Overview
Rwanda, in a unique partnership with Qatar, is building a new greenfield international airport about 30 minutes outside of Kigali in Bugesera. The $1.3 billion project is slated for completion in 2026 and will serve to vastly expand Rwanda’s standing as a regional and continent-wide leader in aviation, with the new airport expected to handle up to 1.7 million passengers and 150,000 tons of cargo annually. The new airport offers an array of opportunities for U.S. aviation, security, infrastructure, planning, logistics and hospitality firms. Though the final contract is still to be announced (as of September 2023), media reports indicate the final project will be 60 percent owned by Qatar and 40 percent by Rwanda. Further, media reports indicate Qatar Airways will acquire 49 percent of state-owned RwandAir, which could enable the latter to double its fleet and seek new deals for U.S. aircraft and associated services.
Leading Sub-Sectors
- Passenger Services
- Cargo services
- Airport facilities
Opportunities
- Sale of airplane and related parts
- Plane leasing
- Cargo handling
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services
- Fleet insurance
- Airport facilities, security, and screening technology
- Lodging, tourism, and hospitality
- Ground transport