5 Compelling Reasons to Make Rwanda Your New Home

Choosing to relocate to a new country is never a simple decision, especially when it involves your children’s future. By now you know that I come from Sierra Leone via South East London. In 2006, Sierra Leone’s parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Act which meant that people like me could become dual citizens. I jumped at the chance. I also made sure my children got their passports as soon as they were born. However, my children and I being Sierra Leoneans has made the decision to move back to the continent a little harder.

Somewhere in the beating heart of East Africa lies a small landlocked country that also had a lot of challenges in its past, but has emerged as a beacon of resilience, reconciliation, and rapid development. That country is Rwanda. I have never been to Rwanda but like you, probably, I have heard so much about Rwanda that I am considering making it our next home. Don’t get me wrong, opinions on Rwanda vary widely. Rwanda is a bit like Marmite – some sing its praises while others strongly oppose it. So the question is: Should we return to Sierra Leone or venture into the captivating realm of Rwanda? In today’s newsletter, I am going to give you some of the reasons why Rwanda is on my shortlist of countries to move to.

1. Diaspora Engagement

Many African countries recognize the potential benefits of engaging with their diaspora communities and fostering stronger connections with the African diaspora worldwide but Sierra Leone isn’t one of them. Indeed, Ernest Bai Koroma, the former president, played a key role in granting Sierra Leonean citizenship to individuals who could demonstrate their ties to the country. However, it’s important to note that this action was in line with the requirements set forth by the country’s constitution and did not go beyond its provisions. Rwanda, on the other hand, has made significant efforts to embrace its diaspora community and harness their skills, knowledge and resources for the development of the country. Paul Kagame has not limited his attention to just Rwandan diaspora, but he has also been a strong supporter of the African Union’s efforts to engage the African diaspora worldwide. Rwanda, welcomes investment from the broader African diaspora and offers opportunities for African diaspora entrepreneurs and investors to engage in business and investment activities in the country. The president has hosted a number of pan-African events acknowledging that people from the Caribbean and North America are also members of the African diaspora.

2. Safety and Stability: Rwanda’s Remarkable Transformation

Sierra Leone has come a long way since the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, but residual instability and insecurity linger in certain pockets. The present administration is notably characterized by tribal affiliations, with the president appointing individuals from his own ethnic group to key government positions. Interestingly, my mother shares the same tribal background as the president, and there might even be a familial connection between my maternal grandmother and Maada Bio. Nevertheless, my mother strongly disapproves of the president’s choices and is deeply disappointed with the direction he has taken.

The recent elections in June 2023 were regarded by national and international observers as non-transparent and the results, statistically impossible. I find these ongoing tribal divisions troubling, and they make me anxious about the potential resurgence of conflict in Sierra Leone.

In stark contrast, Rwanda is widely recognized for its safety and stability, both domestically and internationally. The country stands as a testament to an incredible transformation, having transcended the dark shadows of genocide to become one of the world’s safest and most stable nations. Rwanda’s government has implemented stringent security measures, and the rule of law is consistently upheld.

The country has undertaken extensive efforts to promote national unity and healing and President Kagame’s government seems to emphasize a shared Rwandan identity over tribal divisions. I particular love initiatives that encourage dialogue, reconciliation and understanding among different ethnic groups.

Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to unity and reconciliation in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The nation’s endeavours to foster a unified national identity and promote unity among its citizens are remarkable. As a Sierra Leonean, I appreciate Rwanda’s steadfast dedication to overcoming its own harrowing past, envisioning it as an invaluable environment for my children to learn lessons in forgiveness and the importance of the nation rather than the self.

And while Rwanda isn’t totally immune to election controversies or tribal issues, as an outsider, I believe I might be shielded from them.

And before someone asks me what I think of Rwanda’s recent initiative to promote reduced alcohol consumption within the population and its prohibition of the production and sale of traditional alcoholic beverages, let me state here that I fully support this policy. It is evident that excessive alcohol consumption leads to significant social and health issues, and for a country with aspirations of achieving middle-income status within a decade, addressing the consequences of alcohol overconsumption is a crucial step to safeguard public health and social well-being.

3. The Big Two: Education and Healthcare

Few responsibilities weigh as heavily on a parent’s heart as ensuring their children receive a world-class education. Rwanda has made substantial investments in its education system and has made significant strides in improving it, affirming its commitment to delivering quality education for its citizens. Rwanda now boasts an impressive literacy rate approaching 80% and the country presents an irresistible proposition.

The country has embarked on an ambitious plan for digitalisation, aiming to transform itself into a knowledge-based digital economy. The government has implemented various initiatives, such as the “Smart Rwanda” programme, to enhance digital literacy and ensure that its population is well-equipped with digital skills to participate in the global digital landscape. Rwanda has actively positioned itself as a hub for digital companies and innovation in Africa introducing regulatory reforms that have attracted tech start-ups and multinational corporations.

The transformation of Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy has had a positive knock-on effect on the country’s schools’ curricula which integrate modern technologies and resources to enhance learning experiences. This transformation better prepares students for the evolving demands of the digital age. This is the kind of nation I envision for my children to grow up in.Top of Form

Accessible healthcare is a critical concern for any parent and also for someone like me in mid-life. Rwanda has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system over the last couple of decades. The country’s efforts in expanding access to healthcare, reducing child mortality and combatting infectious diseases like malaria have been globally recognized. I once attended a health meeting in Ethiopia where Rwandans were passionately sharing their strategies to eliminate malaria. It made me reflect on the situation in Sierra Leone and wondered if we were doing enough to achieve the same goal.

According to Rwandan law, any person on Rwandan territory must have health insurance. This covers a significant portion of healthcare costs and it means that the average Rwandan can afford to call an ambulance in an emergency. The same can’t be said for us in Sierra Leone.

Kigali boasts several well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the proximity of Kenya and the option to fly there or to South Africa in case of healthcare concerns that can’t be handled in Rwanda, are definite advantages when considering a move to Rwanda.

4. Economic Opportunities: Paving the Path to Prosperity

Sierra Leone is blessed with abundant natural resources but regardless of the party in power, the country continues to grapple with economic challenges. Rwanda, conversely, has experienced consistent economic growth and has emerged as a thriving business and investment hub in East Africa.

For individuals considering a move to Rwanda, there are promising job and business prospects to explore. Rwanda’s economic growth has translated into a growing job market across various sectors. The government’s pro-business policies and efforts to attract foreign investment create a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

Opportunities abound in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, finance and tourism offering a wide range of career possibilities. The country’s strategic location in East Africa also means that it serves as a gateway to neighbouring markets, providing excellent potential for business expansion and trade.

Ranked highly on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index, the country has implemented various reforms to simplify the process of starting and operating a business. There is a world-class online business registration system where the registration process takes only a few days and is free. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) also facilitates investors and entrepreneurs by providing various services under one roof, making it simpler to get businesses off the ground.

One of the Rwandan decisions that has earned my admiration in recent years was the choice to turn away from second-hand clothing imports in favour of nurturing the local textile industry. This strategic move, championed by Paul Kagame, involved foregoing Rwanda’s approximately $30 million AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) export advantage, with a focus on fostering long-term growth and sustainability in textile manufacturing. Yes. Initially the cost of Rwandan made goods might be prohibitive to locals but this one move has resulted in Chinese manufacturing companies setting up factories in Rwanda, offering job opportunities and providing training to the Rwandan people.

The lure of better economic prospects and a stable environment for my family’s future is an instrumental factor in why Rwanda sits quite close to the top of my shortlist of places to move to.

Rwanda’s commitment to innovation and sustainability further enhances the long-term potential for job growth and entrepreneurial success. I am a biochemist, specializing in protein chemistry, and I currently run my own business exploring the application of peptides in aging and healing. I can envision myself establishing and running a research laboratory and production facility in Rwanda without a doubt!Top of Form

While Sierra Leone will always have a special place in my heart, it isn’t currently among the countries I’m considering for settling down for the rest of my life. And while I haven’t decided yet to move to Rwanda, Rwanda’s attributes – safety, stability, educational opportunities, healthcare accessibility, economic potential and commitment to unity and reconciliation – are pulling me toward East Africa.

I feel a move to Rwanda will afford my children a brighter future, enabling them to thrive in a nation that has triumphed over adversity to become a shining example of progress in Africa.

I hope this article serves as inspiration for you to contemplate relocating to the African continent, perhaps even Rwanda. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section, transforming this into a conversation rather than a one-sided exchange. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.