This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
Published on September 8, 2019, a writer's visit to Kigali revealed a city with both impressive developments and underlying issues.
The city's central business district is home to numerous new buildings, many with stunning architecture. However, upon closer inspection, it became apparent that several of these structures stood empty, with only the first floor occupied.
Locals explained that the city's zoning laws, aimed at promoting commercial growth, had inadvertently led to an oversupply of office space. The laws require developers to build at least four floors above the first floor, making it difficult for businesses to find suitable locations.
As a result, the City of Kigali has implemented a rule prohibiting businesses from operating in residential areas, in an attempt to drive tenants into the central business district. However, this measure may not be sustainable in the long term, as the banking industry may eventually stop lending to developers due to repayment lag.
Despite these challenges, Kigali has made significant strides in the conference tourism sector. The Rwandan Convention Centre, with its unique traditional hut-inspired design, has established the city as a premier conference destination.
However, the writer's experience with immigration at the airport highlighted the need for improvement in this area. A large agricultural conference had drawn hundreds of passengers, causing long queues and delays.
On a positive note, the writer commended the government's efforts to provide electronic immigration gates for nationals and expatriates working in the country, making the process faster and more efficient.
