Rwanda generated USD 108 million from conference, meetings and major events tourism in the 2024/2025 financial year, up from USD 95 million the previous year, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has said.
He revealed the figures on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while presenting progress under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) at the opening of the 20th National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali.
Dr. Nsengiyumva said the steady growth underscores the rising contribution of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) to Rwanda’s export earnings and broader economic transformation.
“The tourism sector continues to play a key role in export revenues. In 2024, it generated USD 647 million, up from USD 620 million. Our target under NST2 is to reach USD 1.5 billion,” he said.
He noted that the gains have been driven by sustained government investment in tourism-supporting infrastructure and close collaboration with the private sector, including ongoing works on the new Kigali International Airport.
The Prime Minister said Rwanda will continue positioning itself as a regional hub for international conferences and high-profile sporting events to boost visitor spending and global visibility.
According to Dr. Nsengiyumva, revenue from hosting international meetings and sports events reached USD 108 million in 2024/25, up from USD 95 million, although the initial target was USD 224 million.
He attributed the performance to major global events hosted during the period, including the UCI Cycling World Championships and international boxing tournaments.
“These international events, including cycling championships and boxing competitions, have significantly increased Rwanda’s visibility on the global stage,” he said.
Urban development and housing
On urban development, the Prime Minister said the government is advancing district and city master plans to improve planned settlements and reduce risks associated with unplanned urbanisation.
“So far, 25 out of the 28 planned master plans have been completed, and the remaining ones are being fast-tracked,” he said.
He added that resettlement of households living in high-risk zones remains a priority, citing Mpazi settlement where 688 families have already been relocated.
Electricity access expands
Dr. Nsengiyumva said access to electricity has reached 82.9 percent of households nationwide. In designated development zones, electricity access increased to 89 percent, up from 46 percent at the start of NST2.
He said power generation capacity will be further strengthened through major projects, including Nyabarongo II hydropower plant, expected to add 58 megawatts; the Gishoma peat power plant, projected to generate 15 megawatts; a methane gas project in Karongi expected to deliver 100 megawatts; and the expansion of the Gisagara power plant, which will raise output from 25 megawatts to 80 megawatts.
The Prime Minister said these investments are critical to sustaining economic growth, supporting industrialisation and advancing Rwanda’s long-term development goals under NST2.
