The Rwandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic ties with Nigeria across several strategic sectors, including trade, aviation, and information and communication technology (ICT). This pledge was made by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, during a commemorative event in Abuja on Friday to mark the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, known as Kwibohora, themed “The Journey Continues.”

The annual celebration commemorates the country’s liberation from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a turning point in Rwanda’s history that paved the way for national unity, development, and international cooperation.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Trade and Partnership

During his address, High Commissioner Bazivamo emphasized that Rwanda is fully committed to cultivating a more dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship with Nigeria. He described trade as the “heartbeat of any economy,” stressing that deeper trade relations would drive shared prosperity for both nations.

“Rwanda is fully committed to collaborating closely with Nigeria to cultivate a thriving economic environment that benefits both our nations. Trade serves as the heartbeat of any economy. By deepening trade connections, we can generate opportunities and enhance the well-being of our citizens,” Bazivamo said.

This renewed emphasis on bilateral trade comes at a time when both countries are exploring pathways to expand economic cooperation, particularly under the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which aims to boost intra-African commerce.

Focus on Aviation, ICT, and Double Taxation Agreement

Bazivamo highlighted three key areas of partnership between Nigeria and Rwanda—trade, aviation, and digital innovation. According to him, each of these sectors holds significant potential to contribute to a prosperous African future.

In the aviation sector, he underscored the importance of improved air connectivity between the two countries to support seamless business travel, tourism, and cargo movement. RwandaAir, the country’s national carrier, already operates direct flights to Nigeria, a step that supports easier bilateral movement and economic exchange.

Additionally, Bazivamo revealed ongoing efforts to finalize a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between Nigeria and Rwanda. Once ratified, the agreement will remove duplicate tax burdens on individuals and corporations operating across both countries. This move is expected to create a more favorable investment climate, enabling businesses to expand without facing excessive fiscal barriers.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the transformative potential of the ICT sector in Africa. He encouraged both nations to invest in digital innovation, which he believes can unlock a wave of technological advancement, job creation, and sustainable development. According to Bazivamo, ICT partnerships can play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s digital future.

Regional Stability and Peacebuilding Efforts

Bazivamo went beyond economic matters to reiterate Rwanda’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. He cited the country’s ongoing efforts to foster diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts, including the recent peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The High Commissioner described Rwanda’s socio-political progress in areas such as technology, gender equity, and sustainable economic growth as the result of deliberate national choices and a clear vision rooted in collective purpose.

Vision 2050: Charting Rwanda’s Development Path

Bazivamo shared insights into Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the country’s long-term development roadmap aimed at transforming the East African nation into a high-income, knowledge-based economy by mid-century. The strategy is anchored in inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.

He explained that Vision 2050 is not merely aspirational but founded on a clear and executable plan. The framework sets ambitious yet realistic milestones, including achieving upper-middle-income status by 2045 and establishing Rwanda as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and economic excellence by 2050.

“Vision 2050 is a strategic framework that focuses on inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation. It’s designed to ensure that every Rwandan citizen benefits from national progress,” Bazivamo said.

Nigeria’s Rising Role in Rwanda’s Economy

Over the past few years, economic ties between Nigeria and Rwanda have steadily strengthened, with both countries investing in cross-border projects and policy reforms to support bilateral growth.

A major breakthrough occurred on June 27, 2025, when Nigeria and Rwanda officially signed the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion. The pact aims to remove taxation bottlenecks, stimulate private sector investment, and simplify cross-border business operations.

The agreement is widely seen as a strategic boost to African economic integration and aligns with AfCFTA’s objectives of fostering open markets and reducing economic friction between African nations.

Moreover, Nigeria has emerged as one of the top contributors to Rwanda’s foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape. In 2024, Nigeria ranked as the fourth-largest source of FDI in Rwanda, reflecting the growing interest of Nigerian investors in Rwanda’s burgeoning economy. This includes investments in financial services, fintech, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

A Broader Vision for African Prosperity

High Commissioner Bazivamo concluded his address by stressing that the partnership between Rwanda and Nigeria represents more than just bilateral trade. Instead, it forms part of a broader continental ambition to build a prosperous, self-reliant, and unified Africa.

He called on both governments, business communities, and civil society organizations to strengthen collaboration in pursuit of shared goals—particularly those tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

The celebration of Kwibohora31 in Nigeria thus served not only as a commemoration of Rwanda’s national rebirth but also as a reaffirmation of its commitment to unity, innovation, and strong diplomatic relations.

As Rwanda and Nigeria continue to build on their shared economic and political aspirations, the potential for deeper regional integration and long-term growth appears increasingly promising.