Tourism can employ more young Rwandans

Editor, Refer to your article, “What business can I start with Rwf200, 000?” Joyce Kirabo and a host of readers of your newspaper have given a very wide range of options and suggestions to Janet, who unfortunately, was recently fired from her job and who has three little children to care for. Please allow me to share with Janet the enormous potential that exists in Rwanda’s tourism sector where she can start off—with little or no capital—by being a tour guide. The tourism industry in Rwanda is growing at an enormous pace. In fact, this industry is presently the highest foreign exchange earner for the country. As Janet is already in the field of marketing, it will not be difficult for her to get into the marketing of tourism products and services. Let me share with Janet and your esteemed readers a true story of a young waitress whom I met during the Transform Africa Conference at the Kigali Serena Hotel. She, too, was out of a job, with only a temporary job at the hotel. The young waitress was invited to assist the undersigned during the Rwanda Calling Conference last year, an initiative that brings together businesspersons and investors to explore opportunities in Rwanda. The hard work put in by the waitress caught the attention of a delegate from Thailand, who not only took the waitress for a three-month training in Bangkok, but paid for her passport, visa, accommodation, meals and all expenses during the training. Today, the waitress is armed with international experience, a certificate and more importantly, she is gainfully employed in Nairobi. We would be more than pleased to help and guide Janet, as she is so inclined towards tourism and would like to make a career in one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Clarence Fernandes, Mumbai India

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Tourism can employ more young Rwandans