U.S. Ambassador Visits Groundbreaking Esther’s Aid Culinary Arts University Project, Highlighting Rwanda’s Growing Education and Tourism Sectors

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Kigali, Rwanda — May 15, 2025 — In a significant stride towards advancing Rwanda’s educational and tourism industries, U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric Kneedler, visited the construction site of the country’s first-ever University of Culinary Arts in Gasabo District’s Kinyinya Sector. The visit underscored the growing international partnerships and local initiatives aimed at empowering youth through skills development, fostering economic growth, and positioning Rwanda as a hub of excellence in hospitality and culinary education.

The university, a project initiated by Esther’s Aid—a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment—aims to become a pioneering institution offering specialized culinary and hospitality courses targeted at low-income youth. It is set to serve as a catalyst for job creation, skill development, and tourism enhancement, aligning with Rwanda’s broader national development goals.

During his visit, Ambassador Kneedler expressed admiration for Madam Clare Effiong, a dedicated humanitarian and the Director of Esther’s Aid.

Clare Effiong, who was also present, provided insights into the project’s progress. “The City of Peace project has been conceptualized over a few years and is finally becoming a reality,” she explained.

“This infrastructure will house the culinary university, opening new avenues for education and collaboration. We’re currently raising funds and engaging investors to ensure the project’s timely completion.”

Effiong emphasized the ongoing efforts and future prospects: “Work has started, and despite challenges, the project is moving forward. We anticipate completion by in August, 2026, after which the university will begin its first cohort of students. Initially, we plan to enroll around 50 full-time students, expanding to about 100 with part-time and internship programs.”

The project also aims to incorporate innovative programs not commonly found in existing educational institutions, with aspirations to attract a diverse student body, including individuals with disabilities. “We want to bring global presence here—creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to learn and showcase their talents,” Effiong added.

Ms. Irène Murerwa, the Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), shared her support and optimism for the project’s potential impact. “This initiative isn’t just about education; it’s about creating jobs, boosting tourism, and elevating service standards across the country,” she asserted. “In the next five years, we expect close to a thousand students to benefit from this complex, which will include a clinic, restaurants, and conference facilities—an ecosystem that combines learning with practical industry engagement.”

Murerwa highlighted the strategic importance of such projects: “Rwanda is positioning itself as a high-end tourism destination with top-tier service. The skills developed here will be crucial in achieving that vision.”

She praised Effiong’s resilience and bold approach, noting that the diversification of offerings around the university will add substantial value to the local economy and industry.

Looking ahead, Effiong expressed her enthusiasm about the project’s future: “With the curriculum nearly finalized, we are preparing to launch this next year. Our goal is to create a comprehensive hub that not only trains students but also serves as a platform for health, hospitality, and conferencing services.”

She revealed her ambitious plan to welcome nearly a thousand students in the coming five years through a holistic approach that combines education, health services, and entrepreneurship.

The visit by Ambassador Kneedler marked a reaffirmation of the importance of international collaboration in Rwanda’s development journey. “It’s inspiring to see such dedication and vision. Projects like this will undoubtedly position Rwanda as a leader in hospitality education in Africa,” the ambassador said.

As the construction progresses with promising momentum, all eyes are on the upcoming August opening of Rwanda’s first culinary arts university—a new chapter in the country’s educational, economic, and tourism landscape. This initiative exemplifies Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and regional leadership in the creative and hospitality industries.