Kagame rallies support for private sector growth

President Paul Kagame has assured the private sector of government support as the country looks towards entrepreneurship to sustain Rwanda’s growth and development.The President was speaking at the launch of Gorillas Golf Hotel, Friday evening, in Kigali.Gorillas Golf Hotel is part of a growing chain established 10 years ago. It currently runs hotels in Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu.The Gorillas Golf Hotel, located in Kigali’s prime suburb of Nyarutarama, is the 4th of the chain.The hotel has 88 rooms, including a Presidential suite and two executive suites.President Kagame noted that facilities such as the Hotel bring along various benefits for both the investor and the country.They generate revenue for the government, boost tourism, develop skills for the hospitality industry and are a market for produce from farmers.The President thanked Gorillas Hotels proprietor, Emmanuel Rusera, for coming up with the investment.He observed that Rwanda has missed out on hosting international events due to lack of enough accommodation facilities.The Head of State commended Rwandans for investing domestically which, he said, sets a foundation that attracts foreign direct investments.The President said he was proud to see Rwandans with the confidence to invest in their country and called on more Rwandans to do the same, saying that the Government was ready to support them.The colourful launch brought together senior government officials, members of the business community and diplomats among others.Emmanuel Rusera, the owner of Gorillas Hotels chain, thanked President Kagame for honouring his invitation to the launch as well as supporting the growth of the private sector.“The visionary leadership of our country and the support of the private sector encouraged me to set up this hotel,” Rusera said.Rwanda has 370 registered hotels with a total of 6,700 rooms.Only 31 have been graded.The hotel industry is fast-growing with several hotels expected to open in the next few years, including Marriott a 5-star hotel with 251 rooms; Radisson Blu Hotel, another 5-star which will be located at the Kigali Convention Centre with 292 rooms; Vision Hotel (4-star) with 157 rooms; and the Sheraton Hotel, which was recently given a certificate to operate in the country.