How RDB is empowering youth to lead tourism sector drive

Rwanda recently celebrated World Tourism Day, with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) teaming up with the Mastercard Foundation to empower entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer of RDB, shed light on the significance of this partnership in an interview with CNBC Africa. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to create 30,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector over the next five years, addressing the demand for skilled workforce in the industry. With an investment of close to $50 million, the program seeks to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for the youth. One of the key initiatives mentioned by Kariza is the Hangar Hazaza program, a collaboration of partners working to raise awareness among young people about the available opportunities. Through outreach programs and strong PR activities, the Mastercard Foundation is ensuring that the youth are informed about the program and how to access the resources. Kariza also addressed the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector, highlighting the importance of starting small and growing sustainably. She emphasized that new startups should focus on developing bankable projects and leveraging their unique ideas to succeed in the industry. Kariza shared success stories of young entrepreneurs who started small and gradually expanded their businesses without relying on external financing. Regarding the issue of retaining revenue from tourism activities, Kariza debunked the notion that Rwanda lacks entertainment offerings for tourists. She emphasized the vibrancy of Kigali's entertainment scene and the ongoing efforts to enhance it through partnerships with local promoters and government initiatives. By investing in the entertainment industry and collaborating with stakeholders, Rwanda aims to create a vibrant destination that attracts visitors and maximizes economic benefits for the country.