Rwanda's New Airport Set to Become One of Africa's Busiest: Uncover the Exciting Facts and Progress Photos!

The new airport located about 40 kilometers south of Kigali is expected to be completed in the next 3 years, at an estimated cost of $2 billion.

Once completed, the new airport will boast a 130,000-square-meter main terminal building capable of initially accommodating 8 million passengers annually. This figure is expected to rise to more than 14 million in the future, making it one of the busiest aviation hubs in Africa.

Adjacent will be a dedicated cargo terminal, capable of accommodating 150,000 tons of cargo a year.

Qatar Airways will have a 60% ownership of the new airport. The Middle Eastern airline will also acquire 49% of shares in the African country’s flag carrier airline, Rwandair, offering access to over 65 locations around the world.

The new airport a significant upgrade on the existing Kigali International Airport, which is set to remain operational for special arrivals, some chartered flights, and a pilot training school.

Here are some progress photos for you.

What else happened in Kigali

1. RwandAir & Qatar Airways Cargo Celebrated the Launch of the New African Cargo Hub

Qatar Airways Cargo, in collaboration with RwandAir, has officially launched operations at the Kigali Africa Hub.

The hub was inaugurated with the arrival of Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter at Kigali International Airport. The Boeing 777 will fly from Doha to Kigali twice a week. Additionally, Qatar Airways Cargo has been operating an intra-Africa service between Kigali and Lagos, as well as a weekly service from Istanbul via Doha to Kigali, using an Airbus A310 aircraft.

Prior to the launch, QAS Cargo, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, provided consultancy support to RwandAir Cargo to improve its cargo handling performance. This included operational improvements and a proposed enhancement plan for warehouse infrastructure as part of a long-term strategic plan for RwandAir's cargo division.

2. Exciting news from the African Leadership University (ALU): Alibaba Group founder and renowned global entrepreneur, Jack Ma, has been appointed as a Visiting Professor.

Mr. Ma is recognized globally for his expertise in entrepreneurship and sustainable development, having served as an advocate for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and adviser to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

In 2018, he launched Africa’s Business Heroes (based at Norrsken in Kigali), a 10-year philanthropic initiative supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, making his appointment an even greater win for ALU. The university's young entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and innovators.

This appointment aligns with Ma's long-standing passion for education, adding immense value to ALU's mission to develop 3 million ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders by 2035.

ALU, with its state-of-the-art campuses in Kigali, Rwanda, and Pamplemousses, Mauritius, continues to work towards its vision of transforming Africa and the world through the next generation of leaders.

3. Rwanda Sees a Significant Rise in Female Business Ownership

According to a recent report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), female ownership of individual businesses in Rwanda has seen a substantial increase in the last five years, reflecting a promising rise in women entrepreneurship in the country.

The annual RDB report reveals that female ownership of businesses surged from 27% in 2017 to 34% in 2022, signifying a trend towards a more balanced gender distribution in the private sector. In 2022 alone, at least one female company director was found in 39% of companies, underlining Rwanda's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in corporate leadership.

In the past year, 93,764 businesses were registered in the country, including 18,692 domestic companies, 74,779 individual enterprises, and 63 foreign companies. The report emphasized the considerable increase in female ownership of individual enterprises, which grew from 38% in 2017 to 50% in 2022. This striking growth underscores the critical role of women's empowerment and gender equality in the business sector.

You can find the full report here.

4. Basketball Africa League 2023 Playoffs and Finals: Tickets Now On Sale

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced that tickets for the playoffs and finals of the 2023 season are now available. The playoffs and finals are set to kick off on Saturday, May 20, and will run through May 27 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The BAL comprises 12 teams divided into the Sahara and Nile Conferences. The top four teams from each Conference will meet in Kigali for the playoffs.

The BAL playoffs will showcase a single-elimination tournament, culminating in the championship game on May 27 at BK Arena. The season promises to be their most competitive and impactful yet.

The BAL has introduced various price points to cater to all fans. You can get your ticket here.

5. Paris Saint-Germain and Visit Rwanda Extend Partnership to 2025

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Visit Rwanda have extended their partnership through to 2025, following three successful years of collaboration. The partnership aims to spotlight Rwanda as a leading tourist and investment destination in Africa, while fostering cultural and creative synergies.

Despite pandemic-related challenges, Rwanda has successfully promoted its tourism sector, welcoming over a million international visitors and generating nearly half a billion dollars in 2022. The country aims to increase tourism revenues to 800 million dollars by 2025.

Since 2019, PSG and Visit Rwanda have launched impactful initiatives across various areas. PSG players and legendary former players have discovered Rwanda's treasures through dedicated trips to the country. Visit Rwanda's logo is prominently featured on the men's team's training and warm-up kits, and Rwanda's finest tea and coffee are exclusively served at the PSG stadium.

The PSG Academy Rwanda, which opened in Huye in 2020, offers comprehensive PSG training to over 100 children, including beneficiaries of the club's Foundation. The academy claimed victory in the boys' U-13 category at the PSG Academy World Cup last year, marking Rwanda's debut in the annual competition in Paris.