership with the private sector, he said, innovations will continue being made in the tourism sector. “Again, tourism projects that protect the environment and biodiversity will be supported,” he said. To further position Rwanda as a top global destination for international meetings – under the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) subsector – there are strategies to make Rwanda continue to host high-level meetings and international exhibitions, sports and entertainment. In line with enhancing the quality of services delivered in the tourism sector, especially regarding international meetings, the premier said employees in this sector will get skills and capacity building. He added that relevant guidelines and standards will be improved. ALSO READ: Rwanda is setting standard for sports infrastructure in Africa – Masai Ujiri Nsengiyumva said the development of sports will focus on building a strong sports sector that complements the tourism industry. “This sector will focus on promoting sports starting from young people,” he said. He said that sports infrastructures will be expanded nationwide. This will help identify and nurture people with talents, and will be done in collaboration with key partners, including the private sector. Rwanda earned $647 million from tourism revenues in 2024, and targets to generate over $700m in 2025, according to Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB).
