The Government of Rwanda has set an ambitious target to scale up eco-friendly tourism so that by 2029 the sector will be generating at least Rwf 1.5 trillion (over USD 1.1 billion) annually.
This was announced on August 12, 2025, when Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva addressed both chambers of Parliament in a presentation outlining the government’s 2024–2029 action plan.
The Prime Minister explained that this target builds on the sector’s performance in 2023, when tourism brought in more than Rwf 902 billion (USD 620 million). He stated:
“We will continue developing existing tourist attractions while investing in new sites through environmentally friendly projects, positioning Rwanda as a leading international tourism destination.”
This strategy forms part of the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which concludes in 2029 and aims to move the country closer to its Vision 2050 — a future in which Rwanda is among the world’s high-income nations with sustainable and inclusive growth.
Regarding tourism-related exports, Dr. Nsengiyumva noted they are expected to more than double — from over Rwf 5 billion (USD 3.5 million) in 2023 to Rwf 10.6 billion (USD 7.3 million) in 2029.
The government will continue partnering with the private sector to foster innovation and support biodiversity-friendly projects. Plans also include improving service quality, particularly in hosting international conferences, sports events, and major festivals under the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) framework.
The Prime Minister added that tourism industry workers will receive training and capacity-building opportunities, while standards and regulations will be refined to enhance efficiency.
To boost sports-based tourism, the government will invest in sports infrastructure across the country, aiming to engage youth in sports and discover new talents that can strengthen Rwanda’s presence on the global stage.
According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country earned over Rwf 941 billion (USD 647 million) from tourism in 2024. The target for 2025 is to exceed Rwf 1 trillion (over USD 700 million).
