Rwanda eyes tourism boom from island parks
Rwanda is eyeing diversified tourism revenue and significant economic growth from its Blue Economy, focusing on its 24 lakes and wetland areas.
Senators are pushing for a comprehensive economic assessment of the country's islands to unlock this potential, with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) planning to establish island parks by 2028.
However, this ambitious development faces hurdles, including land disputes.
Residents of Gihaya in Rusizi and communities on the islands in Burera district claim that some investors have undervalued or not paid them for their land, causing frustration and prolonged disputes.
Furthermore, senators have criticised the government for its slow pace in relocating families from disaster-prone islands, which are vulnerable to earthquakes and floods.'There is need for a plan with specific timelines of relocating these people, the budget can come finding a solid plan in place,' said Senator Kanziza Epiphanie.
Albert Murasira, the minister in charge of disaster preparedness, acknowledges these challenges, stating that relocation efforts are underway but depend on budget availability.'Budget is a major issue. We have a budget for disaster response; prevention is a different and bigger budget. We work closely with line institutions,' he said.
Rwanda's Blue Economy strategy encompasses key sectors such as fisheries, hydropower, lake tourism and transport, all of which are expected to contribute to the country's economic future.
© Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
13 hours ago
- UAE Moments
UAE Welcomes Peace Deal Between DRC and Rwanda
The United Arab Emirates has officially welcomed the signing of a landmark peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, describing it as a vital move toward long-term peace and stability across Africa. According to WAM, the UAE's state news agency, the deal — brokered by the United States and signed on Friday in Washington — aims to bring an end to a violent three-decade-long conflict in eastern DRC. The region has recently seen an escalation in fighting after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, seized strategic cities including Goma and Bukavu. 'A Positive and Constructive Achievement' Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump and Sheikh Tamim, Amir of Qatar, for facilitating the agreement. He noted that the breakthrough aligns with the ongoing African Union mediation efforts and builds on outcomes from the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC). 'This international cooperation reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues,' Sheikh Shakhbout said, adding that 'the UAE supports any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace and sustainable development on the continent.' He also reiterated the UAE's strong diplomatic ties with African nations, including both the DRC and Rwanda, highlighting the Emirates' continued commitment to the region's stability and progress. What's Behind the Conflict? The decades-long tensions between the two nations have largely stemmed from competition over eastern Congo's vast mineral wealth, with clashes involving numerous armed groups and external influences. The new deal signals a major turning point — though experts say sustained diplomacy and implementation will be key. With backing from global and regional leaders, and endorsement from nations like the UAE, many are hopeful this peace agreement will mark the start of a more secure and prosperous future for Central Africa.
Arabian Business
13 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia sees 44% rise in FDI to $5.9bn in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia's net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached SAR22.2bn ($5.9bn) in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 44 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to new data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Despite the strong year-on-year growth, the figure represented a 7 per cent decline from Q4 2024. The report also highlighted that FDI inflows into the Kingdom totalled SR24bn ($6.4bn) in Q1 2025 — a 24 per cent increase from SR19.4bn ($5.2bn) in Q1 2024. Saudi investment boom However, this was 6 per cent lower than inflows recorded in Q4 2024. At the same time, FDI outflows from Saudi Arabia dropped significantly to SR1.8bn ($480m), representing a 54 per cent decline from Q1 2024, but a 7 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter. The Authority also reported Saudi unemployment falling to 7.6 per cent, down from 8.4 per cent, with male unemployment sliding from 5.1 per cent to 4.7 per cent and female easing from 14.3 per cent to 13 per cent. The labour force participation rate for Saudis stood at 47.6 per cent, with 66.6 per cent for males and 35.4 per cent for females, while the employment-to-population ratio was 92.4 per cent. The data showed that the majority of job seekers are in the 20-29 age group, with the highest numbers in:
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: New investors can apply for 'instant licence' without lease agreement, contract
Sharjah launched an "instant licence" service, enabling investors and entrepreneurs to issue a commercial license immediately without the need to attach a written contract or lease agreement for the first year. This service is issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) within one day, and covers all office activities that do not require approvals from other authorities, with the licence allowing up to three employees. The instant licence enables investors to conduct their business immediately, while speeding up procedures, and increasing economic growth rates in the emirate. The instant licence does not involve the procedure that applies to regular licenses. This service helps investors in their businesses in the first year, and then in fulfilling the special licensing conditions in the second year. Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, affirmed that the service comes within the framework of department's strategy aimed at supporting the emirate's economic diversification and sustainable growth process.
