By Sarafina Christopher
Lagos, Sept. 17, 2025- The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame has been honoured with the title of Champion of Travel and Tourism in Africa at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Rwanda High Commission.
According to the statement, alongside the President award, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was also named one of Africa’s Best Tourism Marketing Agencies, earning recognition for its strategic branding and promotion of Rwanda as a premier destination.
Organisers both awards as among the most prestigious distinctions of the Akwaaba platform.
Kagame’s citation praised his “bold vision to make Rwanda the ‘Singapore of Africa’ in efficiency, order, and hospitality,” as well as his commitment to linking nature conservation with economic growth.
Amb. Christophe Bazivamo who received the award on behalf of Rwanda said the honours reflect the visionary leadership that has positioned tourism as a pillar of Rwanda’s national renewal.
“These awards reaffirm the efforts of President Kagame, whose tireless commitment has made tourism a driver of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” he said.
Bazivamo also highlighted Rwanda’s unique journey since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, noting that tourism now funds schools and clinics, empowers women’s cooperatives, and reshapes Rwanda’s global image.
“Tourism has transformed Rwanda from a nation defined by tragedy into one of possibility,” he said.
He pointed to deliberate policies such as conservation-led and community-driven tourism, with 10 per cent of national park revenues reinvested into surrounding communities.
He added that eco-friendly measures, including Kigali’s reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest capitals, and a growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, have made Rwanda a model of inclusive tourism.
Bazivamo further stressed the continental dimension of the recognition.
“This award is not only for Rwanda. It is for Africa. Imagine if we harmonized visa regimes, improved air connectivity, and marketed ourselves as one brand: Africa, the Home of Humanity,” he said.
The 2025 edition of Akwaaba featured exhibitions, cultural performances, and sessions on domestic tourism, aviation, women in tourism, and youth engagement. It also provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and new partnerships in the African tourism sector.
“For Rwanda, these honours serve both as recognition and motivation,”
“They will inspire us to aim higher, innovate more, and ensure that tourism remains a force for good not just for Rwanda, but for Africa as a whole,” Bazivamo said.
The statement also reads that the event, held from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16, brought together tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent to celebrate excellence and innovation in the industry.(NAN)
