Construction of Musanze Food Park, a project aimed at promoting culinary tourism and enhancing the district’s hospitality, is nearing completion, officials said. Located in downtown Musanze, the Rwf1billion facility will be a new attraction to the tourism city, by providing rental spaces for restaurants, cafés, and other food-related businesses to offer visitors convenient access to a wide variety of dining options, including both local and international cuisines. The food park is part of broader efforts to promote sustainable urbanization, improve public spaces, and enhance the quality of life for dwellers and visitors while positioning the district as a leading tourism and economic hub. ALSO READ: Musanze district targets conference tourism Claudien Nsengimana, Mayor of Musanze District, emphasized that the district’s first-ever food court is expected to “strengthen the city’s attractiveness by giving visitors a dedicated leisure and culinary experience.” It is part of broader efforts to enhance Musanze's image as a vibrant tourism and lifestyle city, Nsengimana said. The food park will offer tourists more dining, recreation, and cultural experiences, encouraging longer stays and increased spending. Funded by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the project has reached approximately 90 percent completion, with officials saying construction will be finalized by the end of June. Apart from hotels, there have been limited options for cooked meals close to the main highway, the mayor noted. This facility will help address that gap while improving services for both residents and visitors. The management and operational framework for the food park is still being developed and will be finalized before the facility opens to the public. “Overall, Musanze Food Park is expected to serve not only as a dining destination but also as a catalyst for urban renewal, tourism diversification, entrepreneurship, and job creation in Northern Rwanda,” the mayor added. The project will promote the Made in Rwanda policy through the use of locally sourced materials and food products, further contributing to local economic development. Hoteliers in Musanze applauded the development, describing the food park as a potential game changer for the district’s tourism and hospitality sector, notably addressing the growing demand for culinary experiences. “Tourists do not come here only for gorilla trekking,” said Epimaque Dufitumukiza, a hotelier. “Many visitors are eager to explore local cuisine and enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, looking for more than just a meal. They want to discover different recipes and cultures.” ALSO READ: Musanze launches Rwf100bn plan to develop ancient coronation site for tourism Locals like Faustin Ndikubwimana, a resident of Muhoza Sector, also suggest integrating digital solutions into the facility's operations. He recommended introducing technology that would allow customers to order food and beverages remotely. I appreciate this infrastructure because it will contribute to the development of Musanze and the country as a whole, he said. In several countries I have visited, technology has played a key role in improving hospitality services. Similar innovations could greatly benefit this project.
