Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced on Thursday that all Africans would now have unrestricted entry into Rwanda, eliminating the need for visas.
Speaking at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Kigali, President Kagame emphasized the significance of fostering an inclusive environment for travel and tourism across the African continent.
“Let there be no mistake about it. Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and will not pay a thing to enter our country,” Kagame affirmed during his address.
Highlighting the importance of recognizing the potential of the African market, President Kagame underlined the growing influence of the continent’s middle class, stressing the need to harness this demographic shift for the benefit of the global tourism industry.
“We should not lose sight of our own continental market. Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come,” Kagame remarked.
Underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to fostering its tourism sector, President Kagame emphasized the country’s efforts to transform tourism into a key driver of economic growth, harnessing it as a unifying force following the harrowing aftermath of the genocide that occurred nearly three decades ago.
“Every year, we welcome so many visitors who come to Rwanda to enjoy the unique natural beauty, attend sporting events, or participate in gatherings like this. This is a privilege and a trust that we don’t take for granted,” Kagame acknowledged.
Expressing confidence in Africa’s potential as a unified tourism destination, President Kagame extended a warm invitation to travelers from within and outside the continent to explore the diverse attractions that Rwanda has to offer.
