'Rwandan spirit' can inspire Africa to rise higher

This past Friday was rather unusual for me; it is 2:12am and somehow, I am not in my bed but somewhere in a restaurant that becomes a nightclub at night; I was out to celebrate Rwanda’s latest victory, the completion and inauguration of the Kigali Convention Centre. Clearly, I looked out of place. Not because of my grey slacks and fitting sky blue blazer over a white shirt but for something else…either I am aging or dancing has evolved. The girl in front of me was dancing in a rather violent manner to music that sounded like a machinegun fire and occasionally threw seductive glances at me; perhaps I looked like a boss to her, a potential sponsor for the night. Unfortunately, I don’t tip dancers. I pay bills...my bills. Earlier in the night, at around 11:30pm, on my third Heineken, my mind had decided to wander off leaving me on my own at the nightclub; it often does that whenever it figures I am in an environment where its services won’t be much needed. In the brown study that ensued, I reflected on the inauguration of the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre by President Paul Kagame on Friday afternoon and the soft launch, earlier in the week, of the Marriot hotel, located opposite the Chinese embassy. In my view, these two are not just mere five-star hotels. These are symbols of a new Rwanda. The timing of their unveiling was symbolic too; in the week when Rwanda marked twenty two years since the end of the genocide and the subsequent national liberation. The Marriot and Radisson brands are internationally recognized five-star facilities whose presence here, is an endorsement of the Rwandan economy and encourage more big-league players to bring in their investments. That alone is already a return to the US$300m investment. Secondly, that the Kigali Convention Centre’s first assignment will be to host the 27th summit of the African Union is yet another symbol to note; the new Rwanda is now a centre for continental conversations where African leaders can summit and discuss key topics core to the transformation of the lives of their people. Say, Rwanda is no longer a country in despair but a nation of inspiration to others. That is what many a leader will notice when they summit here this week; that in twenty two years, Rwandans have built what everyone agrees is among Africa’s most beautiful cities. But perhaps the most important symbol is what President Paul Kagame alluded to during his speech at the Convention Centre’s inauguration on Friday. “This is a true testimony of the Rwandan spirit; we failed not once, not twice, may be three times, but on the fourth attempt we succeeded,” the President said of the multi-million dollar investment unveiling Friday, brought to an end, a long wait for its completion. This Rwandan spirit, I believe, can be advanced to become the ‘African spirit’ that can propel the continent to realize its unattained potential. Africans already think highly of Rwandans and what their leaders have been able to achieve for their country on a meager budget. You only have to look at the passionate comments on the pictures of the Convention Centre shared on social media, many East Africans are in disbelief that a nation that was on life support not long ago, has picked itself up and leapfrogged many a country that were better, then. Rwanda’s fast transformation is therefore a practical lesson that Africa’s missing link is only in focused and dedicated leadership not limited resources. Rwandan leaders have demonstrated that you don’t have to be an oil or mineral rich country to develop, there are alternatives. In the end, it is national physical beauties such as our Convention Centre, Marriot, Zinc hotel, Makuza Plaza, Kigali Heights that sometimes inspire patriotism among citizens. This is the best time to be either Rwandan or an associate. And I could bet confidently that the pride Rwandans have in their newfound national prosperity is also the best security this country has, to safeguard the present and future. But just one request, to the government; I appreciate that these are high-end facilities. But it is also important that the management regimes of these facilities have an ‘affirmative policy for local consumers’ in terms of pricing so that nationals don’t feel excluded. With a national identity card, a national should be able to buy a bottle of water at Rwf1000 instead of Rwf1500 or local beer at Rwf1000 instead of Rwf2000. The same could apply to rooms, instead of US$370 a night for a standard room; a national could pay US$150. This affirmative policy would not only help tap into local consumption and keep cash flows during low business seasons but also promote ownership and pride for these facilities among the nationals of the country. Ever wondered why tourists love hanging out in Nyamirambo? Because in Nyamirambo, they get to mingle with locals and enjoy a cross-cultural experience; with a special affirmative policy for local consumption, a British tourist at Radisson Blue will be able to enjoy the swimming pool with a local Journalist at Izuba Rirashe. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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'Rwandan spirit' can inspire Africa to rise higher