Rwanda Highlights Tourism Excellence, Security and Investment Potential at Rome Business Cocktail

Rome – Rwanda’s growing profile as a premier African destination for tourism and investment took centre stage at the “Visit Rwanda” Business Cocktail held in Rome. The event brought together institutional representatives, business leaders and members of Italy’s travel and investment sectors for an evening dedicated to exploring opportunities in the East African nation.

Proceedings opened with guest registration followed by introductory remarks from Eng. Enrico Lalia Morra, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Rwanda in Rome, who welcomed participants and underlined the strengthening ties between Italy and Rwanda. He emphasised the importance of building concrete partnerships between the two countries’ private sectors.

The focus then shifted to investment opportunities, presented by H.E. François Nkulikiyimfura, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Italy. The Ambassador outlined Rwanda’s economic progress over the past two decades, describing a country that has prioritised political stability, transparency and institutional efficiency. He stressed that Rwanda offers a secure environment for investors, supported by low levels of corruption, streamlined administrative procedures and investor friendly policies.

Particular attention was given to key growth sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, agro-processing, manufacturing, real estate and ICT. Rwanda’s strategic position within the East African Community was also highlighted as a gateway to a wider regional market of over 300 million people. The Ambassador noted that Kigali has developed into a regional hub for finance, technology and international conferences, making it an increasingly attractive base for foreign enterprises.

Tourism was presented as one of Rwanda’s flagship sectors during a detailed intervention by a representative of the Rwanda Development Board. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda offers a unique combination of natural beauty, biodiversity and high-end eco-tourism. Volcanoes National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas, remains the country’s most renowned attraction, drawing visitors from around the world for exclusive gorilla trekking experiences.

In addition, Akagera National Park provides classic savannah safaris with the “Big Five”, while Nyungwe Forest National Park offers rainforest trekking, chimpanzee tracking and one of Africa’s most spectacular canopy walks. Lake Kivu, with its scenic shores and water-based activities, adds a further dimension to Rwanda’s tourism appeal.

Speakers underlined that Rwanda has deliberately positioned itself as a premium and sustainable tourism destination, combining conservation with economic development. Investments in hospitality infrastructure, international air connectivity through RwandAir and the expansion of Kigali’s convention facilities have strengthened the country’s capacity to host major international events and business travellers.

Security was repeatedly emphasised as a defining feature of Rwanda’s success. Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest capitals, characterised by cleanliness, efficient public services and a strong rule of law. Participants were told that safety and stability remain central pillars of the government’s development strategy, offering reassurance to both tourists and investors.

The cultural richness of Rwanda was showcased through traditional Rwandan dance and musical performances, which provided guests with a vivid insight into the country’s heritage and identity.

Observations from representatives of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, FIAVET represented by Vice President Dr Luana De Angelis and Africa e Affari President Dr Massimo Zaurrini further explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade and tourism between Italy and Rwanda.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Nkulikiyimfura thanked attendees for their participation and interest, reaffirming Rwanda’s openness to collaboration. He invited Italian entrepreneurs, tour operators and investors to consider Rwanda not only as a destination of extraordinary natural beauty, but also as a stable, forward-looking and business-friendly country with significant untapped potential.

The evening concluded with a networking cocktail, offering participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and lay the groundwork for future partnerships.

PS