Rwanda invests in connectivity to overcome landlocked trade costs
The country aims to boost competitiveness by focusing on innovation and high-value sectors like tourism.
Rwanda is investing in connectivity, regional integration, innovation, and high-value sectors to overcome the economic challenges of being a landlocked country, according to Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Afrika spoke on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to students at the African School of Governance in Kigali.
Landlocked developing countries face trade costs 1.4 times higher than coastal economies, Afrika stated. Rwanda is therefore prioritizing sectors where competitiveness relies on skills, quality, innovation, and efficiency, such as tourism and services, to create economic value and strengthen its global market position.
The RDB CEO highlighted luxury tourism and the "Visit Rwanda" initiative as key strategies for attracting international visitors and supporting economic growth. The discussion explored how Rwanda identifies global economic trends and translates long-term planning into practical development strategies.