The Rwandan government has announced the waiver of entry visas for Nigerians, other Africans, and members of the Commonwealth. This move aims to promote ease of doing business, attract investors, and boost tourism in the Central/Eastern African country.
Speaking during the commemoration of Rwanda’s 29th anniversary celebration and liberation day in Abuja, Mr. Vianney Rubagumya, the Charge D’Affaires of Rwanda in Nigeria, stated that the visa waiver applies to visitors from all over Africa, the Commonwealth, and la Francophonie Nations. He highlighted that this decision aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business and establish itself as a preferred destination for conferences and events.
Rubagumya also revealed that Rwanda is in advanced stages of expanding the operations of the Kigali International Financial Centre, which aims to offer innovative and world-class financial services.
He emphasized the ongoing commitment of President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan government to consolidate and sustain the journey towards self-reliance and economic emancipation. Rubagumya commended the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its support during Rwanda’s transformation journey and the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The envoy highlighted the strong bond between Nigeria and Rwanda, exemplified by President Kagame’s attendance at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023. He mentioned that both countries are increasing cooperation in various areas, including parliamentary diplomacy, defense and security, aviation, governance, sectoral exchange, trade, and investment.
Rubagumya further outlined Rwanda’s achievements, which include a significant reduction in poverty levels from 78% to 30% between 1994 and 2018, an increase in life expectancy from 51 to 69 years, being the second-best performer in the ease of doing business in Africa, and being the fourth-largest contributor of troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Samson Itegboje, the Nigerian representative at the anniversary celebration, assured the Rwandan government of continued support in building the Rwandan economy.
