Rwanda’s Lakeshore Tourism Boom: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
In a significant boost to Rwanda’s economy, the country has recorded $106 million in lakeshore hospitality and tourism investments over the past five years. This development is expected to drive job creation, spur more investment, and boost food supply value chains, according to local officials and players in the hospitality sector. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced that these investments are part of the country’s first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), a seven-year plan that has recently come to an end.
The expansion in lakeside tourism is helping diversify Rwanda’s hospitality offering and supporting wider economic growth. Juliana Kangeli Muganza, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RDB, noted that "as more hotels are established to cater to visitors, we see other economic activities emerging. Farmers, livestock keepers, landscapers, school graduates, and other job seekers all benefit. These investments are not only creating jobs but helping develop the entire local economy." The number of private-sector tourism establishments has risen from 450 to 1,360 over the past five years, with a goal to reach 35,000 hotel rooms over the next five years.
Local investors are tapping into this growth, with Gervais Hafashimana, founder of My Hill Eco Lodge, expanding his facility to include more accommodation, a restaurant, and a bar, expected to generate at least 20 jobs. Karongi District, located along Lake Kivu, is leading the way, with over 14 hotels now operating in the district, attracting both leisure and research-focused tourists. Karongi Mayor Gerald Muzungu noted that "hotels are creating demand in food supply chains, transport, and other services, boosting job creation far beyond the hospitality sector."
The hospitality boom is also creating informal job opportunities, with individuals like Ananias Habanabakize, a painter, earning a daily income of Rwf 15,000. As lakeside tourism gains momentum, the ripple effects are being felt across Rwanda’s economy, from construction and agriculture to transport and conservation. This underscores the strategic importance of hospitality investment in regional development, transforming lives and contributing to the country’s economic growth. With its scenic lakes and diverse tourism offerings, Rwanda is poised to become a top destination for travelers, driving economic development and creating opportunities for its citizens.
