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Living in Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small landlocked country in East Africa with a turbulent yet inspiring history. Emerging from the devastation of genocide in the 1990s, Rwanda has forged a new path and become one of Africa’s rising stars. With political stability, low crime rates, and a drive towards modernization, Rwanda is an appealing choice for expats seeking an up-and-coming home in Africa.

Why Move to Rwanda?

Rwanda has gained global attention as an emerging African success story. For those considering a move, here are some of the motivations:

  • Improving business climate – Rwanda is aggressively reforming to attract foreign investment, ranking highly on ease of doing business in Africa. Key sectors like technology, tourism, finance and agriculture hold opportunities.
  • Political stability and security – Since the genocide, Rwanda has focused on maintaining peace, stability and law and order. Streets are safe and violent crime against foreigners is rare.
  • Friendly and welcoming culture – Rwandans are known to be very warm, dignified and welcoming to newcomers. Building local connections is easy.
  • English speaking population – English is an official language along with Kinyarwanda and French. Many Rwandans speak English, making transition easier.
  • Scenic natural beauty – Rwanda’s landscapes of mountains, rainforests, savannas and lakes provide stunning vistas. It’s ideal for nature-lovers.
  • Low cost of living – Rwanda remains one of the most affordable countries globally, especially for housing, food, utilities, and labor costs. Taxes are low as well.
  • Regional location – Located in Central/East Africa, Rwanda provides a good base to explore the region for tourism or business.

With its forward-thinking government, hospitable culture and alluring scenery, Rwanda offers expats a unique African nation to call home.

Living in Rwanda: Pros and Cons

Rwanda will suit some lifestyles better than others. Weigh up the pros and cons when considering the move:

Pros:

  1. Low crime rates provide security and peace of mind
  2. Pleasant year-round climate with minimal temperature extremes
  3. East African mountainous landscapes are beautiful
  4. Friendly and inclusive local communities
  5. Strengthening infrastructure, technology access and transport links
  6. Vibrant cultural experiences through music, dance and crafts
  7. Affordable cost of living and real estate
  8. Improving healthcare, education and amenities
  9. Burke’s tourism sector and natiral attractions

Cons:

  1. Still-developing economy with fewer job prospects than other regions
  2. Bureaucracy and corruption hinder efficiency for businesses
  3. Questionable human rights record of authoritarian government
  4. Infrastructure still lacking in rural provinces
  5. Reliability issues with power and internet access
  6. Limited selection and availability for imported consumer goods
  7. Lack of diversity and inclusion for minorities
  8. Rwandan genocide history remains sensitive
  9. Landlocked location makes regional travel challenging

For those who embrace community living and can adapt to limitations, Rwanda offers a stable, cultured and affordable lifestyle. But the pros and cons should be carefully evaluated.

The Cost of Living in Rwanda: A Comprehensive Guide

As one of Africa’s most affordable countries, Rwanda offers expats excellent value for money. Here are some typical costs :

  • Housing : In Kigali, furnished apartments in expat-friendly neighborhoods rent for $500 – $1,500 per month. Buying property in Rwanda is more complex but attainable.
  • Food & Groceries : Local produce is incredibly cheap. Imported products cost more but are still affordable. Eating out at local cafes is around $3-5 per person, or $10-20 at international restaurants.
  • Utilities : Expect to pay $50-100 per month for electricity, water and trash removal combined. High-speed home internet costs around $60 per month. Mobile data is very cheap.
  • Transportation : Buses, shared taxis and motorcycle taxis offer super cheap transport. Privately hiring a taxi or chauffeured car is still only $5-10 per day. Fuel is slightly over $1 per liter.
  • Healthcare : Public healthcare is very limited. Expat-oriented clinics and hospitals cost around $50-100 per doctor visit. Health insurance with medical evacuation is advised, starting from $150 per month.
  • Education : Local schools are very affordable, while international schools in Kigali cost $10,000-$20,000 per year. Homeschooling is popular too.
  • Recreation : Eating out, seeing live music, going to markets and nature activities provide free or very cheap entertainment. International-level gyms, golf and more do cost more.

Overall, Rwanda offers exceptional value living, especially for budget-conscious individuals and families. Comfortable lifestyles are achievable here for far less than in most nations.

Quality of Life in Rwanda

While still a developing country, Rwanda scores higher on quality of life metrics than most of its African peers. Here are some factors impacting life quality:

  • Safety and Security : Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest countries, with violent crime rates against foreigners extremely rare. Community policing and security guards provide comfort.
  • Infrastructure : The roads, electricity grids and internet access have improved immensely but can still be unreliable in rural provinces. Fiber internet is expanding in cities.
  • Environment :  Rwanda does struggle with pollution and waste management issues. But its lush natural parks and eco-tourism focus demonstrate environmental commitment.
  • Healthcare : Public healthcare is very lacking, but affordable private options exist. Quality clinics are found in Kigali and a few other major cities. Access declines in rural areas.
  • Education : Literacy rates are relatively high for the region. International schools are emerging in Kigali, but choices remain limited outside the capital.
  • Recreation : Between the beautiful landscape, local festivals and arts, regional food and coffee culture, and community living, Rwanda offers enriching recreation. Nightlife is relatively minimal.

For those living in Kigali or secondary cities, Rwanda can offer a balanced quality of life at an affordable cost. Rural areas will lack amenities and infrastructure.

A Beginner’s Guide to Rwandan Culture

Rwandan culture is traditionally rooted in community, oral tradition, dance and agriculture. Here are some key aspects of culture in Rwanda:

  • Social Values : Rwandans have a strong commitment to community and collaboration. Mutual support and trust are highly valued. Elders are respected. Punctuality, hard work and dignity in conduct matter.
  • Greetings : When greeting, handshake while maintaining eye contact and smiling warmly. Learn greetings like “Mwaramutse” (good morning/afternoon), “Murabeho” (good evening), and “Amakuru?” (how are you?).
  • Family Life : Families are close-knit, with responsibility to support parents as they age. Gender roles are traditional. Extended family acts as trusted support and childcare.
  • Religion : Most Rwandans are Christian, heavily Catholic, but also Protestant, Adventist and Pentecostal. Islam and indigenous beliefs also exist. Sundays are a day of worship and rest.
  • Cuisine : Beans, plantains, corn, cassava, rice and stew are local staples. Goat, chicken, fish and beef are commonly eaten. Vegetarian dishes are increasing in popularity.
  • Arts & Crafts : Singing, drumming, poetry, basket weaving, pottery making, painting and other artisan crafts are integral parts of Rwandan culture. The textiles are especially beautiful.

Tip: Adjusting and learning from locals will help you navigate Rwandan culture. An attitude of humble respect serves expats well.

Best Places to Live in Rwanda

Kigali, the capital, is where most expats live given its infrastructure and job opportunities. But other locations have their own appeal:

Kigali : 

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, tops the list of best places to live. It has many modern amenities and attractions like shopping malls, restaurants, nightclubs and sports facilities. There are ample job opportunities for professional and skilled workers, given the number of businesses, foreign embassies and aid organizations based in Kigali. The government is investing heavily in Kigali to improve infrastructure, housing and clean water supply. However, Kigali can be congested and housing costs are higher compared to other cities.

Musanze :

Located in northern Rwanda near Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers unmatched natural beauty with its scenic mountain views and proximity to the park where mountain gorillas live. The climate is cooler and drier compared to other parts of Rwanda. Housing is more affordable and the pace of life is slower. However, job opportunities are more limited and amenities are fewer compared Kigali.

Huye :

Huye, previously known as Butare, is Rwanda’s educational capital due to the presence of the National University of Rwanda. It has a mixture of rural charm and urban amenities. Huye has a lower cost of living, unique cultural attractions and a pleasant climate. Job prospects may be better for those working in academia, research or NGOs. However, infrastructure and amenities are not quite as developed as Kigali.

Rubavu : 

Situated on the shores of Lake Kivu in western Rwanda, Rubavu boasts beautiful natural landscapes and a tropical climate. Rubavu has gained prominence as an economic hub due to its proximity to the DRC border and businesses involved in regional trade. There is potential for economic opportunities linked to tourism and trade. But like other secondary cities, Rubavu has fewer attractions and amenities compared to the capital.

In summary, all of these places offer their own unique appeal based on your priorities for living in Rwanda. However, the capital city of Kigali remains hard to beat given its availability of jobs, amenities, conveniences and growth potential.

Emily Johnson

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