Organisation Rwanda Investment & Export Promotion Agency
Alternate Name  
Abbreviation RIEPA
Parent Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism & Cooperatives
u.r.l.  
email  
Country Rwanda
Location Kigali
Address  
Postal Address  
Telephone  
Management u.r.l.  
Fax  
Sector Investment - General
Organisation Type African Public Sector
Status  
Stated Role  
Activities  
Geographical Focus  
Notes $230m Boost to Rwanda's Tourism
East African (Nairobi)
NEWS
16 October 2007
Posted to the web 16 October 2007
By Kezio-Musoke David
Dubai World, an Emirates-based conglomerate has announced a $230 million project in Rwanda, the biggest single investment the country has attracted this year.
According to the deputy director general of Rwanda Investments and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) Claire Akamanzi, the partnership will see the development of Akagera National Park, which encompasses 1,080 square kilometres of undulating plains and wildlife in the northeast of Rwanda, redevelopment of the 60-room Akagera Game Lodge and the Gorilla Nest Lodge in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, where two-thirds of the last 680 gorillas on earth live.
The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the State Minister for Investment Promotion and Industry, Vincent Karega for a partnership that will attract more foreign direct investments to Rwanda's hotel and tourism industry.
All projects will be developed and managed through Dubai World's investment arm, Istithmar Real Estate, which is already working on tourism projects including a $150 million luxury resort in Zanzibar and the $1 billion purchase of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Dubai World is also behind the development of the Djibouti Kempinski Palace Hotel in Djibouti City
According to RIEPA, Rwanda has never attracted an investor of such a profile from the Middle East before. The principal sources of its investment are European countries, Belgium and France prominent among them and some African countries.
A statement issued recently by Dubai World said Istithmar Real Estate will manage the development of an environmentally sensitive luxury tent camp offering a five-star service and bringing gorillas trackers closer to the home of the animals.
"Dubai World will build a new upscale 150-room hotel on the Kigali Golf Course and also redevelop the 18-hole golf course and the golf and country club, as well as building townhouses and villas," the statement reads.
It added that work will begin by the end of the year. An office is to be opened in Kigali by the end of next month to manage "the existing trading operations."
Dubai World Corporation is a decree company created and wholly owned by the government of Dubai. It manages and supervises businesses, investments and projects spanning over 100 different cities around the world and employing over 50,000 people.
Ezra Bunyenyezi, the president of the Kigali Golf Club, told The EastAfrican that in partnership with the Rwanda government, Dubai World will initiate a Golf Foundation, through which a percentage of golf course revenues will be allocated to the promotion of the game for local residents, especially the young, through a golf academy and other initiatives.
According to Mr Karega, "Our policy choice for tourism is to become a high-end destination capitalising on unique natural beauty, security, property rights, and zero tolerance for corruption."
The 2006 International Chamber of Commerce report says in recent years, privatisation in Rwanda has accounted for much of the FDI value.
"Some 40 enterprises brought in about $37 million in foreign investments," the report said.
The government's partnership with Dubai World will be seen by many as a boost to the positive FDI trend.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said the venture with the Rwandan government is the first stage of a strategic partnership between Dubai World and Rwanda.
[ East African (Nairobi) - 16 October 2007 - - Retrieved on 17-10-07 ]
Current Positions
Position Name From To
Deputy Director General Claire Akamanzi 2007  
Budgets
Donor From To Budget ($) Note
Links to Related Organisations
Parent Tree Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism & Cooperatives
Government of Rwanda
Subsidiary Organisations  
Sibling Organisations Rwandan Office for Tourism & National Parks
Airport Authority [1]
Rwanda Coffee Regulatory Authority
Associated Organisations  
Donor Recipients  
Past Positions
Position Name From To
Record last updated on 17 OCT 2007