How Rwanda plans to make $1 billion in tourism revenues

Rwanda Unveils Ambitious Tourism Growth Plan, Targeting $1.1 Billion in Annual Revenue by 2029

Kigali, Rwanda – August 12, 2025 – Rwanda has announced bold plans to transform its tourism industry into a high-end, eco-friendly, and diversified sector, with the goal of generating $1.1 billion (over Rwf 1.5 trillion) in annual revenues by 2029. The projection represents a substantial leap from the $620 million earned in 2023, signalling the country’s determination to become one of Africa’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva as he presented a five-year development program to both chambers of Parliament, outlining key strategies under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). This blueprint runs until 2029 and is a crucial step toward achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aims to deliver sustainable economic growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life for all citizens.

Building on a Strong Tourism Foundation

Rwanda’s tourism sector has been one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, with earnings steadily growing in recent years. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country brought in $647 million in tourism revenue in 2024 and is on track to surpass $700 million in 2025.

Tourism’s economic contribution is not limited to revenue alone. It is a driver of job creation, infrastructure development, and rural empowerment, benefiting communities across the country. By 2029, the government expects tourism exports to more than double—reaching $7.3 billion from the $3.5 billion recorded in 2023.

Expanding and Diversifying Tourism Attractions

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva emphasized that the government’s approach will focus on nature-based tourism while ensuring environmental conservation.

“To achieve our revenue target, we will continue developing existing destinations and creating new attractions across the country,” Nsengiyumva told Parliament. “Tourism projects that protect the environment and biodiversity will be prioritized.”

This strategy includes:

• Upgrading iconic attractions such as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.
• Developing new eco-tourism sites in underexplored regions, particularly in Western, Northern, and Eastern provinces.
• Introducing cultural and heritage tourism projects that showcase Rwanda’s rich traditions, art, and history.
• Promoting adventure and wellness tourism for high-end travelers seeking unique, sustainable experiences.

Positioning Rwanda as a Global MICE Hub

A major component of Rwanda’s tourism growth strategy lies in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) subsector. Over the past decade, Kigali has built a reputation as one of Africa’s premier destinations for international meetings and events, hosting world-class conferences such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the World Economic Forum on Africa.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Rwanda’s global standing in this area:

• Attracting more high-profile events in business, technology, sports, and entertainment.
• Upgrading facilities such as the Kigali Convention Centre and building new venues across the country.
• Supporting large-scale international exhibitions that draw visitors from around the world.

To ensure quality, employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors will receive capacity building and skills training, while service standards and guidelines will be updated to meet global expectations.

Linking Tourism with Sports Development

An innovative element of Rwanda’s tourism growth strategy is its focus on sports tourism. The Prime Minister highlighted plans to expand sports infrastructure across the nation, recognizing sports as both a cultural asset and an economic opportunity.

“This sector will focus on promoting sports starting from young people,” Nsengiyumva explained. “Sports facilities will be expanded to help identify and nurture talent, in collaboration with the private sector and other key partners.”

Sports and tourism will be closely linked to attract major tournaments, training camps, and sporting events that bring in international visitors. Rwanda’s recent success in hosting basketball, cycling, and football events has already boosted its profile as a sports destination.

Sustainability at the Core

Rwanda has long been recognized for its environmental stewardship, banning single-use plastics, maintaining clean cities, and prioritizing conservation. The tourism expansion plan reinforces this commitment by ensuring that new projects are eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodiversity-conscious.

Investments will focus on:

• Green infrastructure in hospitality and tourism facilities.
• Community-led conservation programs that give locals a stake in protecting natural resources.
• Partnerships with private investors to develop renewable-energy-powered resorts and lodges.

By balancing economic growth with environmental protection, Rwanda aims to position itself as a model for responsible tourism in Africa.

The Role of the Private Sector

The Prime Minister underscored that tourism development will be a public-private partnership effort. While the government will invest in infrastructure, policy, and marketing, the private sector will be encouraged to:

• Build luxury eco-lodges and boutique hotels.
• Develop adventure and cultural tourism products.
• Bring in innovative technologies for booking, marketing, and visitor experiences.

International investors are also being courted, with Rwanda offering a stable business environment, investor-friendly policies, and an expanding network of regional and global flight connections.

Vision 2050 and the Bigger Picture

The Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) is not just about tourism—it’s part of a broader economic plan to turn Rwanda into a high-income nation by 2050. Tourism is seen as a vital engine for:

• Diversifying the economy beyond agriculture.
• Increasing foreign exchange earnings.
• Creating sustainable, long-term employment opportunities.
• Enhancing Rwanda’s global brand and diplomatic influence.

By 2029, if the projected $1.1 billion annual tourism revenue target is met, it will be a significant step toward the Vision 2050 goal of sustainable prosperity.

A Call to Action for Stakeholders

The government’s message is clear: the future of Rwanda’s tourism lies in quality, sustainability, and inclusivity. This requires collaboration between government agencies, private investors, community organizations, and international partners.

For travelers, the plan means an even richer variety of experiences—from tracking mountain gorillas in misty forests to attending world-class conferences in Kigali, relaxing at eco-luxury resorts on Lake Kivu’s shores, or watching an international basketball game at the BK Arena.

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