The World Bank Group is launching its 20th Edition of the Rwanda Economic Update (REU), this year titled Making the Most of Nature Based Tourism in Rwanda. The report recommends tailored and strategic activities to diversify and expand nature-based tourism which bears potential to further increase Rwanda’s economic growth. It generates an estimated 80 % of foreign exchange earnings from the whole tourism sector, and greatly contributes to job creation.
However, for the sector to maintain the growth trajectory, there is need to rollout measure to overcome long-standing challenges and setbacks. Among key bottlenecks to growth identified, include limited diversification in the sector with a significant portion of sector revenue coming from gorilla trekking.
Published twice a year, the REU analyzes recent economic developments and prospects, as well as Rwanda’s policy priorities. The REU is intended for a wide audience of policymakers, business leaders, other market participants, analysts of Rwanda’s economy, and civil society. It draws on data reported by the Government of Rwanda and additional information collected by the World Bank Group in its regular economic monitoring and policy dialogue. The update is a collective endeavor and involved staff from several parts of the World Bank. Each issue has a special feature spotlighting a particular topic.