Rwanda The Land of a Thousand Hill and a Million Smiles!

On a cold winter morning in November 2007, at the World Travel Market in London, I was busy promoting health and wellness tourism products at the India Pavilion.

- Clarence Fernandes

A young gentleman approached my counter and introduced himself: “Good morning, I am Rajan Tiwari from Kiboko Tours, Rwanda.” Rajan was born and brought up in Mumbai. Before leaving, he extended an invitation to visit the Rwanda Pavilion that evening to meet the Hon. Prime Minister of Rwanda over high tea.

Meeting with Hon. Bernard Makuza, Prime Minister of Rwanda

The Prime Minister was welcomed with much fanfare and drum beats. Tall and stately in traditional attire, Prime Minister Makuza greeted me personally and invited me to visit Rwanda.

First EAC Investment Conference in Kigali

Having received a personal invitation from the Prime Minister, plans were made to attend the First EAC Investment Conference in June 2008. Seven others opted to join. As our flight descended into Kigali, all eight of us felt a mix of emotions. We received an exceptionally warm welcome on arrival. Immigration formalities were fast-tracked at special counters, and each of us received a local SIM card with preloaded talk time—something none of us had expected. The conference, organised by the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA), was impeccably planned. We were all impressed by the warmth, gracious hospitality, and professional execution.

Rwanda Renaissance Launched in Mumbai

Impressed by my experience, I launched Rwanda Renaissance in Mumbai on 7 April 2009 in the presence of an official from the Embassy of Rwanda, New Delhi. The organisation hosted the first-ever commemoration event in Mumbai—Kwibuka 15 at the Taj President Hotel.

Rwanda Renaissance Symposium in Kigali: “Vision Beyond Sight”