Rwanda's tourism sector.
Qatar Airways Chairman Akbar al-Baker on February 5 confirmed rumours that the Gulf carrier is in talks to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir. This follows a deal in December relating to the construction of a new 1.3-billion-dollar international airport outside Kigali, in which Qatar Airways will take a 60% stake. The deals will provide a major boost to President Paul Kagame’s long-standing efforts to use tourism as a major driver of economic growth. However, challenges remain that could threaten this vision.
The Qatar Airways deals may open the door to greater Qatari investment in Rwanda generally.
As part of its wider push to boost the technology sector, Rwanda will also focus on expanding the digitalisation of tourism.
Kagame’s active role in major continental political initiatives will boost opportunities for the hosting of major events in Kigali.
