Sultan sees wealth in Rwandan tourism

Dubai World, owners of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, are pumping millions of dollars into Rwanda’s fledgling economy and are actively selling the country worldwide as an attractive tourism and investment destination.

Dubai World chairperson Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: “Rwanda is the most improved sub-Saharan nation. It has come a long way in sustainable development and has a safe environment which has tremendous potential for growth.”

Dubai World has announced it would invest R1.6 billion in eight tourism facilities including luxury hotels, a residential golf course development, high-end eco-lodges and the 1 080km² Akagera National Park. The assets will be developed and managed through Dubai World’s investment arm, Istithmar Real Estate.

Dubai World said this week it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rwandan minister in charge of investment promotion and industry.

“The announcement marks the first stage of a strategic partnership between Dubai World and the government of Rwanda.

“We ... look forward to building a long-term relationship that will see Dubai World play an active role in the master-planning of the country,” said Bin Sulayem.

“We believe our partnership will make a significant contribution to the tourism offerings in Rwanda. The investments we have made will help us achieve our vision of becoming the leading player in conservation-based game reserve operation and land conservation.”

Investment promotion and industry minister Vincent Karega said: “Our vision for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation is to position our country as a hub for excellence and quality service.

“Tourism is a pillar for rapid economic growth. Our policy choice for tourism is to become a high-end destination capitalising on natural beauty, security, property rights, and zero tolerance for corruption.”

Construction on the developments will start later this year.

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