Rwanda is strengthening its economic strategy by investing in connectivity, regional integration, innovation and high-value sectors as it seeks to overcome the challenges of being a landlocked country, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika has said.
Afrika made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while engaging students of the African School of Governance (ASG) in Kigali during a discussion titled “From Foresight to Strategic Action.”
The discussion explored Rwanda’s approach to strategic foresight and anticipatory governance, including how the country identifies emerging global economic trends, anticipates challenges and translates long-term planning into practical development strategies.
Afrika explained that Rwanda’s geographical position presents economic challenges, particularly in international trade, requiring the country to adopt innovative approaches to strengthen its competitiveness.
“Landlocked developing countries face trade costs 1.4 times those of coastal developing economies. This reality has required Rwanda to think beyond traditional economic models, investing in connectivity and regional integration while prioritising higher-value sectors where competitiveness depends more on skills, quality, innovation and efficiency,” he said.
He cited tourism and services as practical examples of sectors through which Rwanda is seeking to create greater economic value while strengthening its position in the global market.
Afrika also highlighted the contribution of luxury tourism and strategic initiatives such as Visit Rwanda in attracting international visitors, raising the country’s profile and supporting economic growth.
The engagement provided students with insights into how strategic foresight can guide national decision-making, particularly in identifying investment priorities, responding to global economic shifts and positioning Rwanda for long-term competitiveness.
