…as President Paul Kagame receives prestigious awards at the Akwaaba Travel Market in Lagos

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Rwanda has been hailed for its progress in tourism, with President Paul Kagame receiving the Champion of Travel and Tourism in Africa award at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market held in Lagos recently.

The Akwaaba platform, one of Africa’s leading tourism events, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent.

At the awards session, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was also honoured as one of the Best Tourism Marketing Agencies in Africa.

Organizers described both distinctions as among the most prestigious of the Akwaaba forum.

The citation praised President Kagame for his bold vision to make Rwanda the ‘Singapore of Africa’ in efficiency, order, and hospitality and for creating a tourism model that blends nature conservation with economic growth.

RDB was commended for its unwavering commitment to positioning Rwanda as a premier tourism destination, citing its strategic branding, impactful storytelling, and active role in global tourism platforms that showcase Rwanda’s landscapes, cultural heritage, and hospitality.

Accepting the awards on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo said, “These awards reaffirm the visionary leadership of President Kagame, whose tireless efforts have made tourism a driver of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth.”

He added that Rwanda’s achievements extend beyond recognition, with tangible benefits for communities.

“Tourism funds schools and clinics, empowers women’s cooperatives, and positions Rwanda on the global map, not as a country defined by tragedy, but as a country of possibility,” he said.

Bazivamo highlighted policies such as conservation-led and community-driven tourism, with 10% of national park revenues reinvested in surrounding communities.

He also pointed to eco-friendly measures that have made Kigali one of Africa’s cleanest capitals and a growing MICE sector as proof of Rwanda’s inclusive and sustainable tourism model.

He said, “This recognition is not only for Rwanda. It is for Africa. Imagine if we harmonized visa regimes, invested in intra-African air connectivity, and marketed ourselves as one brand: Africa, the Home of Humanity, the Cradle of Culture, the Future of Tourism,” citing Nollywood and Afrobeat as examples of Africa’s cultural influence.

The Akwaaba 2025 programme featured exhibitions, cultural performances, and discussions on domestic tourism, aviation, women in tourism, and youth engagement, alongside country presentations.

“These awards will inspire us to aim higher, to innovate more, and to ensure that tourism remains a force for good, not just for Rwanda, but for Africa as a whole,” Bazivamo concluded.