The Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Jean-Guy Afrika, yesterday met with His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kambanda and internationally renowned architect Sir David Adjaye to officially launch the campaign to implement the proposed Mater Misericordiae Cathedral project, an ambitious initiative expected to become one of Rwanda’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks.
The meeting marked the beginning of a new phase for the project, bringing together religious leadership, world-class architectural expertise, and Rwanda’s investment and tourism promotion agency in a shared vision to create a cathedral that reflects the country’s faith, history, culture, and aspirations for the future.
Once completed, the Mater Misericordiae Cathedral is envisioned as a landmark of exceptional spiritual, cultural, and architectural significance.
Beyond serving as a place of worship, it is expected to become a symbol of Rwanda’s identity and resilience, while showcasing contemporary African architecture on the global stage.
The project also aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy of investing in cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable economic development.
By creating a destination of international appeal, the cathedral is expected to attract pilgrims, tourists, architects, researchers, and visitors from around the world, further strengthening Rwanda’s reputation as a leading destination for both leisure and cultural tourism.
Officials believe the development will generate far-reaching economic benefits across multiple sectors. Increased visitor numbers are expected to support the growth of the tourism and hospitality industries, create opportunities for artists, designers, and other creative professionals, stimulate urban development, and encourage new private investment in surrounding areas.
The project is also anticipated to create employment opportunities during both its construction and operational phases.
The launch of the implementation campaign reflects Rwanda’s continued commitment to integrating culture, heritage, and innovation into its national development agenda, while enhancing the country’s global visibility through iconic projects that celebrate its rich history and future ambitions.
