President Paul Kagame hosted his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for a three-day state visit aimed at deepening collaboration between the two nations. The visit, which began on October 17, underscored the growing spirit of partnership and shared ambition for Africa’s transformation.
President Faye arrived in Kigali on Friday and was received by President Kagame at Kanombe International Airport before proceeding to Village Urugwiro the following day for official talks.
Prior to their meeting, Faye paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he reflected on Rwanda’s painful past and remarkable journey of recovery.
The two Heads of State then held private talks followed by a signing ceremony at which multiple cooperation agreements were concluded.
These include the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports; protocols on collaboration in agriculture, livestock, and health; and a memorandum of understanding on correctional services and penitentiary affairs.
President Kagame commended the strengthened partnership, noting that it reflected a shared vision for a self-reliant and united Africa built on accountable governance and inclusive development.
“Our discussions today reaffirmed our commitment to act on these principles. We also share the vision of a self-reliant, united continent, guided by accountable governance and inclusive development,” he said.
Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s experience in driving transformation through unity and citizen empowerment, adding that these lessons shape how the country approaches both domestic development and international partnerships.
President Faye, in turn, lauded the friendship between Rwanda and Senegal, describing their relationship as one founded on “development, peace, and solidarity.” He emphasized that the two countries now needed to translate their excellent political ties into stronger economic and trade relations.
“The legal framework remains modest, and trade is still very weak. I am convinced that we can do much more in areas such as agriculture, education, health, the digital economy, air transport, urban planning, and sports,” he said.
To accelerate progress, Faye proposed the establishment of a Grand Joint Cooperation Commission to guide and coordinate future bilateral initiatives. He also commended Kagame’s leadership in advancing reforms within the African Union and promoting peace and stability across the continent.
Tourism, sports, and the spirit of collaboration
Beyond politics and diplomacy, the visit also focused on Rwanda’s progress in tourism and sports, two sectors President Faye described as vital drivers of sustainable development.
During a session with officials from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Sports, Faye praised Rwanda’s “remarkable achievements in positioning itself as a global destination for investment and international events.”
Jean Guy Afrika, the CEO of RDB, shared data showcasing Rwanda’s steady growth: tourist arrivals increased from 497,000 in 2015 to 1.36 million in 2024, with revenues rising from $131 million to $647 million.
Hotel capacity also surged from 8,600 to more than 21,000 rooms. He added that Rwanda recorded $3 billion in new investments last year and aims to generate $1.1 billion annually from tourism by 2029.
Afrika emphasized the role of the Visit Rwanda campaign and Rwanda’s global sports partnerships in achieving these milestones. “Our goal is to position Rwanda as a global gateway for investment, logistics, and tourism. We offer connectivity, credibility, a stable governance framework, and a proven track record of execution,” he noted.
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire underscored that sport in Rwanda is not a pastime but a pillar of unity and national progress. She pointed to major infrastructure projects, including BK Arena, the renovated Amahoro Stadium, and Zaria Court, as symbols of Rwanda’s ambition to become a continental hub for sports and leisure.
Towards Dakar 2026 and continental ambitions
The two leaders also explored ways for Rwanda to support Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.
Mukazayire offered Rwanda’s technical assistance, citing the country’s experience hosting large-scale events such as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the 73rd FIFA Congress, and the Basketball Africa League.
President Faye welcomed the offer, describing the Dakar Youth Olympics as a “continental mission.” “Senegal’s success will be Africa’s success. If we can organize the Youth Olympic Games to the same high standards seen elsewhere, it will strengthen Africa’s case to host even greater global events.”
He further commended Rwanda’s meticulous planning and visionary leadership, saying, “Behind Rwanda’s success is a commitment to organization, method, rigour, and above all, a passion to rewrite its narrative. From a difficult past, Rwanda is creating a new, proud, and inspiring story.”
As the visit concluded, both Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership rooted in shared values, a partnership that not only advances the interests of Rwanda and Senegal but also represents a model for Africa’s collective progress.
