Rwanda’s proposed $800 million Bugesera international airport to enhance country’s aviation capacity

By Wallace Mawire [caption id="attachment_40882" align="alignleft" width="300"] Artistic design impression of Bugesera International Airport[/caption] The construction of Bugesera international airport planned for 2018 by Rwanda government at an estimated $800 million funded through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative is expected to enhance the country’s aviation capacity. According to Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, the upgrading of Kamembe international airport completed in 2015 is also enhancing aviation capacity for the country. The Rwanda Development Board reports that the country’s tourism sector, the fastest growing in the economy and the country’s largest foreign exchange earner has benefitted from the development of infrastructure like airports upgrading. It is also reported that Kigali international airport, ranked the third fastest growing airport on the African continent, has played a key role in boosting the tourism sector in Rwanda. Investment by the government of Rwanda amounting to $50 million for the expansion of the airport is reported to have been critical to the growth of RwandAir, enabling the carrier to expand to over 20 destinations on the African continent. Rwanda Development Board also adds that the improvement in transport and supportive infrastructure have been crucial in promoting tourism diversification. The board reports that a well developed transport system has provided an impetus for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector, with Kigali Convention Centre emerging as a leading destination for meetings and conferences in Africa. It is also reported that business tourists comprise of the largest share of visitors to Rwanda and the sector has become increasingly important to the economy of Rwanda, generating an estimated $49 million in 2013 and expected to triple to $150 million in 2017.