RwandAir has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, citing its visa-free policy and daily Lagos flights as major enablers of growth in tourism, trade, and conferences.
Regional Manager, West and Central Africa, RwandAir, Ms. Ginette Kadigiri, made this known on the sidelines of the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos. She explained that Nigeria holds a strategic position in the airline’s operations.
“We have been in this market since 2011, and it is very important for Rwanda,” Kadigiri said.
According to her, Nigeria was an obvious choice for expansion because of its strong travel culture. “Nigerians travel a lot and love exploring. Even the population itself is very travel-inclined,” she added.
RwandAir currently operates daily flights out of Lagos, connecting passengers through Kigali to over 20 destinations directly served by the airline.
In addition, travellers access more than 120 destinations worldwide through codeshare agreements with partners such as Qatar Airways (QR) and Ethiopian Airlines (ET).
Kadigiri noted that Nigerian travellers have welcomed the deployment of the Airbus fleet on the Lagos route. “The aircraft is very comfortable, and we have seen travellers from Nigeria appreciate the upgrade,” she said.
Visa-Free Policy as a Game Changer
Rwanda’s bold visa-free policy for all African nationals has transformed travel to Kigali, making the country one of Africa’s most attractive destinations.
“When people think of traveling into Africa, Rwanda comes easily to mind,” Kadigiri said. “It is just a matter of booking a ticket, having a hotel reservation, and you are on your way. The process at the airport is smooth—just show your hotel booking and you are in.”
She explained that the simplicity of entry has triggered a huge increase in tourist arrivals, with more travellers from across Africa discovering Rwanda. “There is no visa requirement, and visas on arrival are guaranteed. That has encouraged more Nigerians and other Africans to visit,” she said.
Boost for MICE Tourism
Beyond leisure, Rwanda is positioning itself as a leader in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Kadigiri highlighted the role of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, which supports organizations planning global events in Kigali.
“The Bureau facilitates international organizations looking to host events in Rwanda, ensuring the country remains a top African destination for conferences and conventions,” she said.
The availability of seamless flights, coupled with the visa-free policy, has made Kigali a natural choice for African and international event planners.
Nigeria: A Core Market
Kadigiri stressed that Nigeria remains one of RwandAir’s strongest African markets, thanks to its growing passenger base and cultural affinity for travel.
“With daily operations from Lagos, expanding codeshares, and Rwanda’s open visa-free policy, we are consolidating our role as a bridge between West Africa and Kigali’s thriving hub,” she said.
Industry observers note that this strategy strengthens intra-African connectivity, reduces reliance on European transit hubs, and positions Kigali as a central aviation player.
A Model for Africa
RwandAir’s expansion underscores how visa-free policy can transform tourism, enhance business connectivity, and support Africa’s broader integration agenda. By simplifying entry and growing air links, Rwanda is not only boosting visitor arrivals but also setting an example for other African states.
As Kadigiri concluded, “Our promise is simple. We make it easy for Africans to discover Rwanda, whether for leisure, business, or conferences.”
