Rwanda is blessed by its natural beauty that ranges from the captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and an array of natural wonders. From its rugged mountains to sparkling lakes, Rwanda offers a unique allure in every province, district, and sector.
Each corner of this beautiful country is filled with potential waiting to be tapped, not only for enjoyment but also for creating sustainable income opportunities, especially for young Rwandans.
Recently, I had the chance to visit Karongi District, a beautiful lakeside town at the shores of Lake Kivu. Karongi District has been a longstanding tourist attraction, even before the rise in popularity of destinations like Musanze and Rubavu districts, Akagera park in the eastern province and Nyungwe Forest. While Rwanda has many notable sites, Karongi holds a special place with its stunning landscape, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant local culture.
This visit to Karongi felt like a reconnection with my roots, stirring memories of Rwanda’s timeless beauty while offering a refreshing perspective on the possibilities within our borders. I found myself captivated by Karongi's natural charm, where tranquil lake waters blend seamlessly with verdant hills and breathtaking sunsets. As I took a beach boat tour, gliding across scenic islands, enjoying the fresh breeze, and watching the sun set over the water, a sense of peace washed over me. This experience, however, sparked an important realization: Are young Rwandans truly making the most of the natural beauty our country has to offer?
As a young professional, I often reflect on how to maximise Rwanda’s immense potential to benefit its youth. With our country’s wealth of beautiful destinations, there lies an opportunity to turn local tourism into a profitable venture. Using the skills and platforms available to us today, young people can transform exploration of our land into a sustainable source of income.
The modern digital age has gifted us powerful tools for storytelling and sharing experiences. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are not only for social sharing; they can also be powerful vehicles for income generation. We’ve seen people across the globe use these platforms to showcase their travels and insights, often receiving brand sponsorships, advertising deals, and direct monetization from their content.
Young Rwandans can harness these same platforms to bring the world closer to Rwanda’s beauty. Imagine the impact if more of us began travel blogging or vlogging, sharing stories of Rwanda’s natural gems with the world. Sharing engaging photos, videos, and posts about Rwanda’s hills, lakes, and forests can captivate audiences far and wide. If done consistently, these platforms can open doors to brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue, turning what started as passion projects into profitable enterprises.
Beyond just images and quick posts, a deeper dive into storytelling can make a huge difference. Writing detailed travel stories, guides, or e-books about specific places in Rwanda can attract both local and international readers. For example, if you visited Karongi, you could create a travel guide on the best spots to visit, budget tips, and hidden gems that people might miss. You can use platforms like Medium, personal blogs, or even sell downloadable PDFs and e-books that share insights about Rwandan destinations.
Meanwhile, vlogging offers a dynamic way to engage audiences, giving viewers a real-time experience of Rwanda’s beauty. By combining storytelling, tips, and interactive tours, young Rwandans can build loyal followings and potentially attract tourism boards, hotels, and other brands looking to reach a wider audience.
Another avenue for youth is to establish partnerships with local businesses in the tourism industry. Whether you're a photographer, influencer, or content creator, these collaborations can be mutually beneficial. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourism agencies are eager to attract more visitors and would appreciate the promotional push that social media provides. A simple arrangement, like sharing your experiences at a hotel or restaurant in exchange for a discounted or sponsored stay, can be the start of a profitable partnership.
Young photographers and videographers can also provide workshops or guided photo tours for tourists. Imagine offering visitors a unique "local’s lens” of Karongi or any other beautiful area, showing them how to capture the perfect sunset over Lake Kivu. These kinds of unique, personalised experiences can differentiate Rwanda as a destination and create a memorable impression on travelers, all while generating income.
While venturing into content creation and local tourism can yield financial gains, it’s equally essential to practice financial discipline. One critical lesson I’ve learned through finance and business studies is the importance of saving early. Unfortunately, it’s common for young professionals to spend freely, especially when our first salaries aren’t substantial. However, developing the habit of saving, even in small amounts, can significantly impact future financial stability.
Setting a "savings goal” — whether it’s for equipment to improve content creation, a new travel destination, or even just emergency savings — builds confidence and encourages smarter financial habits. Savings also serve as a cushion for reinvesting into your projects, like funding a new camera or paying for transport to new destinations within Rwanda.
To bring these ideas to life, here are some practical ways Rwandan youth can explore the country’s beauty while generating income:
Talented photographers can organise workshops for tourists interested in learning how to capture Rwanda’s unique landscapes. This offers travelers a new experience while allowing photographers to earn an income from their skills.
If you’re knowledgeable about a particular area, offer guided tours highlighting the culture, history, and hidden spots. Many visitors prefer a local’s perspective to the standard tourist experience.
Create downloadable travel guides focused on specific regions or themes (e.g., "Rwanda’s Best Lakeside Destinations” or "Exploring the Hills of Rwanda”). These can be sold online and can be updated regularly to keep content fresh.
Partner with hotels, lodges, and restaurants to promote their services on your social media platforms in exchange for a commission or sponsored stays. These collaborations are a great way to network and build credibility.
And, consider creating videos or documentaries highlighting Rwanda’s tourism potential. These could be pitched to local tourism boards, which may pay for such content to promote the country internationally.
By embracing and promoting Rwanda’s beauty, young Rwandans can play a key role in building a sustainable tourism ecosystem. Every photo, video, story, or workshop contributes to a larger narrative about our country, showcasing Rwanda as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. Youth-driven tourism also has a ripple effect: the more attention we draw to Rwanda’s natural wonders, the more jobs are created in local communities, from tour guides to hospitality workers.
Not only does this empower young people to make a living, but it also fosters a deep sense of pride in our heritage and encourages us to preserve these places for future generations. This sustainable model benefits our communities, helps drive economic growth, and gives young Rwandans a chance to realize their potential in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on my experience in Karongi, I feel more inspired than ever to share these ideas with fellow young Rwandans. By exploring, showcasing, and earning from our country’s natural beauty, we can lay the foundation for financial independence and a fulfilling career path. The opportunity to work and thrive within our own borders is not just a privilege but a calling — a chance to uplift ourselves and the communities around us.
The next conversation, as promised, will focus on effective saving strategies for youth and young professionals. Building wealth takes time, but with discipline, creativity, and an appreciation for Rwanda’s wonders, we can achieve great things. Let’s turn our passion for our country into purposeful, profitable pursuits, embracing Rwanda’s beauty as the foundation for a prosperous future.
The author is a professional accountant and a student of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).