Former President Pasteur Bizimungu Builds Rwf 10 Billion Four-Star Hotel on Lake Kivu Shores
RUBAVU, Rwanda – A major hospitality investment estimated at nearly Rwf 10 billion is taking shape along the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District, where former Rwandan President Pasteur Bizimungu is developing a four-star hotel expected to create between 300 and 400 jobs.
The hotel, being constructed on a 3,000-square-metre site, is currently about 70% complete. Once finished, it will feature a conference hall accommodating up to 1,000 people, four restaurants and a rooftop relaxation area offering views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Bizimungu told IGIHE that his ambition is to establish a hotel that meets four-star standards.
“We want this to be a four-star hotel,” he said.
He explained that the total investment could slightly exceed Rwf 10 billion or fall below that figure, depending on the additional requirements needed to complete the project.
Although construction has progressed significantly, the completion timeline will depend partly on the delivery of interior design and finishing requirements. These include reception area designs, floor tiles and other materials needed to furnish the hotel.
Bizimungu said that once the required specifications and sources of materials are provided, the remaining works could take between one year and 18 months.
He also revealed that four potential investors are currently in discussions with him over managing the hotel. Their recommendations could lead to some adjustments to the building to meet operational and management requirements.
“We are discussing management arrangements with four potential investors. Some have presented their preferences concerning the building, meaning that certain aspects could change,” he said.
The hotel is designed to serve both leisure tourists and the growing market for conferences and business events in the Western Province.
One of its major facilities will be a conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, featuring a theatre-style seating arrangement commonly used in performance and conference venues.
Bizimungu said discussions had been held with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on strengthening conference infrastructure in different districts so that they can also host major gatherings, including international conferences.
Although Rubavu is widely known as a destination for relaxation and recreation, he believes the hotel will also position the district as a venue for business meetings and large-scale events.
In addition to the conference facilities, the hotel will have four restaurants, several outdoor seating areas, spaces for sunbathing and music, parking facilities, a nightclub and a swimming pool.
A rooftop entertainment and relaxation space will offer visitors panoramic views of Lake Kivu and the nearby volcanoes.
Bizimungu said the investment reflects Rubavu’s tourism potential, noting that many visitors travel to the district to relax, visit the Gisenyi hot springs, commonly known as Amashyuza, or continue their journeys to Volcanoes National Park.
The idea of developing the hotel, he explained, emerged from recognising the district’s potential to accommodate people seeking places to rest and unwind after long periods of work.
“The idea came from recognising Gisenyi’s capacity to accommodate people looking for a place to relax. Someone may work throughout the year without taking a break and then come to Lake Kivu to rest,” he said.
He added that he hopes to contribute to unlocking the district’s tourism opportunities, including water-based recreational activities.
“If we have the capacity, we will acquire equipment for recreational activities on Lake Kivu, including water sports, as our contribution to Rwandans. We also want to make the most of the opportunities available to us in Rubavu,” he said.
The Gisenyi hot springs were also among the attractions that influenced his decision to invest in Rubavu. He believes they have considerable potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Beyond accommodation and entertainment, Bizimungu plans to ensure that hotel guests receive information about historical and tourist attractions in Rubavu.
Among the sites he highlighted is Mount Nengo, which has historical connections to the First World War.
He said welcoming visitors would also involve helping them discover what Rubavu has to offer, whether they are interested in relaxation, recreation or learning about the district’s history.
Construction of the hotel began in 2018, with the initial plan targeting completion of the first phase in 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule and delayed progress.
Bizimungu served as Rwanda’s President from July 1994 until 2000, when he resigned from office. Following his release from prison in 2007, he largely withdrew from active politics and focused on his private activities.
The hotel project represents a significant private investment in Rubavu’s hospitality sector, with its planned conference facilities, restaurants and recreational spaces expected to broaden the district’s tourism and business offerings.
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