Africa: Rwanda Showcases Growing Tourism Sector and Visa-Free Travel at 20th Akwaaba Travel Market in Lagos

At the recently concluded 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Christophe Bazivamo, highlighted Rwanda’s tourism industry as a pillar of national growth and underscored its alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision.

Congratulating the event’s organizers, particularly Mr. Ikechi Uko, Bazivamo praised Akwaaba for fostering regional collaboration and strengthening Africa’s unity in tourism and trade.

Bazivamo noted that tourism has been a strong driver of Rwanda’s economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP while supporting employment and business opportunities for Rwandans.

He introduced Rwanda’s tailored range of tourism experiences that cater to diverse interests, including the iconic mountain gorillas, the “Big Five” safari animals, vibrant cultural sites, and business-friendly initiatives.

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“Rwanda offers unique experiences for tourists, culture enthusiasts, and business travelers alike, and we continue to grow as a premier destination in Africa,” Bazivamo said.

Vianney Rubagumya of the Rwanda High Commission also addressed the audience, emphasizing Rwanda’s strategic location within the East African Community (EAC).

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He highlighted Rwanda’s accessibility for international travelers with a strong airline presence, with major carriers like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and RwandAir.

Rubagumya noted that Rwanda’s visa-free entry policy for African Union, Francophonie, and Commonwealth member countries has encouraged tourism, driving an impressive 8% growth in visitor arrivals. For non-visa-free countries, Rwanda offers a straightforward visa process, ensuring travelers from around the world can explore Rwanda’s landscapes, culture, and wildlife with ease.

Ambassador Bazivamo ended his presentation with a call for continued unity across Africa in tourism and trade, urging African nations to adopt similar policies that simplify travel, strengthen economic ties, and enhance cultural exchanges across the continent.