Rwanda was never part of the plan. To be candid, we didn’t know any better. Our limited knowledge was based on 'Hotel Rwanda' the movie we had seen ages ago. During a visit to an innovation hub in Ethiopia, someone spoke highly of Kigali and was hosting their annual retreat there. A global tech company gathering all its employees in Kigali? Why? Curious to learn, we hopped on a bus to Kigali from Kampala.
While our bags were screened at the border, we were asked to throw away plastic bags, an odd request. It was the first occurrence since arriving in Africa. It turns out Rwanda banned single-use plastic in 2008. Without the use of plastic, we found things to be quite clean and didn’t realize the extent until arriving in Kigali, the capital. The cleanest city we visited in Africa!!
This was just the beginning as we continued to learn about this tiny landlocked country. Innovation through investment and partnerships is a key focus for them. Industries include aviation, tourism, sports, and much more. A few highlights:
-The largest indoor arena (BK Arena) in East Africa with a capacity of 10,000 (NBA approved) -1.3 billion airport in partnership with Qatar Airways -Hosted the first FIFA elective congress (4th meeting ever overall in Africa) -Ranked number two in Africa for MICE only behind South Africa (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) in 2023
We met many working professionals who felt deeply accountable and motivated to help their country reach new heights. Most of them were mere infants during the genocide and never wanted such a situation to arise. Our visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial was heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
As we dug, we came across an article from Sep 2021 "‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero given 25-year sentence in ‘terrorism’ case." Once a hero now a terrorist? He was later released from prison in March 2023. This led us to the book 'Do Not Disturb' by Michelle Wong. It discusses the post-genocide complexities of Rwanda.
Our exposure to Rwanda was limited to Kigali and Musanze. There is a sense of optimism and excitement within these areas as the country progresses globally. We suspect we will continue to hear great things from this little country.
Sources:
Plastic Ban. United Nations Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/rwanda-leading-fight-against-plastic-pollution BK Arena. BK Arena Official Website. https://bkarena.rw Norrsken Foundation in Rwanda. Norrsken Foundation. https://www.norrskenfoundation.org/rwanda Qatar Airways Expands in Rwanda. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/rwanda-qatar-airways-idUSL8N2FV53R FIFA Meeting. Rwanda Government. https://www.gov.rw/blog-detail/rwanda-hosts-the-73th-fifa-congress Rwanda MICE Industry. IBTM World. https://www.ibtmworld.com/en-gb/media/exhibitor-press-releases/rwandas-mice-sector-a-decade-of-remarkable-growth-and-global-recognition.html Kigali Genocide Memorial. https://kgm.rw/ Paul Rusesabagina Found Guilty in Terrorism Case. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/20/rwanda-court-finds-hotel-rwanda-hero-guilty-in-terrorism-case Paul Rusesabagina Prison Sentence Commuted. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/24/hotel-rwanda-hero-paul-rusesabagina-prison-sentence-commuted Do Not Disturb by Michela Wrong. Penguin Random House. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623858/do-not-disturb-by-michela-wrong
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A lot of countries are getting away from single use plastics. Would be nice if the USA banned them, too.
Yeah, micro/nano plastics are everywhere. Would require some drastic behavioural changes...
Yes, there was a study showing the people in the USA have lots of microplastics in their body.
The good thing is that this likely catastrophy will be hard to argue as being natural, but fully man-made :)
Right, but how do you go about even getting it out of your body?
What would be the alternative to plastic? Glass?
Not sure. No one size fits all solution for sure.
FYI, your link to the Wrong book Do Not Disturb isn't working. I discovered that because I intend to read it. It sounds very interesting.
thanks for the flag, here is the correct one for others:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-Not-Disturb-Michela-Wrong/dp/0008294437
Why is plastic banned?
Interesting 4 minute documentary: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XG19q_yYGsU&pp=ygUScndhbmRhIHBsYXN0aWMgYmFu
Apparently plastic was blocking their waterways.
I have been to many places in Africa, and you will see blue plastic bags litter the streets in many places. It's a blight.
That issue of banning plastic bags - that's a red flag for me.
The places that ban plastic bags (in the US anyway) often become, or already are, left-leaning, anti-freedom, cesspits.
Very good article again. It's always great to know that we're moving into the positive direction.
Interesting thanks for sharing! My knowledge of Rwanda is related to the movie as well. It appears they are on the right path
There's a lot more than meets the eye there, would highly recommend a visit if possible.
Rwanda would be a good place to live, but why do some of the refugees I speak with seem to be depressed and constantly afraid, as if they are wired to follow the law?
The other side to this insane growth is the 'iron fist' the ruling party has. Freedom of speech and dissent isn't an option.