A delegation of 32 business leaders from Saudi Arabia, representing the Saudi Arabian Business Council, arrived in Kigali on February 12, 2025, to explore potential investment opportunities in Rwanda.
This delegation, led by Hassan Al-Huwaizi, President of the Saudi Arabian Business Federation, includes over 25 entrepreneurs and several senior officials from government-linked entities.
The group was welcomed by members of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) for a series of meetings aimed at strengthening economic collaboration between the two nations.
The visit, which started on February 9, follows Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand economic ties with African nations, capitalizing on the continent’s growing youth population and economic potential.
During their time in Rwanda, the Saudi delegation will hold discussions with government officials and private investors, including ministers, to explore avenues for cooperation. It is expected that the meetings will culminate in the signing of bilateral agreements.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has presented various investment opportunities across sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and sports, all aligned with the country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Additionally, the delegation will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and how Rwanda has built its recovery on a foundation of peace and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, on the evening of February 12, 2025, a luxury flight carrying 45 high-profile tourists from the United States touched down at Kigali International Airport.
The group is part of a 30-day world tour organized by Abercrombie & Kent, a leading travel company specializing in luxury tourism. The tourists, who have paid between $300,000 and $400,000 each for this exclusive journey, will spend four days in Rwanda, visiting sites such as Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province, where they will have the rare opportunity to observe the endangered mountain gorillas.
The tourists, who previously visited Kenya and Tunisia, will also explore Rwanda’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Their visit includes stays at top-tier lodges such as the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Kataza House, with each guest paying a minimum of $5,000 per night for luxury accommodations. The visitors will travel in state-of-the-art vehicles and helicopters, ensuring a premium experience throughout their stay.
Abercrombie & Kent is known for curating exceptional travel experiences for its elite clientele, and Rwanda has become a consistent feature of their itineraries. Paul Muvunyi, the CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda, praised the country’s continued efforts to position itself as a premier tourist destination, especially for travelers seeking unique wildlife experiences.
“Rwanda is increasingly popular among our clients, particularly for its mountain gorillas, which are a major attraction in the region. The security, hospitality, and the unique nature of the country make it a favored destination,” Muvunyi said. “We are delighted to see a growing number of clients returning to Rwanda, and we aim to increase the frequency of these visits in the future.”
Abercrombie & Kent’s clients typically visit countries with excellent infrastructure, security, and world-class amenities, and Rwanda has increasingly become a key destination in Africa. The luxury tourism company operates in over 100 countries, including Rwanda, and has more than 2,500 employees worldwide.
As part of their tour, the elite tourists will also visit the renowned Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund research center, explore local markets in Musanze and Kinigi, and experience Rwanda’s distinctive culture. The group will conclude their journey in southern Africa, with stops in Botswana, South Africa, and Morocco before returning to the United States.
This visit is a significant opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its development and its growing importance as a hub for both business and tourism in Africa.
